Minister sees prospect in aviation sector as Med-View lists 9.75bn ordinary shares

Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said there is growth and development within the Nigeria aviation sector, especially as Med-View Airline yesterday listed 9.75 billion ordinary shares at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Although experts have said the development is coming at a time when most domestic airlines are struggling to stay afloat as a result of the harsh operating environment, it shows that that there are prospects for the sector in the near future.

“The meaning of this listing is that there is growth and development within the sector in Nigeria. It also means that the airlines are getting healthier and it means that government is responsive and responsible enough to identify reason for setting up companies to be able to help, sustain and provide services to help Nigerians.

“This is a plus for us and we implore entrepreneurs that are doing businesses within the aviation sector to follow the example Med-view has taken and ensure that going forward, they are promoting their businesses in such a way that they provide needed service for development of our country in general,” Sirika said.

Speaking also at the NSE yesterday, Muneer Bankole, CEO, Med-View Airline, said “Med-View is listing in order to enhance its cooperate value and brand image and gain better access to long-term capital from wide range of local and international investors.”

Bankole also said the airline was listing for better rating when obtaining loans from financial institutions and boosting the international image and profile of the airline.

He noted that aviation business is the fastest growing business and one that exposes the economy of a country to the international market.

“It is dollar driven and it is the fastest and most secured business. What we are going through in Nigeria is a test everyone should learn from and with the development from the federal government and encouragement that we have seen; it is for private individuals to ensure that they grow the market.

“From our financial record five years ago, we have grown tremendously. We have moved from N3.6billion to 26billion in 2016 and we hope to grow more and with all the support and partnerships we have received, I think the future is bright for the company,” he said.