The minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, has denied allegations of marginalising the north.
The minister was recently accused of denying landing right to some foreign airlines at the Malam aminu Kano International airport.
Oduah, in a said a statement issued and signed by her Special Adviser on Media, Mr Joe Obi, described the allegation as untrue..
She explained that the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and other countries granted right to some foreign airlines to land in Abuja, Lagos and Kano.
“We make haste to state that the BASA between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) clearly grants and entitles these airlines to operate flights into Lagos, Abuja and Kano International Airports.
She said the airlines — Emirates, Etihad and Ethiopian Airways — were entitled to operate cargo services to the said destinations.
“It is therefore, inconceivable that anyone, including the aviation minister will unilaterally deny them rights and privileges already conferred by the BASA.
The minister said the airlines had commenced operations into Lagos, adding that neither Emirates nor Etihad had indicated intention to commence operations at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
“With regard to the Turkish Airways, the Ministry of Aviation, on the 1st of August, 2012, granted approval to the airline to also operate at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
“The approval also enjoined the airline to partner with the local Carrier, IRS on the Kano route.
“ It is, therefore, totally misleading to suggest that the airline was denied entry into Kano,” she stressed.(NAN)