Felix Hassan Hyat is a former Minister of State for the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Aviation. He was appointed by President Umaru Yar'Adua in June 2007, and left office in October 2008 after a cabinet reshuffle.[1]

Felix Hassan Hyat
Minister of State Transport (Aviation)
In office
June 2007 – 29 October 2008
Preceded byFemi Fani-Kayode
Succeeded byBabatunde Omotoba
Personal details
Born26 November 1955
Jaban Kogo, Kachia LGA, Kaduna state of Nigeria.
Political partyPDP (Peoples Democratic Party)

Aviation minister edit

In 2007 he floated the idea of privatizing or concessioning some airports, including MMIA, Lagos, Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, and Port-Harcourt International Airport.[2] He moved the headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to the national capital, Abuja, a decision that caused controversy over the cost and disruption entailed.[3] In October 2008 he threatened to use drastic methods to make airline operators pay N8 billion they owe to aviation parastatals.[4]

He accepted his dismissal in October 2008 gracefully, saying the cabinet reshuffle was not aimed at any individual but was done to move the nation forward, and describing his term as a very special moment of his life.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Tobs Agbaegbu (4 November 2008). "Sacking of 20 Ministers". Newswatch. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  2. ^ SADE AYODELE (1 October 2009). "49 years after independence: Nigeria's aviation still underdeveloped". Business Day. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
  3. ^ Tashikalmah Hallah (29 November 2009). "Ex- NCAA Directors Take Demuren to Reps Over Sack". Daily Trust. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
  4. ^ Chinedu Eze (9 October 2008). "FG May Force Airlines to Pay Agencies' N8 Billion Debt". ThisDay. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
  5. ^ Austin Oboh (10 November 2008). "New Cabinet – Old Wine in New Kegs". Daily Independent. Retrieved 17 February 2010.