We spent N100bn in aviation sector in 5yrs — Sirika

The federal government spent in excess of N100bn in the aviation industry in five years, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said.

He said the money was spent to develop the aviation sector between 2015 till date.

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The minister said this in Abuja at the 8th edition of the Aviation workers’ week and award night organized by the Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC) and the federal ministry of aviation, with the theme: ‘The challenges of COVID-19 pandemic to the Nigerian Aviation industry: the part to recovery.’

He was represented at the event by the minister of state for Science and Technology, Barrister Abdullahi Mohammed.

Sirika said the funds were spent on infrastructure, equipment among other things.

He further said staff welfare, training, facilities upgrade, remodelling of the airports were some of the other places the funds were expended within the time under review.

Commenting, the chairman of the JCNC, Hector Nnadi called for the setting-up of the National Council on Civil Aviation.

According to him, “the unions wish to passionately reiterate the compelling need for the setting-up of the National Council on Civil Aviation.

“This has been the platform for most ministries to examine, explore, initiate, proffer and compare notes on key policy decisions or issues.”