The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says more jobs could be created and additional economic growth achieved locally it Nigeria uses the transformative power of aviation as a strategic pillar to further strengthen and enhance its economic recovery and national development.
IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, Mr. Muhammad Ali Albakri, said this in a statement ahead of his planned visit to Nigeria this month.
“Air transport in Nigeria supports more than 650,800 jobs including tourism-related employment, while contributing $8.2 billion to the country’s GDP. Over the next 10 years, passenger volumes are forecast to grow more than 7 per cent annually, exceeding the global average by a healthy margin. For Nigeria, this means an additional 7.9 million passengers will take to the sky every year, creating significant opportunity to accelerate economic growth, boost prosperity and support development,” said Albakri.
“Despite significant investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, the country’s air transport infrastructure still ranks low among African states. IATA recognises and supports the positive developments by the government on infrastructure and aviation processes, urging continued adherence to international best practices and an optimal regulatory environment. Now that the country is emerging from recession, aviation can unlock the enormous economic potential that exists within Nigeria. We encourage the government to continue to promote aviation for its role as a catalyst and socioeconomic enabler for the country, and to promote stronger connectivity within Nigeria and its neighbouring African countries.”

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