Hadi Sirika
AviationBreakingFeaturedHighlightTrending Story

Airlines’ N37bn debt overhang: We will go after them to collect the money – Aviation Minister

317

 

 

The Federal Government said on Thursday that airlines flying the country’s airspace are owing a humongous N37 billion and threatened to go after them to recover the money.  

The money is owed to agencies including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika disclosed this on Thursday while featuring at the weekly State House briefing organized by the Presidential Media Team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He said:“So this brings us to the question on the money owed the parastatals. It is about N37 billion that they are owing especially, Arik, the culprit. I know they are owing us about N13 or N14 billion.

“If you are owing government, you are owing FAAN, the Bi-Courtney is owing about N14 billion as at the last count. It has not paid a single dime since the time he started to run the terminal building. And we have not ceased giving him, electricity, water, fire cover and so on and so forth. He has not paid a dime for 13 years.

“And if we go to shut his doors, media, of course, and Nigerian people will say we are killing businesses but he is killing our services too.

“We have to have that money to provide for that toilet that you are looking in at Lagos airport. Most of these are living by their IGRs and so, we need the money but we will go after the money.”

On the N5 billion COVID-19 palliative to aviation stakeholders, Sirika said a case was made against debtor-airlines to be excluded from the intervention.

“The service providers in our system (FAAN, NAMA) said oh these guys (the airlines) are owing us and we should take the money from the money being given to them as palliatives. We said No, but the intent of President Buhari is to ensure that he cushions the effect on businesses. 

“Let us find a way of surviving and let them take the money. So we would have taken the money and left them with nothing and we stay with nothing.

On delayed flights or cancelation by airlines, the minister said henceforth airline operators should refund the full cost of travel tickets to passengers after a two-hour delay.

Sirika asked air passengers to demand their rights whenever they are trampled upon by airlines, reeling out rights of aviation passengers.

“Delay beyond one hour, carrier should provide refreshment, and one telephone call, or one SMS, or one e-mail. They should send you an SMS or email or call you to say, ‘I am sorry, I am delaying for one hour’.

“Delay for two hours and beyond, the carrier shall reimburse passengers the full volume of their tickets.

“Delay between 10pm and 4am, carrier shall provide hotel accommodation, refreshment, meal, two free calls, SMS, email and transport to-and-fro airport,” the minister said.

While urging passengers not to take laws into their hands and become unruly, Sirika disclosed that some airlines who infringed  on consumer rights are being sanctioned.

Persecondnews recalls that commercial airlines operating in the country had blamed domestic flight cancellations and delays on non-availability and rising cost of aviation fuel (Je tA1) and the vagaries of weather.

Others, according to airline operators, are delay occasioned by VIP movement at airports, inefficient passenger access and facilitation, and inadequate screening and exit points at departure. 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Fatal Islington sword attack: London teenager Tate bags 22 years

A teenager, Sanchez Tate, 18, has been sentenced to 22 years in...

With extant appeal, Rivers Govt.’ll be given its monthly federal allocation – FG

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has reacted to the...

FG urged to promote national unity, social cohesion using community-based events, initiatives

The Federal Government has been urged to take a more active role...

Carjacking in FCT: Police recover Land Cruiser Prado after high-speed hot chase

In a swift response to a distress call, the Federal Capital Territory...

Just in: Abuja Court remands 109 alleged foreign hackers in prison

No fewer than 109 alleged foreign hackers, including females who attempted to...

Lagos, Abuja airports receive full NCAA certification

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport...

Day 3 of African Military Games: Nigerian Armed Forces Shine, Win 17 Medals

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made a remarkable impact at the ongoing...

FG raises N346bln at Nov. 2024 bond auction, reflecting strong investor interest

The Federal Government has successfully raised N346.155 billion at its November 2024...

Breaking: Supreme Court Nullifies National Lottery Act

The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted...

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...