Air safety concerns as airlines seek remedy for forex shortages

There are growing concerns for air safety as airline operators in Nigeria cry out over forex shortages which have hindered their smooth operations.

The operators claim that they have an estimated build-up of $575 million held in the country, which they are unable to repatriate, according to the Financial Watch.

Experts say this development might result in a drop in investments and loss of jobs in the country’s aviation sector as many airlines operating in Nigeria might be tempted to cut corners in their maintenance schedules as the scarcity of forex makes it harder to buy and stock consumables for aircraft in reasonable quantities.

“Airline operators are required to change their tyres on a weekly basis, pay for wear and tear on a monthly basis and fix old engines when the need arises, and this is often done outside the country and requires dollars to foot the bills,” Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria, Nogie Meggison, said.

The worry over air safety is heightened by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) rule that monies that are not repatriated within a period of two months should be considered as blocked

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) warned last month that about 2,000 Nigerian aviation workers might be sacked by foreign airlines.

Ripples Nigeria…without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now