Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika said the ministry alone cannot handle the issue of blocked funds of foreign airlines in Nigeria without major input from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Sirika made this known on Tuesday during a visit of some representatives International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Foreign airlines operators in Nigeria paid a visit on him in his office to discuss some issues affecting the sector
While reiterating the commitments of Federal government to the Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA), the Minister who expressed concerns over the blocked funds of foreign airlines operating into the country.
He however stated that the issue of blocked funds sits with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) even as he expressed the regret that it is not what the ministry can handle alone; else it would have been resolved immediately.
Sirika therefore appealed to foreign airlines operating into the country to be very considerate when dealing with the issue; bearing in mind the effects of Covid 19 and recession the country suffered.
Earlier in his speech Speaking earlier, IATA Area Manager West and Central Africa, Dr Samson Fatokun who led the delegation expressed gratitude to the Minister for his continuous support for the growth of air transport in Nigeria and for the actualization of its roles as catalyst for the growth of the Nigerian economy.
He said the global airline community would like to appeal to the Honourable Minister for special intervention at resolving the issues of airline’s blocked funds in Nigeria. He said the airlines are facing the collateral damage and the average Nigeria is bearing the brunt of this issue.
Also in her statement at the meeting, President, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Susan Akporiaye added that the subsector is experiencing a very difficult time as some of the service providers were already giving up on the industry and diversifying into other business.
“It is our loss and also the loss of the country as we no longer sell more tickets like we used to; and this will further increase unemployment situation if this issue is not attended to,” the NANTA president said.
