From Pioneers to Progress: Understanding Nigeria’s aviation development

By Dr Khadijat Adedeji-Olona

Author: Francis Adebo Adegoke

Publisher: Nigeria Aviation Family Foundation

Year of Publication: 2023

Pages: 270

IN ‘Nigeria Aviation Development: All you need to know,’ the author, Francis Adebo Adegoke takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history of aviation, tracing its evolution from early experiments with flight to the modern-day industry we know today.

The book is structured into four parts, tagged “Book” each delving into different aspects of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Each book is divided into chapters that provide detailed information on specific topics.

In Book One, titled ‘Historical Background’, the author delves into the principles of flight, aviation regulations, and the wide range of career options available in the industry. Even for readers with limited knowledge of aviation, beyond boarding procedures and in-flight announcements, the first section of the book provides a wealth of information and insight. To aid readers’ understanding, the author provides practical demonstrations of events described in the first part of the book as he takes the readers on an imaginary flight from Lagos to London.

Book Two, “The Advent of Nigeria Aviation” is a captivating journey through the history of aviation in Nigeria. Adegoke does a wonderful job as he details the earliest days of aviation in the country, including the first planes to touch down on Nigerian soil, the birth of commercial air travel in the country, and the country’s infrastructural and human resources development efforts.

For anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the history of aviation in Nigeria, this section of the book is an indispensable resource.

The third part (Book Three)- Airlines and Travel Agency Industries, is a sobering reflection on the challenges faced by the Nigerian aviation industry. In it, Adegoke provides a thorough analysis of the factors that contributed to the eventual downfall of Nigeria Airways and the rise of private airlines in Nigeria, including charter and cargo airlines. The author also delves into the safety concerns surrounding the deregulation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

He highlights the decline in professionalism and safety standards that have led to several plane crashes in recent years. Despite these challenges, the author reminds readers that air travel remains the safest mode of transportation in Nigeria, and highlights government efforts to regulate and improve safety within the industry.

In the last part (Book Four) of the book, titled “The Nigeria Aviation Developers” Adegoke highlights the contributions of prominent individuals who played key roles in the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry. The author takes readers on a journey through the biographies of these aviation personalities. and categorises them into five groups: the great developers, the pioneers, the trailblazers, the unforgettable, and the deceased. While acknowledging the impact of technological advancements in the aviation industry, Engr Adegoke emphasises that the contributions of these individuals and certain organisations were instrumental to the growth and progress of the Nigerian aviation sector.

Many writers avoid writing history books because of the potential for inaccuracies and misrepresentations. However, the author of this book took these concerns seriously and sought to mitigate them by consulting extensively with prominent individuals, both within and outside the aviation industry. These experts not only provided valuable resources, but also offered insights that were incorporated into the book.

The book is a remarkable masterpiece that offers readers a comprehensive and detailed account of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

It delves into the challenges that have faced the industry, including the rise and fall of Nigeria Airways, the impact of deregulation, and the decline in safety standards that resulted in plane crashes.

While the author has made every effort to present authentic accounts of Nigeria’s aviation industry, it is important to acknowledge that like any historical piece, there may be limitations to the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided in the book. The author himself recognises this, stating that “no history book can be all that comprehensive and exhaustive” (p. xiii). Therefore, Engr Adegoke invites other researchers and aviators to build upon his work and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s aviation history.

Nonetheless, the author skillfully avoids the potential pitfalls of a dry history piece by using simple and fluid language to explain complex terms and concepts. Even high school students can easily understand the author’s engaging delivery. This book is an essential resource for readers interested in the aviation industry and professionals, policymakers, historians, and anyone interested in Nigeria’s economic and social history.