The House Committee on Aviation led by Honourable Nnolim Nnaji has resolved to set up subcommittee to interface with the Ministry of Aviation, the financial adviser, (FAD) and the project delivery team, (PDT) on the proposed airports concession by the Federal government.
The subcommittee is to review the reports of the FAD and the PDT which according to the chairman fell below expectations.
Honourable Nnaji in his opening remarks emphasized that the intervention of the committee was not intended to oppose the policy of the executive but to make sure that Nigeria and Nigerians are not shortchanged.
“Our aim is not to unnecessarily meddle with the policies of the executive but as the representatives of the people, we would not close our eyes to issues that may create instability and unrest in this critical sector. This prompted our earlier meeting with the leaderships of the aviation unions and the Nigerian Labour Congress” The chairman stressed.
Honourable Nnaji recalled that the concerns raised by the labour unions warranted the committee’s letter to Ministry Aviation requesting for the copy of outline business case for the concession, the Chinese loan agreement for the four airports slated for concession, report of the project delivery team, (PDT) and the report of the financial adviser, (FAD).
Also requested were; the assets evaluation report of the affected airports, (AER), cash flow of the airports, (up for concession), for the last five years, copies of all existing concessions on the four airports the on-lending agreement, repayment schedule and every other documents pertaining to the Airport concession.
Honourable Nnaji had also in his opening statements said, “in addressing this matter, l expect all of us to be sensitive and show understanding to safeguard the industry and the national economy.
” l equally expect all parties to be prepared to shift positions where necessary in the interest of peace and harmony. There should be no rigidity on the part of labour and the ministry. Let everyone be guided by one ideal- the overall interest of the nation” . He added
The Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika had also assured the committee that the entire exercise would be transparently carried out and that the ministry would cooperate with the subcommittee to ensure that proper things are done.
The meeting was adjourned for continuous interactions to review the progress until all the contentious areas are resolved.
