A host of Nigerian Aviation professionals recently convened to rub minds on how to propel the industry forward through proper management, policy-making, and regulation; to share the challenges they face, to propose solutions to said challenges and to divulge their plans for the future. The meeting took place on July 28, 2021 during the 25th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC).
The event which was themed ‘Nigeria’s Aviation Industry: Management, Policy and Regulation’ was graced by key players in the industry the likes of the Commissioner of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Engr. Akin Olateru who represented the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika; the Chairman of West Link Airlines, Capt. Ibrahim Mshelia; the Managing Director (MD), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu; the Director General (DG), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu amongst others.
In the Hon. Minister’s address, he succinctly listed his administration’s accomplishments contributing to the growth of the industry. Among these achievements was the enforcement of zero import duties on aircraft and spare parts now enjoyed by airlines; a giant step in the right direction.
Capt. Yadudu stressed the need for financial aid in order to properly execute the brilliant ideas of the technocrats in the industry: “Without financial assistance, there’s very little we can do to move the industry forward. There’s only so much one can do with knowledge alone.”
He went on to encourage all stakeholders to work together in their various capacities and to continue the good work of others who were there before, instead of doing otherwise, as this will not benefit the industry: “If we all use the same standard, then we’ll soon realize that we have attained the same goal. We should stop pulling in different directions,” he said.
In his keynote address, Capt. Musa Nuhu listed the short term plans of the NCAA, which include but are not limited to full automation of NCAA operations – a plan which is to be executed in the next 3-4 years; and the domestication of essential foreign training by the first quarter of 2022.
As stated by the NCAA boss, domestication of training is paramount since the Authority cannot send more than 50 people for training per year. According to him, domestication of training will achieve two things: ensure that NCAA staff stays up-to-date with industry best practices at “a fraction of the present cost” and decrease overheads.
On his part, the Chairman of the Aviation Ground Handling Association of Nigeria (AGHAN), Mr. Olaniyi Adigun praised the Federal Government for enforcing the waiver on import duties on aircraft and spare parts, but asked that the waiver be extended to the ground handling companies also. According to him, such a step will greatly assist ground-handling companies in Nigeria because they too find it difficult to procure spare parts and other equipment not fabricated in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event was the General Manager, Total Aviation Operations, Mr. Rabiu Abdulmutalib who noted that presently, there is no regulatory body checking to ensure that only dedicated trucks transport Jet A1 to the airport depots; neither are they on ground to test this fuel before it gets into the aircraft.
In his expert opinion, such negligence could lead to adulteration of the fuel by unscrupulous persons, with catastrophic consequences. He therefore called on the proper coordination of all the relevant agencies involved in the monitoring and enforcement of all standards along the Jet A1 supply chain.
The event came to a close with an award ceremony in which certain deserving agencies and persons received awards in various categories such as the Lateef Lawal Award for Airport Manager of the Year which was awarded to FAAN; CEO of the Year, awarded to Engr. Akin Olateru; the Most COVID-19 Compliant Terminal awarded to MMA2; Humanitarian Airline of the Year 2020 – Air Peace; Most Innovative Carrier – Ethiopian Airlines.
