Tag: airport

  • Aviation regulatory agencies okay Gateway Airport for commercial operations

    Aviation regulatory agencies okay Gateway Airport for commercial operations

    Regulatory agencies in the aviation industry have visited Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ilisan-Iperu, Ogun State.

    They hailed the quality of facilities put in place, as well as their level of completion, certifying them for commercial operations.

    The agencies, which comprised Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), adjudged the airport as world-standard and a source of pride for Ogun State.

    They said infrastructures at the airport, which included Control Tower, Weather Monitoring Areas, Runway, Fire Service Stations and the Apron, could rival any of their type around the world, adding that they remained one of the best in West Africa.

    The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards of NCAA, represented by Ango Mohammed, noted a significant improvement in the state of facilities at the airport since his last visit, ‘’which is now at the level of any other tower in every standard airport around the globe.’’

    Mohammed said the quality of work carried out at the airport by the state government should elicit accolades from all, and expressed the delight of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority about the project.

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    Representative of the Managing Director of NAMA, Tayo John, said the visit was to inspect the facilities on-site, to ascertain whether they were in compliance with the requirements for the provision of air traffic services and safety.

    The Senior Project Manager of Craneburg, the construction company handling the project, Nicolas Mfarrej, said the airport was about 98 per cent ready to take off fully.

    A Consultant on Regulatory Matters to the Ogun State Governor, Oluwole Adeyileka, an engineer; said key players in the regulation and monitoring of facilities for full airport operations had come to assess the level of readiness of the state, adding that it was noteworthy that they were impressed by what the state had put in place at the airport.

    The Manager of Gateway International Airport, Captain Dapo Olumide, and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, an engineer; said the ongoing assessment was the last hurdle to be crossed before the airport could go on full commercial operations, noting that the assessment given had shown that the state was set to take the lead in air traffic services.

  • Ido-Osun’s protests forced Fed Govt to halt relocation of Osun Airport project to Ede

    Ido-Osun’s protests forced Fed Govt to halt relocation of Osun Airport project to Ede

    • Aviation ministry writes Adeleke

    Following the controversies and protests that greeted the decision of Governor Ademola Adeleke to relocate the ongoing Osun Airport project from Ido-Osun to his hometown, Ede, Federal Government has suspended the move.

    It will be recalled that Osun State Government had announced that foundation laying for the new airport project would be held on December 16 and Ministers of Works, Aviation; David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, would join Adeleke in Ede for the ceremony.

    Later, Ido-Osun community protested against the move, as groups described Adeleke’s decision as an act of nepotism and anti-democratic. However, Osun State Government hinged its decision on the encroachment of airport land, gully and small runway at Ido Osun.

    A letter from Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.3/6.4/Vol,I/56,  signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole and addressed to Governor Adeleke on December 6, directed that the decision should be suspended indefinitely.

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    The letter, which was exclusively obtained by The Nation, titled ‘Re: Invitation as a Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation Laying Ceremony of Osun State International Airport’, said: ‘’I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21st November, 2024 on the above subject and to respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation laying ceremony of Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved and to harmonise the state’s efforts with that of the Federal Government.

    “Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project captured in the ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. In addition, there is a petition indicating there is an existing airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip, instead of a new site.

    “The Federal Government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds in order to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration betweén state and federal Governments, it is important we are in synch before the project takes off.

    “Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony of Osun State Airport pending the resolution of the petitions and selection of a mutually agreed date. Please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s highest regards.”

  • Why workers’ gratuities must be addressed before airport concessions, by Seidu

    Why workers’ gratuities must be addressed before airport concessions, by Seidu

    The Secretary General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, AbdulRazaq Seidu, has warned that proceeding with airport concessioning without fully addressing workers’ gratuities, entitlements, and pensions could have negative consequences for the aviation industry.

    Seidu’s warning followed the federal government’s assertion that airport concessions are the best path to attracting critical infrastructure investment in the sector.

    He urged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to prioritise agreements with workers before moving forward, cautioning against the influence of individuals encouraging the concession exercise without considering its impact on staff.

    According to Seidu, workers, particularly those from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), are apprehensive about job security, leading to widespread apathy among the workforce.

    The ANAP scribe said: “We must understand that issues surrounding the concession of our airports has been going on for a long time now, it has been tabled at the House of Representative and the floor of the Senate and we told them at different time that concessioning the country’s airports is not in the interest of the country, it is a security risk, it will expose the country to external aggression.”

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    He further said: “The process must be transparent, that was the war we fought with the former minister, Hadi Sirika who was following the due process until the last stage when the issue of Ethiopia airline came up.

    “Keyamo must not deviate from the right course; he shouldn’t make the mistake Sirika made by setting up a lot of things that have no bearing on the issues at hand.”

    According to Seidu: “The Minister is a legal luminary and he should follow the due process, we are not against the concessioning of the airports but due processes must be followed and among the due process is that all the labour matters must be discussed and agreed upon, you can’t run away from that.”

    According to him, the union must be carried along at every stage of the discussion as he said: “The Minister should know because he was a Minister of State for Labour that the secretariats of the unions are the backbone of the unions and not the political heads.

    Secretariats are the pivots of the unions. You cannot tell us that it will get to a stage in the course of the discussions before they can involve the unions otherwise it will not see the light of the day. It will collapse just as the Sirika system collapsed. The unions must be carried along from the beginning.”

    Speaking further, he queried the absence of a board of directors for the agencies saying, “Why have we not put a governing board of directors in those parastatals? None of the agencies has an approved updated condition of service for its workers.

    “The committee he is going to set up must be a FAAN union dominated committee, not unions from NCAA or from NAMA because they are not directly affected by the concession and they are not protecting the interest of FAAN workers. Unionism is about the interest of your people. The numerical strength of FAAN workers and the retirees is quite huge.”

    “The workers’ gratuity, entitlement and pension of workers must be discussed in full detail before any concession is carried out. How can you say categorically that a concession will not sack workers?

    “I strongly appeal to Mr. Minister to beware of sycophants advising him, he must clash with aviation workers on this matter. He has been doing wonderfully and I hope he finishes well and writes his name in gold.”

  • First Lady in Ebonyi, commissions upgraded airport runway

    First Lady in Ebonyi, commissions upgraded airport runway

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Friday arrived at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport Onueke for the grand finale of Ebonyi Women’s Day celebration.

    The Nigerian Air Force plane marked 5N-FGV carrying the First Lady landed at about 3:18pm as she was received by Governor Francis Nwifuru.

    Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima and wife of the Governor, Mrs. Mary Maudline Nwifuru were also present to receive her.

    Also on hand to receive Senator Tinubu are 22 spouses of governors under the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum led by Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaqn of Kwara State who is the Chairperson of the Forum.

    The First Lady on arrival commissioned the upgraded runway of the airport undertaken by the Nwifuru administration.

    She also took out time to dance with a women’s cultural troupe and residents of the state that trouped to the airport to receive her.

    Senator Tinubu is in the state to take part in the grand finale of the Ebonyi women’s day, an annual event that celebrates the women of the state.

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    Commissioner for Aviation, Ngozi Obichukwu said the airport will commence commercial flight operations next month.

    She noted that all the challenges and obstacles that would have prevented the commercial flight takeoff have been swiftly handled by the Governor Nwifuru administration

    Governor Nwifuru thanked President Bola Tinubu for the assistance he gave the state which enabled the state to upgrade the runway.

    He said: “We came in, on the 29th day of May, 2023, and as of then, we used concrete to build this runway. We didn’t know, as a state, that concrete is not accepted to be used to build a runway.

    “And when we came in, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority closed the airport saying that this place is not a place that a plane can land, and we decided to start rebuilding the runway.

    “Based on the support and the help of your husband, by the special grace of God, we did the runway and completed it to be one of the best runways in this country, Nigeria.”

    While commissioning the runway Mrs. Tinubu commended the governor for the magnificent airport, even as she hailed the state government for being gender friendly in his appointments.

    She said: “I think your testimonials have really gone ahead of you, and I am really glad to be in Ebonyi state.

    “I am really glad we came, and I see how beautiful Nigeria is.  You know we don’t promote ourselves.  What I saw today, I was even saying that we went to Burundi and I thought they did well. For a state in Nigeria, your runway was better than what I was even commending them for.

    “So, we want to thank God for the good work you have been doing. It gladdens my heart when we see people that are young, that they have their hands on their work and they are doing great jobs, they have to be commended,” she said.

  • Airport: Ekiti pays N300m compensation to 377 land owners

    Airport: Ekiti pays N300m compensation to 377 land owners

    Ekiti State Government has awarded N300million to 377 landowners, whose land were acquired for the building of Agro Allied Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti.

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji said this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, while distributing cheques to the landowners from Ijan, Igbemo, Afao and Iworoko affected by the airport project.

    He also paid compensation to others whose land and economic trees were acquired to give way for the building of the airport facility.

    Oyebanji said the facility was intended to expand the state’s economy, open a new vista of economic opportunities, investments and bolster industrial development.

    The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Mrs Monisade Afuye, said the event marked the third and last tranche of compensation to individuals and families affected by the land acquisition.

    He advised those whose land were acquired in public interest and had not been compensated not to disturb contractors on site.

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    Oyebanji assured them that their expectations would be met to indemnify their losses.

    He said the vision of the airport was to improve the state’s connectivity to national and international markets, and serve as a gateway for agriculture, commerce and tourism to fuel local businesses.

    The governor said no effort would be wasted to unravel the gains inherent in the facility for Ekiti people when fully berthed and operational.

    He said the airport would create an atmosphere of abundance, which would be the focus of his administration.

    Oyebanji thanked the farmers and landowners for their sacrifices, commitments and patience, saying the payment of compensation was geared towards appreciating their patriotism to a lofty and common cause.

    “The claimants we are honouring here today have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the future of Ekiti, agreeing to adjust their lives for a greater good that will ultimately benefit every citizen of this state.

    “Let this be a testament to our administration’s dedication to fulfilling its promises.

    “We understand that the prompt and fair compensation of those affected is not only a legal obligation but a moral one.’’

  • Global airport management systems market to hit $2.9b

    Global airport management systems market to hit $2.9b

    The global airport management system market size is projected to grow from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion in the next decade, a research report  by Spherical Insights & Consulting has revealed.

    The projected rise in activities in the value chain, the report indicates, represents a 6.81 per cent compound annual growth rate during the forecast period.

    With Nigeria joining other global players to install the latest equipment at airports to drive efficiencies, companies offering services in the space have been identified to include :  Microsoft Corporation, Blip System, Huawei, isco, SAP SE, Amadeus IT Group (Spain), QinetiQ, Amadeus IT Group, SITA, Rockwell Collins, Inc, Inform GmbH and other  key vendors.

    Experts say the Airport Management System (AMS) market is rapidly expanding due to growing demands for efficient airport operations and passenger management. Increased air traffic, airport expansions, and heightened security and safety requirements as key triggers  propelling the  growth.

    In Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has been deploying

    AMS solutions, to offer a  range of services, such as air traffic control, baggage handling, and passenger check-in, which streamline operations and enhance the passenger experience.

    Experts say  advances in technology, including AI, IoT, and cloud computing, are accelerating the adoption of AMS solutions in many airports as Nigeria looks forward to engaging private sector operators to manage terminal and related airport facilities.

    To drive this move, experts have called for the  seamless integration of AMS with existing airport infrastructure, which they say could lower operational costs and boost efficiency.

    They say the  market is set to continue its upward trend, fueled by global urbanization and  ongoing  efforts to  push for the growth of the aviation sector.

    Experts say there are several parties involved in the market value chain of the Airport Management System (AMS)  to ensure the smooth running and efficient operation of airport operations.

    The report reads : “ Technology companies are the first to create hardware and software solutions for airport requirements, such as security systems, air traffic control, and passenger services. System integrators are essential to the implementation of these solutions because they guarantee their seamless integration with the current infrastructure.

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    The end consumers of AMS include airports and airlines, who use it to improve customer satisfaction, safety, and operational efficiency.

    “Governmental organisations and regulatory organisations also have an impact on the value chain because they establish standards for the sector and mandate compliance.

    “Last but not least, service providers guarantee continuous upkeep and assistance, assisting airports in adjusting to changing technologies and rising demands. For airport operations around the world to continuously improve, this integrated value chain is essential.”The software segment accounted for the largest market share over the forecast period 2023 to 2033. Software solutions for air traffic management, passenger processing, and resource allocation are in great demand as airports manage increasing passenger volumes and complicated logistics.

    This market , experts say, is being further driven by the move to cloud-based platforms, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, which allow for predictive maintenance and real-time decision-making.

    The report reads : “ Furthermore, software solutions are flexible and scalable, which enables airports to adjust to changing needs without having to make major infrastructure changes.

    “The software market is growing and becoming an essential part of contemporary AMS offerings due to the push for smart airport projects and the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology.”

    Meanwhile, The  Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ms. Olubunmi Kuku  has been nominated to serve as a Regional Advisor representing Africa on the Airport Council International (ACI) World Governing Board.

    The nomination  was ratified on September 20, 2024, during the ACI Africa General Assembly held in South Africa, marking a significant milestone not only for Ms. Kuku, but for the entire African aviation community.

    The authority in a statement has described her nomination as a ground breaking achievement for Nigeria and the aviation sector in Africa.

    As a Regional Advisor, Olubunmi Kuku will play a pivotal role in shaping policies and strategies that impact airports across the continent.

    Representing Africa on the ACI World Governing Board, which oversees 2, 100 airports and 814 members across 169 countries, Ms. Kuku, the statement added, will advocate for the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African airports.

    Her extensive experience in Infrastructure finance and the aviation sector will be invaluable in addressing issues such as infrastructure development, safety regulations, and sustainable practices, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of African airports on a global scale.

    Commenting on the nomination, Kuku said : “ “I am deeply honoured to be elected as the Regional Advisor for Africa on the ACI World Governing Board. “This role is not just a personal achievement; it is a collective victory for our nation and the African aviation sector. Together, we can foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that our airports are not only safe and efficient but also drivers of economic growth and development.”

    Ms. Kuku’s election comes at a critical time when the global aviation industry is navigating through unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

    Her leadership will be instrumental in promoting the interests of African airports, advocating for investment in infrastructure, and pushing for policies that support sustainable aviation practices.

  • Owerri Airport woos investors

    Owerri Airport woos investors

    Manager, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, Dr Nkechi Ihekwaba has urged investors, airline operators and individuals to take advantage of the fast growing airport to invest as its active apron accommodates four B737 800 series while  the extended apron accommodates ten  small bodied aircraft  at a time with category 7 Aerodrome Fire Fighting Services.

    Presenting a paper on ‘Investment Potential of the Airport’ at the just concluded Aviation Business Summit and Expo 2024 in Lagos, Dr Ihekwaba disclosed that the first community airport in the country was able to record a minimum of 62, 000 passenger movements (both arrival and departure) monthly during peak period and a minimum of 39,000 passenger movements (both arrival and departure) monthly during off peak period.

    “SMICA is a viable Airport and it attracts traffic. Imo State and its neighboring communities have really benefited from the Airport. Imo State is blessed with natural solid, liquid and gaseous mineral resources as well as agro based raw materials needed for industrial processing,” Ihekwaba said.

    According to her, the airport has the potential for passenger growth with available statistics.

    She remarked that the terminal building with the capacity of 1200, during peak period  records 2000  with  General Aviation Terminal.

    She revealed that the maintenance culture in SMICA has improved to 98 percent since she took over the running of the airport.

    According to Ihekwaba, four airlines Air Peace Airline, United Nigeria Airline, Green African Airways and Dana Airways Airline (currently suspended for operations ) Aero Contractors are currently operating to the airport covering, Owerri -Abuja -Owerri and Owerri –Lagos-Owerri on daily basis, while it records over 37 aircraft movement during political movement

    She noted that in 2015, the former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the upgrade of the Airport to an international Cargo Airport, on strict compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation Requirements.

    This led to the construction of a Cargo terminal with  warehouse facilities in the Airport.

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    “I ensure all critical facilities are maintained as of when due for seamless operation and utmost efficiency.

    SMICA has recorded a good security network for safe airport operations through my cordial relationship with all the security agencies , host community chiefs and youth leaders and state government”.

    “I ensured that our airport is customer friendly by encouraging teamwork , good communication  and synergy  with SMICA Heads of Departments, Airlines and  all stakeholders. This enabled the Airport to record zero incidents and accidents since my resumption”

    Ihekwaba said all abandoned projects in the airport are being followed up to ensure contactors are back on site.

    “The Airfield lighting installation project sponsored by the state government.This project has been completed, a job completion report submitted to FAAN by the contractor,   inspected by the NCAA team on the directives of the  Governor of Imo State  and awaits NCAA  further directives before it can be  put to use,” she said.

    According to the SMICA manager, the airport’s strategic location in Imo State, after the activation of this cargo terminal, goods and services, will be supplied to nearly 50 million people in the neighboring markets and major commercial hubs within the SS and SE zones in Nigeria.

    She said since inception, the airport has been recorded to be one of fastest growing and  ever busy domestic Airports in the country  and was built by the communal efforts of the people  of  the old Imo  State now known as  Imo, Abia and Ebonyi  State.

    The airport won the “All Nigeria Airport Manager Business Forum Contest” at the Airport Business Summit and Expo 2024 held recently in Lagos.

  • Global airport security market hits $23.6b in next nine years

    Global airport security market hits $23.6b in next nine years

    • Nigeria mulls deployment of AI at aerodromes

    The Global Airports Security Market is projected to reach $23.6 billion in the next nine years as Nigerian aeronautical authorities are weighing technologically driven surveillance measures including the deployment of Artificial Intelligence at aerodromes.

    The deployment of the such equipment is to detect unauthorised activities that constitute threat to flights and other commercial activities at aerodromes nationwide.

    The choice of Nigeria to deploy artificial intelligence is part of the global move by civil aviation countries to scale up measures aimed at detecting acts capable of putting the security architecture under severe strain by persons who target air travel to carry out their criminal and illegal activities.

    Airport security refers to the measures and procedures implemented to protect passengers, staff, and aircraft from threats such as terrorism, smuggling, and other unlawful activities.

    Investigations reveal unfolding global trend in airport security where the adoption of advanced technology to enhance screening efficiency and effectiveness while ensuring passenger convenience. This new move, includes the widespread deployment of automated screening lanes, advanced imaging technologies such as millimeter-wave scanners and computed tomography (CT) scanners, and biometric identification systems for streamlined passenger processing.

    Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on data analytics and artificial intelligence for threat detection and risk assessment, enabling security personnel to identify potential risks more accurately and respond proactively.

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    Furthermore, collaboration and information-sharing among airports, airlines, and security agencies on a global scale are becoming increasingly important to address evolving security threats and maintain consistency in security standards across different regions.

    Overall, the global trend in airport security is moving towards a more technology-driven, data-driven, and collaborative approach to ensure the safety and security of passengers and personnel while facilitating seamless travel experiences.

    To improve security at airports and plug into the evolving trend, Nigeria and other countries in the air travel space are investing heavily in the acquisition, deployment and training of surveillance and detection infrastructure to guarantee safety in the value chain.

    Speaking in an interview, the Director of Aviation Security, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Afegbai Igbafe said Nigeria is leaving no stone unturned in resolving challenges at airports.

    He said FAAN and other enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts to reduce incidents of runway light theft, encroachment on airport land, vandalism of airport property and other infractions.

    He said maintaining a secure environment amidst these persistent threats requires a constant and evolving commitment to innovation, unwavering vigilance and deeper collaboration among stakeholders.

    He said: “We encounter a lot of challenges at the airport and our aim was to improve  security, which we did by upgrading the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system.

    “Now, we are trying to do access control whereby every individual that is coming to the airport will be properly checked because we found that we have a lot of concessionaires and security officers who are not supposed to be in the airport that come in and out at will. So, right now, we have put the access control in place which I think will help us fill the gaps we had during the last International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit.

    “We are putting in place an algorithm whereby everybody will put in the database and with the flick of the button, we know those who have done their courses, those who are certified, the time they are supposed to go on certification and the time their certificates will be expiring.

    “All of these are being worked on. We are also looking to work with an AI system, whereby when somebody is coming into the airport, there is a way the camera can be affixed on you so if you have any weapons or dangerous items, the AI will detect it and immediately send a signal to the command centre.”

    Significantly, huge resources are being deployed in procuring equipment that scales up access control, cyber security, perimeter security , screening machines and other surveillance apparatus.

    Experts say the market value of the global airport security value chain currently hovering around  $14.5 billion in 2024 will grow at cumulative annual growth rate of 5.5 percent in the nine year forecast.

    By equipment type, experts say  the metal detector segment held the highest market share in 2023 and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033.

    A key trend in metal detectors, experts further added, is the integration of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to enhance detection accuracy, reduce false alarms, and streamline security screening processes in various sectors including transportation, manufacturing, and event security.

    By technology type, experts say , the RFID segment held the highest market share in 2023 and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033. A notable trend in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the increasing integration of RFID technology with Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, enabling seamless tracking, monitoring, and management of assets across various industries, enhancing efficiency and automation.

    In North America, a notable trend in airport security is the increasing adoption of biometric identification systems, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, to enhance passenger screening efficiency and accuracy while maintaining rigorous security standards.

    The competitive landscape, experts say includes key innovators, after market service providers, market giants as well as niche players are studied and analyzed extensively concerning their strengths, weaknesses as well as value addition prospects. In addition, this report covers key players profiling, market shares, mergers and acquisitions, consequent market fragmentation, new trends and dynamics in partnerships.

  • Airport concession: Keyamo gets Tinubu’s nod

    Airport concession: Keyamo gets Tinubu’s nod

    • •Says process will be transparent

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,  Mr.  Festus Keyamo at the weekend disclosed that  President Bola Tinubu has given the go-ahead for the concession of four international airports terminals namely :  Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja;  Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano; and Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

    Speaking during the inspection of facilities at the E-Wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Keyamo  said the big plan for the airports, especially the international terminals, remains the option of concessioning them to the best operators/managers with global pedigree.

    He said : “We are looking for the best partners in the world to come and collaborate with us in turning the airport around and running them professionally. And all will be to the ultimate benefit of Nigerians.

    “We are going public very soon and it is going to be the best. I spoke to Mr. President about it. Mr. President said, Minister, go for the best. Nobody is interested in whoever is coming to do it. The process that was done before, maybe you asked that there was a process before we came into the office. We halted that process because there were complaints. I am sure you know that. There were litigations. People went to court. It was not transparent enough. But under this government, under Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, it is going to be as transparent as possible.

    “The president gave us marching orders, and said go and do it as transparently as possible. Look for the best bid, the best hands to come and turn around our efforts and run our airports. And that is where we are going ultimately,” he said.

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    He said the improvements at the E-Wing is aimed at providing excellent customer satisfaction and creating more awareness about government zero tolerance for harassment, touting and extortion.

    “There is a great improvement here. The management and staff, they worked very hard at making this place look very welcoming and a big lift from where it was before. This is not where we are going. This is not our big plan for the airport.

    “But this is a low-hanging fruit we can hang on to for now. We want to make the place as conducive as possible for passengers who are coming into Nigeria. And that is why you can see that the management, they have actually initiated very simple ideas and executed very simple ideas to make the place very cozy. More lighting, new toilets, new signs. For instance, I want to show Nigerians this in particular. Now, we have been very concerned, Nigerians have been very concerned about the issue of harassment at the airport, touting at the airport, and extortion by even uniformed personnel.

    “Now, our first step in addressing this issue is what you have seen here. So for Nigerians, please look at this. When you come into the E-Wing of the international airport in Lagos, you are going to see a sign discouraging, touting, extortion and general harassment of passengers coming into Nigeria.

    “Now, there is a QR code. You must make use of it. Don’t come and go to the media and complain that there is nobody to speak to when you are harassed by law enforcement agencies. Use the QR code, use the hotlines and make a call there and then. Don’t say, oh, there was nobody, they dragged you to one corner and they took money from you. Make that call.

    “Pick your phone and make that call and you will be attended to. We also encourage people to be courteous, to be respectful also to the law enforcement agencies at the borders. But at the same time, we have also taken measures to ensure that we put a leash around our law enforcement agencies. So here you will see it and you will see not only this, you will see it as strategic positions around the airport. It is not the final solution to it but this is the first big step towards addressing the issue of touting,” he added.

    Also speaking,  the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku said the Authority is ready for business, adding: ‘but the investments we need to improve the facilities and the infrastructure in the aviation sector cannot only come in from the federal government.’

    She added that the Minister for this reason, has over the past few weeks,  engaged with the private sector as well as other government institutions globally ‘to make sure that we can better collaborate. Especially around new terminal development, when it comes to increasing our routes so there is some work around route development too’.

  • Kano Airport cleaner returns $10,000 found in aircraft

    Kano Airport cleaner returns $10,000 found in aircraft

    An employee of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Auwal Dankode, has been praised for his integrity after returning $10,000, approximately N16 million.

    Dankode, a worker at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, was said to have found the money while cleaning the aircraft.

    According to a post by the security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makaman, on the X platform on Wednesday, Dankode discovered the cash during his routine cleaning duties and immediately reported it to the airline company’s manager.

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    Zagazola stated that Dankode, a native of Kode in Kano State, is known for his strong fear of God and integrity.

    His selfless act, he said, has highlighted the importance of honesty and accountability in the workplace.

    Zagazola added that as investigations continue to identify the owner of the lost money, “Auwal’s actions serve as a shining example of the positive impact that even small acts of kindness can have.”

    The post read: “This boy, Named Auwal Ahmed Dankode, an employee of Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), found $10,000—approximately N16m—Inside a plane while cleaning it.

    “Upon discovering the money, Auwal immediately reported it to the airline company’s manager to initiate the search for the rightful owner. The incident took place at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. Auwal, originally from Kode in Kano State, is known for his strong fear of God and honesty.”