The Aviation sector contributes about US$8.2 billion to Nigeria’s gross domestic product annually, according to Hadi Sirika (photo), the Minister of State for Aviation. 

Speaking at the 15th edition of the National Council on Transportation (NCT) taking place in Sokoto State on Wednesday, he said the money is generated through sources like Landing and parking charges, overflight charges, fuel tax passenger service charge, bilateral air services agreements, among others.

According to Sirika, the country’s airports in 2016 handled 15.2 million passengers, conveyed over 195,230 metric tons of cargo and 7,373.0 metric tonnes of mails.

He also stressed the need for the sector to operate efficiently for the recovery of the nation’s economy. “This has become urgent for us given the fallen price of oil which had been our main stay and the resultant decline in government revenue. The sector contributes to the economic sectors which include oil and gas, tourism, travel, agriculture, trade and commerce, manufacturing and other non-oil sectors. Also, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air transport in Nigeria supports more than 650,800 jobs including tourism-related employment.”

These statistics, he said, underscored the importance of the sector in the economy of Nigeria but looking at the population size and geographical location, the country has the potential to do more.

The Minister noted that in terms of infrastructural links, currently, there is no effective intermodal air transportation with other modes except road network. “However, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a robust roadmap for the aviation sub-sector, and this intends to address some of the infrastructural gaps and challenges with a view to providing long-term solutions.”

Presently, Africa’s most populous country has 27 functional airports and several privately owned airstrips and helipads. It is also an important destination for over 22 foreign carriers.

Anita Fatunji