The Nation Newspaper

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  • Fayemi appoints four new Permanent Secretaries

    Ekiti Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has approved the appointment of four new Permanent Secretaries in the civil service.

    The new Permanent secretaries are Mr.Tokunbo Ayokunle Alokan, Mr.Ezekiel Olufemi Adedipe, Mr. Sola Ogunmiluyi and Mr. Adedapo Kayode Akinola.

    Read Also; I’ve no candidates for council polls, says Fayemi

    According to a statement signed on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the appointments take effect from October 1, 2019.

    Oyebode added the swearing-in ceremony for the new permanent secretaries would take place on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.

  • FUOYE student emerges Miss Ekiti 2019

    Akindele Justina Temitayo, a 200-level student of History and International Studies department, Federal University Oye-Ekiti has emerged Miss Ekiti 2019.

    The event was witnessed by students, captains of industries, traditional rulers, political persons and entertainment personality at AB Civic Centre, Ado Ekiti at the weekend.

    Saheed Balogun, a popular veteran actor and Taiyelolu, were host and co-host for the event while OAP AyNigeria and Queencyglo were red carpet hosts.

    Raji Abimbola 23 Foundation is the organizer of the event.

    The purpose of Miss Ekiti yearly is to encourage young ladies across the Continent to live their dreams.

    The judges for the pageantry show were Miss Ekiti 2017, CEO of DE Elegant Expertise Palais; Owajoba Busayo, CEO of Seatop Media/Printing and Publishing; Seun Awopegba and Award winning Nollywood actress; Dupe Jaiyesimi.

    The process of selecting the winner by the Judges was based on “Communication, Education, Health, Entrepreneurship, Arts & Culture, Environment, Welfare, Technology and Financial Management, the sole objectives are to uplift, empower and cater for the dignity of young ladies, women and the less privileged in all facets of life using this Vital Values”, as announced by the organiser.

    Temitayo emerged defeated 20 others contenders while Iyeku Peace emerged as first runner up and Adesioye Adetutu as second runner up.

    The winner of Miss Ekiti 2019, is entitled to a Brand new car, one year wardrobe allowance, trip abroad and a well furnished office.

    Read Also: 42nd Miss Nigeria grand finale holds tomorrow

    First runner up is entitled to N200,000, well furnished office, one year free makeover, spokesperson and brand ambassador for every child deserves to be in classroom campaign.

    Second runner up is entitled to 100,000, well furnished office, one year free makeover, spokesperson and brand ambassador for every child deserves to be in classroom campaign.

    The winner expressed excitement over winning the contest and promise to impact the society through her office.

    ” I felt very good and so happy that I was crying. I didn’t expect it We were 20 that participated in the contest.

    “I intend to use my office to impact the society in the best way I can. I have a project am working on which will be revealed very soon. I am sure by the time I carry out my project the impact will be felt in Ekiti and outside Ekiti,” she said.

    Awodola Oluwaseun, The Students Union President of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, in a statement congratulated Miss Ekiti 2019 for bringing the crown home.

    He said: “Projecting the beauty and royal dignity of the institute,even in adverse, we choose to be of positive impact and being of virtue.

    “The Student Union hereby felicitate and congratulates our very own Justina for topping and bringing the crown home.”

    Miss Ekiti 2019Miss Ekiti 2019Miss Ekiti 2019

  • Senate moves to check illegal mining

    The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to develop a legal framework to checkmate illegal artisanal mining across the country.

    This call followed a motion titled: “The need to check Illegal Mining Activities in the Country,” sponsored by Sen Ya’u Sahabi, representing Zamfara North, at plenary.

    The Senate further urged the Federal Government to clean up the areas affected by lead poisoning in Zamfara State, rehabilitate the victims and environmental degradation in the state.

    In his lead debate, Sen. Sahabi, noted that Nigeria is rich in over 40 types of minerals, with the solid minerals sector proving to be a potential source of economic development and diversification of the economy.

    He said the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the country dated back to 1902 with the production of tin, coal and considerable ton of gold yearly.

    He acknowledged that the objective of the National Policy on Solid Minerals is to ensure orderly development of mineral resources in the country.

    Read Also: Telecoms firms to battle Senate over 9 per cent tax bill

    He said the Senate is “saddened that over the years, illegal mining activities has continued to increase across the country, especially in Niger, Plateau, Zamfara, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states respectively, where it thrives without check.”

    He lamented that illegal mining sites not only breed criminality, but also exacerbates terrorism and insurgency as witnessed in states where mining activities are being done, “especially, Zamfara State, where the state of insecurity could be traced to these illegal mining sites.”

    He said the  Senate is aware that an online platform reported in August, 2018, that over two million people depend on illegal mining for their livelihood in the country.

    He said illegal artisanal mining accounts for over 80 per cent of mining and “this is largely informal activity, without any revenue accruals to the government.”

    He expressed worry that due to illegal mining, “the solid mineral sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country dipped over time, showing that while Nigeria gets less from the sector, other African countries enjoy significant contribution from the sector to their GDP.

    For example, the sector contributes over 40per cent to the GDP of Botswana; and in Congo and South Africa, it is about 25per cent and 18per cent respectively.

    He insisted that despite derailing the attainment of the nation’s targeted GDP, the affected states, especially Zamfara is greatly short-changed economically.

    He further expressed concern that the “occupational health and environmental impact on the country is incalculable as witnessed in the tragic lead poisoning that claimed several lives in Zamfara State not too long ago.”

    Senator in the contributions bemoaned lack of a comprehensive legal framework for mining in the country and called for urgent action to redress the anomaly.

  • Urbanisation, others driving Lafarge products

    Lafarge Africa on Wednesday said the demand for its materials and solutions are driven by global population growth, urbanisation, improved living standards and sustainable construction.

    It also said leveraging innovative expertise has helped to provide value-added products and  solutions in the building and construction industry in the country.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Michel Puchercos who spoke during the re-launch of Lafarge Africa’s  improved Elephant Supaset Cement in Lagos, said the demand for LafargeHolcim materials and solutions are driven by global population growth, urbanisation, improved living standards and sustainable construction. Around 75,000 people work for the company in around 80 countries.

    ‘The introduction of this improved formulation – Supaset is in line with the ‘Growth’ pillar of Lafarge Africa’s Strategy 2022 – Building for Growth – which aims to drive profitable growth and accelerate our performance in key areas. Providing such a product for our customers is in keeping with our commitment to excellence. This is a remarkable moment and great achievement that we all are proud of.

    turing sector. Our global presence and Research Centre in Lyon, France provides a unique opportunity for us to deliver in line with best practices and create innovative products and solutions that deliver more value to our customers.’

    ‘The new Supaset is a solution to the long yearnings of our customers, especially block makers who have lost investments as a result of cement products that do not guarantee the strength needed for construction of buildings and other strong high concrete construction works.” he said.

    Commercial Director of Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Gbenga Onimowo said the new product is in response to customer needs and in line with global industry standards.

    ‘We launched Supaset because we have a unique understanding of the needs of our customers and our end users. With our access to global best practices, innovative solutions from the LafargeHolcim group, we were able to identify and introduce Supaset to take the lead and provide real solutions in construction. We understand the huge losses that people have to deal with due to the lack of cement formulation that guarantees fast setting and superior quality.’ he said.

    “Supaset, just like the name rightly suggests, is a rapid-setting cement that enables blocks dry and set fast, while retaining its quality and ensuring no cracks and breakages thus making it the only cement with such capabilities in the market today. The desire to further secure and grow our market share within this segment took us back to the drawing board and the result is what we are experiencing today, the re-launch of an improved Supaset. Supaset has superior value, sets fast and enables the production of ready to use blocks within 24 hours.

    “This improved formulation has been tried, tested and is trusted by all our customers, including block makers. The brands unique value propositions of Supa strong, Supa quality & Supa Value guarantees that Supaset is the ideal choice for high strength concrete for advanced construction works. Lafarge Africa continues to lead in innovation and creativity, we are equally proud to present this newly improved product in horizontal cement bags, the first-of –its-kind in Nigeria.’’

    In addition to launching the new look bag and an improved product performance; Lafarge Africa is also rolling out a new Marketing Communications campaign across conventional and new media channels.

  • NPA, BUA concession row threatens over 1000 jobs

    The festering dispute between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and BUA Ports  and Terminals Limited, a subsidiary of BUA Group over the status of its Concession in the Port Harcourt Ports area, may scuttle the coming to fruition of the $400million investment by the conglomerate that could provide over 1000 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs in haulage, loading, stacking, sales, among others, in the Group’s manufacturing value chain.

    The General Manager, BUA Ports and Terminals Limited, Mohammed Lile Ibrahim, who spoke with the media on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, said when BUA got the concession in 2006, it engaged Julius Berger at a contract of 22.6 Euros for the Engineering, Procurement and Commissioning (EPC) of the area in accordance with the concession agreement.

    He said Julius Berger worked on the concession area quay for about 12 months from March 2014 to July 2015 and had to leave when its request for cost variation arising from expanded scope of work was delayed by NPA.

    Ibrahim said the concession which is for 20 years in the first instance and subject to renewal has subsisted for only 13 years, saying that the step contemplated by the Managing Director of NPA, Ms. Hadiza  Bala-Usman announcing the decommissioning of the whole concession arrangement, was capable of undermining the NPA concessioning agreements and against internationally acceptable judicial/dispute resolution procedures.

    He said NPA’s argument that the reason for the decommissioning of BUA Jetty was a result of the unsafe operational environment of the jetty which needed urgent repairs and reconstruction is not tenable since BUA Group had on different occasions written the NPA seeking approval to perform remedial works on the terminal, wondering why NPA refused to grant approval but rather  hurriedly decommissioned the terminal despite the repair works required for the part of the Jetty in question not requiring a decommissioning or closure of the entire Terminal.

    Ibrahim said NPA failed to meet with its obligations regarding the lease agreement and of disregarding a ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division injunction restraining NPA from terminating or giving effect to the Notice of Termination pending the referral of the issues in dispute to arbitration as provided under the lease Agreement, pointing out that NPA will jettisoned the pending arbitral processes of the Court of Arbitration of International  Chamber of Commerce in Paris and took laws into its hands by taking physical possession of the Terminal.

    He said BUA Group was unshaken by the actions of NPA, vowing that the company will defend its rights as provided under the Agreement both in court and the arbitration proceedings whilst remaining committed to the terms of the agreement.

    He said the closure is costing BUA Group a monthly revenue loss of between $500,000 and $600,000, and by extension, the Federal Government, which the NPA ought to collect on throughput charges which range from $85,000 to $105,000 monthly, depending on the volume of cargoes discharged.

    Ibrahim said: “This is affecting the economy because when you keep a vessel out for  one month without berth, money is going, somebody is losing. The tank farm that is close to us is losing. Crown Flour Mills take their product from BUA Terminal, we have so many customers that bring in fish through our terminal, all of them now are in big problem because the four berths available can only take four ships at a time and when one berthes cargo vessel, the one you saw has being at the port terminal for more than 10 days, which means that that berth  cannot take any other ship until this one leaves.”

    He said under the agreement between the parties, NPA has an obligation, among others, to dredge the port and repair the quay apron of the Terminal which responsibility it has failed to perform till date.

    The Lease Agreement provides for mutual rights and obligations and makes provision for dispute resolution mechanism which explicitly states that dispute shall be resolved by arbitration.

    “To our surprise and utter bewilderment and in clear breach of the contractual provisions , NPA by a letter dated 11th November, 2016 terminated the Lease Agreement. BUA Ports and Terminals as a law abiding corporate citizen approached the Federal High Court, Lagos Division in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/633/17 between BUA Ports and Terminal Ltd v. NPA contesting the purported termination of the Lease and obtained an order of injunction restraining NPA from terminating or giving effect to the Notice of Termination pending the referral of the issues in dispute to arbitration as provided under the Agreement. The Order granting injunction is dated 18th January, 2018.

    “By the terms of the Agreement, the parties are enjoined to continue with the observance of the terms and performance of their respective obligations under the Agreement even while disputes are being resolved by either court or arbitration.

    “As a result of the injunction and the terms of the contract, BUA Ports and Terminals continues to carry out its obligations under the contract pending the resolution of the dispute. It is important to state that subsequent to the order of injunction, BUA Ports and Terminals wrote several letters and made overtures to the management of NPA for an amicable resolution of the dispute. NPA did not respond to the request for amicable settlement or the overtures made as the management of NPA appears bent and determined to give effect to the Notice of Termination by several measures including but not limited to decommissioning the Terminal.

    He said in accordance with the terms of the agreement, “BUA wrote a letter dated  16th May, 2019 to notify the NPA of the state of the jetty and the need for immediate remedial works. BUA Ports and Terminals specifically in that letter requested the approval of NPA for it to carry out the necessary repairs and reconstruction to avert imminent collapse and danger to human lives.  However, NPA instead of giving the requisite approval as requested in our letter and consistent with the terms of the Agreement, in its determination to give effect to the purported Notice of Termination took laws into its hand by directing the decommissioning of the jetty and immediate closure of the Terminal.

    “It should be stated that the repairs required was as a result of the nefarious activities of hoodlums and vandals who had over a period of time cut the pipes and steel beam of the berths thereby affecting their stability, among others. The activities of these hoodlums and vandals were at various times reported to the NPA who had the responsibility and obligation under the Agreement to provide security for the Ports. The NPA did nothing. Indeed BUA in its determined effort to tackle these issues caused some arrests to be made and some of the suspects prosecuted, but NPA as owners of the Ports showed little or no interest in the prosecution and the case was lost. Obviously if the NPA had been alive to its responsibilities and provided the required security, the activities of the vandals would have been prevented,” he said.

    “It is important to stress that the repair and reconstruction required for the part of the Jetty in question does not require a decommissioning or closure of the entire Terminal. The carrying out of the remedial works if approved by the management of NPA would have remedied the defects stated in our letter to NPA and averted any risk of loss of property and lives.  It is apparent that NPA is using the said letter by BUA Ports and Terminals as a subterfuge for an effective termination and closure of the Terminal in violation of the order of the court restraining NPA from carrying into effect the purported Notice of Termination.

    Ibrahim said contrary to the impression being created by NPA that BUA Ports and Terminals refused or neglected to reconstruct the berths it is imperative to point out that BUA Ports and Terminals Limited awarded the contract for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the berths to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited  (arguably the best civil construction company in Nigeria) and made a payment of Four Million Seven Hundred Thousand Euros as part-payment for the contract which was frustrated by the deliberate refusal of NPA to fulfil part of their obligations stated above. The contract is however still subsisting,” adding that a copy of the letter from JBN acknowledging advance payment also exists.

  • Many feared killed as passenger bus plunges into Ogun River

    A passenger bus reportedly plunged into River Ososa near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State on Wednesday.

    Many people were feared killed in the accident, which was said to have occurred around 4.30 p.m.

    It was gathered that the bus, with yet-to-be-specified number of passengers, was travelling on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway.

    The Nation reports the accident occurred barely a week after a non-academic staff bus of Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Ijebu-Ode, plunged into the same river.

    At the time of the report, divers and rescuers were still battling to save occupants of the vehicle, which was said to have lost control before flipping into the river.

    It was also gathered that the bus driver had attempted to overtake another vehicle on the road but suddenly had a bad tyre, causing it to fall into the river.

    Read Also: Six disasters to watch out for in the ‘ember months’

    Confirming the incident, the Ogun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said it was the result of speeding.

    Sector Commander Clement Oladele told The Nation that high water levels occasioned by Tuesday’s downpour made the rescue operation difficult.

    He said: “The FRSC rescue team moved in immediately to the scene for rescue operations. The team include FRSC professional divers who have dived into the river to conduct rescue operations underneath

    “The divers are still working hard to recover (bodies of the) passengers in the ill-fated vehicle, which is made more difficult by the risen level of the river caused by yesterday’s heavy rains, around Ijebu-Ode area.

    “The bus was travelling from the Sagamu end of the expressway towards Ijebu-Ode section.”

    Expressing worry over the incident, Oladele urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially around bridges, considering that the expressway was undergoing rehabilitation.

    “Motorists are, therefore, strongly advised to reduce speed when approaching bridges to prevent unpleasant situation such as this.

    “The rescue operations would not be called off till the vehicle and the occupants are brought out of the river.

    “I also appeal to RCC (the construction fiem working in the area) to ensure that the safety railings around the bridge and other bridges in that axis are quickly replaced. Illuminated warning signs should be provided around the bridge and the depression at the foot of the bridge quickly repaired to prevent reoccurrence,” he said.

  • Border closure: Customs rakes in N9.2billion in one day – Ali

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) has declared the agency collected N9.2billion in one day as a result of the ongoing partial border closure exercise by the Federal Government.

    Ali, who was answering questions from members of the joint National Assembly Committee on Finance in Abuja, said the agency maintains an average revenue collection of N5billion to N6billion on a daily basis.

    The customs boss was at the National Assembly on the invitation of the National Assembly joint committee on Finance presently considering the 2020 – 2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) submitted to both chambers by President Muhammadu Buhari, last week.

    He said that most cargoes that used to berth in Benin Republic and later smuggle their goods into the country are now using Nigerian ports.

    Read Also: Customs boss lauds Ogun command over joint border security

    He said the agency’s revenue has not dropped but rather increased as the a result of the closure.

    Ali said: “When we closed the border my fear was that our revenue is going to drop. To be honest our revenue kept increasing.

    “There was a day in September that we collected N9.2billion in one day. It has never happened before.

    “This is after the closure of the border and since then, we have maintained an average of about N4.7billion to N5.8 billion on a daily basis which is far more than we used to collect.

    “What we have discovered is that most of those cargoes that used to go to Benin (Republic), shipped to Benin, continue and then discharged and smuggled into Nigeria, now that we have closed the border they are forced to bring their goods to either Apapa or Tin Can Island and we have to collect duty on them.

    “If that would continue to us it is a welcome situation. As a matter of fact to answer your question, our revenue has not reduced. As a matter of fact, it is increasing as a result of closing the border.”

    Ali also said that there has been a significant reduction in the amount of fuel supposedly consumed daily in Nigeria since the exercise began.

    “About 10.2million litres of fuel has now been cut down from what we have been assuming to have been consuming. This 10.2million litres of fuel is always going to across the border.

    “The issue here is that there is incentive because there is price differential. And that is why our people keep pushing this fuel. If you go to Ilaro today, the filling stations that are there…in Idiroko, there are over 50 tp 60 filling stations in one place and they are close to the border.

    “And what we have discovered is that they bring in fuel in the afternoon and in the night they siphon it. They do that everyday and this is why we keep saying we are consuming so many litres of fuel everyday.”

    The National Assembly has summoned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede, to appear before its joint committee tomorrow by 9am tomorrow (today).

    This was sequel to the fact that despite having been invited by the Committee, the CBN Governor neither sent a representative nor a letter to explain his absence.

    Babandede also did not heed the Committee’s invitation on Wednesday.

  • N2b ‘fraud’: EFCC grills Maina

    Former Chairman of the Pension Task Reform Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the Department of State Services (DSS), it was learnt on Wednesday.

    He was arrested in Abuja on Monday by DSS operatives.

    Maina, who was looking pensive, was brought to the anti-graft agency about 5.30pm.

    The suspect was quizzed over alleged N2 billion biometrics contract.

    It was also learnt that Maina was interrogated over his choice assets in Kado Estate, Abuja, some properties in Kaduna and a large farm in Keffi, the Nasarawa State capital.

    A source, who spoke in confidence yesterday, said: “Maina, who we had earlier declared wanted, was brought to EFCC by the DSS a few hours ago. The security agency handed him over after the completion of its profiling on him.

    “You know Maina has been hiding in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and some neighbouring countries and there is need to de-brief him on certain security challenges associated with him.

    Read Also: N84.6m fraud: EFCC grills INEC accountant, three others

    “For instance, intelligence report indicated that Maina was asked how he always succeeded in sneaking in and out of the country and his connection with a safe house in Abuja.

    “But as soon as he was handed over to the EFCC, detectives isolated issues for him on the N2 billion biometrics contact. He was also asked to make statement on the funding of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team.

    “He has also been asked to explain how he came about choice assets in Abuja and Kaduna.

    “The investigation might also be extended to his activities as a former director in Customs, Immigration and Prisons Office (CIPPO), which he superintended with huge cash flow.”

    Replying a question, the EFCC source said: “He will soon be arraigned in court because we have already preferred charges against him.

    “As far back as July 21, 2015, Maina was arraigned at a Federal High Court on a 24-count charge with a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, Osarenkhoe Afe and Fredrick Hamilton Global Services Limited.

    “He is expected to face trial for charges bordering on procurement fraud and obtaining by false pretence.

    “What detectives are doing now is to obtain a statement from him on some findings about him before the court proceedings.”

    Asked of his status, the source added: “Maina was in pensive mood; he never expected that the law would catch up with him.”

    Also yesterday, Maina’s 20-year-old son Faisal, was alleged to have pulled a pistol on security operatives who arrested him and his father on Monday.

    DSS spokesman at the services national headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya, made the allegation in a statement.

    The statement titled: “DSS arrests Abdul-Rasheed Maina”, said the combined DSS operation, on September 30, arrested Maina at the Pennsylvania Avenue Hotel in Abuja.

    It explained that the arrest followed a request by the EFCC to apprehend the suspect.

    The statement said: “Maina was arrested in company of his 20-year-old son, Faisal Abdul-Rasheed Maina, who unsuccessfully tried to resist the arrest.

    “The lad even pulled a pistol against the security agents involved in the operation. He was, however, disarmed and arrested. He is a final year student at the Canadian University of Dubai where he is studying Telecoms Engineering.

    “Items recovered from the suspects, include a pistol with live ammunition, a bullet-proof Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), a BMW saloon car, foreign currencies, a phantom 7 drone and sensitive documents.

    “The suspects and the recovered items will be handed over to the EFCC for further investigations and appropriate necessary actions.

    “It is instructive to note that the operation is as a result of a renewed interagency collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies.

    “The Service has always subscribed to such collaboration believed to be important in national security management and therefore, hopes to sustain the initiative in mitigating the current threats against public safety and national critical assets.”

    Maina, who was picked up by DSS operatives in a hotel in Abuja, had in 2017, been declared Maina wanted, following his refusal to honour the commission’s invitations.

    But in his bid to evade the long arm of the law, Maina, on September 5, 2018, in a suit  asked the court to decide whether the Commission can lawfully exercise powers of declaring him wanted, either on its official website or any other media platform, or ‘harass him.’

    But Justice Folasade Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court restrained the anti- graft commission from declaring Maina wanted.

    She also gave an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the EFCC and its affiliates or related bodies from further declaring Maina wanted in relation to the issue of the pension scam.

    The EFCC said the judgment must not be allowed to stand and headed to the Appeal Court.

  • Dangerous crave for ‘unviable’ airports

    The desire for airports is becoming attractive for states in Nigeria. Despite criticisms, more states are building or plan to build theirs. Are the airports viable? Are they of any benefit to citizens? Could the funds have been better used? KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR sought answers.

    The crave by state governments to build airports, especially the cargo variants, has come under intense scrutiny.

    Besides the huge cost of such critical air transport infrastructure, the viability of such projects has also become a subject of intense debate.

    Experts say one kilometer of airport runway could open a state to the world than one hundred kilometers of road.

    But, the existing airports built and managed by some state governments are not viable.

    Observers say there is need for cost-benefit analysis by states planning to build airports.

    Of the over 30 airports in Nigeria, 24 out them built by the Federal Government are managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    The other airports were built and managed by states.

    States that have embarked on airports, whether for passenger or cargo operations, include Akwa Ibom, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Gombe, Imo, Taraba, Katsina, Bayelsa, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Zamfara, Niger, Ebonyi, Nassarawa and  Yobe.

    The latest entrant in the state cargo airport initiative is Anambra, which intends to invest over N6 billion in the project.

    The Anambra State Cargo Airport, located at Umueri, near Awka, the state capital, according to Governor Willie Obiano, is expected to bring economic development to the state.

    Obiano, who launched the Umueri Cargo Airport Project in 2017, said it will be developed on a 1500-acre site with two runways, an aviation fuel facility, airport hotel, business park and international conference centre.

    The project, the governor said, is expected to generate 1200 direct and 3600 indirect jobs.

    The project, estimated to cost more than $2 billion, will be developed through a partnership between Anambra State Government, Orient Petroleum Resources and Elite International Investments.

    Elite International Investments is expected to provide all funds under a build, operate, manage and transfer agreement.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Anambra Airport City Infrastructure Limited has allocated 75 per cent stake to Elite International Investments , Orient Petroleum Resources Limited will hold a 20 equity stake while the Anambra State Government will hold five per cent equity.

    Necessary projects?

    But, the deal has thrown up many questions as some who are indigenous to the state see it as another white elephant project.

    They have faulted the viability of the project considering the closeness of Asaba Airport, Owerri Airport and Akanu Ibiam Airport in Enugu.

    Aviation experts including Managing Director of Centurion Securities Limited, Group Captain John Ojikuti (rtd); former Managing Director of Nigeria Airways Limited, Captain Mohammed Joji; Managing Director of Finum Aviation Services Limited, Engineer Sheri Kyari; Managing Director, IRS Airlines, Mr Yemi Dada and former Nigeria Air Force Flight Surgeon and Chief AeroSpace Medical Consultant, Dr Makanjuola Owolabi have cautioned state governments to weigh the options before they embark on construction of cargo or passenger airports.

    They noted that some airports built by some state governments, namely Jigawa, Kebbi, Taraba, Delta, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Nassarawa are case studies of unviable ventures.

    According to them, other  states  should not commit billions of naira supposedly meant for infrastructure and other developmental needs into construction of cargo airports.

    While many of the airports were envisaged as status symbols, propelled by political motivations and self-aggrandisement, others came up merely to facilitate the airlift of pilgrims.

    Joji said governors need to think deeply before embarking on construction of state cargo or passenger airports.

    Investigstions reveal that Birnin Kebbi Airport, built by the Kebbi State Government, is subsidised to the tune of N5 million monthly for maintenance.

    An official of the state, who pleaded not to be named, said: “The airport has a total workforce of 210 from the state and 22 from the Federal Government. For this reason, the state government had to approve N4.5 million monthly for salaries.”

    Joji said building airports should not be the priority of states in the face of dwindling revenues.

    He said: “The various states must first stimulate their economic environment, develop skills and develop agric/mineral resources on a mechanised/large scale.

    “They should set up industries before embarking on building airports, which to us all, are to serve the opulent lifestyles of few elite.

    “State governors must first address the poor state of the roads, dilapidated hospitals, schools, lack of water, sanitation, unpaid salaries still bedeviling these states.

    “Regional approach to infrastructural deficits should be initiated. States should  not go to capital market or issue bonds to build airports.”

    In spite of the unviable nature of these airports, other states such as Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Delta, Anambra, Nasarawa, Zamfara and Abia embarked on the project.

    Experts say Ekiti, with meagre Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), had no pressing need for an airport given its closeness to Akure, where there is an under-utilised airport.

    Investigations reveal that the Dutse Airport, built by Jigawa State government at a whooping N15.5 billion from the state’s loan purse, though inaugurated a few years ago, is yet to attract scheduleddomestic flights, except for charter operations and airlifting of pilgrims for Hajj.

    States should collaborate on airports

    Aviation and Security Consultant, John Ojikutu, said what is needed now is the establishment of specialised airports, adding that states could collaborate to establish airports based on their comparative advantages.

    He said: “You need money for landing and parking. You need money to pay for services and salaries. So, why building airports that will not be viable?”

    According to the retired Group Captain, to build an airport in a particular location, the promoters will have to take into consideration the availability of passengers and cargoes.

    ‘‘The state governments should look for technical partners, who are willing to invest in aviation.

    “They have to do a lot of business plan to know if their airport project will be viable.

    “The states that are neighbours too should come together to have a joint project.

    “Osun and Oyo can partner to buy Ibadan Airport and turn it into agricultural cargo airport.

    “Ondo and Ekiti can do the same and buy Akure Airport and turn it into international agricultural airport. Lagos and Ogun can develop another agric airport,” he said.

    Managing Director of IRS Airlines Mr Yemi  Dada said airports are built to bring air transport service to a particular locality.

    But he was quick to ask: “Is that airport needed in that area?”

    He added: “If the strategy of a state is to encourage tourism, fine. A larger demand for air services is a natural requirement for an airport.

    “You can create the demand for this service by making it a specialised airport. It can be for agricultural purpose.

    “One of the big challenges we have now is to set our priorities right. Looking at states as they are today, it is a misplaced priority to want to build an airport. Maybe they want to have it as a long-term project.”

    Recently, the Federal Government granted approval to Ebonyi State to construct its international airport. Governor David Umahi said the airport would boost economic growth.

    But, the move by Ebonyi State Government has drawn flak from industry experts who pointed out that the closeness of Enugu Airport was enough reason for a neighbouring state not to consider building an airport.

    But, a former Nigerian Air Force Officer, Chief Flight Surgeon and Chief Aerospace Medical Consultant, Dr. Makanjuola Owolabi, has a different view. To the renowned aviator, some of these states really need airports in their different states.

    Citing Ekiti State, for instance, Dr  Owolabi said the proposed establishment of cargo airport in Ado Ekiti, the state capital was desirable.

    Owolabi said farmers in the state would only earn justifiable income from their produce if they are evacuated.

    Speaking on the N15.5 billion Dutse International Airport built by his predecessor Sule Lamido, Governor Mohammed Abubakar hinted at plan to partner with investors to establish a flying training school in Dutse to make the airport viable.

    According to him, the idea is part of several measures being worked out to enhance the economic viability of Dutse International Airport.

    This, he said, was part of measures initiated by his administration to ensure effective utilisation of the airport for the benefit of the people.

    His words: “We have been discussing how best to utilise the airport. The state government is approaching investors who plan to have a flying school in Nigeria with a view to using our airport for training and build the school around the airport.”

    The Bauchi Airport, which was built at over N7.9 billion by the administration of former Governor Isa Yuguda, has been unviable and inactive.

    The airport stirred was in the news last year when passengers aboard an Aero aircraft disembarked using a wooden ladder.

    Taraba is another state in the Northeast that has built a N10 billion airport. The viability of the facility has been a big issue as only Overland Airways operates scheduled flights to the airport.

    In the same region, Gombe Airport was built a few years ago with over N7 billion.  It attracts limited flight operations.

    In faraway Kebbi State, an airport was inaugurated in Birnin Kebbi, its capital. It was built for N17 billion in 2015.

    The airport in Katsina State, built a few years ago for a whopping N11 billion, has remained under-utilised as no airline operate flights to it.

    States not relenting

    Despite the under-utilisation of existing airports and widespread criticisms, state governments are unrelenting in their quest to have airports of their own.

    In the Northcentral region, Nassarawa State is proposing a N20 billion airport in Lafia, the state capital.

    Writing off the multi-billion project, Captain John Okakpu believes the airport cannot stimulate the growth of air cargo.

    According to him, Nasarawa Governor Umaru Al-Makura may not have been properly guided before deciding to build such an ambitious infrastructure.

    Statistics, he said, shows that the airport will attract low patronage.

    Relying on International Air Transport Association (IATA) statistics and market analysis for last year, Okakpu insisted that the airport would not be sustainable.

    His words: “To me, the government of Nasarawa ought to have devoted its strength to empowering farmers for agro-allied produce rather than building an airport.”

    In Lagos State, work has advanced on the proposed cargo airport at the Epe / Lekki axis. The project, which is expected to gulp over N102 billion, is being developed to service the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

    Of all the airport projects being planned, only that of Lagos State has not attracted much criticisms. Many argue that a mega city state such as Lagos deserves an alternate airport to relieve the congested Muritala Mohammed InternationalAirport, Ikeja.

    In Osun State, construction worked which commenced a few years ago on the N11 billion Moshood Abiola International Airport billed for Ido Osun, has been enmeshed in controversy.

    Sheri Kyari, the Managing Director of Finum Air Services, welcomes the idea of building airports for as long as the facilities can be positioned in such a way that it would  be commercially viable.

    He said: “I think it is alright. But, looking at the economic challenges confronting the country currently, embarking on such projects at this point in time is a mere wastage.”

  • Navy begins enlistment for Direct Service

    The Nigerian Navy has commenced the enlistment of graduates and HND holders into the Direct Short Service Commission.

    Navy Director of Information, Commodore Suleman Dahun, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Dahun said interested applicants, who must be Nigerians by birth, should possess a minimum of Second Class Upper Division for first degree holders and Upper Credit for HND holders.

    “Male applicants must not be less than 1.68 metres tall while female applicants must not be less than 1.65 metres in height.

    “Applicants must possess NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate and should be between 22 and 28 years by Feb. 20, 2020,

    Read Also; Navy nabs six rice ‘smugglers’ in A’Ibom

    “Except for Imams, Chaplains and Medical Consultants who should not exceed 30 years and 40 years respectively by Feb. 20, 2020,” he said.

    Dahun said guidelines for the enlistment could be accessed on the Nigerian Navy Enlistment Portal: www.joinnigeriannavy.com.

    He said the portal will remain open till Nov. 14, 2019 for interested candidates to apply online.

    “Candidates are to note that all the processes ranging from online registration, aptitude test and the selection interview are free of charge,” he said.

    He advised candidates to be wary of scammers and refrain from giving money to any individual under any guise.