From Idu Jude, Abuja
To harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Federal Government has inaugurated a dedicated task force within the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Ministry of Aviation.
The initiative aims to promote investment in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), thereby unlocking significant opportunities for growth and development in the sector.
The development followed a courtesy visit by Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, the Director General of the ICRC, to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo SAN, on Monday in Abuja. During the meeting, Dr. Ewalefoh emphasized the critical role that aviation plays in stimulating economic activity across various sectors. He announced the establishment of the ICRC task force, designed to expedite investment in PPPs, underscoring the need for a collaborative approach between government and private stakeholders.
Seizing the opportunity presented by the meeting, the Minister of Aviation also initiated a corresponding task force within his ministry. This new team will work closely with the ICRC to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of vital infrastructure projects through PPP arrangements.
Dr. Ewalefoh articulated that with the ICRC’s newly streamlined policy direction and the legal expertise of the aviation minister, past mistakes that led to litigation in earlier aviation PPP projects could be avoided. He also expressed optimism about resolving ongoing legal issues in the sector.
Highlighting the universal challenge of funding infrastructure projects, Dr. Ewalefoh pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes PPPs as a key strategy for enhancing national infrastructure. He illustrated the significant investment potential within Nigeria’s aviation sector by referencing successful international examples. Between 2003 and 2019, Heathrow Airport in the UK attracted £16 billion in private sector investments, showcasing the vast opportunities available without overburdening public resources.
He also noted that Dakar Airport secured $575 million in investments, with a substantial portion sourced from the Bin Laden Group of Saudi Arabia. In Kenya, effective PPP arrangements have driven passenger traffic growth from 7 million to 12 million.
With a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria is poised to attract substantial investments and become a central hub for global air travel and a vital connecting point for the African continent. “We possess the resources and potential, but the right infrastructure is essential. Our collaboration aims to ensure that all projects conceived come to fruition within this administration’s tenure,” Dr. Ewalefoh stated.
The Director General reiterated the importance of the aviation sector as a catalyst for national economic development, highlighting its role in connecting diverse infrastructure and unlocking Nigeria’s full potential. “If we get it right, Nigeria’s narrative will transform,” he asserted.
In appreciation of the minister’s efforts, Dr. Ewalefoh commended Keyamo for successfully getting the Federal Government to sign the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction after over a decade of attempts, as well as resolving issues with the UAE that enabled Emirate Airlines to resume flights to Nigeria.
He urged the establishment of a task force to accelerate the execution of numerous projects currently under consideration, emphasizing that the infrastructure deficit in Nigeria is so substantial that conventional protocols may not suffice to meet urgent timelines. “We need to work tirelessly and demonstrate unwavering commitment,” he urged.
In response, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, emphasised the importance of expediting PPP initiatives in the aviation sector and promptly formed a task force to collaborate with the ICRC team for the swift delivery of infrastructure projects. He highlighted the ministry’s recent achievements in aviation policy and emphasised the focus on accelerating all PPP proposals currently on the table.
“We will set timelines for each of these projects and bring them to you,” Keyamo promised, indicating that the ministry recognizes the significant PPP potential within the aviation sector. Projects such as cargo terminals have been earmarked for vigorous pursuit. The minister commended Dr. Ewalefoh for his proactive approach and assured the ICRC of his unwavering support in driving PPP initiatives within the Ministry of Aviation.