WHY I SUPPORT PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN OVER NEVER DO WELLS WHO ENSURED OUR AVIATION WAS MORIBUND IN THE PAST. The trade volume between China, the largest economy in Asia and Nigeria the biggest economy in the Sub–Sahara Africa has grown steadily to $10.57 billion in 2012 to $16.60 billion as of now. “Nigeria is currently the preferred destination for Chinese companies in Africa. Presently, more than 200 Chinese companies are currently operating here. Beside, China has been supporting Nigeria on railways, roads etc. Experts in the industry are full of praises for the dexterity and commitment of the present administration towards seeing through the on-going reforms in the aviation sector. They point out that the airports re-modeling project in the last two years has brought about a dramatic turn–around in the Nigerian airports which before now, were nightmare for millions of air travelers. The remodeling programme under the strict supervision of Princess Oduah is interestingly one of the most significant areas where the success of the transformation agenda of president GoodlucK Jonathan’s administration is measured. Airports across the country which were before now an eyesore, now wear new looks – thanks to the total overhaul in the sector. Some of the airports which works have been completed include: Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Sokoto International Airport and Hajj Terminal Complex, Ibadan Airport Terminal Building and Ilorin Airport Terminal Building. Others are Port Harcourt airport bridge, Lagos Hajj Terminal, Akure Airport Terminal, Makurdi Airport Terminal and Enugu International Airport which has witnessed resumption of international flights after it had been deserted for decades. In a similar manner, the Aviation Master Plan evolved by the subsisting administration upon resumption of office by the present minister is yielding fruitful result as the Abuja Domestic Terminal of the Namadi Azikewe Airport has been remodeled to accommodate Hajj, Cargo and General Aviation Terminal (GAT), first of its kind in this part of the world. The reform embarked upon by government in this sector has equally led to the provision of necessary, functional, modern facilities to airports such as Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar, Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri, Benin Domestic Airport and Yola Airport just to mention a few. The administration’s resolve to bequeath a legacy for the economic rejuvenation of the Nigerian state is responsible for its policy on promoting trade in perishable crops where Nigeria has comparative advantage . With an output of 1.5million tons in 2011, the country is arguably the largest producer of tomato in the Sub-Sahara Africa and the 14 largest producer in the world. The nation which is blessed with fertile soil is also the leading producer of Watermelon, Mango, Orange, Pineapple and others. But most of these produce end up on waste dumps due largely to lack of markets and storage facilities. It’s in recognition of this fact that the present leadership in the aviation ministry introduced the concept of Nigerian Fresh Produce. On this, the ministry designated airports such as Makurdi, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Jos, Jalingo as cargo terminal while some airports have been listed as Export Free Zone Development (EFZD). The idea is that all the fresh produce which usually wastes in Nigeria will be exported quickly to other parts of the world. Already, the authorities have signed an MoU with the Chinese government and firms for the actualization of this noble objective. These reforms if allowed to be pursued to a logical end, will for sure, lead to the expansion of air services and other forms of transport infrastructure which will contribute positively to poverty reduction, boost growth in the agricultural sector and create new employment opportunities. It will also improve economic activities and by extension security situation of the country.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:42:38 +0000
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