Since
the liquidation of Nigerian airways in 2003, successive administrations
have pondered on the idea of floating a national carrier. This has not
resulted in something concrete as the giant of Africa cannot boast of
one.
Smaller African countries like Ethiopia and Kenya own Ethiopian and Kenyan airlines respectively. And you begin to question why Nigeria, one
of the most attractive African destination does not have one. In line
with this, Jovago.com, Africa’s largest hotel booking portal unveils 5
reasons why Nigeria needs a national carrier.
Promote Nigeria’s tourism industry
Tourism
is huge in Nigeria. There are tourists attractions scattered all over
the nation from the Yankari Games reserve in the North to the Obudu Cattle Ranch in the South, Ogbunike Cave in the East and the Idanre Hills in
Ondo. One way to promote these destinations is via the national carrier
through promotional materials like videos, flyers, photos and exclusive
discounts to visit these sites. A national carrier will be committed to
the promotion of Nigeria’s destination than the privately run airlines.
Reciprocate Bilateral Air services Agreement (BASA)
Bilateral
Air Services Agreement is an accord nations sign, allowing
international commercial air transport move between territories. For now
all the BASA agreements signed by Nigeria favours other countries due
in part to the fact that she doesn’t own a national carrier. In 2015,
Nigeria penned 15 BASA agreements and has signed over 78 so far and just
a handful is reciprocated by Nigeria. The agreement is lopsided. With a
national carrier, Nigeria can reciprocate these agreements.
Earn Foreign Exchange
Foreign
exchange is scarce in Nigeria today. The government of the day will
tremendously appreciate all avenues to earn foreign exchange. The
establishment of the national carrier is one of those avenues. In
establishing of the carrier, majority of the stake in the airline will
be privately owned while the role of government will be largely
supervisory and regulatory.
Symbol of National pride
Emirates,
Etihad, and South African airways et al are among internationally
recognized airlines in the world. Each airline is a symbol of National
pride for their respective nations. Citizens of these countries always
want to associate themselves with their airlines. It is also a source of
good international relations. Nigeria and Nigerians will feel this way
if and when a National Career-Air Nigeria is established.
Affordable airfares
The
erratic and indiscriminate change in airfares experienced with private
airlines will not be applicable to Nigeria’s national carrier. The air
fares will be affordable for every Nigerian and airfares will remain
stable.
Ogunfowoke Adeniyi | |
Travel/Technology Writer | |
Mobile: +2348090747241 Skype: Sleeksavvy | |
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