In meetings with those involved in the nation’s aviation industry, Vice President Kashim Shettima reassured them of the federal government’s dedication to improving the operating environment for airlines.

Barely a week has passed since the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions were signed.

Shettima hailed the CTC Practice Directions’ signing on Thursday, calling it a significant improvement for the ease of conducting business in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

At a meeting with aviation industry stakeholders on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, organised by Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Senator Shettima provided the assurance.

The purpose of the meeting was to help the federal government deal with the backlog of payments with the National Hajj Commission, the Airline Operators of Nigeria, and the Central Bank of Nigeria over Foreign Exchange difficulties.

“Airlines are exceptional and any little thing can take an airline out of the market,” stated Allen Onyema, chief executive officer of Air Peace, highlighting the delicate nature of airline operations.

The head of Air Peace emphasised that in order to secure the sector’s sustainability and expansion, airlines must continue to receive support in accordance with international norms. “Airlines are encouraged to boost the economy everywhere in the world. It’s not exclusive,” he clarified.

Onyema specifically commended the federal government for taking a risk last Thursday when it signed the CTC Practice Directions, stating that this action will have significant ramifications.

“The actions you took on Thursday will allow this nation to grow into a major economic force,” he added, adding that this would allow planes to “start inter-connecting everywhere” and reach more of Africa.

By doing it on your own, you have just given Nigeria more power. The CEO of Air Peace continued, “In actuality, the ease of doing business in the aviation sector is back.”

In order to help the aviation business flourish, Onyema also demanded more measures be taken. In particular, she suggested that the Central Bank of Nigeria provide airline operators with a window within its system so that they may “manage the current challenges.”

The meeting was successful, according to Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Special Advisor to the President on PEBEC & Investment, as the federal government continues to look into measures to improve the economic environment in the nation.

Stakeholders in the aviation industry, she added, will keep talking to each other in order to solve problems and create an atmosphere that encourages more investment and better customer experience.

Among those in attendance were Dr. Blaise Ijebor, Director of Risk Management at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa, Chairman of Azman Airline, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha, Head of Finance of Air Peace, and representatives of the National Hajj Commission.