Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has called for more collective efforts in overcoming the challenges bedevilling the industry which the present government is determined to tackle head-on.
This is just as the minister said, government is doing a lot to reposition the industry which has suffered great losses as a result of the effects of the Covid-19.
The Minister in his keynote address at the safety summit and Awards of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, AFARN in Lagos said, government has taken action with the establishment of a national carrier, developments of airport cities, aerotroplis, cargo agro allied airport terminals and concession of airports to reduce the nation’s over reliance on crude oil, boost productivity, enhance competitiveness of the sector, create wealth while engendering economic growth for the nation.
Sirika represented by the Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB-N Engr. Akin Olateru said, the present administration’s quest in the area of infrastructure development remained upbeat, adding that, the Anambra cargo airport and the recently approved Lekki airport in Lagos state are all part of the government’s efforts to expand and ensure that service delivery is guaranteed at all times.
“As you all know, the changing nature of aviation practice demands for constant reviews”.
According to him, government is determined to ensure that air transportation in the country is safe, secure and enjoyable and create the right atmosphere for the business of aviation to thrive.
He said, this year’s theme: ‘Aviation Safety in a Global Distressed Economy; The Place of Nigeria’ is apt considering the recent global threat of Covid-19 situation that caused serious lull in air transport business.
The minister called on all stakeholders to join hands with the federal government in its quest to build a vibrant aviation industry that everyone would be proud of, stressing that, it is only when all hands are on deck that the industry of the nation’s dream would become reality.
In his address of welcome, AFARN president, Kingsley Nwokoma said, the industry has made giant strides despite the devastating effects of the Covid-19 and the quick recovery of the industry he attributed to the visionary leadership of the various heads of aviation agencies.
“The quick recovery of the industry after it suffered lull in business, was due to the visionary leadership of various chief executive officers whose synergy in many ways have revolutionized the practices in the system”.
He urged them to do much better by upgrading some of the infrastructure across board to further promote more growth in the system for the ultimate comfort of the flying public and for every stakeholder to have returns on their investment.
At the event, awards were presented to the NDLEA, FAAN and airlines for their contributions to safety and growth in the industry and heads of fou raAvation agencies, NAMA, FAAN, NCAA AND AIB-N were inducted into the AFARN Hall of Fame.
Among the awardees are Brig Gen. Buba Marwa, chairman NDLEA who was given the AFRAN Personality of the year award 2022, Integrity award was given to FAAN AVSEC, Cargo airline of the year was Turkish
airline, while logistics company is Ideal Royal Crown, best company, aviation, Jaxene/Xeneking.
A cheque was presented to Nkar orphanage, Gboko, Benue state tagged AFARN charity support.
