Niro Company Limited has responded to recent media reports concerning comments attributed to employees of Gambia International Airlines (GIA) about Niro's operations at Banjul International Airport. The company stated that allegations against them should be backed by facts and evidence. Niro respects the right of workers to raise concerns about their employment and working conditions but maintains that it should not be blamed for challenges facing GIA.
According to Niro, the company entered the market as a duly authorised Gambian company and has competed for business through investments in equipment, people, training, and service delivery. Niro said airlines are commercial customers and have the right to choose their service providers based on safety, quality, reliability, operational performance, and price. This allows airlines to make informed decisions about their service providers.
Niro rejected suggestions that offering competitive prices amounts to unfair competition. The company's prices are based on its operating costs, investments, and commercial agreements with airline customers. Niro's statement comes amid claims concerning competition between aviation service providers operating at Banjul International Airport. The company is committed to fair competition and operating within the law.
Niro also addressed allegations that government officials allegedly hold interests in the company, describing the claims as serious. The company said anyone with credible evidence of such interests or any improper conduct should present it to the appropriate authorities. Niro is prepared to cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation, while cautioning against presenting allegations as established facts without evidence.
Niro has invested significantly in aviation services in The Gambia and continues to employ and train Gambians while expanding its operations at Banjul International Airport. The company has no interest in seeing GIA workers lose their livelihoods, describing them as fellow Gambians. However, Niro maintained that the legitimate concerns of GIA employees should not be used to make Niro a scapegoat for the commercial or operational challenges of another company.
Niro called for both companies to compete fairly, with the regulator applying the same standards to all operators. The company said performance, safety, service quality, and customer satisfaction should ultimately determine competition in the sector. This approach would promote a healthy and competitive aviation industry in The Gambia.
Niro reaffirmed its commitment to The Gambia, the development of Banjul International Airport, and a stronger and more competitive aviation sector. The company remains dedicated to providing high-quality services while contributing to the growth and development of the country's aviation industry. Niro's stance promotes fair competition and encourages the regulator to ensure a level playing field for all operators.
Key points
- Niro Company Limited rejects allegations of unfair competition at Banjul International Airport.
- The company cites investments in equipment, people, and service delivery as the basis for its competitive edge.
- Niro calls for fair competition and equal standards to be applied to all operators in the aviation sector.
