The Founder of United Nigeria Airlines and spokesperson for the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has called upon the Federal Government to maintain its support for the aviation industry, asserting that a $1 trillion economy is unattainable without a thriving air transport sector.

Okonkwo made this appeal on Monday, coinciding with United Nigeria Airlines’ inaugural flight from Abuja, Nigeria, to Accra, Ghana.

He also issued a caution that Nigerian airlines would struggle to compete internationally if they remain burdened by taxes and levies that are higher than those prevalent in other global markets.

The inaugural flight, operated by a Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft named after the late Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings, departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 11:32 am and arrived at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra at 12:55 pm.

Expanding Routes and Appealing for Financial Access

Speaking on the launch, Okonkwo expressed gratitude for recent policy decisions, stating: “This would not have been possible if not for recent positive policies of the present administration. With United Nigeria now starting up additional flights to Ghana, we intend to open up new routes. However, we are appealing to Nigerian government to continue to support the aviation industry. A $1 trillion economy can never be achieved without aviation.”

He emphasized the foundational role of the sector, adding: “In every part of the world, transportation is an enabler. Without it, everything you are doing is in vain. For us, we are prepared and ready, but we can’t fly higher if we are overburdened with certain taxes, if we are overburdened with so many levies, more than anywhere in the world.”

Highlighting the disparity in competitive advantage, Okonkwo pointed out: “This is a competitive business. Our competitors are accessing special funds in their different countries, zero interest rate and have government support. Today, we source our money from the commercial bank market. We can be stronger, we can do better, if there will be a window, a special window of access to funds.”

He clarified the industry’s specific need, insisting: “We don’t want grants. We don’t want free money. We are only just asking for a single interest digit access loan for the aviation industry. With that, we can fly higher. We will procure more aircraft and be of better service to our grand traveling public.”

Government and Industry Reactions to Direct Flight

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, who launched the flight, commented that the new direct service would significantly strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.

Represented by Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the Minister asserted: “It is our responsibility to support local airlines because nobody else will. That is why our focus has been on safety and supporting local airlines to ensure that they have access to insurance and finance. The connection between Nigeria and Ghana will take our relationship farther. This is another opportunity for Ghanaians to come to Nigeria and vice versa. No doubt, this will create a bigger economy for both countries.”

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Ahmed, echoed this sentiment, noting the competitive benefits: “What makes me more happier is the fact that United Nigeria Airlines has brought competition on this route, and this is going to benefit all of us.”

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, praised the achievement, stressing the need for collaboration among domestic operators, remarking: “I am impressed by the synergy that is being formed in the aviation industry. Just like our operators were told in Seattle, there is a need for unity among them and government support. I am appealing to Onyema and Okonkwo to extend this warm relationship to the other airlines so that you people will be able to tell us to help you. Government has really done well, and there are other places that we need to adjust for you.”

Similarly, Allen Onyema, Chairman of Nigeria’s largest airline, commended the feat, linking it to the benefits of indigenous investment and resilience, saying: “One thing is certain, the sky is big enough for all Nigerian airlines. We know that the industry is competitive, but we can also compete and support one another. I cannot thank President Bola Tinubu enough for what he is doing for the aviation industry. When indigenous investments are supported, the country will reap the benefits.”