The federal government has assured Nigerians that a new national air carrier will soon commence operations.
This announcement was made by the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Abubakar Kana, during a handover ceremony organized by the ministry.
Kana emphasized that establishing a national air carrier is one of his key objectives.
He also pledged to revitalize airports across the country, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, Kana, who previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, expressed his commitment to working closely with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to achieve these goals.
“I will provide unreserved support to the Minister in the actualization of Nigeria’s national carrier and in upgrading airports across the nation to international standards,” Kana stated.
Highlighting the need for collaboration, he added, “Resources are scarce; we need to embrace the private sector to support Nigeria’s aviation industry.” Kana also urged all agencies within the ministry to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting his belief in innovative approaches to development.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, expressed gratitude to the ministry and Nigerians for the opportunity to contribute to national development.
“Civil service is continuous,” Meribole said, assuring that his departure from the service would not hinder the ministry’s progress.
He encouraged the staff to maintain the spirit of collaboration and teamwork they had shown during his tenure, extending it to the new Permanent Secretary.
“No man is perfect, but I have always wished to leave a place better than how I met it, and I believe I have done that,” he remarked.
Meribole also praised the administrative skills of Minister Keyamo and urged aviation stakeholders to remain committed to making Nigeria’s aviation sector the best in Africa.
(The Nation)
