The African region on Tuesday in Abuja commenced implementation of Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to improve global competitiveness.
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the during the SAATM pilot implementation cluster coalition road show that the stride would boost connectivity among the states in the region.
Sirika, who was represented by Dr Emmanuel Meribole, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the road show is the first of its kind in Africa for states identified to proceed with the accelerated implementation of SAATM.
“Let me reiterate that the Federal Government of Nigeria shall continue to support any policies and programmes that will support and project the full implementation of SAATM in Nigeria.
“The air transport market in sub-Saharan Africa presents a strong dichotomy. In southern and eastern Africa the market is growing, with few major African carriers dominating international and domestic markets which are becoming increasingly concentrated.
“In contrast, in central and western Africa the sector is stagnating, with the vacuum created by the collapse of mostly state owned airlines and a few privately owned airlines in the region.
“ Nigeria is working towards launching its own National Carrier that will help in actualizing the policies and principles of SAATM in Nigeria and Africa at large, “ he said
Sirika urged the participants to take full advantage of the unique opportunity to share their experiences to address challenges of air travel in the region to the full and sustainable implementation of SAATM in Nigeria.
Speaking, Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director- General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said air connectivity is was asset, which improved the global competitiveness of cities, States and regions.
According to him, increased air connectivity brings concrete value by making trips shorter with optimal user satisfaction at minimum prices.
“It is believed that SAATM will enhance intra-African connections and make movement of passengers and cargo smooth with minimum transit points at competitive prices.
“Achieving these require our collective resolve not only to implement SAATM, but also to make conscious efforts to address the issues of non-physical barriers including the high cost of travel within the region.
“Your presence here resonates the importance of this initiative to the growth and development of air transport in Africa, through enhancing air connectivity.
“ It is therefore reassuring that with this overwhelming participation of aviation professionals, industry partners, private sector participation and other stakeholders, this pilot project would be a success, “ he said.
According to him, the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project Roadmap by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) is quite commendable and borne out of the desire to address challenges of air travel in the Region.
