Gross underutilization of Nigeria’s potential and capacity in the global air transportation has caused the nation a loss of N1.25trilion investment in Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to a neighbouring African country.
This was made known by the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt Rabiu Yadudu during the opening ceremony of the ongoing maiden edition of FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) holding in Abuja.
Yadudu who noted that the world focus is on Nigeria because of her largest fleet of aircraft within the subregion, emphasized that the country’s potential and capacity in the global air transport industry is grossly underutilized.
He said; “At this juncture, let me state that our potential and capacity in the global air transport industry is grossly underutilized.
“As at 2021, it was reported that Nigeria lost $2.5 billion (about N1.25 trillion) in MRO investments to neighbouring countries.
Yadudu who regretted the loss of the investment to neighbouring African country lamented “Having such investments here would have created more employment opportunities for Nigerians, revenue generation and training of technical personnel for maintenance of aircraft.”
He therefore called on Nigerians to utilize the opportunity provided by the Conference to reposition the country in the global Aviation industry and move the industry forward.
said “If we are desirous of attaining the status of a major player in the global aviation sphere, this is the time to reposition and move the industry forward.
“This is the motive for inviting all stakeholders – airlines, handling companies, aviation agencies, concessionaires, security agencies, etc to discuss issues, share ideas, and proffer solutions to the myriad of challenges facing the industry.
He added, “Furthermore, we have assembled a crop of seasoned faculty who have distinguished themselves globally in various fields of aviation: from regulation, operation, financing, among other critical areas, to bring these issues to the fore, and also proffer lasting solutions.”
The ongoing maiden edition of the FAAN National Aviation Conference with the theme – “Advancing the Frontiers of Possibilities for Safe, Secure and Profitable Air Transport”, according to Yadudu, is an assembly of industry stakeholders and a platform to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and make projections for the Nigerian aviation industry.
He said the theme has been carefully and thoughtfully chosen to proffer solutions to major industry challenges as well as chart the way forward for a National Air transport industry that will be effective, efficient and profitable, in addition to being a major catalyst to national economic growth and development.
