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Tag: aviation

  • Experts canvass sustainability options for aviation development

    Experts canvass sustainability options for aviation development

    Experts in the aviation sector are calling on the Federal Government to set a wide latitude in its considerations of options and strategies that will trigger financing and development of infrastructure for the air transport industry.

    Specifically, they urged the government to look beyond direct budgetary financing, concession of different variants , joint ventures and zero in on what they described as organised funding structures that will mitigate huge aviation risks and foster the development of the sector.

    Such structures, they say, should demonstrate understanding of aviation and be favourably disposed towards accommodating financial development partnerships for short and long term projects.

    The suggestion of industry experts is coming at a time, the Federal Government is packaging a revised Aviation Road Map / Master Plan, with focus on Public Private Partnerships (PPP), to deepen sustainability options for management of airports and other critical air transport infrastructure.

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    An industry player familiar with the development , who is : Founder, Airport Business Summit and Exhibition (ABSE) and Facilitator of Drontecx Conferences , Mr Fortune Idu, said  the aviation sector is yet to get a sustainable financing mechanism.

    Rather than rein for the aviation industry,  the government has been taking away a chunk of reinvestment proceeds from airports.

    To reverse the trend, he recommended the setting up of a Sinking Fund for the industry.

    Besides, he said the government should consider the setting up an Aviation / Integrated Transport Development Bank,  which will bring about the creation of a robust finance mechanism.

     On infrastructural development, he said there is a need for special airport development planning to focus on Lagos and Abuja to emerge as West and Central Africa Regional Air Transport hub.

    Idu said :’’ This aims at creating a unique airport infrastructure development program for Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport that will help to tire the Regional Commercial Hub Position of Lagos in West Africa and as Abuja Political Hub into national airport development ambition that take full advantage the Africa Single Transport Market Initiatives”

    “ This will require planning for Modal Integration and Connectivity.Land Replan and Optimization Master Planning Review: Nigeria airports will require a development progression Master plan to create independent ambitions of all the airports, sustainability plans, and investment guides.

    “To accomplish this, you need a reliable international consultant and an experienced global partner. I recommend we consult with Munich Airport International, Germany, which has already established this partnership. By partnering with them, you can access Europe and the global market.”

    Noting that most of the problem the industry faces today is caused by a lack of advanced research and data planning, Idu pointed out that it is essential that all aviation planning departments be restructured.

    He said there is a need to refocus the personnel who understand and are qualified to perform research and data-based planning as well as being well-trained to undertake such duties.

    On the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, Idu noted that the organic structure and formation,  which empowers it with four critical divergent responsibilities, is faulty and less relevant to global airport development practices.

    The result, he said,  is that such a situation has limited FAAN’s ability to progress sustainably and provide adequate service to Nigeria’s air transport industry.

     He added that FAAN is an airport authority with a supervisory role in all airport development in Nigeria.

    “However, it has failed to perform this role due to a lack of capacity. It is also the land custodian for planning and implementing airport projects, but it has not delivered a good airport landscape. FAAN manages all federal airports but often claims they are not commercially viable in a country with over 250 million people and considered the wealthiest country in Africa”.

    “Additionally, FAAN provides security and safety cover for airports nationwide and is the sole airport operator for federal airports, a responsibility it has performed well.

    “ However, this structure is ambiguous and no longer relevant in modern-day airport structures. The airport is a business, and the four responsibilities of FAAN can be separated to offer more efficient services. This can also create more responsible jobs where people are limited to areas in the air transport sector where they have the qualifications to work.Only after resolving this issue can the concession, outsourcing, and any other PPP model work. Therefore, it is suggested to divide FAAN into three organizations”.

    “ The following will be the result of the unbundling of FAAN. An Airport Development Authority (Agency): An agency with authority to supervise, advise, and check the capability and practicality of the development of airports in Nigeria and monitor their development for both private and public sectors, which should cover aeronautic and non-aeronautic matters of airport development. This agency shall help all airports meet the stringent guidelines and regulations of the NCAA while meeting with the diverse dynamics of non-aeronautical activities within the aviation space. Airport Management Company:  This is a private sector-oriented Airport company (can be called Nigeria Airport (Management) Company Group Plc), which shall be a public and private equity company charged with the function of engaging in airport operations and management anywhere in Nigeria and possibly in the world. This company can compete for future concession bidding and must be privatized”. 

    “The third organization shall be Federal Airports Property Company Limited,  the owner and custodian of all Federal Airports Lands and Properties. These establishments will be enough to handle the unexpected labor shock that may arise from the concession. And the industry can go the entire length of concession and privatization of not just a terminal but a whole airport.

    “We recommend a complete unit in the Ministry for UAS and a directorate in the NCAA for (RPAS DRONE) or Aviation Automation, The Future of Airport Development in Nigeria. Almost all the States of the Federation want an airport now. Though this may look like progress for the air transport industry, the state’s aspiration and determination to sustain airport operations is unclear.

    “After the initial startup, finance sustainability became a problem.To make it worse, the State is borrowing from a faulty structure, and apart from Lagos State, none of the airport developments can boast of an initial Master plan.”

  • Aviation agencies overlapping functions stifling sector’s investment

    Aviation agencies overlapping functions stifling sector’s investment

    Overlapping functions contained in the Establishing Acts of aviation agencies with undefined scope of mandate is causing obstacles on the way  of potential investors : state governments, concessionaires, airlines , fuel suppliers , aviation catering and other players who wish to commit funds into many projects in the industry.

    This development, The Nation learnt , has thrown many prospective investors into confusion on which of the agencies they should forward their request for permits/ approval to either in the construction of airports, aircraft repair and maintenance centre and other businesses in the aviation sector.

    Experts familiar with the development say many state governments, which have constructed airports in their domain , are now turn between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), in the pursuit of airport approvals, certification as well as calibration of navigation facilities in these aerodromes before commercial flight operations could begin in the facilities.

    Navigating this hurdle, an industry player said, is putting off many investors, who want to make foray into aviation and allied services.

    Besides airport construction, investigations by The Nation also reveal that Aviation Catering Companies and Aviation Fuel Suppliers are struggling to wriggle out of the hurdles of which of the agencies have mandate for approvals / permits before they commit funds into any project.

    Some indigenous carriers , which had indicated interest in setting up Aircraft Maintenance Repair and  Overhaul (MRO), facilities at some airports across the country are still trapped in the web of securing land / approval from both the FAAN and NCAA, a development industry watchers describe as a disincentive to the industry’s growth.

    Industry experts say lack of coordination among the agencies, if not properly managed could rob the sector of the much needed investment.

    To reverse this trend, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, it was learnt, is shopping for an Industry Road map that will streamline the duties of the apex regulator – NCAA and other service providers  : FAAN, NAMA and others to eliminate lacunas  that will push back the needed investment.

    Speaking in an interview on the matter, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo said partnership with the private sector is what the industry needs to attain its full potential.

    He said “ | “There is no doubt that growth and development in the aviation sector should be private sector driven to attract foreign direct investment.  We  have a responsibility to ensure that deployment of policies, programmes  and project are well articulated to achieve this objective.”

    Investigations reveal that Keyamo, has set up a committee for the agencies to work together to drive investment into the sector.

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    Only last week, the Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu disclosed that approvals for construction of airports, and the operational modalities of Aviation Catering Companies ought to routed through the apec regulator and not the airport authority.

    A situation in which service providers do not carry the regulator along on safety / operational matters will not stimulate growth for the sector.

    Nuhu had also observed that the NCAA was not carried along by FAAN and NAMA when they are embarking on critical safety / operations related project requiring its endorsement.

    A source close the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development , confided in The Nation that a proposal to eliminate bottlenecks militating against investment into the sector is underway.

    The proposal, the source hinted will be unveiled this week after Keyamo concludes the input gathering meetings with officials of the ministry, operators, aviation agencies , stakeholders and potential investors who are demanding a blueprint for engagement.

    Part of the blueprint, which will put together by a consortium of international aviation consultants will provide a compass for investment portfolios in airport  infrastructure, aircraft leasing, options for airport revenue generation and management and other areas.

  • Aviation school graduates 250 at sixth convocation

    Aviation school graduates 250 at sixth convocation

    Aerovessel Schools will graduate 250 students during its sixth Convocation and Awards Ceremony, highlighting its prominence as a leading aviation institution in Nigeria.

    The event, themed ‘Tourism and Green Investment -Gateway to Economic Prosperity’, will hold at East Gate Hotel, Lekki, on November 25.

    School Proprietor, Abolaji Kelani said: “Our annual convocation and awards ceremony is a prestigious event, and this year’s edition promises a rich array of activities as we celebrate our graduands and other distinguished individuals

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    “This year’s theme underscores the pivotal role sustainable tourism and eco-friendly investments play in driving economic growth.”

    Kelani invited stakeholders to partake in this memorable event, emphasising the institution’s continued dedication to providing well-trained personnel for the aviation sector.

    “Our organisation remains steadfast in its pursuit of leveraging the opportunities to contribute to our country’s development. In these challenging times for our nation, we believe that only the best is adequate, and we will persist in our commitment to excellence as a training institution,” he added.

  • Keyamo woos investors for aviation sector

    Keyamo woos investors for aviation sector

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is ramping up efforts to attract investors for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

    The minister, who is on a working visit to the United States said talks are at an advanced stage between Nigeria and United over the resumption of direct flights from Huston.

    Keyamo disclosed this in Houston, Texas, during the week on his ongoing quest to solicit investors for the Aviation industry.

    He was guest of honour at the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect that was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las America, Houston, Texas where he met with the Mayor of Houston, Texas, Sylvester Turner and his team members.

    According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant, Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, said Keyamo also discussed issues of bilateral relationship regarding the resumption of direct flights from the US to Nigeria.

    He said: “I spoke with the Mayor of Houston Texas, and his team to advance talks regarding the resumption of direct flights from Houston to Nigeria.”

    Another interesting diplomatic consideration the two envoys looked at is the opening of a Nigerian consulate in Houston.

    The visit also saw the Minister touring the fast-developing Aerospace of the city of Ellington.

    He stated: “During my visit to Houston, I also took time to visit the fast-developing Aerospace of the city in Ellington. I met Mr. Arturo Machuca, Director of EllingtonAirport and Houston Spacesport and his team who did a detailed presentation to us and conducted us round the Aerospace. We were well guided on the development of our own Aerospace.”

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    The Mayor, Sylvester Turner visited Nigeria sometime early this year, 2023 to initiate discussions on the possibility of having the mutually beneficial diplomatic relationship of the United Airlines flights resumption and the opening of the Nigerian Consulate in Houston.

  • Governor launches aviation village

    Governor launches aviation village

    • ’Project will complement Cargo Airport’ 

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, yesterday launched the construction of 200 units of two-bedroom expanded bungalows, at the Gateway Aviation Village, located at Iperu in Ikenne Local Government.

    He said the project was divided into two phases, with the first 100 units ready in six months.

    The governor, represented by the Special Adviser on Housing, Jagunmolu Jamiu Omoniyi, said the project would herald the creation of a new city in the town and would serve the entire Remo cluster and the state in general.

    He said the siting of the housing scheme would serve institutions and people who would make use of the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport, noting that government agencies such as the Customs, Air Force and corporate bodies have already indicated interest in the airport.

    He added that the project would create jobs for about 5,000 artisans of various skills in the course of execution of the project.

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    The governor said: “This is the people’s project. This housing scheme will complement the airport and serve those who will work in this town. I can assure you that within two years, the story of this town will change. We will not engage outsiders to work in this estate, but the people of this town.

    “We have done similar projects at Kemta, Idi-Aba and Kobape. The siting of similar housing estate has changed the landscape of Kobape, which was a village before, to a lively city.”

    He called on prospective buyers to start the process by obtaining their forms, urging the people to support and take ownership of the project for the development of the town.

    Speaking on behalf of the Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Idowu Basibo, Ebi Idena, Oba Lukman Salami, expressed delight that the project is being sited in his domain.

    The Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Mr. Segun Ogunleye, expressed gratitude to the governor, saying with the siting of the housing estate and the cargo airport, the development of the town was assured.

    Also, the Chairman of Ogun State Park Management Service, Wale Yusuf, an engineer; said the project would change the face of the town for good, enjoining the indigenes to support the project.

  • Govt moves to audit aviation fuel supply, facilities

    Govt moves to audit aviation fuel supply, facilities

    Following recent incident of contamination of aviation fuel, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said it has identified four non-licensed suppliers of aviation fuel across the country.

    The Authority while stating that the suppliers penetrated the airports without due process said its collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) led to identifying them.

    It noted that they had been chased out of the airports upon discovery. This was disclosed in Abuja yesterday during the inauguration of a 35-member joint NCAA audit committee of all aviation fuel activities in Nigeria.

    The committee members are drawn from the NCAA, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Department of State Services (DSS), NMPDPRA and the Association of Fuel Marketers in Nigeria.

    Members of the committee are expected to conduct a holistic review and audit all fuelers, fueling facilities and equipment from the initial source of the fuel to the point of fueling into the aircraft within 60 days.

    Speaking during the inauguration, the Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu said the task to be undertaken by the committee was not targeted at witch-hunting any marketer.

    Nuhu who was represented by the Director of Operations, Licencing and Training Standards, Capt. Ibrahim Dambazau said: “Recently, there have been series of incidents relating to fuel contamination, in particular, that of Max Air fuel contamination in Yola that has generated a lot of attention in the country and all over the world. This has created a negative publicity in the industry and a level of fear amongst the public which is justified.

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    “The Authority has not been sleeping and has taken steps in the aftermath of the incidents which included the investigation of all the incidents that have been reported, collaboration with sister agencies in the aviation industry like Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that issue licences, and Department of State Security (DSS).

    “This collaboration with NMPDRA has yielded positive results so far as the collaboration has led to the identification of all non-licensed fuelers and those with expired licences in Nigeria that has led to suspension of all their activities in the airport in Nigeria.

    “All Operators Letter (AOL) has been issued mandating all Operators to comply with all requirements for fueling as approved, The Authority has also heightened its surveillance to ensure complete compliance.”

    He continued: “Considering the gravity of the situation and the seriousness that the Authority is pursuing this matter, the Authority has set up a joint committee and mandated the committee to conduct a holistic review and audit all fuelers, fueling facilities and equipment from the initial source of the fuel to the point of fueling into the aircraft. This committee has membership drawn from the NCAA, NSIB, FAAN, DSS, NMPORA and the Association of Fuel Marketers in Nigeria.

    “The committee has been mandated to identify all the root causes, proffer solutions and recommendations that would improve the level of safety in the aviation industry in Nigeria. The committee members will tour all over the country to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements.”

    He assured that the recommendations from this committee would be fully implemented in the interest of the public and safe air travel in Nigeria.

    The Director of Air Worthiness in NCAA, Engr. Abatan Gbolahan revealed the status of fuelers across the country.

    He said based on the records available to it, there are 46 fuel facilities across the country.

    On the status of the fuelers and how the non-licenced fuelers were discovered, he said: “Before this time, the regulation has been there for every fuel marketing company to get registered by NMDPRA and after that registration, they will still have to come to NCAA for the second process of registration before they will be allowed to get to airport area to do their business but somewhere along the line, we had some marketers penetrating the system without due process. We discovered it and a letter was written to NMDPRA to identify the status of all the companies who are supposed to be marketers and they sent us the list and their status.

    “We were able to separate those who are actively in service, those whose licences have expired and those who didn’t have any form of certificate to do the business were flushed out of the airport not to supply fuel anymore.

    “Those who had their licenses expired were given 60 days to get their licences renewed or perfect their certification process and those who have valid certificate continued with their business.

    “Based on our records, we have 46 aviation facilities nationwide, that is our licence records. For the year 2023, we have 36 of them with valid licences, five facilities are undergoing licence renewal and we have five facilities with expired licences. The ones that were sent out are four.”

  • Fed Govt unfolds aviation roadmap

    Fed Govt unfolds aviation roadmap

    • Airport city, repair hangar, leasing coming

    The development of an aerotropolis or airport city, aircraft repair facility as well as the setting up of aircraft leasing company are some of the major planks of the Tinubu administration, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) has said.

    These projects, the Minister said, are the fulcrum of the road map of the administration for the aviation industry.

    Disclosing this yesterday at the 7th Aviation Summit,  holding in Abuja, Keyamo said the three projects are fundamental to the growth and development of the aviation sector.

    While unveiling the roadmap, Keyamo  apologised to foreign airlines over the trapped funds which has caused a crisis in the sector in Nigeria for almost two years.

    He lamented that it was a shame for the entire West African countries not to have world-class MRO facilities, but assured that the country would take the lead in this.The minister also expressed displeasure with the trapped funds of foreign airlines in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, Director-General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria Civil Aviation Agency (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu has declared that  the increasing number of unviable airports, including those established by state governments, have  become a burden to the aviation agencies.

    Speaking at a webinar of 2nd National Transport Technology Conference & Exhibition 2023, the 4th Pre-Event Conversation Series on Air Transport held yesterday under with the theme: The viability of state owned airports: issues, challenges & the way forward, Nuhu said: “The more airports you build, the more responsibilities you put on the regulators as we will need more aerodrome inspectors.”

     He added  that the increasing number of unviable airports put more stress on the Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

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    “We are being stretched almost beyond capability because of these airports that emerged out of ill advice,” he said.

    Nuhu further stated that it is not every state that has to build an airport and that it is scary the number of state owned airports that are coming up across the country, creating worries over their viability and with the complexity of the airspace, putting a huge demand on the CAA in ensuring there are adequate inspectors to ensure safety of flights.

    “Economic activities are supposed to determine the establishment of airports but what we see is ill-advised policies to create airports” said Nuhu, who further explained that a fire truck costs about $2million to $3million and an airport needs multiple fire trucks and most of the airports cannot meet basic requirements for daylight flights.

    On why the establishment  of such airports was approved, Nuhu said the plans presented by the applicants are usually fantastic.

    , “They bring the plans, get approval, and they walk away without implementing them or there is a change of government.”

    He said that apart from four airports in Nigeria, many airports across the country are not viable, stating that airports could be key to economic development in various areas of the economy but that airports have to be well thought out before setting them up.

    Nuhu noted that many state governments in Nigeria have been handing over their airports to FAAN due to inability to maintain and sustain them. “Going forward, we have to start closing airports that are not viable. Sometimes, state governments even demand payments to hand over airports to FAAN. This is not sustainable and we have to find ways to deal with it.”

    “We are going to inspect the airports. Many of them will be downgraded” he said.

    He,  however,  advised owners of unviable state owned airports to take a cue from Asaba Airport which he said has been concessioned by the state government and has appropriate power requirements, runway lights and some other facilities, adding that it was well conceived and concessioned for the private sector to run. That’s the way to go.

    He said  many of the airports have not calibrated their maintenance systems and that this constituted part of issues raised at the just concluded International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP).

  • NCAA audits Air Peace after aircraft hard landing

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Sunday said it has concluded a technical audit of Air Peace Airlines and its fleet.

    The audit, which comprises a thorough examination of the airline’s operational, technical and safety performance in the last 12 months, provided the window for the regulator to scrutinise the books of the carrier in line with extant regulations.

    A statement by NCAA spokesman Sam Adurogboye said the audit came on the heel of last week’s hard landing of one of Air Peace’s Boeing 737-300 aircraft at the runway of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, where the airplane lost a tyre, following the collapse of the nose wheel.

    He said the NCAA would ensure that only airworthy aircraft are flown in the airspace at all times.

    The statement said: “On Tuesday, July 23, 2019, about 10.28 a.m, an Air Peace B737-300 aircraft, with registration marks 5N-BQO, had an incident on landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

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    “The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) is currently carrying out an in-depth investigation into the incident to determine the immediate and remote causes, as required by international standards stipulated in ICAO Annex 13. The authority awaits the conclusion and report of the AIB.

    “…The NCAA has just completed a thorough technical audit of the airline and its fleet of aircraft with a view to ensuring the airline is in compliance with extant Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs)  and to mitigate the reoccurrence of the incident.

    “This technical audit was not limited to this recent incident. The airline operational, technical and safety performance in the last 12 months were also scrutinised.

    “It revealed that all the operational aircraft on the fleet of Air Peace Limited are airworthy.

    “This is to assure the flying public that all the aircraft on the fleet of NCAA authorised Air Operators Certificate (AOC) holders operating in Nigeria are airworthy.

    “The authority shall continue to ensure only airworthy aircraft are permitted to operate.”

    At the weekend, Captain Simisola Ajibola, the captain who operated the Air Peace flight on July 23, debunked reports that the aircraft landed without tyres.

    She said the incident happened after the aircraft had touched down.

    Ajibola said: “We had a very serviceable aircraft. Our aircraft are machines that are well maintained. It wasn’t the first flight of that day. When we flew the aircraft, it was perfectly in good shape.

    “The report about initial landing without tyres is not true. The incident happened after we touched down. I didn’t go into the air without tyres; we weren’t on a decent without tyres. Some reports say we called for emergency while in the air, but that is not true. It was after we landed we asked for emergency services. So, whatever happened, happened on the runway that day.”

  • Aviation unions plan showdown with helicopters firm

    Five aviation unions have concluded plans to picket Caverton Helicopters today over alleged ill-treatment meted out to their members by the police.

    The unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN); Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP); National Association of Air Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Services Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).

    The unions said they resolved to take the action following the alleged parlous handling of issues involving their workers and the police.

    According to them, the picketing will hold today and tomorrow to enable members express their displeasure over the denial of their rights by the police and the alleged inability of Caverton Helicopters to pay their members their terminal benefits.

    In a circular letter issued at the weekend to all aviation workers, the labour union leaders directed those in Lagos to assemble today and tomorrow at 9 a.m at Freedom Square at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters to protest what they called the denial of their rights by the police.

    According to the circular, dated April 10, and jointly signed by NUATE’s General Secretary, Ocheme Aba; ATSSSAN’s Deputy General Secretary, Frances Akinjole; ANAP’s Secretary General, Abdul Rasaq Saidu; NAAPE Deputy General Secretary, Umoh Ofonime and AUPCTRE’s General Secretary, Bello M. A, workers in Port Harcourt are to also assemble at the NAF Base operations of Caverton Helicopters to carry out similar protests.

    The circular reads: “In the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2019, the Nigeria Police Force stormed Caverton Helicopters – Commando fashion – and intimidated, harassed, assaulted, brutalised and traumatised officials and members of NUATE who were engaged in the lawful activity of picketing Caverton Helicopters under the directive of the union; 12 of them were violently whisked away to an unknown destination.

    “They were later found to have been detained at a facility in Oshodi, Lagos, operated by the Lagos State Environmental Safety Corps Task Force. But the 12 comrades were later released after a mass protest at the airport by fellow comrades. It is noteworthy that no particular charges were entered against them by the police.

    “Also, NUATE’s official vehicle was towed away to the same facility and damaged beyond repair in the process.

    “Two of the assaulted comrades are still on treatment for the injuries received in the hands of the police while the lone female comrade among them is currently on trauma therapy.”

    The unions said all aviation unions condemned “the ungodly collaboration between Caverton Helicopters and the police to deny the firm’s workers the representation of their unions and their rights guaranteed by the nation’s Constitution and Labour laws”.

  • FAAN seeks N101b in 2019 budget

    The Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is proposing a budget of  N101,673,038,972  for 2019 fiscal year.

    Its Managing Director,  Saleh Dunoma, told the Nkeruika Onyejiocha-led House of Representatives Committee on Aviation yesterday at the budget session that the proposal was an increase of 14.5 per cent over 2018 budget of N88,805,462,776.

    Onyejiocha, in her opening remarks had warned the agencies and parastatals in the Aviation sector to ensure that all monetary reports are harmonised and presented to the Committee for proper documentation.

    “We want to see everything in black and white.

    In his presentation, Dunoma disclosed that a proposed 6.2 per cent in Capital Expenditure for 2019 would be largely for planned improvement in infrastructural development across the airports.

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    He, however, said the budget proposal was hinged on an anticipated brighter aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue base for the year.

    He said: “This is in anticipation of increase in passenger traffic as well as boost in the non-aeronautical revenue base of the Authority as already highlighted in the 2018 budget performance.