President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a direct order to Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, to prioritize the revival of the Nigeria Air Project and implement a comprehensive sanitization program across all Nigerian airports.
This directive was conveyed by Kana during a meeting with heads of agencies within the aviation ministry and ministry staff in Abuja. He emphasized that President Tinubu had personally instructed him to accomplish these two key objectives during his tenure.
“While receiving my deployment letter, I received very clear instructions, with two tasks to achieve within this period, by His Excellency, Mr. President, as well as the Head of Service of the Federation,” Kana stated.
“One, to ensure that the Air Nigeria comes to be. Two, sanitize our airports across the country. All of us will agree that there is no better time to have an Air Nigeria than now.”
Reviving the Nigeria Air Project
The Nigeria Air Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at establishing a national carrier, has faced significant hurdles in the past. However, President Tinubu’s directive underscores the government’s renewed commitment to this critical project.
Kana affirmed that reviving Nigeria Air remains a top priority, stating, “Our dream is to give birth to a national carrier within the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He further emphasized his dedication to working closely with Minister Festus Keyamo to ensure the successful implementation of the Nigeria Air Project and fulfill the President’s “renewed hope agenda.”
Sanitizing Nigerian Airports
In addition to reviving Nigeria Air, Kana highlighted the importance of sanitizing Nigerian airports to international standards.
“We want our passengers in the airports to feel at home to operate and move seamlessly, transiting from one point of the airport to another,” he said.
This directive comes amidst growing concerns about the safety and efficiency of Nigerian airports. Reports of congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and subpar service quality have frequently surfaced, impacting passenger experience and hindering the growth of the aviation sector.
Possible Challenges
The successful revival of the Nigeria Air Project and the sanitization of Nigerian airports will undoubtedly present significant challenges. These include securing adequate funding, navigating regulatory hurdles, and addressing the complexities of establishing and operating a successful airline in a competitive global market.
Furthermore, the airport sanitization program will require substantial investment in infrastructure upgrades, improved security measures, and enhanced passenger services.
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However, Kana expressed confidence in achieving these objectives within a short timeframe. He assured that the ministry would intensify efforts to modernize airport operations and align them with global best practices.
If You Ask Me
President Tinubu’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing the aviation sector in Nigeria. The revival of the Nigeria Air Project and the sanitization of Nigerian airports are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.
The success of these initiatives will not only boost the country’s economy but also enhance connectivity, improve passenger experience, and position Nigeria as a major player in the global aviation landscape.
Kana’s appointment as Permanent Secretary, coupled with his unwavering commitment to fulfilling President Tinubu’s mandate, provides a glimmer of hope for the future of aviation in Nigeria.
