This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the second annual Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference held from May 15 to May 18, in Abuja.

The communique is signed by Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, the Chairman of Planning Team; Mr Nath Abraham- Inajoh, the Alternate Chairman of Planning Team; and Mr Adebola Odugbemi, the Conference Secretary.

According to the communique, the stakeholders at the conference agreed that efforts ought to be doubled to ensure that the airline market place was reinforced toward making Nigeria achieve the goal.

“The goal of the Nigerian aviation industry should be to lead Air transport in Africa, and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) implementation is a key opportunity for Nigeria to take the lead in air transport in Africa.

“ It should, therefore, consolidate its strength in the airline marketplace, leveraging on its upwardly mobile young population and entrepreneurial spirit among others.

According to the communique, government policies should be designed to be a major economic enabler and catalyst to sustainability in the industry.

“One policy identified as a major clog to sustainable development is 40% TSA deduction policy by the Federal Government which needs to be reviewed, as it is against international standards and practices, and provisions of FAAN Act,2022.

“FAAN as an airport operator needs to diversify its sources of income from aeronautical to non-aeronautical streams of revenue and as an assets manager.