…commends organisers of GTP Roundtable
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has restated that Nigerian aviation industry would soon reap the outcome of his recent visit to some aviation institutions and companies in France.
The Minister added that his ministry had taken the step to review all the subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) that Nigeria has entered into with other countries to ensure that the country benefits from the principle of reciprocity which is the hallmark of all BASAs.
Keyamo made these known in a goodwill message he delivered as one of the special guests at the Global Transport Policy Annual Roundtable at Marriott Hotel Ikeja in Lagos on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
The theme of roundtable and public launch of bilingual magazine was: Transport Infrastructure and Strategic Policy Intervention: Building Blocks for Economic Growth.
Represented by a top ministry official, Henry Agbere, Keyamo stressed that the place of transportation-air, maritime and road- in any economy could not be overemphasised as it plays pivotal roles in the economic, social, and environmental development of any nation.
He averred that the successful commencement of direct flight to London by one of Nigeria’s domestic carriers, Messrs. Air Peace Airline signified the determination of the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to continue to promote the interests of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs to ensure they blossom in their businesses.
According to the Minister, “The event, besides providing us the platform to discuss and deliberate on critical issues on transport infrastructure, it would also serve as the official launch of Global Transport Policy Magazine, a bilingual magazine produced quarterly with authoritative trend-spotting and compelling cross-cutting analysis. The GTP is aimed at helping local and international governments,shape workable policies and perspectives for better outcomes.”
“As we all know, the place of transportation-air, maritime and road- in any economy cannot be overemphasised. It plays pivotal roles in the economic, social, and environmental development of any nation. It is the lifeblood of commerce, the facilitator of connectivity, and the enabler of progress. In Nigeria, the Federal Government recognizes the importance of a robust and efficient transportation system in driving our nation towards sustainable development and prosperity. That accounted for the various policy initiatives that would drive the transportation system cutting across the three modes.
“The theme of this year’s roundtable, “Transport Infrastructure and Strategic Policy Intervention: Building block for Economic Growth” is very apt as it aligns with the vision of the current leadership of the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who has made transportation gone of the cardinal pillars of his Renewed Hope Agenda. Therefore, the need for a sustainable and inclusive transport solutions has never been more pressing as we strive to address the challenges facing the Industry in this 21 5t Century.
“As universally acknowledged, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has a pivotal role to play in promoting sustainable development and enhancing transportation infrastructure in the country. As the Honourable Minister superintending over the affairs of the Aviation Sector in Nigeria, we are strongly committed to ensuring that our aviation and aerospace sector is not only modern and efficient, but also environmentally sustainable and inclusive.
“Therefore, in line with our vision for the Aviation Sector, on assumption of duty, we came up with a 5-Point Agenda aimed at accelerating the existing Aviation’s Road Map envisioned to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and better service delivery with a view to generating revenue for Government for infrastructural development of the Aviation Sector. The 5 Point Agenda which are in sync with the Renewed Hope Agenda, with infrastructural development as a key component are:
i. Ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and continuous upward movement of Nigeria’s rating by ICAO.
ii. Support for the growth and sustenance of local businesses whilst holding them to the highest international standard in the aviation industry.
iii. Improvement of infrastructures in the aviation industry. Development of human capacity within the industry.
v. Optimising revenue generation for the Federal Government.
“In actualizing the 5-Point Agenda, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development under my leadership have taken some strategic policy interventions for the economic growth of the aviation sector. Of recent, I led a delegation to France on a Business Forum to discuss with leading French institutions and companies in civil aviation on infrastructural development of the aviation sector of Nigeria. The delegation was in Paris, Marseille and Toulouse. In Paris, the delegation had discussions with the ENACT the French Civil Aviation University, on collaboration and training for the purpose of capacity building development of Nigeria’s aviators.
“Also, the delegation met with Thales, the global aviation company for aviation telecommunication on the upgrade of the communication for the Total Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON). This is to enhance aviation safety and security. While in Marseille and Toulouse, the delegation met with officials of Airbus and ATR on how to make aircraft leasing more accessible to members of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON). Airbus and ATR are involved in the manufacturing of aircraft that are famously used by Nigerian Airline Operators for local and international operations. The mission was successful as the outcome would soon become visible to all.
“In addition, my Ministry has taken the step to review all the subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) that Nigeria has entered into with other countries of the world. The aim is to ensure that the country benefits from the principle of reciprocity which is the hallmark of all BASAs. This is to ensure that our local domestic carriers designated to fly international routes operates effortlessly without encumbrances, so that our citizens benefit maximally. The outcome of this strategic move would not only improve connectivity, but also position Nigeria as a regional hub for air transportation.”
On Air Peace’s flight to London, Keyamo said “I would like to take this opportunity to comment on the successful commencement of direct flight to London by one of Nigeria’s domestic carriers, Messrs. Air Peace Airline. The success of the flight operations, coming after seven years, signifies the detemination of the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to continue to promote the interests of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs to ensure they blossom in their businesses. The foray of Air Peace on the London route has changed the game for the benefits of Nigeria.
“The Ministry under my leadership would continue to ensure that Nigeria’s airlines break new grounds to make air travels safe and convenient for our citizens. We control the market in Africa and we are the most travelled in the African Continent. Therefore, we deserved the best. I commend the commitment and sagacity of Chief Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO of Air Peace and his management team for that enviable feat and accomplishment.”
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