We’ll create better operating environment for airline operators — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has once again assured stakeholders in the country’s aviation sector of the federal government’s commitment to creating a more conducive and improved operating environment for airlines.

He gave this reassurance on Tuesday during a meeting with stakeholders in the aviation sector under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This assurance came barely a week after the signing of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions.

He praised last Thursday’s signing of the CTC Practice Directions, describing it as a significant boost for ease of doing business in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The meeting was part of the federal government’s effort to address foreign exchange issues and the backlog of payments with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, highlighted the fragile nature of airline operations, stating, “Airlines are exceptional, and any small issue can take an airline out of the market.”

Onyema stressed the need for continued support for airlines in line with global practices 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 specifically praised 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 transform this country into an economic powerhouse,” he declared, adding that the move would enable airlines to “start interconnecting everywhere” and expand their reach across Africa.

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“Even within Nigeria, you have 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 provide airline operators with a window within their system to navigate current challenges.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the meeting was productive, as the federal government continues to explore ways to enhance the business environment in the country.

She mentioned that stakeholders in the aviation sector will continue to engage with each other to address challenges and create a more conducive environment for improved investment and better service delivery to customers.

A statement issued by the Vice President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, noted that also present at the meeting were the Chairman of Azman Airline, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa; Head of Finance at Air Peace, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha; Director of Risk Management at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Blaise Ijebor; and officials from the National Hajj Commission, among others.