The federal government has allocated N3.6 billion to establish annexes of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in five geopolitical zones, including Akure, Osubi, Ebonyi, Ilorin, and Yola.
This move aims to decentralize the operation of NCAT, which has been limited to Lagos since its establishment in 1964.
The new annexes will provide aviation training opportunities across the country, promoting regional development and reducing the concentration of aviation resources in Lagos.
The budgetary provision is part of the 2025 budget presented by President Bola Tinubu, which also includes N1.6 billion for consultancy services and transaction advisers for various projects in the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
These projects include the concession of five airport terminals and public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of airports, as well as the development of aerotropolises and agro-allied/cargo terminals.
The concession of airport terminals was a contentious issue under the previous administration, with the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, facing opposition from aviation unions and stakeholders.
Despite this, the previous administration announced the successful concessioning of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
However, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has suspended these projects, indicating that the plan to concession the airports is still alive.
