The Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, has said that the proposed reforms in the aviation industry would place Nigeria as an air transportation hub within the West and Central African sub-region.
The minister, in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, Mr. James Odaudu, said that the reform would serve as a catalyst for a comprehensive overhaul of the aviation industry, which would position Nigeria as an air transportation hub within the West and Central African sub-region.
Sirika noted this on Tuesday at the 2020 International Civil Aviation Day.
He further pointed out that the roadmap towards achieving the feat 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 and others.
“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 Organisation (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC),” Sirika said.
He, however, charged stakeholders in the aviation industry to partner with the federal government towards achieving the set goals by the reform in the sector for the benefit of Nigerians and all users of the nation’s airspace.