Nigerian state governments have been cautioned against spending large sums of money on airports that may not be economically viable. Aviation experts, including Dr. James Odaudu and former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria, Capt. Sam Caulcrick, have expressed concerns that many state-owned airports in Nigeria are struggling to attract airlines and passengers. They argue that such projects can become expensive white elephant projects if not carefully planned and executed.
According to Dr. Odaudu, the rush by state governments to construct airports is a misplaced development priority, given that basic infrastructure such as rural roads, healthcare, water supply, and schools remain inadequate. He noted that while airports can improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and attract investment, states must first establish the genuine need, economic viability, and long-term sustainability of such projects. Odaudu emphasized that governments struggling to provide motorable rural roads should not prioritize spending billions of naira on airports that may serve a relatively small segment of the population.
Odaudu questioned the commercial viability of many state-owned airports, citing low passenger traffic, limited airline operations, high security and maintenance costs, dependence on government subsidies, and inadequate cargo facilities. He argued that airports that attract few airlines and passengers but require substantial government funding can become financial liabilities rather than economic assets. Many state airports face challenges such as low passenger traffic and limited commercial airline operations.
The aviation expert called for a transparent assessment of passenger volumes, flight frequencies, operating costs, revenues, subsidies, and airline interest before new airport projects are approved. He also challenged the practice of state governments building airports with the expectation that the Federal Government could eventually take them over and reimburse the capital invested. This practice, he argued, can encourage states to undertake costly projects without fully considering their long-term financial implications.
Odaudu noted that it is difficult to justify spending billions of naira on an airport while rural communities remain inaccessible, farmers struggle to transport their produce, and residents lack basic public services. He emphasized that the sustainability of airports depends on passenger traffic, airline operations, revenue generation, and the ability to cover recurrent expenditure. The expert's concerns are valid, given the current state of many state-owned airports in Nigeria.
Capt. Sam Caulcrick, a former Rector of NCAT, shares Odaudu's concerns, emphasizing that governments must either demonstrate the economic viability of new airport projects or focus on making existing facilities productive. He noted that state governments should prioritize the development of basic infrastructure, such as rural roads, healthcare, and education, before investing in airports. Caulcrick's comments highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to airport development in Nigeria.
In conclusion, aviation experts are urging state governments in Nigeria to exercise caution when investing in airport projects. They emphasize that such projects must be carefully planned and executed to avoid becoming expensive white elephant projects. By prioritizing economic viability and sustainability, state governments can ensure that their investments in airports yield the desired benefits for the local economy and population.
Key points
- State governments in Nigeria are being warned against investing in airports that may struggle to attract airlines and passengers.
- Aviation experts are calling for a transparent assessment of passenger volumes, flight frequencies, operating costs, revenues, subsidies, and airline interest before new airport projects are approved.
- The sustainability of airports in Nigeria depends on passenger traffic, airline operations, revenue generation, and the ability to cover recurrent expenditure.
