An Aviation expert, Engineer Joshua Amuga, has hailed the efforts of the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, describing his eight months as significant to the growth and progress of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
According to him, the achievements are geared towards delivering on the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Amuga made these remarks on Saturday in a chat with our correspondent in Gombe, adding that Keyamo has repositioned the aviation industry since his assumption into office with a commitment to excellence and strong focus on international cooperation.
He disclosed that Keyamo has successfully elevated bilateral relations and collaboration between Nigeria and the global aviation community in line with standard and recommended practices stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
He said, “Since Chief Festus Keyamo’s appointment into office, he has demonstrated commendable determination and vision needed to sanitise the aviation industry, prioritising ministry staff welfare and extended same to all agencies under the ministry’s supervision. That is why you hear little of industrial actions in the aviation industry.
“The recent inauguration of the 1 billion Naira export processing and packaging centre at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Lagos, the first of its kind since the inception of democracy in 1999 is top-notch.
“Engaging Thales, a French company which specialises in provision of world class technology for aerospace, space, ground transportation, defence and security to upgrade the Total Radar Coverage Systems within Nigerian aviation sector during his visit to Thales’ headquarters in Rouen –Ymare, France.”
On the issue of non-stop flights to London, Amuga added, “The Honourable Minister held discussion with the United Kingdom Department for Transportation on how Nigerian major carriers can obtain favourable slot allocations for fixed and consistent departure time and arrival in normal schedule flight service in London Airports.”
Amuga while expressing optimism on seamless pilgrimage for Nigerians, said that the 2024 hajj operation would be favourable to pilgrims following Keyamo’s concerted efforts.
“He (Keyamo) recently met with the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and have set up a bilateral committee with both the Saudi’s and Nigerian carriers to meet in fortnights until the commencement of the operations. I can assure you that because of the early pro-activeness of the honorable Minister of Aviation we will experience a flawless and seamless 2024 Hajj operations,” Amuga added.
Commenting on the level of infrastructural development and technological transfers, Amuga disclosed that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development visited Magnus Aircraft Group in Hungary to seek collaboration on building an aircraft manufacturing and assemblage capacity in Nigeria following the invitation by the Group to attend its product introduction event a useful avenue to explore strategic partnership. “The minister was particular in incorporation of the aircraft into training programs for students at the African Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja. The impact of the collaboration is already been felt, with Magnus Aircraft products deployed for Agricultural purpose by NALDA and utilised by NCAT for security and surveillance duties,” Amuga added.
The aviation expert while commenting on the issue of relocation of FAAN back to Lagos said Keyamo has explained and addressed the issue, adding “The Minister had explained that out of seven agencies under the purview of his ministry only one was going back to Lagos, even with the fact that out of 132 staff operating in the Headquarters of FAAN 100 are still in Lagos. So all the principal officers at the HQ of FAAN can’t operate efficiently without their supporting staff. The agency will be saved a whopping half a billion naira from air tickets as a result of flights from Lagos to Abuja vice-versa for signing of files.”
Amuga noted that the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Keyamo has collaborated with esteemed entities such as the Qatar Government, Swinburne University Australia, University of Coventry UK, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia and most recently, Emirate Aviation University, Dubai, “So it’s glaring that this underscores the minister’s commitment to global excellence. The Minister hopes that the AAAU aspires to position Nigeria as a hub for Aviation education in Africa,” he added.
Joshua Amuga
