By Gabriel Agbeja

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has advised newly inaugurated members of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Governing Board to prioritise infrastructure development at the nation’s airports.

Keyamo gave the charge while inaugurating the board on Wednesday in Abuja.

He emphasised that modernising airport infrastructure was essential to bringing Nigeria’s airports up to world-class standards in line with international best practices.

According to the minister, such efforts will significantly enhance passenger experience, safety, and overall security in the aviation sector.

“This occasion marks not just a change in leadership but also a renewed commitment to the lofty ideals of service, safety, and progress within our aviation sector.

“Aviation is a global industry. We must foster partnerships with other governmental and non-governmental agencies, international organisations, and the private sector to grow our aviation economy.

“Together, let us work toward elevating aviation standards, improving connectivity, and fostering economic growth. As you embark on this new chapter, remember, the eyes of the nation are upon you,” he said.

Keyamo also stressed that passengers should remain the focus of all operations, urging the board to prioritise service delivery, customer satisfaction, and overall airport experience.

He encouraged close collaboration with other agencies to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at the event, Dr Umar Ganduje, Chairman of the newly inaugurated FAAN Board, pledged that the board would promote effective institutional governance and support the minister’s efforts to advance the aviation sector.

“We will not exceed our boundaries. I know this is a common issue between boards, executive management, and the ministry.

“We are fully conscious of this and will ensure strict compliance with regulatory limits.

“We will focus on meeting rising passenger expectations, ensuring satisfaction, and maintaining functional infrastructure,” Ganduje said.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, also spoke at the ceremony.

She lauded Ganduje’s leadership qualities, saying they made him a fitting choice for the role of board chairman.

Kuku assured that FAAN would work closely with the board to strengthen institutional governance.

She also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to continue supporting FAAN with resources to further improve the passenger experience at Nigeria’s airports.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly inaugurated FAAN board consists of eight members. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Abiemwense Moru

By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, says Air Peace will begin direct flights to London Heathrow Airport from Abuja on Oct. 26.

Keyamo made this known in Abuja on Sunday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr Tunde Moshood.

According to him, the landmark achievement follows sustained diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.

The minister said that the breakthrough was the result of a strongly worded letter from the ministry dated Aug. 1, 2024, to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh.

In the correspondence, Keyamo demanded the immediate allocation of landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace or risk reciprocal action.

The reciprocal action, he said, included a potential review of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Lagos and Abuja airports.

He reiterated that Nigeria was only asserting its rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both nations which guarantees reciprocal access and fair treatment for designated flag carriers.

He said after months of negotiations and firm diplomatic engagement, the UK authorities acceded to Nigeria’s demand, granting Air Peace the long-awaited Heathrow slot.

“This is not just a win for Air Peace, but a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria.

“It sends a clear message that we are serious about enforcing the terms of our bilateral agreements and protecting the commercial interests of our indigenous carriers,” the minister said.

Keyamo further emphasised that the move aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which places high priority on creating an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to thrive globally.

He said that Air Peace had earlier launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport in March 2024, marking its entry into the highly competitive UK aviation market.

According to him, with the move to Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports, the airline is expected to significantly expand its international footprint and provide Nigerian travellers with greater convenience and connectivity.

“This development marks a new chapter in Nigeria-UK aviation relations and sets a precedence for stronger enforcement of bilateral agreements to benefit national carriers,” Keyamo added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Mufutau Ojo

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has held an Aircraft Emergency Tabletop Exercise to educate aviation stakeholders on managing aircraft emergencies and disaster situations.

The exercise took place at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), gathering key players in emergency management and Search and Rescue (SAR) from various aviation agencies.

Director of Air Traffic Services at NAMA, Mr John Tayo, urged participants to take the exercise seriously for better preparedness during real emergencies.

Tayo was represented at the event by the General Manager of NAMA’s SAR Unit, Mr Sunday Iwalaiye.

He stressed that Search and Rescue is a shared responsibility and organised the event into two sessions for greater effectiveness and engagement.

“To ensure success, we separated the stakeholders’ meeting from the actual aircraft emergency exercise.

“We are categorising Search and Rescue responsibilities into groups to define each agency’s specific role clearly,” Tayo said.

He noted that a SAR incident involving aircraft qualifies as an aeronautical emergency, making clarity of roles crucial for efficiency.

Tayo also urged the media to take the event seriously and ensure wide public coverage.

Regional General Manager, South-West at FAAN, Mr Olatokunbo Arewa, praised the coordinators for organising the valuable training session.

“This is worth supporting. No one wants emergencies, but we must be prepared. Stakeholders must take note and know their duties,” he said.

Alh. Safo Jiya from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) highlighted the critical role of safety in all aviation activities.

“Safety is our top priority at NCAA. We’re here to learn and remain focused on our responsibilities,” he stated.

Mr Chris Onohwoakpo, Quality Assurance Manager at MMIA, reiterated the need for readiness in case of unexpected emergencies.

“Though we don’t wish for disasters, we must know how to handle them effectively when they occur,” he said.

Mrs Adenike Ibitayo, Head of SAR at NEMA Lagos, noted that the most recent global aviation disaster was also unforeseen.

“We have representatives from nearly all airlines here. Let’s collaborate, spot weaknesses, and improve our emergency response,” she urged.

Mr Jamin Salami of LASEMA said preventing disasters was just as vital as responding to them, to improve agency preparedness.

Search Mission Coordinator at MMIA, Mr David Igberaese, who led the exercise, said NAMA routinely conducts joint drills with NEMA.

According to him, these collaborations aim to enhance coordination and save the highest number of lives in the shortest possible time.

“ICAO mandates a 24-hour watch for all SAR operations. Since some emergencies occur in remote areas, locals — like farmers — often serve as the first responders,” he noted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was a simulated SAR scenario followed by a debriefing session.

Agencies present included the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration Service, DSS, FRSC, Fire Service, NEMA, LASEMA, and the Nigerian Police.

Also present were the Airline Operators of Nigeria and the Lagos State Ambulance Services, reinforcing inter-agency collaboration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Christian Ogbonna

The Ebonyi Government has welcomed its first commercial flight at Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo Airport, located in Onueke, Ezza-South Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the aircraft arrived from Abuja on Friday at 10:30 a.m. with 35 passengers aboard.

The flight was operated by United Nigeria Airlines, bearing the registration number 5N-8WV.

One of the passengers, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, former Deputy Governor, described the flight as a major milestone for the state.

“This is the first flight, and I’m fortunate to be among those who landed here,” he said.

He praised the runway, saying it is among the best in Nigeria, and the landing was as smooth as anywhere globally.

Another passenger, Emmanuel Nwafor, said the event fulfilled a long-standing dream for the people of Ebonyi.

“History has been made today. I’m honoured to witness what God has done for our dear state,” Nwafor added.

He described the flight experience as flawless, with no turbulence, and a perfect take-off and landing.

Chief Elias Mbam, former chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Commission, also flew in on the inaugural flight.

He expressed joy over the launch of commercial operations and commended the state government for the achievement.

Mbam urged for improved frequency of flights and enhancement of facilities at the airport.

The State Commissioner for Aviation and Transport Technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, praised Gov. Francis Nwifuru for making the operations possible. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Kamal Tayo Oropo