Domestic airlines operating in Nigeria, represented by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have called upon the Federal Government to grant them the necessary license for the importation and distribution of aviation fuel, commonly known as JetA1. The demand was made during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, at his office in Abuja on Monday.
AON emphasized the importance of ensuring a steady and adequate supply of aviation fuel in the sector. Capt. Roland Iyayi, CEO of Top Brass Aviation, speaking on behalf of AON, stressed the urgency of liberalizing the procurement and distribution of JetA1 nationwide. He also highlighted the need for AON to be permitted to obtain the required licenses for product importation and distribution, a privilege they have been denied for an extended period.
Iyayi further addressed the issue of foreign exchange (forex) challenges faced by airline operators, urging the Federal Government to establish a dedicated support line. This line would provide domestic airline operators with unhindered access to foreign exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria at the official Investors & Exporters (I&E) window, supporting both local and international transactions.
In response, Minister Festus Keyamo acknowledged the persistent forex challenge and pledged to work closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria to explore avenues for airline operators to access forex at a single-digit interest rate of 1.5 to two percent, as requested.
The Minister also emphasized the paramount importance of safety within the aviation industry and encouraged airline operators to prioritize the safety of their operations, underscoring its significance for the sector’s overall success.
The visit aimed to brief the Minister about the challenges faced by the domestic airline industry and to propose solutions. Additionally, it served as an opportunity to congratulate Minister Festus Keyamo on his recent appointment. The demands put forward by AON underscore the industry’s need for critical government support to ensure its sustainability and growth.