LAGOS— Nigeria and Ireland are on the verge of strengthening their bilateral ties, especially in the area of training personnel for the aviation industry.
A statement by Mr. Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that the minister is presently in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, on a working visit where he is participating as one of the special guests at the ongoing 8th Africa-Ireland Trade Horizon Conference.
The statement hinted that the annual event convened leaders from Africa and Ireland to deepen bilateral ties and foster mutually beneficial trade and development partnerships between Africa and Ireland.
Already, Keyamo is championing discussions between the Nigerian delegation and the school’s management centered on fostering strategic collaboration between Newcastle Aerodrome and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.
The statement added that other key areas of proposed partnership included joint development of aviation training curricula tailored to modern global standards, launching of a collaborative pilot licensing programme between Ireland and Nigeria, and development of ancillary skills in aircraft engineering and air traffic control to meet Nigeria’s growing aviation manpower needs.
Keyamo is scheduled to make an address at the conference, which will center on Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening strategic international alliances in aviation, infrastructure development, and skills advancement, especially in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Keyamo further expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended the institution’s track record in aviation training.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to partnerships that will strengthen domestic capabilities and boost the local aviation value chain.
The minister was accompanied by Mrs. Ibiyemi Ajiboye-Roberts, the Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Ireland and undertook a technical visit to Newcastle Aerodrome Aviation School located in Wicklow County, Dublin.
The delegation was received by Mr. John Nugent, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the institution.
The statement added, “During the tour, the Honorable Minister inspected the school’s impressive fleet of Viper SD4 trainer aircraft, simulation labs, classrooms, and maintenance hangars.”
This visit further reflects the ministry’s unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria as a hub for aviation excellence in Africa through innovation, international cooperation, and capacity development.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT
