Aviation Minister assures NANTA of FG’s readiness to address travel trade concerns
3 min read
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, has assured the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) that all travel trade related concerns would be addressed by the Federal Government.
This was just as he stated that the best way to stabilise the Nigerian aviation industry was to empower Nigerians.
Mr. Keyamo gave the assurance in his office, in Abuja, during a visit by the NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folarin and Executive members of the association
The Minister noted that there were various issues plaguing the industry, particularly the capacity of Nigerian airline operators to compete profitably and to satisfy the demands of the Nigerian travelling public.
“My mission is to restore the glory of the Nigerian aviation industry, and that is why I have embarked on visits to aircraft manufacturing companies to help our local investors acquire aircrafts. We need to open up the market for Dry Leasing to Nigerian operators. Wet Leasing is killing our capacity to grow the sector sustainably. It is my major concern to empower Nigerians.
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“We must work together to clean up the system. I must commend NANTA for the support during the most difficult periods in our industry and for the traveling public. We need you to continue to keep faith with us as we need all the help we can get to create jobs and empower our people,” he further explained.
Speaking earlier, the NANTA President, assured the Minister of NANTA’s continued support and collaboration, noting that the Minister deserves the accolades from Nigerians and in particular NANTA members.
“We salute your courage and admire your determination to clean up the sector. We will continue to support you and provide all critical information needed to change the narratives in the industry,” Folarin said.
The NANTA President, however, requested the intervention of the Minister to enthrone equity and fairness in the travel trade market in Nigeria, adding that the market has shrunk by about 40 per cent in recent times due to unmitigated cross border trading by foreign merchants and their local collaborator in Nigeria.
According to Folarin, “We have no problem with global players in our market, but they should play fair, and stop encroachment of global fares with its attendant depressing effect on the Nigerian economy, and on the Nigerian traveler.”
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“Our market is eroded by this development, and jobs are threatened, so we want the government to initiate policies to check these unethical practices and, and where necessary, sanctions them for economic sabotage,” he added.
On the NANTA delegation are Immediate Past President, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, 2nd Deputy President, Dr. Dagunduro Olatokunbo,Financial Secretary, Mr. Yinka Ladipo, Vice President, Abuja Zone, Mrs. Kemabonta Ibiwari, Uloma, Vice President Eastern Zone, Mr. Ehiogie Hope Osas and Vice President, Lagos Zone, Mr. Yinka Olapade.
Others are : Vice President, Northern Zone, Alhaji Nasir Mohammed Chamo, Member Representative, Mr. Vinod Kaurani and the Chief Administration Officer, Mr. Diagi Stanley.
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