As suggested by the Steve Oronsaye report, President Bola Tinubu resigned from his position as the head of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), according to Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Keyamo disclosed that the ban on international travel imposed on federal government officials last year did not apply to the aviation sector.
Keyamo revealed that President Tinubu wants to see reform and expansion in the aviation industry, hence the sector was spared from the embargo.
The memo published last year stated, “Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management.
“I am writing to communicate Mr President’s directive to place a temporary ban on all publicly funded international trips for all federal government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months from 1st April 2024.
“All government officials who intend to go on any publicly funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks before embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed necessary.”
At the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) 25th anniversary celebration in Abuja, the Minister explained the rationale behind the exemption.
Regarding the NCAA and NAMA merger, Keyamo stated, “From modest beginnings, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in our sector, ranging from enhanced supervisory measures and policies formulation, safety and security oversight, robust legislative and regulatory frameworks, advancements in air traffic management, development, expansion and certification of airports, accurate meteorological services, timely accident investigations, manpower development, and indeed, the growth of indigenous airlines.
“These achievements have not come without challenges.
“However, with the efforts of past administrations and the total support of the present administration under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the five focus areas of the ministry, we have overcome challenges and reached new heights.
“NCAA is a child of God, and despite turbulent waters and attempts sometimes to kill the NCAA, the NCA has survived 25 years.
“And I’m sure you know that any child that is born at the age of 25, of course, is undoubtedly an age of maturity.
“The Oronsanye reports also recommended the merger of NCAA and NAMA.
“And so that was also another attempt to kill the NCAA.
“That report was passed from Jonathan’s government to Buhari’s government, and then to the present government.
“It was one of the first items we considered in this government.
“So, the Oronsanye reports came up that day, and the president went on and on, considered every item in the Oronsanye report, and asked the council to vote.
“And for each item, they would listen to the ministers and so the president came to the merger of NCAA and NAMA as one body.
“I raised my hand, I spoke for about five minutes and because we have a wonderful president who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, an item dropped, the merger of NCAA and NAMA would not remain.
Keyamo provided the following explanation for the exemption:”It is a fact that the aviation sector remains a pillar of national development, facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. Whilst it is yet to realize its true potential in terms of contribution to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we must renew our commitment to ensuring a more progressive, sustainable, inclusive, innovative, and prosperous aviation industry.
“This necessitates the continuous adoption and integration of emerging technologies, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in human capital development to keep our skies safer and secure and attain cohesive and efficient air transportation services.
“The President directed that foreign travels should stop, except in exceptional circumstances. Last year, there was a memo around March that said it was for three months, and the President, because of his desire to ensure that we are frugal in our spending, there was another memo again in December reiterating that memo last year we should cut down on foreign travels, except by direct presidential approval.”