The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to launching a national air carrier and modernising Nigeria’s airports, reigniting hopes for a sector that has struggled to recover since the liquidation of Nigeria Airways two decades ago.
Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the newly appointed permanent secretary, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stated this during his assumption of duty at the ministry on Monday in Abuja.
He pledged to work with Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to achieve the government’s vision, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Resources are scarce, and we need to embrace the private sector to support Nigeria’s aviation industry,” Kana said.
He emphasised the importance of teamwork, innovation, and public-private partnerships in driving the aviation sector’s growth. He also outlined plans to revamp the nation’s airports, improving infrastructure and passenger experience.
This latest announcement comes against the backdrop of repeated failed attempts to revive a national carrier following the controversial liquidation of Nigeria Airways in 2004.
The airline, once a symbol of national pride, was shut down by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo due to massive indebtedness and mismanagement.
Over the past two decades, various efforts to resurrect a national carrier have floundered. These include ventures such as Virgin Nigeria, Nigeria Eagle, Air Nigeria, Nigeria One, and the most recent Nigeria Air, spearheaded by Hadi Sirika, former minister of Aviation,
Despite the unveiling of Nigeria Air’s name and logo at the 2018 Farnborough Air Show in the UK, the project was ultimately suspended and quashed by the courts.
Kana acknowledged the challenges but expressed optimism about finally delivering a national airline.
Emmanuel Meribole, the outgoing permanent secretary, encouraged the ministry’s staff to support Kana in achieving these ambitious goals, noting that continuity in the civil service is key to success.
“No man is perfect, but I have always wished to leave a place better than how I met it, and I believe I have done that,” Meribole stated during the handing-over ceremony.
Adebola Odugbesan, director of legal services and special adviser to the attorney-general of the federation, described Kana as a “bureaucratic soldier” with a leadership style that fosters development and talent growth.
He urged staff to work closely with the new permanent secretary, emphasising his passion for staff welfare and professional development.
Meribole emphasised the continuity of civil service and urged staff to extend their cooperation to his successor. “No man is perfect, but I have always wished to leave a place better than how I met it, and I believe I have done that,” he said.
He also commended the leadership of Festus Keyamo and encouraged stakeholders in the aviation industry to remain steadfast in transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector into the best in Africa.
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