The Federal Government will appoint a transaction adviser next week as part of efforts to establish a new national carrier, an official has said.
The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said the new national carrier will ensure competition, cut in ticket costs and give Nigerians options to choose from.
Mr. Sirika, who briefed journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting, said “….between now and Wednesday we will appoint transaction adviser for national carrier, once that is in place Nigerians will have options, they will be competition, good aircraft and this will bring the price down”.
The new national carrier, the minister explained, will be jointly run by the government and the private sector as an incentive for airlines flying the route.
Mr. Sirika also said the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved about N3 billion for the completion of the rehabilitation work on terminal building phase II and international wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport.
He said that N1.6 billion would be expended on rehabilitation of the international wing of the airport while completion of work on the terminal building phase II of the airport would cost N1.4 billion.
According to him, the council approved the project as it is captured in the 2016 and 2017 budget.
“So, very soon we will complete that very important airport, especially the arrival, Port Harcourt airport has been tagged the worst airport in the world.
“But, by the grace of God and the wisdom of the council, it has been approved and will be completed.
“The upgrade and the rehabilitation of the terminal building, international wing of the Port Harcourt from N777, 726,669. 30 to N1,684,520,310.58.
“Second one, is the refurbishment of Port Harcourt airport terminal building phase II domestic wing from N746,830,782.12 to N1,411,662,855.67.’’
He stated that government had intensified efforts towards addressing the challenges of security and safety across the nation’s airports.
Mr. Sirika said his ministry would organise a stakeholders forum where issues concerning the aviation industry would be deliberated upon with a view to finding solutions facing the sector.
“By the end of November we are going to have stakeholders meeting and some of these things will be shown there.”
He stated that the parking space at the Port Harcourt and Abuja airports were being expanded to accommodate more vehicles.
“By the time it is completed, we would have a proper parking space which you will go and park for a fee.
“Once the airport is concessioned, all these will take shape and form that you will love to see.
“Just be patient, in the next 24 to 36 months most of these things will be in place,” he added.
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