Business
COVID-19: Aseman Airline Suspends Flight From PH To Ghana …As Local Flights, Fares Remain Same
Aseman Airlines says it has suspended extension of flight operations to Ghana and other regions in Africa following the spread of the Coronavirus code named Covid-19.
The Port Harcourt Manager of Aseman Airline, Ogbonna Chinedu, who stated this in Port Harcourt during a chat with newsmen however, said its domestic flights were going on unhindered.
According to him, “Domestic (flight) is going on. Domestic is fine and things are doing well. Before now Aseman Airline is supposed to have embarked on regional flight to Accra, Ghana from here (Port Harcourt International Airport) which for now is being suspended due to the outbreak of the virus (Covid-19) so to say.
“When there is increase pass (passengers) there will be increase or rise in revenue. And when there is decrease in passengers’ movement of course will be affected negatively,” Chinedu said.
Similarly, local airlines operating at the Port Harcourt International airport, Omagwa said they have not cut down flights, while fares of flight tickets have remained the same despite the spread of the Coronavirus globally.
A senior official of Dana Airline who did not want his name mentioned told The Tide that the number of passengers had not reduced, saying instead the Airlines have taken further step to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their passengers.
“You know as a low budget carrier, we try as much as possible to ensure that our fares are not higher than the expected. We try to keep our fares as convenient as possible for passengers. At the moment, there are no changes, no reduction of flights or frequency. Nothing, everything is still the same.
“The only thing is the measures we are taking to ensure that passengers are safe and comfortable onboard our flight,” the official said, adding that upon completion of a flight, the airline screens and disinfects its planes.
“We also change the air filters. You know the air conditioner has a filter. We change it more often that recommended by the manufacturer. We also change the head rest where passengers rest their heads frequently and we ensure that all the places that our passengers touch or are likely to touch during the flight are properly clean upon completion of every flight,” he stated.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that the 2025 economic indices indicate a positive outlook, with the nation’s GDP expected to accelerate to 4.17 per cent for faster economic growth.
Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, CBN, revealed this on Tuesday during the 11th edition of the National Economic Outlook: Implications for Businesses in 2025.
The hybrid event, convened in Lagos, was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Centre for Financial Studies in collaboration with B. Adedipe Associates Ltd.
Abdullahi said the nation’s 2025 economic projections remained optimistic with fiscal and monetary reforms already paying off, resulting in the GDP anticipated rise from 3.36 per cent recorded in 2024.
According to him, the growth is anchored on sustained implementation of government reforms, stable crude oil prices, and improvements in domestic oil production.
Abdullahi also stated that stability in the exchange rate would play a crucial role in maintaining the positive trajectory, with the inflation rate projected to decline due to the impact of economic reforms.
“Achieving the targeted inflation rate of 15 per cent in 2025 will require effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside private sector participation for a stable economic environment,” he said.
The keynote speaker said that the apex bank would prioritise price stability and strengthen the financial sector to support SMEs and critical sectors for businesses to thrive.
Abdullahi noted that the nation’s evolving policy landscape presented both challenges and opportunities for businesses to thrive.
“The government is making deliberate strides to diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependence on the volatile oil sector.
“Through ongoing tax reforms aimed at broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency, the government is working to establish a more sustainable fiscal environment.
“While these reforms may present challenges in the short term, they are essential for building a more resilient and diversified economy in the long run.
“As businesses, it is crucial to adapt to these changes, understanding that they will ultimately strengthen the economic foundation for future growth.
“As we move forward on this path of exploration and collaboration, we must remain focused on the vast opportunities before us.
“Nigeria’s abundant resources, coupled with the current administration’s commitment to economic reform, offer a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said 2024 presented both challenges and opportunities.
He noted that the GDP signalled gradual recovery amidst global and domestic pressures.
“As we move into 2025, we are presented with both the opportunity and responsibility to critically examine the economic landscape.
“This forum will help us identify the risks, harness the opportunities, and strategize for the future,” Olarenwaju noted.
He commended the collaboration of experts at the annual event, which included Dr Kabir Katata, Director, Research, Policy and International Relations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; and Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie of the Lagos Business School.
Others were Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, CEO, Lagos Commodities and Fixtures Exchange; Mr Akeem Lawal, Managing Director Interswitch (Pure pay); and Chinwe Uzoho, Regional Managing Director, West and Central Africa Network International.
Business
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