By Waziri IA Gwantu (Group Editor-in-chief)
The immediate past Director General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), and African Regional Economic Integration Law and Policy Analyst, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, Hubert Humphrey Fellow, USA, has identified key challenges facing Africa’s air transport industry and offered strategic solutions to promote sustainable development and enhance air connectivity.
In a paper titled, “Air Transport in Africa – Challenges, Bridging Operational and Regulatory Gaps”, presented at a Two-Day International Air Transport in Africa Conference on the Theme: ‘Air Transport in Africa – Challenges and Prospects’, Organized by The World United Consumer Organization, the immediate past Director of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), noted that air transport is crucial to Africa’s economic growth, trade, tourism, and social connectivity.
“Africa’s air transport sector faces significant challenges, including liberalization, management weakness, state protectionism, poor air connectivity, limited partnerships, high costs, and regulatory hurdles,” Professor Ladan stated.
According to Professor Ladan, the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic requires addressing operational and regulatory challenges. “The 2023 African Airlines Performance Report reveals a 67% rebound in passenger numbers, signaling a promising recovery,” he noted.
Professor Ladan emphasized the need for regulatory overhaul, citing sovereignty concerns, anti-competition practices, and discriminatory policies against African airlines. “Compliance with treaty obligations and international standards is essential for sustainable development,” he stressed.
To improve Africa’s air transport sector, Professor Ladan gave the following recommendations – “Learning from past pitfalls and building on successes,”
“Moderating national protectionism to enhance connectivity and competition,”
“Inclusivity in decision-making processes”, Implementing recommendations from AU/ICAO/AFCAC reports to deepen air transport liberalization and enhance operational efficiency.”
