The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to support domestic airlines by offering relief on debts owed to aviation agencies, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising Jet A1 fuel costs.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this after a high-level meeting in Abuja. He said President Bola Tinubu had directed that proposals be submitted to ease the financial burden on airline operators.
According to him, the government is considering granting discounts on debts owed to agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. He added that plans are also underway to review and possibly reduce multiple taxes and levies on domestic flight tickets.
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Speaking at the meeting, Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, attributed the crisis to the sharp increase in aviation fuel prices, which he said rose by over 300 per cent within a short period. He warned that the situation has put airlines under intense financial pressure.
Airline operators had earlier threatened to suspend operations nationwide but later shelved the move after government intervention.
The Federal Government assured stakeholders of continued dialogue, including plans to improve access to funding and implement reforms aimed at stabilising the aviation industry and ensuring uninterrupted flight operations across the country.
