Nigeria has become a reference point for safety and security in Africa – Aviation Minister

Aviation Nigeria

Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah has stated that Nigeria has become a reference point for safety and security in Africa.

The Minister made this assertion while presenting her scorecard at the 2013 Ministerial Platform in Radio House Abuja.

Oduah maintained that the current aviation facilities and standard of operation is not set to see safety and security as a destination, but as continuous process.

“Safety & Security is not a destination. We don’t stop, it is a continuous process” Oduah said.

The Minister also stated that agencies responsible for providing meteorological services were not common in Africa, and that the Nigerian Meteorological Agaency (NIMET) is still the first of its kind in Africa.

“Airlines in Nigeria now use scientifically informed weather forecasts for flying and we have re-enforced our search and rescue centers to curtail unexpected airline incidences” Oduah stated.

Oduah said the administration was looking forward to leaving Nigerians with World Class Terminals for local & international air transit, well secured and safe airports in the country, Very strong private sector driven National & Domestic Carriers, and a Self sustaining Aviation Sector that will contribute over 6% to Nigeria’s GDP growth.

The minister also commended the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan for his support to the sector, adding that the aviation sector is currently 150% safer.

Oduah also said that the aviation sector was working towards building a vibrant domestic and national carrier for the nation.

Minister of Information, Labaran Maku also stated that the aviation sector transformation under aviation minister Princess Stella Oduah is one which totally transformed the once docile sector.

“When men were Ministers in Aviation, our airports were like poultry sheds.” Labaran said.

Maku commended the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan in the transformation agenda of the aviation ministry, adding that the Aviation Minister was the greatest testimony of what women can do in Nigeria, if given the position.