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New Communication Powerhouse Targets Nigerian Airline Competitiveness on Key International Routes New Communication Powerhouse Targets Nigerian Airline Competitiveness on Key International Routes

As Nigeria’s aviation sector contends with mounting global pressures and the complexities of international aviation policy, a fresh force is stepping onto the scene: SAPTCO Communications Limited. This newly minted public relations and media consultancy is making its entry with an ambitious inaugural public lecture aimed at sparking transformative dialogue for Nigeria’s airlines, particularly on high-stakes international corridors like the London route.

The event, set for November 26, 2026, at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Training Suite Annex, will convene the nation’s foremost industry leaders, aviation regulators, and communication strategists. With the theme “International Aeropolitics: The Survival of Nigerian Carriers on the London Route,” the gathering will dissect the intricate dynamics shaping the fate of indigenous airlines as they navigate fierce global competition and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Renowned for his deep expertise, Dr. Harold Olusegun Demuren, former Director General of the NCAA, will deliver the keynote address. Dr. Demuren’s longstanding regulatory and operational experience positions him uniquely to analyze the multi-layered challenges facing Nigerian carriers, from bilateral agreements to the shifting sands of international aero politics. His insights will address how local airlines can strategically reposition themselves to remain viable and profitable in the face of established global competition.

Presiding over the proceedings will be Barr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, whose hands-on leadership and pioneering expansion of Nigerian aviation on international routes bring invaluable practical perspective. Onyema’s stewardship, especially on the London route, has become emblematic of the opportunities and pitfalls that await Nigerian airlines seeking a share of lucrative foreign skies.

The convener of this landmark event is Mr. Sam Adurogboye, a well-respected aviation public relations authority and author, who has articulated the mission of the lecture as a “platform for generating ideas that will help Nigerian carriers not only survive the tough aero-political environment but thrive and yield profitable returns on investment.” His vision for SAPTCO Communications is to foster robust, strategic communications that champion the interests of Nigeria’s aviation sector both at home and abroad.

Beyond its intellectual ambitions, the lecture will also announce the official launch of SAPTCO Communications Limited. This new firm intends to reshape the media and public relations landscape within Nigeria’s aviation sector, offering strategic narrative-building and advocacy to elevate local carriers’ profiles on the world stage. By nurturing positive perceptions and informed debate, SAPTCO aims to be a catalyst for industry-wide growth and modernization.

Central to the discussion will be the multifaceted challenges Nigerian airlines face on international routes. These include the complexities of aero politics, where bilateral agreements and open skies policies often tilt in favor of foreign carriers, and the persistent struggles with infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and capital constraints. The high-profile nature of routes such as Lagos-London makes the conversation urgent—not only for profitability but for national pride and economic resilience.

Participants at the lecture will examine practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Areas of focus will include:

  • Developing robust partnerships and alliances to secure better negotiating power in bilateral agreements
  • Investing in fleet modernization and operational efficiency to compete on service and cost
  • Navigating the regulatory environment more effectively through proactive engagement and industry collaboration
  • Leveraging technology and digital transformation to enhance passenger experience and optimize business operations.

In addition, the event promises to sensitize the sector to emerging opportunities on key international routes and provide guidance on avoiding missteps that have historically undermined local operators. The emphasis will be on actionable insights—business strategies that can propel Nigerian airlines not just to survive, but to capture greater market share and drive sustained profitability.

For Africa’s wider aviation community, the SAPTCO inaugural lecture is a signal of a growing appetite for homegrown thought leadership and strategic industry discourse. It highlights the increasing importance of communication and public perception in an era where national carriers are as much ambassadors as they are businesses. The presence of industry icons, policy shapers, and media professionals underscores a collective recognition that the future of African aviation hinges on innovation, informed advocacy, and a willingness to confront tough realities head-on.

As SAPTCO Communications Limited takes its first steps, its mission aligns closely with the evolving needs of sub-Saharan Africa’s aviation sector. The firm’s commitment to strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and industry advancement has the potential to inspire similar initiatives across the continent. By facilitating conversations that bridge policy, business, and public opinion, SAPTCO could become a driving force in shaping a more competitive and resilient future for African aviation.

The timing of this initiative could not be more critical. As global air travel rebounds and competition intensifies, Nigerian airlines and their counterparts across Africa must rethink traditional approaches and embrace bold, data-driven strategies. The SAPTCO public lecture stands as an invitation to rethink what is possible for local carriers, championing not only survival in international markets but a new era of profitability and influence.