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Many factors have contributed to this growth, but the oil and gas industry is the most important. Oil is the primary resource exported by Nigeria and the largest generator to its GDP. Nigeria is a member of OPEC and is one of the top ten oil producers and exporters in the world. This has led to a large number of high-net-worth individuals in the country and, combined with foreign investment friendly business regulations, poor transport infrastructure, and a weak airline connectivity, these factors have led to growth of business aviation in Nigeria.
Airports Lagos (DNMM/LOS), Abuja (DNAA/ABV), Port Harcourt (DNPO/PHC), and Kano (DNKN/KAN) are the most important airports used by business aviation when flying to Nigeria. All of these airports are airports of entry (AOE), they are not slot coordinated, and they operate 24 hours. While Abuja is the capital of the country, Lagos is the biggest and most important city. Landing Permits A landing permit is required for all type of flights operating to Nigeria with non-Nigerian registered aircraft. NAMA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and NCAA, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, are the authorities responsible for issuing the permits in Nigeria. When operating a private flight, a Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) will be issued by the authorities. When operating a charter flight (commercial non-schedule), then an Airline Operating Permit (AOP) is normally issued. An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is required to secure AOP. It is better to apply for the landing permit 48 hours before the due date of operation. Permits can sometimes be issued at 24 hours’ notice at NAMA discretion. The purpose of the flight must be clearly stated in the landing permit request, and the following documents must accompany the request: registration certificate, airworthiness certificate, pilot licenses, and the insurance certificate. The NAMA permit office is normally closed from Friday 17:00 local time until Monday morning, as well as all public holidays. Once issued, permits are valid for plus/minus 48 hours. Any change in schedule, routing, aircraft type, or crew requires submission to NCAA and notifying NAMA. Keep the landing permit handy as it is common for ATC to ask pilots for the landing permit number upon descent of aircraft.
Ground Handling Services Execujet Aviation Group operates a big FBO in Lagos (DNMM). It’s one of the best FBOs on the African continent. The hanger of the FBO is spacious. Execujet has a customs and immigration services on site in their FBO. International arrival and departure passengers on business aviation aircraft will be processed through this facility. It is available around the clock. The FBO has a VIP lounge, a board/meeting room, and a room for crew rest. It also offers aircraft maintenance services. Many operators in the region are now maintaining their aircraft there instead of flying them to Europe and North America. Evergreen Apple Nigeria also operates an FBO in Lagos under the name of EAN Jet Center. This FBO also has a private crew area inside the lounge (which can host up to six crew), and a separate crew rest area within the facility. EAN offers maintenance services as well. When flying to other airports in Nigeria, FBO facilities are still not available, and only commercial and cargo ground handlers provide the services, such as SAHCOL and NAHCO. It’s recommended then to hire a local supervisory flight support provider to coordinate and supervise the services provided to your aircraft, passengers, and crew, so as to ensure that all services are provided as smoothly as possible. There are quite good and professional supervisory providers in Nigeria. Aviation Fuel Supply Downstream aviation fuel is deregulated in Nigeria, and many aviation fuel suppliers compete to supply aviation fuel in the Nigerian airports. Into-plane aviation fuel suppliers in Nigeria include: CleanServe, ConOil, Oando, So Aviation, and Total, beside others.
Credit facility is not offered by suppliers, except by having a prior contract. Payment must be either in cash before departure, or by an accepted fuel release from a reliable contract fuel reseller. Credit cards are not accepted to pay for aviation fuel at the time of writing. Recently, aviation fuel shortage was experienced in the country leading some airlines to cancel their flights. It’s always best practice to confirm fuel availability and book quantity with the fuel supplier in advance. It’s recommended to send the fuel release to the fuel supplier and the local handling agent or supervisory flight support provider prior to arrival. When operating domestically, a tax will be levied on the aviation fuel. AVGAS is normally only available in Lagos (DNMM), and is only available in 50 gallon drums. Of course, it must be booked in advance. Visas It is not possible for passengers to obtain visas upon arrival. A visa must be obtained from the passenger home or resident country prior to the flight. Crew can get an entry for up to 72 hours based on the General Declaration, providing they’re in uniform and have their crew ID. A visa must be obtained from the crew home country if they intend to stay beyond 72 hours in Nigeria. Contrary to some countries in West Africa, operation to Nigeria does not require a vaccination. Transportation Road traffic volume is very high in Nigeria. When operating to Lagos (DNMM) and Abuja (DNAA), it can take around 45 minutes to reach downtown from the airport. Traffic volume is fair during the early hours of the day, but become hectic in afternoon to the evening, and especially at the beginning and the end of the week, Mondays and Fridays. It’s advisable to avoid public transportation and to only use chauffeured transportation rented from professional car rental companies. You can also use transportation arranged by hotels. Hotels and Catering In Lagos, the best hotels are located in Victoria Island, the main business center of Lagos. Sheraton Hotels and Tower is very popular and has full facilities and restaurants. There are good hotels near the airport if you to avoid the traffic. EAN Jet Center in Lagos has a dedicated executive in-flight catering, restaurant, and bar operating under the name of 'Wings In-Flight' in its hangar facility.
Security The airports of Nigeria have excellent terminal and ramp security for passengers, crew, and aircraft. The FBOs and hangars are all secured with CCTV and security guards. Private security, armed guards, and secured transportation can be arranged if desired. The security situation in the country is continuously changing. While the main cities are safe, with some accidents of course happening every now and then, it’s better to stick to the main cities and city centers and avoid the suburbs and rural areas. Nigeria is no longer another developing country. It’s a growing economic power that led one economist to ask to change the name of the major emerging national economies bloc BRICS to be BRINCS, by adding Nigeria to it. Your business jet might be destined to operate to Nigeria in the future. Planning your trip properly with your local flight support service provider will ensure your flight operation there runs smoothly and as desired. Dr. Adnan Branbo is the Chief Executive Officer of iJET, a flight support service provider based in Malta and Dubai. iJET services include over-flight and landing permits, credit ground support arrangements, and highly competitive aviation fuel. iJET network covers the world, through alliances and relationships with local agents and major suppliers around the world. Adnan can be reached at: adnan@ijet.aero Also in this series - Operating your Business Flight to: Qatar | Jordan | Algeria | UAE | Angola | Oman | Sri Lanka | Mauritius
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