Aviation Experts Endorse FG’s Commercialisation Plan

Aviation experts have endorsed the federal government’s plan to commercialise agencies in the aviation sector to enhance service delivery.

The Secretary-General of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Alhaji Mohammed Tukur and the President of Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Mr. Benjamin Okewu stated this while reacting to the benefits that would be derived from commercialising Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and other agencies.

They described the plan as a welcome development, but advised the Federal Government to exercise some caution in executing the plan so as to achieve the desired results.

Tukur also enjoined the federal government to stop the remodeling of the airports as a way of demonstrating its commitment to the commercialisation process and allow investors to rehabilitate them to meet international standards.

Meanwhile, the federal government has been told to assist domestic airlines by granting them waivers that will facilitate their operations.

The ATSSSAN President, Benjamin Okewu made the call while fielding questions from aviation correspondents.

“Government can as a way of policy grant them waivers, but not waivers that will enshrine corruption, not waivers that will be enjoyed by only one airline or such that people will hide under and begin to import things that are not used in aviation”.

According him, it is proper for reasonable governments across the world to come to the aid of some sectors that are sensitive to the development and growth of a nation.

“Other ways to encourage domestic airline operators include the reduction of the price of aviation fuel through the construction of refineries to refine the product and the 18L runway lighting which has negatively affected their operations as they spend almost 25 minutes taxing before taking off and landing”, he said.