Architects Institute Honours Hadi Sirika for Unprecedented Infrastructural Development

Minister of Aviation Sen. Hadi Sirika has received the Honorary  Fellowship and Distinguished Service Award of the Nigerian Institute of Architects for the unprecedented infrastructural developments within the aviation sector under his leadership. The Award was given to the Minister at the Institute’s Architecture Annual Award 2021 in Abuja. According to the Institute, under his supervision, the Ministry of Aviation embarked upon 157 projects and delivered 134 to 100% completion, for the first time in the history of Nigerian Aviation. It was noted that amongst the Minister’s numerous landmark achievements which earned him the award was the completion of the international terminals at four (4) airports, namely the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, Port Harcourt International Airport, and the Malam Aminu Kano Airport which it described as architectural masterpieces. The Institute also cited the rehabilitation of the runways of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu according to ICAO specifications which were not only delivered ahead of schedule but within budget. “Airports under his watch were certified (Abuja and Lagos). It is also on record that Aviation has become the fastest-growing sector in the Nigerian economy Pre-Covid 19 passenger grew from 8 to 18 million and similarly all allied businesses have grown tremendously” the citation stated. Receiving the award, Senator Hadi Sirika, also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, expressed his appreciation to the Institute for recognising his modest achievements in the aviation sector, even though he was not an architect by profession. He said he had been invited to receive numerous awards honours  fellowships and even honorary doctorate degrees, numbering about 390 all of which he declined. According to him, he had to make an exception for the Nigerian Institute of Architects award because of the integrity of the institution.  “I am more than glad to accept this, I cherish it, I will keep it, I will nurse it and I will carry it to one of my sons or daughters who will be an architect”.

INSECURITY: FG ASSURES ON RESUSCITATING AIRSTRIPS IN THE COUNTRY

The Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika has reiterated Federal Government commitment to resuscitate and ensure functional airstrips all over the country, to combat insecurity and boost commercial activities.

He stated this when a delegation sent by Emir of Hadejia and led by a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Senator Ibrahim Hassan visited his office today.

Speaking specifically on Hadejia airstrip, the Minister said many reasons have pushed for the resuscitation of airstrips among which was historical purposes and to combat insecurity in the country. 

Hadi Sirika said “As we are facing by security challenges, siting functional airstrip in Hadejia will help in combating insecurity as the airstrip can be used by the Nigerian Airforce, Police and of course civil aviation”. 

He further added that Hadejia once doubled as a centre of learning, trade and commerce in Northern Nigeria. 

 The Minister said “we are starting now by engaging aviation experts and consultants to come up with an assessment. In our plans, the airstrip is going to be managed in a such a way that there is a plan for future expansion in term of landmass and commercial activities”.

He assured the delegation that everything would be done as soon as possible by the Ministry to actualize it and the Ministry will also find an appropriate way of funding the project.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Senator Ibrahim Hassan told the Minister that they were in his office to appreciate the Ministry’s effort towards resuscitating Hadejia airstrip. 

According to him, the Ministry had shown seriousness towards the rehabilitation of the airstrip by sending experts and consultants to conduct an assessment.

He assure the Minister of the Hadeija Emirate's support towards actualizing the project and commended him for the giant strides he had made in the aviation sector since his assumption of office as Minister of Aviation. 

Sani Datti 

For: Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation