Boost for Nigeria’s Aviation Industry as Government Commits to Conducive Operating Environment

Nigeria’s aviation sector has received a major boost after Vice President Kashim Shettima met with stakeholders in the industry, assuring them of the federal government’s commitment to creating a more conducive and better operating environment for airlines. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, came just a week after the signing of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions.

The CTC Practice Directions, hailed by Shettima as a major boost for ease of doing business in Nigeria’s aviation industry, has been praised by industry leaders as a significant step towards opening up the country’s economy. Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace, commended the government’s bold move, saying it will enable airlines to "start inter-connecting everywhere" and expand their reach across Africa.

Onyema also stressed the need for continued support for airlines, citing the fragile nature of airline operations. "Airlines are exceptional and any little thing can take an airline out of the market," he warned. He emphasized that airlines are supported globally to support the economy, and it is not elitist.

The Air Peace boss also called for additional measures to support the industry’s growth, suggesting that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) can give airline operators a window within their system to navigate the current challenges.

The meeting was part of the federal government’s bid to address Foreign Exchange issues and the backlog of payments with the CBN, the National Hajj Commission, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment, described the meeting as fruitful, saying stakeholders in the aviation sector will continue to engage each other to address challenges and make the environment conducive to improved investment and better service delivery to customers.

Present at the meeting were the Chairman of Azman Airline, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa; Head of Finance, Air Peace, Mrs Ejiro Eghagha; the Director of Risk Management at the CBN, Dr Blaise Ijebor, and officials from the National Hajj Commission, among others.

The federal government’s commitment to supporting the aviation industry is a significant step towards enhancing the business environment in Nigeria. As the country continues to explore ways to improve its economy, the aviation sector is poised to play a crucial role in driving growth and development.