The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed disappointment over the state of the country’s aviation sector. He stated that Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos appeared like FAAN’s only viable option.
This assessment was presented at the 9th Airport Business Summit and Expo, where Keyamo was represented by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation.
The three-day event, themed “Airport Viability is Key to Successful Aviation Business Ambition,” centred on the critical aspects needed for the survival and growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The focus was on enhancing airport viability through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Keyamo emphasised that achieving airport viability involved addressing several key factors.
Firstly, he mentioned the necessity of sustainable financial models and operational efficiency. Furthermore, infrastructure development and environmental sustainability are crucial. Additionally, public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a significant role, as well as improving passenger experience and customer satisfaction.
Dr. Meribole explained that airports must be financially self-sufficient, with diverse revenue streams to handle traffic fluctuations. He emphasised the importance of financial resilience, ensuring airports can with – stand external shocks and variations in passenger demand.
He highlighted that maximising revenue from nonaeronautical sources, such as retail, real estate, and parking, was essential. Moreover, smart investments in infrastructure that yield long-term returns are equally important.
In addition, Dr. Meribole stressed that operational efficiency was paramount for meeting growing demand while minimising costs. “Leveraging technology and innovation in areas such as passenger processing, air traffic control, and ground handling can significantly enhance efficiency and service delivery,” he noted.
This approach helps airports to be better positioned to handle future challenges and seize new opportunities. Meribole pointed out that airports must have the necesary infrastructure to support both current and future demands.
This includes not only runways and terminals but also integrated transportation systems that connect airports to surrounding areas. “Infrastructure development must prioritize enhancing capacity, reducing bottlenecks, and improving the overall passenger experience,” he added.
Regarding public-private partnerships, he stated that governments alone cannot bear the full burden of airport development and expansion. He explained that PPPs offer a viable solution for financing infrastructure projects and modernising airport facilities.
He explained: “Successful PPPs harness private investment to improve services and allow governments to focus on regulation and oversight.” Meribole highlighted the importance of collaboration across the aviation ecosystem to achieve airport viability.
Governments, airport authorities, airlines, regulators, and private sector investors must work together to align strategies and priorities,” he said. He stressed the government’s role in creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, competition, and investment in aviation.
This includes adopting policies that encourage infrastructure development, streamline regulatory processes, and provide necessary financing for airports.
