Category: Aviation

lo CHUKS OKOH, Facts have emerged on  reports claiming that Lufthansa Airlines pilots had to offload some passengers and luggage last week to achieve maximum take-off thrust because the crew was unaware of a damaged Abuja airport runway section. Investigations revealed that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued to announce a planned repair. Findings revealed that, in addition to the NOTAM issued by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which manages the country’s airports, also released a message informing all airlines of the issue and the planned repairs to the identified depressed section of the runway. The message obtained by our correspondent was issued on Wednesday, 23rd July, announcing the runway closure and scheduled repairs, while advising airlines to review their flight schedules accordingly. The message stated: “Good morning, all airline operators. Kindly note that RWY 04 will be closed shortly from 10 pm tonight (24th July) to 4 am tomorrow (25th July) local time to carry out planned repairs on the depressed section of the pavement. “Furthermore, all flight operations during this period are advised to be reviewed accordingly. “Please be aware that operations have been constrained by the weather conditions and are guided by the forecast during this period. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused as we work to restore the runway to normalcy for safe operation.” Additionally, it was found that FAAN had already circulated GPS coordinates of the depressed section on 21st July. Experts commenting on the situation have voiced concern over Lufthansa’s decision to continue operating with a large number of passengers, despite being informed that flight operations should be reviewed during the repair period. Travel Consultant Mr. Botunde Dele remarked, “Blaming the airport authority in this case is ill-conceived. We need to ask a few questions. Why is it the only plane that complained, because we all know it is not the only aircraft that used the runway during the period?” “Additionally, the statement attributed to the pilot claiming they were not informed of the depressed portion of the runway should be treated with caution. The pilot couldn’t have made that statement because any NOTAM issued anywhere goes across the whole world. “So, for anyone to say, especially the pilot, I don’t think it is true, since Lufthansa Airlines itself hasn’t issued any statement to that effect. I know for sure that other international carriers with similar wide-bodied aircraft were landing and taking off from the same runway.” An engineer from FAAN, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the depressed section had already been repaired and that normal flight operations have since resumed. He said, “These are issues that happen everywhere. The section was depressed, and we took precautionary measures by first informing the airlines and then taking action to ensure that the entire length of the runway was fully functional. That has been done, and the full length is now operational as expected.” While initial reports sparked concern about communication lapses, the emerging facts suggest that Nigerian aviation authorities followed proper procedure in addressing the Abuja runway issue. With the issuance of a global NOTAM, a local operator bulletin, and the timely completion of repair work, industry observers argue that the onus may have been on Lufthansa to adapt its operations accordingly.

OSUBI AIRPORT t BOSS, ATTRIBUTES SUCCESS TO ADEQUATE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES   CHUKS OKOH, The management of of Alfred Diete Spiff (Osubi Airport) Warri says, the maintenance procedure vigorously adhered to has led to increase in number of airlines coming to the airport   In his presentation at the Airport Business Summit and Expo 2025, held in Lagos, the Airport manager, Mr Winston Egwuatu, revealed that patronage by airlines have increased with Overland Arik and Rano Air operating conveniently into the airport while, Air peace and United Nigeria Airlines will soon resume operations into the Airport.   Egwuatu, represented by the airport’s accountant, Mr. Salifu Adama revealed that Green Africa is carrying out Chevron operation in the Airport while UMZA Air has paid the necessary fees to commence operations   He disclosed that the airport management is encouraging Delta State Government to float its own Airline.   On revenue generation by the airport, Egwuatu said, a revenue projection of N3 billion by end of 2025, N3.3 billion in 2026 and N3.6 billion in 2027 has been proposed   He said the airport, which is 55% owned by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and 45% owned by Shoreline Services recorded N1.9 billion revenue in 2024, and is deeply involved in Public Private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure upgrades and investment expansion.   According to him, the airport has installed modern baggage carousels, resuscitated airfield lighting system, constructed a modern police station close to the location and a fuel dump.   Egwuatu revealed that  they are discussing with Enugu Air to attract operations to the airport, which currently hosts Overland Airways and Rano Air as operators adding that Umza Air has already paid the appropriate fees to commence operations while Green Africa Airways currently operates for Chevron.   Egwuatu said the airport is moving focus towards non-aeronautical revenue sources, and is seeking investors in the establishment of an Osubi Airport Staff Primary and Secondary School and Hotels as well as an Aviation Clinic.   According to Egwuatu, the airport is well secured with presence presence of Nigerian Police Force Command, detachment of Nigerian Air force, Nigerian Immigration Service and Department of Sate Security Service (DSS)   On community relations, he explained that the relationship with their host communities as evident in their warm disposition to the airport needs adding that there are three prominent kings namely; Olu of Warri, Orodje of Okpe Land and Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom have all always risen in defense of the peaceful operations of the airport at critical times.   Egwuatu disclosed that aside the primary power supply from BEDC, the airport is powered by two serviceable secondary generating plant (800KVA and 810KVA CAT) with an additional  250KVA Static UPS that can standby for two hours, 5KVA solar inverter system for control tower and 15KVA solar inverter system for check-in counters   He emphasized that the location of the Airport is in the heart of the town and will command patronage of any business venture owing to high traffic network.   “Its catchment area is Warri with over 1 million inhabitants and the Western Delta with about 2 million inhabitants. There’s 4 leg power supply in the Airport which ensures 24hrs power”   He noted that Osubi airport recently celebrated achievement of her goal-zero target for the first half of the year 2025, recording zero bird strike, zero accident and incident, zero runway incursion and excursion,  zero passenger discomfort and zero security breaches.

CHUKS OKOH The Chairman FCI  International, Mr Fortune Idu has called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to conduct a comprehensive land-use assessment that will identify land-use cases that can free up airport land. In his welcome speech at the of Aviation Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) 2025, Mr Idu, said the assessment will inform the conclusion of the airport master plan and halt the reckless acquisition of airport land by government agencies . According to Idu, as the government make concerted effort to get the airport on the right track for sustainable growth, it was disheartening to see the deterioration of the airports land infrastructure and the unplanned partition and allocation of Federal airport space. “It is unfortunate to note that the federal airports have more tanker farms and fuel contractors than the aircraft and airlines operating in the country, and one wonders why” He decried the concentration of fuel depot at every space at the airport, saying it does not necessarily generate additional revenue for the airport, but it does introduce additional risk and space   constraints. “It is also sad that many government agencies are acquiring prime airport locations and spreading structures all over the airport space, creating clusters and congestion that gives the impression that the airport is full. This is one of the biggest threats to airport development, future expansion, business, and  value to the nation.” According to Idu, the airport’s gestating period is 25 years, and those who see empty airport lands should not consider it available land adding that the future of the airport and the prosperity of the state depend on that so-called available land. He remarked that airports are special economic  zones,  stressing that the development, financial structure and Process cannot be spontaneous but needs  planing, preconceived and programmed. “It is my pleasure to announce that ABSE has had a greater impact on influencing government decisions now than it has in the past eight years” Idu said the theme of this year’s summit “investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnerships Airports’ are an essential national infrastructure that can significantly boost economic development by providing fast mobility links for people and Cargo, especially in a vast country like Nigeria. He noted that sustaining the development and operation of these airports goes beyond the initial intention to build them. “With the establishment of over 30 airports in Nigeria today, the viability of airports ensures sustainable and secure air service operations to destinations, promoting connectivity which requires adequate funding for the airports. He said the airport business summit aims to gather information and contributions on investment opportunities and help initiate campaigns for airport financing through various options, including airport development grants, government infrastructure funding, private equity contributions, and private sector partnerships. Idu noted that Nigeria’s aviation sector is gradually leading to increases in fleet size and airport connectivity adding that the summit will provide an opportunity for thorough discussions on how to make airports economically sustainable, as well as foster a collective drive to build confidence and improve the usability of air transport.

  CHUkS OKOH In a bid to improve infrastructure, operational efficiency and delivering world-class services, the Federal Government says it is deliberate on policy choices to facilitate Public-Private Partnerships in the aviation and aerospace sector. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Ibrahim Kana made the disclosed at the Airport Business Summit and Expo 2025 (ABSE) yesterday in Lagos. According to Kana, aviation remains a critical enabler of economic growth, a catalyst for trade, tourism, and investment, but also as a symbol of national connectivity and international competitiveness. He said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering Public-Private Partnerships as a key mechanism for sustainable development. “The Ministry, in line with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) framework, has championed a number of landmark PPP initiatives designed to reposition the industry. “These include the concession of terminal operations at major international airports—such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. “As well as Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models for cargo terminals, maintenance hangars, and airport hotel infrastructure”. The Permanent Secretary also spoke on completed and ongoing public-private partnerships in the sector. “We have recorded measurable progress. The successful concession of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2) remains a reference point for PPP success in West Africa. “Additionally, the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council of new airport concession agreements underscores our resolve to crowd-in private capital, managerial expertise, and technological innovation. “Furthermore, our engagement with international partners such as, International Civil Aviation Organisation, African Development Bank among others have created new avenues for funding critical infrastructure without overburdening public finances”. According to him, public-private partnerships thrive where the environment is stable, transparent, and predictable. Hence, the Ministry has worked closely with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and the ICRC to streamline procedures, de-risk investments, and ensure contractual clarity. “Our Airport Development Master Plan is aligned with national economic priorities and regional development goals. “This has been complemented by legislative reforms, enhanced regulatory oversight through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). “Also, the upgrade of aviation security and safety infrastructure, all of which build investor confidence”. Kana also said that government was currently exploring PPP models for air navigation services, aerotropolis development, and aerospace technology parks. “We envision a future where Nigeria becomes a hub for regional air travel, maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services, and space science applications. “In this regard, I invite all potential investors, local and international, to Nigeria not just as a market, but as a long-term partner in progress. ‘We are open for business and open to partnership,” he said. Kana further reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that safer skies, resilient infrastructure and productive partnerships. He added that private sector was a strategic ally.

  CHUKS OKOH. Nigeria’s foremost cultural tourism administrator and former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has inaugurated a committee to organise a valedictory party in honour of Mr. Nkereweum Onung, the outgoing President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). Mr. Onung is set to bow out of office on July 31, 2025, after completing two impactful terms as FTAN President. His tenure is widely celebrated for fostering strong collaborations between industry stakeholders, government institutions, and private sector players. During his leadership, Nigeria re-established its presence on the global tourism stage, particularly through participation at the World Travel Market in London. His term also witnessed significant institutional shifts, including the brief creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism later reemerged with Culture, reflecting the federal government’s renewed recognition of culture as the bedrock of Nigeria’s tourism sector. Onung currently serves as the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Culture and Tourism. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and a BOT member of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN). Describing Onung as a resilient leader and visionary, Otunba Runsewe praised his exceptional ability to manage diverse interests within the tourism ecosystem. “Nkereweum Onung deserves our appreciation and honour,” Runsewe said. “If you understand how complex it is to manage Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector and its many operators, you’ll agree that Onung’s leadership in keeping FTAN united through challenging times is remarkable. That’s why I have decided to personally organise a night of praise and honour for this humble and outstanding gentleman.” The valedictory celebration will hold during the FTAN Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Abuja between July 28 and 31, 2025. To lead the planning of the event, Otunba Runsewe has appointed Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, immediate past President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), as Chairperson. Also named as a member of the committee is Mr. Frank Meke, a renowned cultural tourism journalist and CEO of *Creative Naija*, a leading cultural tourism-focused radio show. In her acceptance, Mrs. Akporiaye, who also heads the FTAN 2025 AGM Planning Committee, pledged to deliver a befitting event in honour of Mr. Onung. She also expressed gratitude to Otunba Runsewe for his unwavering commitment to the growth, unity, and recognition of the private sector in the Nigerian tourism industry.

  CHUKS OKOH, The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, on behalf of the minister, Mr Festus Keyamo, will be leading State Commissioners of Transport, Heads of aviation agencies and other dignitaries to declare open the Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE) 2025. The summit will be held from July 15-17 at the NIGAV Expo Event Centre at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos ABSE, which is the only fully dedicated airport business convergence, is designed to address air transport concerns from an airport perspective, provide an opportunity for in-depth discussions on how to make Nigeria’s airports economically sustainable and guarantee ROI for private funding in what has been a predominantly government-dominated sector. A statement by the ABSE Chairman, Fortune Idu, said the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Transport Commissioners’ Forum, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority are collaborating with the Airport Business Summit group to ensure the success of ABSE 2025. The theme for this year’s summit is “Investment Opportunities in Airport Public-Private Partnerships.” The summit aims to highlight ways to harness investment and development opportunities for airport development, viability, and intermodal corridors in the air transport sector. The three-day programme, Idu said is packed-full one, starting with a training workshop on airport development by exceptional instructors, to the Special Airport State Session and the airport manager forum, which collectively create an unparalleled summit on air transport sector development essential for transforming Nigeria’s economy. The programmes lined up for the event include, DAY 1: Session 1: Masterclass Workshop: Airport Revenue Planning The workshop serves as a prelude to the two-day summit and will provide comprehensive insights into the common revenue generation issues faced by airports. It is designed to review the airport’s existing revenue streams, resolve conflicts, and identify new opportunities for investors to collaborate with the airport in achieving its business sustainability objectives. It is open to all airport managers, airlines, aviation stakeholders, advisory committees, airport investors, and the business community. The panel session will focus on the critical concerns of the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and how airports can balance safety, security, and operational activities. The speakers will address challenges related to airport security arising from the encroaching nearby community and the impacts of vandalism and theft. The session will provide insights into how airport security and other agencies collaborate to tackle these issues while ensuring compliance with all regulatory audit requirements.

CHUKS OKOH The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) says, the new tax regime scheduled to take effect in country next year, will crumble the entire country’s aviation sector. Speaking with aviation journalists in his national secretariat at the airport, the Secretary General of ANAP, Comrade AbdulRasaq Saidu, said when the tax is implemented, it will take aviation back to days of calamity in the sector According to Comrade Saidu, the tax regime when introduced will rubbish all the good things achieved in the past years, stressing that a situation where by revenues are collected on behalf of agencies and give them peanuts for maintenence of facilities does not augur well. He stated that aviation agencies are presently finding it difficult to maintain it’s facilities, pay salary and meet up with claims when they are generating their revenue adding that it will be suicidal when government decides to allocate revenue to them. According to him, with the new tax system, agencies will not have direct access to revenue generated as it will be remitted to government directly without enough money to maintain facilities He noted that aviation can not be toyed with as it is fund consuming sector especially in the maintenance of facilities, provision of safety and security at the airport, saying that the new tax system will never work in the industry “If the government insist, God forbid that they will not witness aircraft falling from the sky like in 2005 and 2006. I hope the President and Commander In Chief was badly advised on the issue” Comrade Saidu noted that the aviation sector ought to have been exempted from the new reform tax system.  “Aviation deals with the lives of humans. So, whatever they are bringing in aviation must be in line with ICAO and IATA best practices” The ANAP scribe said the unions are planning a meeting to take decision on the issue

  CHUKS OKOH In other to meet the compliance standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)  have met to resolve some grey areas Their joint efforts aim to ensure Nigeria exit FATF graylist status through the use of technology and improved border control procedures. This followed a joint working visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, led by Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku and Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. The inspection covered passenger and cargo terminals, with both agencies highlighting reforms being implemented to meet global compliance standards ahead of a pending Financial Action Task Force (FATF) assessment. The FATF graylist includes countries placed under increased monitoring for strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems. While not blacklisted, such countries face greater scrutiny and reputational risk in global trade and finance. Speaking during the inspection, CG Adeniyi emphasized the importance of synergy between Customs and airport authorities. “Our collaboration helps secure Nigeria’s borders while also improving passenger experience. The goal is to uphold security without unnecessary delays,” he said. A key development discussed was the improvement in currency declaration procedures. Comptroller General Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with FAAN’s provision of designated areas for passengers to make accurate financial declarations. “We are happy with the structure FAAN has created, which includes both in-person and out-of-home declaration points,” he said. He added that regular announcements now remind passengers of their duty to declare amounts above \$10,000. According to him, these steps align with FATF compliance expectations and represent a clear effort to reduce exposure to illicit financial flows. Looking ahead, Adeniyi noted that automation would be key in further easing the declaration process. “Ultimately, we hope to manage declarations through data collected from passenger arrival cards,” he said. While this remains a work in progress, the recent introduction of E-gates marks a step toward digitizing border procedures. “The deployment of technology makes our job easier and gives us optimal results,” he explained. FAAN Managing Director Kuku emphasized the agency’s ongoing efforts to streamline airport operations. “We’ve reduced touchpoints, enhanced screening, and improved the passenger journey through targeted investments. The E-gates project is only the beginning,” she said. She stressed the importance of passenger awareness. “We are educating travelers at multiple points, arrival, departure, and throughout the terminal, on the need to declare currency where necessary,” she added. At the cargo terminal, both leaders assessed infrastructure and trade processes. CG Adeniyi noted that terminal operators are showing more commitment to exports. “The Nigeria Customs Service is supporting this effort with the right policies and faster clearance processes,” he said. He also announced that non-intrusive inspection technologies will soon be introduced at more airports. “We’re testing solutions in Lagos that will eventually be rolled out nationwide to ensure uniformity and efficiency,” he said. MD Kuku added that FAAN views cargo operations as central to Nigeria’s future trade growth. “Our collaboration with Customs will help eliminate delays and make Nigerian exports more competitive globally,” she said. Preparations are underway for a scheduled FATF evaluation. Adeniyi expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness. “We believe the steps taken so far—including better structures, joint inspections, and process digitization, position Nigeria for removal from the graylist,” he said. He concluded by reaffirming the importance of technology. “Automation of currency declarations and passenger screening helps eliminate bottlenecks. Technology is the bridge to stronger compliance,” he stated. MD Kuku echoed this, saying, “We are building a system where compliance and convenience work side by side. The partnership with Customs is essential.” With these coordinated reforms, structured passenger facilitation, and enhanced trade protocols, both FAAN and Customs remain confident that Nigeria exit FATF graylist status is achievable soon.

  CHUKS OKOH, Following the inauguration of the Board of Directors of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo, the  Secretary General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) Comrade AbdulRasaq Saidu, has charged the government to name the boards of other aviation parastatals without delay Speaking in an interview on the inauguration of FAAN board, headed by Alhaji Gandunje former APC chairman, Comrade Saidu said the ANAP has long been agitating for the right things to be done in the aviation sector to continue entrenching safety in the system. According to him, “I am calling on the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to name other agencies board of directors for justice and equity in the system. ANAP has been calling for all the anomalies to be corrected in the aviation industry in the interest of safety” Saidu noted that only the governing boards will bring descipline to the system, check mate illegal contracts, employment and recruitment scams and oversees the day to day running of agencies activities. According to Saidu, “Most of the employments made and contracts awarded ought to have passed through the Governing Boards of Aviation parastatals but the situation didn’t allow it because there are no boards in place” He condemned the style of Hadi Sirika’s  administration as the Minister of Aviation, saying for eight years, he never deemed it fit to inaugurate boards as announced by the then President Mohammed Buhari. “ANAP has times without numbers raised this issue. The former President Buhari named some of people into various boards but till Sirika left office, nothing was done to inaugurate the boards. It died like that, now, this administration has continued the same way” Saidu,  decried the  non-compliance to Acts setting up aviation parastatals in the appointment of boards directors The ANAP scribe noted,  that there were decisions ought to have been taken by the governing boards of these parastatals but those decisions were soley taken by the minister.  

  CHUKS OKOH. A Beacon of Hope for Nigeria’s Aviation Industry: In a heartwarming development that promises to revolutionize Nigeria’s aviation sector, Enugu Air is set to take to the skies, bringing with it a wave of transformation and growth. This exciting new chapter in the nation’s aviation history is expected to yield numerous benefits, not only for the state of Enugu but for the entire country. For far too long, flying in Nigeria’s airspace has been a luxury reserved for the few, with exorbitant prices and limited options leaving many travelers with no choice but to endure the hardships. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow to the industry, with many airlines shutting down operations and leaving the nation with a severe shortage of air travel options. However, with the entrance of Enugu Air into the market, a new dawn is breaking. This pioneering airline is poised to bridge the gap between high demand and low supply, eliminating the monopoly that has long plagued the industry and driving down prices to make air travel more accessible to all. Comrade John Ogbe, 3rd Deputy President of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, has hailed the coming of Enugu Air as a welcome development that will bring numerous benefits to the nation. According to Ogbe, the airline will not only create choice among passengers with competitive fares but also grow commerce and tourism in the Eastern region, creating other activities that support aviation in the area. Ogbe has commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, for their commitment to creating an enabling environment for the growth of indigenous airlines. Keyamo’s vision for a thriving aviation sector is finally taking shape, and the results are nothing short of remarkable. As Enugu Air prepares to take to the skies, the potential for domestic travel in Nigeria is becoming increasingly apparent. The movement of people from one part of the country to another has become essential, with huge advantages for commerce, tourism, and the economy as a whole. With Enugu Air set to create job opportunities not only for the people of Enugu but for Nigerians in general, the future of the nation’s aviation industry has never looked brighter. As Ogbe noted, other state governments would do well to tap into this potential, and with the right support and infrastructure in place, Nigeria’s aviation sector is poised for unprecedented growth and development. The launch of Enugu Air marks a new era for Nigeria’s aviation industry, one that promises to bring numerous benefits to the nation and its people. With effective leadership and a commitment to growth and development, the future of Nigeria’s skies has never looked brighter.