Reps Aviation C’ttee vow to address air crashes, probe Nigeria Air project

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology on Thursday vowed to address air crashes as well as other safety abnormalities in the country’s airports.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Abiodun Akinlade, who made the commitment during an inaugural meeting on Thursday also said they will look into the controversy surrounding the Nigeria Air project.
Akinlade said the committee was highly concerned and worried at the recent various air crashes in the country and will do everything within its power to curb it.
“We will, with the support of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the regulatory authorities, organize a high-tech stakeholders town hall meeting to look into the causes of the air crashes and other safety abnormalities at our airports. Our airspace must be safe for all,” he said.
He added, “The Committee of Aviation and Aerospace Technology in conjunction with the House Committee on Aviation and Aerospace will look into the controversy surrounding the launched Nigeria Air project and inform Nigerians accordingly. Last year the Nigeria Air Project was launched and there has been a lot of issues concerning it. Nigerians need to know the state of the project.”
Akinlade said the Aviation Technology Committee, which is a newly created, carved out of the existing Committee on Aviation, is a high-tech driven committee with so much expectations from members.
He assured that the committee will not fail to meet the expectations of the House, Nigerians and stakeholders.
The lawmaker said the Committee will engage and synergies with relevant stakeholders to give Nigerians a highly innovative and productive aviation industry.
“It is my singular pleasure to welcome you all to the maiden meeting of this brand new committee. First and foremost, I congratulate each and every one of us for the electoral victory in the last General election and our selection into this important committee of the House at this crucial time.
“We recall that the 10th Assembly was inaugurated on 13th June 2023, and in line with the standing orders of the House, Mr Speaker, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, constituted the leadership of the special/standing committees and one of which is the House Committee of Aviation Technology.
“May I humbly appreciate the Hon Speaker and the leadership team for the confidence reposed in us in selecting us as members of this committee. You will agree with me that the quality of members of this committee shows the seriousness the House leadership attaches to this committee and the expectation is high.
“We will engage and synergize with the stakeholders to give Nigerians the democratic dividend of a highly innovative and productive aviation industry. A work plan has been drawn out to guide us in this journey ahead.
“Among the jurisdictions of the committee are; A. Oversight the Ministry Headquarter in conjunction with the committee on Aviation. B. Oversight over Air safety services at Airports (NSIB) C.Oversight over Schools of Aviation D. Oversight over Aviation institutions E. Oversight over Metrological Services (NIMET) and F. Annual Budget estimates
“This is the budget period, as a committee will approach the process with all sense of responsibility. We shall cross all the “T”s and dot all the “I”s.
“We seek the cooperation of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace and other MDAs and Agencies under our supervision. We shall not hesitate to sanction anyone that fails to attend the budget defense to give account on their stewardship as we commence the Budget process and other assignment of this Committee in this 10th Assembly, I seek for the full support and cooperation of my esteemed honourable colleagues, members of the committee, the clerk and the secretariat. There lies strength in unity.
“On behalf of the Deputy Chairman, Hon Yahya Richifa, I pledge to run an inclusive open administration where every member is equal and to be treated as such. The committee Clerk and secretariat will be empowered to function optimally. The committee will leave no stone Unturned in discharge of our assignment and responsibility.”

“We shall bring our various competencies to bear on every issue. I urge every member to join hands with me to make this committee a toast among other committees of the House,” he said.