The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited have put forward differing strategies for boosting aviation revenue in Nigeria. This divergence was highlighted during the 30th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), held in Lagos, under the theme 'Towards Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth.'

FAAN, represented by its Director of Finance and Accounts, Ayodele Olatiregun, emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of taxes, levies, and charges within the aviation sector. Olatiregun pointed out that while there has been a notable recovery in aviation revenue and domestic passenger traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic, international traffic remains the primary source of revenue. He noted that domestic passenger traffic has seen only a slight improvement over the past five years, and called for transparency and collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate a thorough review of the revenue structure.

Olatiregun stated, "One thing I will also say from this other side of the divide is, in the last five years, post-COVID pandemic, there has been improvement in the revenue generation in aviation as a whole. But, unfortunately, data shows that most of this is actually driven by international traffic, rather than local traffic." He stressed the importance of making data available for a proper review of the sector's financial framework.

In contrast, Bi-Courtney’s Acting Chief Operating Officer, Remi Jibodu, advocated for a growth-driven model that prioritizes lower charges to stimulate passenger traffic and related activities. Jibodu argued that viewing aviation primarily as a revenue source could hinder its growth potential. He stated, "It is better for you to have one per cent of 1 billion than 10 per cent of 100 million," suggesting that lower fees could lead to increased volume and ultimately higher overall revenue for the government.

Jibodu highlighted the potential for significant growth in the aviation sector, particularly driven by the domestic market in Nigeria. He referenced reports indicating that Africa's aviation market is projected to grow at a rate of five to six percent, with Nigeria playing a crucial role in this expansion. He emphasized that fostering a more favorable pricing structure could enhance the multiplier effect on the economy, leading to increased employment and revenue generation across various sectors related to aviation.

The contrasting perspectives from FAAN and Bi-Courtney underscore the ongoing debate within Nigeria's aviation industry about the best path forward for sustainable growth. As stakeholders continue to navigate these discussions, the focus remains on balancing government revenue needs with the imperative for industry expansion and development.