NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Aviation

FG to advance technology towards safer skies – Keyamo

113 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government says it will engage more technologies to improve efficiency, passenger experience and safer skies in the aviation sector.

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said this on Saturday in Abuja, at a symposium to mark the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The theme of the symposium was ” Human Capital Development: Upskilling the Next Generation of Aviators”.

Keyamo, who was represented by Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that such technological advancement would play a vital role in shaping the  future of aviation in the nation.

He expressed optimism that technological advancement would lead to economic improvement, as well as an exceptionally safe and secure aviation industry.

“The NCAA Silver Jubilee Anniversary Lecture aims to emphasise the importance of maintaining aviation safety as the foundation of the industry’s growth and development.

“While the NCAA has achieved remarkable success over the past 25 years, sustaining these accomplishments requires a deliberate focus on strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of innovative practices.

“Aviation safety is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of adaptation and improvement.

“With advancements in technology, rising passenger demands, and increasing globalisation, the dynamics of aviation safety are evolving rapidly,“ he said.

Keyamo said that the symposium demonstrated collective resolve of rebirthing, rejuvenating and repositioning Nigerian aviation and air transportation in the context of the nation’s social-economic and political landscape.

According to him, the symposium promises to provide lasting solution kits for a new era of the air transport industry.

The Director-General. NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said that the agency had played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the aviation sector, ensuring safety, regulatory excellence, and fostering growth within the industry.

Najomo said that the symposium indicated collective commitment to strengthening aviation standards, enhancing collaboration, and shaping the future of air transportation in Nigeria.

“Right from the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to the current NCAA which we are celebrating, our journey has been one of dedication, resilience, and innovation.

“NCAA was built on the growth achieved by its predecessor organisations through remarkable transformations, from regulatory reforms to advancements in aviation safety and service delivery.

“As we celebrate current achievements, we must also look ahead to embracing new technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering partnerships that will elevate our aviation industry to even greater heights,” he said.

Najomo said that the NCAA was faithfully guided by the minister’s Five-Point Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasised infrastructure development, safety enhancement, economic growth, and job creation.

“NCAA will ensure a robust regulatory framework, foster a healthy business friendly environment for investors, and enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s aviation sector in line with global best practices.

“To our esteemed stakeholders, your contributions have been invaluable in shaping NCAA’s success. To our dedicated staff, your unwavering commitment has been the foundation of our achievements.

“As we chart the course over the next 25 years and beyond, let us reaffirm our resolve to uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and global best practices,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Aviation

Tinubu’s forex policy has transformed domestic airline operations

142 total views today

By Ikenna Osuoha

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Founder, United Nigeria Airline, has commended the Federal Government for creating an enabling environment for domestic airline operators to thrive.

Okonkwo, while commemorating the airline’s 4th anniversary, said that in most African countries, over 70 per cent of airline ownership and operation was by government unlike Nigeria which has a free marketplace.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the aviation sector, saying the one trillion dollars target economy for Nigeria’s aviation sector was realistic given the enabling environment.

“The foreign exchange policy introduced since the inception of the President Tinubu-led administration has revolutionised airline operations in the aviation sector.

“There were challenges like access to foreign exchange and the trapped fund saga with foreign operators that gave Nigeria a negative image in the comity of nations.

“Some of these challenges faced by the sector were resolved by the president,” he said.

Okonkwo said operators no longer go through the nightmare of accessing foreign exchange from the banks to offset bills and fulfil their obligations to their partners abroad.

He commended the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, for putting in place measures aimed at protecting the interest of domestic airline operators.

Okonkwo recalled that the airline’s maiden flight on February 12, 2021, remained the most difficult time in aviation history due to the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic globally.

He called on the relevant authorities to consider a single-window source of loans for the country’s aviation industry in tandem with global best practices.

Okonkwo also advocated a three per cent loan interest rate for operators as against the thirty per cent being charged by financial institutions in the country.

“We have no doubt that if they continue in this direction, the aviation industry would achieve the $1 trillion economy that Mr President is targeting.

“If you equate it to a country with about $17 trillion GDP, it might as well be about the 15th richest country in the world. This is huge.

“The Nigerian portion of the cake is still very small. It’s small because the local operators have not been fully supported.

“I still think that the government should consider a low interest regime for the aviation industry,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate that airline operators were competing with other entrepreneurs to access loans.

“If you have to go to the bank today, it should not be anything less than 30 per cent. The profit is very minimal,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Aviation

Aviation: stakeholders advocate aircraft maintenance, repair in Nigeria

196 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

Some Nigerian stakeholders on Tuesday in Dublin, Ireland, canvassed for the establishment of aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) in Nigeria.

They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sideline of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global, holding in Dublin, Ireland.

NAN reports that the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global event commenced on Jan. 12 and is expected to end on the 15.

The event, which is part of Airline Economics Week, focuses on the latest developments and trends in the global aviation industry, with particular emphasis on the finance and leasing of aviation assets.

Some of the stakeholders opined that establishing MRO in Nigeria would help reduce Forex required for overseas maintenance by local airlines as well as create jobs for some unemployed.

According to Mr Herbert Odika, a MRO in Nigeria will reduce foreign exchange (Forex) required for overseas maintenance by the local airlines.

”The convention currently going on is an opportunity for Nigerian carriers to have the opportunity to negotiate for dry lease agreements.

”Airlines, banks, insurance companies, regulators, and the legislative arm of government are present here to ensure the lessors are able to reach agreements with some carriers.

”However, the question for Nigeria is, if given the opportunity, will the maintenance culture be invoked to ensure compliance? Will the banks be strict enough to withhold funds meant to service agreements?

He noted that having the MROs in Nigeria would be beneficial to the airlines irrespective of the risk assessments that would be carried out.

He added that some carriers in Nigeria had proven to be credible when it comes to keeping to agreed terms.

Similarly, Mrs Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Coordination, told NAN, that prioritising MRO establishments would create jobs and save cost in Nigeria.

Usman, represented by Mr Hendrix Odigie, Delivery Manager, Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU) at the event, described MRO as a critical component of the aviation industry which ensures that the aircraft remain safe, reliable, and operationally efficient.

”For Nigeria, developing a strong local MRO capability is essential as the country looks to expand its aviation sector, particularly with plans to adopt dry leasing arrangements with Boeing.

”Dry leasing allows airlines to lease aircraft without crew or operational support, making local MRO services indispensable for maintaining and managing these aircraft efficiently.

”A robust MRO industry in Nigeria would reduce the reliance on foreign facilities, cutting down the demand for foreign exchange (Forex) required for overseas maintenance,” she said.

She added that building a local MRO would save costs for airlines, as well as enhance operational efficiency, and support the local economy by creating jobs and building technical expertise.

The special adviser also said that strengthening local MROs aligned with the broader goal of reducing capital flight and fostering self-reliance in the aviation sector.

She commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for streamlining regulatory frameworks to attract investment into MRO facilities, as well as foster partnerships with global aviation leaders like Boeing.

”As we discuss dry leasing, it is important to discuss MRO next. These policies of the minister are very good and put the Nigeria Aviation sector in the right place.

”These efforts aim to establish Nigeria as a hub for MRO services in Africa, providing the infrastructure needed to support dry leasing operations, while reducing costs and boosting local capacity.

”CDCU is putting modalities in place to sustain policies like this so that we do not go in circles after the President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Aviation

Insurance reform law will attract global investors to Nigeria – Lawmaker

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation and Aerospace Development, has stated that Nigeria’s Insurance Industry Bill 2024, will attract global investment to the nation once enacted.

Buhari made this assertion during the Nigeria Insurance Forum, a segment of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global event in Dublin, Ireland, on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global event, part of Airline Economics Week, runs from January 12 to 15.

The forum highlights developments and trends in the global aviation industry, focusing on the financing and leasing of aviation assets.

According to Buhari, the proposed legislation will strengthen Nigeria’s regulatory framework, increasing confidence in the nation’s insurance market and making it more appealing to investors.

“The Nigerian Insurance Reform Bill, 2024, aims to provide a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the insurance business in Nigeria.

“It marks a significant milestone in efforts to reform the industry, bringing Nigeria’s insurance sector in line with global best practices by repealing and replacing outdated laws”.

Buhari also advocated for a portion of aircraft dry lease insurance to be allocated to the Nigerian local market.

He explained that involving the local market alongside international insurers would enhance regulatory confidence and provide added security.

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, revealed the challenge of satisfying both lessors and the local market regarding insurance.

He noted that lessors often require 100 per cent of insurance coverage to be handled internationally.

“The lessors want their equipment safe and secure, we need to find a common ground.

“While there’s no regulation mandating domestication, even a small percentage for the local market is better than none”.

He praised the Federal Government’s initiatives to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector, adding that industry growth benefits all stakeholders.

Similarly, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, CEO of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), advocated for 6 per cent to 20 per cent of aircraft dry lease insurance to be allocated to Nigeria’s local market.

He emphasised that such measures could boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Meanwhile, Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for global investors in the aviation sector.

He stressed the importance of safety and security in the industry, describing it as a vital part of the nation’s economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

Aviation

NCAA grants operator certificate to UZMA aviation services

328 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to UZMA Aviation Services Limited, authorising the commencement of commercial flight operations.

The certificate was presented on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Chris Najomo, the Acting D-G of NCAA, commended UZMA Aviation Services for meeting all regulatory requirements and standards during the application process.

He urged the airline to prioritise safety, security, efficiency, and excellence in its operations.

In response, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, Chairman of UZMA Aviation Services Limited, expressed gratitude to the NCAA for its support and guidance throughout the certification process.

“We appreciate the trust the NCAA has placed in us by granting the AOC.

“We recognise the significance of this responsibility and are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance,” Abubakar said.

He emphasised the airline’s commitment to adopting best practices, ensuring safety and reliability in all aspects of its operations.

He also highlighted the importance of security, assuring that advanced measures would be implemented to protect passengers and staff.

Abubakar added that the airline’s IT systems would feature robust safeguards to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.

“Our safety policy is the cornerstone of our operations. We are dedicated to exceeding safety standards, ensuring every passenger travels with confidence and peace of mind.

“Your safety is our mission, and we work to make it a reality every day,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Aviation

FG promises advanced digitisation to enhance aviation safety

237 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development says the Federal Government will advance digitalisation in the aviation sector to enhance safety and security.

Keyamo made this declaration at the inauguration of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Flight Data Centre (FDC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to modernising various sectors, moving from analog to more digital and efficient systems.

Keyamo explained that the FDC would help NCAA to regulate more effectively by improving efficiency, saving costs, and enhancing the customer experience within the aviation sector.

“One of our five-point agenda is to improve safety within the sector. This initiative directly contributes to that goal,” Keyamo said.

He emphasised the importance of the FDC in enhancing safety, noting, “This system is not just for handling incidents or serious events; it can be used routinely to track flight patterns, human errors, and mechanical issues during flights.”

Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director-General of NCAA, added that the FDC was a vital part of modern aviation, responsible for collecting, processing, and analysing vast amounts of flight data.

He outlined the key components of the FDC, which include data acquisition, data processing, event detection, and a feedback loop.

Najomo stated that the FDC would help enhance Nigeria’s global credibility by aligning NCAA with international best practices and boosting global confidence in Nigeria’s aviation safety standards.

“As an ICAO Contracting State, Nigeria is obligated to ensure the highest safety standards, and the NCAA’s collaboration with APS Aerospace Corporation supports this effort,” he said.

He further explained that APS Aerospace, with over 100 years of combined experience in Flight Data and Cockpit/ATC Audio Analysis, worked with the NCAA to train selected staff in Flight Data Analysis (FDA) and Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems.

“These systems systematically collect, process, and evaluate flight data to identify trends, anomalies, or safety issues, which are crucial for modern aviation safety management systems (SMS)’’.(NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Abiemwense Moru

Aviation

Women in aviation pledge to advance safety, security in aviation sector

302 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Women in Aviation International, Nigeria Chapter (WIA-N), a non-profit organisation, has pledged to advance safety and security in the aviation industry.

Its President, Nigeria Chapter, Mrs Rejoice Ndudinachi, made the pledge at the 2024 WIA Annual Conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Ndudinachi assured that Women in Aviation would continue to support and do all it takes to ensure safety and security in the aviation industry “and this, we have been doing and will continue to do.

“In every segment of Nigeria’s aviation industry, women are present and have been making a very significant impact, starting from engineering, management, aero- medical, media, regulation, training, meteorology and security to piloting.

“Ever since WIA was established, the level of commitment and dedication to duties by women in aviation has increased and this has contributed significantly to the numerous achievements that the industry has recorded.”

The president said the members would keep gaining knowledge by attending international WIA conferences on constant basis, urging them to support and cooperate.

“Today, we gather once again as a community of pioneers, advocates, and change makers in aviation. Women in Aviation, Nigeria Chapter is a non-profit organisation. It encourages the advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests.”

She said the vision of the organisation was to promote public awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of women to aviation development.

According to her, the aims of WIA include fostering, promoting and engaging in aviation education, particularly as it relates to WIA.

Others, she said, were to cultivate, foster and promote interest and understanding among the public on the accomplishments and contributions of women in aviation.

“We also aim to encourage the young ones to build up their future in aviation.”

She said WIA-N had established and inaugurated about 17 Aviation Clubs in schools to provide a platform for networking resources and opportunities for women.

“In pursuit of our aims and objectives, we have embarked on public sensitisation programmes, WIA Scholarships, career talks, and other activities to help the young ones to take up a career in aviation.

“For example, Nigeria got the position of first winner and second winner during the September 2024 International girls in aviation day activity raffle draw. The girls made us proud.

“This year, we organised ‘Girls in Aviation Day’  in almost all the airports in Nigeria with the support of aviation agencies, particularly with the support of these beautiful role models and vision achievers in the house,“she said.

She said the organisation  gave handsome gifts to outstanding children to inspire them to pursue careers in aviation.

She said the theme, “Connect, Engage, Inspire“ perfectly encapsulated the essence of the organisation`s mission, vision, and the journey it had embarked.

“As women in aviation, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to inspire. We inspire each other by sharing stories of perseverance, innovation, and leadership.

“We also inspire the younger ones to take up a career in aviation, `she said. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Aviation

WMO to support Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts- Keyamo

307 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on Wednesday pledged to provide technical support to Nigeria in addressing climate change challenges.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo in a statement said WMO’s Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Ko Barrett, made the commitment during a session with Nigeria’s delegation at COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Keyamo stated that Nigeria, as one of the WMO’s Peer Advisors, would benefit from the organisation’s assistance to strengthen climate resilience strategies, particularly in the aviation sector.

He emphasised the interconnectedness of aviation and climate change, noting the need for sustainable practices across all sectors.

Speaking at the Nigerian Pavilion during the celebration of Nigeria Day at COP 29, Keyamo stressed the importance of aligning Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace policies with global climate objectives.

He outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources in the aviation industry.

“Nigeria is fully committed to addressing the global climate crisis. Our aviation sector is undergoing transformative reforms to align with international sustainability standards.

“The commitments we secure here at COP 29 will drive our vision for a resilient and eco-friendly aviation ecosystem,” he stated.

Keyamo also highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a prime destination for green investments in the aviation and aerospace sectors, reaffirming the ministry’s dedication to positioning the country as a leader in sustainable aviation.

He noted that Nigeria’s participation at COP 29 reaffirms its commitment to global partnerships supporting the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Aviation

FG to boost airline passenger experiences through inclusive regulation

517 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), says the Federal Government will improve airline passenger experiences through inclusive regulation.

Najomo said this in his opening remarks at the North-Central Regional Air Transportation Summit 2024 in Abuja.

He was represented by Capt. Donald Spiff, NCAA Director, Operations, Licensing and Training.

According to him, efforts will be made towards inclusive regulatory practices that foster sector growth, safety, service excellence, and improved passenger experiences.

“With the support of the minister, we at the NCAA are committed to rebranding, reinventing, and rejuvenating the Nigerian aviation sector for international competitiveness, sustainable growth and development.

“No doubt, a sustainable regulatory framework built on collective engagement and strategic collaboration is critical to achieving operational excellence, enhanced productivity, and sector growth without compromising safety standards.

“This approach, aligned with local and international regulations, is a cornerstone of the NCAA’s Strategic focus,” Najomo said.

He reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to address service deficiencies and poor passenger experiences stemming from inadequate funding.

According to him, the theme of the summit, “Building a Viable Aviation Industry for National Economic Growth and Development”, is designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders.

He said that  the specific objectives of the summit included bringing together critical stakeholders to advocate for adequate funding, sound financial management and operational safety in Nigeria’s civil aviation.

He said that the summit would also review and enhance existing service standards to align with international standards and benchmarks set by IATA, ICAO and ACI.

“It will secure commitments from stakeholders to adopt adequate funding and financial management practices in line with the minister’s five-point agenda.

“It will also assessing existing local laws and international regulations to ensure compliance and improve funding, financial management, and safety.

“The summit will help in identifying gaps in infrastructure and technology to support financial management and operational safety, and recommending remedial actions,” he said.

Najomo said that the summit will also consider strengthening airlines and other service providers to enhance operational efficiency and international competitiveness.

He said that the summit would look into supporting the sustainable growth of the local airline industry,  while promoting compliance with national and international obligations.

“Developing a Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) to improve funding, financial management, service excellence, and operational safety.

“At the NCAA, we are optimistic that this summit will make an invaluable contribution to the Civil Aviation Master Plan currently being developed, and accelerate the achievement of both domestic and international goals.

“By enhancing operational efficiency, financial stability, and service excellence, we will create tremendous value for all stakeholders, “ he said.

He said that the NCAA had developed key Strategic Focus Areas (SFAs) as part “NCAA Project 2024”,  which had served as its KPIs and SMART goals for collective corporate governance efforts for 2024.

According to the NCAA boss, the Nigerian economy may be facing significant macroeconomic and developmental challenges, but surmountable.

“They can be overcome through implementing innovative approaches.

“At the highest levels of governance, President Bola Tinubu laid out an Eight-Point Agenda for economic restoration and growth, which redefined presidential priority areas of administration.

“This represented a clarion call for all government agencies to efficiently execute their respective mandates. The aviation sector aligned with the President’s priority areas through a Five-Point Agenda.

“This remains crucial, given the vital role civil aviation plays in national economic development, international trade and investment opportunities, “ he said.

According to him, the summit is timely and critical to achieving the statutory mandate and corporate goals of the NCAA. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Aviation

NCAA lists compensations for flight delay, cancellation, others

607 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has affirmed that passengers are entitled to compensation for flight delay, cancellation, luggage delay, missing or loss by airlines.

Mr Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, passengers are entitled for first needs payment of N10,000 on domestic flights when passenger’s luggage is missing and 170 US Dollar on international flights while the luggage is being searched for.

“For domestic flights, the airline has one day to seven days to search for the missing luggage while on international flights, the airline has one day to 21 days to search for the luggage.

“A luggage is said to be lost if not found after seven days search on domestic flights and 21 days search international flights.

The process for compensation for missing g luggage commences after the said luggage is declared missing. Any fees paid for that luggage must also be refunded,” he said.

The director said the refunds for tickets on cancelled or delayed flights should be paid  immediately, if payment was made in cash or within 14 days if it was by bank transfer or any means other than transfer.

According to him, refunds via means other than cash must be made within 14 days. However, some delay might be experienced from submission of required documents for the passenger

Contributing, the NCAA Director of Special Duties, Mr Horatius Egua, urged passengers to know their rights regarding the aviation sector.

He stated that challenges the authority encountered included, lack of awareness among passengers, limited enforcement of consumer rights, inadequate infrastructure and corruption.

“NCAA has emphasised increased passenger education and awareness, strengthening of regulatory agencies, improved airline customer service and enhanced infrastructure development

“By knowing your rights as a consumer, you can advocate for better treatment and services in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” he said.

On her part, Mrs Ifueko Abdulmalik, the Senior Special Adviser to the NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the airline ought to provide clear terms and conditions and also ensure timely departure and arrival.

According to her, Airline obligations are to provide adequate baggage handling, offer compensation for delays, cancellations, or overbooking and maintain safe and secure aircraft.

“Passengers have rights to know flight schedule, fare, and baggage allowance; right to compensation for flight delays; right to refund for unused tickets (within 7 days) and right to baggage protection.

“Common Issues from the passengers include, flight delays and cancellations, baggage loss, damage, or delay, overbooking and denied boarding, refund and compensation disputes, “ she said. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/ Rotimi Ijikanmi

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