Bankole Bernard, president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents, (NANTA) has said that Nigeria’s aviation sector has seen about 20 percent decline in passenger traffic as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Bernard said since the spread of the Coronavirus from China, the travel industry has been affected especially because Nigeria is an import-driven country but Nigerians, however, are now diverting to other countries such as Turkey to import their goods.
Speaking at a press conference to announce NANTA elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, the NANTA president said the level of resilience and tenacity of Nigerians were second to none as Nigerians now go to Turkey to bring in their goods instead of China.
“Yes, there has been a decline in traffic but we see Nigerians changing their movement. If Nigeria operates the open skies approach, some of the international carriers will apply to fly two or three aircraft into Nigeria because Nigeria is doing all it can to curtail the spread of the virus.
“None of the foreign airlines that fly into Nigeria have cancelled their flight since the spread of the virus. We are still selling tickets, although not as much as we used to. Coronavirus did not affect local flights,” he said.
He commended the Lagos State government and aviation authorities for their efforts so far in curtailing the spread of the virus.
Speaking on the AGM, he said as drivers of the downstream sector of the aviation industry and critical facilitators of tourism end posts, NANTA shall look at how tax policies affect the agency’s interventions and presence, with a view of birthing new narratives on our very pioneering engagements and its ability to generate visible employment profile, given a workable tax regime with a human face.
“Our AGM in Kano promises to live up to our established protocols in terms of quality attendance and discussions on notable industry issues.
“With respect to the Coronavirus and other health- related matters raging across the world, NANTA supports the very systematic approach of the health organisations and the aviation agencies at our airports. We also commend the airlines for standing strong at a period like this despite operational challenges initiated to address and halt the spread.
“As professionals, we have advised our members to consider the safety and health of any intending passengers in all travel solutions they proffer and share information to all intending passengers in order to guide them where necessary,” Bernard said.
He stressed that at the AGM, the agency hopes to launch an awareness programme driven by the World Health Organization and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Management to disperse information which is critical to managing the situation.
“We are looking to set up a special call line to help those who want to reach out to NANTA on the issue, as it affects their travel to high-risk countries. I am using this opportunity to thank Aliko Dangote who donated 200 Million Naira to the government to help address any impact and prevention of the outbreak,” he added.
