The minister said this in Abuja, the nation’s capital, during a presentation of the achievements recorded by the ministry from 2015-Date.
He said so far, the aviation sector has created over 240 thousand jobs and has the potential to create more employment for the country’s young workforce.
“A recent Aviation sector study for Nigeria by International Air Transportation Association (IATA) in June 2020, showcases the significant contribution of air transportation to the National economy, through providing 241,000 jobs direct and indirect, and a contribution of $1.7 billion to the National economy.
However, with the successful implementation of the roadmap projects, our overall goal is to grow the Aviation sector’s contribution from the current 0.6% to 5%, approximately, $14.166 billion.
“Currently in Nigeria, the number of airports including those currently being developed has doubled, the passenger number has quadrupled, other businesses in the value chain including catering and ground handling has blossomed, the numbers of airlines and jobs have also doubled.”
Remarkable Achievement
Sirika said before the present administration, Nigeria was left far behind in civil aviation business.
“Air transport plays a key role in
economic development and in
supporting long-term growth, it facilitates a country’s integration
into the global economy, providing
direct benefits for users and wider
economic benefits through its
impact on productivity and growth.
“Some of these roles are within the
industry itself, for airlines, and in
civil aerospace and air navigation
services, while other jobs are
supported by the economic activity.”
The minister noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has restructured the aviation industry and listed some of the achievements recorded during his tenure to include:
- The establishment of African Aviation and Aerospace University
- Airport concession
- The construction of the second Runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport abuja
- And reviving of Nigeria Air amongst others.
The minister also applauded the government for the purchase of modern equipment and facilities to aviation agencies for smooth operation of their mandates, adding that aviation business attracted new investors and has the potential well as contribute 5% of the country’s GDP.
