Captain Najomo also highlighted key challenges impeding liberalization across Africa. “Many African states delay the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) due to concerns about losing control over lucrative routes”
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Responding to questions on balancing national carrier protectionism with liberalization, Director General Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Captain Chris Najomo, acknowledged the complexities African states face. He further underscored the nation’s multi-faceted approach to achieving Nigeria’s air transport growth and fostering regional integration.
“National airlines are seen as symbols of pride and sovereignty. This makes governments hesitant to fully liberalize their airspace, fearing market loss to foreign competition,” he said at the 5th session of the AFI Aviation Symposium themed “Optimizing Air Transport Connectivity for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa.”
He emphasized that while protectionism can stifle regional progress, Nigeria, under the supervision of the Honourable Minister, is committed to supporting local carriers while aligning with international standards.
“Our policies support indigenous operators, but we are also keen on a competitive environment that drives connectivity and service excellence,” Najomo noted.
Captain Najomo also highlighted key challenges impeding liberalization across Africa. “Many African states delay the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) due to concerns about losing control over lucrative routes,” he explained.
He added that the absence of autonomous civil aviation authorities and robust economic regulation frameworks weakens the ability of many nations to implement liberalized air policies effectively.
On visa regimes, Najomo stressed the need for coordinated action. “Strict visa restrictions among African states work against the spirit of liberalized air transport,” he said. “To achieve true interconnectivity, we need to support initiatives like the AU’s African passport to foster seamless movement of people and goods.”
On Nigeria’s infrastructure drive, Captain Najomo said, “Aviation development is now embedded in Nigeria’s broader economic agenda.” He listed terminal expansions at Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports, as well as public-private partnerships for airport concessions and cargo terminal development within Special Economic Zones, as tangible milestones.
He further highlighted technological modernization efforts led by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). “We are deploying satellite-based navigation systems and upgrading radar and communication infrastructure to enhance safety and service delivery,” he noted.
Najomo emphasized Nigeria’s policy alignment with continental aviation goals. “We have signed Bilateral Air Service Agreements with 38 SAATM-compliant countries and granted first to fifth freedom rights on both passenger and cargo operations,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), following its successful hosting of the 18th BAG Plenary in Abuja.
Speaking on legal and regulatory frameworks, he noted, “Nigeria domesticated the Cape Town Convention in the 2022 Civil Aviation Act and signed the IDERA protocol in 2024. This has raised our compliance score to 75.5%, placing Nigeria in the high category and restoring investor confidence in our aircraft leasing environment.”
To boost sustainability for local airlines, he referenced the “Fly Nigeria Act.” “This mandates that all government-sponsored travel be undertaken with Nigerian airlines. The policy aims to help our local operators grow stronger and compete regionally,” Najomo said.
He also tied aviation growth to broader economic development under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “We must demonstrate how improved connectivity reduces travel time and costs, ultimately boosting trade and tourism,” he advised.
Looking ahead, the DG identified three strategic priorities to transform African aviation by 2030: full SAATM implementation, modernization of aviation infrastructure, and investment in human capital.
“We need harmonized licensing, gender inclusion, and well-regulated civil aviation authorities across the continent,” he concluded.
Reinforcing Nigeria’s air transport growth, Captain Najomo’s remarks positioned the country as a regional leader committed to connectivity, competitiveness, and collaboration.
