The team lead of the top destination management firm and owner of the UfitFly brand, Evang. Ajibola Ogunkeyede, has lamented the slow pace of development in the tourism and aviation sectors in Nigeria, reminding the Nigerian government that “oil will dry up one day, but tourism goes nowhere”.
The UfitFly boss, who was one of the personalities that honoured on Thursday with an award of excellence by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) at the association’s end-of-the-year dinner, disclosed this in a brief chat with newsmen.
Evang. Ogunkeyede, however called on the government to reconsider its stand on investment in the sectors, also described foreign exchange as the major challenge presently facing the travel and tour industry in Nigeria, noting that the Nigerian government has not tapped into the wealth inherent in the aviation and tourism industries.
“In terms of airlines, we are lagging behind, while we have not tapped into the tourism industry at all. But countries like the UK, America, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan among others, have continued to make good revenue from tourism and aviation sectors, Nigeria is greatly missing out, because Nigeria hasn’t explored 0.01% of the potentials of the money-spinning sectors.”
“Nigeria still relies on oil while all other countries don’t; even Saudi Arabia has abandoned oil, and is seriously exploring the tourism and aviation industries, hence, they are changing most of their laws. For Instance, women can now drive, while entertainment and football activities, among others, are now booming because they realized that oil will dry but tourism goes nowhere.”
Evang. Ogunkeyede, who commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo for positive steps he has taken so far to reposition the sector, expressed optimism that he would follow up just the strides.
“Gone are the days that airline operators will just cancel flights and there will be no penalty. The Minister has mandated the airline operators to give notice before any flight cancellation.”
The UfitFly boss however appealed to the Minister to work on making Nigeria Air functioning. This, he said, will become a competitor to all other destination careers.
“There are cheaper flights in Cotonou, but in Nigeria, you’ll pay triple what you pay there because we have no airline of our own, while all those foreign airlines are sucking us, and we call ourselves the ‘Giant of Africa. We need to work out something as fast as possible.”
“We can also co-partner with private airline operators like Air Peace, among others, to ensure our visibility all over the world. It will help our economy. This is not about oil or Agriculture, but Tourism, which will positively change the economy.
Meanwhile, Evang Ogunkeyede, noted that the tourism industry cannot thrive without the help of the aviation sector. “And without the presidency working more on security and properly funding the tourism ministry, we will just be paying salaries.
“Can you see the way God has used me to change the Nigeria Pilgrimage Commission; today it is one of the government agencies to be reckoned with because we want to ensure that every Christian home has a JP. And we will achieve it in Jesus’ name”, he enthused.
The Chartered tour broker however commended the NANTA Western Zone’s leadership and the event’s organizing committee for recognizing his personality and his organization, as he prayed that NANTA will continue to grow higher and higher.
