Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (rtd)

According to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the aviation sector contributes approximately $1.7 billion to $2.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP.

Similarly,the sector supports over 216,000 jobs including direct, indirect and induced benefits.

President of Aviation Round Table Safety Initiative (ASRTI) Air Commodore  Ademola Onitiju (rtd)  who highlighted the statistics in his presentation at the First Quarter Breakfast Meeting of the Organisation,also said Aviation linked tourism also contributes about $454.1 million to the GDP

However, Infrastructure limitations together with operational challenges including rising costs are some of the impediments hampering the growth of the sector.

He told participants that Nigeria’s air transport operations is highly concentrated in Lagos with about 29%, Abuja 32% and Port Harcourt with 10.6%.

These activities account for over 70% of the sector’s GDP contribution. With regards to passenger traffic , the sector handles over 16 million domestic passengers and over 3.5 million international passengers annually.

“It is customary with us at the Aviation Round Table to recognise and commend efforts by leaders of the industry when noticeable strides are made with a view to encouraging them to do more for our dear country-Nigeria while at the same time holding them to account and responsible to the Nigerian people on whose behalf state power is exercised. “

‘We are excited by the efforts of the present crop of leaders and policy makers in the aviation sector. Thus,when it became public that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja was to be refurbished, we felt we should hold a discussion session in a timely manner to compliment the bold step so that the end result would meet the expectations of a substantial segment of Nigerians”

To this end, he continued, today’s session was conceived as a platform for policy advocacy, critique and appreciation. We have assembled a formidable collection of industry leaders whose experience and sagacity is notable and respected to offer diverse perspectives on the theme.

The anticipated outcome is a robust coalition of ideas for the governance of the sector and implementable ideas to boost the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP for the betterment of all.

“In other words, this noble gathering will posit a model for an aviation led economic growth for Nigeria. We shall provoke the sector’s leadership into strategic vision and planning, effective governance, strengthened institutions and a commitment to innovation through continuous investment in infrastructure and technology in today’s ever changing algorithmic world. “

He said ART has consistently advocated deliberate Hunan capital development through the strengthening of extant aviation training institutions and implementation of policies to attract global talents to address skills and knowledge gaps.

“ We had held sessions where we suggested the creation of business-friendly environment with low taxes, charges and tariffs. transparent regulations, strategic investment in  airports,incentivised airlines and soft loans for aviation-related industries to drive innovation towards the development of world-class infrastructure.”

Commodore Onitiju explained that The ART had advocated the utilisation of the public-private partnership model for aviation infrastructure development.

We still hold the view that funding aviation infrastructure through private-sector investments together with government support is the way to go.

Without prejudice to the content of our amazing amazon’s presentation, | wish to disclose that the ART expects a new MMIA intentionally designed to function as a regional and global hub with capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually, connect more than 50 airlines to more than 100 cities worldwide.

“We are hopeful for an airport that can seamlessly blend efficiency. technology and terrific passenger experience. We expect an airport with strong commitment to continuous maintenance, innovation and expansion.”

We are also of the view that strong consideration should be given to the open skies policy to encourage international airlines, enhance competition and connectivity.

While at this policy advocacy session, the ART urges you the industry leaders to give consideration to green aviation, sustainable fuels ,eco-friendly and futuristic airports.