Victor EzejaForeign airlines operating in Nigeria express dissatisfaction with the initial $61 million payment by the government, warning of potential service withdrawals.
During a press conference at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN), asserted that the sum was insufficient, calling for a structured payment plan.
He stated, “The foreign airlines are not talking about it because they felt it is a little drop. If we have had about $300 million or half of what the airlines are being owed, then, you can say there is hope.”
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Nwokoma cautioned that unless the debt crisis is promptly addressed, some airlines might follow the lead of Etihad and Emirates Airlines in withdrawing their services from Nigeria.
He linked high airfares departing from Nigeria to the blocked funds, revealing that the nation was losing potential travelers to neighboring African countries with comparatively lower fares.
“We are not saying the government should pay all, but the government should have a plan to pay a chunk of the money every quarter. The fear is that if it continues like this, some of the airlines may go,” Nwokoma emphasized.
As the government faces pressure to clarify its stance and establish a plan, concerns linger over the potential departure of foreign airlines, signaling a looming crisis in the aviation sector.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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