The Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi, has promised to review the performances of all the concessionaires in the aviation industry with a view to exploring opportunities for enhanced service delivery.
Odua-Ogiemwonyi who disclosed this at the weekend, also said that the ministry would convene an investment forum where foreign and local investors, concessionaires, financial/technical partners would gather to chart a new course for the sector.
The minister who pledged to sanitise the aviation industry and reposition it for effective and efficient service delivery, added that issues that must be tackled and resolved would include improvement of security in and around the nation’s airports, safety, efficient services at the airport for travelers’ comfort, and the adoption of strategies for enhanced government-private sector partnership for the development of the sector.
She also said that installation of explosive detectors at all entrances (gates) and car parks would commence soon. This, she said “is intended to boost confidence in the safety of Nigerian airports and act as incentives to foreigners who intend to travel to Nigeria.”
Other issues to be addressed include resolution of growing concerns over the rising cost of aviation fuel and its effect on airfares, workers’ welfare as well as collaboration with aviation experts for the implementation of a new roadmap for the aviation sector.
The minister also expressed great concern over some of the ongoing projects such as perimeter fencing of all the airports in the country, Runway 18L at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the construction of terminal building at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri, the completion of the total VHF coverage of Nigeria, the tower project at the Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano, among others.
“The new masterplan will incorporate valuable inputs from all stakeholders where issues and challenges in the sector will be identified and concrete strategies adopted for its implementation. The masterplan is already at an advanced stage and will be unveiled after wide consultation and deliberations are concluded with all the stakeholders. Our plan is to involve all stakeholders in order to achieve synergy during the implementation phase,” she stated.?