Month: March 2025

CHUKS OKOH The DG of NCAA Capt Chris Najomo has commended the NIGAV award as an industry performance watchdog and praised the creativity of the organizer for designing such a programme that promotes healthy competition among the airlines at the level of the cabin crew. The DG, who indicated that he was at some time of his carrier as a pilot awarded best pilot of the year by a cabin crew association in USA and also recall leading the Arik Team to clinch the as the ‘Best Cabin Crew Of The Year 2019’ at the 10th Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Award, and such gesture and acknowledgement of effort we made for industry progress is a motivation to continue striving for the best. He advised the current King and Queen of the air to remain steadfast even after their reign to continue to act as Nigeria aviation ambassador of best practices and promised that the agency will continue to support NIGAV award and NQKA as agent of industry promotion and strategic partner to NCAA. Commenting on the visit, Mr Fortune Idu, who is the founder of Award and Chairman of the NIGAV Centre stated that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a hitch-free event on April 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the NIGAV Expo Centre at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He remarked that Capt. Chris Najomo has a warm personality and a good disposition for collaboration, and his support for innovative initiative is very positive and inspiring. According to him, NCAA has promised to support the CSR initiative of the coming NKQA and will use them as the face of the aviation community interface. Mr. Idu, said over 50 awards will be presented at the event. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, is expected to lead aviation parastatal chiefs and other stakeholders to this highest and most prestigious aviation sector award in Nigeria. He remarked that most of the guests and sponsors have confirmed their participation. The theme of this year’ ‘s NIGAV awards is ‘Foundation for Accelerated Aviation Growth” (FAAG), This was adopted to highlight the achievements of the current administration over the past year in establishing the groundwork necessary for positive and sustainable growth in the aviation business. Mr. Idu stated that the Nigeria Aviation (NIGAV) Awards will honour over 40 industry recipients, including the Minister himself, who will be recognised as the Aviation Personality of the Year, underscoring the stability and focused development Mr. Festus Keyamo has brought to the aviation sector during his tenure. Also to be awarded are the Airline CEO of the Year, Aviation Agency CEO of the Year, Aviation Investor of the Year, Unsung Heroes, Lifetime Achievement Award, and various designated awards for numerous airports, airlines, and service providers.   Mr. Idu noted that the past year has been significant for reviewing projects, programs, and processes aimed at driving aviation, and the award reflects various actions promoting growth. He also remarked that a new King and Queen of the Air will be crowned at this year’s event, in keeping with the tradition of the NIGAV Awards. Fourteen contestants have been shortlisted for the competition, representing major airlines that have endorsed capable cabin crew members to participate. The event fosters healthy competition among airlines and promotes best practices. The winners will receive two million naira and will undertake a one-year CSR activity endorsed by the NCAA.

CHUKS OKOH, The Domestic Airports Cargo Agents Association (DACAA) has lamented that despite paying heavy port charges and contributing to the economy, the association has been neglected by the airport authorities. This is just as the association set to mark its 21st anniversary and inaugurate its new executives on April 2, 2025. The association has been in existence for over two decades, playing a vital role in the domestic cargo industry. In an exclusive interview, the outgoing General Secretary, Mr. Ade Ijale, spoke about the challenges the association has faced over the years, particularly with regards to accommodation and storage facilities. “We have been moving from space to space, from Bicourtney MMA 2, and the challenges have been enormous. We have written several letters, appeared in person, and met with the authority, but they keep telling us that it will take five years. We have been operating without a permanent place to call our own,” he said. Mr. Ijale also highlighted the importance of the association’s role in the economy, stating that they contribute to employment and play a vital role in the movement of goods. He expressed hope that the new executives will be able to address the challenges facing the association and work towards finding a permanent solution. The association has over 165 member companies, with a minimum of 1,000 personnel. Mr. Ijale revealed that the association has been working towards increasing its membership and providing training and retraining for its personnel to overcome the challenges of handling dangerous goods. On the forthcoming anniversary celebration and inauguration ceremony, the DACAA general secretary said, the purpose is to bring together airport authorities, security agencies, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of the association’s role in the domestic cargo industry. The event will also provide an opportunity for the association to plead with the airport authorities and the Nigerian government to provide a permanent space for the association to operate. “We want to expose all of this and use this anniversary to plead for the airport authorities in particular, and the Nigerian government, to see how they will be able to come to our aid. We need a space. We need an accommodation. If we have a place to operate, better than here, we will not have all those challenges,” Mr. Ijale said. The association has also been working towards increasing its revenue generation, with a levy collected from individual members. Mr. Ijale revealed that the association has been relying on individual support and donations to cater for its needs. The anniversary celebration and inauguration ceremony is expected to be a significant event in the history of the association, marking a new chapter in its journey towards finding a permanent solution to its challenges and continuing to play a vital role in the domestic cargo industry. Mr. Godwin Obasuyi, the newly elected President of the DACAA, pledged to focus on addressing pressing challenges and promoting unity among members. “We are just coming onboard. There are a lot of issues on ground that we are planning to enhance,” he stated. Among the key concerns to be handled by the president are accommodation challenges and individual member-related issues. He also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with airport agencies. “We are looking at meeting some of the heads of agencies at the airport, which we feel can assist us,” Obasuyi explained, indicating a strategic approach to finding solutions. A central theme of his address was the importance of fostering unity within the association. “As an individual in the association, we also want to look at how we will be able to bring ourselves together, that unanimous, to hold on to ourselves. We are having an individual problem here. That is the truth. I don’t want to shy away from that,” he admitted, addressing internal divisions directly. Obasuyi also candidly described the recent election period as highly contentious. “During the period of election, it was like a war zone, not with guns or cutlasses,” he remarked, underscoring the intensity of the process.

CHUKS OKOH Air Traffic Engineers in the country have been commended for individual and collective efforts in ensuring that communication and navigational equipment and infrastructure placed under their care are functioning optimally at all times. Engr.Therese Ihenachor, director Safety Electronics and  Engineering Services (DSEES), who made the commendation at the Annual General Meeting of National Association of Air Traffic Engineers Lagos chapter, said the chapter’s age-long tradition of organizing and holding local AGMs was commendable as it  brought ATSEPs in the chapter together to interact, share ideas and socialise adding that AGMs were essential for appraisal of past events and making projections for the future, and encouraged them to sustain the progressive spirit. Represented by Engr Ishaya Dung, general manager workshop, Engr Inhenacho, assured them that NAMA management under the dynamic leadership of Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, FNSE will continue to do her best in providing adequate spares, tools and training to support their efforts. She urged them to keep up the good work and improve on areas of deficiencies in order to consolidate on the gains in providing safe, economic and expeditious air navigation. According to her, the theme ‘The ATSEP Mindset for Impact’ was apt adding that their work doer not just keep the lights on, but keeps the skies safe, the industry moving, and the world connected. Engr Ihenachor noted that Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) played a critical role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of global aviation systems adding that their mindset, the attitude, approach and  outlook they provide to their work was fundamental in achieving maximum impact in their professional contributions. “Embracing a safety-first mindset means prioritizing proactive maintenance, risk assessment, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. This commitment ensures that aviation infrastructure remains robust and dependable” She reminded the engineers that ATSEP mindset for impact was a blend of technical expertise, ethical responsibility, and a dedication to growth noting that by embracing these principles, ATSEP professionals not only ensure safe skies but also lead the way in shaping the future of aviation. Also in his welcome address, the Lagos State cpater Chairman, Engr Bolaji Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the participants for their dedication and  continued support. Ahmed said “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the journey we’ve undertaken together, the challenges we’ve faced, the milestones we’ve achieved and the shared commitment to promoting our Association as well being Air Navigation service Providers” He said the dedication and passion of  engineering community have been the the driving force for what they have accomplished so far.He noted that there has achieved high success rate of both foreign and local training, and enviable welfare packages. “This event marks another chapter in our ongoing pursuit of excellence,innovation and collaboration. Over the course of this event, we will have the opportunity to share ideas, discuss pressing issues and explore new ways to strengthen our collective impact” Meanwhile, NAAE Lagos State chapter has elected new executives to run the affairs of the Association. They include, ATSEP Bolaji Ahmed, Chairman ATSEP Nneka Ezike, Vice Chairman ATSEP Lilian Uzodiagu,  Secretary ATSEP Mary Adeyeye, Financial Secretary , ATSEP Hope Agala, Treasurer and ATSEP Joy Ijehon – Public Relations Officer

    CHUKS OKOH The Regional Manager, South East Airports and Manager of Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, Mr. Hilary Umunna says the new airline, Enugu Air, which was received Friday at the airport is expected to significantly boost passengers traffic, increase revenue generation for both the Federal and State and create job opportunities within the aviation ecosystem. Umunna speaking on the expectations of the new airline, declares”We anticipate positive economic ripple effects for Enugu State and the Southeast region, fostering trade, tourism, and business growth. One of FAAN’s goals is to sustain and expand partnerships that will make Enugu a strategic aviation hub.” Umunna who had worked with Cross River State Government towards emergence of Cally Air when he was Calabar Airport Manager, said in an interview that “AIIA Enugu has taken several steps to ensure that most of the ICAO operational and regulatory requirements are met. This includes infrastructure enhancements, improved ground handling services, security reinforcements and compliance with international safety and operational standards. Additionally, we have streamlined coordination between all stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations for the airline.” He expressed excitement to welcome Enugu Air to Akanu Ibiam International Airport saying its presence will enhance connectivity, boosts economic activities, and align with their vision of making Enugu the preferred aviation hub for the south east. “AIIA Enugu is committed to ensuring a seamless and efficient operation for the airline and its passengers,” he said.