The federal government has pleaded with airline operators not to shut down operations in Monday while efforts are continuing to find solution to the problem confronting aviation industry in the country.
The Association of Airline Operators of Nigeria had on Friday, issued a warning letter to ground their planes on Monday due to the skyrocketing cost of aviation fuel also known as Jet 1 which is presently at N700 per litre.
The government said shutting down airline operations would have a serious multiplier effect on the nation’s economy which is already distressed.
Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, made the appeal on Saturday, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. James Odaudu.
The Minister expressed concern “about the difficulties being faced by the airline operators in the country in procuring aviation fuel, but said there is little his ministry could do as the issue of aviation does not fall within his purview.
“The attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has been drawn to reports that the nation’s air transportation system will be disrupted as from Monday May 9th, 2022, following threats by airline operators to shut down operations as a result of rising cost of Jet A1, otherwise known as aviation fuel.”
“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.
“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. This is already being done by the relevant team led by the Honourable Minister.
“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, in taking their business-informed decisions and actions.
“We also assure Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the sector, that the Buhari 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.”