Despite boasting one of the largest aviation markets in Africa, Nigeria continues to grapple with structural challenges hindering the growth of its aviation sector, according to Debo Adewolu, the Customer Service Manager for Africa and the Middle East at Embraer.

Speaking at the Fireside Chat with African Aviators 2.0, organised by the African Aviation Group in Lagos over the weekend, Adewolu, identified the absence of efficient transit hubs and inadequate maintenance infrastructure as major setbacks for the industry.

According to Adewolu, poor regional connectivity and a lack of maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities have continued to limit Nigeria’s ability to maximise its aviation potential.

He said, “A market as big as Nigeria still struggles as a transit airport. Lack of MRO capabilities is still a major issue as many airlines still need to ferry aircraft around the continent for basic maintenance.”

He explained that the situation not only increases operational costs for airlines but also reduces efficiency, as aircraft are taken out of service for extended periods.

Industry observers say this reality has forced several Nigerian carriers to depend on foreign facilities for even routine maintenance, a development that drains revenue and weakens local capacity.

Adewolu noted that, while Nigeria commands significant passenger traffic, it has yet to position itself as a functional regional hub, thereby missing out on critical traffic flows and economic benefits.

He, however, revealed that Embraer is supporting initiatives by some operators seeking to establish local MRO facilities to bridge the existing gap.

“At Embraer, we are supporting some initiatives from operators wishing to offer MRO capabilities,” he said, adding that such investments would be crucial for the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Concerning fleet strategy, Adewolu emphasised the need for African airlines to deploy right-sized aircraft tailored to the continent’s fragmented markets.

“Also, using the right-sized aircraft is essential for developing fragmented markets,” he added.

He referenced Embraer’s Africa Connectivity Report, which highlights the continent’s vast but largely untapped aviation opportunities, particularly within regional routes.

Providing further insight into the company’s role beyond aircraft manufacturing, Adewolu said Embraer now offers comprehensive post-delivery support to airlines.

“We provide a one-stop solution, from spare parts provisioning to operational software and tailored after-sales support programmes, all aimed at ensuring reliability, efficiency and safety,” he said.

He explained that the company also runs a complimentary Entry-Into-Service programme designed to guide airlines through start-up processes, including training, technical support, and flight operations engineering.

According to him, Embraer maintains a twenty-four-hour global support system, ensuring operators can access technical assistance whenever needed.

Adewolu further highlighted the suitability of the company’s E-Jet family for African routes, noting that many markets across the continent record relatively low passenger volumes.

“About 64 per cent of intra-African routes operate fewer than seven weekly flights,” he said, stressing that smaller-capacity aircraft are more viable for sustaining such routes.

He explained that the E-Jets, which seat between 70 and 150 passengers, allow airlines to operate profitably while minimising risks associated with low demand.

“They are optimised for short to medium-haul operations, offering lower trip costs and improved seat economics, which are critical for African carriers,” he added.

Beyond cost efficiency, Adewolu said smaller aircraft also enable airlines to increase flight frequencies, a key driver of improved connectivity.

He noted that introducing direct flights on underserved routes could stimulate demand, citing findings from Embraer’s Connecting Africa report.

On human capital development, Adewolu highlighted the importance of global aircraft manufacturers in strengthening Africa’s aviation workforce.