Aviation
Tourism stakeholders decry airfares hike, call for urgent review downward
Stakeholders in the tourism industry have decried the recent hike in airfares, urging airline operators to urgently review it and save the industry from imminent collapse.
They made the plea on Thursday at a symposium organised by the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Western Zone, held in Ibadan.
In his remarks, NANTA National President, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, said that the industry was on the verge of collapsing due to hike in the prices of virtually everything in the country.
“So, there is an urgent need for the Federal Government and all stakeholders to rise up and do something in addressing this issue.
“I have laid off most of my staff because I can’t pay them; some now come to the office on schedules because they can’t afford transport fare.
“We are all confused now in the industry, because the problems are too much for us to manage,” she said.
Also, the NANTA National Treasurer, Dr Tokunbo Dagunduro, said that tourism should be given top priority by the government in the annual budgetary allocation to the industry.
He called on the stakeholders to work as a team toward achieving the desired results.
Contributing, Mr Babatunde Adesokan, NANTA Vice President, Western Zone, expressed dismay over a situation whereby one way ticket to UK now cost about N1.4 million.
Adesokan called for a proactive response to remain in business.
“There is need to engage our industry leaders and partners alike to know what is next in line of our trade.
“Our trade partners in the airlines should kindly tarry a bit and consider the old good times that they found it rosy in our country by repatriating their funds without any hassle,” he said.
Also, Rotimi Aiyetan, the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), called on the government to look into infrastructure development, airport runway, airlines and the business models they were using.
“Are they using the right business models? Are they getting the right funding? How easy do they have access to foreign exchange?
“How are we sure they have the infrastructure needed to remain profitable and sustainable?
“We have to look at leisure and tourism. If people do not move, there is no tourism and this will affect air traffic.
“We have to stimulate leisure travel and make it affordable to Nigerians,” Aiyetan said.
He said that there was need to develop domestic tourism and economy so as to get disposable income for people to buy tickets.
According to him, the tax on airlines needed review, adding that you could not tax airlines to fund government agencies and expect a robust industry.
“Our government agencies should get more professionals, less support staff and less overbloated and less expensive to run,” Aiyetan said.
Aviation
Aviation sector to benefit from RIDF
Aviation is set to be part of key economic drivers that will benefit from President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the fund targets strategic sectors like agriculture, transportation, ports, energy, healthcare, and education along with aviation.
The initiative plans to inject funds into vital national projects to foster growth, bolster local value addition, generate jobs, and spur innovation.
Efficient use of low-interest loans and financing options will secure advantageous arrangements for project financing and operation.
The focus on aviation enhancement involves modernising major airports nationwide with targeted investments and infrastructure upgrades.
The statement reads, “On aviation enhancement, the focus is on the revitalization and modernization of major airports nationwide. Through targeted investments and infrastructure upgrades, major airports will undergo comprehensive refurbishment, including improvement in terminal facilities, runway expansions, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.”
For agricultural infrastructure, the focus includes developing robust networks like storage facilities and irrigation systems.
In port revitalisation, the goal is to modernise facilities and attract investments to enhance Nigeria’s regional trade hub status.
“By modernizing port facilities and implementing advanced monitoring systems, the goal is to optimize efficiency, attract investments, and bolster Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub,” the statement read.
Key road projects like Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road aim to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
Rail projects like Lagos-Kano and Eastern lines will modernise transportation networks for speed and reliability.
President Tinubu’s approval of the RHIDF absorbs the PIDF, expediting project delivery for Nigerians’ benefit.
Projects funded under the RHIDF will have a national spread, reflecting the commitment to equitable development.
Aviation
ICAO Aviation security audit team debriefs Nigeria, indicates strong outing
The Team Lead of ICAO Security Audit Programme, Callum Vine, announced Nigeria’s strong performance during a debrief after its Audit.
Nigeria recently concluded the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Audit Programme the continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) according to a statement emanating from Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Obiageli Orah.
The USAP-CMA aims to improve aviation security compliance by analysing Member States’ performance and implementation of security standards. It focuses on Annex 17: Security Standards and Annex 9: facilitation compliance, along with associated procedures and security practices.
The event held at NCAA Headquarters saw Vine praise Nigeria’s robust policies and agencies, acknowledging their speed in addressing identified deficiencies without complaints.
He mentioned that the full audit report would be available within 60 days, followed by a 30-day period for comments.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, affirmed using the audit results as a roadmap for continuous improvement.
She urged stakeholders to collaborate closely, share best practices, and uphold the highest security standards in the industry.
The debrief was attended by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, representing the Minister, and Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of NCAA.
Aviation
Arik Air receives Best Sustainable Airline Company award
Arik Air has bagged the award for Best Sustainable Airline of the Year, 2024 by the World Quality Alliance and Quality Standards Journal.
The airline’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, Mr Adebanji Ola, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.
Ola said the award was presented to the airline at the National Quality Summit 2024 held on March 22 in Abuja.
According to Ola, the Award General Committee of the National Quality Order of Merit, said the award was meant to celebrate leadership innovations and creativity in quality management.
Ola noted that Dr Ovie Shaka, Vice Chairman, Organising Committee of the National Quality Order of Merit Awards 2024, explained that the award was aimed at identifying, recognising and rewarding companies.
“The award also aims at rewarding personalities and products that apply quality assurance culture and quality management best practices.”
He said the award was presented by Stanley Ohenhen, on behalf of the Organising Committee and received by Arik Air’s Director of Safety, Capt. Jide Bakare.
Ola quoted Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, as saying that the award is another testament of the airline’s fastidious adherence to operational safety standards.
Ilegbodu said Arik Air was committed to continual improvement of the management system and operational performance.
Recall that Arik Air also won the 2023 Best In-flight Service Airline by the Nigerian Aviation (NIGAV) Award.
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