FG targets $14.1bn GDP contribution from aviation sector

..says December date still feasible for Nigeria Air take-off

THE federal government has projected a 5 percent contribution of the aviation sector to the Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP) from 0.6 percent presently.

Hadi Sirika, minister of Aviation, who said this in Abuja on 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.

Sirika, said this 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 road maps 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 roadmap 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), Designaclimate tion 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 between 4th quarter of 2022 and 1st quarter of 2023.

On the national carrier, the Minister confirmed to Businessday that the December date to commence operations is still feasible. He said 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 said the airline emerged winner after a transparent bidding process, and is also one of the best in the world.