Five new airlines receive operational license in Nigeria

The Nigerian aviation industry is set to welcome five new airlines following the approval of their Air Operating Certificates (AOCs) by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

An AOC is a critical operating license required for airlines to engage in commercial air transport.

The approval of these five AOCs signifies that the NCAA has given the green light for these airlines to begin operations, marking a significant milestone in the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Captain Najomo emphasized that the approval process was rigorous and thorough, ensuring that all safety standards and regulatory requirements were met.

He stated, “During the process of approving the AOCs, we ensured that the applicants did not cut corners. All safety demands were met before the certificates were handed over to them.”

Addressing concerns about aging aircraft in Nigeria, Najomo clarified that the safety of an aircraft is not solely determined by its age but by the quality of its maintenance.

He explained, “The NCAA is carrying out surveillance on all aircraft operating in Nigeria to ensure they are properly maintained. Brand new aircraft can still experience issues and even crash.

Therefore, the age of an aircraft does not determine how safe it is.”

This statement comes amid ongoing debates about the safety of older aircraft in the country’s aviation fleet.

Najomo reassured stakeholders that the NCAA is committed to enforcing strict maintenance protocols to ensure the safety of all aircraft operating within Nigerian airspace.

The NCAA boss also touched on the issue of job scarcity in the aviation sector, noting that the entry of new airlines would create more employment opportunities.

He explained, “The NCAA is doing its best to ensure airlines bring in more aircraft.

The presence of more aircraft will naturally lead to more jobs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and other aviation professionals.”

This development is expected to boost the Nigerian aviation industry, which has faced challenges such as limited capacity, high operational costs, and a shortage of skilled personnel in recent years.

The addition of five new airlines is likely to increase competition, improve service delivery, and provide more options for travelers.

The announcement comes on the heels of other significant developments in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Recently, Minister Festus Keyamo issued a stern warning to international airlines operating in Nigeria, urging them to patronize local catering services or face sanctions.

Additionally, the NCAA has been actively addressing operational challenges, such as the temporary closure of Ibadan Airport for six months to facilitate necessary upgrades.

In another recent incident, Nigerian passengers on an Air France flight were diverted to Togo due to operational issues.

The NCAA assured the public that the affected passengers would be returned to Nigeria promptly, highlighting the authority’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of Nigerian travelers.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the approval of the new airlines, describing it as a positive step toward revitalizing the aviation sector.

However, some have called for continued vigilance to ensure that the new entrants adhere to safety standards and contribute to the sustainable growth of the industry.

Captain Najomo reiterated the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and fostering a conducive environment for the growth of the aviation sector.

He urged all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing the industry and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the new entrants.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook