The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, says the Federal Government is ready to make Nigeria the aviation hub of Africa.
Keyamo disclosed this on Wednesday at Abuja’s seventh edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2023.
According to him, the current administration was ready to achieve the feat by tackling challenges in the aviation industry to attract foreign investors.
“The government is already looking at the Aircraft Leasing Company, Aircraft Maintenance Organisation, Forex availability and Tax holidays to improve the aviation business in Nigeria.
“This includes upgrading the Cat3 landing system at major airports, construction of the second runway in Abuja, airport improvement programmes through concession and government willingness to partner with companies to turn major airports into Aerotropolis.
“The government welcomes major players in aircraft leasing and Head lessors to invest in Nigeria airlines to provide state-of-the-art aircraft,” he said.
Keyamo said the government would ensure enforcement of contract agreements and rights of investors, and indeed, all parties were protected as Nigeria being a signatory to the Cape Town Convention to uphold international obligations.
The minister said the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility was another critical component that could make the Nigerian aviation industry a hub on the continent.
“With the shortage of qualified engineers, the current administration is willing to provide all the necessary support for establishing a world-class MROS and training organisation.
“The current administration is aware that one of the setbacks entrepreneurs have suffered in Nigeria in recent years is the fluctuation of foreign exchange and its availability.
“This administration is committed to ensuring that forex is readily available to entrepreneurs, and I have directed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) holds quarterly reconciliation meetings intending to resolve this issue,” he said.
