The President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, Alex Nwuba, has stated that the ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are not the primary challenge facing Nigeria’s aviation sector, stressing that the real issue lies in the global pricing of aviation fuel.
Nwuba made this known on Saturday during an interview on Arise Television’s “Morning Show,” where he addressed concerns over aviation fuel scarcity and the looming strike threat by airline operators.
According to him, the planned industrial action is intended to draw the attention of the Federal Government to what he described as a worsening crisis within the aviation industry. He explained that operators are grappling with soaring operational costs, particularly the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices.
He noted that fuel costs have increased significantly in recent times, with prices reportedly tripling. Despite this, airlines have been unable to pass the additional burden onto passengers through fare increases, as consumers have already reached their limit in terms of what they can afford.
“Airlines have been facing price increases that have tripled, and they cannot raise fares because we are essentially maxed out on what consumers are able to pay,” he said.
Nwuba emphasised that, unlike in some countries where fuel shortages disrupt operations, Nigeria’s challenge is not rooted in supply constraints. He attributed the relative stability in supply to local refining capacity, particularly the output from the Dangote Refinery.
However, he pointed out that aviation fuel pricing remains tied to international market dynamics, making it difficult for local operators to benefit fully from domestic production.
The aviation stakeholder warned that if urgent steps are not taken to address pricing pressures, the sector could face significant disruptions. He called for strategic intervention by the government to stabilise costs and ensure the sustainability of airline operations in the country.
The development highlights growing concerns within Nigeria’s aviation industry, as operators continue to balance rising expenses with limited revenue flexibility amid broader economic challenges.
