Nigeria committed to development of Aerotroplis, says Jonathan

Nigeria is deeply committed to the development of the Aviation sector through the use of Aerotropoli as the new centres of growth.

President Goodluck Jonathan at the Airport Cities (Aerotropoli) Conference 2013 held in Johannesburg, South Africa, who made the assertion, said that the Nigerian Aviation sector is ideally positioned as a catalyst of growth for key economic sectors, including travel, tourism, agriculture, rural development, trade, commerce, manufacturing and communications technology; with all of the attendant infrastructure development critical to sustainable growth of any economy.

Jonathan said through the Aerotropolis project, Nigeria specifically targets a diversification of the economy through increased economic activity, technology transfer, increased trade through global partnerships, value chain development and rural transformation; especially in exploiting the country’s agro-export opportunities, employment potential, new business development and private sector investment, both local and foreign. “The federal government of Nigeria remains fully committed, in partnership with the private sector to transform Nigeria into the foremost investment destination in Africa, well connected, economically efficient; offering sustainable, secure and attractive returns on investment.

“We are committed to supporting private sector-driven Aerotropoli to rapidly become the commercial nexus, anchoring aviation-enabled trade in goods and services; and driving business development from the Aerotropolis to neighbouring cities, towns and the entire West African region,” he declared.

Meanwhile, potential investors attending the Aerotropolis Conference have continued to flock to the Nigeria Aerotropolis Exhibition Pavillion making enquiries on the business opportunities which the project portends for both local and foreign investors.

They have generally showed huge interest in the projects and are receiving very useful information from the Ministry of Aviation officials who are readily on hand.

The Airport Cities Conference (Aerotropolis) Johannesburg, SA 2013 has provided a veritable platform for potential investors, aviation stakeholders and the general business community to brainstorm, exchange ideas and develop contacts for the enhancement of the new airport cities concept.

Nigeria’s delegation is led by Anne Ene-Ita, senior special assistant (SSA), to the President on Aviation Reform as well as George Uriesi, managing director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, amongst others.

Article accredited to: Businessday