The Senate warned that it has become increasingly dangerous to fly in Nigeria. This was amid fears that Aviation operators were beginning to cut corners in their routine maintenance requirements.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday; the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Smart Adeyemi said it has become difficult for aviation operator to run their business as a result of the impact of Covid-19 and harsh government tax regimes.
According to Adeyemi, the poor financial situation is forcing many airline operators to circumvent the system; putting the sector at great risk. To prevent the looming danger and help keep the sector afloat; the Senate said a bailout of ₦50 billion is required to meet the needs of the airline operators.
In responding to the impact of Covid-19 on the Aviation Sector; the Federal Government had made provision for the sum of ₦4 billion as a bailout for the airline operators. The Senate made a case for more for the airline operators; stressing that ₦4 billion is grossly inadequate for any meaningful impact.
This was as the Senate further advised the Federal Government to run a tax-free policy for all spare parts and commercial aircraft imported into the country; stressing that such arrangement will help stimulate growth in the face of recession.
