Ethiopian Airlines commences regular flights from Kaduna

Regular international fl ights and an inland container terminal will help the Kaduna economy overcome the disadvantage of not being close to a seaport, Kaduna Governor, Nasir ElRufai said yesterday. Speaking at the inauguration of Ethiopian Airlines regular fl ights from Kaduna, the governor expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders that made it possible. Leading senior government offi cials at the celebration of the inaugural fl ight, Mr. El-Rufai said that the federal government trusted the state to host fl ights while Abuja Airport was closed, and that Ethiopian Airlines demonstrated confi dence and solidarity by agreeing to Kaduna fl ights during the period.

Th e governor promised that the Kaduna state government will support Ethiopian Airlines to make the Kaduna-Addis Ababa fl ights successful. In a symbolic mark of support, Mr. El-Rufai personally led a team of state government offi cials to board the inaugural fl ight. Following the celebrations, the state government issued a formal statement, welcoming the beginning of regular international fl ights. “Th e Kaduna State Government welcomes with delight the commencement today, 1st August 2017, of regular international fl ights from the Kaduna International Airport. Th e government appreciates and recognizes the profound statement of confi dence Ethiopian Airlines is demonstrating in the prospects and viability of Kaduna.

“Th e fl ight of Ethiopian Airlines from Kaduna to Addis Ababa today marks another step in the steady insertion of Kaduna into the global economy. With this direct fl ight from Kaduna, and the imminent start of operations at the inland container terminal, Kaduna is being upgraded to a port city despite its considerable distance from the nearest ocean. International travel for business people and the ability to export and import cargo with little hitch are being considerably enhanced. “Th is is giving considerable boost to the state government’s strategy to anchor growth and development on attracting investments to create jobs, increase internally generated revenues and empower people. Th e investment strategy is receiving emphatic support with investment infl ows above $ 300 million in two years amidst two very successful investment summits.

 

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