The Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika says President Muhammadu Buhari will soon commission one of the two cargo projects at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The minister said this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation to defend the 2022 implementation status and 2023 budget proposal in Abuja.
He also said that Nigeria will soon get a national carrier, which was currently on its way and will be launched with Boeing 737.
He noted that the airline would first concentrate on domestic operations before considering an international operation.
According to the minister, he said that the aviation sector had recorded significant improvement in the life of this administration, as well as the Murtala International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Sirika said that the Airports now recorded a high level of safety, stressing that a significant achievement had been recorded in the domestic airline industry in the country.
“This significant growth is the sequel to the roadmap we are building. Our airports are wearing new looks especially Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt among others” Sirika said.
The minister also announced that the Cargo terminal contracts that were abandoned by the contractors, would be investigated, offenders prosecuted and the monies recovered.
“We reported to EFCC now in the last three and half years, they confirmed to me that they have finished the investigation. This is worrisome,” he added.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Nnolim Nnaji, said the budget defence was intended to have a full-year implementation report to guide the committee on the consideration of the 2023 budget proposal.
He said the committee would within the next few weeks embark on oversight of three international airport terminals slated for concession.
“The committee has noticed with great concern the omission of one of the critical security and safety agencies of the ministry, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Hon Nnaji, said.
He said the committee would ensure that the abnormality was corrected while urging the minister to clarify the matter.
Dominica Nwabufo
