The Ministry of Aviation has said that the planned reform will serve as a catalyst for a comprehensive overhaul of the aviation industry and position Nigeria as an air transportation hub within the West and Central African sub-region.
This was disclosed by Minister Hadi Sirika, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2020 International Civil Aviation Day on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by James Odaudu, Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation and seen by Nairametrics, the Minister explained that the roadmap includes the establishment of a national carrier, establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, Concession of some airports, the establishment of an Aviation Leasing Company, amongst others.
He added that it will lay a solid and lasting foundation for Aviation development in Nigeria. “The implementation of the roadmap, which is in line with the theme of the ICAD, remains on course and that the results will become obvious in due course.
“Safety and security have remained at the centre of government policies in the sector since the inception of the current administration and its efforts have been applauded by all, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).”
International Civil Aviation Day: Sirika Urges Stakeholders to Keep Faith With Aviation Sector Roadmap?https://t.co/9WO2xi0OjO@FAAN_Official@NigerianCAA@NAMANIGERIA pic.twitter.com/J51mw0ahfp
— Federal Ministry of Aviation, Nigeria (@fmaviationng) December 8, 2020
He appealed to all players within the industry to join hands with the government to ensure the realisation of the lofty objectives of the roadmap for the benefit of Nigerians and all users of the nation’s airspace.
The Minister also uses the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s unalloyed commitment to the ideals of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other Aviation bodies of which it is a member.
What you should know
- After every five years, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) council establishes a special anniversary theme for the International Civil Aviation Day. The theme for International Civil Aviation Day 2020 is, “Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development.” The council has decided to keep the same theme until the year 2023.
- International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 as part of ICAO’s 50th-anniversary activities. In 1996, pursuant to an ICAO initiative and with the assistance of the Canadian Government, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day in the UN system.
- The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.
