Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has expressed satisfaction with the runway of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The minister, who described the airport as being in perfect shape during a facility tour yesterday in Kano, said the existing runway had the capacity to carry all types of aircraft, adding that he had high confidence in the airport facility. ‘‘The runway is okay, it is in good condition, we just inspected it and we are happy with it,’’ he said.
Speaking on the time frame for the completion of the new airport terminal in Kano, the minister said the project will be completed soon because work on it is at advance stage now. ‘‘The terminal building project is a very good job and the work done and I think that with a little more push, we should be there and it will be ready for completion.
Meanwhile, the minister has said all policies aimed at decentralising the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna state, have been stopped as there was no plan to go ahead with such policies.
The minister, who stated this at the weekend when he visited the college on facility tour, noted that decentralising the college will lead to weakening it thereby defeating the aim of the establishment.
He said: “It was the UNDP that partnered with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Nigerian government to produce this institution. And it is one of its kind, so why are we going to reduce its capacity and capability? Our own task is to improve, enhance and upgrade the capacity and ability of the college to do more. But if somebody feels that he has funds to go and establish a facility somewhere to do some kind of training, of course, we will support him.”
He however, noted that any individual or group who wants to establish any aviation institute anywhere in the country, will be fully supported and encouraged.
Meanwhile, on the planned establishment of Aviation University, the minister said it will promote research, development and production of higher level management manpower for the industry.
Source : Leadership