The Federal Government has said it would give consideration to requests by serious foreign airlines operating in Nigeria for increased flight frequencies as long as the nation’s interests are not compromised.
Besides, it has assured of resolve to improve the economic and operational viability of the nation’s designated international airports by creating the enabling environment for international airlines operating in the country.
Hadi Sirika, minister of state, aviation, who made these promises while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hakan Cakil in his office, said the nation’s relationship with foreign airlines would be based strictly on the Bilateral Air Services Agreements with the airline’s home governments, a statement from James Odaudu, deputy director, press and public affairs has stated.
Sirika informed the Ambassador of government’s determination to revamp the aviation sector through the concessioning of its airports, beginning with “the big four” in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt adding that the concession will help to address issues of infrastructure, and ensure world class maintenance.
He commended the cordial relationship that exists between Nigeria and Turkey, and condemned the recent coup attempt in Turkey, describing it as undesirable and anti-development.
Earlier, the Turkish Ambassador, Hakan Cakil told the minister that he was in the ministry to express his country’s gratitude for the excellent relationship between the two countries, especially in the aviation sector, and to explore more areas of cooperation.
He requested, on behalf of the Turkish Airlines for more frequencies in airline’soperations in Nigeria, saying that with the nation’s population and air traffic volume, the request can be granted for mutual benefits.
He also commended the Nigerian government for the show of support for his country during its trying periods, especially the recent attempt by subversive elements to derail the course of democratic governance.
In a related development, the minister has promised to do whatever it takes to make domestic airlines more competitive with their foreign counterparts in the airlift of Nigerian Christian pilgrims.
Reacting to a request by the executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), during a courtesy visit, Sirika explained that the primary purpose of the ministry was to promote the development of the sector and supporting local airlines to operate in the best possible environment.
Earlier, the executive secretary, NCPC, Tor Uja pleaded with the minister to look at how the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other agencies could address the challenges posed by pilgrimage related charges which tend to skyrocket the overall cost of performing the religious obligation.
