Ekweremadu, DSP Calls for National Carrier

Ike Ekweremadu, deputy Senate President, has called for the establishment of a national carrier to fly the nation’s flag across the world, saying Nigeria deserves an airline it could be proud of.

Ekweremadu said if countries like Ethiopia and Kenya could have national carriers, it will be a great disservice that Nigeria does not have one that it could be proud of.

He spoke at the inauguration of the General Aviation and Hajj Terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and also called for improvement in civil aviation regulation so as to enhance safety and security, saying that it was time Nigeria took her place as a continental leader in aviation matters.

He called on the Ministry of Aviation and its agencies to do what is required to create an enabling environment to achieve a hub status for Nigeria.

He said contrary to public perception, the National Assembly is not fighting the Ministry of Aviation, but only trying to create an atmosphere for improved oversight of its activities.

Also speaking, Princess Stella Oduah, minister of Aviation, said with the commissioning, the ministry has transformed a dilapidated terminal  into a modern edifice.

Oduah spoke of plans to complete other airport terminals earmarked under the 11 airports remodelling programme to be completed and put to use in the next few months, adding that the second phase of the airports remodelling for 10 other terminals has begun.