Nigeria’s anticipated $1 trillion economy can be realized in record time if the federal government puts in place all necessary incentives and remove hurdles that that burdens operations of airlines and the transport sector in the country, founder and Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo said on Monday.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) spokesman warned that operating airlines continue to be burdened by multiple taxes and levies not comparable to anywhere in the world adding that the development limits indigenous airlines competition with others on the continent.

Okonkwo spoke at a ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport Abuja to launch it first international operations and the inaugural flight from Abuja into Accra, Ghana where he said the $1 trillion economy cannot be achieved without a thriving air transport sector.

The UNA founder said: “This would not have been possible if not for recent positive policies of the present administration. With United Nigeria now starting up additional flights to Ghana, we intend to open up new routes. However, we are appealing to Nigerian government to continue to support the aviation industry. A $1 trillion economy can never be achieved without aviation.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who launched the flight, said the direct flight would deepen the relationship existing between Nigeria and Ghana.

Keyamo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana said: “It is our responsibility to support local airlines because nobody else will do that. That is why our focus has been on safety and supporting local airlines to ensure that they have access to insurance and finance. The connection between Nigeria and Ghana will take our relationship farther. 

Also, Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, said the accomplishment showed the reason domestic operators need to collaborate more, noting that with partnership, they could achieve many feats.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Nigeria’s largest airline, Allen Onyema, said United Nigeria has  shown that with resilience, so much could be achieved.”