The Chairperson of the Senate Committee Chairperson on Aviation, Senator Biodun Olujimi has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of contributing significantly to the problems bedeviling the Nigeria aviation sector.
Speaking Monday at the ongoing second edition of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference holding in Abuja, the Senator described the constant picketing of airports as indecent and not good for the aviation industry. “It is a sad reminder of the past and should not continue,” she said.
She also mentioned other issues bedeviling the aviation sector to include constant demolition and destruction of properties at the airports, high airfares and aviation security.
Olujimi said: “Another is the constant demolition and illegal construction around the airports. This is due to the fact that people are forever encroaching on the facilities of the airport. The two divides should be looked at, government should be up and doing and make sure that encroachments are instantly stopped before it gets out of hand. A situation where government sits until everything is destroyed before coming in to picture is not the best.
“The industry has been bedeviled by too many issues that I wish this gathering will look into.”
She however described aviation as the transport infrastructure upon which other parts of the economy depend.
She said: “It provides better transport link across the economy, it facilitates international trade, providing fast international network. The industry provides employment to aviation workers, facilitates productivity and growth as a rapidly growing sector that catalyzes foreign direct investment, tourism supporting about 4% percent of GDP and about creating 200, 000 jobs.
She insisted that in spite the above potential of the sector, the aviation industry in Nigeria is yet to contribute its full potential to the economic growth of the country. This is because there is inadequacy of infrastructure that has constrained the industry over the years.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika described the second edition of the FAAN National Conference as an improvement on the maiden edition from which more is expected.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, the minister said the maiden edition was a watershed for the Nigerian aviation industry.
“It was a veritable platform for a panoramic view and incisive analogy of safety, security and infrastructure development. I am sure this edition promises nothing less as it is an improvement on the maiden edition. It is my hope that recommendation that will evolve from this platform will impact the system in no small measure such that the nation’s aviation sector will further gravitate towards achieving globally acceptable standards and recommended practices,” the minister said.
He urged the next administration to continue with the robust aviation masterplan developed and implemented to the finish line by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in which he has the privilege of serving as aviation minister. He appreciated the support his tenure has received which are reasons for its impressive testimonial in the aviation sector.
Welcoming the guest, the Managing Director/CEO of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu explained that the conference seeks “how we can ensure that this industry is here to stay and performs very well now and in years to come. Whatever we are doing now, we continue to do it very well for now and for the future.”
He explained that the theme of this edition, “Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria” has been carefully and thoughtfully chosen to consolidate on the progressive achievements recorded at the maiden edition.
“Theoretically, the term sustainability speaks to progress, endurance, stability, capacity and consistency,” he said.

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