By LAWANI MIKAIRU

The Minister for State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Abubakar Sirika has called on African countries to encourage Air Transport Connectivity among each other in order to enhance the growth of civil aviation in the continent. This is just as the International Air Transport Association,IATA, called on African governments to prioritize the development of aviation nationally and at a pan-Africa level to boost economic growth and development.

The Minister and  Mr Hussein Dabbas, IATA Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East respectively made the calls while addressing the IATA African Aviation Day in Abuja, Nigeria. The event had as its theme: ‘Driving African Economies through the Power of Aviation’.

According to  Sirika,  “Enhanced Air Transport Connectivity is unarguably the key condition for any State’s progress and transformation. Studies have shown that there is clear correlation between connectivity and economic performance. In addition, improved connectivity attracts inward investment, which enables access to export markets and opens countries up to competitive forces. “

He added that “Air transport is a facilitator of international business and trade. Improved connectivity means more access to cities, markets, business and people as well as the integration into global supply chains, an important factor to attracting inward investment into any country”

In his own remark, Mr Hussein Dabbas said  Africa is set to be one of the fastest-growing aviation regions over the next 20 years, with annual expansion averaging nearly 5%. “This opens up incredible economic opportunities for the continents 54 nations. By transporting some 70 million passengers annually, aviation already supports some 6.9 million jobs and $80 billion of economic activity on the African continent.”

Dabbas also said “Aviation has the potential to be a much greater strategic catalyst for growth if governments would stop milking the industry for taxes and enable it with smarter regulations focused on safety and the development of connectivity. The commitments are already there with the Abuja Declaration and the Yamoussoukro Decision. It’s time to achieve them in partnership with industry.”

Some of the resolutions at the event were that :  IATA welcomes the recent signing of a ‘Solemn Declaration’ by 21 African heads of state re-affirming their commitment to breaking down the artificial barriers obstructing air transport service expansion between African nations by implementing the Yamoussoukro Decision. IATA urges all African nations to expedite its implementation, which will stimulate economic growth and development with at least 5 million more passenger journeys a year on the continent.

Secondly,” Cost-effective and appropriate infrastructure development is critical to the sustainability and expansion of African aviation. Consultation and collaboration among airlines and their infrastructure partners during planning and development is crucial. No one knows better than the airlines the level of airport charges that enable a route to be viable, and the kind of amenities they need to support their passengers and aircraft efficiently. All too often in Africa there is no real engagement with the airlines prior to development. This leaves airlines burdened with excessive development cost that are not sustainable. “

“IATA is urging African governments to tackle the excessive surcharges on fuel, which can make fuel purchases on the continent up to 20% more expensive than the global average. Airlines operating to Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana and Kenya are particularly affected by above market fuel costs. These surcharges increase airlines’ cost burden when they are already operating in a challenging environment.  They also hinder growth in an industry that delivers extensive socio-economic benefits.”

The opening session of the Aviation Day featured participation from senior government and industry leaders including Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of State Senator Hadi Sirika, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Captain Muhtar S. Usman, the Deputy Regional Director of ICAO, Mr. Gaoussou Konate, the Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Ms. Iyabo Sosina.