By NKIRUKA NNOROM

The Managing Director/CEO of the Aviation Services Logistics Plc, Mr. Richard Akerele, has identified lack of continuity in administration and improper planning as some of the major hindrances militating growth in the aviation sector.

This is even as he said that various concessions in the aviation industry, especially that involving Maevis and Bi-Courtney did not follow the internationally accepted standard process of executing such deals. Akerele, who spoke in an interview with Vanguard, stated that constant change in leadership slows progress.

Though he agreed there was issues bordering on infrastructural development, he noted that lack of planning was the key issue. Akerele observed that the Aviation/Transport Ministry has had about 10 ministers in the last twelve years when the Ministry of Transport was managing aviation, ‘equating to almost one minister every 1.3 years.’

“Over there in the Federal Aviation Authority, I believe we have had something like six managing directors in twelve years, which is one DG every two years. Again, it does not lend itself to continuity and therefore becomes a problem and can be confusing,” he stated.

‘What I have experienced in the last 15-20 years is that every new administration brings in new idea and always has a winning formula. We are yet to stick to a continuous programme,’ he lamented. He maintained that there should be a well thought out plan, taking account of where the country is at the moment and we where it plans to be in the next thirty years, saying “I think this road map is important to give us direction.