Ibom Air Chief Sounds Alarm on Insider Threats and Tough Operating Climate for Nigerian Carriers
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi, has placed the spotlight on two of the most pressing security concerns confronting today's aviation industry: unruly passenger behaviour and insider threats. Speaking during a virtual Aviation Summit hosted by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) Aviation Sectoral Group, Uriesi stressed that airlines must remain alert if they are to safeguard flight operations in an increasingly complex global environment. The summit was held under the theme "Navigating the Ever-Revolving Aviation Landscape: From Emerging Threats to Strategic Resilience."
Disruptive passenger incidents, Uriesi observed, have become a growing worldwide phenomenon, prompting airlines across continents to intensify crew training in conflict de-escalation and passenger management. He pointed out that travellers may be carrying personal struggles, including mental health challenges and anger-related issues, which can erupt mid-flight without warning. Citing a recent high-profile incident, the airline chief explained that Ibom Air has used such cases as training opportunities, equipping crew members to recognise early warning signs and respond calmly before situations spiral. While airlines remain firmly committed to resolving onboard disputes peacefully, those who endanger the safety of a flight may ultimately be removed from the aircraft in line with international aviation regulations.
However, it was the issue of insider threats that drew the most pointed concern. Uriesi described it as the single biggest vulnerability facing aviation today, noting that years of investment in security infrastructure have made the industry highly effective at neutralising external risks. The new frontier of risk, he argued, is internal—trusted personnel who bypass established procedures and enable harmful actions to occur. He stressed that vigilance is a collective responsibility, and that any individual found undermining the integrity of the system must be removed swiftly. According to him, modern aviation security has reached a point where threats almost always require some form of insider cooperation to succeed, making personnel screening and ethical culture absolutely essential.
Beyond the security dimension, Uriesi turned to the harsh economic realities that define life as an airline operator in Nigeria. He described the country as one of the toughest places in the world to run an airline, citing high borrowing costs, steep insurance premiums, foreign exchange constraints, complicated aircraft maintenance logistics, and heavy taxation as factors that consistently place local carriers at a disadvantage when measured against operators in developed markets.
To illustrate the gap, he drew a vivid comparison around the Airbus A220 aircraft he operates. While a European counterpart might secure financing at around 3 percent interest, Nigerian operators often face rates of 30 percent. Insurance premiums can run five to six times higher than what European carriers pay for the very same aircraft type, despite Nigerian airlines holding identical certifications and operating to the same global standards. The result, he explained, is that local airlines step into the marketplace with their hands and feet effectively tied long before competition begins. Sourcing aircraft parts and maintenance support also leads to prolonged downtime, adding further pressure on already stretched balance sheets.
Despite these obstacles, Uriesi commended Nigerian carriers for maintaining commendable safety and service delivery standards, calling on policymakers to dismantle the structural barriers that erode competitiveness and inflate costs. Strategic reforms, he argued, are no longer optional if the country's aviation sector is to grow sustainably and serve the broader needs of West Africa's expanding economy.
For Africa's wider travel industry, the message resonates well beyond Nigeria's borders. As intra-African air travel demand continues to climb and tourism corridors deepen, the resilience of local carriers will increasingly shape how easily passengers, traders, and tourism professionals can move across the continent. The challenges raised by Ibom Air's leader reflect a broader continental conversation about financing, insurance frameworks, and policy reform—all areas where progress could redefine the future of African aviation. Travel professionals advising clients on regional itineraries should keep a close eye on how these conversations evolve, because the strength of Africa's airlines ultimately determines the strength of Africa's travel economy.
