Festus Keyamo (SAN, CON), Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, says all travel trade related concerns would be addressed by the federal government, adding that the best way to stabilise the Nigerian aviation industry is to empower Nigerians.
He noted that there are 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.
Keyamo spoke on Tuesday in his office in Abuja during the visit of the president and executive members of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA).
“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, President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) Mr Yinka Folami, assured the minister of NANTA’s support and collaboration always, 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.
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% in recent times due to unmitigated cross border trading by foreign merchants and their local collaborator in Nigeria. ‘We have no problem with global players in our market, but they should play fair, and stop encroachment of global fares with it’s attendant depressing effect on the Nigerian economy, and on the Nigerian traveler.
“Our market is eroded by this development, and jobs threatened, so we want the government to initiate policies to check these unethical practices and, and where necessary, sanctions them for economic sabotage “he told the minister.
Also, on the NANTA delegation are Mr. Susan Akporiaye – Immediate Past President, Dr. Dagunduro Olatokunbo – 2nd Deputy President, Mr. Yinka Ladipo – Financial Secretary, Mrs. Kemabonta Ibiwari, Uloma – Vice President, Abuja Zone, Mr. Ehiogie Hope Osas – Vice President, Eastern Zone, Mr. Yinka Olapade – Vice President, Lagos Zone, Alhaji Nasir Mohammed Chamo – Vice President, Northern Zone, Mr. Vinod Kaurani – Member Representative, Mr. Diagi Stanley – Chief Administrator Officcer