The House of Reps member representing Barkinladi/Riyom federal constituency in Plateau State, Hon. Istifanus Gyang, in a motion under matters of urgent public importance, noted that private airlines as the only players in the country’s aviation sector requires government’s intervention as their survival was threatened.
“Private airlines and indeed the aviation industry are at the risk of imminent collapse as characterised by the sudden stoppage, discontinuance and suspension of operations by major players in the industry, including Aero Contractors, the First Nation Airways and Arik Air respectively,” he said.
Gyang added that domestic airlines whose services, maintenance and operational costs were denominated in hard currency were also threatened.
According to him, since air travel remains the only alternative to road travel, given the poor dilapidated state of most Nigeria roads, the nation owes it a responsibility to ensure their survival.
“What is happening with the private airlines is symptomatic of the fact that the industry has been infected by the virus of economic recession, this House has a responsibility to address the matter given the role and impact of air travel of the economy and day to day activities of citizens, corporate bodies and government institutions.”
“The private airlines should not suffer what the Nigerian airline have suffered,” he added.
Hon. Sunday Karimi, who represents Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamoro federal constituency in Kogi State, in his contribution, noted that the aviation industry was in near collapse and government must do something to reverse it.
“I believe only few of the airlines can survive on their own and government should come to their aid so as to enhance their performance through a form of subsidy,” he said.
Also, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, who represents Obio/Akpor federal constituency in Rivers State observed that besides the aviation sector, there was no other sector in Nigeria today that was truly alive.
