NAN-H-11
Concession
By Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA) has lauded the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to grant concession to airlines on access to foreign exchange.
The group welcomed the move in a statement jointly signed by President of the association, Mr Bernard Bankole and Publicity Secretary, Mr Olumuyiwa Adebayo in Lagos on Wednesday.
NANTA said the move was bound to strengthen the confidence level of airlines in Nigeria’s economy.
It also hailed the Minister of State for Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika, for intervening in the removal of capital controls placed by government, which were stifling development in the aviation sector.
“We want to commend the CBN and the minister for the forex concession that was recently granted to airlines.
“We are happy that our advocacy on the importance of government implementing favourable policies in the aviation sector is beginning to pay off.
“This decision is bound to strengthen the confidence level of airlines in Nigeria’s economy and reverse all the drawbacks that the industry has suffered in the past couple of months,’’ the group said.
It added that the concession would give room for the airlines to clear the backlog of unremitted funds in various banks in Nigeria, which would invariably create opportunities for Nigerians to enjoy more affordable travel.
NANTA said this was because travel agencies would no longer be compelled to sell tickets in dollars, which would reduce their cost.
It, however, urged the government to take further steps that would ease doing business in the sector and give investors more confidence to come to the country.
“The government should focus on the domestic carriers by creating an aviation intervention fund to help them stabilise and compete with their peers in other markets.
“Government should also consider granting licenses to companies that intend to set up Maintenance, Repairs and Overhauling (MRO) facilities in the country.
“This will help in areas of developing manpower, by offering training simulations to our personnel within the industry,’’ the association said.
NANTA said it was ready to partner with government, its agencies and other professional bodies in the sector to build a world class aviation industry for the country. (NAN)
ASO/AOM/SOA
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(Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Oluwole Sogunle)