By Prince Okafor

Nigerians for Better Nigeria, NBN, have expressed their concern over the continued suspension of Emirates Airlines operations in Nigeria.

The organisation which comprises businessmen, women, students,patients, and tourists among others, are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene on the situation.

It will be recalled that in October 2023, Emirates suspended their flight operation into Nigeria over their inability to repatriate their funds.

However, in a chat with Vanguard Aviation World, NBN, National Secretary, Abdulmumin Sanusi, stated that, “From the above, the problem is essentially caused by some Nigerians in high places with intent to ridicule the country.This, they have succeeded.

“Why should Nigeria withhold money for tickets sold by any companywhether indigenous or foreign? It is unfair, shameful and criminal.

“This criminal act has caused a lot of Nigerians their livelihoods,lives and even endangered their educational pursuits. Nigerians havingbusinesses or doing businesses in United Arab Emirates (UAE), many have lost a significant proportion of their businesses, while those schooling may have hadtheir educational pursuits terminated.

“Similarly, those that need medical attention in Dubai may be in a deepercrisis. There is no doubt that some of them may have even died because of the suspension of Emirates Airlines operations in Nigeria.

“We believe those responsible for this national shame do not know the height of the damage their action has done to the country and the consequences it has inflicted on other innocent Nigerians.

“This was how they destroyed Nigerian Airways by not remitting money for tickets and also, flying on complimentary tickets among others.

“Today, it is cheaper to transit to most parts of the world through Dubai. For instance, while Qatar Airlines charges N2.5 million on economy tickets, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic charge not less than N5.2 million.

“This cannot continue. Nigeria and Nigerians cannot be ridiculed for the action of some self-centred individuals to the detriment of the majority of other Nigerians.We call on President Mohammad Buhari to immediately intervene and save the country from further shame and national embarrassment.”