ABUJA — To avert threat to shut down airline operations by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) over the high cost of aviation fuel, the Ministry of Aviation is engaging all relevant stakeholders to address the issue.
The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika in a statement in Abuja, on Saturday through his Special Assistant, Dr. James Odaudu, acknowledged difficulties being faced by airline operators with regard to aviation fuel, which now costs N700 per litre, but regretted that Jet A1 wasn’t within the purview of the ministry.
Sirika noted that much as aviation is a critical sector, the Ministry could only engage stakeholders and institutions and individuals to provide succour to the airline operators.
Recall that the Airline Operators of Nigeria had issued a notice to shut down their services as from tomorrow Monday 9th May, 2022, due to high cost of aviation fuel.
The statement read in part: “As the Ministry charged with the management of the industry, we are greatly concerned about the difficulties being faced by the airline operators in the country in procuring aviation fuel which has resulted in spiraling costs in Air transportation in the immediate past.
“This is already being done by the relevant team led by the Honourable Minister.
“While the efforts to assuage the situation are on, we wish to appeal to the airline operators, even in the difficult situation, to consider the multiplier effect of shutting down operations on Nigerians and global travellers, in taking their business-informed decisions and actions.”
He urged the Airline Operators to be considerate in servicing a critical sector like aviation, which is also the main international gateway to the nation.
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