Category: Aviation

CHUKS OKOH The President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Yinka Folami says some disgruntled travel agencies in the country are sabotaging the efforts the association through cross border trading. Folami, who disclosed this on the sideline of the NANTA 49th Annual General Meeting in Lagos noted that NANTA has lost 40 percent of its market to cross border traders. According to him five travel agencies are currently under investigation by the federal government for  the cross border trading on ticket sales. According to him, “Cross border sales is a sin and disrespectful to our economy. Government has asked us to present the names of the culprits. We have five names that have been mentioned. The country is investigating them for money laundering. We will stop it. We should also stop buying from them” Folami expressed displeasure over the ugly trend as these agents were destroying the travel business as they sold tickets cheaper, stressing that NANTA was investigating to know how the tickets were sold Folami stressed the for understanding and unity in the association in order to build a robust constitution, engage in self regulation and heed to advice from NANTA founders on tacking the issue. He enumerated some or the association’s achievements saying that NANTA has shown conduct, respect and knowledge and has ensured that its point of sale does not shift, it distributes wealth and engage in self regulation.

CHUKS OKOH, Dr. Allen Onyema chairman of Air Peace has donated N50 million to support the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) College Project. According to Dr. Ejike Ndiulo Head, Corporate Communications Air Peace Limited the generous pledge was made during the grand fundraising and groundbreaking ceremony held at the Armed Forces Officers Mess, Maitama, Abuja. Dr. Onyema, who served as a co-launcher of the project, delivered an inspiring address that emphasized the importance of unity, empowerment, and nation-building. He hailed the DEPOWA College as a transformative initiative that goes beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as “a beacon of hope” and a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s children—particularly those from families of military and police personnel. “This is not just about bricks and mortar,” Onyema stated. “It is about shaping the minds of young Nigerians who will become leaders, innovators, and agents of positive change. As we lay the first stone of the DEPOWA College, we must understand that we are building a brighter tomorrow—one that empowers our youth to create solutions, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to our nation and the world.” He commended DEPOWA’s longstanding impact in supporting service members’ families through education, skills development, and humanitarian programs, adding that the college will be equipped with modern classrooms, vocational centers, science labs, and creative workshops to prepare students for 21st-century challenges. In a heartfelt announcement, Dr. Onyema pledged N50 million on behalf of Air Peace and called on fellow Nigerians to join the effort. “No matter how little, every contribution counts. This project is a legacy we are all building together,” he urged. “We at Air Peace are fully aware of the immense sacrifices made daily by the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces. This is our way of giving back to the families of these national heroes.” The President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Onyema’s donation, describing it as timely and deeply symbolic. “Dr. Onyema has again shown that true patriotism lies in action. His support is a shining example of what corporate responsibility should look like in Nigeria,” she said. Beyond philanthropy, Air Peace has also consistently supported the armed forces and vulnerable groups. For the past one year, the airline has been operating a streamlined boarding process that prioritizes military personnel, individuals with special needs, and Business Class passengers—an initiative that reinforces the company’s respect and support for the armed forces. Dr. Onyema concluded his speech with a stirring call to action: “Let this project remind us that we all have a role to play in building Nigeria. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can turn this dream into a lasting reality.” With strong backing from visionary leaders like Dr. Onyema and the collective will of the people, the DEPOWA College stands poised to become a powerful symbol of unity, education, and national pride.

  CHUKS OKOH .   Air Peace has announced the implementation of a new boarding arrangement aimed at delivering an even more seamless, convenient, and professional travel experience for all passengers.   Under the new structure, boarding will now be prioritized in the following order: military personnel, passengers with wheelchairs or special needs, and business class passengers. This initiative reflects Air Peace’s ongoing commitment to elevating service standards and fostering a new culture of care, respect, professionalism and efficiency. “At Air Peace, we understand that time and comfort matter deeply to our passengers,” said Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman/CEO, Air Peace Limited. “This new boarding policy is designed to reduce congestion, enhance orderliness, and ensure that our customers enjoy a smoother start to their journeys.” Dr. Onyema explained that the new arrangement underscores Air Peace’s dedication to inclusive service. “By honoring military personnel and attending to passengers with mobility needs first, Air Peace reinforces its respect for service and accessibility,” emphasising that Business class travelers will also benefit from expedited boarding, aligning with the premium experience they expect and deserve.” This development is part of a broader transformation toward a refreshed service culture. Air Peace is committed to delivering excellence at every touchpoint, from check-in to landing, and this new boarding system is just one of many enhancements underway. Air Peace is West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, operating domestic, regional, and international flights with a focus on safety, hospitality, and world-class service. With a growing network and a commitment to excellence, Air Peace is redefining the flying experience across Africa and beyond. The airline remains committed to expanding its global reach and further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the international aviation landscape. Plans for additional long-haul routes and service enhancements are underway as Air Peace continues to set new standards in African aviation. As Air Peace continues to expand its fleet and routes, passengers can look forward to further innovations that make air travel easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable for everyone. The airline remains committed to providing world-class services, bridging the gap between Africa and the world.

CHUKS OKOH The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has received commendations from the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for it total compliance with the ICPC’s standing order in the operations of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs). Director, System Study and Review Department (SSRD) at ICPC, Mr. Olusegun Adigun described NCAA’s compliance with the agency’s standard as one that should be emulated by all government agencies. Mr. Adigun spoke during the induction ceremony for members of the NCAA ACTUs team in Abuja recently. The 12-man ACTU team (otherwise known as NCAA ambassadors), an in-house mechanism for the prevention of corruption, was inaugurated last December by the ICPC Director. Speaking at the ceremony, Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, described the ICPC’s testimony as a significant milestone in the agency’s corporate governance processes and financial procedures in its drive to meet with international standards. Captain Najomo said “We are delighted to receive this report of complete compliance with the ICPC standing order. It shows the NCAA is on the right track to meeting its set objectives of aligning the operations of the agency to meet with the best financial operating standards globally. This will spur us to continue to ensure that we remain on the right track until we have closed all the gaps, we identified that needed to be closed both in our financial dealings, operations and oversight functions.” On her part, Head of the NCAA ACTUs and NCAA Regional Manager, Lagos Regional Office, Barrister (Mrs.) Bukola Aduragbemi Teriba said “The team is pleased with the good news. It shows the tireless efforts we put in to ensure we meet the best financial operating standard in the NCAA has yielded the desired result. The vision is to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as enunciated in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) document.” The anti-corruption agency ICPC had in 2019 began its annual deployment of the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) in all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to engender transparency in the public sector. It affirmed that the initiatives were parts of measures to checkmate and fight corruption in government bodies and also to measure institutional integrity and accountability in MDA operations as well as encourage innovation, productivity and creativity in enhancing their systems and operations.

CHUKS OKOH As part of efforts to modernize the Nigerian airspace infrastructure, a team of NAMA officials is currently at the Rhode and Shwarz factory in Germany on a factory assessment test (FAT) of critical communication equipment needed to enhance the efficiency of the agency’s air-ground communication infrastructure.  Led by the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Farouk Ahmed Umar, the team will hold high-level talks with officials of Rhode and Schwarz as well as Deo Makro Ltd, an indigenous contractor which facilitated the visit. As part of the project, NAMA will be deploying the Rohde & Schwarz High-Frequency (HF) transceiver, equipped with advanced signal processing algorithms that significantly reduce the noise levels typically associated with traditional HF systems. This technology leap is expected to boost the long-range air-to-ground communications capabilities across the Nigerian airspace.  It is specifically designed to address the range limitations of the current Very High Frequency (VHF) systems. The new HF solution would ensure robust and reliable communication coverage over the Gulf of Guinea, extending far into the Atlantic Ocean, across the Northern desert regions beyond the Kano Flight Information Region (FIR). Speaking on the visit, Engr Farouk expressed optimism that the deployment of the communication equipment would further boost upper airspace communication in the country, stressing that “this move aligns with the commitment of the President towards enhancing the safety of the sector through upgrading and modernizing airspace infrastructure.”

CHUKS OKOH Despite the inherent challenges of global cargo movement, the air cargo business in Nigeria remains resilient, according to Dr. Lucky Omokhodion, a prominent frontline cargo agent. Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the new executive council of the Domestic Airport Cargo Agents (DACAA) in Lagos, Dr. Omokhodion, who chairs Ehi Multi Systems Nigeria Limited, identified the critical shortage of dedicated cargo aircraft and inadequate airport facilities as major impediments facing operators. He highlighted that the absence of sufficient cargo planes forces agents to rely heavily on passenger aircraft for transporting goods across the nation, leading to significant inefficiencies and increased operational costs. “We do not have cargo flights; we only have passenger flights, and it is through these that we take all cargo across the nation,” he stated. He further emphasized that the current reliance on passenger planes presents an unsustainable business model that stifles the growth potential of the air cargo sector. Recent operational disruptions experienced by domestic carriers, such as the temporary grounding of Dana Air and issues with Arik Air, have further exacerbated the situation, bringing the air cargo business to a near standstill at times. In addition to the lack of aircraft, Dr. Omokhodion pointed to the inadequacy of facilities at domestic airports as another significant challenge contributing to the hardship faced by cargo agents. However, he expressed optimism that ongoing collaborations between cargo agents and airport authorities would lead to the construction of suitable warehouses to streamline cargo movement. Addressing the newly inaugurated DACAA executive, Dr. Omokhodion urged them to foster unity and inclusivity within the association, expressing his hope that their leadership would elevate the organization to greater heights. Dr. Omokhodion also shed light on the high capital investment required for acquiring and operating dedicated cargo aircraft, which acts as a major deterrent for potential investors. He explained the economic realities, stating, “For a cargo aircraft to fly from Lagos to Abuja, for instance, it needs to be fully loaded with goods for both legs of the trip. If it flies back empty or half-empty, the investor incurs significant losses.” The CEO warned that the scarcity of cargo planes has already resulted in financial losses for air cargo operators, with some clients opting for alternative transportation methods. The situation has also led to the spoilage of perishable goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, due to flight cancellations and delays. Despite the significant upfront costs, Dr. Omokhodion called upon investors to consider the long-term benefits of investing in cargo aircraft, emphasizing the necessity of finding sustainable and profitable models for such ventures. The prevailing shortage of dedicated cargo aircraft poses severe implications for the Nigerian air cargo industry, leading to delays, financial losses for operators and customers, and overall frustration. Industry stakeholders and the Nigerian government are urged to collaboratively address this critical issue and explore viable solutions to overcome the lack of dedicated cargo aircraft and improve infrastructure at domestic airports.

CHUKS OKOH Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC, has announced its new partnership with Air Algeria to undertake a comprehensive Ground Handling contract for ground handling services to Air Algeria’s flights from Abuja to Algiers twice in a week. A statement from Mrs Vanessa Uansohia Head, Corporate Communications, SAHCO, said the full handling contract encompasses a wide range of services, underscoring SAHCO’s commitment to excellence in aviation support. According to the statement, under the new agreement, SAHCO will provide an array of ground handling services for Air Algeria, including ramp handling, passenger services, baggage handling, cargo handling, aircraft cleaning, and more. SAHCO’s experienced team and state-of-the-art equipment are fully equipped to meet the unique needs of Air Algeria’s operations, ensuring seamless and efficient turnarounds at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. “We are thrilled to partner with Air Algeria on this important venture,” said Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO. “This contract win reflects the trust and confidence that Air Algeria has in our capabilities. We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to support their operations, ensuring safe, timely, and efficient ground handling for their flights.” SAHCO has a proven track record of providing top-tier ground handling services to major airlines operating in Nigeria. The company is known for its dedication to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With the addition of Air Algeria to its growing list of clients, SAHCO continues to strengthen its position as a leading ground handling service provider in the region. It added that the partnership with Air Algeria also reinforces SAHCO’s strategic vision to expand its footprint across Africa and enhance the connectivity between Nigeria and other countries stressing that the new ground handling contract is expected to foster closer ties between Nigeria and Algeria, promoting greater business and tourism opportunities. Air Algeria is the flag carrier of Algeria, with its head office in the Immeuble El-Djazair in Algiers. Air Algérie operates scheduled international services to destinations in Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as domestic services. The Airline is 100% owned by the Government of Algeria. The duties of SAHCO involves all the actions that takes place from the time an aircraft touches down on the tarmac to the time it is airborne, also ensuring that Ground Handling assignment is carried out in an efficient, speedy and safe manner, while deploying the right tools.

  CHUKS OKOH Determined to overcome the challenges posed by emerging market forces,  Nigeria’s biggest travel trade professionals body,  National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), will  Wednesday, April 9th in Lagos, deliberate on key efforts geared towards institutionalising protective measures to insulate and deflate the strange travel trade market viruses troubling the sector. The gathering will also create opportunities to share and spread prosperity to its members. The association which was recently readmitted into  the fold of global travel trade industry association,  the United Federation of Travel Agents’ Associations (UFTAA), whose President,  Mr  Sunil Kumar is slated to address NANTA members at the event, signifies the intentional search by  NANTA President, Mr Yinka Folami and his council to find solutions in addressing frosty issues that have eroded and impacted the once lucrative Nigerian travel trade market. This gathering, which is tracked under the non-elective 49th Annual General Meeting of the Association with Theme, ‘ Collective Prosperity Through Market Protection’  will also have other key speakers, Dr kemi Pinheiro ( SAN) , Dr Joseph KITHITU , President,  Kenya Association of Travel Agents, who is also Director/ Vice President UFTAA at  the confab which will take place at Mercellina’s Place on Issac John street,  Ikeja by 10 am. The AGM Planning Committee Chairperson and National Publicity Secretary on NANTA, Mrs. Lola Adewole stated that an industry exhibition will be on showcase as part the one day gathering of industry professionals. This will bring critical service providers in the industry and buyers together in order to strategically unveil emerging opportunities and also to provide data to licensed companies and organisations offering different types of travel and tourism experiences and services.

CHUKS OKOH, The President of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE), Engr Selzing Miri, has charged the government to provide enabling environment through the provision of working tools for engineers in the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to ehance their job Speaking at the recently concluded Annual General Meeting of the Lagos chapter of NAAE in Lagos, Engr Miri noted, that the agency was blessed with qualified and experienced air traffic engineers in the system but regretted that lack of working tools have hampered their ingenuity. He said for the engineers to make impact, the rightful tools must be provided to make them have the right frame of mind in thinking and carying their jobs “I want to appeal to our management, in as much as we want to make impact, we are limited with the availability of resources for tools to work. The management has a part to play in ensuring that we are given the rightful environment” Miri noted that while their foreign counterparts do their work with ease as if they were performing magic, as a result of the availability of tools, their counterparts in Nigeria remained handicapped due to lack of working tools Miri also lamented that  the engineers have been crying for operational vehicles for more than eight years and no solutions. He decried a situation  where engineers use motor bikes to go to work on some out stations across the country saying, that the absence of workshop and good working environment has reduced the engineers to a mere fault identifier engineers without solutions to the identified problems. Miri however expressed optimism that with the calibre of the management in place in NAMA led by Engr Umar Farouk, that things will change for the better.

CHUKS OKOH The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says the agency will not hesitate to suspend or fine international carriers that sell tickets to passengers only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria. The Authority in a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director, Consumer protection and Public Affairs, said it received several complaints about the refusal of boarding/entry at intermediate transit stops to some Nigerians due to Visa/travel restrictions, adding that such is causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria The NCAA frowned at the practices, adding that it is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destinations before they commence their travel. ‘’Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or return to Nigeria only on arrival at intermediate /transit stops. “In line with the provisions of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1, all airlines and their agents shall ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restriction in advance of their departure. Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them. “In light of this, the NCAA informs all international airlines operating in Nigeria that the Authority will no longer tolerate these occurrences. Effective immediately, any airline found to be engaged in such practices would be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations or other measures deemed appropriate.”, it stated. The NCAA said it expects the cooperation of all airlines in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry, as well as ensuring the well-being of Nigerian passengers