The Federal Government of
Nigeria has inaugurated a committee to make sure airport passengers
aren't overcharged and also to ascertain the level of aircraft accidents
in Nigeria since 2000 till date, with a view to averting such
incidents, the Nation reports.
Speaking with newsmen
after setting up the committees yesterday, Minister of Aviation, Osita
Chidoka says: “Customers have largely complained and I have listened to
them on charges and we decided to investigate and find out what the
charges are, why they are paying and then compare it with other
countries because my job as the minister is to measure and improve and
if we do not measure, we cannot improve.
“So, we are seeking that
the committee review all Nigeria Aviation and Aeronautical and Passenger
Charges. We will like to know if all the fees that passengers pay from
the toll gate to hiring of cars to convey them, we want to determine the
factors behind the charges and we want to know if the charges is the
same with other countries.
“To determine the factors
responsible for the disparity (if any) between the charges and those of
other countries with similar regional conditions. Also determine why
some of the neighboring West African countries are customers of choice
to international airlines and aviation companies.
“We will like to focus on
the safety issues, system issues, human angle issues, infrastructural
issues and process issues to ensure that Nigeria Civil Aviation become a
world class. We also hope that it becomes the hub in West Africa and we
hope to meet up with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
standard and even beyond the standards.
“The process of
certifying Lagos and Abuja airports is on and that the certification of
the airport is a compulsory item for me. I believe Nigeria airport need
to be certified to ICAO standards and as the work is going on, i will
give it all the necessary push.
Highlighting the
responsibility of both committees, the Minister said: “To determine the
status of all Nigerian Aviation Industry aircraft accident reports from
the year 2000 till date. Do a gap analysis, with a view to determining
the extent of compliance with all approved recommendations.
“To ensure that all users
of our airport facilities are paying charges that are comparable with
what is obtainable across the world and in our neighboring countries.
The minister said the committees are expected to submit the report of their findings in four weeks time.
- Source: http://www.nigerianbulletin.com
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