‘Nigeria must embrace cutting-edge aviation technology, enhance air infrastructure’ – Reps

[By VICTOR NZE]

House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology has urged the Federal Government to embrace emerging technologies in aviation, as well as, improve infrastructure in order to meet challenges in modern-day air travel.

The call comes on the heels the recently-released report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in collaboration with the VFS Global, which reported that countries in Africa can rake in a whopping US$168 billion over the next years from their tourism and travel markets.

The report had, however, hinged the revenue on improvement on visa facilitation, air travel infrastructure, in addition to a detailed policy on destination marketing by the individual countries.

The report released, Thursday, stated that Africa’s tourism market has the potential to generate a whopping US$168 billion over a period of 10yrs, representing an annual growth of 6.5 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) over the period under review.

The report unveiled made public at the ongoing World Travel & tourism (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Thursday, however, posited that current challenges such as air infrastructure, visa facilitation and destination marketing and management policies have to be improved among countries on the continent for the industry to be unlocked to its full potential.

Meanwhile, addressing staff and management of the Federal College of Aviation Technology (FCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, Thursday, the Chairman of the Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Thomas Eriyetomi, who received the delegation in Abuja, stated safety in the industry remains paramount in aviation.

“We are committed to working with you to ensure that our airports, airlines, and aviation technologies meet the highest international safety standards. Moreover, sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. Let us explore eco-friendly aviation technologies and practices that reduce our carbon footprint, ensuring a greener future for our industry,” Ereyitomi said.

The Reps member pointed out that the aviation sector was not merely about planes taking off and landing but that it signifies progress, connectivity, and economic vitality.

“In a nation as vast and diverse as Nigeria, aviation becomes the lifeblood that unites us, bridging gaps, fostering trade, and enabling the exchange of knowledge and culture. Today, as we gather here, we recognize the significance of innovation and technological advancement in our Aviation sector.

“We understand that to remain competitive on the global stage, we must embrace cutting-edge technology, enhance our infrastructure, and nurture our human capital. Our shared goal is to elevate Nigeria’s Aviation industry to new heights of excellence,” he said.

Ereyitomi also emphasised the need for robust partnership in the bid to achieve the set objectives of the committee.

“We are here to listen, to understand your challenges, and to work together in finding innovative solutions. Our doors are open to partnerships that can revolutionize our Aviation sector. Whether it’s enhancing airport infrastructure, optimizing air traffic management, or advancing aviation safety protocols, we are eager to engage with you,” he added.

Earlier, Rector of the Federal College of Aviation Technology, FCAT, Captain Modibbo Alkali said that the major challenge facing the institution bothered on funding and remuneration.

He explained that some government agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are owing the institution, even as they continuously train and retrain their workforce across the country.

It would be recalled the WTTC report titled; ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa’, produced in collaboration with the VFS Global, the visa outsourcing and technology services provider for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide.

According to the report, Africa’s travel and tourism sector could in addition to adding US$168 billion to the economies of Nigeria, and others on the continent, create over 18 million new jobs overall, even as it also stated that this growth potential is dependent on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 6.5 per cent, reaching a contribution of more than US$ 350 billion.

Listing the factors to include; policy package focused on improving Africa’s growth based on air infrastructure, visa facilitation and tourism marketing, the report maintained that the travel and tourism market is ‘a powerhouse sector in Africa, with a contribution of more than US$ 186 billion to the region’s economy in 2019, welcoming 84 million international travellers.’

It further added that the sector is also essential for employment, providing livelihoods to 25 million people, equating to 5.6 per cent of all the jobs in the region.

Speaking, Thursday, at the Kigali Convention Centre, on the Day Two of the ongoing WTTC Global Summit, President/CEO of WTTC, Ms Julia Simpson noted that the continent’s industry has ‘witnessed an extraordinary transformation,’ adding further that in just two decades, the market has more than doubled in value, significantly contributing to the continent’s economy.

 “Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in Africa is massive. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and with the right policies could unlock an additional US$168 billion in the next decade.

“Africa needs simplified visa processes, better air connectivity within the continent, and marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent,” she said.

Also speaking, Founder & CEO, VFS Global, Zubin Karkaria, expressed excitement over the launch of the report, which he described as a window to ‘uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa.’

“This report not only highlights the diverse prospects for economic growth, sustainable tourism, and cross-cultural collaboration but also provides valuable insights for governments to formulate policies and offers businesses a well-defined roadmap for expansion in this thriving market.

“This report delves into the historical journey of the Travel & Tourism sector in Africa. It’s a story of facing challenges head-on, from the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 to the setbacks caused by disease outbreaks, and political instability,” said Karkaria.