Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has revealed that Nigeria lost $2.5 billion (about N1.25 trillion) in MRO investments in neighboring countries in 2021, stating that such investments would have created more employment opportunities for Nigerians, revenue generation and training of technical personnel for maintenance of aircraft.
Capt. Yadudu made this known in his welcoming address at the ongoing FAAN National Aviation Conference with the theme; Advancing the Frontiers of Possibilities for Safe, Secure and Profitable Air Transport.
According to Capt. Yadudu, the National Aviation Conference is an assembly of industry stakeholders and a platform to discuss the challenges, and opportunities, and make projections for the Nigerian aviation industry.
“As you are all aware, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the global socio-economic space negatively, and also slowed down global travels, thus affecting aeronautical operations and revenue generation. As we commence the process of rebounding, it is imperative to come together to identify and analyze the positives from these challenges, with a view to consolidating them and fostering sustainable development in our industry,” Capt. Yadudu added.
“Let me state that our potential and capacity in the global air transport industry is grossly underutilized. If we are desirous of attaining the status of a major player in the global aviation sphere, this is the time to reposition and move the industry forward,” Capt. Yadudu revealed.
“The interlink and value chain between the air transport, tourism and hospitality industry for economic growth cannot be over emphasized. Today, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, London bridge, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, the British Museum in the United Kingdom, etc. have all been consciously developed into major tourist attractions that drive passenger traffic to those destinations and by implication attract businesses and generate employment for the locals and foreigners alike,” Capt. Yadudu concluded.