Fund: Ojikutu urges FG to prioritise aeronautical services
Retired Group Capt. John Ojikutu, a former military commandant at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to prioritise aeronautical services over non-aeronautical services.
Ojikutu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, against the backdrop of the Renewed Hope Infrastructural Development Fund approved by President Bola Tinubu.
He said that some bottlenecks, such as the completion of total radar coverage, fully lighted airports at night, communication issues, and security fencing, among others, should be prioritised.
He explained that non-aeronautical services, including passenger terminals, toll gates, and car parks, among others, are some of the services that should be considered for concession to ensure stability in the aerospace industry.
The aviation security expert observed that almost all airports in Nigeria needed better security fences to enhance safety.
He spoke on how concessions could enhance operational activities at airports if the right hands were given the opportunity, which would allow the government to focus on aerospace development.
“There should be a plan to concession some of these services in the airport; terminal buildings should be part of it.
“Government has no business with non-aeronautical services; government’s obligation must be solid only on aeronautical services.
“The aerospace industry should be adequately attended to. Looking at security, aviation security is not for airports alone; it’s a part of national security,” he said.
Recall that on Monday, President Tinubu, in the Renewed Hope Infrastructural Development Fund, disclosed that on aviation enhancement, the focus is on the revitalization and modernization of major airports nationwide.
Through targeted investments and infrastructure upgrades, major airports will undergo comprehensive refurbishment, including improvements in terminal facilities, runway expansions, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency. (NAN)
