Stakeholders in the aviation sector have reiterated their commitment to work with the Federal Government to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emission by 2060 and climate change actions by 2030.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the second annual Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC) held from May 15 to May 18, in Abuja.
The communique was signed by Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, the Chairman, Planning Team, Mr Nath Abraham- Inajoh, the Alternate Chairman, Planning Team and Mr Adebola Odugbemi, the Conference Secretary.
Prticipants urged all stakeholders in the aviation industry to work with best standard practice to achieve the feat.
They urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to collaborate with other industry stakeholders and government agencies to achieve a 50 per cent carbon emission reduction.
They also urged the NCAA to enhance its regulatory oversight to encourage or where necessary reposition the industry to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy through the four basic pillars of Economic, Social, Environmental, and Information Technology with digitalisation.
Participants further called on the NCAA to review the Information Communication Technology and Cyber-Security Policy of the Federal Government as it affects the Aviation sector.
The conference resolved that the NCAA should head the various stakeholders in a collaborative effort to develop a strategic plan for Aviation industry that would drive and enhance the sustainability of the industry.
According to it, such a plan must cover all processes from design, procurement to implementation.
The conference urged airlines in Nigeria to invest and key into the satellite-based navigation systems already provided by Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to reduce flight time and carbon emissions.
It affirmed that data harmonisation was sine qua non for the development and growth of the industry.
“ There is therefore, a need to develop a credible data repository as proper data analysis is key for adequate planning and decision-making.
“The airports business model must change from the airport being a passenger hub to an energy hub as green energy hub is key to embracing sustainable aviation industry.
“To remain sustainable, the aviation industry must be innovative, constantly review its processes and invest in Research and Development, “ they said.
According to the communique, health and well-being of the aviation workforce is a veritable element to sustainable aviation development.
It stated that stakeholder organisations ought to ensure that their annual budgets make provision for carbon emission reduction and also carry out periodic review of the reduction CO2 process and attainment.
It said to facilitate ease of traveling for passengers, domestic network alliance (code-share) ought to be introduced to mitigate disruptions of passengers travel schedule and plan.
The conference encouraged FAAN to make airports tourist friendly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria.”
NAN reports that in November 2021, on the second day of the world leaders summit of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, in Glasgow, UK, President Muhammad Buhari made a commitment that Nigeria will cut its carbon emission to net-zero by 2060.
While acknowledging the importance of COP26 in the midst of obvious changes in the climate, Buhari said that climate change is not about the problem of the future but about what is already happening.
“Desertification in the north, drought in the centre, pollution in the coast are enough evidence for all to see, Nigeria is committed to net-zero by 2060.”
While addressing world leaders, Buhari said Nigeria has developed a detailed energy transition plan and roadmap based on data and evidence and that with Nigeria’s transition plan, gas will play a key role in transitioning the country’s economy across sectors and the data and evidence show Nigeria can continue to use gas until 2040 without detracting from the goals of the Paris agreement.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria