Nigeria to boost investment in aviation safety, security – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the commitment of his administration to further invest in the provision of infrastructure and facilities for safe, secure, environmentally friendly and sustainable civil aviation.

The President spoke Tuesday while receiving the Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Mr Juan Carlos Salazar, at the State House, Abuja.

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Buhari said Nigeria would support the ideals and aspirations of ICAO and the achievement of its strategic objectives, in collaboration with other member states of the Organisation.

“Nigeria became a member of the ICAO Council in 1962, and since then, it has continued to make valuable contributions to the Council’s work and its activities.

“It is pertinent to also mention that Nigeria has been playing a key role in supporting the implementation of ICAO Policies and Programmes internationally, and particularly in the African region.

“To this end, Nigeria has ratified international air law instruments like the Montreal Protocol and amendments to some articles of the Chicago Convention.

“Nigeria is also championing the cause of aviation safety, security and facilitation in Africa”, he said.

The President told the ICAO delegation that he has approved the establishment of Aerospace University in Abuja to cater for research and development as well as provide manpower for the industry.

“In this regard, Nigeria is looking forward to the continued support of ICAO under its ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative,’’ he added.

President Buhari also said the federal government had established independent agencies in order to enhance aviation safety and security while ensuring effective and efficient provision and management of infrastructure in all aspects of the industry.

President Buhari said Nigeria, over time, seconded auditors to support various ICAO programmes in the areas of safety and security.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, commended President Buhari for the giant strides taken under his administration in the areas of aviation safety, security and development.

On his part, the ICAO Secretary General lauded what he called “the leadership role Nigeria plays in civil aviation in Africa,” saying the country’s record is one of the most impressive in the world.

The ICAO’s scribe, while underscoring the need to maintain the track record, stressed that there was no end line in civil aviation, “we keep chasing targets that go on and on.”

He urged President Buhari to sustain the support being given to the sector to attract further investment, tourism, and continued growth.