Aviation master-plan is taking care of needed change in the sector says Aviation Minister. …..Doppler weather radar station, thunderstorm, lightning detectors, low level wind shear alert systems, calibration laboratory become part of our Aviation system.

[FMINigeria]

                        As solution for change in the aviation sector, the protective mechanism of the aviation master-plan has been re-energised through financial management systems appraisal; negotiations with domestic and foreign airline operators; meetings with unions and major aviation bodies as well as deliberations with airport operators on infrastructure expansion, economic and policy development, legal and institutional reforms and human capacity building.

The Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah revealed at the 2013 Ministerial Pla

Doppler Weather Radar Station tform held at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja on Thursday, 27th June, 2013 that in response to the Dana Airline accident, meteorological services, communication, navigation, surveillance, accident investigation and prevention systems have been intensified to ensure safety through the aviation master-plan.

Thunderstorm & Lightning Detector  She further said that a Doppler weather radar station, thunderstorm, lightning detectors, low level wind shear alert systems as well as calibration laboratory were the new instruments sited at the National Weather Centre Complex in the Abuja Airport.

Stella Oduah revealed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has subjected its facilities, processes, systems and services to quality management auditing by the International Standard Organization's quality management system audit.

The Minister added that, eleven airport terminals have been remodelled, perishable cargo and pilgrim processing facilities introduced and five new international terminal buildings constructed in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

The effort to transform Nigeria into an aviation hub for the West and Central Africa, she said, has brought about modernization of equipment and facilities to meet international standards and technological advancements and improve the country's national and international image.

Other achievements identified in the period under review are: improved accident investigation and prevention measures realized through the publishing of the first and second volume of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARS); periodic inspection by authorized aviation medical examiners; provision of airport medical and catering facilities as well as overseeing air ambulance operations and deployment of consumer protection officers to all airports in Nigeria.

Low Level Wind Shear Alert Systems LLWAS Stella Oduah further said that,"The Ministry has met with Nigerian investors to drive local capacity within the sector and consultations are ongoing with aviation stakeholders and external international aviation organizations towards reviewing and harmonizing our aviation policy to achieve international standards and ensure safety, security and comfort for passengers. Nigeria's aviation policy is being refocused to address the socio-economic, legal, technological, environmental and security realities of the country"; she emphasized.

She added that her Ministry has restructured the country's bilateral air service agreement and began the construction of airport cities in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano to expand the non-aeronautical revenue base.

Also, the Minister stated that the airports in Asaba, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Lagos and Kano have been selected as special business zones for profitable economic engagements.

While speaking on her accomplishment in human capacity development, the Minister said that new training equipments and partnerships with international training institutions were embarked on to provide world class terminal buildings, modern air navigation and meteorological equipment for safety, effective security system as well as ensuring the renovation of Lagos and Abuja into regional aviation hubs. These, she explained, would help to generate employment opportunities and provide strong national carriers and domestic airlines.

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Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria