The gap in capacity to handle effectively increasing passenger traffic in domestic operations has become worrisome for the aviation authority. This development was disclosed by the Acting Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, while calling attention to the urgency to arresting it.
Najomo made this revelation when he played host to the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), led by its President, Yinka Folami. He noted that the presence of investors and key operators with the capacity and technical knowhow to further stabilise the growth expectations and satisfy the desires of consumers are needed.
He further disclosed that the emerging trend of increase in domestic airfares could be attributed to the capacity gaps, adding that there is an urgent need to bridge these gaps, bring down the fares and encourage best global services operations by attracting more investors and investments to the domestic airline market.
The DG also commended NANTA for supporting the federal government through the Ministry of Aviation, in its efforts to change the narratives of aviation business in Nigeria. Saying; “We are happy to have NANTA with us, and honestly, it is not easy to provide leadership at this critical point in time, but we commend your association for staying strong and supportive to the changes in the sector even before the coming of this administration.
‘‘Our Minister has taken note of your concerns for the sector and has reached out to Boeing, Emberar and Airbus to support investors in the domestic business to close the gaps on capacity to meet with surging local passengers traffic and to also enable more Nigerian flag carriers on the international routes.’’
On the enforcement of noticeable infractions in the sector, the NCAA boss reiterated the determination of the aviation regulatory body to do the needful where necessary, adding that offenders will be tracked and punished according to the extant regulations and in partnership with sister regulatory agencies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
At the request of the immediate past President of NANTA, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, who was part of NANTA’s delegation, Najomo consented to setting up a Sector Monitoring Committee made up of representatives of NCAA, FCCPC, and NANTA.
Earlier in his address, Folami noted that NCAA has lived up to its operational responsibilities and has the approval, confidence, and support of NANTA. “We up vote your capacity and technical experience to bring sanity to the sector,’’ said Folami.
Adding; ‘‘in strengthening our association, we look forward to an equitable and fair play ecosystem. We also want to work closer with you and other government regulatory bodies to help address the challenges in the sector and align it to global best practices.’’
