Posted by Sade Williams, in Abuja
Aviation and Aerospace development Minister, Festus Keyamo, has said the current administration is willing to provide all the necessary support for the establishment of world class Maintenance, Repair Organisation (MRO) facilities and training organisation in Nigeria.
Keyamo, who said this is part of his plans to attract foreign investors to the sector, identified four other initiatives, saying the vision of this current administration to make Nigeria the aviation hub of Africa.
He spoke on Thursday at the 7th Aviation Africa summit and exhibition holding in Abuja.
Keyamo said infrastructure upgrade, including upgrade of CAT 3 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, will top the list of programmes aimed at repositioning the sector and make it an investors’ haven.
“In order to attract foreign investors the government is already looking at the following areas to improve Aviation business in Nigeria: upgrading infrastructure, which includes upgrading of 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.
“Aircraft Leasing Company: governrnment welcomes major players in aircraft leasing and Head lessors to invest in Nigeria airlines to provide state of the art aircraft. Government will ensure enforcement of contract agreement and the rights of investors and indeed all parties are protected; and Nigeria being a signatory to the Cape Town Convention will uphold international obligations.
“Aircraft Maintenance Organisation. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility is another critical aspect that can 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 the establishment of world class MROs and training organisation.
On forex availability, the minister said 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, adding that it this administration is committed to ensuring that forex is readily available to entrepreneurs.
He disclosed that President has directed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) holds quarterly reconciliation meetings with a view to resolve this issue.
Keyamo addedd that the current administration is open to providing tax holidays to encourage existing and new entrants into the Nigerian Aviation sector.
“I wish to reiterate that my administration will continue to sustain the support being given to the industry.
