Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended government policies aimed at boosting indigenous airlines, while Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has called for urgent reforms to ensure the survival of Nigeria's aviation industry.
Okonkwo's Call for Reform
Speaking at the unveiling of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, named after late Prof. Chinua Achebe and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeke Achebe, at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, Okonkwo warned that rising operational costs, inadequate funding, and persistent aircraft shortages are placing immense pressure on domestic carriers. He emphasized that without deliberate policy interventions, airlines will continue to face significant operational and financial challenges. Okonkwo appealed to the government to change the narrative by eliminating or reducing some of the charges currently imposed on operators.
Keyamo's Defence of Government Policies
In response, Keyamo reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to supporting indigenous airlines through favorable policies and improved access to aircraft financing. He described the unveiling of the aircraft as one of the most rewarding moments of his tenure, stating that the government's aviation policies are deliberately designed to strengthen local carriers and enable them to compete effectively on regional and international routes.
