The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Hadi Sirika

  • Airports concession may not be feasible until 2019 – NUATE

    Airports concession may not be feasible until 2019 – NUATE

    The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on Tuesday said the Federal Government’s plan to concession the four major airports in the country might not be feasible until 2019.

    Mr. Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, NUATE, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that all thorny issues surrounding the concession must be addressed before the exercise.

    NAN reports that the government had recently appointed transaction advisers to midwife the concession of the Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt airports.

    Abioye, however, faulted the appointment of the transaction advisers, noting that the aviation unions were not carried along before the announcement was made.

    “What happened is that the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, unilaterally made the appointment without recourse to the committee he set up for the same purpose, which had some of our members.

    “The committee is yet to submit its report; so, we were surprised when the announcement was made,” he said.

    Abioye maintained that the concession of the airports would lead to job losses for thousands of their members, hence the stiff opposition from the unions.

    “Anytime there is a concession, people are bound to lose their jobs.

    “What the unions are saying is that there should be dialogue between us and the government on how to protect the interest of these workers.

    “We believe that these issues must be addressed before the concession; and from our projections, this could take even up to two years. So, that should be sometime in 2019,”he said.

    Abioye noted that the plan by the government to set up another national carrier would not work until it settled the N78 billion debt owed workers of the defunct Nigerian Airways.

    “You cannot be talking of another national carrier when workers of Nigerian Airways have not been settled.

    “That is the position of the unions, as far as this issue is concerned,’’ he said.

  • FG procures of arms for Aviation Security personnel 

    FG procures of arms for Aviation Security personnel 

    The Federal Government Friday disclosed that it has commenced the procurement of arms for Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel.

    The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika said this in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of 35 AVSEC personnel who underwent Counter Terrorism Training organised by the United Nations.

    The 35 graduands who are master trainers would train aviation security experts in two training centres that will be established in Lagos and Zaria.

    The training will afford them opportunity to deliver and sustain high standard of aviation security screening across Nigeria’s civil aviation infrastructure.

    On why they need to carry arms, the minister gave an instance where Turkish airline passengers took to the tarmac to protest their luggage that was left in Istanbul.

    On the carrying of arms by AVSEC personnel, Sirika said: “I wrote a memo to President Buhari and also informed members of the Council that I want to reorganise aviation security and make them arms bearing wing of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    “The passengers took to the tarmac because we have a very weak and incapacitated Aviation security. AVSEC personnel’s mind and soul are strong enough but they have not been given the equipment that would support them to discharge their duties.

    “They will be civil, very harmless, they won’t interfere with any process, they would be at the background but they would be fully ready and alert to respond to any emergency at the airport.

    On the procurement of arms, Sirika said: “We have already commenced the process of procuring arms and we are putting structures in place.

    “You know it is not just about giving arms to personnel and it’s use, the personnel has to be selected, has to be the right person, he has to have the right psychology and he must master the arts and signs of use of weapons, he has to understand that he is a civil Force and learn to use arms at the right. It is not an easy thing but we will get it done”

    He also assured Nigerians, the UN, aviation communities and the world that the ministry would be alive to responsibilities.

    Speaking in a pre-recorded tape, the Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, Dr. Jehangir Khan said the training demonstrates the willingness and the continued effort of Nigeria to battle terrorism and protect the people of Nigeria.

    On the essence of the training, he said: “it is designed to improve aviation security at all airports throughout Nigeria, through a more efficient security screening process for all passengers, in accordance with the international standards required by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) and the European Union.

    “The project will contribute directly to the Nigerian Government’s overall counter-terrorism strategy by helping to mitigate the threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist organizations and their operatives.

    “It also contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2309 adopted on 22 September 2016, which calls on Member States to take all necessary efforts to improve and protect aviation security worldwide.”

  • FEC approves N55.7bn for road, aviation contracts

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved road and aviation projects totaling N55.7 billion.

    The Ministers of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and that of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    According to Fashola, N54.172 billion was approved for Odukpani Itu-Ikot Ekpene route linking Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

    He said: “The Ministry of Power Works and Housing had just one memorandum and it was for the award of the Odukpani Itu-Ikot Ekpene route linking Akwa Ibom and Cross River States with a spur to Ibede Itan. The road project was awarded to Julius Berger Plc.

    “So we expect that all of the problems associated with that road which was constructed for well over 40 years ago which has outgrown its design life and also its design capacity those problems will now be frontally responded to by the award of this contract. We will do the best to quickly mobilise the contractor to site with the onset of the rainy season and am sure that by this time next year, it will be a better story and a better journey time experience in that area of the country.”

  • First aircraft lands in Abuja airport after runway rehabilitation

    First aircraft lands in Abuja airport after runway rehabilitation

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, opened for flights on Tuesday six weeks after it was closed for runway repairs.

    The Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, landed first on the rehabilitated runway on a Nigerian Police Force aircraft with registration number 5N- HAR, which flew in from Kaduna airport.

    An excited Sirika told journalists: “April 19, 2017 was the due date to conclude and open the airport based on our programme of work.

    “We were able to deliver the project earlier than anticipated so we cannot open late. There is nothing wrong in opening it a day earlier.

    “Here we are, we set out to achieve a target and we achieve the target.

    “We thank Allah for His benevolence. We are happy and thank Mr. President, His Excellency for his support, guidance and leadership.

    “And I also want to thank my colleagues who did it all, the media and the Nigeria people for bearing with us during the time of the closure.”

    Sirika said the runway is now in perfect shape.

     

     

  • Abuja Airport reopens for operation after six weeks

    Abuja Airport reopens for operation after six weeks

    After six weeks closure, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was on Tuesday reopened for operation.

    The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika was said to be on board the test flight from Kaduna international airport which landed at the Abuja airport on Tuesday morning.

    Details later…

  • Ethiopian Airline airlifts 4,500 passengers from Kaduna airport in 28 days

    Ethiopian Airline airlifts 4,500 passengers from Kaduna airport in 28 days

    Ethiopian Airlines says it has airlifted over 4,500 passengers from Kaduna International Airport since it commenced flight operations from the airport on March 8.

    Mrs Firiehiwot Mekonnen, the airline’s Traffic and Sales Manager, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that it had so far operated 28 flights from the airport.

    “We have airlifted more than 4,500 passengers; we also operated 28 flights from March 8 to April 4 and our experience so far is good.

    “Ethiopian Airlines, having a vision of being the leading aviation group, is working hard to have more than 120 destinations as one of the vision 2025 goals,” she said.

    Mekonnen described as encouraging the level of work so far done on the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and expressed optimism that the airport would be reopened on April 19.

    She, however, urged the contractor to maintain the high pace of work on the runway and ensure that the deadline was met.

    “We have not seen the runway yet but from the report we are getting we think the government will meet the deadline,” she said.

    NAN recalls that the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika had on March 30, disclosed that over 50 international flights had been operated from Kaduna airport with about 4,000 international passengers in three weeks.

    He added that about 73,000 domestic passengers had been airlifted with about 1,119 aircraft movements for domestic operations.

    NAN reports that Ethiopian Airline is the only foreign airline operating from Kaduna, while two Nigerian airlines, Arik and Medview, also operate international flights from the airport.

    As at March 29, Arik had airlifted about 165 international passengers with 11 aircraft movements for both arrivals and departures.

    NAN reports that the Federal Government shut Abuja airport on March 8 for six weeks to carry out major repairs on its 3.6 km runway.

    The rehabilitation work has reached 75 per cent completion two weeks to the reopening of the airport, according to a tweet by the minister on Wednesday.

  • Abuja Airport runway repairs about 58% ready

    Abuja Airport runway repairs about 58% ready

    The Federal Government Thursday said the runway repairs ongoing at the Nnamdi Azikwe International airport is 57.5 percent completed.

    The FG also disclosed that escalators, lifts and lounge will be installed at Terminal building to ease the movement for the aged and the physically challenged.

    Also, since flight operations were moved to Kaduna International Airport, the federal government said it has witnessed about 1,119 domestic flights operation and 50 international flights.

    This was disclosed in Abuja Thursday after the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika and the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed inspected the extent of work done three weeks into the closure of the runway.

    Sirika said: “Without going deep into the reasons why the airport had to be closed; basically because of safety, the runway had completely failed at several sections, making it impossible to take the option of repairs at night and operating by day.

    “Here we are, we choose the decision in the interest of safety and we commenced. Work is going on smoothly and everything is in order.

    “From the programme of work, we were supposed to import all necessary materials that need to be imported and those that are local be sourced and at the work site, the contractor has mobilized fully and we have done now about 57.5 percent of the total work which is good and which shows that we are on time and that we are doing what we are supposed to do to ensure that the runway is opened come 19th of April.”

    On other works that is ongoing at the airport, he said: “we are on course and this runway will be opened on the 19th of April and it will not only be opened, the terminal building will wear a new look.

    “We are doing complete rehabilitation of Wing D at the airport. We will put escalators and lifts for departure at that terminal.

    “Also, we are opening up a lounge for the disable, challenged and elderly. This in response from our thoughts and the feedback we get including the feedback from Omojuwa who said he hopes it will be opened with lift for the elderly and the challenged.

    “It has been part of what we planned, so we are speaking in the same language with users of our service.

    “In the Terminal B, we are building a new lift also, constructing it to install and of course, toilets and other artillery services will be provided. So, the benefit of this closure means that we are having improved terminal.

    “A terminal that is more robust, take more passengers and create seamless flow, international and local passengers not mixing. They will go to different sides of the airport entirely and that is according to international standards, ICAO standards and recommended practices.

    “So, the airport will be more compliant if you ask me and more functional and efficient at the time it will be opened”, he said.

    Speaking on some materials that were imported for the purpose of the rehabilitation, he said: “I am being asked what is imported for this purpose; there is a new technology where glass grid is put in the process of constructing the runway to reinforce it, to give it extra strength and prevent cracks.

    “This is the first time any Nigerian runway is being treated with such material and that material is a 50 tonner. We had to fly it in to Nigeria to ensure that it comes in time for this job and you have seen samples of it.

    He added: “The runway work is going according to plan and you could also see that we are working simultaneously. Whilst the surface work is being finished, the installation of lightings are going on at the same time, channels are being cut for the laying of wires and also installation of lights at the same time.”

    On the statistics of passengers and flight operation in Kaduna since the closure of the Abuja airport runway, Sirika said: “We have had about 50 international flights out of Kaduna, we have moved about 4000 international passengers out of Kaduna and about 73,000 domestic passengers and about 1,119 aircraft movement for domestics.

    “There are inconveniences for people but I am sure Nigerians are in support in the interest of safety.”

    On whether there will be any delay if rain falls before the 23 of April, the date predicted by NiMet for rain to start in Abuja, the Minister said: “there won’t be disruption because we have factored that into our thoughts.

    “So long as we don’t get some surprises, even though science and technology is factual, and precise, something can go wrong and God can decide to do something different but so long it is normal rain that will set in and go away as we envisaged, it is not going to disrupt our operation but if it something beyond the usual that can tamper, of course it will tamper but all the same, I think with all of that, we will be able to reopen on the 19th.”

    On the delay of flight operation from Kaduna to London, Sirika said: “the operations that would have happened on Monday for us to fly direct to London was on course until that Monday.

    “We had couple of issues with the local carrier we wanted to partner with. The aircraft is available, the route is available, the capacity and ability of the local partner; but we have some issues which is being considered.

    “We were of the belief that everything was okay and that is why we projected Monday, however, as soon as that is sorted out, we will commence that flight.

    “Our intent is to make all of our airport, regardless to be able to access the world through them, so we are taking them seriously. So, I will update you as soon as I have an uodate”, he added.

    Also speaking, Lai Mohammed assured that the six weeks promised will not be extended.

    He said: “We believe it is befitting that we bring you here again since we are three weeks gone from the six weeks we promised to see the extent of the work that has been done.

    “This is to reiterate that the six weeks we promised the world is still valid and we don’t intend to give any excuses.”

     

  • Dana boss lauds facilities at Kaduna Airport

    The Managing Director, Dana Air, Mr Jacky Hathiramani, has applauded the Minister of State Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika over the execution of the Kaduna Airport as alternate to Abuja Airport.

    Hathirmani gave the commendation in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday by Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, the airline’s Communications Manager.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Hathirmani had earlier carried out a spot-check of the Kaduna International Airport.

    The airline boss said considering the time and the urgent need for the Abuja airport to be closed for desired maintenance, the minister and the aviation agencies should be commended.

    “This commendation is for the speed, tireless work and commitment they have shown in ensuring that the airport is world-class for passengers flying in and out of Kaduna,” he said.

    Hathirmani disclosed that more passengers were now embracing the Kaduna Airport as alternate to Abuja and cargo services were also improving gradually.

    The airline boss also said the Kaduna–Abuja expressway is now smooth and okay for passengers to connect from Kaduna to Abuja.

    “The security arrangement on the road is also commendable. I just went for a meeting in Abuja and I have taken time to assess the facilities.

    “Some of the facilities here are world-class and it is just two hours to Abuja.

     “For us, we are always conscious of the fact that passengers will be connecting Abuja from here.

    “We have made adequate arrangements to ensure that all our departures from Lagos to Kaduna and other routes are as scheduled,” he said.

     Commenting on the inability of passengers to pay their fares using Point of Sales (POS), the managing director said the airline now had its POS working.

     “We had to fast-track the process with our banks in order to reduce the burden on our passengers.

    “I also sighted an ATM somewhere around. Things are coming up to speed here and I think it’s good for the industry.

    “As you may be aware, everything we do at Dana Air is geared towards ensuring that passengers get all they need without hassles

    “Our passengers can also visit our website www.flydanaair.com for their booking, or download the Dana Mobile App which is also fast, secure and convenient for booking, reservation, payment and lots more,” he said.

    Speaking further, he urged the airline’s passengers to take advantage of the airline’s low fares and superior on-time performance.

    The airline boss advised passengers to be patient as the ministry and its agencies would continue to improve facilities at the Kaduna Airport to their satisfaction.

     

  • 2017: NiMet predicts early rainfall, early cessation

    2017: NiMet predicts early rainfall, early cessation

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that Nigerians will experience shorter rainfall period in 2017.

    With the prediction, the agency also noted that there would be early cessation of rainfall in many parts of the country.

    According to the Agency, food production would be less than normal due to shorter growing season length over large parts of the country.

    This was disclosed in Abuja yesterday during the public presentation of the 2017 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction which was unveiled by the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

    The minister urged relevant stakeholders to take advantage of the prediction and plan ahead.

    Giving an overview of the prediction, the Director General of the Agency, Prof. Sani Mashi said: “2017 is expected to be a unique year as the country is likely to experience a wetter start and a drier end of the season

    “The annual rainfall amount predicted over the country in 2017 is expected to range from 400mm in the far north to about 3100mm in the coastal areas of the Niger Delta while the cessation dates of the rains in 2017 are predicted to start from around 4th October and reach the coastal states around 25th December.

    Continuing, NiMet boss said: “Rains might be heavy at the beginning but towards the end, the season will be drier which means that generally, rainfall will be below normal in some States including Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, northern Cross River, Enugu, Imo, Abia and some of the coastal areas.

    “In some States, we are predicting that the rainfall will be above normal. In and around states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Adamawa.

    “Aside these two categories, we are expecting that the rest of the state will experience normal rainfall.

    Also, the Agency predicted that Katsina State will experience earliest cessation of rain.

    “By October 4th, rain is expected to cease in Katsina state.”

    On the socio-economic implication of the prediction, Mashi said: “food production is expected to be less than normal because we are predicting that the growing season is going to be shorter over large parts of the country.

    “Since the rainfall will cease early, food production system has to be aligned properly so that crops that mature early can be planted”.

    On the health implication, he said the shorter than normal rainfall in some parts may lead to water stress and outbreak of diseases that are related to heat which can also affect livestock.

    Looking on the bright side of the prediction, the agency said: ” the above than normal rainfall that will be experienced in some States will lead to additional water in reservoirs and this can be a good sign as far as power generation is concerned because it means the potential for hydropower generation will be higher.”

  • Airport Closure: 1,890 passengers conveyed by road, says FG

    Airport Closure: 1,890 passengers conveyed by road, says FG

     

    The Federal Government Monday said it has conveyed 1,890 air passengers by road since the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport runway was closed.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja Monday by the Deputy Director of Press of the Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu.

    The statement did not state whether passengers used the free train transport provided by the government.

    Quoting statistics collated by the office of the minister of State (Aviation),  Hadi Sirika, 28 passengers were transported on the first day of the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines’ aircraft.

    “589, 695 and 578 on the second, third and the fourth day respectively when the domestic flight operations commenced.”

    The statement further reads: “From Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Kaduna Airport, total numbers of 458 passengers were transported on the return leg, 1,426.

    “The figure is expected to go up this new week due to the rising awareness among passengers”, said the minister

    The Minister also implored air passengers to take advantage of the provision and to also arrive early at the Abuja Airport end in order not to miss their flights in Kaduna.

    “The passengers need to get to Abuja Airport four hours earlier than their scheduled flight, so the buses will bring them within two or two and half hours to be able to process their boarding at Kaduna Airport within an hour”.

    According to the statement, a passenger on board of one of the buses provided, said:  “the government has saved me nothing less than Ten thousand naira (N10, 000) if I want to go to Abuja on my own on a hired taxi from Kaduna International Airport”.