ABSTRACT
From policy somersaults by successive Ministers of Aviation to undue interference in the activities of regulatory agencies and absence of roadmap for development, the Nigerian Aviation Industry’s performance from its inception in 1920s can be said to have been fraught with a mixed bag of challenging factors militating against the efficiency of the system.
The aviation industry which forms a very significant part of the global economy through facilitating economic growth and development, generating jobs directly and indirectly and providing a transportation platform for global businesses to grow, also has a catalytic effect on trade, tourism and consumer welfare. Therefore, its role in facilitating economic growth in developed and developing countries cannot be overemphasized. However, in keeping with global trends, several challenges have adversely affected the industry. These challenges include safety concerns, high cost of aviation fuel, high operational cost, inadequate funding and resources, lack of skilled manpower, rot in airport infrastructure, liquidated national airline, collapsed private carriers, ageing workforce, intermittent air crashes, airport closure, diverted funds and skewed concession among others.
These challenges constraint the ability of service providers (airline, airport and other essential services) addressing these challenges could significantly unlock the aviation industry potential for future growth through the positive response of the government to enhance aerospace management, consumer protection and safety of airlines. This thesis attempts to provide an account of the challenges in the global aviation Industry with specific reference to Nigerian aviation industry, the manner in which these challenges have triggered industrial disharmony, the various reforms and development that have evolved right from the beginning of aviation law in Nigeria and the possibility of having a viable air transport system cum airline operations in Nigeria with the hope that an enabling environment for economic and social advancement will be created through its various stakeholders.
KEYWORDS: Aviation, Industry, Reform, Prospects, Challenges, Airlines,Airport
