Expert highlights Tinubu's policy reforms driving aviation sector growth

 

Expert highlights Tinubu's  policy reforms driving aviation sector growth

An airline pilot and aviation industry strategist, Captain Samuel Caulcrick has  enumerated a bouquet of policy interventions  ennuciated by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in the last few years as key drivers propelling the growth of  Nigeria's air travel ecosystem.

The expert said the administration's focus on regulatory compliance by statutory aviation agencies , infrastructure renewal , the deepening of more private sector participation in project financing and administration through transparent facility management, is moving the sector from rhetoric into measurable results.

Speaking in an interview, while reviewing key performance indices in the air travel ecosystem, Captain Caulcrick said the policy reforms , including implementation of the Ease of Doing Business and protection of local  operators, through the instrument of the : Fly Nigeria Act : which makes a 

 push is to make government-sponsored travel use indigenous carriers first, points to the determation of the government to drive growth.

The former Rector , Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), in Zaria, Kaduna State , highlighted the policy put in place by the Tinubu administration, which directed foreign carriers to source inflight catering in Nigeria.

He said :" The current administration continues to deepen growth as it mandated  that international airlines must use Nigerian caterers. This has given boost to the  agro-allied supply chains , thereby creating additional    jobs.

" Airlines also received financial relief with the recent 30% discount  approved on outstanding statutory fees for domestic operators.

" Added to this is the Cape Town Convention Reset .  Bottlenecks cleared. Nigeria’s compliance index jumped from 49.5% to 75.5%.  Resultantly,  It is seamless for  easier dry-leasing plus lower insurance premiums for Nigerian airlines."

Caulcrick said the Tinubu administration has taken the nudge higher with the implementation of full  digitisation of Ministry and Agencies. 

This feat, he said has brought about the end of  paper delays, thereby birthing automated processes and procedures for  

 pilot registration, licensing, medicals by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority .

Caulcrick said the new move had been achieved reducing processing time from weeks to minutes via Epic Pelmet/Mic Platform.

He cited policy interventions driving the consolidation of growth in the agro - export aviation corridors with   Cold-chain plus processing terminals in Makurdi, Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt to drive agri-exports.

On the infrastructure front, the aviation industry strategist listed the massive overhaul of the Lagos International Airport Terminal gulping ₦712.3 billion , with 

a 22-month timeline.

The administration, Caulcrick said  is inching further in its strides with  the ₦49.9 billion  for 14.6km steel perimeter fence with CCTV  and  solar power installation.

He went on:" There are many projects running with the  Kano Airport second Runway reconstruction put at ₦46 billion.

   Abuja second Runway project ongoing . Land disputes resolved, construction moving.

  Lagos Hajj Terminal: Renovated and commissioned.  

    Borno Airport and Gateway Airport Ogun: Upgraded to operational hubs.  Digital e-gates installed at MMIA.

 Trapped Funds Cleared: $700M - $900M   Paid to foreign airlines. Restored confidence. International carriers reopened inventory to Nigeria. Record ICAO Score: 91.45% .Effective Implementation score beats global average of 70.4%."

He also cited new bilateral headwinds , including direct Nigeria-Brazil flights. Enabled Air Peace London route. More routes for local carriers.

Caulcrick said :" There have been many strategic initiatives, the Tinubu administration has consolidated. 

" Airbus & Boeing Partnerships  . The  360-degree engagement with Airbus: defence, satellite, training.  

  MRO agreements signed with Boeing + Cranfield University.

  Maiden Nigeria International Airshow. The country marked 100 years since the first aircraft landed in Kano, 1925. Attracted global investors.  Delivery of attack helicopters and the acquisition of Airbus C-295 for counterterrorism."

On what to expect in the years ahead, Caulcrick said passengers figures are expected to surge from 

 15.89 million to  25.7 million.

He said the harvest from the 

  National Aviation Leasing Company, established by the Federal Government,  local leasing vehicle is expected to  unlock cheap capital. 

He said :" There should be domestic manufacturing of aircraft parts hubs to cut imports and create jobs. With advances already achieved in aircraft repairs, the  

 local facilities should  save millions in overseas maintenance.

"This is a shift from managing decline to building capacity.  

Policy plus Infrastructure plus Global Trust and  Private-sector-led aviation that can compete."