Nigeria’s aviation industry creates 650k jobs

The International Air Travel Agency (IATA) has revealed that the aviation industry in Nigeria has created over 650,000 jobs and contributes $8.2 billion to the domestic economy. IATA Vice President Ali Bakri made the assertion when he met with industry operators in the country recently.

However, the aviation industry in Nigeria is plagued by several challenges. The poor state of the airports and multiple taxes and levies by the government have made air transport in the country relatively expensive. Local airlines in the country have a very short lifespan and the two major carriers Arik Air and Aerocontractors were recently bailed out by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). A massive depreciation of the Naira against the dollar due to a drop in dollar revenue led to an increase in operating costs for airlines. Maintenance activities which takes place outside the country became more expensive, as well as aviation fuel which is imported. They are however reluctant to increase prices due to the economic recession in the country which has led to a drop in air travel.

In a bid to tackle these issues, the Federal Government had announced its intentions to concession several of the airports in the country. The government has also been trying to establish another national carrier.