NAN-H-30
Expert
By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Jan. 5, 2017 (NAN) A travel and tourism expert, Mr Ikechi Uko, has urged the Federal Government to urgently implement the Yamoussoukro Decision to improve Nigeria’s air connectivity with other African countries.
Uko, who is the promoter of the Akwaaba African Travel and Tour Market, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
NAN reports that the Yamoussoukro Decision was formally adopted during the Assembly of Heads of State held in Lome, Togo in July 2000.
Its objective is defined under Article 2, Scope of Application, as the gradual liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services.
Uko noted that liberalisation of the African skies would boost aviation and tourism in Nigeria because of its strategic location, population and tourist attraction sites and events.
“My expectations this year is that things will get better for both the aviation and tourism sectors and one of the way to do that is to increase our connectivity.
“So I am expecting that Nigerian should implement visa on arrival for all Africans coming to the country.
“I am expecting that Nigeria should implement the open skies agreement that they have signed on to,” he said.
Uko expressed optimism on the plan by the government to create a new national carrier, adding that it would help the country explore the benefits of such bilateral agreements.
“I am expecting the national carrier to be birthed this year but the government should also carry the existing domestic airlines along and create a conducive environment for them to thrive, ” he added.
To this end, he advised the government to find lasting solutions to issues such as scarcity of aviation fuel and foreign exchange which were hindering the operations of the domestic airlines.
Uko also called for the upgrade of airport terminals and navigational aids, to improve the safety and comfort of travellers.
“I believe that we can grow these two sectors with the right policies and persons in charge.
“The tourism master plan and the aviation road map should be our focus this year and hopefully, we will do better than what we have seen in the past,” he added. (NAN)
WAC/ASO/PIO/PIO
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(Edited by Idonije Obakhedo)