As May 29 draws closer, experts express mixed feelings over unfinished projects

As the tenure of the present Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, winds down in less than 65 days, stakeholders across the sector have advised him against continuing with the numerous projects he had earlier proposed.

An aviation development consultant, who had been part of startups across Africa, Mr Lanre Bamgbose, while acknowledging the fact that the minister has recorded some achievements during his tenure, however urged him to tread softly as his time gradually draws to a close by giving room for his successor to continue with the projects.

According to Bamgbose, “Aside from the fact that this administration is at the twilight of its time, it will perhaps serve national interest that the Minister slows down and tidy up for the records what really can be recorded as his achievements while in the saddle of aviation.

“I believe he has some of them, he has said so himself. Firstly, the issue of national carrier and airports concession are already encumbered by several actions in courts and these actions are by different segments of stakeholders. The seeming rush by the minister to deliver these may turn out to do more disservice not only to the industry but to the nation as well, otherwise how would he do something as huge as this supposedly for the interest of the nation and he ends up overruling the rule of law. Indeed if a project will serve the interest of the nation, it should not be an affront to the rule of law.”

On his advice for the incoming minister, Bamgbose remarked, “As for the incoming Minister of Aviation, there is need for what I will call real engagement of all stakeholders. It is important that the new minister first and foremost to see himself as an enabler and not in competition with other stakeholders, especially the private sector stakeholders.”

 That way he will be in a position to see things holistically and not be a champion of policies that will cause conflict and stunt sustainable growth of aviation. Our industry has suffered mainly from policy inconsistencies and deep lack of appreciation of our potentials for air transport.”

On the contrary, a renowned union leader, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, was of the view that despite the little time remaining, the minister can still achieve his dreams about the projects and a new minister continues from wherever he will stop.

Abioye said, “Let me posit for the records that in Nigeria of today, and as often said, nothing is impossible for anyone who believes. By this token, there is nothing impossible for the minister to do if he wishes doing them. I do not see any reason the national carrier and concession projects cannot be achieved despite litigations and opposition.

What is fundamental has already been kick-started and the foundation is laid for completion. So, if he is unable to do it, whoever takes over will continue from wherever the current and outgoing minister stops bearing in mind that their party is still in control. Just a little modification here and there, and you have a perfect working document.”

Speaking on his expectations from the incoming minister, Abioye said, “I look forward to seeing the incoming minister sit with aviation stakeholders, tap from their vast and deep knowledge of the industry, go through the books and read through our failures in the past, do a SWOT analysis and prepare a new work in progress template, juxtapose all findings with his own idea of a new aviation sector and marry them together. We have the capacity and ability to do things right and I firmly hope all wrongs of this era shall be ameliorated so that we can start on a clean slate.”