Airports, passengers' safety FG's priority says Aviation Minister

ABUJA (Federal Ministry of Aviation Report) – The Nigerian Government has said that it will continue to intensify focus on the safety, comfort and security of the airports across the country and that of passengers. The Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka said this in his office when a delegation from Air France KLM led by the General Manager in charge of the English speaking West African Countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Jean-Raoul Tauzin  paid him a courtesy visit.

Osita Chidoka noted the imperative for the bilateral relationship existing between   Nigeria and France to be strengthened; promising that the Commercial Agreement Review will be done between now and March 2015. He enjoined the management of Air France KLM to continue to take care of Nigerian passengers and use more Nigerian crews and pilots so as to add value to both countries. He further hinted that Nigeria will harness all available opportunities to increase its GDP.

The Aviation Minister explained that he is looking forward to greater developmental cooperation between Nigeria and France in the Aviation Sector as the sector is one of the economic assets of the country. He disclosed that his door will be open to the management of Air France KLM anytime to enhance the sector.

Speaking earlier, the leader of Air France KLM, Jean-Raoul Tauzin congratulated the Minister on his appointment as well as the opportunity offered to them through the visit. Adding, they are ready to extend their expertise to Nigeria. He also said that a team of experts would be coming into Nigeria soon to build the capacity of some pilots in the country. He further expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the assistance they have received so far. 

Jean-Raoul Tauzin also congratulated Nigeria on the retention of the Category 1 status, indicating that it is proof of the global acceptance of the Nigerian Aviation Sector. He inferred that the achievement resulted from the radical  transformational reforms in the aviation sector initiated by  the Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration.