The federal government is expecting over $14.1billion contribution from the aviation sector to the Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which would imply 5 percent GDP contribution, an improvement from the present 0.6 percent.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who said this in Abuja explained that upon implementation of the roadmap projects in the aviation sector, its contribution will rise from the current $1.7 billion to approximately $14.166 billion.
The Minister was speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, which he jointly addressed with Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, as part of the ongoing media discussions on President Buhari’s seven years scorecard.
Sirika disclosed that by April 2023 all the roadmaps outlined for the sector would have been completed, as the attainment level is currently at 90 percent. Upon the full-implementation of the roadmap, he said an estimated 72,300 jobs; including 9,100 direct and 63,200 indirect will be created with twenty aircraft.
Quoting the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) 2020 study, the Minister noted that air transportation has already created 241,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The minister explained that the comprehensive road map was developed, in 2016 and the components of the roadmap includes establishment of a National Carrier, development of Agro-Allied Cargo terminals, concession of 5 International Airports (Abuja, Lagos, Enugu. Kano and Port Harcourt), Designation of Five (5) International Airports as Special Economic Zones, Formulation of Policy on Remotely Piloted Aircraft among others; most of which are expected to be completed or commence operation be- tween 4th quarter of 2022 and 1st quarter of 2023.
On the national carrier, he confirmed that the December date to commence operations is still feasible, stating that the negotiation, finalization of the Full Business Case (FBC) is ongoing, and the airline will commence operation of local and international flights.
Explaining why government is ceding Nigerian Air to Ethiopian Airlines, he asserted that the airline emerged winner after a transparent bidding process, and is also one of the best in the world.
