By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) has officially launched its much-anticipated Awareness Week, with a resounding commitment from Deputy Minister of State Without Portfolio, Mamaka Bility, who stood in for President Joseph Boakai at the event.
The event, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town and held under the theme: “Connecting Liberia: The Power of Aviation,” aimed to highlight the importance of civil aviation in the country and to promote safety, security, and sustainability within the sector.
The Awareness Week is part of a broader initiative by the LCAA to engage the public and raise awareness about the critical role of aviation in national development, as the week-long activities will include workshops, and public outreach programs aimed at educating citizens about aviation safety, regulations, and the economic benefits of a robust aviation sector.
The launch of the Awareness Week saw participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, WACAF, BAGASOO, AFCAC, local airlines, and government institutions, as the presence of these key players underscored the collaborative approach that the LCAA is taking to revitalize the sector.
In her keynote address on behalf of President Boakai, Deputy Minister Bility emphasized the government’s dedication to transforming Liberia’s aviation landscape, stating, “The President is committed to making Liberia’s aviation sector second to none in the region.”
According to her, the government’s goal is to also ensure that the country’s airports and air travel services meet international standards, providing safe and efficient travel for all, thus receiving applause from stakeholders and aviation professionals who gathered for the event.
Minister Bility also narrated that President Boakai recognizes that a strong aviation sector is vital for economic growth, tourism, and connectivity.
As such, his administration will work tirelessly to attract investment and improve facilities, ensuring that Liberia becomes a hub for air travel in West Africa.
However, Bility’s commitment comes at a time when Liberia’s aviation sector faces numerous challenges, including outdated infrastructure, limited flight options, and a need for enhanced safety measures.
But the Deputy Minister acknowledged these issues and expressed optimism about the future, disclosing that the President is aware of the challenges but is also aware of the opportunities and assured that with the right partnerships and investments, the government can turn Liberia’s aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.
She further highlighted the potential economic benefits, and added, “A strong aviation sector can be a catalyst for economic development.
It can create jobs, stimulate tourism, and attract foreign investment.
We are committed to harnessing the full potential of our aviation industry for the benefit of all Liberians.”
Earlier, welcoming his guest, LCAA Director General Julius D. Dennis, said the LCAA Aviation Awareness Week is dedicated to highlighting the pivotal role of civil aviation in Liberia’s economic development agenda and the substantial benefits that a vibrant and thriving aviation sector can deliver.
According to him, Liberia stands at a crucial juncture in its development, with a unique opportunity to transform its economy and enhance its international standing through strategic investment in its aviation sector.
He explained that investment in the LCAA acts as a catalyst for economic growth across multiple sectors, revealing that the aviation industry generates direct employment in specialized areas such as aircraft maintenance, ground handling services, and air traffic control, while also indirectly stimulating employment in tourism and related service industries.
DG Dennis also narrated that enhanced air connectivity attracts increased tourism, which in turn generates valuable foreign exchange earnings as such, efficient air transport facilitates trade, reduces logistics costs, and positions Liberia as a competitive regional hub.
He maintained, “A robustly regulated aviation sector also attracts foreign direct investment, further stimulating economic development. A well-supported LCAA plays an indispensable role in bolstering national security.”
By implementing advanced security measures, Liberia can more effectively safeguard its borders against threats such as drug trafficking and smuggling. The aviation sector is also vital for emergency response, enabling the swift delivery of aid during crises.
This requires the implementation of advanced radar systems, Communication networks, and air traffic control technologies, and these improvements not only enhance safety but also significantly increase the capacity of Liberian airspace to accommodate future growth in air traffic,” Dennis noted.
The LCAA boss further disclosed that the organization will submit a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Aviation Master Plan, which will serve as the definitive guide for the orderly and holistic development of our aviation sector, to the office of President Joseph Boakai.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Chris Najomo and Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Director General, Masayeroh Barrie praised the LCAA for its proactive stance in promoting aviation safety and security.
The two nations Aviation DGs noted, “Liberia has made significant strides in improving its aviation standards, and we are here to support your efforts. Together, we can ensure that Liberia’s aviation sector not only meets but exceeds international standards.”
As Awareness Week unfolds, the LCAA is poised to make significant strides in promoting aviation safety, enhancing public awareness, and fostering a series of collaborations among stakeholders.
The success of Aviation Awareness Week will be measured not only by the immediate impact on public awareness but also by the long-term changes it inspires within the aviation industry and the broader economy of Liberia.
