Nigeria: Nigerian Airlines Can Generate $1bn Annually From Developed West/Central African Destinations - Experts

What the report says

Aviation experts say Nigerian carriers could earn as much as $1 billion a year if they rebuild air services across West and Central Africa, according to This Day, published via AllAfrica. The article says the region was once a strong market for Nigerian airlines, but competition from other carriers and the earlier weakening of local operators shifted traffic away from Nigeria. It also notes that recent growth in regional demand and improving aircraft-leasing conditions in Nigeria may support a renewed push.

The report cites industry data from IATA, AFRAA and OAG showing rising air-transport demand in Africa and faster capacity growth in Central and Western Africa. It says Nigeria remains the sub-region’s biggest aviation market, anchored by Lagos, while West and Central Africa together represent a significant share of African passenger and seat capacity. Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, ValueJet and Ibom Air were mentioned as carriers expanding or promoting regional routes.

At a conference in Lagos on aviation and tourism connectivity, United Nigeria Airlines chief commercial officer Adedayo Olawuyi argued that high taxes, fuel costs, foreign-currency exposure, training expenses and the lack of maintenance facilities are making regional operations expensive. He said lower charges and a better policy environment would help make tickets more affordable. As background, the story also refers to ECOWAS efforts to reduce passenger and security charges in the sub-region, though it says implementation status remained uncertain.