Nigeria’s Aviation Sector: A Debate on Age vs. Maintenance
A recent stakeholders’ engagement of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Lagos sparked a heated debate about the state of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Senator Fatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, voiced concerns over the prevalence of older aircraft in the country’s fleet, contrasting it with the practice in developed nations where newer aircraft are more common. He argued that the experience of flying in Nigerian aircraft is often less comfortable and more anxiety-inducing than flying with international airlines, implying a correlation between aircraft age and passenger experience. This assertion, however, was met with strong opposition from aviation professionals, including regulators and airline operators, who emphasized the importance of proper maintenance over the age of an aircraft.
The core of the disagreement lies in the different perspectives on what truly determines the safety and reliability of an aircraft. Senator Buhari’s view seemingly connects older aircraft with a less positive passenger experience, suggesting a link between age and potential safety concerns. This perspective, however, overlooks the crucial role of maintenance in ensuring the airworthiness of any aircraft, regardless of its age. While newer aircraft may offer technological advancements and improved passenger comfort, a well-maintained older aircraft can be just as safe and reliable. Several stakeholders argued that the Senator’s comments were not based on a technical understanding of aviation safety regulations and practices but rather on subjective observations. They pointed to the strict regulatory framework governing aircraft maintenance in Nigeria and globally, asserting that focusing solely on age is misleading and detracts from the vital importance of consistent and rigorous maintenance procedures.
Countering Senator Buhari’s claim, Chris Najomo, the acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), highlighted the critical role of maintenance in aircraft safety. He firmly stated that the age of an aircraft is secondary to its maintenance record, arguing that a well-maintained older aircraft can be as safe, or even safer, than a newer aircraft that hasn’t been properly maintained. Najomo pointed to historical incidents where newer aircraft have experienced accidents, while older, meticulously maintained aircraft continue to operate safely. He emphasized the NCAA’s stringent oversight and adherence to international maintenance standards, ensuring that all aircraft operating in Nigeria meet rigorous safety requirements, irrespective of their age. This regulatory oversight, he argued, effectively mitigates any potential risks associated with operating older aircraft.
Adding weight to the argument against prioritizing age, Allen Onyema, Vice President of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria and Chairman of Air Peace, asserted that Nigeria, in fact, boasts one of the youngest aircraft fleets globally. He attributed the perception of older aircraft to the cosmetic appearance of some Nigerian planes compared to their foreign counterparts. Onyema explained that while some foreign airlines operate significantly older aircraft, these airlines often maintain a higher standard of interior upkeep and cleanliness, creating the illusion of a newer plane. This cosmetic difference, he argued, leads to a misconception about the actual age of Nigerian fleets. He emphasized that the focus should be on maintaining high safety standards through rigorous maintenance programs rather than on the perceived age of the aircraft based on cosmetic appearances.
Further emphasizing the regulatory efforts to modernize the fleet, Najomo mentioned the Minister’s work on the Cape Town Convention, which facilitates access to newer aircraft for Nigerian airlines. This proactive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing the aviation sector by enabling airlines to acquire modern equipment. However, Najomo’s core message remained consistent: maintenance is paramount, and accessing newer aircraft doesn’t negate the importance of consistent and rigorous maintenance practices for all aircraft, regardless of age. The implication is that the age of the fleet is not being ignored but placed within a larger context of safety and operational efficiency where maintenance plays a crucial role.
The stakeholders’ engagement also addressed other critical issues within the aviation sector, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to enhancing the industry. Discussions encompassed ground handling operations, the behaviour of unruly passengers, and promoting local content. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, underscored his administration’s commitment to empowering local airlines and bolstering domestic capacity. This broader perspective underscores that the debate on aircraft age is just one aspect of a larger effort to improve the Nigerian aviation sector. Through collaborative efforts and open dialogue, the ministry aims to address diversas challenges and build a more robust and competitive aviation industry in Nigeria. This holistic approach, including infrastructure development, regulatory improvements, and industry collaboration, showcases a determined effort to elevate the aviation sector to global standards.
