Nigerian airlines face collapse within 30 days without urgent government intervention, warns Allen Onyema

Speaking at a book launch in Lagos, Onyema described the aviation sector as capital-intensive but not very rewarding, highlighting the serious threats to airlines' survival. He cautioned aviation unions against their planned picketing of airlines over unremitted Ticket Sales Charge, stating that such action would lead to other domestic carriers suspending operations in solidarity. Onyema lamented the difficult operating environment for Nigerian airlines, noting that over 50 airlines have failed in the past, despite their owners' success in other businesses.

He emphasized that while airlines are not against helping the government generate revenue, a more sustainable approach is needed, as no airline globally is directly taxed for revenue.