Category: Aviation

CHUKS OKOH In order to ensure  facilitation of passengers through easy access to the airline’s platform, the United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has engaged the services of  Sabre Corporation on Global Distribution System (GDS). This is just at the UNA  prepares for the expansion of its operations outside the shores With this engagement, UNA has integrated over 50,000 travel agents across 200 countries would be able to access the carrier’s platform more easily. Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of Una, Friday in Lagos said  the migration to Sabre network would ensure the airline matches its capacity and aircraft type with demand, adding that it would also enhance interlining planning for the airline across its network. Okonkwo,  said the partnership will make UNA the third Nigerian carrier on the Global Distribution System (GDS). He explained that the integration to Sabre was part of its promise at the beginning of the year to enhance its Information Technology (IT) and innovative ideas. According to Prof Okonkwo, the UNA Lagos-Accra route, slated to commence August 25, 2025, will be given a boost with the migration “This is in keeping our promise to go global as quickly as we can. These are things that we have lined up as part of our objectives that have been a little delayed by the turbulence in the country that we are seeing especially in the aviation sector in the last two to three years. We can be delayed, but can’t be stopped” He said they were aware of the challenges in the new engagement but with over 50,000 agents in 200 countries with the capacity to buy our tickets, it means we have more seats to sell. We need to increase our inventory. He noted that in the next one year,  the airline would have increased its capacity by over 2,000 per cent adding that from October to November this year, they will be inducing into their fleet, four big bodied aircraft while from February to April next year,  six Boeing 737-800NG will be added “We know it has been very challenging, but we are not less determined, we are not giving up, we will continue to do our best and continue to count on the public, hoping that they will understand what we do to make things better.”

  GHUKS OKOH The management of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano (MAKIA) says, it generated over N20.83 billion naira revenue as against the targeted N17.3 billion naira in 2024   Disclosing this in an interview with aviation journalists in Kano on the state of the airport, the Regional manager of MAKIA, Comrade Ahmed Danjuma said, it recorded target with over N3.8 billion   According to Danjuma, the first quarter of 2025 was also very promising expressed optimism that by the end of the year the airport will surpass it’s target   DANJUMA explained, that the airport processed an average passenger movement  on domestic inbound of 20,472, while the outbound was 21,278 in April 2025   On the International route, Danjuma revealed that  a total of 18,687 inbound was recorded with outbound of 6,787 while domestic cargo moved 16,176 tons.   The Regional Manager further stated that for import on the International wing, it recorded 788,359 cargo movements with export of 161,367 in the same April 2025   Airlines operating into the domestic terminal are Maxair, Air Peace, Rano Airlines, United Nigeria, Umza, and Aerocontractor while Qatar Airways, Saudi Airlines, Ethiopian, and Egypt Airlines and Max air for international   He said the management of the airport will continue to focus mainly  on non-aeronautical areas to established a stream of income to make a difference for the growth of the airport.   “I actually have an ambitious plan for this airport. I have seen the potentials associated with this airport. I have seen ways and means we can improve our revenue generation, particularly on the non-Aero”   He noted that Kano Airport was statistically located at the heart of the city giving it a proximity to businesses that can cluster around the airport.   “Recently, we’ve given out some portion of land to a business entity that is going to build a hotel within the domestic terminal site. That will also bring in a lot of money for us. And like I said, you know, leveraging on the focus of the management, particularly the MD, on non-aero”   “So for that, I’ve already started discussion with some business owners in around Kano City, with whom I knew personally. And I’ve also seen some unused areas in the airport, particularly the private lounge, you know, that was built and abandoned”   On the current status of the airport, both local and international, Danjuma said both were operational with the domestic airlines operating from the old international terminal stressing that as the main domestic terminal that used to be called Dankabo terminal was under renovation.   According to him, that led to the movement of operations to the old international terminal. “So currently we operate that terminal as well as the international terminal. And they’re all operating to a reasonable extent”   On the collapsed POP roof, Danjuma disclosed that it was  due to heavy leakage from the roof for the POP for the past two years and effort has been made to fix it.   He maintained that as an old structure maintenance was always very difficult but to continue doing palliative to make a little quick fix to uplift the facelift to the building for the meantime.   With the staff strength of about 1,255, the airport manager noted that the fantastic edifice under construction, when completed, will provide the basic and the most conducive environment for workers and travelers   Danjuma revealed that the Managing Director of FAAN has has promised that the Dankabo terminal will be fully operational in the next few months and all operations will be moved to the place particularly the domestic   On the poor cooling system of the Domestic terminal being used, Danjuma said, those air conditions were installed for the past almost 17 years and worked nearly 24 hours adding that maintenance was  becoming difficult “but we are trying our best when i came in virtually all of them both at the arrival and the waiting lounge most of the Air conditioners were not in serviceable condition so we tried to fix all the ones at the waiting lounge”   Speaking on the welfare of staff and difficulties in getting shuttle vehicles from the airport to town, Danjuma said, a meeting with the unions was held and agreed that shuttle buses  particularly for staff be introduced so that they can be shuttling from the departure area of domestic, international and new block down to town   He stated that some  group have applied for registration as shuttle operators that will also checkmate the exorbitant rate the current ones were charging adding that by the time competition set in, the fare will come down.   According to MAKIA regional manager, his major concern as far as infrastructure was concerned in Kano remained the runway pavement.   He revealed that the runway of Kano airport needed to be totally resurfaced saying it has outlived its lifespan for about 14 years   “Thank God, the MD has assured us that Kano has been captured for resurfacing, so in the shortest possible time, some contractors have been coming around to take samples and measure all the two runways” .   “So, definitely, when that is done, I will be rest assured that at least the surface of the runway will be fantastic, but for now, we will keep on doing palliative to make it safe for aircraft operations, while other facilities too, all aged facilities, particularly the terminal building, until that terminal is put into use, we’ll continue to monitor it”.   Danjuma commended the management of FAAN, sister agencies and security operatives at the airport for their support and ensuring safety.

  CHUKS OKOH. Cross River State requires additional airports to fully showcase its tourism potential, attract more business and leisure travellers to the state. Also, an additional airport or two would not be a burden to the State Government or be handed over to the Federal Government in the future. Capt. Eno Inah (retd) , the Commissioner of Aviation, Cross River State, expressed this optimism in an interview with journalists in Lagos on Wednesday. According to Inah, Cross River State was positioned to be a leading state in the country because of its geographical location. “Outside the coastline, we are at the depth of the Gulf of Guinea, that’s Sao Tome and Principe, there is Equatorial Guinea and others. If you can’t land in Calabar, you can land in Obudu airport,’ he said. Inah emphasised further that the present Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar was inadequate for the myriad of activities ongoing in the state, adding that as a result of the location of the airport, the State Government could not extend its capacity. On the ongoing construction of Obudu Cargo Airport by the State Government, Inah assured that the airport would be launched before the end of the year. He maintained that a second or third airport in Cross River State would not only be viable, but also contribute to the economic growth of the state and the federation account. Inah pointed out that the tourism industry in the state was fast developing, likening its growth to that of South Africa and other countries within the continent. He said: “We can even add a third airport to the plan. If you are a regular traveller to outside the country, especially to Europe, you will know that we have airports with close proximity in Europe. We have airports that are just there for maintenance alone purposes alone. “I can tell you that there will be an additional airport even in Calabar soon. Don’t worry about Obudu Cargo Airport, we will complete it. “The Margaret Ekpo International Airport is constrained completely because there is no space for expansion, it’s inside the community and the neighbourhood is very close and right now, you cannot expand the runway. Urban development has eaten into the place with lots of encroachment into the land. “In the future, the Calabar Airport may likely be for the Air Force or may be when the President is flying to Calabar or anyone wants to meet with the governor, they can fly into that airport while the other ones will be purely for commercial aviation. Big aircraft as it is, can’t come to Calabar airport because of its small runway. And more so, it’s a Federal Government airport.” On the planned state-owned carrier, Inah, assured that the government would receive its Air Transport License (ATL) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in the next three months, while the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) would follow suit. Already, he declared that the State Government had acquired additional two CRJ1000 aircraft in preparation for its own airline. He lauded the management of Aero Contractors, led by Capt. Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the airline for following the agreement reached with the State Government on the operations of Cally Air to the letter. “We are very much at home with the agreement we have with Aero Contractors and there is no default from any of the two sides. “Our relationship with the management of Aero Contractors is very smooth, we don’t have issues with them. We are working hard to be an airline like them. They are setting the standards and raising the bar in the airline sub-sector,” he said.   The Cross River State also planned to build a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and aviation school as parts of its aviation projects.

  CHUKS OKOH. In a bid to end N3.5 trillion agro produce wastages in the country, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Plateau Government on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The signing of the MoU was to seal the strategic partnership between the authority and the state to upscale the Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos into a premier food cargo hub. The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku in her address, said that while FAAN would provide professional expertise, guidance and security, the state government would provide the financial muscle for the upgrade. Kuku said: “When N3.5 trillion worth of food perishes annually in Nigeria while global markets hunger for our produce, we know something must change. “Today, that change begins as we welcome the Governor of Plateau to FAAN headquarters Lagos, marking a historic turning point in Nigerian agricultural exports. “We are joining forces to transform the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos into a premier food cargo hub. “This is not just about building infrastructure, it is about building dreams, creating opportunities, and unleashing Plateau’s boundless agricultural potential onto the global stage,” she said. According to Kuku, it is a blueprint for the kind of collaboration that will drive Nigeria toward President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030. She urged investors to seize the opportunities presented in the partnership. “To all our stakeholders watching this historic moment: the time to act is now, Plateau State stands ready with its rich resources, FAAN stands ready with its expertise, and the markets stand ready for our produce. ‘We invite you to be part of this transformation, to invest in packaging facilities, storage solutions, and transportation infrastructure that will connect our farmers to the world. “Today we’re not just signing an agreement – we are signing a declaration of economic independence for our farmers. We are not just upgrading an airport, we are upgrading dreams. “Today, we show the world that FAAN is open for business, that Plateau State is ready to rise, and that Nigeria’s agricultural promise is finally taking flight. On his part, the Governor of Plateau, Mr Caleb Mutfwang lauded the transformative initiatives of President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment to birth such collaborations. Mutfwang also commended the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN and Kuku for the political push as the state was a regional hub for agriculture produce in Africa. According to him, the visit of the FAAN boss in 2024 was beginning to take positive shape and will yield the desired revenue in the coming years. “There are a lot of commercial activities before the Jos market got burnt and we are in the process of rebuilding it to become the center of commerce in northern Nigeria. “We have started the Plateau commodities market to become an agregatiin center for food produce and we believe that we are on the right track. “Hopefully that will compliment the special agro processing zone which will soon onboard in partnership with the African Development Bank. According to him, there is also the dry inland port and discussions with the private sector is ongoing to see how to move it forward. He added that this partnership will yield the kind of result the FAAN Managing Director desired and assured that the MoU would not gather dust. He also assured investors of security in the state.

CHUKS OKOH The Cross River State Government is partnering with Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA), one of the conglomerates of Finchglow Holdings Ltd in the training of its indigenes for the aviation industry. This is as the management of LAA said it has graduated 3,125 students in the last eight years of its existence. Capt. Eno Inah, the Commissioner for Aviation, Cross River State, revealed this plan on Wednesday in Lagos during the facility tour of the academy. Inah, who expressed delight with the state-of-the-art facilities at the academy, said that the State Government was willing to train its aviation personnel at the academy. He explained that training of the state’s personnel in the academy would save the state foreign exchange, while its indigenes would also benefit more from the quality resource persons engaged by the school. He said: “I am highly impressed with the facilities at the Lagos Aviation Academy – its location, ambience and the cozy environment that is good for learning. We are an emerging aviation state because we are not up to five years and the school is already eight years with huge progress. “For us in Cross River State, presently, we have two aircraft, Boeing 737-300 and we are expecting delivery of two CRJ1000 aircraft soon. We are evolving with the academy and from what I have seen here, I won’t hesitate to write to His Excellency Sen. Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, to send some of our staff for training in the academy. “First, it would save us foreign exchange expenses. It would be cost-friendly to train our staff until we establish our own aviation school. I am happy at what I am seeing in the school. Once they have the right certification, we will work with them for the training of our personnel in the aviation industry.” During the tour of the facilities, Inah, also counselled students of the school to dedicate their time to their studies and urged them to be purposeful about their future. He assured that the brilliant ones among them would be absorbed into its airline when it finally comes onboard in the next few months. Also commenting, Bolaji Durojaiye, Head of School, LAA, said that the academy had produced 3,125 graduates in the last eight years with most of them engaged in the sector in Nigeria and beyond. Durojaiye, however, said that the journey had been tough, but commended the management of the academy for remaining focused over the years. He also lauded the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for effective regulation of the sector in Nigeria. As a major Approved Training Organisation (ATO) in Nigeria, Durojaiye said that the school currently runs 31 courses, which range from cabin crew training in different types – Boeing 737, CRJ1000, Embraer 135, 145, HS125 and others. He also mentioned basic and the advanced class programmes, IATA foundation in travel and tourism, visa application and processes and others as some of the courses of the school. “In the last eight years, we have graduated 3,125 students from this school since inception. For the future, we plan to extend our curriculum. We are going to introduce the maintenance programme, we are almost done with that. We are going to go into a proper maintenance programme. “We will start with the basic aircraft technician course and much later, we will go into the licensing course – Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME). That is the plan for now.” Besides, Mr. Bankole Bernard, the Group Managing Director, Finchglow Holding Ltd, admonished the students to identify and discover their uniqueness in order to pave the way for themselves in the industry. “You are not in LAA by coincidence. LAA must resonate with who you are. Your being here must not be a waste,” he added.  

  CHUKS OKOH The coalition of South -South Chambers of Commerce, Industry , Mines and Agriculture, (COSSCCIMA) , has sent a letter of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to express its gratitude for his  commitment to international best practices and youth empowerment by restoring the consultancy services for the collection of  helicopter landing levies for air navigation services by  NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited. In two separate letters to the President Tinubu , through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Minister of State , Petroleum Resources dated June 3, 2025, the umbrella body of  South South Chambers of Commerce , Industry , Mines and Agriculture in the six states in the region lauded Tinubu for his steadfast commitment in ensuring sustainable funding of critical aviation infrastructure , youth empowerment , economic development and business stability in the Niger Delta region. The letter  was  signed by COSSCCIMA President , Hon. Indutimi Komonibo,  and Chairman Board of Trustees ,  Dr.  Billy S . Gillis Harry . They  said the recent decision by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo to restore consultancy services for revenue collection by NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited, following its temporary suspension due to concerns raised the Airline Operators of Nigeria , demonstrates Mr President’s commitment in addressing the needs of local communities and businesses while strengthening the regulatory framework by government institutions. Such action by Mr President, they   said acknowledges  the significant benefits of the consultancy , which aligns with International Civil Aviation Organisation , ICAO regulations and remains a standard practice across the European Union , the United Kingdom , the United States , Canada and Asia. They  said the consultancy plays a vital role in creating employment  opportunities for local youths across over 1,000  oil and gas platforms in the region. Besides, the consultancy, they highlighted will mitigate youth restiveness  foster  sustainable community development, enhance security and stability within the region. They said the consultancy will increase revenue generation for sustainable funding of critical aviation infrastructure in addition to improving air traffic management and regulatory oversight to ensure greater efficiency within the aviation sector ,The letter reads : ” By this commendable gesture , business leaders and youths of the Niger Delta proudly stand in support of the government and wholeheartedly endorse the vision and aspirations of Mr President . “We urge the Federal Government not to be swayed by detractors  and groups operating outside the legal frameworks , who neither own businesses nor contribute to employment in our region , yet seek to obstruct progress and promote instability. “As the umbrella body representing the entire executives and genuine business leaders from the six States : Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo , where oil companies operate , the South South Chambers of Commerce  wholeheartedly endorses this initiative for the benefits of the Nigerian Aviation sector, the South South region, its youth ,security and the nation at large. “We are uniquely positioned to provide an informed, fair and accurate account of business activities within our domain , unlike individuals or groups outside the Niger Delta who are neither registered not  known in law yet operate as extensions of associations solely to collect membership dues , brand themselves as experts primarily to encourage foreign entities to disregard Federal Government directives and national laws. ” Honourable Minister , Sir, you may wish to note that many oil companies , through their activities, have yet to comply  with the prescribed landing fee obligations. This non- compliance presents  significant challenges in the successful implementation of this policy and the realization of its intended benefits. ” We remain steadfast in our commitment to collaborating with the government to drive economic growth , strengthen  regulatory efficiency and foster lasting peace in the Niger Delta. ” In this regard , we respectfully seek your esteemed office’s  intervention to ensure industry wide  compliance with the prescribed obligation under Nigerian law. “Thank you , Honourable Minister , for your unwavering leadership and dedication to advancing Nigeria’s petroleum sector and fostering  sustainable economic prosperity.”

  CHUKS OKOH As aviators light up Abuja as Nigeria hosts first IFAIMA global conference, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo has emphasized the importance of Aeronautical Information Management in ensuring safe, regular, and efficient air navigation. In his opening address at the  Global Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) Conference 2025, themed “Digital AIM for a Safe and Efficient Global Air Navigation System,” holding in Abuja, Keyamo called for innovation and collaboration in the aviation sector. Keyamo highlighted the need for a robust aeronautical information ecosystem, citing the critical role that information collection, collation, and application play in ensuring safe, timely, and seamless flight operations. He also stressed the importance of embracing change and innovation in the pursuit of excellence, noting that the aviation industry is continuously evolving. The Minister emphasized the need for a well-trained and highly motivated workforce that can deliver the highest level of service that is globally accepted and in line with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). He further highlighted the importance of adequate and quality training of AIM Officers, citing the role of human factors in aviation safety. Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), in turn emphasized the strategic importance of AIM in modern air navigation, noting that AIM has evolved from paper-based systems into an intelligent, digital, and interconnected pillar of the global air traffic management system. Farouk highlighted NAMA’s commitment to digital transformation, citing initiatives such as the implementation of the Aeronautical Information Management Automation Project (AIMAP) and the development of the National AIM Roadmap in alignment with the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan. He also emphasized the importance of capacity building for AIM professionals in data integrity, quality assurance, and cyber resilience. “The take home is that the conference provided a platform for industry stakeholders to share experiences, expertise, and best practices in Aeronautical Information Management. The event also drove progress and improvement in the aviation industry, with a focus on safety, infrastructure development, and support for local operators. As the conference climaxed, it is expected that it has provided a platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of Aeronautical Information Management. With the theme “Digital AIM for a Safe and Efficient Global Air Navigation System,” the conference explored innovative approaches to AIM, including the use of System Wide Information Management (SWIM) to enhance efficiency” Hosting the Global AIM 2025 conference is a testament to Nigeria’s growing reputation as a major player in the global aviation industry. The event  promoted aviation safety, efficiency, and sustainability, with a focus on digital transformation and innovation in Aeronautical Information Management. And in appreciating a successful conference, Ms. Olufunmilayo Adeyemi, President of the International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations (IFAIMA),  highlighted the growing importance of AIM across all regions of the world. Adeyemi emphasized the significance of the conference, noting that it was the first time IFAIMA’s flagship event was being hosted in the ICAO WACAF (Western and Central African) region. She expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Keyamo, for his support and endorsement of the conference. Chairman, organizing committee  for the conference, Comrade Kabir Yahaya Gusau, applauded the minister, the NAMA, other agencies and  corporate bodies  that made the conference very successful. The highly elated trade unionist,  popularly called ‘My Regatds’ was very visible in his effort to ensure that all delegates are made comfortable, even as he expressed so much delight in the way and manner participants conduct themselves in the course of the conference.

  CHUKS OKOH. Barely a week after the leadership of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) returned from a trade penetration and visa regime advocacy visit to Istanbul, supported Türkiye Airlines, the Ambassador of the Türkiye to Nigeria, Mr. Mehmet Poroy announced that the stringent visa ecosystem of Türkiye would henceforth be eased to encourage travel, tourism, and trade between the two countries. NANTA, led by the president, Mr. Yinka Folami, during the Istanbul trade tour, had impressed it on the minds of the Turkish Travels Association Leadership (TURSAB) that the visa regimes of the Türkiye nation are hurting trade and tourism visits by Nigerians and solicited interventions by the influential Türkiye travel trade  group to ease the pain. Speaking at the Turkiye culinary week in Abuja last week, the Ambassador stated that his country would relax the visa regime, noting that Nigeria and Türkiye have a lot to benefit from open trade in commerce and tourism, with Turkiye government targeting about five (5) billion US dollars trade boost, and a forty (40) billion US dollars target from the African continent, at  the implementation of ease of visa regimes and engagement by the two nations and Africa in general. NANTA President, excited by the response of the Türkiye Ambassador to Nigeria,  urged the Nigerian government to quickly address the visa regime concerns of the Türkiye travel trade and business community wishing to also visit and do business with Nigeria, reiterating NANTA’s desire and advocacy to open and invite the world to Nigeria. “We at NANTA are excited by the prompt response of the Türkiye Ambassador in Nigeria to our request during our marketing and promotion penetration visit to Istanbul.  We did not do this alone as we see the new development as a supportive gesture from the Turkish Travel Association leadership and Turkish Airlines management, and without their their support, our advocacy visit would have just been another wasted opportunity and rhetorics exercise.” Meanwhile, about ninety (90) registered members of the association arrived Banjul, Gambia in early hours of Tuesday morning to the warm embrace of the drummings of Cultural Troupe here, with the state immigration officials,  making sure the Nigerian travel trade professionals have a stress-free entry in the smiling coast of Africa. The group on a week training, training and retraining exposure expedition was flown into Gambia by Air Peace, the official carrier for the association,  which also announced other partners such as the Djeliba group – owners of four exclusive luxury beach resorts; the Kombo, the Tamala, Halifax, and the Balafon Apartment and Tanala Voyage. The Gambia Tourism Board is the host partner, while The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute facilitated the training certification programme.

CHUKS OKOH. Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has reiterated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s cargo and aviation handling sector by successfully hosting a Cargo Stakeholders engagement.   The event served as a platform for meaningful engagement, collaboration, and strategic dialogue among SAHCO’s key clients in the cargo logistics value chain to promote trade and efficiency in the cargo industry. The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including clearing agents, exporters, logistics professionals, amongst others. Discussions focused on how to reposition Nigeria’s cargo industry as a central driver of economic diversification and how to support government initiatives for sustainable growth.   In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, who was represented by the Executive Director, Cargo Services, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna expressed her heartfelt appreciation to partners and stakeholders for their support over the years. She noted that the event was not only a celebration of the sector’s achievements but also a vital opportunity to share insights, identify challenges, and reinforce industry partnerships.   Honourable Bola Ashiru, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), commended SAHCO for its investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure, particularly its cold storage facility, which he credited for improving the handling of temperature-sensitive goods and creating employment opportunities.   He emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to reduce its overdependence on oil and elevate the cargo sector as a national economic priority. A representative of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) underscored the importance of embracing digital transformation. As port processes move toward full automation, the representative encouraged all industry participants to equip themselves with basic computer skills to remain competitive in a technology-driven environment.   In her remarks, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna, Executive Director of Cargo Services SAHCO, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustained investment in modern equipment and facilities. She highlighted that SAHCO currently operates some of the most advanced Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and warehousing solutions in the country, all designed to support efficient and compliant cargo operations.   Also at the event, other salient issues discussed included poor packaging standards of most exportable Nigerian product, how to improve packaging to compete with international markets and how to combat the challenges of the limitations in effective traceability systems to ensure accountability of products from origin to their final destination. Furthermore, lack of formal training amongst clearing agents and freight forwarders was highlighted about how this has promoted inadequate documentation, unethical practices and touting.   It was emphasized that to promote efficiency in the cargo industry, there is need to ensure proper certifications are acquired by those who engage in the cargo industry to improve efficiency and industry reliability.   The Cargo Stakeholders’ Meeting also provided a unified platform to align objectives, promote sectoral reforms, and set a clear direction for the future of Nigeria’s cargo logistics industry. SAHCO remains at the forefront of innovation, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement, driving growth and transformation across the air cargo value chain.

  CHUKS OKOH The Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in Kaduna State, Dr. Danjuma Adamu  Ismaila has given assurance of the institution’s readiness to address the dearth in infrastructure in order to meet the surge in enrollment for the over 200 aviation industry programmes run by the college. Ismaila disclosed this yesterday at the opening session of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Course on going in the college. He said despite some challenges , besides inadequate accommodation, the college is striving hard to position itself as the leading centre for manpower development in the country. He said the construction of a 150 room additional hostel is currently on , affirming that the management is concluding plans to acquire a Boeing 727 flight simulation facility to boost the recurrence training of pilots in the country. The rector said if many facilities are provided , there may be no need for aviation personnel to travel overseas for training given the capacity of the college to block the huge gap in training needs. He spoke of plans by the management to expand courses offered in the college to reflect evolving trends and technology in the global air travel space. He said NCAT is embarking on an aggressive carbon emission programme in line the directives rolled out by global aviation regulatory body: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He said the college by adopting environmental friendly sustainability programmes, carbon credits could be earned. The rector said the college has continued to achieve many feat with the training of scores of air traffic controllers from neighbouring countries in English Language , one of the requirements by ICAO. He said the college will continue to pursue decarbonization programmes by switching to solar and other sources of power and energy other than fossil fuels. In his remarks, Chairman of LAAC, Comrade Idris Suleiman urged NCAT management to continue to design programmes to meet the fast evolving trends for airlines, aviation agencies and other players in the value chain. The LAAC chairman said :” This gathering marks not just the start of another training session, but it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to excellence, capacity building, and responsible journalism within the aviation sector. “The role of aviation correspondents, particularly in an evolving industry like ours, cannot be overstated. You are the bridge between the industry and the public—the narrators of our progress, our challenges, and our aspirations. “This training course is therefore an opportunity to deepen understanding, strengthen professional ethics, and explore new trends in global aviation. Ladies and gentlemen! The global aviation industry has in recent times, witnessed fluctuations and undeniable changes in the level of patronage, expectations and realignments. Airlines and regulatory authorities have had to review business decisions and policies. The toughness of the global economy was reflected in aircraft fleet renewals, cancellation of aircraft orders, changes in delivery dates by manufacturers and other effects. “Back home in Nigeria, despite the challenges of excruciating airlines operating cost, operational and environmental constraints, more local airlines have received Air Operators’ Certificates within the last one year according to the NCAA while some other AOCs are being processed. “The vision of investment in airports in the form of concessions is being piloted by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. These and other developments call for more training in the sector and they represent more opportunities for NCAT to harvest the ripe field of training adventures in the industry. “As a nation, there exist opportunities for Nigeria to make progress in terms of its aviation development. LAAC therefore wishes to use this forum in the spirit of patriotism, to appeal to the various stakeholders and aviation authorities in the country to sustain their commitment towards the overall development of the sector. “We live in a time when aviation is undergoing rapid transformation—driven by technology, sustainability goals, safety imperatives, and an increasingly interconnected world. As such, it is critical that aviation journalists are equipped not only with factual accuracy but also with a nuanced appreciation of the technical and policy frameworks that govern this dynamic industry. “Having undergone this training over and over, you can confirm that the difference in the knowledge and skills gathered from this training has to a large extent, reflected significantly in our coverage and reportage of the industry events continuously. “We are confident that this years’ training will further boost professionalism in our reportage and practice as aviation media practitioners and journalists while further empowering us to play our role as the fourth estate of the realm. ‘I  make bold to say that the entire aviation industry in Nigeria has benefited immensely from the relationship between LAAC and NCAT over the years. It is on this basis that I wish to reassure you that LAAC will continue to support NCAT in pursuing its goals and objectives and ensuring that NCAT asserts its rightful position in the global aviation training market. “Rector Sir, I will not end this speech without commending you, the entire management of NCAT for the unhidden improvements in infrastructure around the college. But there is still room for improvements though as we have only stepped into the second quarter of the year 2025. I wish to also applaud the college for once again serving as a beacon of knowledge and technical expertise. “During our stay for this training, I appeal to our course lecturers, residents of NCAT and the Zaria community to accord us the usual hospitality that we have enjoyed over the years during the programme. “I encourage my colleagues and all participants to approach the training with curiosity, commitment, and an open mind. Engage fully, ask questions, and make the most of this valuable learning experience. The insights you gain here will not only enrich your reporting but also enhance public understanding and confidence in our aviation systems. I plead that we remain focused and demonstrate the expected level of discipline and good conduct during our stay. “On behalf of