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Potential, defined as “latent qualities that may be developed and lead to future success” is something you would struggle to beat as a descriptor for aviation in Nigeria; the most populous nation in Africa, some 185 million strong, a country roughly the size of the state of Texas, United States. A staggering population density only set to rise in the future, with many analysts predicting 500 million people living in Nigeria by 2050. Perfect conditions, then, for a dynamic, expansive and profitable aviation industry both domestically and internationally. With a continuing lack of reliable road and rail infrastructure, the case for aviation only becomes stronger. After all, we have all the infrastructure- numerous airports, air traffic control and airlines ready to take paying customers.
Something is surely holding us back. There is definitely no shortage of people wanting to do business in Nigeria, or people curious to visit.
Lest we forget, Nigeria is the fastest growing nation in Africa. That brings huge prospects and opportunities to anyone wanting to take the plunge and invest in Nigeria, the beating heart of West Africa. Those that do rewarded with a buoyant consumer market, growing middle class, and one of the youngest, most energetic, industrious and entrepreneurial workforces you will find in the world. We need to make Nigeria as globally accessible as we possibly can. We can achieve that by making Nigeria easier to reach from around the world by air.
A bustling aviation network in Nigeria is in every airline’s best interests. More flights across Africa and the world into Lagos means more connectivity and more destinations. Ultimately that boosts every airline’s performance, as airlines can take what we call ‘flow traffic’ from different points around the world to the destination/s they fly to from Lagos. For example, an airline flying once daily from Lagos to London could today take passengers from Accra, Abidjan, Abuja, Libreville, Johannesburg and Kigali to London. In many cases, opening up new city pairs that are previously unserved by direct carriers, for instance Abidjan to London. Firstly, though, we need proper transit infrastructure. That includes bag conveyance from one flight to another without having to collect the bag in between, and a proper transit visa (or visa free) scheme for people connecting through Lagos and Abuja Airport but not entering Nigeria. Airports such as Johannesburg, Kigali and Nairobi have mastered this successfully – and their airports are doing fantastically well.
The geographical location of Lagos and Nigeria more broadly also supports the business case for Lagos being West Africa’s prime aviation hub. Neatly situated some 3,000 miles south of the UK, 2,600 miles north of South Africa and just over 5,000 miles east of the United States, transiting via Lagos from New York to Johannesburg for example shaves off around 1,200 miles (or about 2.5 hours) off the total journey time as opposed to flying via East Africa. Similar results achieved if you compare the total journey distance between Europe and Cape Town, which is one of the most popular African destinations from Northern Europe, especially. So not only do the economics of Lagos as a hub airport stack up, but reduced journey times (and consequent lower fuel burn) adds to the business case too.
All of these benefits can contribute to improving the condition of the airport, too. More passengers transiting through Nigeria’s airports means more people are spending money in its shops and lounges. Allowing shop owners and service providers to better invest in their offerings. Additionally, higher passenger numbers will deliver increased revenue from airport user fees. Much of these increased funds potentially invested in improving the passenger experience. You only have to visit Dubai and Singapore airports to see first-hand the benefit that high passenger density can afford to major international airports. It should be Lagos’ aspiration to offer the best airport passenger experience in Africa, which is by no means out of the realms of possibility across a ten-year timeframe.
So making sure Lagos airport is at the forefront of growth in Africa is a win-win for everyone, airlines and passengers included. Also for communities within Nigeria. Passengers will likely spend some amount of money upon connecting in Lagos, whether that be a newspaper, a local beverage or some food to tide them over for their connecting flight. This revenue helps supports the livelihoods of people working within the Airport, who live in Nigeria. Better still, even just the beautiful views that passengers will see out of their window of the bay area or the golden sands of the yet to be developed beaches could entice them to come back, visit, and spend more money. It really is an immensely positive cycle. A chance for Nigeria to place itself on the map for global commerce.
Having lived myself for almost two years in Nigeria, I would love nothing more than to see our aviation system reach its potential. Better still see the benefits this would reap for the communities of Nigeria in general. It is an immensely exciting time to live in Nigeria, and more so than ever, Nigeria reaching is potential is more possible than it has ever been before – not just in aviation.
Samuel E. Lindfield
Lindfield is the country manager Nigeria, Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited.
