The aviation industry and many unanswered questions

The aviation industry is not just the bedrock of national development, it doubles as a platform for national integration. 

Hence, all hands must be on deck to get the best of  the industry as its success or otherwise could make or mar our national image.  

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The industry had been able to navigate the turbulence and challenging period of the coronavirus pandemic and come out strong.  

More importantly, and recently, the drama surrounding the airport concession, the national carrier, the proposed Aerospace University among other germane issues had raised serious concern among stakeholders in the industry. While there has been a cacophony of opinions on the concession agenda of the government, history lends eloquent testimony to the fact that such practices in the past had always resulted in more problems to the nation. 

Both the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and the National Air Transport Employees of Nigeria (NAUTE) had queried the aviation ministry on its plan to concession of the most viable airports and whether this may not lead to retrenchment of workers. 

Another fear is that  elements of politics and nepotism, which always play out to the detriment of the masses, may rear their ugly heads. 

Again,  there is a fear of  skyrocketing tariff when the concessionaires take over because they may be eager to recover the invested capital and make profit.  

Hence, the aviation ministry needs to be clearer about the concession process. Nigerians deserve accountability and a veritable road map in a critical sector such as aviation.  

Tobi Adetunji resides in Lagos