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FG lists efforts in repositioning the Aviation industry

Actg. NAMA MD Matthew Lawrence Pwajok (middle) receiving a certificate of induction into Aviation  Hall of Fame from Kinsley Nwokoma (AFARN President). With him are AIB Commissioner, Akin Olateru, FAAN MD, Rabiu Yadudu and Director, Airworthiness Standards, NCAA, Kayode Ajiboye.

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika says,concerted efforts are being made to reposition the aviation industry which has suffered great losses due to the many challenges that have emerged since Covid-19.

The Minister who stated this at a safety summit organized by the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, AFARN in Lagos said, these efforts would help boost productivity, enhance competitiveness and create wealth while engendering economic growth for the nation.

These efforts by the Federal Government, the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika listed to include, the establishment of a national carrier, development of airport cities, called aerotropolis, cargo agro allied airport terminals and concession of airports.

The Minister represented by the Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB-N Mr. Akin Olateru emphasized that, more collaborative efforts were needed to overcome the challenges facing the industry which the present government was determined to tackle, top on the list are the issues of safety and security.

“Government is therefore very 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”.

Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Captain Rabiu Yadudu in the theme paper entitled: “Aviation Safety in a Global Distressed Economy: The Place of Nigeria”, said employee layoffs, increased operations and passenger movements, increased crime and rising oil prices were some of the impact of a distressed economy on aviation safety.

He stated that, safety and financial audits, certification and recertification of airports were some of the mitigating measures put in place to protect safety.

“Among these measures are, recertification of Murtala Mohammed International airport, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, installation of runway 18L/36R lighting system at Murtala Mohammed airport, certification of MAKIA, domestication of human capacity development”.

Acting Managing Director, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr. Mathew Pwajok said, the Nigeria airspace had been fortified to ensure safety with different navigation facilities installed.

“We went further to deploy the total radar coverage of Nigeria, we can now track aircraft over the entire airspace of Nigeria unlike before when air traffic controllers have to manually depend on pilot report to control and ensure safety of flight”.

President, Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives of Nigeria, AFARN, Mr. Kingsley Nwokoma called on stakeholders to join hands with government to consolidate on the gains made in ensuring safety.

Highlights of the summit was the presentation of awards to the chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. General Buba Marwa rtd as the Aviation personality of the yea 2022, Integrity award to FAAN AVSEC, induction of the heads of aviation agencies into the AFRAN Hall of Fame and cheque donation to the Nkar orphanage, Gboko, Benue state.

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