The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, has emphasised the need for greater government support for private investors in Nigeria’s aviation industry to accelerate sectoral growth and increase its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Bala Usman made the position known during a visit to Aero Contractors, where she toured the airline’s operations and its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The visit gave her first-hand insight into the airline’s engineering capabilities and the role private operators play in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Sanusi through Bala Usman advocates stronger aviation government support
Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, said the visit demonstrated the importance of constructive engagement between government and industry stakeholders. He noted that closer collaboration would create an enabling environment for businesses to expand operations, generate employment and contribute more significantly to national development.
“It was an honour to welcome Hadiza Bala Usman to Aero Contractors. I had the pleasure of taking her on a tour of our operations, and in particular our Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre, which continues to position Aero Contractors as a strategic aviation asset capable of supporting operators across West and Central Africa,” Sanusi said.
He added that Bala Usman showed genuine interest in understanding the challenges and opportunities within the aviation industry. According to him, her questions reflected a strong grasp of policy, institutional development and performance management despite not having an aviation background.
“What impressed me most was not only her genuine curiosity and the depth of her questions, but her sincere interest in how the government can better support the growth of our aviation industry. Though not an aviator by background, her command of policy, performance and institutional development was evident throughout—a reflection of the results-driven mandate she leads at the CRDCU,” he said.
Sanusi stressed that regular interaction between public officials and industry players would help shape practical policies that encourage investment and sustainable growth. He maintained that such engagement would strengthen the industry’s capacity to support Nigeria’s economic development.
“Her visit reinforced the value of constructive collaboration between government and industry. When public servants engage directly with stakeholders, ask the right questions and focus on practical solutions, they help create the environment in which businesses thrive and contribute even more to national development,” Sanusi stated.
He further expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry, praising Bala Usman’s commitment to effective public service. “Thank you, Hadiza, for taking the time to visit us. I wish you continued success in your national assignment. With public servants of her calibre: thoughtful, rigorous and committed to delivery. I remain confident about the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry and of our country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Aero Contractors said the visit provided an opportunity to showcase its commitment to advancing aviation through engineering excellence, innovation and collaboration. The airline noted that its MRO facility has continued to provide maintenance support for airlines within Nigeria and across the West and Central African region.
According to the airline, Bala Usman expressed satisfaction with the quality of equipment and personnel at the facility. It added that the MRO has built decades of engineering expertise and operates with internationally recognised standards, supported by highly skilled professionals dedicated to delivering safe, reliable and efficient aircraft maintenance services.
