Professor Obiora Okonkwo, former All Progressives Congress (APC) Anambra governorship aspirant and Chairman/CEO of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), has underscored the critical role of the aviation industry in achieving Nigeria’s envisioned $1 trillion economy.
Speaking at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during the inaugural flight ceremony of his airline to Accra, Ghana, Okonkwo appealed to the federal government to provide single-digit credit facilities to domestic carriers, enabling them to compete more effectively with international operators.
The airline launched with a daily flight from Abuja to Accra and four weekly flights from Lagos to Accra. Addressing guests at the maiden flight, Okonkwo emphasised that while the aviation sector is vital to Nigeria’s economic ambitions, sustained government support is essential for its growth and competitiveness.
“We are appealing to the Nigerian government to continue to support the aviation industry. A one trillion dollar economy can never be achieved without aviation. Transportation in any part of the world is an enabler. Without it, any other thing you are doing is impaired.
“But we can’t fly higher if we are overburdened with taxes, if we are overburdened with so many levies more than anywhere in the world.”
He noted that for the operators in the industry to contribute to the vision, the government should also provide single-digit credit facilities for local airline operators.
“Today we source our money from the commercial banks,” he stated, adding that the government should intervene by providing single-digit loans for operators.
“We don’t want free money. We only ask for single-digit loans for the aviation industry,” he added.
Earlier, before the historic flight, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Khana, assured aviation operators of the federal government’s continued support to enable the industry to contribute to the country’s growing economy.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of Air Peace, Barr. Allen Onyema stressed the need for airline operators in the country to unite, insisting that “the sky is big enough to accommodate all the domestic carriers.”
According to him, with a Spring Alliance already existing among airlines in Nigeria, the domestic carriers would continue to support one another.
He commended the resilience of the management of United Nigeria Airlines for entering into the Accra route, adding that the move would deepen competition on the route.
The inaugural flight had on board stakeholders in the aviation industry, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Khana; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari; and others.
The maiden flight, which was undertaken in a CRJ-900 aircraft named after the former Ghanian president, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, arrived at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Accra, to a ceremonial water salute.
In her welcome address, the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, noted that the commencement of the flights by United Nigeria Airlines represented the growing global confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry.
She expressed optimism that the venture would boost connectivity and enhance business and leisure travel between the two countries.
According to her, “With more airlines, there would be healthy competition, which would create efficiency and enhanced customer service.
The Rawlings family, represented at the brief arrival and unveiling of the aircraft by the former Ghanian Minister of Information, Hon. Fritz Baffour, was grateful to the management of United Nigeria Airlines for honoring the former Ghanian leader, insisting that the gesture symbolized the age-long friendship between Nigeria and Ghana.
SOURCE: THENATION
