The Federal Government has approved the sum of N5billion as a bailout for airline operators and other business owners in the aviation sector to cushion the effects of COVID-19 on the country’s aviation industry.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

The Minister said the sum of N4billion has been approved as a bailout for airline operators and an additional N1billion for other business owners in the aviation sector.

Mr Sirika said the government’s decision to offer the bailout was based on recognition of the pivotal role of the aviation sector to the Nigerian economy.

The minister made the announcement when he appeared at the Senate for a public hearing in respect of the repeal and the re-enactment of the laws establishing the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)and the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

Others include the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).