Dele Ogbodo in Abuja
The Minister of State for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, on Thursday gave the managements of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Arik Air Group two weeks within which to resolve all issues relating to indebtedness among them.
Arik Air was forced to suspend domestic flight activities on Wednesday due picketing of its operations by the aviation workers’ union at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, which resulted in several passengers being stranded and many missing their appointments.
In a statement signed by Mr. James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, on behalf of the minister, the said the directive was the outcome of the minister’s meeting with the management of Arik Air in his office in Abuja on Thursday.
Sirika directed the parties to report back to him after 14 days period with a resolution on amounts owed, payment plans and the way forward.
The minister regretted the alleged indebtedness by Arik air which has led to disagreements with some trade unions within the regulatory agencies.
He stressed that government will not condone lawlessness within the industry, adding that all airline operators must conform to industry rules and regulations which include the prompt payment of applicable fees and fines as at when due.
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