The current Minister of Aviation Chief Osita Chidoka assumed office on July 23, 2014.
According to the Managing Director/CEO, Finnum Aviation Services, Sheri Kyari, since Chidoka assumed office he has tried to sustain the previous positive achievements in the aviation sector and initiated his programmes aimed at deepening service delivery in the sector that has capability to create massive impact in the Nigerian economy.
The former airport commandant of the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, Grp. Capt. John Ojikutu (rtd), explained that the minister has engaged all critical stakeholders on how best to grow the industry.
The minister pronounced the mandatory “one Nigerian pilot in the cockpit” rule for all domestic commercial airlines to commence by July 1, 2015. This policy is aimed at employing Nigerian qualified staff.
He also expresses concern about the dearth of technical personnel in the sector, a situation he said must be addressed particularly by the regulators. Ojikutu, who also is a member of the aviation round-table, agreed with the minister’s focus on engaging technical staff for the aviation sector.
Also commenting, an aviation industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Aligbe, said the minister is laying critical foundations but he may be constrained by time and politics.
