The federal government through the Ministry of Aviation in collaboration with International Partners for Aviation Development, Innovation and Sustainability (IPADIS) will organize a two-day ministerial meeting on Enhancing Air Transport Connectivity and Growth in West Africa.
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) revealed this in a press statement signed by its Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, made available to MMS Plus newspaper.
According to Nuhu, the online ministerial meeting is aimed at repositioning the Aviation sector within the region to contend with present and future challenges
He posited that the meeting is for member states policymakers, air transport experts, aviation professionals and other stakeholders in the sub-region to brainstorm on the pre COVID-19 pandemic challenges.
The event themed: Enhancing Air Transport Connectivity and Growth in West Africa is scheduled for Wednesday, 17th and Thursday, 18th March, 2021 with the President of iPADIS, Dr Olumuyiwa Aliu delivering the keynote address.
“The first day would witness meeting of Experts led by the the DGs of Civil Aviation with five sessions. The Director-General of NCAA will deliver welcome and introduction address while the official opening will be conducted by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Engr. Hassan Musa.”
“The discourse will centre on Pre-COVID challenges to air transport development in the West African region; challenges and risks that encumbered the development and implementation of solutions at national levels; current and future impacts of pandemic on air connectivity; strategies and sectorial synergies that are required for air transport growth; and adoption of conclusions and recommendations.
“Day two of the event will be officially opened by the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, while the welcome address will be done by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mr Hassan Musa”
“Afterwards there will be Presentations , discussion of the report of the experts meeting and adoption of recommendations and conclusions towards Regional Action plan,” Nuhu said.
Participants expected to brainstorm in the all- important event comprises; ministers, CEOs of Aviation agencies, Tourism, Public Health and Border Control Sectors from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and contracting States.
Others are Heads of international and regional organizations, including International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Health Organization (WHO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airport Council International (ACI), African Union Commission (AUC), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA), African Air Traffic Management Organization (ASECNA), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Heads of civil society and media organisations.
