No immediate solutions to crisis in aviation sector – Minister

The federal government on Tuesday said variables impacting the crises in the aviation sector are beyond the industry’s control thus, there is no immediate solution.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who noted this during an emergency meeting with the Airline Operators Association of Nigeria (AON) in Abuja, said there is no short term solution because of the variables involved noting that it is a global problem.

He said that the federal government had in the past sourced 10,000 metric tonnes of aviation fuel for the airlines, adding that the government is willing to do more.

He also said he will meet with relevant stakeholders including the CBN so the airlines can access dollars at the official market rate rather than the black market rates.

Also, the President, AON, Alh. Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, in his comment said the aviation fuel crises began from N180 per litre and now it’s at N1000 per litre.

He also said the rate at which the dollar is escalating now is very alarming, adding that a difference between 10-15 Naira is added at the parallel market. Last week Monday, it was N610 but today, it is N670 to one dollar.

He thus called on the Minister to intervene.

Also commenting, Mr. Allen Oyeama, the Vice President, AON, said the AON was satisfied with the government intervention in the Industry.

“We, the airline operators are satisfied with the approach of the government is bringing to the table. I told you Mr. President in order o alleviate our sufferings approved 10,000MT of fuel. Another 5,000 has come in.

“We are about to start accessing that. We are pleased with the approach for the long run.

“It is not easy to give a timeline to issues like this because the challenge is global. Even the Amwrican airlines are threatened too. Its not only Nigeria, “ he said.