By LAWANI MIKAIRU

Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Captain Noggie Meggison   has tasked the incoming administration of Retired General Muhammadu Buhari to quickly address the case of more than 500 Nigerian pilots who are currently unemployed, adding that this is the most pressing among the issues agitating the minds of operators.

Addressing aviation reporters in Lagos , Meggison said “we must not hesitate to add that the task to rebuild the aviation and airline sector must remain on course in the light of many issues that domestic operators have consistently put on the frontier burner for government’s attention”

He said the number of unemployed pilots is increasing from the current 200 to an astronomical number when the over 100 student pilots’ sent to Jordan by the Kano State government would graduate later this year.

“This is in addition to the 52 youths trained under the Federal Government Amnesty programme as well as the fresh batches   of 100 graduating from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, and the 40 from International Aviation College, IAC, in Ilorin, Kwara State.”

Meggison said unless something fast is done, such development constitutes a disincentive to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry.

He said well over 400 Nigeria licensed aircraft engineers are also out of job, urging the Federal Government to put in place an employment policy that would ensure these aviation professionals are engaged by both indigenous and foreign carriers operating in the country. According to him, the   issues agitating the minds of operators, which are not limited to the following , include : “The need for aircraft maintenance hangar in the country.

The exclusion of domestic airlines by the Central Bank of Nigeria window. The skyrocketing price of   aviation fuel. Multiple tax regime by aviation authorities to domestic carriers .The removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on air transportation as other modes of transportation , including foreign airline operating in and out of Nigeria who   are also not paying VAT.”

“Improvement of service   delivery by aeronautical agencies. Access to   single digit loan by financial institutions. Engagement of more Nigerian pilots / engineers by foreign carriers (over 500 pilots and engineers youths unemployed ). Multiple entry points granted foreign carriers. Inadequate airport facilities and day time only operation of most of our airport.”

He further said “We hope that as the incoming administration settles down in office, it   will put a strong aviation policy in place and engage AON on how to move the strategic and air transport sector forward to a place where we should be. Aviation is a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy and GDP (from 0.4 percent to 10 percent in 2 years.