Ahead of Monday deadline for shutting down operations, the Federal Government (FG) has reached to the plans by local airline operators in Nigeria to shutdown operations over the rising cost of aviation fuel.

On behalf of the Nigerian government, the Federal Ministry of Aviation appealed the to local airline operators to reconsider their decision.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Affairs, James Odaudu, on Saturday.

The ministry, which asked the airlines to consider the implications of the planned action, said it is equally concerned about the rising cost of aviation fuel.

While acknowledging the importance of the sector and that the “airline operators are in the business to make profits”, the Ministry reiterated government’s resolve to creating conducive environment for businesses in the country.

It however noted that “Unfortunately, the issue of fuel supply is not within the purview of the Ministry and so the much it can do in the present situation is to engage with agencies, institutions and individuals in positions to provide succour to the airlines. This is already being done by the relevant team led by the Honourable Minister.”

Assuring of efforts towards remedying the situation, the Ministry said that “While the efforts to assuage the situation are on, we wish to appeal to the airline operators, even in the difficult situation, to consider the multiplier effect of shutting down operations, on Nigerians and global travellers, in taking their business-informed decisions and actions.

“We also assure Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the sector, that the Buhari administration remains stoic in its commitment to the creation and sustenance of an environment that promotes the growth of the aviation industry where major players like the airlines can operate in a profitable and competitive market,” the Ministry stated.