Thr Chairperson Senate Committee on Aviation, Biodun Olujimi, has said that the Nigerian aviation sector would suffer if there is astronomical increase in air fares by airline operators.
Olujimi stated this at the opening of the 2nd edition of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, National Conference, theme: ‘Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria, on a Monday in Abuja.
According to Olujimi, poor implementation of aviation policies stands as impediments to the aviation sector growth of the country.
“This is an opportunity for stakeholders to berainstorm and address that, because the industry will suffer if there is this astronomical increase in air fares.
“Yes, there are reasons why the air fares go up, but there is also a need for us to have a balance for many people to embrace the aviation industry and that is key to the development of the sector.”
Highlighting the economic importance of the aviation sector, the Senate Aviation Committee Chairperson
urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, halt further encroachment of airport facilities which according to her was having a negative toll on the growth of the sector.
Responding, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, noted that the Buhari-led administration, has made an outstandinggrowth in the aviation roadmap.
“It is no news that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari under which I am privileged to superintend aviation is winding down in a couple of days. It is however pertinent to reiterate that at the onset of the administration a robust roadmap was developed to chart a new course in the aviation industry and this we have pursued with all vigour to implement.
“Undoubtedly, we have met with lots of brick walls and bureaucratic bottlenecks, yet we forged ahead decisively and now all the components are at the finishing lines, the foundation having been solidly laid.
“This is evident in the numerous projects embarked upon; from several runway construction and rehabilitation projects to new international terminals completed and commissioned, world class safety and security equipment and facilities procured and deployed to our airports, recruitment, training, and capacity building for our staff, amongst numerous others”, he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu explained that the conference would afford stakeholders the avenue to come up with workable ideas on how the industry would perform optimally.
” Whatever we are doing now, we will continue to do it very well for now and for the future.
He further explained that the theme of this edition, “Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria” has been carefully and thoughtfully chosen to consolidate on the progressive achievements recorded at the maiden edition. This is as he said sustainability speaks to progress, endurance, stability, capacity and consistency,” he said.
