International Flights: 'We Want To Open More Than You Want To Open - Sirika

On the resumption of international flights in Nigeria, the Federal Government, on Monday, said that it was working to review the imposed ban, as the Federal Government wants international flights to resume "more than you want to  open," because "there must be passenger movement, especially international passenger for us to be able to survive," said Hadi Sirika, Aviation Minister.

The minister said this during the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.

He noted that the government was taking into account various factors that would determine the resumption of international flights in the country.

Sirika also said that the ban is in the interest of Nigerians, as the safety of Nigerians was the government's priority, reassuring that "we definitely will open."

He said, “Certainly, aviation is the worst hit in this (pandemic). There must be passenger movements, especially international passenger for us to be able to survive… so, we want to open more than you want to open.

He explained, “But this is subject to so many factors and all of the sacrifices the aviation is making is in the interest of the public; in the interest of all of us to stay safe.

“So, therefore, the government will not abdicate its responsibility of ensuring that all of us stay safe. We definitely will open. We will open very soon when everything seems to be okay and is safe.

READ ALSO: Buhari Names Train Stations After Prominent Nigerians, See Full List

 “If it is us, we will open yesterday because when we open, the ministry will make more money, we will be able to carry on our activities, we will pay our salaries and provide the service.

“We know that some people are cut away from their families, they are cut away from their businesses but this is an act of God; so please bear with the situation, we are very responsible people and we will open when it is the right time to open and I am sure it will be sooner than later.”