Ex-Akwa Ibom Gov Udom seeks concession for airlines

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has urged the Federal Government to grant concessions to the aviation sector to facilitate easy movement of people. The ex – governor said the sector has been badly hit by the forex crisis as well as economic hardship.

Udom spoke with reporters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday.

The former governor said:”I think there are some concessions that should be given to the entire aviation industry in Nigeria so that people can move from one place to another.

“There is no country on the planet that does not have some form of subsidy for its citizens.

“I’m not calling for a subsidy for the airline business, but they should be given preference on certain things because they operate in the same market.

“The economy of any country cannot move or grow if people cannot move from one place to another.”

Udom said he was satisfied that he launched Ibom Air as a sitting governor.

The former governor of Akwa Ibom State said: “I feel satisfied for launching Ibom Air under my administration.

Out of nothing, we created something, and that is the whole concept of creativity and ideas.”

He noted that the airline was a major differentiation in terms of what man can do despite challenges.

According to him, people sometimes forget that governors experience different challenges.

“During our era, we had recessions almost twice, then we had COVID-19, which grounded the whole world for one and a half years. Coming up with concepts, ideas, and creativity that people can be proud of is something for which I must give glory to Almighty God,” he stated.

Speaking on the future of the airline, he explained that what sustains an airline business was the culture that people put in place.

“If you check Ibom Air, they have the culture that would sustain the airline.

“I have absolute confidence in the current management to sustain the airline,” he added.