FG to review aviation policy soon

The Federal Government on Tuesday said it would soon review the Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Policy to accommodate the planned policies of the present administration.

This is contained in a statement by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Yakubu Dati in Lagos.

It said that the Minister of State for Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika made this known while speaking at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) 2015 World Aviation Forum in Montreal, Canada.

The statement said the planned review would include a Master Plan to reform institutions, airports (both domestic and international hubs) and national airlines, to provide domestic and international services.

“Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, will continue to upgrade and develop aviation infrastructure to improve aviation safety and security.

“This will create an enabling environment for growth of airlines and other service providers, as well as protecting the interest of aviation end-users,” it quoted Sirika as saying.

The statement said ICAO’s President, Dr Bernard Aliu, in his address, noted that it was necessary for the organisation to assist member states in the implementation of ICAO standards and policies.

“Only in this way can we ensure that ‘no country is left behind’ and optimise the socio-economic benefits which derive from safe, secure and reliable air transport in Africa, fully in line with local needs and expectations,” it quoted Aliu as saying.

The statement said the Canadian Minister of Transport, Mr Marc Garneau, welcomed delegates and solicited for greater collaboration and understanding among nations and peoples of the world.

It said other stakeholders including the Colombian Minister of Transport, the Secretary General of World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), DG of the European Commission, China and the U.S. spoke at the forum.

The statement said they stressed the connection between the effective implementation of global aviation standards and policies and the social and economic benefits.

It said the forum drew participants from 99 countries on its first day. (NAN)