The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring Nigeria fully harnesses the potential of the digital economy and safeguards the security and interest of its citizens in the digital ecosystem.
The Federal Government has assured investors that Nigeria’s aviation sector is an untapped goldmine capable of yielding good returns, if keyed into.
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika made this statement during the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC) in Abuja, themed “Advancing the Frontiers of Possibilities for Safe, Secure and Profitable Air Transport”.
Sirika described the conference as a platform to “discuss, evaluate, propel, analyse and synergise” for the advancement of the Nigerian aviation sector.
“The aviation sector in Nigeria is a goldmine, with lots of latent potentials waiting to be explored. Our vantage position in terms of regional positioning, population and natural resources has positioned us strategically as a continental leader. The core variables driving air transport is safety and security. Therefore, we must continue to discuss issues that border on these. Also, while we continue to emphasise safety and security, we must operate profitably, so as to achieve efficiency and sustainability.
“On the part of government, our doors are open and we are always willing and ready to discuss business, and partner with investors to bring the desired growth and development to the industry,” he said.
Speaking further, the minister pointed out that some of the key elements such as a national carrier, airport concession, MRO/ALC have reached advanced stages of implementation
While congratulating the FAAN for this initiative, Sirika also expressed a desire that the conference will be institutionalised as a platform where great ideas that will propel the Nigerian aviation sector into global reckoning will be developed.
Sirika urged Nigerians and foreign investors to come aboard and take advantage of these business opportunities, with limitless potential for huge returns on investments.
“I will like to welcome all stakeholders present at this conference for your unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry. On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, we appreciate your deep commitment and patriotism to the Nigerian project,” he added.
Earlier, the managing director (MD) of FAAN, Rabiu Yadudu explained that the conference aims to present a holistic platform for all stakeholders in the industry to discuss the state of the industry in Nigeria with emphasis on prospects and challenges of the industry.
“The event will also feature a trade and investment section where opportunities for investments at our various airports will be highlighted. Rather than send Nigeria’s human resources and flying machines for training and checks abroad and expending huge foreign exchange in the process, we not only domesticate such activities, but also earn foreign exchange from it when other countries send their machines here for checks and their manpower for training in Nigeria.”
Present at the event were the Senate and House committees’ chairmen, president, Airport Council International (ACI) Africa, Emmanuel Chaves; heads of the sister agencies of FAAN, NCAA, NIMET and NAMA, stakeholders, seasoned professionals in the industry as well as Nigeria’s first pilot, Captain Bob Hayes.
