…..pledges to save domestic airlines from extinction, assures support for operators
The Federal government has pledged to implement policies and procedures to safeguard domestic airlines from extinction, a recurring issue in the past, particularly after the introduction of the Cape Town Convention.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr. Festus Keyamo, made this assurance during the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s conference on the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol Implementation in Abuja.
Senator Shettima acknowledged the high mortality rate of domestic airlines over the past 40 years and emphasized the need for policy frameworks to ensure their survival.
He stressed that sustainable growth requires a conducive business environment, rather than continuous financial bailouts.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of unlocking international markets for aircraft and complying with the Cape Town Convention’s provisions.
He praised local operators for their resilience and the Convention’s role in harmonizing global legal systems and attracting investment.
Mr. Keyamo on his part, underscored the government’s commitment to supporting domestic operators and aligning with international best practices.
He called on the Nigerian Customs Service and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission to collaborate with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure smooth implementation of the Convention.
NCAA’s Director General, Captain Chris Najomo emphasized the Convention’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and its potential to modernize the aviation sector.
He outlined the Convention’s benefits, including streamlining aircraft transactions, simplifying financing processes, and improving legal consistency.
Stakeholders at the event commended the Minister and the NCAA DG for their proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the domestic aviation industry.
