By SINL Reporter
Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Smart Adeyemi has called for urgent intervention in the Aviation industry in Nigeria, saying ‘we should not allow aviation operators to cut corners”.
Specifically, Adeyemi raised alarm that there is danger in flying in Nigeria because of challenges in the industry.
Adeyemi, who represents Kogi West at the Nigerian Senate spoke on Monday while briefing the press in Abuja.
The lawmaker noted that in most countries there is special consideration for airline operators, adding that N4billion federal government intervention for the industry was grossly inadequate.
Making a comparative analysis of the Aviation industry in Nigeria with foreign countries, Adeyemi bemoaned that the Senegalese government provided $74million intervention to the industry, adding that Rwanda and the United States of America provided $150million and $58billion respectively for the industry in their country, compared to N4billion in Nigeria.
“There is danger in flying in Nigeria. We must support the airline operators pending when we will have a national carrier.
“Because of high charges airlines operators cannot clear spare parts at the nation sea port”.
He explained that the Aviation sector is strategic, stressing that it is instrumental to the socio-economic growth of nations.
According to him, public hearings and budget defence which took place last week further brought aviation challenges to the fore.
He observed that airline operators deserve serious bailout, adding that it is a capital intensive venture.
“It is very important to note that the aviation sector is regarded as a strategic industry, not only for its potential for economic growth, but also its crucial role in national development and regional integration, it facilitates international trade by providing fast transportation network.
“We particularly held interactions with Airline Operators and a few important factors came to fore. One of which is that the steps needed to bring about resuscitation and sustainability in the aviation industry is far beyond the capacity of the airline operators.
“It will indeed require executive orders which must be adhered to.
“The custom department has not complied with the executive order to waive any form of taxation on importation of spare parts and commercial aircrafts.
“It has been discovered that there are still multiple forms of taxation persisting.”
Adeyemi stated that plight of airline operators was further compounded by non compliance of Executive orders as well as their inability to access foreign exchange.
“There has also been non compliance of the executive order on the removal of Value added tax (VAT) from air transport.
“The inability of the airline operators to have access to single digit facility as obtainable in other parts of the world” he added.
