Felix Nwaneri, Odinaka Ukuakpa and Veronica Ezeanyadike
18 February 2005
Lagos — FOLLOWING recent developments in the aviation industry which have created new challenges in the area of safety and security, government has been urged to empower the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure that the industry remains abreast with new trends.
This was part of resolutions reached by participants of the First Aviation legislative Summit held recently in Abuja.
According to a communique issued at the end of the two-day summit signed by the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Aviation, Hon. Martins Oke and Group Capt John Obakpolor (rtd), chairman of the summit, the participants also called for the review and harmonisation of the Civil Aviation act of 1964, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Act of 1999, Nigeria Airspace management Act of 1999, Nigerian meterorological Agency Act as well as the Federal Airports Authority Act of 1996 to ensure clear distinctions of limits of authority.
Moreover, legislation should be up dated in order to fully empower these agencies to face both present and future challenges in the industry. Specifically, the NCAA should be accorded autonomy by law for efficient and adequate regulation of the aviation industry", the communique read.
The summit also resolved that the Nigeria Airforce be given important roles to play in the nation's civil aviation because of the security implications that civil aviation poses in national security even as the federal government was commended for embarking on the total Radar Coverage project to ensure safety and security of the nation's airspace.
However the participants recommended that auequate financial provisions be made available to ensure expeditions completion of the project.
On non-domestication of international conventions, the summit insisted that Nigeria being a signatory to international conventions and practice standard which regulates global aviation, it should leave no stone inturned in ensuring quick and efficient domestication of outstanding conventions.
The participantes also called for adequate financing of Nation's aviation industry in view of the fact that the sub-sector is a hit-tech capital intensive industry.
"It is imperative that adequate financial investment be made in the sector if we are to guarantee its continuous safety and security, the communique also read even as government was urged to increase its allocation to aviation capital development through provision of modern marginational and landing aids, airside infrastructure and manpower development.
While appreciating the investments so far made in equipment by government and upgrading of facilities in the nation's airports, government was also called to continue to provide founding and policy support where necessary as it is responsible for providing security to its citizens both on land and air.
Also resolving that private sector participation should be encouraged in the vital areas of the aviation industry the summit further recommended that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) should consolidate its unique position in the primary training of aviation professionals for the country.
This, summits participants said has become imperative, following increased activity in the sector with the increased liberalisation of air transports services in the country.
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