AON raises concerns over Nigeria’s readiness for SAATM implementation

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has urged the Federal Government to adopt a cautious approach in implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), warning that the policy, in its current form, could undermine the country’s aviation interests.

SAATM—Africa’s open-skies initiative spearheaded by the African Union—aims to boost intra-continental connectivity, reduce airfares, and stimulate economic growth by removing restrictions on airline operations across member states.

AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, speaking at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference 2025 in Lagos, said Nigerian airlines are currently ill-equipped to compete with dominant regional carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines.

He cautioned against allocating Nigeria’s lucrative international routes to foreign operators, stressing that domestic airlines still lack the fleet capacity and financial leverage to match their competitors.

According to him, “SAATM is good, no doubt, but Nigeria’s current circumstances have not prepared our operators to participate effectively.

Government must be careful and ensure we are protected.”

Okonkwo noted that international lessors had placed Nigerian airlines on a blacklist for years, limiting their access to dry-lease aircraft and forcing them into costlier acquisition options.

Although Nigeria has now been removed from the list, he said operators need two to three years to stabilise and rebuild capacity.

He warned that granting key routes to foreign airlines could lead to massive capital flight and cripple the growth of Nigerian carriers.

“If foreign operators mop up all the passengers on viable routes, local airlines cannot even start,” he said.