The N49bn allocated to the aviation industry during the presentation of the 2012 budget by President Goodluck Jonathan will be closely monitored by stakeholders in the sector, writes Okechukwu NnodimStakeholders have said they will watch closely how agencies in Nigerias aviation industry will utilise the N49bn earmarked for the development of the aviation sector in the 2012 budget.According to them, the industry has been characterised by reckless spending and lack of judicious implementation of budget, a development which they said had impacted negatively on the overall improvement of the sector.They, however, expressed varied concerns on the planned establishment of a national carrier as recently announced by the minister of aviation.The President, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Mr. Benjamin Okewu, said his group had resolved to report any form of lapses by any agency to the ministry of aviation and the National Assembly.The association, which is made up of employees of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, among others, noted that they would ensure that the budget was implemented fully to achieve the required development in the sector.He said, When compared to what we got last year, it is an improvement and considering also that the projects which the funds are going to be used for are clearly spelt out. For instance ,it talked about the remodelling of the airports and the provision of basic infrastructural facilities, knowing that the infrastructure at our key airports are very old.The breakdown of the budget, if followed and implemented is expected to actually give us a big leverage in the aviation industry.And as a result of this, the implementation of the budget by the various parastatals has gone beyond advice, we are monitors and we are going to ensure that we notify the National Assembly. We will also discuss with the minister on this issue. We must be full time monitors; we will be part of the supervisors to ensure that the anticipated development is achieved.Last week, President Goodluck Jonathan presented a N4.7tn 2012 budget to the National Assembly.The allocation for security was N922bn and was distantly trailed by Education, N400bn; Health, N283bn; Works, N180bn; Power, N161bn; and Agriculture, N79bn.Others include Water Resources, N39bn; Petroleum, N59.7bn; Aviation, N49bn; Transport, N54bn; Lands and Housing, N26bn; Science and Technology, N30.8bn; Niger Delta, N59bn; Federal Capital Territory, N45.6bn; and Communication Technology, N18bn.The President, the Aviation Round Table, a body of industry professionals, Capt. Dele Ore, told our correspondent that the amount allocated to aviation by the President was encouraging, adding that it was a sign that the government was interested in the development of the sector.He noted that what was imperative was how the fund would be used by agencies in the industry, and noted that stakeholders would be alert this time to ensure successful implementation.Ore said, The particular organisation that the budget will take care of and how it is going to be implemented judiciously to ensure there are no lapses is very vital. These are a few key issues that should be on the minds of those who wish the aviation industry well. We must watch closely and see that the funds are used wisely.On the issue of a national carrier, some stakeholders noted that the development was laudable, while others noted that Nigeria should have flag carriers than operate a national airline.He said, It is not right to say you need a national carrier at this age, what we should be talking about is a flag carrier. The era when countries talked about national carriers is gone. This issue has been debated in the past and I dont think it is important at this time to start it again.Well, they will say they want to create jobs for the people and the youths; it is a good idea and I say congratulations. Since they have set their minds on what to do, let them do it. They say they want to give jobs to our children since we are too old. Maybe our children will go and work there.He noted that the government should allow the private sector to run airlines, alleging that the Federal Government was a poor manager of airline business, as was the case of the defunct Nigerian Airways.He said, But I must state clearly that the modern thing now is to have flag carriers; our government does not do good business by running airlines. And if they say they will not have any shares, then what is wrong with allowing the private people to go ahead and do their thing. There is a conflict there, if the government is not putting money in this business, then what is their interest' They are not going to hold a share in it, then what is it'The Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah, had said last week that the FG would own no share in the proposed new national carrier, adding that plans had reached an advanced stage for the take off of the airline by 2012.She said the company would be incorporated as a public liability business to enable Nigerians to buy shares. She noted that any private Nigerian carrier that met set standards would be designated as a national carrier.Oduah noted that the road map for the transformation of the aviation industry, including details for the national carrier, would be rolled out within the first two weeks of January 2012.The former President, National Cabin Crew Association, who is also a travel analyst, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, said the cost burden for a new airline might not give room for speedy establishment of a national carrier in Nigeria.For a national carrier to succeed here, we should ponder the cost, risk and lessons from other climes, he said.Okewu, on the other hand argued that the plan to establish a national carrier was positive, adding that it would boost the Category One status, which Nigeria got last year.He said, If you are conversant with all our agitations in the past four years, you will know that we have always said that it is important to have this carrier no matter what government thinks. Even when the Category One issue came up, people said that we were of the opinion that it could not be obtained without a national carrier, but we were talking about sustainability.So it is important that Nigeria gets its own national carrier for that is the only way the aviation industry can grow, the only way we can sustain the Category One status. It is only way we can see expansion. Of a truth, whether we like it or not, the aviation industry is supposed to be an engine room for economic growth in Nigeria and without doing the basics, this may never be achieved.
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