By Kenneth Ehigiator

LAGOS — President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a committee to look into the disagreement between the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, and airlines over the agency’s new pay-as-you-go payment mode for en route and terminal navigational charges.

The committee, according to Arik Air Chairman, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, is expected to submit its recommendations as soon as possible.

Arumemi-Ikhide, who spoke at the commissioning of the airline’s mini-fuel depot in Lagos, weekend, said the president’s intervention was necessary, in view of flight disruptions caused by denial of take off clearance by NAMA as a result of the new payment system.

“I want to express our gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for the committee he has set up to look into the issue with NAMA and other agencies. That committee is working, we are very sure that very soon, the outcome of the committee will be made known.

“But, one thing is clear Arik Air is right, we will not operate illegally, even if other people may rush, even other people can go ahead and do what is unprofessional, we will not do it, we will operate within the laws as enshrined by the NCAA, the regulatory agency.