N’Delta to tackle underdevelopment through investment in aviation sector
The Niger Delta leaders are considering investment in aviation sector to address the socio-economic problems of the region.
In a paper presented to the National
Council on Niger Delta, signed by Assistant Director, Federal Ministry
of Transport, Mr. Patrick Onwura, who represented the Minister of
Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, in Uyo on Tuesday, rates aviation
sector as one of the most vibrant areas that will quicken the region’s
economic development.
The paper titled, “Aviation sector as a
catalyst to the development initiatives for the transformation of the
Niger Delta region,” portrays aviation sector as a tool to promote
travel and tourism, agricultural production and distribution, rural
development, trade and commerce, manufacturing and other non-oil sectors
of the economy.
“In order to reposition the aviation
sector in Nigeria for this role, government through the Federal Ministry
of Aviation developed a comprehensive master plan/implementation
framework with a view to providing a safe, secure, profitable and
self-sustaining world class industry with a distinct airport experience
for flyers.
“It similarly consulted widely with
industry stakeholders, the organised private sector, finance sector,
diplomatic missions, etc to identify and agree on potential areas of
opportunities for foreign and domestic investment.
“The core objectives of the Aviation
Sector Development Master Plan is to make air transportation the
preferred and safest means of transportation, creating a self-sustaining
business model and driving socio-economic growth in Nigeria,” he said.
He called on the Niger Delta leaders to
complement the efforts of the ministry by linking all the airports in
the region with good access roads.
It stated that Asaba and Port Harcourt
airports have been designated special Economic Zone airports while Akure
airport is for agro-allied and cargo airports.
Speaking on Niger Delta Yesterday, Today
and Tomorrow, a professor in the Department of Economics and
Statistics, University of Benin, Mike Obadan, said rebuilding of trust
and hope, prioritisation of needs, and institutional cooperation and
reforms are things that are crucial to the region’s development.
He suggested the development of a
10-year horizon plan to harness the infrastructural base of the region
with regards to roads, waterways, telecommunication, electricity,
health, education, housing and petroleum depots.
Other things he listed as being crucial
for the development of the region include database for development
programmes; development of growth centres; provision of safety and
security for productive activities; consideration of the concept of
sustainable net national product; and direct involvement and ownership
in oil and gas activities.
*Original article from THISDAY
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