The National Association
of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has called on the President, Muhammadu Buhari to appoint an aviator as the next Aviation Minister in order to stop the attitude of cutting corners and to move the industry forward.
In a letter to the president dated may 18, 2015 and signed by NUATE’s Secretary, Mr Olayinka Abioye the Union said an internationally regulated and highly technical industry should not be left in the hands of political manipulators and jobbers but to a principled, properly trained and experienced professional with a track record of integrity, performance and strong character.
“The choice of a core professional would also inspire other professionals in the sector to work hard and be counted. A professional would be better positioned to stop ‘cutting corners’ and better equipped to address the critical issue of safety, security and development of the nation’s airports and airspace,” the statement said.
NUATE expressed regret that since the advent of democracy in the country 16 years ago, no aviation professional has been appointed as minister, adding that it has retarded progress in the sector and Nigeria as a nation.
The Union urged Buhari to consider the role played by the aviation sector as the biggest promoter of international trade since the twentieth century, noting that Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth and one of the largest exporters of crude oil in the world has not attracted as much foreign direct investment as it should have done due to a number of factors which have to do with safety and security of the nation’s airports and airspace.
As a responsible trade union concerned with the growth and development of the aviation sector of our national economy, we have found it extremely expedient to canvass a policy thrust that will galvanise the industry into providing a safe, secure and efficient air transport industry.
NUATE however advised that in appointing a professional, care must be taen to avoid bringing on board some of those who were responsible for the destruction and ultimate demise of Nigeria AIRWAYS AND The Aviation sector as a whole.
Most, if not all of them, are against change, the change which will bring good to the sector and the country while disclocating their long lasting selfish interests that have hitherto derailed growth of the sector.
Many of them are stil around Parading themselves as the best hands in the sector,” he said.