LAAC at 30: Najomo, Others Call for Balanced Revenue Policies

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, and other stakeholders have advocated balanced revenue policies to drive sectoral growth without crippling air transport operations.

They made the call during the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) 30th Annual Conference themed:"Towards A Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth,” held in Lagos on September 10, 2026.

Delivering a goodwill message, Capt. Najomo stated that sustainable revenue must go hand-in-hand with sector growth.

Represented by the General Manager, Allied-Services and Economic Oversight, Mrs. Esther Ajijola, the DGCA noted that aviation is capital intensive, and as such, requires strong infrastructure and an enabling environment to thrive.

He, however, expressed optimism that a raft of resolutions emanating from the conference would shape policies that will widen the revenue base by opening more routes, including to underserved areas and rural economies.

Speaking on the theme and objective of this year's conference, the LAAC Chairman, Mr. Suleiman Idris, in his welcome address, stated that it was convened to examine pressing industry challenges with a view to developing lasting solutions in the national interest, while protecting investments, connectivity, and affordability.

Other key issues identified by the LAAC chair for analytical discourse include airport infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, aviation fuel supply and pricing, access to foreign exchange, aircraft acquisition and maintenance costs, and the burden of multiple charges on airlines and operators.

In closing, Mr Idris called for stronger, more structured collaboration among the Federal Government, aviation agencies, airlines, investors, and other stakeholders to ensure safety and long-term sustainability.

Present at the event were Chief Executive Officers of aviation agencies, airline executives, ground handlers, union leaders, and other top stakeholders, who, in their goodwill messages, were unanimous on the need for a revenue model that is fair, predictable, and growth-oriented.

They also expressed deep commitment to the sustainable development of the aviation sector, and its overall contribution to the national economy.

One of the highlights of the conference was a panel session on practical ways to optimize revenue through increased passenger traffic, cargo, ancillary services, and public-private partnerships.

Prominent among dignitaries in attendance were Chairman, Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, among others.