Nigerian Flight Deck Travel and Business Reportage
THE Director-General/CEO, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Mansur Bako Matazu, has said the the aviation sector can only grow, if the lives and property in, around and going through the nation’s airports are safe.
He made this known in his goodwill message to the management and staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on the occasion of the FAAN/Airport Council International-Africa (ACI-Africa) Security Week 2021 stressing that all airport are connected and so security must be too.
Professor Matazu who is the Permanent Representative of Nigeria with WMO, stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic revenues plummeted and funds to aid sustain security became limited and so it is pertinent that safety and security be promoted by any means.
Matazu said,” It is an honour for me and my Agency to be invited by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), again, on the subject of Safety in our Airports. This goes to underscore and highlights the importance of safety, safety and safety at our airports worldwide.
“The Aviation industry is evidently one of the industries globally, that works round the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and all weeks year-round. Even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry continues to operate at the forefront. The situation is no different in Nigeria where the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation, continues to invest in the sector to ensure that our nation’s aviation is safe and secure for stakeholders and passengers.
“…you will all agree with me that the sector can only grow, without slowing down the current recovery efforts, if the lives and property in, around and going through our airports are safe. Additionally, just like weather that has no boundary, aviation is one, globally.
” The level of security at one airport is well connected to others, either as originating, alternate or destination flights. It is therefore a right event at the right time, to discuss ways of promoting collective and inclusive security and safety at our airports.
He added,”Despite the current recovery being recorded in the industry around the world, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still clearly visible with us. With dwindling revenue, funds to sustain security and safety are also limited. Hence, every effort to promote safety and security by any government must be encouraged. However, Government alone cannot do this, every industry player must come together to actualize security and safety as a culture in line with the vision of ICAO.
He also spoke on the importance of NiMET as an agency is ensuring safety and security saying: “Ladies and Gentlemen While we all work hard to build security and safety culture at our airports, we must not lose sight of safety at take-off, airborne, and landing. This is largely dependent on the prevailing weather conditions at the airports and enroute. This is where we work tirelessly all-hours, as an agency of government, to ensure safety of lives and property onboard every flight.
