Yemisi Izuora
The federal government is considering the review of the Civil Aviation Policy in order to accommodate the planned Master Plan which intends to reform institutions, airports (domestic and international hubs) and national airlines, to provide domestic and international services.
The Minister of State, Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika stated this during the ICAO 2015 World Aviation Forum holding in Montreal, Canada, 23 – 25 November 2015.
According to the Minister, “Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, will continue to upgrade and develop aviation infrastructure to improve aviation safety and security, thus creating an enabling environment for growth of airlines and other service providers, as well as protecting the interest of aviation end-users.”
In a keynote address, the ICAO President, Dr Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu said it was a key goal for the organization to assist member States to the fullest extent, possible with respect to the implementation of ICAO standards and policies.
He added “Only in this way can we ensure that ‘No Country is Left Behind’ and optimize the socio-economic benefits which derive from safe, secure, and reliable air transport in Africa, fully in line with local needs and expectations.”
The Canadian Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau welcomed delegates and solicited greater collaboration and understanding among nations and peoples of the world.
Several speakers including the Colombian Minster of Transport, the Secretary General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), DG of the European Commission as well as China and the US emphasized the connection between the effective implementation of global aviation standards and policies and the social and economic benefits.
The high powered Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of State, Aviation included the Canadian Acting Ambassador, Ja’afar Mohammed Balarabe, Directors from the Ministry of Aviation and CEOs of aviation parastatals who provided technical support.