The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has urged Nigeria’s aviation stakeholders to keep faith with the aviation sector roadmap developed by the government.
Sirika, in a statement to mark the 2020 International Civil Aviation Day, said the roadmap was developed to serve as a catalyst for a comprehensive overhaul of the aviation industry in Nigeria so as to position the country as an air transportation hub within West and Central African sub-region.
The Minister further asserted that the roadmap which 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, will lay a solid and lasting foundation for Aviation development in Nigeria.
Sirika also affirmed that 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 Organisation, ICAO, the International Air Transport Association, IATA, and the African Civil Aviation Commission, AFCAC.
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 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 December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day in the UN system.
