NAIRAMETRICS
The Nigerian aviation sector, despite being a critical element in the country’s transportation system and economy, has not reached its full potential compared to other African nations.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that aviation supports $63 billion in economic activity across Africa. However, Nigeria’s aviation industry contributes a modest $1.7 billion to GDP, representing 0.4% of the national economy—far behind South Africa’s aviation sector, which contributes $12 billion, or 3.5% of GDP.
With 20 airports, 23 active domestic airlines, and operations by 22 foreign carriers, Nigeria’s aviation sector holds immense potential. It has created over 241,000 jobs and facilitated international trade and tourism, connecting Nigeria directly to major global business hubs such as London, New York, Johannesburg, Dubai, and Paris. Additionally, Nigeria’s attainment of the FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category One Certification allows its carriers to fly directly into the United States, a significant milestone for the sector.
Passenger and aircraft traffic has consistently risen by an average of 10% annually, with Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos handling over 60% of the country’s total air traffic.
Within this sector are owners of domestic airlines of Nigerian descent. These individuals have invested private capital and helped to a certain extent provide job opportunities and new pathways for growth in the industry. Take a look at some of these personalities as spotlighted by Nairametrics.
Allen Ifechukwu Onyema -Founder Air Peace
Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, a Nigerian lawyer and entrepreneur, founded Air Peace in 2013 to create economic opportunities for Nigerian youth. His vision was to build a thriving airline that would serve both domestic and international markets, and over the years, Air Peace has grown into one of the country’s most prominent carriers.
The airline’s fleet has expanded significantly, now including Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328s, Embraer 145s, Embraer 195-E2s, and Airbus 320s. This diverse range of aircraft has supported Air Peace’s growing network, which now includes routes to international destinations such as Accra, Ghana, Sharjah, and Johannesburg, South Africa.
Onyema’s commitment to expanding the airline’s reach has positioned Air Peace as a key player in West African aviation, offering affordable air travel options while creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Jacky Hathiramani- Founder Dana Air
Jacky Hathiramani, the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of Dana Airlines and now the Group Managing Director/CEO of Dana Group of Companies, is a Nigerian born in Jos, Plateau state. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the European Business School of London and sits on the board of several blue-chip companies and PLCs.
Jacky started his career in the manufacturing industry, where he was appointed as an Executive Director of Ashmina Limited in 1998. He led major business transformation in the company, which led to his appointment as Group Managing Director.
He has been responsible for the strategic development and expansion of the Group, which has evolved into a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with interests in key sectors of the Nigerian economy, including transportation, steel, and aviation. Jacky’s drive and passion for quality service led to the establishment of Dana Air in 2006.
The introduction of the airline and its redefining role in the aviation industry, offering world-class customer and in-flight service, with an on-time performance that is still unrivaled, earned Jacky multiple CEO of the Year awards.
Jacky’s superior business performance and innovations have enabled the company to achieve commendable market share and recognition as one of Nigeria’s Most Respected Companies.
Kunle Soname- Founder Value Jet
Kunle Soname is a Nigerian entrepreneur, sports enthusiast, and the chairman of Bet9ja, a leading betting platform he founded in 2013. He made history in 2015 as the first Nigerian to acquire a European football club, C.D. Feirense.
Soname studied Estate Management at Obafemi Awolowo University, graduating in 1988, and later served as the Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council until 2011. His passion for sports led him to establish Remo Stars Football Club in 2004, which was relocated from Lagos to Ogun State and now competes in the Nigerian Premier League.
In addition to his ventures in sports and betting, Soname is the founder of ValueJet, a private Nigerian airline established in 2018. ValueJet, which began operations in 2022, provides domestic flights to key Nigerian cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yola.
The airline aims to offer safe, reliable, and affordable air travel, with a fleet of Bombardier CRJ900 Jets. Soname’s contributions extend beyond business as he was inducted as a patron at the University of Lagos in 2022, in recognition of his philanthropic activities. His achievements in business, sports, and community service continue to make him a prominent figure in Nigeria.
Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal- Founder Max Air
Dahiru Mangal is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of Max Air, one of the country’s leading airlines. Established in 2006 as Mangal Airlines, it rebranded in 2008 as Max Air and began its first commercial flight to King Abdulaziz International Airport from Kano.
The airline, which started with two Boeing 747-400 aircraft and three destinations, has since expanded to operate several domestic, regional, and international routes. Mangal serves as the Chairman and CEO of Max Air Limited and leads AFDIN Group (Nigeria) Limited, a conglomerate with interests in construction, oil, and other sectors, including AFDIN Construction, Mangal Oil, and Manasawa Enterprises.
Mangal’s contributions extend beyond business, with significant philanthropic efforts aimed at supporting students, individuals with disabilities, and displaced persons affected by conflict. In 2021, his company, Mangal Industries, signed an agreement with Sinoma, a Chinese firm, to build a cement plant and a power plant in Kogi State, a $600 million project expected to be completed by 2024. Max Air continues to grow, adding new domestic routes and introducing innovative services such as an in-flight magazine, making it a key player in Nigeria’s aviation industry…
