Pilots, engineers decry abuse of expatriate quota by airlines

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on Nigerian airlines to prioritise the training and development of young pilots and engineers to address workforce gaps and reduce the abuse of expatriate quota in the aviation sector. NAAPE President, Comrade Galadima Abednego, made the call during a briefing in Lagos to mark […]

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on Nigerian airlines to prioritise the training and development of young pilots and engineers to address workforce gaps and reduce the abuse of expatriate quota in the aviation sector.

NAAPE President, Comrade Galadima Abednego, made the call during a briefing in Lagos to mark the association’s 40th anniversary and the unveiling of its new logo.

Abednego said airlines must create a system to sponsor type-rating and specialised training for young professionals, describing the current trend of poaching experienced personnel from one airline to another as unsustainable.

He recalled that during the Nigeria Airways era, consistent training opportunities helped to groom fresh talents, adding that the present system leaves many graduates struggling to finance their career progression.

“After paying heavily to train in school, young pilots still spend over N30 million to get type-rated. This is training that should ordinarily be facilitated by airlines,” he said.

Abednego criticised airlines that rely on expatriates, particularly in oil and gas operations, instead of developing local expertise. He described the practice as a threat to succession planning, given that older professionals are retiring while younger ones lack sufficient exposure.

The NAAPE president commended ongoing efforts to establish Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Nigeria, such as those being developed by Air Peace and Embraer, which he said would provide practical platforms for engineers to build hands-on experience.

He stressed the need for a strong national carrier with the financial capacity to support large-scale training programmes, noting that private investors alone may be reluctant to bear the high costs involved.

“We are not saying the national carrier must be wholly government-owned, but it should have the financial muscle to drive human capital development in the industry,” he said.

On labour relations, Abednego highlighted the challenge of union recognition, alleging that some airlines refuse to engage NAAPE despite directives from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for dialogue with industry unions.

The NAAPE leader described the association’s 40th anniversary as a milestone of resilience, sacrifice and commitment to aviation safety, highlighting welfare initiatives and advocacy efforts during his tenure.