The Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has admitted that capacity gaps are the cause of the rise in airfares for domestic airlines.
Speaking at the weekend, when the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), Yinka Folami, and members of its Executive Committee paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, he said Nigeria must respond to bring down airfares.
The current capacity gaps within the sector will be eliminated. According to him, these gaps will bring down prices and encourage the operation of the best global services by attracting more investors and investments into the domestic aviation market.
“We are pleased to have NANTA on our side. Frankly speaking, it is not easy to lead at this critical moment but I commend your association for remaining strong even before this new government took office and supporting the transformation of the social landscape in the sector.
“Our minister has taken note of your concerns for the sector and has reached out to Boeing, Emberar, and Airbus to support investors in the domestic air business to close the gaps on capacity to meet with surging local passengers traffic and to also enable more Nigerian flag carriers on international routes,” Najomo explained.
Regarding the punishment of high-profile violations in the industry, the NCAA chief reiterated the aviation regulator’s determination to do what is necessary where necessary.
He, however, added that violators will be detected and punished in accordance with applicable regulations and in collaboration with sister regulators such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
NCAA acting DG, agreed with the Sector Monitoring Committee, which will be made up of representatives from NCAA, FCCPC, and NANTA.
In an earlier speech, NANTA Chairman Folami said the NCAA was meeting its operational responsibilities and enjoyed the recognition, trust, and support of NANTA.
“We value your ability and technical experience to bring common sense to the industry. By strengthening our association, we look forward to an equal and fair ecosystem. We also look forward to working more closely with our customers and other government regulators to address challenges in this sector and align with global best practices.
“We indeed trust the NCAA under your watch and together we can put an end to many unfair practices such as cross-border trading and other unpleasant trade practices in this sector.
“We also want to drive the best of the Consumerism Ecosystem, which will help protect the Nigerian traveling public and also help service providers to remain in business,” the NANTA president explained.
