By Fatima Saka
The Nigerian minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, in commemoration of the Africa Indian Ocean Aviation (AFI) week, has stated that the week is not just to review the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but also to introduce new ways of implementing, achieving and ensuring objectives of the event.
Sirika made the statement on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the ongoing AFI week, from 16th to 20th of May 2022.
According to him, the AFI week should employ digitalization and innovation, which are now being highly embraced by the industry.
“This is the only way we can continue to make these initiatives relevant and sustainable, while contributing to the strengthening of safety, security and facilitation in our region, bearing in mind that a safe, secure and efficient air transport system is a natural impetus for socio-economic development of the region and a means to support trade and tourism as well as integration,
“In addition, they will also complement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and other initiatives of Agenda 2063 of the African Union”, the minister said.
“ I am highly honoured to be among this eminent gathering of policy makers, aviation regulators & professionals, as well as industry stakeholders at this 7th Africa and Indian Ocean (AFI) Aviation Week Events organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The minister continued.
“Nigeria’s determination to host this meeting is borne out of the desire to support the growth of air transport in the region and ICAO’s efforts in facilitating the recovery process of the industry from the unprecedented impact of the deadly COVID-19 Pandemic”. He added.
He also commended the ICAO particularly its regional offices in Dakar and Nairobi, as well as the coordinators of the AFI Plan, AFI SECFAL and the RASFALG-AFI, for sustaining these initiatives over the years.
“You will all agree with me that these programmes have contributed immensely to the development of safety security and facilitation, in the region and have assisted the region in complying with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as well as the reduction of the number of States with significant safety concerns (SSCs).
Other representatives and special guests at the programme includes: the Secretary General of ICAO, Mr Juan Carlos Salazar; ICAO Director of Air Transport Bureau, Mr Mohamed Khalifa Rahma; ICAO Director, Technical Cooperation Bureau, Mr. Jorge Vergas; ICAO Regional Directors of ESAF and WACAF; Directors General of Civil Aviation Authorities; heads of International organizations and Industry stakeholders.
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