Aviation Sector Buckles Under Fuel Costs as Nwuba Warns of Imminent Crisis

|By Babatunji Wusu

The President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Alex Nwuba, has sounded a strong warning over Nigeria’s aviation sector, declaring that soaring global fuel prices—not local supply—are pushing airlines to the brink.

Speaking during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise Television, Nwuba dismissed concerns that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are the primary issue. Instead, he pointed directly to escalating international pricing of aviation fuel as the real threat destabilising the industry.

His comments come amid growing tension following a strike threat by airline operators, a move he described as a deliberate signal to jolt the Federal Government into urgent action.

According to Nwuba, airlines are grappling with relentless cost surges, with aviation fuel prices tripling in recent times. He warned that operators are trapped in a difficult position—unable to raise ticket fares further because passengers have reached their financial limits.

“Airlines have been facing price increases that have tripled, and they cannot raise fares because we are essentially maxed out on what consumers are able to pay,” he stated.

Despite global supply concerns, Nwuba noted that Nigeria’s situation is not driven by scarcity, crediting the refining capacity of the Dangote Refinery for stabilising supply. However, he stressed that international pricing pressures continue to squeeze operators, threatening sustainability.

Industry observers warn that if urgent measures are not taken, the looming strike could disrupt flight operations nationwide, further compounding the sector’s challenges and affecting millions of passengers.