A recent study by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) revealed significant contributions of the Nigeria air transportation to the National economy, through providing 241,000 jobs (direct and indirect) and a contribution of $1.7 billion to the Nigerian economy. ADEOLA AKINBOBOLA reports.
Daunting challenges
Amidst daunting challenges, the aviation ministry had successful implemented roadmap projects to a large extent with the aim of growing the sectors contribution from the current 0.6% to 5% (approximately $14.166 billion).
While many are of the opinion that growth in the aviation sector can only double after 15 years, the Nigeria aviation industry is currently erasing the trends as presently, the number of airports including those being developed has doubled, the passenger number has doubled, other entrepreneurships including catering and ground handling has blossomed and number of airlines and jobs has multiplied.
Prior to now, the sector was plague with several challenges including inadequate safety, security and surveillance Equipment, decaying/ageing infrastructure and obsolete equipment, large number of unemployed trained professional Nigerian aviators, high debt profile of domestic airlines operators, ageing and over-bloated work force in the aviation agencies, difficulties in accessing foreign exchange by operators.
Deplorable condition of airport facilities
Others include poor and intolerable condition of airport facilities and equipment including long
waiting and check-in times, time–consuming security screening and
baggage pick ups, high cost of funds and shrinking capital market, rising price and scarcity of Aviation Fuel, import duties on Aircraft engine and spare, budgetary constraints, among others.
Roadmap to address some of the challenges
However on assumption of office the former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika came up with a roadmap to address some of the challenges in the Industry, highlights of the roadmap include establishment of a National Carrier, development of Agro-Allied /Cargo Terminals
establishment of Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO)Centre, stablishment of an Aviation Leasing Company (ALC), development of aerotropolis (Airport Cities), establishment of an Aviation & Aerospace University,concession of 5 International Airports (Abuja, Lagos, Enugu,
Kano and Port Harcourt)
Others include upgrade of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT into an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regional Training Centre of Excellence, Designation of Four (4) International Airports as Special Economic Zones, introduction of Policies on Remotely Piloted Aircraft, adherence to employment Policies on the Enforcement of expatriate quota, upgrade of AIB to a Multi -modal Accident Investigation Agency –Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
Mission statement on strong domestic carriers
The mission statement of Nigerian Aviation under the former Minister was to have strong domestic carriers, Aviation Leasing Company, establishment of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul centre contribution of up to 6% to national GDP, development of Lagos & Abuja airport as regional hubs, establishment of World class terminal buildings at local and international airports, provision of State-of-the-art equipment for safe air navigation, weather observation and forecasting, safety and security, strong National Carrier that is purely Public- Private sector driven and can compete effectively in the international aviation market.
While stakeholders have felt that the content of the road map are too ambitious and might end up as the end up as the usual government jamboree the former Minister, a seasoned technocrat in the aviation industry had ensured each item in the roadmap was implemented, even if it’s not to a logical conclusion.
Interestingly the shutting down of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International runway for 6weeks to allow repairs and reconstruction of the dilapidated runway coupled with the diversion of flights to Kaduna Airport got the minister a lot of accolades.
The rehabilitation work on runaway
Recall that the Abuja airport was on March 9, temporarily shut for repairs of its only runway. The runway has been in use since the airport was built in 1982, and expired some 14 years ago. After much debates for and against, the rehabilitation exercise was awarded for the sum of N5.8 million, while Abuja-bound traffic is diverted to recently upgraded Kaduna International Airport (KIA).
During the opening of the runway, the Sirika had announced plans to build the second runway at the ever busy NAIA to serve as an alternative in case of mishaps. As at today the second runway was awarded at the cost of N92.1billlion and it is 56percent completed.
The designation of FAAN Training Centres
As at today the Nigeria Aviation sector of the designation of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Training Centre as ICAO Aviation Security Training Centre of Excellence, also the Aviation Security (AVSEC) has been approved to bear arms.
Similarly the Aviation Act was also signed namely Civil Aviation Act 2022, Nigerian Airspace Management Act 2022, Federal Airports Authority Act 2022, Nigerian Meteorological Act 2022, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Act 2022, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Act 2022.
In addition the the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology NCAT was recently awarded as the best aviation training institute in the world fo having the highest training instructors r at the international Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO symposium in South Korea. No doubt NCAT has produced 70% of the workforce in civil aviation, from pilots to engineers to air traffic controller, cabin crews to all forms and manners of staff of the Nigeria Aviation.
NCAT Zaria during the past administration was provided with most of its training needs as seen at the commissioning of 20 aircrafts which 9 have been delivered so far. Adding that the significance of this would cut 50% of the training needs and training funding at the college.
Improved infrastructure by outgoing administration
Most importantly the aviation sector has witnessed tremendous and improved infrastructure by the outgoing administration.
Projects commissioned include; Six 6 Diamond DA 40NG and one DA42NG Aircraft Magnus Aircraft, AET school building, Automated fire/smoke aircraft training simulator, Boeing 737NG Flight Simulator.
Others are Boeing 737NG Full flight simulator, Boeing 737NG integrated procedural trainer, Ultra Modern Auditorium complex, and ATSEP Basic online ICAO Training package.
In addition to this lofty height the sector also witnessed the commissioning of terminal buildings from Lagos to Kano airport and many others.
Before the pandemic, Aviation was the fastest growing sector in Nigeria, while the global pandemic has had consequences on the implementation of roadmap, the Ministry is however getting back on track and continuing with implementation of outlined programs.
