The new Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has pledged to work assiduously to increase the contributions of the Industry to the National gross domestic products, GDP from 0.4 to 0.6%.
The Minister who made the pledge at a surprise reception for him by aviation unions and staff of the ministry on assumption of office said, in the next one year the industry would add to the quality of lives of the Nigerian people as aviation was strategy to the nation’s economy.
“This industry has a lot for Nigerians and it connects people, nations and markets. One airplane that will come in means 300 jobs. More than that, it is a catalyst growth for the economy of our country and contributes to the GDP. From what we have done, we have raise the contribution to the GDP from 0.4 to 0.6. We believe that in the next one year, it will increase the GDP contribution by at least 1%. 200 million people, at the centre of Africa? Aviation for sure will add to the quality of lives in Nigeria.”
Senator Sirika emphasized that the establishment of a national carrier Nigeria Air would vigorously be pursued to reality, adding that it was top on the agenda of the Roadmap to aviation prosperity.
According to him, what was needed in the actualization of the Roadmap was an adjustment and serve the Industry and in tune with the directive of the president.
“We will continue with the roadmap, it needs adjustment, we will adjust it appropriately so that it will serve the industry better. So that it will be in tune and in tune with the presidential directive, that everything must be pro-people. So, we will continue with the pro-people initiative of Mr. President. We will ensure that all our actions will be in the interest of the people, the worker, the industry and the country in general.”
The aviation minister called on unions and Stakeholders to join hands with him to ensure standards were meant and adhered strictly for safety and security in the industry.
Responding on behalf of the unions, the National Presidents of the National Union of Aircraft, Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, Comrade Abenego Galadima and President General, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals,ANAP, Comrade Kabir Gusau expressed their satisfaction in having Senator Sirika back as a substantive minister and appeal for a continued collaboration with the unions in the industry for a better working relationship which would give room for progress of the industry.
