The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has enumerated the vision of the President Muhammadu Buhari for the Aviation sector, adding that the government intends to gradually reposition the Nigerian Aviation industry in a way that it would turn the nation into a regional hub for air transportation.
Speaking while receiving a delegation from Airbus Group of France led by Ambassador of France in Nigeria, Denys Gauer, the minister stated that this is in view of the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, forecast of a quadruple growth for Nigeria’s air travel in the next ten years.
He listed the vision of the Buhari government for the sector to include: the establishment of a private sector-driven national carrier, concession of the nation’s major airports to make them more viable and up to global standards, repositioning domestic airlines to make them competitive and profitable, establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facilities and development of human capital for the anticipated expansion of the sector.
The delegation informed the minister of the intention of one of the largest aircraft manufacturers and leasers in the world, the Airbus Group to set up an operational office in Nigeria as a mark of confidence in the governments agenda for the aviation industry in Nigeria.
Sirika, according to a statement by the Deputy Director, Press & Public Affairs, James Odaudu, expressed Nigeria’s preparedness to collaborate with all genuine partners, insisting, however, that government decisions and actions would always be guided by the protection of national interests.
The Senate had on Thursday warned of imminent plane crashes in the country if the aviation industry was not fixed immediately.
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