Why the Aviation Sector Desperately Needs Government Support

The struggle is real for local airlines

The Nigerian Aviation sector needs the help of the government to thrive and succeed in the venture, and we must laud it. You’ll recall that we have communicated several financial, managerial, and other effects that are staggering this industry and making progress seem so hard in previous posts on the KSBC Journal website.

And today again we shall dive into this same. I mean, let’s talk about the Nigerian aviation sector, a field that’s been having a tough time and needs a helping hand from the government.

Picture this: your local airline, trying to fly high and compete with the big foreign companies that have a lot of money. Without some help from the government, these local heroes could be left in the dark, struggling to survive.

Imagine an airline like Air Peace. Their CEO, Mr. Allen Ona, once spoke about how tough things are. Even if the government gives them money, it’s never enough because the costs they face are huge—like a single airplane part costing billions of naira!

What Does Government Support Look Like?

So, what do we mean when we say “government support”? It’s about giving local airlines a boost so they can keep flying. Here are a few ways the government can help:

1. Insist Government Officials Fly Local: If government workers are traveling on a route covered by Air Peace, they should fly with them. This simple move guarantees steady money for the airline, helping them pay for things like salaries.
2. Stabilize Fuel Prices: Airplane fuel costs a fortune, and prices keep jumping. If the government could make these prices stable, airlines would have one less headache to worry about.
3. Stop Unfair Competition: Make sure big, rich airlines aren’t pushing the smaller local ones out of the market by lowering prices too much or playing dirty to win customers.
4. Help with Money Problems: The government could step in to give loans or invest in airlines, which they could pay back later. This isn’t just about saving an airline; it’s about boosting our whole economy.

The Big Picture

Supporting local businesses isn’t just good for the businesses—it’s good for all of us. Jobs are created, more money circulates within our country, and the government collects taxes, which can then be used to improve our lives.

Real Examples of Support

In the U.S., companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin get a lot of their money from government contracts. This isn’t because there aren’t cheaper options elsewhere. It’s because the U.S. government wants to support local industries, which ends up helping the whole country’s economy.

During tough times, like the recent pandemic, countries like the UK and the USA even paid wages for people who couldn’t work. Why? Because keeping the economy stable and people employed helps everyone in the long run.

Why It Matters

When local companies thrive, they pay taxes, hire more people, and help build a stable economic future for everyone. Government support isn’t just about handing out money. It’s about making strategic moves that benefit the entire country.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The Nigerian government has a critical role in supporting the aviation industry. By implementing the right policies and supports, it can be ensured that local airlines not only survive but thrive. This isn’t just about keeping planes in the sky; it’s about securing a better economic future for all Nigerians. Let’s give our local heroes the support they deserve.