The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has stated that the national carrier, Nigeria Air, will begin operations before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on May 29. Sirika disclosed this to State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting which was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Sirika further disclosed that the Aviation Leasing Company was recently established with approval from the Federal Executive Council, stating that Nigeria’s aviation industry has witnessed significant improvement through the Roadmap being followed by the government. He also stated that the sum of ₦3.5 billion was approved for the procurement and installation of photometric and taxiway lights for airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other parts of the country.
In the meantime, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, confirmed the approval of the establishment of 37 new private universities across Nigeria. By so doing, he also stated that the present administration has surpassed any other administration in terms of establishing universities.
Representing the Federal Government, states, and private sectors, a total of 72 new universities have been established from 2015 to date, with 14, 21, and 37 established by the Federal Government, states, and the private sector, respectively.
The establishment of new private universities and the approval for the commencement of Nigeria Air operations have been positively received by the Nigerian public, especially by stakeholders in the aviation and education sectors. The government is expected to see through these initiatives to improve the country’s economy and the social wellbeing of its citizens.
