Nigerian business environment too harsh for survival – British Airways

The management of British Airways, yesterday marked 80 years operation in Nigeria and described the current operating environment as harsh to the aviation sector.

The Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales, British Airways, Paola De Renzis, who dropped the hint in Abuja, said the airline had been facing a very difficult times doing its business in Nigeria due to the current economic hardship in the country, but had to cope because of the long standing relationship between Britain and Nigeria since 1936.

Rezis, who described the Forex scarcity challenge as a big threat to the aviation industry, however, admitted that the situation is gradually getting better than it was six months ago, due to the intervention of the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN and Federal government.

‘‘The current economic recession has been a big threat to the British Airlaine but for the long standing relationship we have with Nigeria, we have strived to remain afloat.

‘‘We are happy, the Nigerian government, the minister of finance, aviation along side the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria have intervened and the situation is much better when it comes to foreign remittances.

‘‘So, if you look at the current situation compared to where we were like in six months ago, we are in a much much better place. Has the problem not gone away, no and of course we are talking to key stakeholders in Nigeria.

‘‘I can confirm to you now that we are in talks with the minister of finance, minister of aviation and we will keep on monitoring the situation. We have been around for 80 years and we are very committed to Nigeria,’’ he said.