The Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has raised concerns over the persistent multiple charges imposed by government agencies in the country’s aviation sector, describing them as a significant challenge for domestic operators.
He called on the federal government to urgently address these financial burdens to foster growth in the industry.
Speaking on Wednesday during an event in Abuja marking the airline’s 4th anniversary, Professor Okonkwo highlighted the major hurdles faced by operators, including excessive levies imposed by regulatory bodies. He emphasized that streamlining these charges would create a more sustainable environment for local airlines.
Despite the challenges, Okonkwo acknowledged that the foreign exchange (forex) policy introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has significantly benefited the aviation sector. He noted that the policy has eased access to foreign currency, which had previously been a nightmare for operators trying to meet international financial obligations.
He further praised the domestication of the Cape Town Convention, which he said has helped lower operational costs in the sector. The agreement provides a legal framework that reduces financing risks for airline operators, making it easier for them to access aircraft and equipment financing at lower costs.
Professor Okonkwo also pointed to another pressing issue facing domestic airlines passenger behavior. He lamented that despite airlines’ efforts to ensure customer satisfaction; many passengers become unruly over flight delays and other operational challenges.
“I think that the forex policy of the Tinubu administration has been of tremendous advantage to the airline industry,” he said. “Before he came into power, converting naira to foreign currencies for payments was nearly impossible. We lost contracts and vendors because our funds were stuck in naira. But now, the government has cleared almost a billion US dollars in trapped funds, restoring our reputation in the international aviation industry.”
“Our biggest challenge as operators is the passengers,” he stated. “We work day and night to serve and please them, yet some turn around to become unruly for no just reason. Delays happen all over the world, yet here, passengers sometimes react by damaging equipment or even assaulting airline staff. We need to work with the media to educate the traveling public about their rights and obligations.”
The airline chief reiterated the urgent need for the government to create financial relief for airlines, particularly in terms of reduced charges and access to low-interest loans. He noted that local airlines pay as many as 20 different charges to various regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
“The margin in this business is very low,” Okonkwo explained. “When you have to meet all these charges, you are left with nothing. We need more funds to expand and improve working conditions for our staff. The government must realize that access to credit is crucial for us, as we are competing with airlines that have access to loans at interest rates as low as 3 to 5 percent.”
Meanwhile, the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, announced the airline’s recent expansion into new routes. He revealed that the airline has added Benin, Kano, and Sokoto to its growing network and has recently renewed its operational certificate.
He further disclosed that plans are at an advanced stage for the commencement of regional and international operations. As part of its fleet expansion strategy, United Nigeria Airlines has acquired additional aircraft and aims to operate flights to 25 destinations by 2026.
Highlighting a significant achievement, Mazi Osita praised the airline’s engineering team for successfully changing an aircraft’s landing and nose gears without foreign assistance—an unprecedented feat in Nigeria’s aviation history.
With these developments, United Nigeria Airlines is positioning itself as a key player in the domestic and regional aviation market, even as it continues to advocate for policy changes that will enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
