The minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo has declared that aviation sector without a doubt, remained a pillar of national development, facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
According to him, whilst the sector is yet to realise its true potential in terms of contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), “we must renew our commitment to ensuring a more progressive, sustainable, inclusive, innovative and prosperous aviation industry.
Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the minister said since the sector was yet to realize its potential this necessitates the continuous adoption and integration of emerging technologies, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in human capital development to keep the country ‘s skies safer, secure and air transportation services; cohesive and efficient.
He said: “In essence, I encourage you all not to rest on your laurels, you must remember that the reward for hard work is indeed more work.
“NCAA is a child of God that despite turbulent waters and attempts, sometimes to kill the NCAA, the NCAA, has survived 25 years.You know, the Oronsaye reports also recommended the merger of NCAA, and so that was also another attempt to kill the NCAA.That report was passed on, I think, from Jonathan’s government to Buhari government and then to the present government.
“We have ensured that the NCAA did not die,” Keyamo stated, underscoring the importance of the agency’s separate regulatory functions. I kept the battle alive by making sure that the NCAA did not die, if not by now, would have been talking of a merger of NCAA and NAMA”.
Speaking at the event,the Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, attributed one of the challenges being faced in the sector to the tendency to not fully appreciate the value and role of the existing institutions like the NCAA which “stands out as one of the most effective and safety-focused civil aviation bodies in the world.
“Unlike other parts of the world, including Europe, America, and Asia, the NCAA’s oversight is both thorough and uniquely safety-centric. This focus on safety has directly influenced the excellent safety records of Nigerian airlines. We have every reason to be proud of the NCAA; it is, indeed, one of the best in the world.”
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Citing how under the minister “we have witnessed a transformative period in the aviation sector. His unwavering commitment, dedication, and innovative approach have brought about significant progress. From the aviation policies to the infrastructural developments, the sector is experiencing a remarkable revolution.
According to Onyema, “the transformation would not have been possible without the steadfast support and dedication of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. Under the capable leadership of Captain Chris Najomo, the NCAA has achieved tremendous milestones. They have streamlined processes, improved the ease of doing business in the sector, all while upholding the highest safety standards.
“For the first time in two decades, all Nigerian airlines have come together to acknowledge the positive changes. Airlines now recognize a new era of safety and operational excellence, with no compromise on the high standards we’ve set. The NCAA has not only remained responsive but has managed to balance its oversight responsibilities with efficiency and professionalism.”
and then