…FG has no business allocating fund for sectoral gadgets — Expert
By Abimbola Abatta and Ariemu Ogaga
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, approved the sum of N3.523 billion to procure high-capacity passenger security screening systems and airfield ground lightning materials for Abuja, Lagos, and Kano International airports.
Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika disclosed this at the end of the virtual meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Sirika was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande.
In his words, “There was also the memo presented by the Minister for Aviation, which got approval for the supply and installation of two sets of complete high-capacity passenger security screening systems for the Murtala Mohammed International Airports, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at the sum of N1,193,630,980
“There was also approval gotten by the Aviation Minister for the supply and installation of airfield ground lightning materials for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and also the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano at the sum of N2,329,961,099.60,” he said.
Reacting to the development, an Aviation Expert and Group Captain (Rtd), John Orjikuku, said the Federal Government has no business allocating fund for aviation equipment.
He urged that there should be clarity on what the allocated fund is meant for.
Mr. John disclosed that the development would in no means result to the decrease in air fares.
According to him, “The N3.52billion needs to be allocated for specific aviation equipment, is it for air navigational services, airport services like the runway or taxiway repairs or lightnings, passengers terminal buildings or meteorological services equipment.
“Government has no job allocating funds for aviation equipment repairs or maintenance, these are provided for in the earnings of the service agencies.
“However, if any money is to be provided to any of the agencies, it should be for new projects but such money must be recoverable from the agency’s earnings back to the federation account.
“New projects or their repairs can not be the reason to cause the airlines increase of air fares; like the airlines, the government agencies too can not increase charges without approaching the NCAA for approval in accordance with the commercial regulations of the Nig CARs 18.5,” he added.