The Nigerian government has advised African countries to pursue the goal of Zero Accident and Zero Fatality in the continent's airspace and beyond.

President Goodluck Jonathan made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of the African Ministerial Conference on Aviation Safety in Africa.

He said the advice became necessary because the continent could not allow the aviation industry to become a source of sorrow and regret in spite of its importance. The Nigerian leader told his audience that his government would continue to collaborate and partner with other African states and international stakeholders to enhance air travel safety in Africa.

"We must pursue the achievement of this goal with determination, commitment, hard work and focus," he said.

"In this vein, Nigeria remains committed to collaborate and partner with other African states and international stakeholders toward enhancing safety in Africa," he said.

According to him, Nigeria had since resolved to build on its aviation safety infrastructure, implement rigorous oversight functions and ensure that global best practices in safety culture of the air operators and travelers were institutionalized.

He told his audience that the government would provide support and the enabling environment for the establishment of Maintenance Overhaul Facility and Flight Simulation Training Infrastructure in joint venture partnerships with world-class aviation organizations. Nigeria had made significant strides toward overcoming the observable challenges in the aviation sector, he said. He said government was committed to the ongoing transformation of the aviation sector and the reform would be holistic and far-reaching as every avenue would be explored to grow the domestic aviation industry.