AVIATION AFRICA SUMMIT 2023: Air Transport remains an essential component of the global transportation system- Keyamo
Oru Leonard
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon Festus Keyamo has said that the Air Transport remains an essential component of the global transportation system and a crucial driver of economic, social and cultural development worldwide. The Minister added that Air transport generates economic growth and development, provides jobs and fosters a range of socio-economic benefits.
Keyamo stated this in his speech during the 7th Edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2023.
He said in order to continue harnessing and maximizing the benefits of air transport in Africa, it is essential and expedient to continue to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development within the African aviation community that would practically address all the significant and structural challenges.
“Having this unique and important event for the seventh time demonstrates the organizer’s determination and interest to support the sustainable development of air transport in Africa. 
“The recent global events, further exposed the immense contribution and importance of air transportation as a catalyst for economic development, vital engine of global socio-economic growth, one of the greatest contributors to the advancement of modern society and a key instrument for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These underscore why the world was greatly impacted, when international aviation was disrupted by the pandemic and other global occurrences”, the Minister noted.
Keyamo who disclosed that it is the vision of this current administration to make Nigeria the Aviation hub of Africa said in order to attract foreign investors the government is already looking at the some areas to improve Aviation business in Nigeria,to include pgrading infrastructure, Aircraft Leasing Company
“Government welcomes major players in aircraft leasing and Head lessors to invest in Nigeria airlines to provide state of the art aircraft. Government will ensure enforcement of contract agreement and the rights of investors and indeed all parties are protected; and Nigeria being a signatory to the Cape Town Convention will uphold international obligations”, he explained.
Others are Aircraft Maintenance Organisation, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), Forex availability and Tax holidays.
Captains of the aviation industry and industry stakeholders, including 500 participants from 92 countries all over the world are participating in the event to discuss trends, innovations, opportunities and challenges in the African aviation sector on 13 and 14 September, 2023.
He commended Times Aerospace Limited for being the champion of the Aviation Africa Summit as well as making Nigeria the first country to host this noble event in West Africa.
