By Dickson Omobola
Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has urged Federal Government to sustain its support for the aviation industry, saying a $1 trillion economy cannot be achieved without a thriving air transport sector.
Okonkwo, who is also the spokesperson for the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, warned that Nigerian airlines could not compete if they continued to be overburdened with taxes and levies higher than those in other parts of the world.
He spoke on Monday ahead of United Nigeria Airlines’ maiden flight from Abuja to Accra, Ghana.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ900 named after former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings, took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 11:32 am and landed at Kotoka International Airport in Accra at 12:55 pm.
Okonkwo said: “This would not have been possible if not for recent positive policies of the present administration. With United Nigeria now starting up additional flights to Ghana, we intend to open up new routes. However, we are appealing to Nigerian government to continue to support the aviation industry. A $1 trillion economy can never be achieved without aviation.
“In every part of the world, transportation is an enabler. Without it, everything you are doing is in vain. For us, we are prepared and ready, but we can’t fly higher if we are overburdened with certain taxes, if we are overburdened with so many levies, more than anywhere in the world.
“This is a competitive business. Our competitors are accessing special funds in their different countries, zero interest rate and have government support. Today, we source our money from the commercial bank market. We can be stronger, we can do better, if there will be a window, a special window of access to funds.
“We don’t want grants. We don’t want free money. We are only just asking for a single interest digit access loan for the aviation industry. With that, we can fly higher. We will procure more aircraft and be of better service to our grand traveling public.”
Also speaking, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who launched the flight, said the direct flight would deepen the relationship existing between Nigeria and Ghana.
Represented by Dr Ibrahim Kana, he said: “It is our responsibility to support local airlines because nobody else will. That is why our focus has been on safety and supporting local airlines to ensure that they have access to insurance and finance. The connection between Nigeria and Ghana will take our relationship farther. This is another opportunity for Ghanaians to come to Nigeria and vice versa. No doubt, this will create a bigger economy for both countries.”
On his part, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, said the flight from Abuja to Accra would strengthen the bond between Ghana and Nigeria, adding: “What makes me more happier is the fact that United Nigeria Airlines has brought competition on this route, and this is going to benefit all of us.”
Also, Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, said the accomplishment showed the reason domestic operators need to collaborate more, noting that with partnership, they could achieve many feats.
Buhari said: “I am impressed by the synergy that is being formed in the aviation industry. Just like our operators were told in Seattle, there is a need for unity among them and government support. I am appealing to Onyema and Okonkwo to extend this warm relationship to the other airlines so that you people will be able to tell us to help you. Government has really done well, and there are other places that we need to adjust for you.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of Nigeria’s largest airline, Allen Onyema, said United Nigeria’s feat showed that with resilience, so much could be achieved.
Onyema said: “One thing is certain, the sky is big enough for all Nigerian airlines. We know that the industry is competitive, but we can also compete and support one another. I cannot thank President Bola Tinubu enough for what he is doing for the aviation industry. When indigenous investments are supported, the country will reap the benefits.”
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