BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), will spearhead a high-level forum involving aviation agency heads and other key players that will hold conversations on how to address the pressing challenges within the aviation sector at the 28th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC).
Scheduled for Friday, July 26th, at the Providence Hotel in Ikeja GRA, the event will gather key industry leaders and stakeholders for a comprehensive discussion aimed at revitalizing the sector.
In an official statement confirming his participation, it was highlighted that the LAAC conference serves as Nigeria’s premier platform for aviation dialogue.
The event presents an invaluable opportunity for the Minister to engage with stakeholders, assimilate their insights, and harness resources necessary to restore the sector’s former glory.
Mr. Keyamo emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in his strategy to rejuvenate the aviation industry, stating, “Stakeholders are a crucial component in my mission to reposition the aviation sector to a level where it can proudly compete on the global stage. I recognize the significant impact that past recommendations from the LAAC Annual Conference have had on the sector’s development.”
Expressing optimism about the upcoming discussions, Mr. Keyamo added, “I am confident that the deliberations and solutions proposed at the 2024 edition, by an assembly of seasoned experts and stakeholders, will simplify my task as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.”
This year’s conference theme, “Aviation Survivability Amidst a Challenging Macro-Economic Environment,” is particularly timely. The Ministry is committed to addressing every obstacle to reposition the sector effectively.
Chinedu Eze and Albinus Chiedu, the Chairman and Secretary of the organizing committee, respectively, revealed that Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, CEO of CITA Group, will chair the event. Captain Hamisu Yadudu, a former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), will moderate the sessions.
The keynote address will be delivered by Engr. Umar Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
The panel session will feature prominent figures including Capt. Chris Najomo, Ag. Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN; and Dr. Wale Babalakin, Chairman of Bicourtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).
Additionally, Capt. Samuel Caulcrick, a former Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and Dr. Alex Nwuba, Second Vice President of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), will be key speakers. Other notable attendees include the Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, Chairman of the Association of Ground Handlers of Nigeria (AGHAN).
The theme for this year’s conference is driven by the challenging state of Nigeria’s economy, which has exacerbated existing constraints to the growth and development of the aviation sector.
These include limited access to foreign exchange, a weakening currency, high fuel and maintenance costs, poor airport infrastructure, regulatory constraints, growing manpower demands, the need for technology upgrades, and passenger comfort issues.
“The LAAC 2024 Annual Conference will distinguish itself from past editions due to the pertinence of the issues to be discussed and the high caliber of industry leaders and dignitaries who will collaborate to navigate the sector through these growth-constraining challenges, particularly those related to economics,” the committee leaders remarked.
This year’s conference promises to be a pivotal moment for the Nigerian aviation sector, providing a platform for strategic discussions that could pave the way for its resurgence and sustainable development.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
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