At the 28th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) held in Lagos, Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, Chairman of the Aviation Ground Handling Association of Nigeria (AGHAN), emphasized the critical need for collaboration and accurate data to drive growth in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Adigun, speaking on the conference theme “Aviation Survivability Amidst a Challenging Macro-Economic Environment,” highlighted the sector’s struggles and the necessity of emulating the collaborative approaches seen in the financial sector. He lamented that, unlike the financial industry, which has thrived through partnerships and consolidation, aviation in Nigeria continues to operate in isolation.
With the naira depreciating against the dollar, Adigun stressed that no single organization or airline can succeed alone. He warned that without stronger partnerships, businesses within the industry are at risk of collapse. He advocated for an economic summit to address these challenges, suggesting that the industry must open up to investors and adopt more collaborative practices.
Adigun also criticized the sector’s fragmented approach to data collection. He pointed out that inconsistent and unreliable data from various agencies hinder effective planning and decision-making. He urged government agencies, particularly the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to follow the example of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by providing credible and comprehensive data to support business planning and investment.
He concluded by stressing the importance of accurate data for the aviation industry, likening it to the banking sector where forecasts and growth trends are well-documented. According to Adigun, a lack of reliable data hampers business operations and strategic planning in aviation.
The conference featured discussions from numerous aviation experts, all calling for government action and industry reforms to address these pressing issues.
