By Gabriel Agbeja

Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) says efficient airspace and airport management is vital to economic development in Africa.

Mr Farouk Umar, NAMA  Managing Director made the assertion on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of a 5-day international workshop on capacity building for Airport workers and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC).

Speaking at the event organised by NAMA, Umar said, enhanced capacity of workers would lead to smoother and more predictable operations, better scheduling, reduce delays, and improved passenger experiences

“This efficiency is not only beneficial to passengers but also to airlines and airport operators, leading to a more robust and resilient aviation sector.

‘`It will ensure that our airspace is managed efficiently, minimise congestion and reduce the risk of accidents.

“It will also enable us to handle increased air traffic without compromising safety standards,” he said

Umar expressed optimism that the workshop would be an opportunity to learn and implement best practices that would drive economic benefits for African countrie

Mr Thabani Myeza, the Regional Director, Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) stressed the need for efficiency in the aviation system in Africa.

He noted that CANSO was deepening efforts to bridge the  gap of capacity deficit in the airports and ATC in the region.

`’We need to provide an enable environment for our experts where they can actually do the work,” he said.

Myeza expressed the optimism that the workshop and similar ones coming up in East Africa and Southern region would address the challenges

NAN reports that the event, facilitated by ICAO in cooperation with the International Air Transport Association, was attended by participants from across Africa. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has said it would sanction airlines engaged in deceitful departure time scheduling.

The Acting Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo made the assertion in a statement by the Director, Public Affairs/Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, on Tuesday.

The NCAA warned the airlines to desist from the infraction or face dire regulatory actions.

“The NCAA now runs a zero-tolerance approach to regulatory infractions.

“Ease of doing business is the crux of the D-G’s action plan for the NCAA. In line with that action plan, he has made processes for licensing easy for operators.

“The time to secure AOC is now shorter and less cumbersome than it used to be in the past. The NCAA therefore expects reciprocity from airlines. Chief of which is world-class services to passengers,” he

Najomo was quoted as saying that, if the NCAA was enabling a business friendly environment for operators, then the operators must satisfy the passengers with superior services.

“It has come to our notice that some airlines are being reported for advertising deceitful departure times. The NCAA regulation says no airline shall display deceitful passenger departure time at its counter, advert material or on its’ website.

“We want to make it very clear that the D-GCA has directed monitoring and offenders will face serious regulatory actions,” Najomo said.

He further stated that the Authority believes in safety, discipline, and economic regulation which is evident in the recent suspension of 10 Permits for Non Commercial Flights (PHCF) holders for failing to comply with the recertification advisory issued in April 2024.

Speaking on the ease of doing business environment at the NCAA, Najomo said the ease of business is an area the Authority would continue to improve.

“This is evident in our high score on the Presidential Enabling Business Council (PEBEC) ranking. Recently our sister agency scored 96 per cent but the NCAA scored 98.5 per cent which is an extremely high score.

“This is building from the commendable score of 71.04 per cent the NCAA scored during this year’s ICAO Security Audit.

“The numbers are improving and we will continue to do what we can to make the industry safer, and more secure for passengers and stakeholders,” he assured.

On the difficulty in refund processes by airlines, Najomo said all refunds by airlines must be done devoid of undue delays and the process should conclude in 14 working days regardless of the mode of purchase of the tickets.

On the suspension of PHCF licenses of 10 operators, he explained that they were advised since April 2024, to commence the process for recertification but they refused to comply this they left the Authority with no option than to sanction them.

Najomo also cleared the air on the misconceptions and misinformation in a recent publication alleging that the law surrounding the suspension of 10 PHCFs were not in vogue among other accusations.

Describing the allegations, which he believed to be done in ignorance or mischief as fluid and unfounded, Najomo explained the Authority’s actions using the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

He said that the action taken by NCAA was part of its mandate to ensure compliance with the civil aviation law establishing it and the attendant regulations.

In order to sanitize the sector, NCAA re-affirmed its stance to rid the industry of illegal charter operators who might have inspired the publication. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has suspended ten private jet operations over failure to begin recertification process.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection on Friday in Abuja.

The agency said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of Permit for Non Commercial Flights (PNCF) from using their aircraft for carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for hire or rewards (commercial operation or charter services)

“As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by the April 19, 2024.

“To this end, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd and Matrix Energy Ltd.

”Also Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd and Ezuma Jets Ltd.

“The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes. The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations”.

The agency said that its officials had been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sadiya Hamza

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun upgrading surveillance infrastructure in airports and other remote installations to enhance safety and security of the nation’s airspace.

Its Managing Director, Mr Ahmed Farouk, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Farouk also said that President Bola Tinubu had approved an onsite visit to Spain by critical staff of the agency to inspect some facilities and engage technology solution providers.

He said that NAMA received a team from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to discuss salient issues on safety and security of the nation’s airspace.

According to Farouk, the collaboration between NAMA and NAF is critical to the sustenance of Nigeria’s airspace safety and security.

“NAMA handles civil operations, while the air force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,” he said.

He quoted the leader of the NAF delegation, AVM Abubakar Abdulkadir, as saying that NAF recently deployed new platforms designed for national air defence.

Farouk also quoted Abdulkadir as saying that NAF had completed day training and was about to finish night training which would enable rapid interception of any intrusion in the airspace. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has appealed to the Federal Government to reverse 50 per cent deduction of its revenue generation.

NAMA Director- General, Mr Farouk Umar, made the appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Umar said restoring the agency’s full revenue would enhance operational efficiency, ensure continuous training of safety personnel and address critical infrastructure needs.

“With adequate funding, we can fulfil our mandate to provide safe and reliable air navigation services across Nigeria.

“By reversing the 50 per cent deduction, we can significantly enhance air safety ensuring that Nigerian air remains safe and maintains high safety standards.

“We urge all stakeholders to support this necessary change for the future of our aviation sector and the safety of the flying public, “ he said.

Umar said the formula was not in the interest of NAMA because the agency required huge capital for its investment adding that it will jeopardise its ability to meet both national and international obligations.

“The current revenue- sharing formula allocates only 22 per cent of the 5 per cent airfare, contract, charter, and cargo sales charges to NAMA, despite our significant capital investment needs.

“Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with less responsibilities as it stands currently is allocated 56 per cent while the NAMA with all its responsibilities gets 22 per cent, “ he said.

Umar said the entire aviation system is about safety and it remains sacrosanct owing to the fact that there is no parking space in the sky.

According to him, NAMA operates on the principle of cost recovery as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The NAMA boss added that safety procedures and protocols ought to be prepared and strictly adhered to while on the ground.

He reiterated that NAMA was entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring the safe conduct of flights in all phases within the Nigerian airspace including territorial waters in the Gulf of Guinea.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Rotimi Ijikanmi