The new Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, on Thursday said he would, henceforth, channel the resources of the ministry to boost safety and security of Nigerian airports and move away from the remodelling of terminals.
The former minister, Ms. Stella Oduah, who was sacked by President Goodluck Jonathan in February this year, had invested massively in the remodelling of airport terminals across the country.
Speaking during an unscheduled tour of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, Chidoka said the focus on security and safety was to ensure that the country retained its Category One air safety certification.
He said, “I have tried to see that my predecessor had done very well in the terminal buildings; so, all that we need is to focus and complete the work that has already started.
“But with that, we want to pull our resources away from the terminal remodelling and focus more on the security and safety of the airports.
“While we want to make the passengers to travel in a more convenient manner, we don’t want to compromise the security of the airports. Our major strategy is to begin to look at the safety component of our work.”
He noted that the move to retain the United States Federal Aviation Authority Category One Status had provided the opportunity to review the safety of Nigeria’s aviation operations.
The minister said, “But more importantly, we are making sure that there is an alignment between safety in the air and the security of passengers, and the terminal buildings; and of course, the passengers’ comfort.
“So, with that in mind, we are having a total review of our security system in all the airports and I have ordered the total review of the security system in all the airports with a view to making sure that they meet global best practices.”
Chidoka noted that work was going on well at the Abuja airport but added that “there is a lot of disruption to passenger operations.”
He said, “Our strategy is that we need to communicate more with the passengers. Between now and four to six months, we shall get the new terminal up and running in the domestic area.
“And by the time the work is completed, passengers will travel in a much more comfortable atmosphere”
You don't know what you are talking about. What you don't know is that the remodelling is part of safety. This man is out to loot.
ReplyDeleteYes, he is a known looter and cheat. He showed these trends as the top shot in the FRSC when he was imposing charges on number plates and driving licenses. Dirty Nigeria politics has catapulted him into another office where he wants to start stealing. He has failed to understand that terminals restructuring are all part of safety measures. Juvenile minister!!!
ReplyDeleteIdiot how long will terminals be remodelled in. Year? Chidoka is talking about air safety and Nigeria airport to be recognise by international body. You are insulting him. Do you know the diff between terminal and air safety????
ReplyDeleteI think I'll first of all condemn the choice of the caption for this piece. Our journalists are fund of developing eye catching captions without evaluating the consequences the title may impact on the society at large. After reading this piece,I understood that the current minister did not abandon like the caption suggested,the projects of the ex-minister. But only assigned a superior value to the security of the Aviation sector & its users,putting comfort as its subordinate. The second commentor (Yany) needs to understand that comfort & security are two different concepts. He also needs to understand that he does not need to insult the minister or anyone to make his point. Every body has his preferences, the ex minister preferred making our airports a cosmetic masterpiece, but the current minister thinks safety & life of the users of the sector should get more. Make efforts to be nominated the next minister if you think otherwise.
ReplyDeleteThe person called Yany is one of those village people who open their mouths at meetings just to be heard even when they are completely clueless.
ReplyDelete