Month: March 2025

CHUKS OKOH The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially handed over ownership of the Navigational Aids Flights Inspection and Surveillance (NAFIS) hangar in Lagos to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in a formal ceremony which took place at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. The transfer ceremony which featured the signing of documents by top officials of NAMA and NCAA and witnessed by representatives of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development was a culmination of activities which commenced earlier in the week with the inspection of premises and verification of assets contained in the inventory of assets sent to the ministry by the regulatory agency ahead of the handover. Some of the assets ceded to NAMA include the hangar, an unserviceable calibration aircraft (HS-125), Ground power generator, a flight calibration laboratory, library, offices among others. In her remarks after the handover, the representative of NAMA Managing Director and Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Engr Terese Iheanacho expressed optimism that the takeover of the facility by NAMA would not only boost the capacity of the agency in calibration of air navigation systems in the country but also enhance seamlessness and efficiency in the agency’s operations. “You would recall that the Federal Government in a bid to reposition NAFIS as a key player providing efficient flight calibration services globally, transferred the operation of the Beechcraft KingAir 350i flight calibration aircraft with registration marking 5N-CAA and crew to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency  (NAMA). It is worthy of note that NAMA has developed indigenous flight calibration crew with capacity to undertake routine and commissioning flight calibration services. With this development NAMA is now fully ready to extend her flight calibration services beyond the shores of Nigeria. The Ministerial directive is what we are implementing here today,” Iheanacho said.

.. to install state of the art facilities CHUKS OKOH The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to bring sanity to the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, with planned introduction of biometrics for all occupants Already, the process of the sanitization has commenced with the markings of some shops for demolition to give way for construction of a befitting structure as the airport accounts for over 90% of cargo in the country Investigation revealed that in the process of sanitizing the cargo business, only those statutorily recognised by law will be allowed access to operate in order to create enabling environment, while facilities that will support cargo process will be improved upon. It was gathered that the Directorate of cargo has kick started the process of registering all the agencies in the section to ensure proper documentation. With the division of the place into three, registration, biometrics and the access control, it’s expected that when completed nobody will be allowed into the area from the gate It was also gathered that movement of trucks will be reduced as the ‘call up’ system will be adopted for trucks, only those with cargo will be expected to access the area with proof Within few weeks of the commencement of registration, over 80 percent of the Customs licensed agents has been documented while the airlines and ground handlers are being done In cargo business, efficiency, security and compliance are very important hence it was learnt that stakeholders engagement has commenced With the intention of the Directorate to develop cargo support services, such as buildings to house holding, common examination bay, sorting and packaging, it is expected that the process will eliminate human inter face especially with the security agencies It was learnt that the Federal Government through FAAN will be running the facilities as a Joint Venture with the private sector So many stakeholders have expressed concern over the way the cargo section was being run saying it lacked sanity and remained a security threat without control. Few years ago, FAAN moved to curb illegal activities and touting at the ever busy hajj camp terminated by sanitising the densely populated area by reducing commercial activities to 12 hours. Reacting to the development, an aviation expert and the secretary of Aviation Round Table, Mr Olumide Ohunayo condemned the the way the cargo section was being run saying that the master plan of the area has never been followed. Ohunayo noted that the inability of the managers of the place to embrace latest technology remained the bane of the section as most of activities were on paper work instead of IT based. He commended the crowded nature of the cargo section with the way and manner trucks drop off and pick cargoes saying it gives room for stealing Ohunayo revealed that there need to overhaul the whole system especifically the so called automation of the entrance gate which has gone bananas. He suggested the call up system for cargo movements through improved automation systems and stop free entry and free exit into the section. He further condmned the attitude of agents hawking within the premises According to Ohunayo, what was needed at the section is proper planning saying that presence of agents at the section was not necessary and urged FAAN to go into partnership to run the area successfully Stakeholders are of the view that with the creation of the cargo Directorate in FAAN, the face of cargo business in the country will change for better.  

CHUKS OKOH The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria {FAAN} has called on aviation unions to embrace dialogue in addressing industrial concerns . Following recent agitation over concessions and salary reviews. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and best practices in airport operation while assuring workers of prompt intervention in their demands. The call was made in response to a  report which highlighted an alleged 14 day ultimatum issued by aviation unions to the federal government regarding grievances over concession committee deliberation  and the implementation of salary adjustments. FAAN , in a press statement signed by its director of public affairs and consumers protection , Mrs Obiageli Orah, sought to clarify misconception surrounding the matter. The aviation union, during a  a workers congress held on Tuesday , 25th February , expressed dissatisfaction over the non inclusion of their representatives in ongoing airport concession deliberations. They also raised concerns about the delay in implementing the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage , among other issues. These grievances were presented to the minister of aviation and aerospace development ,Festus Keyamo, during an interactive session with the unions  on Friday , 28th February 2025 in Lagos. Responding to the concerns , Keyamo directed the immediate inclusion of union representatives in the concession committee to foster transparency. He emphasized the need for unions to have full access to relevant information as the  concession process progresses . Additionally, the minister assured union leaders that he would personally  intervein to ensured the swift implementation of the new salary review for FAAN staff, reinforcing the government commitment to workers’ welfare. In its statement , FAAN reiterate its its dedication to its core values and assured aviation unions of continued engagement in a cordial and constructive manner.  FAAN also reassured air travelers of its commitment to maintaining world class airport operations, in line with global best practices. The agency affirmed that it would continue working closely with the minister of aviation and aerospace development to ensure smooth and efficient management of airport services across the country.

CHUKS OKOH Chief operation officer {coo} of the Bi _courtney Aviation services  limited {operators of Murtala Airport 2} , Mr Remi Jibodu  has applauded the federal government  implementation of  the Cape Town convention practice instituted last year , stressing that such step taken will help boost capacity in the industry. According to Jibodu CTC will encourage airlines to be able to get dry leases, which means streamlining aviation equipment financing cost reduction and flexibility in the choice of utilizing local crew as against foreign crew. The COO gave the commendation when the executive members of the league of Airport and Aviation correspondents {LAAC} paid a courtesy visit to the company’s office at MMA2 in Lagos on Tuesday. Speaking during the visit, he said, ”when you look at most of the aircraft that we brought in, maybe in November or December last year , you would realize that , because it was summer period , a lot of them were a lot of them were cheaper to get, at least at that time. And it was serious costs, even at that , i have airlines that have to return their aircraft because they can’t cope with the lease agreement. ”And in Nigeria , unless you have private funds, if you look at the financial institutions , vis-a-vis what is helping in the industry today, you have interest rates of about 30 percent plus . The inflation is about 24.7 or  there about . so it means that if you are borrowing money from the from the bank, it is going to be very difficult for to breakeven, especially when they are putting the cost in terms of lease agreement on you. ”Mr Jibodu believes that when with dry lease , airlines would be able to maintain existing crew , which also would develop our own pilots in Nigeria , increase revenue and also be able to employ more people. He advised that in talking about capacity , the routes should be taken into consideration as some routes are not very well serviced while others like Lagos, Abuja and PORTHARCOURT ARE WELL UTILISED. Emphasizing that airlines operation is not about one way and that booth ways have to be calculated , the COO further added that one of those things we encourage the government is to ensure that we develop the economic  activities.  We have new airports  coming up , you know states and all that. But the truth about is that do thy have economic viability for you to be able to sustain that airport? Explaining how BAS is harnessing it’s large space available at the terminal , the COO said that in the last two years , the company has seen fantastic things springing up. He said with over 100 tenants , he pointed out that the number is increasing as another bank is coming on board. ”Even in terms of rentals , i think a bank is coming up again . So we are not just an airport or an airline. ‘Nothing that the terminal welcomes about 10,000 up to up to 15,000 people , including the footfalls that come in and out of the facility on a daily basis, he encourage the government to ensure that they expand what they are already doing.

CHUCKS  OKOH Air Peace has regretted the unexpected disruption to its flight operations caused by multiple bird strike incidents affecting three of its aircrafts within the last 24 hours. Dr Ejike Ndiulo , head of corporate communications said the first incident happened on Thursday necessitating an air return.  Additionally , earlier today two of  our aircrafts also suffered bird strike incidents, resulting in grounding of the affected  aircraft  for safety checks and necessary maintenance . As a safety conscious airline, air peace prioritize the wellbeing of our passengers and crew above all else. In line with our strict safety protocol , we have immediately commenced the requisite inspections and maintenance procedures to ensure that the aircraft meet highest safety standards before returning to  services. ” we sincerely apologize to our esteemed customers for the inconveniences these disruptions might  have caused to their travel plans . While we work to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible , we kindly seek your patience and understanding .Our team is actively  reaching out to the affected passengers to provide necessary assistance , including re scheduling and alternative travelling arrangements where possible. Ndiulo, who assured that every decision the airline makes is with passengers safety in mind. He said Peace remain committed to providing safe, seamless and efficient flight services . We appreciate your   corporation and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation.

CHUCKS OKOH The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority {NCAA] says it has issued five Air operators certificates {AOCs] to airlines operators in one year. The director general of NCAA CAPT. Chris  Najomo  siad this was possible as a results of the process that has become seamless and less cumbersome with the development of technology and committee personnel. Speaking at the stakeholders meeting in Lagos, Najomo said, ”under one year  we have released 5 AOCs . It used to be herculean task but that is now behind us. ” Reacting to the disclosure,  Aviation and Aerospace Development minister , Festus Keyamo said if it is possible to issue AOC in 24 hours , NCAA should go ahead. ” I don’t  expect less . I can see that the airlines are now  praising NCAA for this but it is their duty to do this and if AOC can be issued in 24 hours , why not”, he said. Speaking on the age long maintenance of aircraft , Najomo  said maintenance should be done on schedule” how old an aircraft is measured by the maintenance of the aircraft . maintenance is key and surveillance on our part is important . what the minister has done with Cape Town convention practice is to get airlines to have access to newer equipment ” he said.