The aviation industry is experiencing a sense of unease regarding the potential full implementation of the Steve Oronsaye report on the restructuring and rationalization of government agencies and parastatals.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently directed the complete implementation of the report within the next three months, sparking concerns within the sector.
The report, commissioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan, has lingered for over a decade. In 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari established a white paper committee to review its findings.
Among the recommendations of the report is the merger of three key aviation agencies— the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET)—into a unified entity to be known as the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA). Additionally, the report suggests privatizing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently endorsed the immediate adoption of the report, stirring further concerns within the industry.
However, stakeholders have expressed reservations about the feasibility of merging regulatory authorities with service providers, particularly in light of Nigeria’s membership in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They argue that ICAO standards prohibit such mergers due to the clear division of labour and responsibility.
Rasaq Saidu, General Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), labelled the proposed implementation as “confusion,” emphasizing the impracticality of merging regulatory and service-oriented entities.
Similarly, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Employees (NAAPE), cautioned against premature speculation, urging stakeholders to await formal communication from the aviation minister.
Former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Samuel Caulcrick, warned that merging NAMA, NCAA, and NiMET could compromise efficiency and safety, citing the challenges of transitioning from regulatory to operational mindsets.
Aviation analyst, Group Capt. John Ojikutu, rtd, proposed an alternative approach, advocating for the merger of the Ministry of Aviation with the Transportation Ministry while ensuring autonomy for aviation agencies.
Aviation management consultant Babatunde Adeniji expressed disagreement with the proposed merger of NCAA, NAMA, and NiMET, suggesting instead the privatization of FAAN and NCAT, along with necessary adjustments to ensure effective implementation without adverse effects on staff.
