The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that a new national air carrier will soon commence operations. This promise was made by the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Abubakar Kana, during the ministry's handover ceremony.
Kana emphasized his commitment to the establishment of a national air carrier and the revitalization of airports across the country. He attributed his vision to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for the aviation sector. Kana expressed his full support for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in the realization of Nigeria's national carrier and the enhancement of the country's airports to meet international standards.
"We must embrace the private sector to support Nigeria’s aviation industry," Kana said, acknowledging the challenge of limited resources. He urged the aviation ministry’s agencies to unite behind the Renewed Hope Agenda and commit to progress.
In his farewell speech, outgoing Permanent Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Meribole thanked the ministry and Nigerians for the opportunity to contribute to the country’s development. He stressed the continuity of the Civil Service, noting that his departure would not halt the aviation ministry’s growth. Meribole called for continued collaboration and teamwork with the new Permanent Secretary.
"No man is perfect, but I’ve always aimed to leave a place better than I found it, and I believe I have done that," he stated, lauding Minister Keyamo's administrative skills and urging aviation stakeholders to remain focused on transforming Nigeria into the leading aviation hub in Africa.
In tributes to Meribole, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Dr. Udechukwu Osakwe, praised his dedication to service delivery and competence. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, Registrar of the African Aviation Aerospace University, described Meribole as a man of integrity who values meritocracy. Barrister Odugbesan, Director of Legal Services and Special Assistant to the Minister of Justice, spoke highly of Kana’s leadership, noting that his approach had brought significant development to the ministries he had served, including Defence. Odugbesan encouraged the aviation family to work closely with Kana, a leader who values talent development and the welfare of staff.
The event concluded with the formal signing and handover of the ministry’s strategic documents, assets, and liabilities to the new Permanent Secretary.
