The federal government has accepted to host the ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN) in 2022.
ICAN events provide states with a central meeting place to conduct multiple and bilateral air services negotiations or consultations.
It also offers a platform for the participants to learn about current trends, discuss and exchange experiences, as well as provide excellent networking opportunities.
The ministry of aviation said in a statement that Nigeria was picked as the next host following its consideration as a “good candidate” at this year’s event in Bogota, Colombia.
The statement quoted the minister of aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika as saying after accepting the offer: “I will like to personally send the greeting of Mr. President Muhammad Buhari to you all and especially the government and people of Colombia.
“On behalf of our nation Nigeria, it is more than an honour that we are considered as a good candidate that will host ICAN 2022.
“We accept this offer and I can assure you that you will have a very good time to see the culture, history, traditions, people and places in Nigeria just like you did during ICAO World Aviation Forum (IWAF/3) and the ICAO Workshop on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) sometimes ago in Nigeria.”
The minister also stated that the proposed hosting of ICAN 2022 underscores Nigeria’s rising profile within the aviation world.
He said the hosting of ICAN, coming after it hosted the IWAF/3 and the ICAO Symposium on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) is a clear indication of the Organisation’s confidence in Nigeria’s aviation management, and an endorsement by the world body of its reform programmes for the sector.
He said the confidence shown by ICAO would further push the federal government’s commitment to the full and successful implementation of its roadmap to reposition the sector.
The minister was also quoted as commending ICAO for the events saying: “Imagine travelling to 70 or more countries negotiating air services agreements and concluding on certain agreements. It is a very noble idea by ICAO to have a one-stop-shop for all of us to sit here and share common visions, negotiate, and of course, arrive at mutual agreements and understanding for effective management of civil aviation around the world.”
Sirika said civil aviation is in a difficult circumstance because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he said as the tradition by civil aviation, it has always survived it, citing Spanish fluid, 9/11 and many others.
