Najomo: High Aircraft Costs Stifling Nigeria’s Aviation Growth
The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has identified the high cost of aircraft acquisition as a critical barrier to the growth of Nigeria's aviation industry.
Speaking at the inaugural Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) 2026 in Lagos on Thursday, Najomo said domestic airlines are finding it increasingly difficult to modernise their fleets due to persistent financing challenges. He noted that while demand for air travel continues to rise, carriers remain constrained by ageing fleets and limited aircraft numbers.
To address this, Najomo called for innovative financing models tailored to Nigeria’s unique operating environment. He stressed that reforms must prioritise long-term investment and restore confidence among international financiers and lessors.
The NCAA chief highlighted the authority’s commitment to the Cape Town Convention and the full implementation of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) as key measures aimed at reassuring global capital providers.
However, he warned that acquiring new aircraft without adequate maintenance infrastructure could turn a valuable asset into a liability. Nigeria’s insufficient Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, he said, force airlines to send aircraft abroad for servicing, driving up costs and depleting foreign exchange reserves.
Najomo also advised against uncoordinated fleet expansion, emphasising that aircraft selection must align with route structures, market demand, and maintenance capability. Mismatches, he cautioned, lead to inefficiencies and higher operational costs.
He further noted that human capital development is often overlooked. Investing in skilled pilots, engineers, and technical staff, he said, is essential for safely managing modern aircraft and evolving technologies. Najomo concluded that sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector requires a coordinated approach that integrates capital access, investor confidence, and capacity development.