The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening indigenous airline operators, highlighted by the flag-off of Air Peace’s maiden direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow on Sunday.
Government’s Mandate
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who led the flag-off ceremony, stated that the milestone aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s drive to empower Nigerian carriers and enhance their global competitiveness.
Keyamo noted that his mission is to end the cycle of over $\text{100}$ local airlines failing in the past four decades by creating a supportive environment for sustainable growth.
Policy Interventions
Allen Onyema, Air Peace Chairman, praised the Minister for his swift policy actions that have eased operational pressures for domestic airlines.
Onyema cited the recent removal of a four per cent FOB charge on aviation imports as a key example of the government’s renewed commitment. This quick response, which involved intervention with the Finance Minister and Customs, has bolstered confidence in Nigeria’s aviation reform agenda.
