The Chief Operating Officer, Bicourtney Aviation Service s Limited, manager of Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal Two, MMA2, Mr. Remi Jibodu, has urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the development of aviation infrastructure that can grow to meet future demand and to create a more supportive environment for investors.
Jibodu who made this known during a panel session at the 29th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), with the theme “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” emphasized that the country’s aviation facilities must be built with future growth in mind to avoid rapid obsolescence.
He stated that while significant development efforts are underway, they must not be short-sighted.
The BASL COO advocated a proactive approach, noting that key features for future expansion such as transit flights must be integrated from the beginning.
To this end, he called on the government to actively encourage existing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a way to build confidence and attract other potential investors.
One of his key recommendations was a call for the government to reduce the bureaucracy involved in establishing airlines and airports.
Jibodu argued that simplifying these processes would make it easier for new players to enter the market and stimulate overall sector growth.
He also addressed the issue of global competitiveness, highlighting the disparity in operational costs.
While global aviation players often operate with single-digit interest rates, he pointed out that Nigerian airlines face a much higher rate.
Jibodu insisted that the government must find a way to make Nigerian airlines more competitive, not just for the benefit of the companies themselves, but for the entire nation and its citizens, who stand to gain from easier and more affordable travel.
When asked about the possibility of MMA2 handling regional flights to alleviate capacity issues at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), he confirmed that the terminal is ready.
According to him, MMA2 has the capacity to begin regional operations within 24 hours, noting that the necessary facilities have been in place for a long time.
He added that consolidating traffic at one airport with different terminals would be a straightforward solution if MMIA faces congestion, as MMA2 could easily take on the overflow
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