LAGOS – The Federal Government and its agencies in the Nigerian aviation industry have been advised to be purposeful with data gathering for the growth of the sector.
The government was also urged to create an enabling environment for business organisations to thrive in the industry.
Mr. Bankole Bernard, the Group Managing Director (GMD), Finchglow Holdings, stated this over the weekend in Lagos as one of the panelists at the 28th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) with the theme: ‘Aviation Survivability Amidst A Challenging Macro-Economic Environment.’
Bernard regretted that different agencies in the sector release diverse data for players in the sector, maintaining that it was impossible for the sector to survive without a central data system.
Bernard emphasised that the lack of verifiable data was slowing down the growth of the industry, stressing that the sector was not lacking in expertise.
He argued that with a verifiable central data system, 50 per cent of the challenges in the sector would be solved.
He said: “It is impossible for us as an industry to survive without having a central data system. Without a central data system, on what basis are we formulating our policies and on what basis are we making plans? On what basis are we thriving in business?
“All you hear day-in-day-out is 5 per cent of the population are air travellers. Who is coming up with the figures? We always say we have 15 million travellers in Nigeria out of the 240 million people. We are well-enlightened and I believe that we are not a country of illiterates.
“So, if the minister can help us to have a central data system, I believe that 50 per cent of our problems would be solved. It is necessary that a lot of attention is paid to this.”
Besides, Bernard decried the continuous dwindling of naira against the dollars, noting that this was having an adverse effect on cost of operations.
To salvage the situation, Bernard called on the government to create an enabling environment for business organisations to thrive.
“Unfortunately for us as an industry, everything about us is dollarised and that has a lot of impact on our operations. I believe that the government can initiate policies that will support the industry. There must be policies that will sustain the industry by helping it to stay afloat.
“Then, another vital point is continuity. Year-in-year out, as we have a new government comes in, we see policies somersaulting at every point and continuity is the only thing that can sustain our kind of industry; when the new government does not change the existing policies, rather, working on the plan to see it to completion.
“It is highly necessary as a nation that the government helps in keeping the business going by maintaining the same level of continuity in existing policies.”
Earlier, Adejoju Olutimayin, the Managing Director of FCM Nigeria, a travel management company, in her presentation at the event, said that the need for comprehensive travel management solutions was more critical than ever at this time.
Olutimayin explained that modern business travel was complex, requiring flexibility, cost-efficiency, and stringent safety measures, stressing that FCM Nigeria, offered these tailored travel solutions that met these demands.
She added: “We also ensure to incorporate technology into our travel solutions recognising that technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing corporate travel management.
“We leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics to provide personalised travel experiences and optimise travel spend. Our proprietary technology tools such as the FCM Platform that connects the traveller, the booker and the arranger together allows streamlined travel booking, and expense management, and offer real-time travel support, ensuring our clients receive top-notch service and support.”
At the event were also several aviation professionals and experts, who talked elaborately on the theme of the conference and called for action from the government.
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