FG Rebrands Ministry of Aviation as Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace 

According to the minister, the development is tied to the founding of the African Aerospace and Aviation University in Abuja.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday, shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Sirika claimed the change became necessary since it was on the exclusive list.

He argued that the future of aviation had advanced to the point where aviation and aerospace were linked and that Nigeria needed to develop policies to line with future events proactively.

According to the minister, the development is tied to the founding of the African Aerospace and Aviation University in Abuja.

The council also authorized the concession of Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Kano’s Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Sirika further said that the Abuja airport would be granted a 20-year concession, while the Kano airport would be granted a 30-year concession.

In a related event, the FEC approved reinstating on-street parking in the nation’s capital, widely known as Park and Pay.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, made the declaration, who indicated that the FCT minister had been pursuing a modification to the legislation and had therefore gained confirmation of the memo in the issue.

He reminded the audience that on-street parking had been suspended since 2012 due to a court order deeming it unconstitutional but that it would be reinstated immediately with consent.

The minister of information also said that the Second Niger Bridge would be ready for commissioning on May 20, nine days before the ceremonial transfer.

Previously, the FEC authorized $4.7 billion to build the Ondo Multi-Purpose Port in Ilaje, Snake Island in Lagos, and Burutu in Delta State.

Prince Ademola Adegoroye, Minister of State for Transportation, informed State House Correspondents that the projects would be carried out under a public-private partnership model at no expense to the Federal Government.