Keyamo Explains How NCAA, NAMA Merger Prescribed By Oronsaye Was Prevented
The Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) has explained how the merger of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as recommended by Stephen Oronsaye report was prevented from happening.
The 800-page document first issued in 2012, had recommended the scrapping and merging of 220 out of the then existing 541 government agencies, including these aviation agencies.
Speaking at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the NCAA over the weekend, Keyamo, who spoke after the former Aviation Minister, Benoni Briggs had narrated the attempts to frustrate the conception of NCAA under his tenure, said the “the NCAA is a child of God that despite turbulent waters and attempts, sometimes to kill the NCAA, the NCAA has survived 25 years.”
“Let me tell you my small story too about the NCAA, unknown to you and maybe known to a few people. You know, the Oronsaye report also recommended the merger of NCAA and NAMA and so, that was also another attempt to kill the NCAA. That report was passed on, I think, from Jonathan’s government to Buhari government and then to the present government. I think Oransanye report was ready, since Jonathan’s government, if I remember. So that was another attempt to kill the NCAA; and so, throughout the tenure of Buhari government, we couldn’t consider that report. Incidentally, I was only surviving minister for Buhari to this government. So, I was part of that government, and it came up a few times in council but we couldn’t consider it. But guess what? It was one of the first items we considered in this government. So, the Oronsaye report came up that day, and I was ready with my battle axe; and so the President went on and on, considered every item in the Oronsaye report and asked council to vote and for each item, they will listen to the minister; eh, merger of this ministry and that. So, they came to aviation, and the President said, merger of NCAA and NAMA as one body, and I raised my hand? I said, Sir, I spoke for about five minutes. Because we have a wonderful president who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, item dropped NCAA and NAMA would not be merged. So, sir, like a good son, the battle you passed on to your son, I kept the battle alive by making sure that the NCAA did not die. If not, by now, we would have been talking of a merger of NCAA and NAMA. So today, we truly celebrate the heroes and heroines of this very great body that has ensured that our skies remain very safe. We thank you so much for your industry, your expertise, for everything you have done to keep the skies in Nigeria safe,” explained Keyamo.
He further stated that “aviation sector without doubt, remains a pillar of national development, and it facilitates trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges. So, while it is yet to realize its true potentials in terms of contribution to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we must renew our commitment to ensuring a more progressive, sustainable, inclusive, innovative and prosperous aviation industry. This necessitates the continuous adoption and integration of emerging technologies, enhancing infrastructure and investing in human capital development to keep our skies safer. Sir, I heard you loud and clear about training, training and training.
I can assure you that the permanent secretaries, the Permanent Secretary, the CEOs and myself, we have worked very hard to ensure that we keep those trainings alive. I’m sure you know that the President has directed that foreign travels should stop, except in exceptional circumstance. Last year, there was a memo around February said it was for three months, and the President because of his desire to ensure that we are frugal in our spending, there was another memo again in December, reiterating that memo last year to say we should cut down on foreign travels except by direct presidential approval. Let us also give particular thanks to Mr President, because despite all that, despite that memo, since last year, he has made an exception for the aviation industry.
I wrote a memo to him after that directive. I wrote a memo on behalf of the entire agencies, and said, sir, we respect your directive. Yes, we need to be frugal because the Nigerian people have also tightened their belts in the face of the economic reforms that are taking place. However, because of the safety of this sector sir, we need to make some exceptions for this sector; and the President graciously granted this for the aviation sector.”
