The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, has disclosed that the ministry was considering reducing the age of domestic aircraft that could be certified to operate within Nigerian air space from an average 22 years to 15 years.
The minister, who said this at the opening of the ministerial conference on aviation safety in Africa yesterday in Abuja, noted? that the decision was aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s airspace remained safe and secured for all times.
According to her: “We are not unmindful of the short-term impact of this policy will have, when implemented, on our desire to encourage the growth of domestic airlines. In my view, the main issue is how to strengthen them and enhance their viability as ongoing business concerns.
“Towards this end, my ministry will continue to encourage domestic airlines not only to grow their individual capacities, but also consolidate wherever possible, so as to pool resources together for the emergence of more stable, viable and profitable airlines.”
Oduah reiterated the ministry’s commitment to continuing to fashion out appropriate policy guidelines and institutional frameworks that would engender the growth of domestic airlines and the emergence of a national carrier driven by core private sector investment with substantial public ownership.
The minister further urged African ministers to use the conference to chart a new course that would scale up Africa’s rating in aviation safety.
She said: “The issue of aviation safety in Africa remains topical as available empirical data indicate that Africa is at the lowest rung of the ladder in terms of ensuring safety in our air space. The aviation safety scorecard can be changed through collaborative and cooperative engagements of African countries and institutions.”