The ministry of aviation has partnered the International Partners for Aviation Development, Innovation and Sustainability (iPADIS) to gather ministers of aviation, directors general and chief executive officers of aviation agencies, tourism, public health and border control sectors from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and contracting states for a two-day high level ministerial meeting growing air transportation in West Africa.
The other participants include heads of international and regional organizations, including international Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), World Health Organisation (WHO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airport Council International (ACI), African Union Commission (AUC), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA), Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), heads of civil society and media organisations, etc.
The event, which has as its theme, ‘Enhancing air transport connectivity and growth in West Africa’ is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, March 17-28, 2021.
The director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu said in a statement that the virtual/online ministerial meeting is for member states policy makers, air transport experts, aviation professionals and other stakeholders in the sub-region.
“The high level ministerial meeting is aimed at retooling and repositioning aviation sector within the region to contend with present and future challenges,” he said.
Nuhu will deliver the welcome and introduction address while the official opening will be conducted by the permanent secretary, federal ministry of aviation, Mr. Hassan Musa, while the founder and president of iPADIS, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu will deliver keynote address.
According to the statement, the first day which will witness meeting of experts led directors general of civil aviation will consists of five sessions.
The discourse will centre on pre-COVID challenges to air transport development in the West African region; challenges and risks that encumbered the development and implementation of solutions at national levels; current and future impacts of pandemic on air connectivity; strategies and sectoral synergies that are required for air transport growth; and adoption of conclusions and recommendations.
Day two of the meet will be opened by the minister of aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika.
There will be presentations, discussion of the report of the experts meeting and adoption of recommendations and conclusions towards regional action plan.
