September 17, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has assured stakeholders in the country’s aviation sector of its commitment to creating a more conducive and better operating environment for airlines.
Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday, during a meeting with stakeholders in the aviation sector under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement signed on Tuesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Vice President, said the meeting was part of the federal government’s bid to address Foreign Exchange issues and the backlog of payments with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Hajj Commission and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, had noted the fragile nature of airline operations, saying “Airlines are exceptional, and any little thing can take an airline out of the market.”
Stressing the need for continued support for airlines in line with global practice to ensure the sector’s sustainability and growth, Onyema said, “All over the world, airlines are supported to support the economy. It is not elitist.”
He lauded the federal government’s bold step in signing the CTC Practice Directions last Thursday, which he said will have far-reaching effects.
“What you did on Thursday, is going to open up this country to become an economic powerhouse”, he declared, just as he said the move would enable airlines to “start inter-connecting everywhere” and expand their reach across Africa.
“Even within Nigeria, you have just empowered the nation by doing that alone. In fact, the ease of doing business in the aviation sector is back”, the Air Peace CEO added.
Onyema also called for additional measures to support the industry’s growth, suggesting that the Central Bank of Nigeria can give airline operators a window within their system because of the problems of the time” for airlines to navigate the current challenges.”
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the meeting was fruitful, as the federal government continues to explore ways of enhancing the business environment in the country.
Oduwole said that stakeholders in the aviation sector will continue to engage with each other to address challenges and create an environment conducive to improved investment and customer service delivery.
She announced that her committee has until Monday, September 23, to present “concrete outcomes” to the Vice President.
“Well, you know, His Excellency just chaired a meeting and has set up a small committee. So, we are going to continue the discussions now. It was a productive one. All the agencies involved in some of the issues raised by airline operators last week were present, and some were also delegated to the Minister of Finance.
“The Minister of Aviation is also keeping close tabs on this. But because His Excellency has put such importance on supporting Nigerian businesses in aviation and other sectors, another company in a different industry was in attendance. We’re going to have a follow-up meeting immediately and get back to him. He has given us until Monday to have some concrete outcomes, so that’s what we’re going to do”, she explained.
Also, present at the meeting were the Chairman of Azman Airline, Abdulmunaf Yunusa; the Head of Finance, Air Peace, Mrs Ejiro Eghagha; the Director of Risk Management at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Blaise Ijebor and officials from the National Hajj Commission, among others.
