The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation has reaffirmed that the suspended national carrier would be activated as soon as possible.
Minister of State Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika gave the assurance while receiving the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria, Fahad Al Taffaq in his office
Sirika made it clear that December 4, 2018 earlier given for its take-off was no longer feasible.
According to the Minister, it is inconceivable that Nigeria, with its population of over 180 million people, would not be a major player in the aviation industry, noting that even the country’s geographical location has made it a natural hub for air transportation and ancillary businesses.
A press statement issued by the Deputy Director, Media and Public Affairs of the Ministry, James Odaudu further harped that Nigeria and UAE have a long standing relationship, politically and business wise, especially in the aviation sector, and hoped that the new envoy will use his presence in the country to further boost these relationships.
The statement also stressed on the need for Emirates Airlines to increase its daily flights out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to compliment the support and patronage that Nigerians have given it while asserting that government was doing all that was necessary to provide the conducive environment that airlines need to thrive.
Ambassador Fahad Al Taffaq had earlier told the Minister that he was at the Ministry to reaffirm his country’s continued cooperation with Nigeria in the area of Aviation where both countries have enjoyed a long-standing relationship.
According to him, it was in view of such a relationship that the United Arab Emirates has approved the extension of it’s tourist visa to six months while on a visit to the country, meaning that Nigerian tourists can stay for up to six months.
He also informed the Aviation Minister that plans have been completed for the opening of a visa office in Lagos in order to mitigate the hardship of coming to Abuja for visa processing.
The Ambassador promised to maintain the strong political and economic affinity between Nigeria and his country, a situation that is underscored by the number of Nigerians living and working in the United Arab Emirates which he put at over 20 thousand.
