The federal government has indicated its intention to sign more Bilateral/Multilateral Air Services Agreements in 2021, for the benefit of air travellers and the nation at large.
The minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made the disclosure when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation.
The meeting was meant to brief the lawmakers on the performance of the 2020 budget, as well as defend the ministry’s 2021 proposal.
According to Sirika, in the subsisting year (2020), the federal government signed the instrument of ratification of BASA with the USA, India, Morocco and Rwanda.
“More Bilateral/Multilateral Air Services Agreement would be signed in 2021 for the benefit of our nation”, Sirika stated.
On the 2021 budget, Sirika said his the Ministry proposed N 78 Billion for capital expenditure, noting that focus will be on the implementation of the Aviation Roadmap as approved by the President.
He explained that the aviation Road map, which would be implemented through Public, Private Partnership (PPP) includes: establishment of National carrier; Establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility; Development of Agro Cargo Infrastructure; Establishment of Aviation Leasing Company; Search and Rescue and Establishment of Aerospace University with support of International Civil aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In a statement issued by Sani Datti on behalf of the Director, Public Affairs, James Odaudu, the minister expressed appreciation for the cooperation which the Ministry has continued to enjoy from members of the National Assembly in the provision of funds for its projects and programmes.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman house Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji said the committee expected maximum cooperation from the Minister and Chief Executives of the agencies under the Ministry’s supervision in providing all the relevant documents that would help facilitate the scrutiny of the budget process.
According to Nnaji, the aim of the Committee is to assist the Ministry in carrying out its laudable programmes. This, he said can only be achieved through mutual cooperation.
