Why airlines fail in Nigeria, by expert

 

Why airlines fail in Nigeria, by expert

An aviation professional and former air traffic controller, Dr. Sylvester Omoigberale, has identified poor management, inadequate professional training and high operating charges as major factors responsible for the failure of several airlines in Nigeria.

Omoigberale, who worked as an air traffic controller in the 1990s, said the Nigerian aviation industry has changed significantly over the years, with major improvements in technology, airline operations, personnel remuneration and regulatory oversight.

However, he argued that the progress has not eliminated some of the fundamental challenges confronting airline operators, particularly the high cost of running an airline and the shortage of properly trained aviation professionals.

Speaking on the evolution of the industry, Omoigberale said the number of airlines operating in Nigeria has increased considerably compared with the period when he joined the sector.

He recalled that Nigerian Airways was still operating at the time, alongside a handful of private carriers, including Okada Air and Kabo Air.

“Most of the airlines I met then are no more now. They are gone,” he said.

Air traffic control: From manual operations to modern technology

Omoigberale said air traffic control operations during his early career were largely procedural, with limited use of radar outside Lagos.

According to him, controllers at other airports relied heavily on radio communication and established procedures to manage aircraft movements.

He recalled that communication infrastructure was also significantly less developed, noting that controllers depended primarily on radio because telephone facilities were limited.

Omoigberale who is the Managing Director, Cavok Aviation Services said the situation has improved considerably, with modern communication systems, radar and other technological facilities now supporting air traffic management.

Despite the improvements, Omoigberale said equipment and operational tools would always require continuous investment and maintenance because technical failures could affect operations.

Poor management undermining airlines

Omoigberale said poor management remains one of the biggest weaknesses in the Nigerian airline industry.

He criticised operators who approach airline business as though they were running conventional road transport businesses, stressing that aviation requires specialised knowledge, professionalism and strict adherence to procedures.

“A lot of them run airlines as if they are running motor parks, as if they are running bus services. No high-altitude professionalism.”

He said airline management positions should not simply be filled by people who have succeeded in unrelated industries without the necessary aviation knowledge and training.

According to him, aviation is highly specialised and requires managers and personnel who understand its operational, technical, safety and regulatory demands.

Training critical to airline survival

The former air traffic controller also identified inadequate training as a major challenge.

He said airlines and aviation businesses must invest in continuous professional development instead of trying to reduce costs by employing untrained personnel.

“You can't come into the industry and work without training,” he said.

Omoigberale pointed to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) as an important institution for developing aviation professionals and urged young Nigerians to take advantage of aviation-related training opportunities.

He said the industry requires professionals across several disciplines, including air traffic control, avionics, engineering, communications and aeronautical information services.

Too many charges hurting airlines

Another major concern raised by Omogbale is the number of charges imposed on airlines.

He said operators face multiple financial obligations, including landing and parking charges, while several deductions are also made from passenger tickets.

According to him, the cumulative effect significantly reduces the revenue available to airlines and makes it difficult for them to remain profitable.

“Out of every ticket they sell right now, they remove this, they remove that. You discover that what the airline is going home with is very little,” he said.

Omoigberale urged government agencies and airport authorities to reconsider the cumulative impact of industry charges, warning that excessive charges could contribute to airline failures.

“If all these airlines die, then who will be paying us money?” he asked.

Lessons from Nigerian Airways

Reflecting on the former national carrier, Nigerian Airways, Omoigberale said its experience also demonstrated the importance of commercial discipline in airline management.

He recalled occasions when aircraft departed with significantly fewer passengers than their capacity, questioning the sustainability of such operations.

“Nigerian Airways was like a philanthropic organisation. It was not a profit-making organisation, to the best of my knowledge,” he said.

He argued that modern airlines must operate as commercially viable businesses while maintaining safety and regulatory standards.

Omoigberale also noted that aviation regulation has improved in several areas, including insurance requirements. 

He said airlines today are required to maintain valid insurance coverage as part of the regulatory conditions for operations.

Encouraging young Nigerians into aviation

Beyond the challenges facing airlines, Omoigberale is promoting greater awareness of aviation careers among young people, particularly in his community in Ugbegun Kingdom, Esanland, Edo State.

He said many young Nigerians still associate aviation mainly with pilots and airline jobs, despite the industry's wide range of career opportunities.

He encouraged students interested in air traffic control to pay attention to subjects such as physics, mathematics and geography, while stressing that aviation offers opportunities in numerous professional fields.

The Cavok Aviation Services MD said he has been encouraging young people in his community to pursue education and consider aviation-related careers.

For him, the future of Nigerian aviation will depend on more than increasing the number of airlines and aircraft. 

Professional management, continuous training, reasonable operating costs, modern infrastructure and effective regulation, he said, are critical to building a sustainable aviation industry.