Nigerian government says it is committed to make the nation the Hub of Africa’s Aviation Industry.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo made this known while declaring open the 7th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Abuja the nation’s capital.
He said: “It is the Vision of this current administration to make Nigeria the Aviation hub of Africa, In order to attract foreign investors, the government is already looking at the measures areas to improve Aviation business in Nigeria.
“As you are all aware, Air Transport remains an essential component of the global transportation system and it’s a crucial driver of economic, social and cultural development worldwide also Air transport generates economic growth and development, provides jobs and fosters a range of socio-economic benefits.
“In order to continue to harness and maximize the benefits of air transport in Africa, it is essential and expedient to continue to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development within the African aviation community that would practically address all the significant and structural challenges.
“Therefore i wish to take this opportunity to appreciate Times Aerospace Limited who has been the champion of the Aviation Africa Summit as well as making Nigeria the first country to host this noble event in West Africa.” the Minister added.
The Minister also said the current administration is aware that one of the setbacks entrepreneurs have suffered in Nigeria in recent years is the fluctuation of foreign exchange and its availability and promised that the administration is commit to ensuring that forex is readily available to entrepreneurs and directed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to holds quarterly reconciliation meetings with a view to resolve the issue.
The Head of Training International Operations, UK Civil Aviation Authority Mrs Silke Buckley said the summit is a welcome development to Civil Aviation Industry in Nigeria and Africa at large.
“This is our first time in Nigeria and we are here to engage with African regulators in aviation to help and ensure we can improve the standard and corporation.”
Mrs Buckley emphasised that Nigeria has all the potentials to be the hup of Africa Aviation industry by engaging investors into the sector.
While Speaking at the opening of the summit, the African Airline Association (AFRAA) Secretary General Mr Abderahamane Berthe calls for collaboration within the African nations in order to achieve the aims and objectives of the summit.
