Airlines Lose Billions To Strike

Airlines operating in the country lost billions of Naira during the nationwide strike, jointly organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) following the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.

The airlines that are counting their losses include Dana Air, Overland Airways, IRS Airlines, Aero Airlines, Associated Aviation among others.

These airlines jointly operate about 200 flights daily which amount to hundreds of millions of Naira for scheduled passenger and cargo operations.

Arik Air alone operates over 150 flights within Nigeria and the West African Coast.

Among the aviation agencies that lost revenue include Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that collects hundred of millions from the operations of the airlines in the 22 airports across the country as well as toll gate fee from travellers and visitors to the airports.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority also lost some revenue which accrued from its five per cent statutory share of all tickets sold in both domestic and international operations.

The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) lost substantial revenue from terminal and navigational charges, which is the payment for the use of navigational aids at the airports by the airlines.

Meanwhile, the President of the Association of Nigeria Customs Licenced Agents (ANCLA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu has assured that the Murtala Mohammed Airport branch of the association would secure a piece of land to build its secretariat.

Shittu who was speaking during a two-day working visit to MMA branch said the officials of the union were working closely with Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to see that a piece of land was allocated to the union for the construction of the secretariat.