Barely a week after the signing of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions, Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Nigerian Government’s dedication to fostering a more conducive operating environment for airlines in Nigeria.
During a meeting with stakeholders from the aviation sector, organized by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima praised the CTC Practice Directions as a significant step toward improving the ease of doing business in the industry.
“The signing of the CTC Practice Directions last Thursday is a major boost for our aviation sector,” he stated, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle Foreign Exchange issues and resolve payment backlogs involving the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Hajj Commission.
CEO of Air Peace Allen Onyema emphasized the fragile nature of airline operations, pointing out that even minor disruptions can jeopardize an airline’s market presence. He underscored the necessity for consistent support for airlines, drawing parallels with global practices where airlines receive assistance to bolster economic growth. “Airlines are exceptional; it’s not elitist to support them,” he asserted.
Onyema praised the government’s recent actions, declaring, “What you did on Thursday will transform this country into an economic powerhouse.” He expressed optimism that the new regulations would facilitate increased connectivity among airlines and expand their operations throughout Africa, stating, “You have just empowered the nation. The ease of doing business in the aviation sector is back.”
He also called for further initiatives to ensure the industry’s sustainability, suggesting that the Central Bank of Nigeria provide a dedicated support window for airlines to help them navigate current challenges.
The President’s Special Adviser on PEBEC & Investment Jumoke Oduwole remarked on the productive nature of the meeting, stating that the Nigerian Government is committed to enhancing the business environment in Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue among aviation stakeholders to address challenges and improve investment and service delivery.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Head of Finance at Air Peace; Blaise Ijebor, Director of Risk Management at the Central Bank of Nigeria, and officials from the National Hajj Commission. The gathering reinforced the collaborative spirit aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation industry.
