The minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi has restated the commitment of the federal government to recover the debt owed the aviation agencies by the domestic airlines.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos after inspection of airport facilities in Lagos, the minister of Transport who was accompanied by the minister of state for Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika stated that efforts will be re-doubled towards the recovery of debts owed to the ministry and all its parastatals and agencies to mitigate the effects of dwindling resources.
Ameachi stated further that the ministry through its regulatory agencies will ensure strict compliance with all laws and regulations.
He added that in this regard there will no sacred cows.
All stakeholders in the transportation sector are encouraged to join hands with the government towards building a virile, vibrant and profitable industry, he said.
Amaechi noted that having toured the various parastatals and agencies; the enormity of the tasks ahead has become much clearer.
The minister emphasised that in accordance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP) and International Aviation Organisation (ICAO) annex 17, the federal government is looking to overhaul and streamline the security apparatus at the nation’s airports for a seamless and more effective security surveillance and enforcement.
“This will also improve facilitation and passenger experience. The use of appropriate technology and customized training for security personnel will play a major role in this process. The purpose of all these measures is to work smarter in achieving stated goals and targets”, he added.
In his words, “with regards to the operators and service providers, they must operate within the ambit of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.”
