UNITED NIGERIA HONOURS ACHEBE WITH AIRCRAFT AS OPERATORS SEEK REFORM

UNITED NIGERIA HONOURS ACHEBE WITH AIRCRAFT AS OPETATORS SEEK REFORMS Airline operators have renewed calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s aviation sector, warning that rising operating costs and funding constraints are threatening the long-term survival of domestic carriers. The concerns were raised in Lagos during the unveiling of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines at the Murtala Muhammed Airport. The event, which attracted aviation stakeholders, government officials, and industry players, also served as a symbolic moment of cultural recognition as the airline named the aircraft after two prominent Nigerians –the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and the late literary icon Prof. Chinua Achebe. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said Nigerian airlines continue to operate in one of the most expensive and difficult aviation environments globally, quoting a recent report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He noted that airlines face heavy financial pressure from aircraft acquisition costs, maintenance, insurance, training of technical personnel abroad, and limited access to affordable financing. Okonkwo also drew attention to the impact of operational disruptions in recent months following the jet fuel crisis triggered by the US-Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, estimating that flight cancellations and related interruptions have cost the industry about N10 billion in the last three months. He said such losses highlight the fragility of the sector and the urgent need for coordinated action to improve efficiency and reduce avoidable disruptions. He called for a review of the aviation sector’s revenue-sharing structure, urging the Federal Government to allow aviation agencies to retain a larger portion of their internally generated revenue. According to him, the current arrangement, which channels most earnings into the federation account, leaves key agencies underfunded and unable to deliver the infrastructure and services required to support airlines effectively. Improved funding, he said, would enhance regulatory capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and ultimately reduce the financial burden on operators through lower charges and better service delivery. He stressed that a more sustainable aviation ecosystem would benefit not only airlines but also passengers and the broader economy. Despite the challenges, Okonkwo expressed optimism about the future of United Nigeria Airlines and the Nigerian aviation industry as a whole. He described the acquisition of the two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft as a significant milestone in the airline’s growth strategy and a reflection of its commitment to improved operational reliability and passenger experience. On why the aircraft was named after the two icons, he said the decision was intentional, aimed at honouring individuals whose contributions to leadership, culture, and intellectual development have had lasting impact on Nigeria and Africa. The Obi of Onitsha, who attended the event, described the honour as deeply meaningful, particularly because one of the aircraft bears the name of his longtime friend and kinsman, Chinua Achebe. He reflected on Achebe’s global literary legacy, noting that the author’s works helped shape international understanding of Africa and gave voice to African stories on the global stage. He said Achebe’s influence continues to be felt across generations and continents, adding that it was common for people abroad to associate Onitsha with the celebrated writer. According to him, the recognition through aviation represents more than personal honour—it symbolizes the enduring impact of excellence and cultural identity. In his remarks, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous airlines through targeted reforms and supportive policies. He said the government’s aviation roadmap is designed to ensure that local carriers are not only sustained but also positioned to compete effectively on regional and international routes. Keyamo highlighted ongoing reforms such as the implementation of the Cape Town Convention and the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA), which are aimed at improving investor confidence and easing aircraft leasing arrangements. He added that these measures have helped restore confidence among financial institutions, which had previously been reluctant to engage in aviation financing due to perceived risks. He also disclosed that the Federal Government has secured approval for the establishment of a national aircraft leasing company backed by government guarantees. The initiative, he said, will make it easier for Nigerian airlines to access aircraft under more favourable financial terms and reduce dependence on costly foreign leasing arrangements. According to him, the administration is also working to allocate more international routes to domestic carriers, as part of efforts to rebalance Nigeria’s aviation market, where foreign airlines currently dominate passenger traffic. He noted that strengthening local operators is central to the government’s broader economic and connectivity goals.