Senate moves to regulate airlines with limited fleet sizes, flying multiple routes

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Fatai Buhari has said that the Senate is developing a bill aimed at regulating airline operations in Nigeria. This legislation is designed to limit the number of routes airlines can operate with three or fewer aircraft.

Speaking at the South-West Regional Air Transportation Summit 2024 in Lagos on Wednesday, Buhari acknowledged opposition from some operators but emphasized the need for the bill to benefit the flying public. “I have said we all cannot afford to fail. Nigerians code-sharing is the way to go for airlines. Even in developed nations, they do it,” he stated.

He further explained, “We have a bill that is currently at the National Assembly that will ensure that the minimum number of aircraft an airline could have is four or five, and any airline that has a lesser number of aircraft should be given specialized routes.”

Buhari expressed hope that despite resistance, the bill would pass for the sake of Nigerian passengers, saying, “In the interest of Nigerians and the flying passengers, I pray that the bill will scale through.”

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Participants at the summit also called for a comprehensive review of the aviation sector’s policies to foster growth. They advocated for the creation of a dedicated aviation development fund to support infrastructure improvement, safety initiatives, and capacity building.

Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene, Executive Director of the Alternative Bank, noted that inconsistent policy execution has hindered the industry’s progress. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships to stimulate private investment in airport infrastructure and services, stating, “The only way the aviation industry can work in Nigeria is to ensure that every value chain is working hand-in-hand. Nigeria can’t reach its full potential if we fail to address the challenges in the aviation sector.”

Oluseyi Ogunleye, a former representative of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration in West Africa, highlighted the crucial role of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in harnessing global aviation opportunities for economic development. He asserted that through collaborative regulatory efforts, the industry could tackle significant challenges and unlock its full potential.

“The time is now for the Nigerian government, industry stakeholders, and the general public to come together and chart a bold, transformative course for the aviation sector,” Ogunleye urged.

He concluded, “With a shared commitment to progress and a steadfast focus on national economic growth, the NCAA can drive impactful change and unlock a prosperous future for all Nigerians. The call to action is clear: let us embrace the opportunities, overcome the challenges, and soar to new heights of aviation excellence.”

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