The Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Adefunke Adeyemi, has said Nigeria stands to unlock a major transformation in its aviation sector if it fully implements the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
She said accelerated liberalisation could cut airfares by up to 35 per cent, boost passenger traffic by 55 per cent, and open as many as 40 new intra-African routes within five years.
She stated this while delivering the keynote address at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s National Aviation Conference held in Lagos recently. The Single African Air Transport Market initiative, a flagship African Union project, aims to liberalise air travel across the continent, fostering economic integration and stimulating tourism and trade.
Despite being a signatory to SAATM, Nigeria’s aviation industry is being left behind due to the absence of dedicated transit zones that facilitate seamless international connections. Industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the foot-dragging nature of the Nigerian government on this issue.
The AFCAC boss described the potential benefits as “nothing short of transformational.” She said SAATM offers Nigeria a pathway to deeper connectivity, bigger markets, and a more competitive aviation system, provided the country moves from aspiration to implementation.
“Nigeria has everything it needs to become the beating heart of African aviation, but the benefits will only flow when we embrace full liberalisation. SAATM is not an abstract idea. It is a real, measurable opportunity for cheaper tickets, stronger airlines, and a more connected continent.”
