FG Partners IPADIS to Reposition Aviation Sector

Chinedu Eze

Federal Ministry of Aviation in conjunction with International Partners for Aviation Development, Innovation and Sustainability (iPADIS) is organising a two-day high level ministerial meeting on “Enhancing Air Transport Connectivity and Growth in West Africa”.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, in a statement made available to THISDAY.

Nuhu said the virtual/online ministerial meeting was for West Africa member states, policy makers, air transport experts, aviation professionals and other stakeholders in the sub-region.

“The high level ministerial meeting is aimed at retooling and repositioning aviation sector within the sub-region to contend with present and future challenges. The event with the theme:’Enhancing Air Transport Connectivity and Growth in West Africa’ is scheduled for Wednesday, 17thand Thursday, 18th March 2021,” Nuhu said in the statement.

He disclosed that great numbers of participants expected to brainstorm in the all- important event comprised ministers, DGs/CEOs of aviation agencies, tourism, public health and border control sectors from economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) and contracting States.

Others are heads of international and regional organizations, including International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Health Organisation (WHO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airport Council International (ACI), African Union Commission (AUC), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA), African Air Traffic Management Organisation (ASECNA), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), heads of civil society and media organisations and others.

The DG, NCAA would deliver welcome and introduction address while the official opening would be conducted by Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Hassan Musa.

The Founder and President of iPADIS), Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu would deliver keynote address.

“The first day, which will witness meeting of experts led Director Generals of Civil Aviation will consists of five sessions. The discourse will centre on pre-COVID-19 challenges to air transport development in the West African region; challenges and risks that encumbered the development and implementation of solutions at national levels; current and future impacts of pandemic on air connectivity; strategies and sectorial synergies that are required for air transport growth; and adoption of conclusions and recommendations.

“Day 2 will be officially opened by Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, while welcome and introduction will be done by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Hassan Musa,” Nuhu said.