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9 July 2009
Abuja — Concerned by air crashes that has jolted the globe in the past month; the Federal Government said it is working towards ensuring safety in the country's aviation sector through the provision of adequate navigational equipment at the airports.
The Minister of Aviation, Babatunde Omotoba yesterday assured that plans were on to make the nation's aviation sector to rank among the best in the next ten years, stressing that efforts were geared towards achieving it.
He stated that the nation cannot afford to fail with all the support given to the Ministry and its agencies by President Umaru Musa Yar'adua.
He called on the private sector to join in the drive to make the sector safer and attractive for all investors.
Omotoba stated this in his home town, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State at the thanksgiving service held in his honour by Oluyin of Iyin, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye.
According to him, "We are working towards placing Nigeria on the world aviation map, to be one of the best in the next ten years. Let me tell you, this present administration of President Yar'Adua is working towards safety and security of air travel. The present administration is determined to ensure that we do not record any accident again in Nigeria."
He appreciated the efforts of the aviation agencies in their drive to reposition for the challenges ahead.
The Minister called on all to support 'the good work of the administration in order to achieve the lofty goal of repositioning the industry."
"The dream of this administration is to meet the Vision 2020 target to be among the first 20 nations in economic growth," he said.
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Very happy to read the comments from Minister Omotoba of Nigeria. Avoidable air crashed should not be happening in this day and age with the current level of mitigation technology that is available to aviation management organizations worldwide. Nigerians will be comfortable knowing their government has taken steps to provide the necessary infrastructures and proposed effective legislatures to ensure that air operators conform to standards that allows for the best possible flight air safety environment. Technical resources available today could allow the Ministry of Aviation to automatically gather safety-enhancing data from all Nigeria-based aircrafts and apply this information into a computer-based program for monitoring the safety of the overall national and regional air space.
This capability, which is currently available in Canada and in some other countries, will allow the ministry to observe minor and major incidents on an on-going basis and to take pro-active actions as necessary. It could mean interfacing with airline operators early enough, to demand improvements in equipment and or pilot performance, in order to militate against crashes.
I am sure that the Nigerian flying public and international travelers, to or wishing to pass through Nigeria, will appreciate the comfort and peace of mind this type of capacity brings. The Minister’s commitment to improved aviation safety is very laudable and all Nigerians should congratulate him and President Umaru Musa Yar'adua for their efforts to bring our performance to rank among the best in the world. Nigerians and the aviation industry worldwide are watching.