From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to improving the operational landscape for airlines, following the recent endorsement of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions.

In a statement released by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima conveyed this commitment during a meeting with aviation stakeholders organised by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Nkwocha added that the meeting was a vital part of the federal government’s efforts to resolve foreign exchange issues and address outstanding payments with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.

Shettima explained that the new directives will substantially enhance the ease of conducting business within the aviation sector.

“The adoption of the CTC Practice Directions represents a significant advancement for our aviation industry. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment for airline operations,” Shettima stated.

Responding, Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, commended the government’s initiative, noting that the implementation of the CTC will propel Nigeria towards becoming an economic powerhouse.

He emphasised that the CTC will enable airlines to lease aircraft more easily, thus improving connectivity and reducing airfares. This, he explained, will empower local airlines and bolster interconnectivity across Nigeria.

Onyema also highlighted the precarious nature of airline operations, noting that “Airlines are exceptional, and even minor issues can disrupt their market presence.”

He called for ongoing support for airlines in alignment with global standards to ensure the sector’s continued growth and sustainability.

“All over the world, airlines receive support to drive economic development. It is not a luxury,” he emphasized.

Onyema specifically lauded the federal government’s decisive action in adopting the CTC Practice Directions, which he believes will have transformative effects.

“What was accomplished on Thursday will position our country to become an economic powerhouse,” he declared, adding that the move will enable airlines to “expand their connectivity across Africa” and enhance their domestic reach.

The Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, highlighted that ongoing discussions among stakeholders aim to tackle challenges and boost investment in the sector.

The meeting, which featured prominent figures from various airlines and regulatory bodies, demonstrated a unified effort to rejuvenate Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Oduwole assured that continued engagement among aviation stakeholders will focus on addressing challenges, fostering a more conducive investment environment, and improving service delivery.

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

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