By Dipo Olowookere
President of the African Export-Import Bank, (Afreximbank), Mr Benedict Oramah, has disclosed that his organisation will continue to support Arik Air, Nigeria’s biggest carrier.
Speaking after a facility tour to Arik recently, Mr Oramah noted that the bank has always backed the airline.
He said, “We are doing this because of the essential role Arik Air is playing in connecting people across Africa and making sure goods are delivered across the continent. So, we want to make sure they are strengthened to do that. We also understand the difficulties in the environment, not only in Nigeria, but in most African countries.
“So, at this time, as a bank created to deal with or support our clients under such situations. We also wanted to be briefed on how these things are affecting the company and what we can do to make sure they ride through the situation.”
Mr Oramah explained that, “This visitation is essential for us as a bank to see what the airline is doing and to listen to them about their future plans because we are promoting intra African trade with Arik Air as a strategic partner in promoting intra-African trade.”
Responding, Chairman of Arik Air, Mr Joseph Arumami-Ikhidi, told newsmen that, “They reviewed everything and we gave them a summary of all that have happened and they too had their facts and figures and acquainted themselves with all our operations such as the difficulties, challenges and other things.
“The bank is set to promote intra-African trade, connect people and goods, which Arik Air has been doing. They also looked at our future plans.”
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Modupe Gbadeyanka