Shettima reiterates FG’s commitment to enhancing Airline Operators’ working conditions

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to enhancing the operational environment for airlines following the recent signing of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions.

According to a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, he gave the assurance during a meeting with aviation stakeholders under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

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, the National Hajj Commission and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.

Shettima emphasised that these new directions will significantly improve the ease of doing business within the aviation sector.

“The signing of the CTC Practice Directions is a major boost for our aviation industry.We are dedicated to creating a conducive environment for airline operations”, Shettima stated.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, praised the government’s initiative, stating that the signing of the CTC is going to open up this country to become an economic powerhouse.

He highlighted that the CTC will allow airlines to dry lease aircraft, facilitating better connectivity and lower airfares. He added that this will empower local airlines and enhance interconnectivity across Nigeria.

He noted the fragile nature of airline operations, saying “Airlines are exceptional, and any little thing can take an airline out of the market.”

The Air Peace boss 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 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.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, noted that ongoing discussions among stakeholders aim to address challenges and improve investment in the sector.

The meeting included key figures from various airlines and regulatory bodies, underscoring a collective effort to revitalize Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

She said that stakeholders in the aviation sector will continue to engage each other, with a view to addressing challenges and making the environment conducive for improved investment and better service delivery to customers.

Also present at the meeting were, the Chairman of Azman Airline, Abdulmunaf Yunusa; Head of Finance, Air Peace, Ejiro Eghagha; the Director of Risk Management at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Blaise Ijebor, and officials from the National Hajj Commission, among others.