Vice-President Kashim Shettima assured stakeholders in the country’s aviation sector of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a more conducive and better operating environment for airlines.
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.
The meeting was part of the federal government’s bid to address Foreign Exchange issues.
The will was also aimed at addressing the backlog of payments with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the airline operators of Nigeria.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, noted the fragile nature of airline operations.
According to him, airlines are exceptional, and any little thing can take an airline out of the market.
He stressed the need for continued support for airlines in line with global practice to ensure the sector’s sustainability and growth.
” All over the world, airlines are supported to support the economy. It is not elitist,” he pointed out.
Onyema particularly praised the federal government’s bold step in signing the CTC Practice Directions Thursday, Sept.12 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.
” 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.”
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.
” This is because of the problems of the time,” for airlines to navigate the current challenges.”
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Special Adviser to the President on
Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), & Investment, described the meeting was fruitful.
Oduwole stated that the federal government would continue to explore ways of enhancing the business environment in the country.
She also said that stakeholders in the aviation sector would continue to engage each other to address challenges and make the environment conducive for improved investment and better service delivery to customers.
