Rethink Aviation Strategy, Focus on Flag Carriers, Concessions, Ojikutu Urges Keyamo
Former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Retired Captain John Ojikutu, has called on Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to reconsider key aspects of the nation’s aviation strategy, particularly regarding the establishment of a national carrier, the management of federal airports, and security operations.
In his detailed recommendations, Captain Ojikutu proposed a comprehensive plan aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector and enhancing its competitiveness on both regional and international fronts.
The former Commandant of MMIA advised the minister to abandon the idea of a national carrier and instead focus on establishing two flag carriers – one dedicated to regional and continental routes and the other for intercontinental operations.
He suggested merging Aero Contractors and Arik Air to handle regional and continental flights, while Air Peace should be positioned as the primary operator for intercontinental routes.
To ensure the viability of these flag carriers, Captain Ojikutu recommended that a thorough economic audit be conducted on the assets and liabilities of these airlines, both locally and internationally.
He proposed that credible local and foreign investors should be invited to buy 25% of the shares, while the Nigerian public should be offered 30% through the capital market.
He also suggested that the Federal and State Governments should hold no more than 10%, with the remaining 35% retained by the airline owners.
Regarding bilateral air service agreements (BASA), Captain Ojikutu called for strategic restrictions on foreign airlines.
He recommended that foreign carriers should be limited to operating either in Lagos or Abuja, rather than both. However, they should be allowed to operate multiple frequencies from their selected airport.
He also proposed encouraging domestic airlines to interline with foreign carriers to transport transit passengers, thereby creating additional market opportunities for domestic operators.
Captain Ojikutu further outlined a classification system for federal airports, proposing that they be graded into five categories – A, B, C, D, and E – based on their level of service provision.
According to him, category A airports would charge 100% for services rendered, while categories B, C, D, and E would charge 75%, 50%, 25%, and 10%, respectively.
He argued that this would allow airlines to select airports that align with their operating costs and market demands.
In a significant recommendation on airport management, Captain Ojikutu advocated for the concessioning of all federal airports, including private airports that have been taken over by the Ministry of Aviation.
He suggested that concessions should be limited to non-aeronautical services such as passenger terminal buildings, cargo terminals, car parks, toll gates, land and office rentals, and hangars.
He stressed that aeronautical services, which are essential for flight safety and security and fall under the purview of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), should remain under government control.
“The Ministry must stop taking over unviable state and private airports with the expectation that they can be sustained using resources from Lagos and Abuja airports. Concessioning non-aeronautical services will ease financial pressure and enhance service quality,” Captain Ojikutu stated.
He also underscored the need for enhanced airport security, stressing that aviation security should not be outsourced to public commercial agencies.
Instead, it should be handled by specialised security agencies with a single line of control and administration to avoid conflicts.
He urged the government to act on the 2004 ICAO recommendation to build security fences around airports where perimeter fencing is inadequate.
On airport infrastructure, Ojikutu called for strict regulations to ensure periodic maintenance of runways, taxiways, and associated lighting systems.
He proposed that aeronautical services currently handled by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) should be transferred to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
He also emphasised the need to establish a National Air Traffic Control Service to be jointly managed by civil and military authorities, noting that the disconnect between civil and military control contributed to the 9/11 disaster.
Ojikutu urged the Minister to avoid appointing managers from outside the aviation industry, stressing that the sector requires specialised knowledge and expertise.
“We have experimented with external management for over 20 years without significant progress. Bring in CEOs with expertise, but allow internal professionals to rise to directorial positions to maintain career progression,” he said.
Ojikutu’s recommendations reflect his deep experience and strategic insight into Nigeria’s aviation industry, highlighting the need for a balanced and competitive approach to airline operations, airport management, and national security.
