Now, it has become apparent that Nigeria is not inherently a country marked by greed and selfishness.
By Abayomi Odunowo.
As the country grapples with the potential loss of Air Peace on the lucrative Lagos-London route due to predatory foreign airlines, the implications of such a decision could be catastrophic for the Nigerian economy and its people.
It is crucial to understand the context of this situation. Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, has been providing affordable flight options for Nigerians traveling to London. However, foreign airlines have been charging exorbitant prices for economy tickets on the same route, making it unaffordable for many Nigerians. This disparity in pricing has created a significant advantage for Air Peace, as more people opt for their affordable flights.
Now, there is a concerted effort by these foreign airlines to push Air Peace out of the market and regain their monopoly on the route. If successful, this would mean a return to the days when Nigerians had to pay over N2 million for an economy ticket to London, a price that is unattainable for most people in the country. This would not only hurt the pockets of ordinary Nigerians but also have a ripple effect on the overall economy.
The consequences of allowing this predatory behavior to continue are dire. If Air Peace is forced out of the market, the foreign airlines would have free rein to increase their ticket prices to exorbitant levels once again. This would lead to a significant drain on the Naira, as more people would have to spend a large portion of their income on air travel. The inflationary pressure caused by these increased prices would then spill over into other sectors of the economy, leading to a rise in the cost of goods and services for all Nigerians.
It is important to note that this situation is not just about economics. It is also about national pride and sovereignty. Allowing foreign airlines to dictate the terms of air travel in Nigeria undermines the efforts of indigenous companies like Air Peace to provide affordable and efficient services to the Nigerian people. It sends a message that Nigerian businesses are not capable of competing on a level playing field and need to be pushed out by foreign interests.
The role of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in this situation cannot be understated. It is imperative that the FGN intervenes to protect the interests of Nigerian businesses and consumers. By allowing Air Peace to be stampeded out of the Lagos-London route, the FGN would be complicit in jeopardizing the economic well-being of its citizens. The government must prioritize the welfare of its people over the interests of foreign airlines.
Furthermore, the ethnic bigotry that is playing a role in this situation is deeply troubling. It is disappointing to see Nigerians turning against each other based on ethnic lines, rather than uniting to protect the interests of the country as a whole. This divisiveness only serves to weaken the position of Nigerian businesses in the face of foreign competition.
The potential loss of Air Peace on the Lagos-London route is a grim reminder of the dangers of greed and selfishness in Nigeria. If allowed to happen, it would have far-reaching consequences for the economy and the people of Nigeria. The FGN and all Nigerians must come together to ensure that Air Peace is not pushed out by predatory foreign airlines. The future of the country’s aviation industry and its economy depends on it. Let us not take this shame and regret to our graves. Let us stand united against greed and selfishness, and fight for the fair treatment of Nigerian businesses and consumers.
Media Contacts
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
URL: www.aatsg.org.ng
Tel: +2349053535322
Email: nchairman@aatsg.org.ng
