USTasks Nigeria On Efficient Aviation Industry

United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has stressed the need to develop the Nigerian aviation industry to open up the economy of the nation to new investors.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary, Susan Mcdermott stated this when she led a delegation from the Department of Transportation and the United States Consulate, Nigeria, on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. George Uriesi.

She expressed delight at the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, stressing that Nigerian aviation market is a major player in the global aviation industry.

She noted that efficient and secure airports would open up the economy of the nation and showcase the potentials of the Nigerian aviation industry.

According to her, “the need to be able to network in a safe, secure and efficient manner is germane to the development of any economy”.

She said they were impressed by the increasing passengers and aircraft traffic across the nation’s airports and urged FAAN to give adequate attention to safety and security at the airports.

Responding, the Managing Director of FAAN who was represented by the Director of security Services, Mr. Wendell Ogunedo thanked DOT for partnering with his organization in its developmental efforts at the airports.

He said that the Federal government was determined to upgrade the facilities at the nation’s airports to meet international standard, adding that the Minister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah Ogiemwonyi had approved the re-modelling of 11 airports in the first phase of the transformation programme.