LAGOS, Nigeria – Former Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Harold Demuren, has stated that Nigerian airlines cannot successfully compete on international routes without strong government policy support, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive backing from aviation authorities.
Speaking at an industry gathering in Lagos, the aviation expert lamented how foreign carriers dominate Nigerian routes while local airlines struggle to reciprocate, leading to significant capital flight. He revealed that Ethiopian Airlines once earned nearly 50% of its revenue from Nigerian ticket sales, highlighting the scale of economic loss.
Demuren emphasized that for carriers like Air Peace to sustain lucrative routes such as London, they need “interlining, partnerships, strong government support and fair pricing structures.” He called for implementation of the Fly Nigeria Act, which would require government officials to travel on Nigerian carriers when using public funds.
The former regulator also urged renegotiation of Bilateral Air Service Agreements to ensure fair terms for Nigerian airlines and stressed that operational reliability, creditworthiness, and good corporate governance are essential for international success.
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This article reports on expert analysis and recommendations regarding Nigeria’s aviation industry. The views and proposals represent the professional opinion of the quoted expert. CDA News presents this as industry analysis and policy discussion.
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