THE Chairperson Senate Committee on Aviation, Biodun Olujimi, has said astronomical and skyrocketing of air fares, including poor implementation of aviation policies are impeding the growth of the country’s aviation sector.
Olujimi stated this at the 2nd edition of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, National Conference, with theme: ‘Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria, held on Monday, in Abuja.
According to her, “I think this is an opportunity for them to be able to address that, because the industry will suffer if there is this astronomical increase in air fares. Yes, there are reasons why the air fares go up, but there is also a need for us to have a balance for many people to embrace the aviation industry and that is key to the development of the sector.
Olujimi, while highlighting the economic and international benefits of the country’s aviation sector, urged the Federal Government, FG, to as a matter of urgency, halt further encroachment of airport facilities which, according to her, is having a negative toll on the growth of the sector.
Describing the fuss between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, other workforce as unnecessary, she called concerned parties to resolve their differences behind closed doors.
“Picketing is what I find very unnerving in all of this, because there should be a way the NLC and workers associations can settle all their grievances without at the negotiation table. And most of the issues that were put on the front burner were already settled
and sealed by the various agencies. There was no reason to disrupt the operations aviation industry to put them in a very bad stand with their counterparts abroad by ensuring that people did the work of flight didn’t take off. I think the time is right for the NLC and the work unions to know that there are certain industries where picketing ought not to happen and aviation is one.
“The aviation industry, comprises various activities that are strategic, not only for its potential for economic growth but also its crucial role in international development and integration. The most important contribution aviation makes to the economy is through its impact on the performance of all our industries of our civilization.
“The aviation industry is part of the transport infrastructure on which many parts of our economy are dependent. It contributes to economic growth, it facilitates multi trade by providing consultations. However, the industry has been damaged in the recent past. Too many problems, some of them, of which I will highlight and I am praying that this gathering will look into it. One of them is picketing. The NLC, the Union all called picketing in the aviation industry. That is not good for this industry.
“Another is the constant demolitions and destruction around the airports. This is due to the fact that people are encroaching on the facilities in the airport. Government should be up and doing and make sure that encroachment is constantly looked at and stopped before it gets out of hand. It is time for NLC and the workforce to start setting the issues right and to ensure that when issues are resolved, they are resolved properly. It is also important that safety should be taken care of. I also want to suggest that it is time for me to start setting the issues right behind us and to ensure that issues are resolved properly. It is also important that safety should be taken care of”, she said.
(VANGUARD)
