FAAN applauds Federal Goverments approval of Zero Tariff on aircraft spare parts.

  

By Citizensplatform

Given the critical nature of the aviation sector, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has applauded President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for approving a zero tariff on aircraft spare parts in the 2013 budget.

This is a further confirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment towards transforming the aviation sector. We recall with delight that the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah made a case for the lifting of the tariff duty as part of an overall effort towards transforming the aviation sector.

Her dogged determination and consistent pursuit of the aviation roadmap is indeed yielding result already as evident in the remodeling of 11 airports across the nation. We recall that when the minister met with airline industry players, she promised to pursue the issues bedeviling the airline industry, especially the cost of importation of spare parts which is a major component of the operational cost.

The Managing Director, FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi believe that this action will turn around the industry and make aviation attractive to the much needed foreign investment. He said the ongoing remodeling exercise has already created a platform for the takeoff of Nigeria as a major hub in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa.

Uriesi noted that the FG’s action has indeed inspired enthusiasm in the international investors who had indicated strong interest in doing business with the Nigeria aviation industry during the Minister’s recent road show. He expressed hope that the airlines will take advantage of this gesture, so that not only will it improve the economy but the benefit will trickle down to the travelling public in terms of cheaper transportation.