'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Amid growing concerns over the impact of brain drain, popularly known as the “Japa” syndrome, on Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., has reassured the public that the country’s airspace remains safe. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Badeh acknowledged the challenges posed by the mass migration of aviation professionals but maintained that Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to meet global safety standards.
The “Japa” phenomenon, which has seen a significant number of Nigerian professionals, including pilots, engineers, and maintenance personnel, leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad, is heavily affecting the aviation sector. Badeh revealed that approximately 80% of the professionals he started his career with have left Nigeria. “A lot of people I started flying with have left the country, and many maintenance personnel have also left. The pay and economic conditions are major factors driving this trend,” he explained.
Despite this, Badeh emphasized that the sector has managed to maintain safety standards. “I can confidently say that Nigeria’s airspace is safe. While there have been recent incidents, they do not indicate a systemic failure in the industry,” he stated.
When asked about the parameters for measuring aviation safety, Badeh pointed to global statistics. “Air transportation remains one of the safest modes of travel worldwide. When you compare the number of flights and passengers to the frequency of incidents, aviation is inherently safer than road, maritime, or rail transport,” he said.
He noted that while Nigeria has experienced a few incidents in recent months, including a helicopter crash in Bonny last year, there has been no major loss of life. “We aim for zero fatalities, and while occasional incidents occur due to human factors or other challenges, the industry remains safe,” Badeh added.
Badeh also addressed the role of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in ensuring safety. He commended the regulatory body for its proactive approach to oversight and enforcement. “The NCAA has been fairly proactive in its duties. They conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards,” he said.
However, he acknowledged the strain on operators due to the capital-intensive nature of the aviation industry. “Aviation is a dollar-denominated business, and operators face significant challenges in a naira-based economy. The rising cost of aircraft maintenance, spare parts, and other operational expenses has put pressure on the sector,” Badeh explained.
He highlighted the efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in addressing these challenges. “The minister has been a strong advocate for the industry, securing deals to provide more aircraft and parts for operators. We are hopeful that these efforts will yield positive results this year,” Badeh said.
On the issue of in-house maintenance capacity, Badeh admitted that Nigeria still relies heavily on foreign facilities for major aircraft checks. “We have some capacity, but a significant portion of maintenance work is done outside the country. The brain drain has further exacerbated this challenge, as many skilled technicians and engineers have left Nigeria,” he said.
Despite these hurdles, Badeh expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry. “While the ‘Japa’ syndrome is a serious concern, we are working to address the underlying issues. The safety of our airspace remains a top priority, and we are committed to maintaining global standards,” he affirmed.
Capt. Alex Badeh Jr.’s reassurances come at a critical time for Nigeria’s aviation sector, which is grappling with the dual challenges of brain drain and economic pressures. While the loss of skilled professionals poses a significant threat, the proactive measures taken by regulators and industry stakeholders have helped maintain safety standards.
As Nigeria continues to address these challenges, the resilience of its aviation industry serves as a testament to the commitment of its professionals and regulators. With ongoing efforts to improve capacity and attract investment, the sector remains poised for growth, ensuring that Nigeria’s airspace remains safe for all travelers.
