Following the planned shutdown of airline operations by the Airline Operators of Nigeria over the high cost of aviation fuel, otherwise known as Jet A1, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has given assurances that the ministry is engaging all relevant stakeholders to address the issue.
Senator Sirika, noted that the ministry is greatly concerned about the difficulties being faced by the airline operators in procuring aviation fuel, which has resulted in spiraling costs in air transportation in the immediate past.
“Unfortunately the issue of fuel supply is not within the purview of the Ministry and so the much it can do in the present situation is to engage with agencies, institutions and individuals in positions to provide succour to the airlines which is already being done by the relevant team led by Aviation Ministry.
“We also acknowledge that the airline operators are in the business to make profits, while servicing the very critical sector that is not only the preferred mode of transport for most Nigerians, but also the main international gateway to the nation.
“While the efforts to assuage the situation are on, we wish to appeal to the airline operators, even in the difficult situation, to consider the multiplier effect of shutting down operations on Nigerians and global travellers”.
He assured Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the sector, that the present administration remains stoic in its commitment to the creation and sustenance of an environment that promotes the growth of the aviation industry, where major players like the airlines can operate in a profitable and competitive market.
The planned shut down is scheduled to commence from Monday May 9th, 2022.
Emmanuel Ukoh
