Hadi Sirika, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation, has pleaded with Nigerian airlines to postpone their scheduled stoppage of operations on Monday due to the increase in aviation fuel prices from N190 to N700 per litre.
On Saturday, Mr. Sirika issued a statement through his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, James Odaudu.
According to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), Nigerian airlines, under the banner of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), stated on Friday that they will cease operations on Monday due to the high cost of aviation fuel.
The minister encouraged the airlines to examine the impact of suspending operations on Nigerians and international travelers.
"The attention of the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has been drawn to this issue," he stated.
"This comes after airline operators threatened to suspend operations due to increased costs of Jet A1, often known as aviation fuel." As the ministry in charge of the industry, we are deeply worried about the airlines' challenges in obtaining aviation fuel, which has resulted in skyrocketing air transportation costs in the recent past.
We also recognize that airlines are in business to make money while serving a vital sector that is not just the preferred form of transportation for most Nigerians but also the country's principal foreign gateway.
Unfortunately, the ministry does not have jurisdiction over the issue of fuel delivery, so all it can do in the meantime is interact with agencies, institutions, and people in positions of power.
"This is for the benefit of the airlines." The necessary team, chaired by the minister, is already working on this."
In addition, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has urged airlines to postpone the planned service stoppage due to the negative impact on passengers and the related hardship.