Haidi Sirika woos investors into aviation sector, says 4 airports now free trade zones

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has called on investors to seize the opportunity presented by government and invest in the aviation sector.

Sirika was speaking at the maiden edition of the national aviation conference organised by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Twitter.

He said the country has made four airports free trade zones giving room for local and foreign investors.

“Our four airports, for now, have been designated and approved as free zones. All of you should come in and invest, particularly in Abuja, where we have 24,000 hectares of land all available as a free zone in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The ease of doing business ranking has risen and it is possible for you to own a company 100 per cent in Nigeria as a foreigner. So, whether you are a foreigner or a Nigerian, we want to assure you that the aviation sector is a place where you can put your money and you will not lose,” Sirika said.

He noted that the Nigerian aviation sector had “latent potentials waiting to be explored. It is a virgin industry. Our national resources have positioned us strategically as a continental and global leader. All industry players must therefore pull resources together to take advantage of these opportunities.

“The government is open to providing a level-playing field for competition and innovation. We are always willing and ready to discuss business and partner with innovators to bring the desired growth and development to the industry.”

Also speaking, Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Rabiu Yadudu, said: “Recent events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic did not only impact negatively the global socio-economic space, but it also slowed down global travels, consequently affecting aeronautical operations and revenue generation.

“Our potential and capacity in the global air transport industry are being grossly underutilised and if indeed we are desirous of attaining the status of a major player in the global aviation sphere, it is high time we integrated backward to reposition and move the industry forward.”