The Rector, Nigeria College of
Aviation Technology, Zaria, Captain Samuel Caulcrick has said that aviation is playing important role in Nigeria’s economy, and contributing enormously to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

The NCAT boss said Nigeria, despite the challenges facing the industry, progress has been achieved,

Delivering a paper entitled:”The essence of a well-trained manpower to the aviation industry, Capt Caulcrick emphasised the need for massive investment in growth-supporting infrastructure and human capital development so as to ensure a sustainable air transportation growth.  

He said the industry must pursue smart, coordinated, and cooperative manpower development strategy for the nation’s air transport industry.

Caulcrick observed that the availability of qualified and competent personnel is the propelling force for the sustainable growth of aviation in other countries as well as ours, adding that it is also the path towards excellence in safety and security. 

The NCAT boss said,”It is the quality and proficiency of the aviation personnel that can credibly birth a safe air transport industry, build air travelers’ confidence, make valuable contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”. 

According to Oxford Economics, the aviation sector in Nigeria contributes ₦119 billion (0.4percent) to Nigerian GDP.

He listed the benefits to include, ₦59 billion directly contributed through the output of the aviation sector (airlines, airports and ground services); ₦34 billion indirectly contributed through the aviation sector’s supply chain; and ₦27 billion contributed through the spending by the employees of the aviation sector and its supply chain and in addition there is ₦78 billion in catalytic benefits through tourism, which raises the overall contribution to ₦198 billion or 0.6% of GDP.

In his opening address, organizer of the Airport Business Summit and Expo, Mr. Fortune Idu said for the industry to continue to improve in the delivery of quality passengers experience in safe and secured manner, policy makers, aviation professionals, air transport investors and the users of air transport services will need to meet periodically to share information and deliberate on the future of the industry and to help direct national policies, planning, programmes and projects towards improving airport facilities, air transportation infrastructures and general operations. 

Commenting on this year’s theme: “Repositioning the Airport Business to Sustain Air Transport growth”, Mr. Idu said a sound airport development, concept, plan and programme are vital for a viable, sustainable and safe total air transport system which also has direct positive impact for fast tracking economy development.