Airline operators commend government over stand on African Free Trade Area treaty





Airline operators commend government over stand on  African Free Trade Area treaty 


By Kelvin Osa Okunbor 

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) yesterday commended Federal Government for adhering to the concerns raised by airlines, manufacturers and other players in the economic community before it rushes into signing the treaty on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Muhammadu Buhari will not be attending the African Heads of State Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda , where AfCFTA will be signed March 21, 2018.
The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects of the African Union Agenda 2063 and is aimed at creating a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments and one currency.
Buhari's resolve not to attend the meeting in Rwanda , Chairman of AON, Captain Nogie Meggison said should be commended following concerns raised by airline operators and other players in the economy.
He said the decision by Buhari to adopt the recommendations of economic players before rushing into signing the treaty is evidence that government is listening  to operators.
Meggison said : “I would like to on behalf of AON and other well-meaning investors, entrepreneurs and other professional bodies that believe in Nigeria and have invested and continue to invest in Nigeria thank President for taking a bold step to make a difference by not only taking on board our recommendations but also taking a strong decision to hold on a little while before signing the AfCFTA Treaty."
He said the decision of Buhari not to attend the meeting will allow government consult  widely with technocrats on issues related to  the treaty  and position Nigeria to take full advantage of the AfCFTA. 
Said he : “We are happy that President Buhari postponed his trip to give us an opportunity to put our house in order before signing the Treaty and to put Nigeria first.
"Rushing to sign the Treaty would have given other African nations and possibly some foreign nations unfair advantage into the Nigerian market and is likely to erode the good work Government has so far put in place to diversify the economy and reverse the gains of the present administration in reviving the economy out of recession. 
"For instance, a foreign company can easily bring in a shipload of rice to a Nigerian neighboring country and re-bag as produced in Africa.
"History has shown that rushed Treaties have put us in a disadvantageous position. That is why we have over 600 unemployed pilots roaming our streets; not to mention the numerous unemployed university graduates. 
"While we think the AU 2063 Agenda is a good idea, we are however against the immediate signing of the AfCFTA. We must pause and carry along the numerous professionals, technocrats and investors in order to position Nigeria not to make the mistakes of the past."
 Meggison therefore urged government to use the opportunity to immediately call for consultations with the Nigerian Business Community of Entrepreneurs and Experts on Trade Policies.








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