ABUJA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The federal government is concerned over the multi-billion naira debt by domestic airlines to aviation agencies, the minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi has said.
Rounding off his ministerial visit to transport agencies in Lagos, Amaechi restated the commitment of the federal government to recover the debt owed the aviation agencies by the domestic airlines.
In the recovery of the debt, the transport minister categorically maintained that there would be no sacred cows.
He also assured that ongoing remodelling projects in four Nigerian major terminals, including the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja would be completed in the next three months, urging the media and the Nigerian public to hold the APC government of President Mohammadu Buhari to its promises.
Amaechi was accompanied on the tour by the minister of state for Transport (Aviation) Senator Hadi Sirika, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Mr Bashir and head of federal government agencies and parastatals in Maritime, Railway and Transport subsectors.
Amaech said efforts will be re-doubled by his leadership 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.
“All stakeholders in the transportation sector are encouraged to join hands with the government towards building a virile, vibrant and profitable industry,” the minister 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.
Credit: Leadership (Nigeria)
