By Zara Maisango
The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) has urged aviation sector operators to steer clear of unhealthy competition aimed at undermining rival airlines. This call was made by the National Coordinator of NDYC, Mr. Jator Abido, in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
Reacting to a media report that blacklisted 13 Nigerian airlines, including Air Peace, by international aircraft lessors for contract breaches, Abido labeled the report as false and misleading. He emphasized that Air Peace and other airlines were not blacklisted as alleged.
“The aviation sector is crucial to our economy, particularly in the Niger Delta region where significant economic activities involving expatriates are based. It was necessary for us to verify the authenticity of the claim, especially as it concerned a key player in the industry with a substantial presence in our region,” Abido said.
He pointed out that their investigation revealed the falsehood was propagated by those intimidated by the growing success of Air Peace and other airlines. “We frown at such barbaric tactics employed by other airlines operating in Nigeria, including international carriers. We also request the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulators to act swiftly to prevent future occurrences as this could cause panic among air travelers and adversely affect the economy.”
The NDYC highlighted that Air Peace's expansion into international markets, such as the London route, has faced repeated attacks from international carriers. “This latest media attack is similar to the price war launched by international airlines earlier this year to drive Air Peace out of business. The talk of contract breaches between lessors and targeted Nigerian airlines is a decoy to create panic and reduce ticket sales.”
Abido questioned the simultaneous blacklisting of over 13 airlines, asking, “How could one explain the fact that lessors decided to blacklist them all at once? Did all the airlines breach their contracts at the same time? Can two contracts even be the same? These and many more questions beg for answers.”
The group urged Nigerians not to fall for the blackmail and to continue supporting Nigerian airlines, particularly Air Peace, for both local and international travels. “Fellow Nigerians, let us not succumb to the cheap propaganda of our enemies. They aim to push airlines like Air Peace out of business to resume exploiting unsuspecting Nigerians. Air Peace, which owns most of its aircraft, cannot be blacklisted by a lessor.”
Abido concluded by calling for support for Dr. Allen Onyema, Managing Director and CEO of Air Peace, for his service to Nigeria. “We must grow Nigeria and patronize Nigerian airlines to build and strengthen our economy.”
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