SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has promised to improve the economic and operational viability of the nation’s designated international airports by creating the enabling environment for international airlines operating in Nigeria to use them.
This was revealed by the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, government would give consideration to requests by serious foreign airlines for increased flight frequencies as long as the nation’s interests are not compromised.
According to James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, the minister who made these promises while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hakan Cakil in his office, said the nation’s relationship with foreign airlines would be based strictly on the Bilateral Air Services Agreements with the Airline’s home governments.
He informed the Ambassador of Government’s determination to revamp the aviation sector through the concessioning of its airports, beginning with the big four airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt which is aimed at addressing the issues of infrastructure, and ensure world class maintenance.
Responding, the Turkish Ambassador, HE Hakan Cakil told the Minister that he was in the Ministry to express his country’s gratitude for the excellent relationship between the two countries, especially in the aviation sector, and to explore more areas of cooperation.
He requested, on behalf of the Turkish Airlines for more frequencies in airline’s operations in Nigeria, saying that with the nation’s population and air traffic volume, the request can be granted for mutual benefits.
He also commended the Nigerian government for the show of support for his country during its trying periods, especially the recent attempt by subversive elements to derail the course of democratic governance.
In a related development, the Minister has promised to do whatever it takes to make domestic airlines more competitive with their foreign counterparts in the airlift of Nigerian Christian pilgrims.
Reacting to a request by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Dr Tor Uja during a courtesy visit, Sirika told him that the primary purpose of the ministry was to promote the development of the sector and supporting local airlines to operate in the best possible environment.
He also promised to objectively look into the request for reduction of charges at the airport with a view to seeing how those charges could be adjusted to assist pilgrimage operations.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Dr Tor Uja had called on the Federal Government to give adequate support to the local airlines to enable them compete with their foreign counterparts in the airlift of Nigerian Christian pilgrims, saying that the situation where foreign airlines account for almost 100% of pilgrimage operations does not portray the nation well.
Story by David Oputah
