In a recent conference held in Lagos, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airline and spokesperson for the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), appealed to the Federal Government to offer N250 billion in soft loans and implement favourable policies to support domestic airlines.
Okonkwo proposed that the government should focus on empowering businesses for sustainable growth instead of distributing handouts to individuals.
Furthermore, Okonkwo called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enhance its vigilance in monitoring fuel marketers within the aviation sector. This measure aims to prevent the supply of contaminated fuel products to airline operators, ensuring the safety and reliability of operations.
Expressing his views during the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association conference, Okonkwo questioned the efficacy of the government’s planned allocation of N500 billion in palliatives to the less privileged. He emphasised that this approach might not adequately address the country’s challenges. Instead, he suggested redirecting the savings from fuel subsidies to strengthen private sector enterprises, stimulate the economy, and foster wealth creation.
To illustrate his point, Okonkwo proposed that the government allocate N250 billion as a soft loan to airline operators. Such financial support would significantly bolster the economy, facilitate the establishment of new routes, and enable the expansion of international operations. Additionally, it would lead to job creation, increased airline revenue, foreign exchange earnings, and reduced unemployment rates.
In emphasising the importance of transparency, Okonkwo called for proper oversight in the disbursement of these loans to ensure fairness and prevent misuse of funds.
Moreover, Okonkwo urged the NCAA to conduct comprehensive audits of fuel marketers to ensure compliance with industry standards. He commended the current management of NCAA, led by Capt. Musa Nuhu, for its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards. Okonkwo expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing investigation into fuel marketers, emphasising the significance of a vigilant regulatory body to identify and address issues promptly.
Responding to allegations that airlines and pilots should take responsibility for fuel quality, Okonkwo supported this notion, stating that it would ultimately benefit both the airlines and the flying public. Airline operators would prioritise safety measures by enforcing strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and promoting accountability.
While acknowledging the efforts of the NCAA, Okonkwo requested more comprehensive audits of fuel suppliers to ensure their compliance with acceptable standards. It has been a consistent advocacy point for airline operators.
In conclusion, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo’s call for N250 billion in soft loans for domestic airlines and improved regulations within the aviation sector reflects the industry’s need for government support and streamlined operations. His emphasis on fostering a transparent and accountable system highlights the importance of a fair distribution of resources for sustainable economic growth.
Save as PDFAuthor
