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Tag: FAAN

  • FAAN: Transfer of 40% IGR to Govt affecting infrastructure upgrade

    FAAN: Transfer of 40% IGR to Govt affecting infrastructure upgrade

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), is having difficulty in maintaining its infrastructure spread across 26 airports in the country,

    The agency’s woes, The Nation learnt are the result of dwindling financial resources and the application of the 40 per cent statutory transfer of Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) to the Federal Government in fulfillment of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) requirement for revenue generating agencies. This has made it increasingly difficult for agency to carry out capital intensive projects the airport and undertake rehabilitation and upgrading works at the terminals, including providing airfield lighting, acquiring security equipment, among others that are critical to the smooth running of airports in line with  the stipulations  of  the  International  Civil Aviation Organisation ( ICAO).  

    Although FAAN has several sources of aeronautical and non-aeronautical sources of generating revenue, it is handicapped because whatever it generates, the federal government takes 40 per cent from source through the TSA.

    Read Also; REAN: Why we are investing over $80m in renewable energy

    The former Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu said in the year 2022, FAAN remitted about N44 billion of its revenue to the federation account.

    Yadudu said if FAAN was allowed to retain its IGR, the agency would have been able to plough-back the revenues into the sector for the purpose of infrastructure development as it is done in other parts of the world. He said FAAN is a self funding  agency and has a workforce of over 8,000 whose jobs require constant training and retraining.

    The federal government had in October 2012 increased the compulsory contribution to the federation account by its revenue generating agencies to 40 per cent from 25 per cent. This explains why some roads at the airports are in  deplorable conditions and some major projects like erecting security and perimeter fencing at some airports under the management of FAAN are not being executed. There is an obvious paucity of funds.

    FAAN is poised to reduce the number of daylight airports in the country by installing airfield lighting, but this plan remains at the realm of planning because there is no money to fund such projects. 

    FAAN is calling on the federal government to please review this policy because it is from the internally generated revenue that the organisation pays its workers, maintain the airports and addresses infrastructure  deficit ,most of which  are highly capital  intensive.

    FAAN ought to constantly embark on training and retraining of its workforce, upgrade its security infrastructure and regularly maintain the runways among others , but doing all this is becoming increasingly difficult due to the fact that almost half of the agency’s revenue is remitted to the federal government’s treasury.

  • FAAN hails Uguwanyi on airport security

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for fulfilling his promise to address the challenges which hitherto threatened the safety of travellers at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

    FAAN Managing Director Capt. Hamisu Yadudu spoke during an inspection of the airport and environs to ascertain the level of compliance by the state and other relevant institutions to the request by FAAN.

    He said FAAN was satisfied with the interventions, such as the relocation of the Orie Emene market, abattoir, and dismantling of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Radio/TV Mast.

    Yadudu hinted that the issue of relocating the N-Power Free Trade Zone, adjacent to the airport’s runway, had been resolved with the management of the establishment, which was confirmed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Emeka Eneh, during the inspection.

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi, Ubosi declare assets

    He said after a negotiation “the required land that FAAN wants to protect is secured. We are happy with that, and N-Power Free Trade Zone. We are also happy that with the remaining land, they can still go ahead with their initiative and develop the land”.

    Capt. Yadudu also frowned at those living “on the air field” near the airport, and requested the governor to take prompt action on the matter as usual, stressing that “the issue of illegal residents is very much of safety concern and risky”.

    Ugwuanyi, who promised the government’s prompt intervention, said his administration is fully committed to the safety of lives and property, as well as the progress of the Enugu international airport.

  • Anxiety in aviation agencies over sack of FAAN chief

    There were fears yesterday among heads of aviation agencies following the sack of the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma.

    The affected agencies include the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and Nigerian Meteorological Services (NIMET).

    Sources said the removal of Dunoma may spark the process for cleaning up the sector by outgoing Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who, it was learnt, may return to the industry as substantive minister.

    Heads of the agencies were anxious about what may become their fate as Sirika ramps up inauguration of facilities at some airports at the weekend in Lagos, Benin and other locations.

    The agency heads were worried about their inability to read the body language of the minister of state, who was seen touring airports with Dunoma last Friday only to fire him yesterday.

    REad also: Fed Govt appoints Yadudu as FAAN MD

    When The Nation visited the headquarters of FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, AIB and the liaison office of NCAT, scores of workers were discussing the development in groups.

    Some directors in the agencies wore long faces, as the sack of the FAAN boss caught many of them napping, given the fact that Dunoma accompanied Sirika to tour facilities at the airport at the weekend.

    Sirika, the workers noted, could not be predicted on the next line of action he may take.

    He had asked Dunoma when some projects at the Lagos Airport would be completed, only to fire the FAAN chief a few days later.

    Some aviation members, who declined to be named, urged the minister of state to extend the exercise to the NCAA.

    They said the leadership of the apex civil aviation regulator had allegedly been insensitive to workers’ agitations.

    NCAA workers alongside union members, last week, staged a protest at its headquarters to express their disenchantment over what they called lopsided organogram.

    They said this resulted in the scrapping and merger of directorates in the authority.

    In an interview yesterday, industry critic and Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Securities, Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd) said the sack of Dunoma was in order because he needed time to rest after serving FAAN for many years.

    Ojikutu said Dunoma, having served as the agency’s Director of Engineering and Managing Director for 10 years, should be commended for achieving the certification of Lagos and Abuja airports within four years.

    He said: “For me, he needs to rest after almost 10 years sacrifice’. He should be commended.”

  • Gombe, Kebbi airports shut over debts

    THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed down Gombe and Kebbi airports as a result of over N800 million debts.

    The shutdown took effect yesterday.

    FAAN, in a Notice To Air Men (NOTAM), sent to the airports yesterday, announced the withdrawal of men of the safety, fire rescue and aviation security personnel attached to the two airports.

    Read also: FAAN to shut airports over debts

    FAAN, two weeks ago, warned that its services would be withdrawn should the two state governments failed to clear their debts.

    It was gathered that FAAN gave the state governments enough time to settle their debts, but they remained adamant

    It was gathered that the attention will be shifted to other airports, which are owing.

    FAAN, it was learnt, wanted to carry out the drive in other airports but were stopped by the Presidency.

    “But the agency has vowed to forge ahead with its plans to close state airports owing the organisation,” a source said yesterday.

  • FAAN to shut airports over debts

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has threatened to shut two airports in Delta State over rising debts, it was learnt yesterday.

    Seven other airports will also suffer same fate.

    FAAN vowed that except payments are made for services rendered on or before April 30, operations will be shutdown in Asaba and Osubi airports.

    According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, airports that lack security, aerodrome rescue and fire fighting services will be shutdown.

    A statement from FAAN‘s Credit Control Department gave the ultimatum after an earlier one was not heeded by the erring airports.

    Private airports to be affected include the Osubi Airport near Warri, Delta State, and the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2).

    State-owned airports include the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Delta State Airport, Asaba; Bayelsa International Cargo Airport; Gombe State Airport; Jigawa State Airport, Dutse; Kebbi State Airport, Birnin Kebbi and Taraba State Airport, Jalingo.

    The statement reads: “Following the notice of intention to sanction issued to owners/operators of private airports indebted to FAAN, which lapses on April 24, 2019, FAAN hereby serves another seven days notice of grace till April 30 for them to settle the debts.”

  • FAAN threatens to shutdown Asaba Airport, others over huge debt

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has threatened to shut down operations in two airports in Delta State along with seven other airports over rising debts,The Nation has learnt.

    The  nation’s civil aviation regulators  vowed that except payments are made for services rendered on or before April 30th, 2019, operations will be shutdown in Asaba and Osubi airports.

    According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, airports that lack security,aerodrome rescue and firefighting personnel services will be shutdown.

    The was contained in a document issued by FAAN‘s Credit Control Department  and obtained by The Nation which gave the latest ultimatum after an earlier one was not heeded by the erring airports.

    It was gathered that privately airports to be affected include the Osubi Airport near Warri, Delta State, and the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2).

    State owned airports are Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Delta State Airport, Asaba, Bayelsa International Cargo Airport, in Ammassona, Gombe State Airport, in Gombe, Jigawa State Airport, Dutse, Kebbi State Airport, Birnin Kebbi and Taraba State Airport, Jalingo.

    It was gathered that FAAN has been battling private/state airports over huge debts.

    Part of the circular reads: “Following the notice of intention to sanction issued to owners/operators of private airports indebted to FAAN which lapses on Wednesday, 24th April 2019, FAAN hereby serves another seven days notice of grace till Tuesday, April 30, 2019, for them to settle the debts.”

  • FAAN to withdraw services at airports over debts

    THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has  threatened to withdraw its services from some private and state airports that are owing it.

    The private airports to be affected  include the Osubi Airport near Warri, Delta State, and the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2 ).

    The state airports are Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Delta State Airport, Asaba, Bayelsa International Cargo Airport, in Ammassona, Gombe State Airport, in Gombe, Jigawa State Airport, Dutse, Kebbi State Airport, Birnin Kebbi and Taraba State Airport, Jalingo.

    FAAN services include security, aerodrome rescue and fire-fighting personnel. In the absence of these, there will be no flights, according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

    For some years, FAAN has been battling private/state airports  over  huge debts.

    Investigations reveal that Gombe Airport and Kebbi Airports  are owing over N 731, 873, 721.

    While the Gombe State Airport is  owing N607, 289, 972, Kebbi owed N124, 547, 240 as at September 10, last year.

    FAAN’s Credit Control Department recently issued an ultimatum to the airports to clear their debts or face sanctions. It will expire on April 30.

    The circular read: “Following the notice of intention to sanction issued to owners/operators of private airports indebted to FAAN which lapses on Wednesday 24th April, 2019, FAAN hereby serves another seven days notice of grace  till Tuesday April  30, 2019 for them to settle the debts

    “In view of the above, the authority hereby notifies private airport operators that the services of our aviation security as well as aerodrome rescue and fire fighting personnel will no longer be available for operations of their airports with effect from Wednesday, May 1, 2019, as FAAN can no longer keep these personnel at airports without payment.”

    The sanction, it was learnt, would include FAAN directing the  Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to restrict operations at the airports.

    A source at the regulator’s office explained: ”The position is that FAAN has an MoU with all the privately-owned aerodromes to provide aviation security for them and NCAA approved. If that is withdrawn, it follows that there is no security in those airports and the Authority will have the grounds to close them them.”

    Last year, NAMA’s Managing Director, Captain Fola Akinkuotu said the agency  withdrew air traffic services from some private airports and airstrips over indebtedness.

    NCAA’s Director General, Captain Mukthar Usman said flights will not take place in any airport unless it has fire and securuty cover.

    The authority  , it was learnt, has been briefed on the matter.

    The NCAA will not certify flights from any airport unless it has fire cover and aviation security services provided by FAAN.

    A few months ago, FAAN set up a committee to map out plans to boost revenue generation for the agency from non-aeronautical sources.

    Its Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma stated this to reporters in Lagos.

    Dunoma said it was high time airport authorities on the continent diversified their revenue generation from aeronautic to non-aeronautic, stressing that other airport managers across the world had already keyed into this.

    He insisted that the committee, which he chaired, consisted of relevant directorates and departments responsible for revenue generation for FAAN and would come out with a roadmap to enhance revenues for the agency

    He declared that FAAN could not be left behind in development of its airport infrastructure, stressing that the only way to achieve this was for it to diversify its revenue generation and tap into the myriad of opportunities in the system.

  • No fire at Abuja Airport, says FAAN

    -Confirms minor incident at new terminal’s equipment room

    Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said yesterday that there was no fire at the newly commissioned terminal of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

    Its spokesperson, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, said what people mistook for a fire incident was the residue of powder sprayed by the system seen in the cloud, which was occasioned by the in- built fire detection and protection system at the new terminal.

    Yakubu said the terminal building was designed and built with the protection system, which comes up when it senses high ambient temperature and consequently sprays fire extinguishing agent.

    In a statement issued in Lagos, FAAN said: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria hereby notifies the general public of a minor incident that occurred at the equipment room of the new international terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 3:00pm today.

    “The incident was however swiftly curtailed by the in-built fire detection and protection system at the new terminal that triggered automatically.

    “The building was designed and built with this protection system. The system comes up when it senses high ambient temperatures and sprays fire extinguishing agent. The residue of powder sprayed by the system was seen in the cloud, there was no fire at all.

    “The authority will like to reassure passengers and the general public that there is no cause for panic, as the incident has been put under control and our fire men are clearing the remnant of powder after which operations will resume.”

    Only last week, the departure hall of Sam Mbakwe Cargo International Airport (SMICA), Owerri, was gutted by fire.

    The incident temporarily disrupted operations at the terminal.

  • FAAN threatens to withdraw services

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has concluded plans to withdraw security and aerodrome rescue as well as fire fighting services to some state/private airports over huge debts owed it.

    In the absence of aviation security and aerodrome rescue and fire fighting services, no flights can either take off or land in any airport in line with standards and recommended practices of global industry regulator, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

    FAAN is the government agency saddled with statutory responsibilities of providing such services.

    FAAN and some private/state airports have been having a running battle for some years on either how to reconcile or recover the billions of naira owed it by operators of the facilities.

    Read also: FAAN seeks N101b in 2019 budget

    To be affected by the withdrawal of services include Osubi Airport near Warri, Delta State and Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2 ), which are the two  private airport terminals in the country.

    Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Delta State Airport, Asaba, Bayelsa International Cargo Airport, in Ammassona; Gombe State Airport, in Gombe; Jigawa State Airport, Dutse; Kebbi State Airport, Birnin Kebbi and Taraba State Airport, Jalingo are among the state airports to be affected.

    To make good its plan, FAAN on Monday issued a notice of intention to sanction the affected private/state airports over their indebtedness.

  • 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.