CEM REPORT, AVIATION | The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria Air, would commence operation before this present adminstration hands over to the new government on May 29, 2023.
According to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, at the 2023 National Aviation Stakeholders Forum, the national carrier would reduce capital flights and increase the contribution of the aviation sector to the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He added that the national carrier holds great benefit for the nation as it would boost the hospitality and tourism sector, enhance growth and development in agriculture as well as creation of jobs around the agro-cargo terminals.
He added that it will also develop the nations aviation hub.
Furthermore, Sirika noted that Nigeria has started making payments to foreign airlines’ whose ticket sales fund were held up by dollar shortages.
He stated that that Emirates Airline had got most of its funds though still had around $35m to be collected.
He also said Qatar Airlines had $201m blocked while another $216m was owed to IATA airlines.
“We are doing our best to get the monies released,” Sirika said.
