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  • NAAPE vows to ensure safety in aviation sector

    NAAPE vows to ensure safety in aviation sector

    The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has promised to ensure safety in the aviation sector.

    The President of the Association, Capt. Bunmi Gindeh disclosed this in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the newly elected National Executive Council of the association.

    Gindeh also pledged the commitment of the leadership of the association to transforming the professional landscape for pilots and engineers across Nigeria.

    He described NAAPE members as the backbone of flight safety, operational excellence, and technological advancement in Nigerian aviation.

    Gindeh, in a statement by the Spokesperson of NAAPE, Engr. Blessing Ahmadu noted that members of the association are the engine room tasked with the responsibility of protecting members’ interests, engaging constructively with stakeholders, fostering professional development, and ensuring institutional sustainability.

    He urged the council to operate with diligence, transparency, and a spirit of collaboration, prioritising the collective good over individual interests.

    He said, “The decisions we make in this council will directly impact not only our members but also the safety and efficiency of air travel in our nation,” Captain Gindeh declared, framing the national executive council’s work as a matter of national importance that extends far beyond internal union affairs.”

  • NAAPE challenges Kalu to provide proof of alleged drug use by pilots

    NAAPE challenges Kalu to provide proof of alleged drug use by pilots

    The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has challenged Senator Orji Kalu to provide evidence of the alleged claims that pilots and other flight crew smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft under the influence of drugs.

    The Association asked the Senator to immediately substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence presented to the appropriate statutory government agencies, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), or issue an unreserved public withdrawal and apology to the nation’s aviators.

    The Association in a statement on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Engr. Blessing Ahmadu described the claim by the Senator as baseless, false, and misleading.

    Kalu made the allegations on Wednesday during a plenary session of the National Assembly.

    Reacting to the allegations, NAAPE stated: “NAAPE received with deep concern the unsubstantiated claims made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu during a plenary session of the National Assembly, alleging that some pilots in Nigeria smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs. 

    “NAAPE categorically and emphatically refutes the broad allegation that Nigerian pilots routinely fly under the influence of narcotics. 

    “These baseless claims, which constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals, are not only false but represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation operations.

    “As the professional body representing all licensed pilots and aircraft engineers in Nigeria, NAAPE considers safety as the foremost priority in all aspects of aviation practice. 

    “Every pilot in the country is bound by strict regulatory, medical, and ethical standards established by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements. 

    “These standards prohibit the use of any psychoactive substances and subject pilots to regular and random drug and alcohol testing as part of their medical certification and recurrent assessment processes. We also express our confidence in the safety oversight functions of the NCAA and its leadership, whose consistent enforcement of global best practices continues to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian aviation system.

    “It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that pilots routinely engage in drug use or report to duty under the influence of such substances”. 

    The statement added: “Aviation operations in Nigeria involve multiple layers of oversight, including pre-flight medical checks, recurrent simulator training, random toxicology screening, and continuous monitoring by both operators and regulators.

    “The suggestion that aircraft are being flown by intoxicated pilots undermines public confidence and the hard-earned integrity of Nigerian aviation professionals.

    “NAAPE further notes that Nigeria’s air transport sector remains one of the safest in Africa, a record sustained through strict adherence to international safety standards and continuous professional development. Any isolated case of misconduct by an individual, if established, is swiftly met with disciplinary and regulatory action by the relevant authorities.

    “While NAAPE recognises the distinguished Senator’s right to contribute to discussions on aviation safety, it urges all public figures to avoid making sweeping statements that can cause unwarranted alarm among air travellers, demoralise professionals, and erode public trust. Constructive engagement with facts and institutions remains the most effective path to improving safety oversight”.

    Speaking on behalf of the Association, President of NAAPE, Capt. Bunmi Gindeh, stated:“It is unacceptable to make unsubstantiated claims against a community of professionals. 

    “The burden of proof lies with whoever makes such an allegation, and it must be supported by evidence or withdrawn with a public apology. Everyone appears to speak as an aviation expert in this country except the professionals who are trained and certified to do the job. 

    “For too long, individuals outside the industry have attempted to define its operations, and one would have expected a former airline operator to understand this better. Sadly, this is not the case.Our members undergo some of the most rigorous medical, psychological, and professional screening anywhere in the world. 

    “To broadly generalise and suggest that Nigerian pilots operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs is not only false but deeply unfair to the thousands of disciplined professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring safe skies. We take great pride in our safety record and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism”.

    The association called on Senator to back up his claim with proof or tender apology.

    ”NAAPE calls on Senator Kalu to immediately substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence presented to the appropriate statutory government agencies, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), or issue an unreserved public withdrawal and apology to the nation’s aviators.

    “NAAPE also appeals on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to issue a public clarification on existing drug and alcohol testing procedures for pilots, to further reassure the flying public and correct any misconceptions arising from this allegation”.

    The Association also extended an invitation to the Senator and members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Aviation to engage with NAAPE and other stakeholders to understand the comprehensive safety framework that governs pilot training, certification, and operations in Nigeria.

    NAAPE while pledging its commitment to uphold the professional standards among its members, added that it will continue to collaborate with regulatory agencies, operators, and international partners to advance safety, discipline, and excellence across all aspects of Nigerian aviation.

    It also assured the travelling public that Nigerian pilots remain among the most competent, disciplined, and safety-conscious professionals globally.

  • ‘Airlines must have robust management structure to protect pilots, others’

    ‘Airlines must have robust management structure to protect pilots, others’

    Protecting jobs for pilots flying in the Nigerian airspace is becoming an arduous task, following the refusal of some airline owners to allow indigenous pilots enlist membership in their professional association. Besides, the influx of foreign pilots, occasioned by expatriate quota abuse, continues to add more to the lingering headaches in the aviation. President of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Abednego Galadima offers insight into the development. He spoke with KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR.

    Aviation business in Nigeria has been navigating around very difficult curves from whatever perspective you look at it. Significantly, the coming together of professional bodies like NAAPE has helped to put the system together.

    For us at NAAPE, in the 40 years of our existence , we have pushed the narrative for the industry around hard work, strategy and perseverance.

    Looking Back

    In the 40 years of the association’s existence, our leadership has moved from insolvency to sustainability.

    We have moved  from near collapse to establishing enduring legacy institutions, including owning a national secretariat in Lagos, launching the Penn Aviation Institute and generating fresh revenue beyond member dues.

    In September, the association will be celebrating its 40th anniversary.

    Assessment after completing second tenure in office

    This has been a great learning opportunity for me. The journey that started in 2017, by the grace of God who has carried us on His wings, will soon be ending. One of the challenges we had to face after my election, which was a very competitive one, was to make amends with those who were aggrieved to ensure that we were once again united around a very common cause. That was a challenge, but we were able to navigate through it.

    Apart from that, my election was around the time AMCON had taken control of Aero Contractors and Arik Air. After the demise of Nigerian Airways, Aero used to be a very strong base of NAAPE, and the development really impacted negatively on the association. We had to contend with issues of redundancy compensation for members.

    There was no money and AMCON was not forthcoming, but to the glory of God, we were able to fight consistently, and now 95 percent of what our members are owed has been paid.

    We had serious financial issues in the association because of that. Rent was being owed, salaries needed to be paid from a very lean, shoestring budget. It was a huge challenge but, to the glory of God, today all that is in the past.

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    Another challenge we had to face was the issue of the wrong perception the industry has about unions. Some would even tell you that unions are responsible for the demise of Aero Contractors, which is a lie. If not for the unions, Aero Contractors and Arik Air would probably not be standing today because of the tremendous advocacy that we tried to do in support of these two entities at all times.

    Refusal of Airlines for Pilots to Join NAAPE

    Most of the upcoming airlines have a very erroneous perception of unions. They threaten their staff not to join unions. But unfortunately and regrettably so, they forget that they will need us in the rainy days, and most times you see these members coming back to the secretariat and paying their fees because they need protection. I remember when one of the international airlines had a service provider that insisted that some engineers must not join the union. Eventually, when Emirates stopped coming to Nigeria, they had to lay them off. When this happened, the workers wanted the protection of the union, and unfortunately, it was a European entity. When we tried to intervene, they told us that the members said they were not members of the union, even when they had given them the opportunity to come with union representatives to be on their panel during appeals. So, you see, some of these things have a way of getting back at the members, and it is unfortunate.

    I believe every employer that knows they are in for a good deal will not have problems allowing members of staff to associate with unions. These are the kinds of issues we often find ourselves dealing with. So, the trust deficit between some of the social partners and the unions tried to breed an adversarial relationship. We had to smoothen it by gaining trust through collaborative engagements and creative cooperation with our social partners to win their trust and to show that unions are not there to pull down businesses.

    Protection of Pilots Jobs

    It was during my tenure that we suffered from COVID-19, which saw the closure of most airports and created a huge challenge for the industry. At some point, we had to deal with the issue of an employer sacking 69 pilots, and other employers sacking workers. We had to navigate through all of that to protect our members’ rights and, at the same time, working with the airlines, we advocated for a bailout package because we knew that both parties were feeling the impact. We had to contend with redundancies caused by the pandemic, and many of our members were affected. But the good thing is that the compensation was good. We negotiated and ensured that members got very good packages, and some of them didn’t even want to go back because they got seed money to start businesses of their own.

    We have also had situations where some airlines like Dana became distressed. They shut down and some of our members could not get their benefits. It is very unfortunate and regrettable. That is why we believe that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should insist that airlines have a robust management structure that protects workers, so that they won’t have to be the ones to pay for mismanagement.

    Achievements

    My greatest achievement is the ability to keep the association united despite some of the challenges we went through. I thank God for the team we had in this administration. They have been very cooperative, forward-looking and committed. All we achieved came as a result of unity, and that is why today we can talk about owning an office. This is a union that was broke when we came on board, but today we own a national secretariat in Ikeja, and we’ve been able to ensure that it’s properly functional.

    Another major achievement is that we are the first association to conduct a Safety Evaluation Index. We came up with a scientific way of evaluating safe airlines, and you know our members are the ones that work there; they fly and maintain the airplanes. We did that, recognised airlines that are doing well, and we believe it is a huge contribution to the development of the industry.

    Capacity development for Members

    Apart from that, we needed to motivate our members, so we made a compendium of 50 outstanding aircraft pilots and engineers, which helped us to identify outstanding members of our association and showcase them. We believe it can serve as a reference material and provide opportunities for direct and indirect mentoring. When a professional who is upcoming sees the compendium, he or she can look up to somebody and say, “Oh, I want to be like this one.”

    We also ensured that every year we trained our leadership regularly through our NECs and some of the media events we held. We ensured that our constitution was updated in tune with current realities. We amended where we needed to amend, and it was properly documented and gazetted by the federal government. When I assumed office, the constitution was still in the works. I was the one that saw to the conclusion of the amendment process and ensured it was gazetted.

    Global Partnership

    We know that pilots and aircraft engineers are not many in the country, so to leverage other people’s strength, we got affiliated with the Nigerian Labour Congress, which gave us the opportunity to leverage their resources. We are also affiliated with the International Workers’ Federation (ITF), which gives us leverage both locally and internationally because it has membership in more than 47 countries and over 18 million members. We ensured that we relentlessly protected workers’ rights and that they have robust, regularly updated conditions of service. Don’t forget we had to go on strike several times just to ensure that our members have a very robust condition of service in tune with current realities.

    To strengthen our financial capacity, my administration successfully set up an ATO called Penn Aviation Institute and, by the grace of God, in a matter of days, we shall be receiving our certificate from the NCAA, which will give us the opportunity to train our members and contribute our quota in terms of developing manpower in the industry. Our facility will also have a travellers’ lodge with an eight-room capacity to serve people better and expand our financial base. We don’t want to rely on the goodwill of our partners and dues.

    Other Interventions

    When we came in, there was no serious compensation for families of members that lost their lives. I came and instituted it, and today we have that package in place. Now, if such a thing happens, we give the families a very handsome sum, which I believe my successor will want to improve on. We came in and ensured that members are properly documented, and apart from that, we have certificates that we give which our members use to get commendation letters, placements, and travel opportunities. So, we have built a very credible organisation, and our members are enjoying the benefits.

    Unemployment of Young Pilots

    A good number of our young pilots and engineers don’t have job opportunities up till now, particularly the young pilots who need hours to build on. For the young engineers again, we thank God for some of the Maintenance, Repair Organisations which have given them the opportunity to build and develop skills.

    Again, if we have more MROs, it will be an opportunity to develop more local capacity. When you go to countries like Morocco, you have several MROs opening up the space. So, as it is now, we need more opportunities for pilots and engineers so that they can be gainfully employed. Particularly, we need more of these experiences with aircraft changing in terms of modernisation.

    Welfare of members

    The union exists because of the welfare of our members, to protect their work and to ensure that they get fair and appropriate compensation for whatever service or work they are rendering. However, all organisations are not the same. Their financial ability to pay compensation is not the same, and we factor in these peculiarities anytime we negotiate the condition of service for our members. Every time we have a member whose job is threatened, we ensure we quickly step in to reach an amicable resolution, and where there’s injustice, we make sure that justice is served.

  • NAAPE calls for pilots, engineers capacity development

    NAAPE calls for pilots, engineers capacity development

    The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called in indigenous carriers to create a window for capacity development for Nigerian young pilots and aircraft engineers in order to reduce the abuse of expatriate quota in the air transport sector.

    According to NAAPE President, Comrade Galadima Abednego, there must be a conscious effort by airlines to facilitate the type rating and training of young pilots and aircraft engineers to boost local talent retention.

    Speaking at briefing yesterday in Lagos to mark the 40th anniversary of the association and unveiling of its logo, Abednego hailed current efforts to establish Aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Facility (MROs), in the country , describing it as a move that will deepen local expertise.

    He said: “During the Nigeria Airways era, you see that so much training was going on and this helped young people. But currently, airlines would prefer to rather poach from airline A to B. They are just migrating and recycling them.”

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    Abednego said pilots and engineers, after paying heavily to train in school, those who can afford the fees are again forced to pay over N30 million to get type-rated, a training that is supposed to be done by airlines.

    “Despite some of these lapses, some of the airlines, particularly in oil and gas, across, you see them bringing expatriates from Eastern Europe, which they consider is maybe cheaper because there will be ready hands. And like I said, fundamentally, because they don’t want to train, we are faced with this issue of succession.

    “So you find out that because the highly experienced ones are aging out, and then the young ones are the ones struggling for themselves to get experience, it becomes a difficult situation. So sometimes you experience some huge gap. And that’s a huge challenge,” Abednego said.

    The NAAPE president noted that the association has been advocating for the government to pay attention to the aviation industry and support the growth of national carriers.

    He, however, expressed relief that Air Peace and Embraer want to build a Maintenance, Repair Overhaul (MRO), which would create more opportunities for young engineers to practice.

    Abednego also emphasised the need for Nigerian airlines  prioritize  local talent and reduce reliance on foreign expatriates.

    “We need a national carrier that will have capacity, because there are no investors that will come and begin to put in so much money. But a national carrier, I’m not saying wholly owned by government, but we need a carrier that will have such financial muscle that will drive this industry.”

    The NAAPE president also spoke about the challenges of unionisation in the aviation industry, saying that some airlines refuse to recognise the union and negotiate with its members.

    “Clearly, yes, while we have refrained from being too disruptive, we have tabled this matter where it needs to be tabled. If you are aware, the last engagement unions had with Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development in Lagos last year, he actually asked the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to organize a meeting between AON and the unions so that they can engage and build understanding with regards to this,” he explained.

    Abednego also highlighted the issue of expatriate quota abuse, saying that some airlines circumvent the law by bringing in foreign workers without proper documentation.

    “Expatriate quota is a law. Currently, the Minister of Interior is doing a great job on that. But even at that, the employers try to circumvent some of these things. It’s not only in aviation. So, the Minister of Interior that authored the expatriate quota law should be the one to watch.”

    The NAAPE president also emphasised the need for the government’s support and regulation to ensure the growth and development of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

    “We need government to pay attention to Nigeria so that these things can be obtainable here. So that if one will need to migrate, it will be a matter of choice, not a necessity.”

    Abednego described the 40th year milestone as a celebration of resilience, sacrifice, and sustained commitment to aviation safety.

    He listed some of the achievements he recorded during his tenure.

    “In terms of promoting our members’ welfare, we ensured regularly that all our branches have robust and negotiated conditions of services that are fair and reflective of current realities.

    “We relentlessly protected their rights and their jobs . In collaboration with other industry Unions, we have advocated and made presentations both at the Ministerial and National Assembly levels on matters of interest to the industry.

    “Most especially during Covid-19 pandemic we advocated and supported bailout package to save the industry.We have engaged in safety promotion activities. We conducted safety workshops and came up with safety evaluation index for the industry and use same to award deserving airlines and other aviation entities,” he said.

    To encourage excellence and selfless service, he said the association originated a compendium of 50 outstanding Pilots and Aircraft Engineers using very strict criteria and saw to the release of detailed profiles of its forebearers and recognising their service and sacrifices, thereby providing a reference material and opportunities for direct and indirect mentoring.

    “We ensured relevant and regular training of our leadership every year thereby developing their capacities.All these and more were achieved because our predecessors were able to handover to us an Association in piece and with great potentials,” he added.

  • Aviation unions ground operations at Bristow, Caverton helicopters

    Aviation unions ground operations at Bristow, Caverton helicopters

    Aviation Unions on Thursday grounded the operations of Bristow Helicopters and Caverton Helicopters over refusal of their management to address issues bordering on the welfare of their members. The unions comprised of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers ( NAAPE ), Association of Aviation Professionals ( ANAP ), and other affilates in the United Labour Congress ( ULC ).

    Members of the unions in the two helicopter companies withdrew their services, including the supply of fuel until issues raised by the unions are equitably resolved.

    At the General Aviation Terminal ( GAT ), wing of the Lagos Airport, scores of union members blocked the entrance and exit gates of Bristow Helicopters to prevent passengers and others planning to patronise the firm from gaining access.

    Singing solidarity songs and dancing to music blaring from loud speakers, the union members expressed disenchantment over the way and manner the management of Bristow Helicopters maltreats and humilate its Nigerian workers.

    They dislayed placards with inscriptions that drives home the maltreatment of Nigerian workers by the helicopter company.

    Some of the placards reads: “Racism in Bristow must stop”.

    “Nigerian Jobs for Nigerians”

    “We say no to forced labour in Bristow”.

    “Stop abusing and violating our rights and privileges “.

    Addressing members of the unions, National President of NAAPE, Comrade Galadima Abednego said they were forced to shut down Bristow and Caverton Helicopters because of the failure of their management to address issues concerning their members.

    He said attempts by NAAPE in the last four years to impress it on the management of Bristow to do the needfull has failed despite interventions by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA ).

    He said : “The management of Bristow Group has been unrelenting in violating both the spirit and letters of the Conditions of Service wittingly agreed to by them. 

    The airline has kept pilots and engineers progression at bay.

    Refusal to pay for forced work rotation which they kept in place for the whole year January to December of 2017. 

    Declared redundancy but refused to offer any justification as required by labour law and Condition of Service, while bidding for time to render potential victims helpless. 

    Commenced a policy of witch-hunting, intimidation and victimization of union members leading to arbitrary sacking of a pilot without recourse to the procedures established in the Conditions of Service. 

    Created and forced engineers into a shift pattern that requires them work for in excess of what is agreed in the Conditions of Service.

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    “Our union has tried its best to be calmed, composed and matured under this maze of malfeasance on the part of the management. 

    “We have tried every form of engagement with the hope of securing an amicable settlement of these issues. But our forbearance has been taken for granted, and our patience has been repaid with scorn and mocking by the management.

    “Having no further means to get amelioration, our union has no alternative than to embark on this industrial action.” 

    The NAAPE President said the strike could only be called off, if the management of Bristow takes steps to resolve pending issues.

    He said : “Accordingly, this strike action will remain in place until the following demands are met.

    “That the  management of Bristow Group justifies their extraordinary recruitment of expatriates, or streamlines the  number of expatriates in its employ to be in alignment with Nigeria’s Expatriate Quota Laws.

    “Recalls the NAAPE member sacked arbitrarily with due apology and immediately locate all pilots and engineers appropriately on the progression matrix established by the Conditions of Service.

    “Pay  arrears of all work done as per approved pay structures in the company  as  contained in the Conditions of Service,  abrogate all shift systems that are contrary to the progressions of the Conditions of  Service and for work done presently in excess of approved hours of work in the  Conditions of Service. 

    “Undertake to abstain from current strong arm tactics, impunity, intimidation, manipulation of facts, and general recklessness.

    “We call on the Minister of Labour and employment, the Minister of Interior,  Minister of State, Aviation, the leadership of the National Assembly, the Director General of the NCAA and all agencies of government connected to these issues to come to our aid  in confronting and bringing under control, this hydra-headed monster called Bristow Helicopters. 

    This will be in the general interest of Nigeria and her citizens, as well as the orderly development of the aviation sector in Nigeria.” 

    On Caverton, the NAAPE boss said the firm’s operations was shut because it has been shortchanging its members.

    He said : “We shut down Caverton Helicopters operations because the the condition of service has expired. The management has been using delay tactics.”

  • NAAPE grounds Bristow Helicopters operations

    NAAPE grounds Bristow Helicopters operations

    NATIONAL Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) yesterday  shut Bristow Helicopters nationwide over its plans to disengage indigenous pilots and engineers on its pay roll.

    Confirming the development, its national President,  Balami Isaac, said: “Their operations are currently grounded and nothing will be happening there today.

    “The issues necessitating the shutting includes: victimisation of members especially executives, illegal redundancy, violation of conditions of services by making members to work up to 60, 72 hours without paying overtime, cancelation of even rotation and forcefully outing everybody to work more and earn less.

    “In other words, reduction in salary and refusal to honour the exchange rate agreed during negotiation.”

    According to NAAPE, the shutdown on the helicopter company was as a result of its management declaring 13 local engineers and 10 Nigerian pilots redundant.

  • NAAPE plans N2.5b headquarters at MMIA

    The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) is to build its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    The construction of the N2.5 billion  state-of-the-art facility will be powered by Hall 7, a real estate firm.

    It will  be completed in 24 months.

    In a statement, NAAPE President Isaac Balami said the new headquarters would include a 150-room five-star hotel, a club house, 40 offices, world-class training facilities and event and banquet centres, a swimming pool, exercise centre, the NAAPE Hall of Fame, a banking hall, game centres and more.

    It said: “It gladdens my heart to announce that the age-long and foremost dream of the Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE)  to build its Headquarters has finally come true. This is my proud seventh year as the National President of our Association. We have been deliberating on this matter for forty years and I believe that this achievement is timely: I will be stepping down next year, and feel that this will provide a legacy service that will benefit the next generations of the NAAPE. It remains my great privilege to serve until we select my successor to carry forward and continue to deliver on our vision.”

    Balami lauded the association for its support in taking the unanimous decision to perform the herculean task.

    Balami said:  “As the longest-serving National President of NAAPE for the last 40 years, I can only share the great honour and privilege it has been to lead our aviators through thick and thin. This milestone  would not have been possible without the ongoing support of executive, to whom I will always be grateful. When I finally step down next year, I am certain that I will be able to look back, reflect and then smile with pride at the legacy that our great team efforts and recurring value that this amazing team has helped me to achieve.”

  • Minister urges pilots, engineers on safety

    •Akwa Ibom to complete facility

    Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka, has urged members of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) to continue maintaining safety standards already in place, just as he promised to sustain the tempo of airport remodelling.

    speaking at the seminar and national executive committee meeting of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) Chief Chidoka, who was represented by a deputy director safety and technical policy in the ministry,  Clement Awogbawi, said transformation in the aviation industry has been very remarkable with the improvement of airport across the country that has remained users friendly.

    Chidoka said the transformation will not be complete without the recognition of NAAPE in aircraft maintenance and the building of aircraft  maintenance hangers in the country.

    He said the availability of maintenance hangar  will not only reduce the high cost of aircraft maintenance carried out outside Nigeria, but  also generate employment opportunities and reduce capital flights.

    Chidoka noted that the quest for Nigeria to become a hub in the sub region cannot be attained without adequate aircraft maintenance hangar facilities in the country.

    He highlighted the issue of security and safety to be pursued vigorously during his  tenure in order to provide safety and security in the sector.

    According to the Minister, in order to realise the dream of the hangar projects, governments alone cannot do it and then called for private participation in the system to achieve the success of the project.

    He praised the Akwa Ibom State government for taking a lead in this direction by building a hangar that will accommodate wide bodied aircraft.

    Governor Godswill Akpabio in his speech said the second Ibom International Airport runway will soon be completed to attract international operations to the airport.

    Governor Akpabio, who was represented by the state commissioner for  transportation, Godwin Ntukude said the Ibom Airport was a world class airport designed to accommodate wide bodied aircraft.

  • ‘Fed Govt should patronise NCAT’

    The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Federal Government to patronise the Nigerian College  of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State to train pilots and aircraft engineers under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    Training pilots and aircraft engineers on government scholarship at the NCAT, the association said, would save costs  and  reduce capital flight.

    The huge sums spent to train the pilots abroad, NAAPE said, should be deployed in NCAT, which requires adequate funding to actualise its mandate and accelerate development.

    According to the Public Relations Officer of NAAPE, Bunmi Gindeh, the use of the college for the training of pilots and engineers will assist the institution in many areas.

    NAAPE spoke against the backdrop of the over 127 pilots and engineers that recently graduated from their training  and type rating in different institutions across the world.

    The pilots and aircraft engineers were trained at Afrika Union Aviation Academy, Mafikeng, South Africa,  Lufthansa Flight Training Network, in Germany, Fujairah Aviation Academy, United Arab Emirates and  Royal Jordanian Academy, Amman, Jordan .

    Gindeh said: “Allowing the pilots to be trained at the aviation college in Zaria , would  help the institution with highly needed funds for development, as well as mitigate against capital flight, not to talk of the cost saving element.

    “This effort would definitely help in bridging the gap of availability of trained manpower in the country.”

    The  NAAPE official added that NCAT has standard training facilities and manpower for training of pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.

    The official said the association is  excited over the local content bill proposed by the National Assembly to make it mandatory for airlines to employ certain number of indigenous pilots in their flight deck.

    Gindeh added: “National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) is overjoyed with the statement of intention of the President of the Senate with regard to an impending aviation local content act.

    “We are happy that the intended act will make it mandatory for local and foreign airlines to engage Nigerian pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.”

  • Group urges improved aviation safety

    Group urges improved aviation safety

    The President, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Mr Isaac Balami, has urged authorities in the aviation industry to step up efforts at improving safety and security of passengers at the airports.

    He also said this is one way of attracting more revenue to the industry through enhanced confidence of air travellers.

    He said: “In 2014, NAAPE is proposing that the aviation authorities must look more into the area of safety of passengers at our airports.There should also be a proper overhauling of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) by getting more professionals to work there. That will make the agency to be more alive to its responsibilities as the regulatory agency of the aviation industry.’’

    He said NAAPE also expects the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to install more functional instrument landing systems (ILS) at the airports.

     

    ‘’We want the Federal Government to make the installation of the radio communication its topmost priority this year in other airports where they are not available. Before the middle of this year, ILS should be functioning efficiently in all our airports,’’ he said.

    Balami said most of the pilots and aeronautical engineers that lost their jobs in 2013 have begun to seek employment with the new airlines .

    ‘’Most of them had picked up jobs with other airlines while some are still trying to pick up jobs with those that are planning to commence operations very soon. Three more airline are likely to commence operations within the next three months and we are very sure that everybody will be employed by then,’’ he said.

    Balami assured that the out outstanding salaries the grounded airlines are owing the pilots and aeronautical engineers would be paid.

    “The case is in court and ongoing and as law abiding citizens, we did not want to take the law into our hands, he said. ‘’ That is why we have approached the court,’’ Balami said.

    The NAAPE chief in his assessment of the industry in 2013 said that the sector has moved ahead.

    It recorded some significant achievements in 2013, especially in the area of infrastructure developments and airport remodeling.

    According to him, our airports are looking better now than they were several years past .

    ‘We have not had this kind of infrastructure development of our airports in the last 30 years as we have them done under the present administration.

    Before this remodeling and transformation agenda, the industry has been denied of so many benefits, ’’ Balami said.