Aviation sector hits double growth In 7 years, minister confirms

By Rosemary Iwuala

The Nigerian aviation sector has experienced a double growth in seven years under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration making it one of the fastest growing  sectors in the country, according to the ministry of aviation.

Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, who noted this at the Nigeria Aviation Award (NIGAV) held recently in Lagos, commended the federal government for its impact towards the steady growth of the sector within the period. He also commended operators with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for services they have been providing, and assured them of more support from the government.

Sirika stressed that the aviation sector, under his leadership,was very concerned about safe and secured flights from departure point to arrival. He,however, pointed out that even if the next minister does not follow his roadmap, the person must ensure that  safety and security are prioritised in the sector.

Commenting on the achievements of the local airlines during President Buhari’s tenure, he said: “With Air Peace, Max Air, Ibom Air, Aero-contractor, Green Africa and others. The testimony is such that during Buhari’s Administration between 2015-2023, the numbers of airlines have doubled in Nigeria, as it is the first time ever.”

According to the minister, there is a global belief by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO); International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other aviation sectors that aviation doubles every 15 years. This, he explained, has been hugely surpassed by Buhari’s  government as the sector registered a double growth within four years.

Sirika also noted that one of the major achievements of the Nigerian aviation sector was the sustenance of safety, which he described as phenomenal.

In his words: “The passenger is worried about the air-conditioner, lifts, toilets and the aesthetics. They are very important items, they must work, it is part of passenger facilitation. But if you happen to be a policy maker or the manager of scarce resources and if you happen to be a core aviator, then your focus will be more on the safety and security and the efficiency of the sector, as against the aesthetics.”

The Minister further announced that The central taxiway which has been finished has began to work adding that only an aviator will understand how it contributed to safe and very efficient operation