FG reads riot act to foreign airlines on shabby treatment of Nigerians

Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to airlines, both domestic and foreign who treat Nigerians shabbily, especially on international operations, assuring them of dire consequences should they be discovered.

Hadi Sirika, minister of state for aviation, made this known when a delegation from the Emirates Group paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

This is as Sirika assured that ongoing construction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Terminal, Abuja, would be complete and ready by December.

According to Sirika, government cannot continue to condone the practice of subjecting Nigerians to all forms of suffering, either by making them walk long distances before boarding or using small aircraft that would not carry them along with their luggage to their destinations.

The minister informed the group that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had been directed to invoke all relevant laws to protect the interest and rights of Nigerians and others from being flagrantly abused by airline operators.

He however assured the operators of the Federal Government’s commitment to the complete overhaul and upgrading of the nation’s airport facilities that would make the use of Nigeria’s airspace a delightful experience.

On the ongoing construction of the second terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, he gave the assurance that it would be ready before the end of the year, stating that its completion would improve the comfort and convenience of both airline operators and the flying public.

Addressing the minister earlier, David Broz, vice president, political and industry affairs, Emirate Group, congratulated the minister on his appointment and pledged their commitment to serve Nigeria better, being their second biggest market in Africa.

He commended the Nigerian government on the efforts to upgrade facilities at its airports and promised to maintain the great relationship between the group and Nigeria, which had ensured their smooth operations in the country.