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Sen. Hadi Sirika, Aviation Minister
Posted by Sade Williams
Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, has appealed to domestic airlines to consider the multiplier effect of shutting down operations on Nigerians and global travellers.
The appeal came after the operators threatened to shut down operations from Monday over skyrocketing price of aviation fuel.
In a statement by the minister’s Special assistant on public affairs, James Odaudu, Sirika expressed concern over the difficult situation being faced by the airlines, adding that he can only continue to engage Stakeholders on the matter as the supply of fuel is not within the purview of the ministry.
“As the Ministry charged with the management of the industry, we are greatly concerned about the difficulties being faced by the airline operators in the country in procuring aviation fuel which has resulted in spiraling costs in Air transportation in the immediate past.
“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.”, he said.