A recent report by the Aviation Development and Advocacy Institute (ADAI) has raised alarms over the strikingly low representation of Igbo youths in Nigeria’s aviation industry, despite the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Key Findings:
✔ Less than 5% of pilots, aircraft engineers, and air traffic controllers in Nigeria are of Igbo origin.
✔ Minimal ownership: Only 2 indigenous airlines are Igbo-owned (compared to over 60% of Nigeria’s private businesses).
✔ Training gap: Few aviation academies exist in the Southeast, forcing youths to seek training abroad at higher costs.
Why This Matters
1. Missed Economic Opportunities
The global aviation sector is worth $3 trillion, yet Igbo participation remains disproportionately low despite their dominance in trade and commerce.
2. Regional Disparity
- Northern Nigeria: Strong presence in piloting & military aviation (supported by institutions like Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria).
- Southwest: Dominates airline ownership & management (e.g., Air Peace, Arik, Overland).
- Southeast: Limited involvement despite high travel demand (Enugu Airport is Nigeria’s 4th busiest).
3. Cultural & Financial Barriers
- Perception issues: Many Igbo families prefer medicine, law, or trading over aviation.
- High training costs: Becoming a pilot costs ₦15–25 million, with limited scholarships for Southeasterners.
- Lack of mentorship: Few Igbo role models in the sector to inspire youths.
What’s Being Done?
1. Advocacy & Awareness Campaigns
- ADAI is partnering with Southeast governors to promote aviation careers in schools.
- Proposed Aviation Academy: Plans for a Southeast-based flight school are underway.
2. Private Sector Interventions
- Air Peace’s Allen Onyema (an Igbo entrepreneur) has sponsored 50 pilots—but more Igbo investors need to step up.
- Scholarship appeals: Groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing are lobbying for aviation grants.
3. Government’s Role
- NCAT Zaria quotas: Calls for Southeast-specific admissions.
- Enugu Airport upgrade: Better facilities could spur aviation businesses.
Success Stories to Emulate
✈ Captain Chidube Mbah (First Igbo female pilot with United Nigeria Airlines).
✈ Engr. Ifeanyi Ogochukwu (Aircraft maintenance expert at Lufthansa Technik).
Challenges Ahead
⚠ Funding gaps for training.
⚠ Limited industry connections for Igbo graduates.
⚠ Need for policy changes to encourage participation.
Final Thoughts
The aviation sector remains an untapped goldmine for Igbo youths. With targeted investments, education, and mentorship, the Southeast could claim its rightful place in Nigeria’s skies.
Your Turn:
- Why do you think Igbo youths avoid aviation?
- What solutions would work best?
Comment below!
