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  • Why Concession of airports are misunderstood, by Ogbe

    Why Concession of airports are misunderstood, by Ogbe

    An aviation professional, in the Air Cargo Unit  of  the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and a member of the Federal Government’s Airport Concession Committee, Mr John  Ogbe. In this interview with KELVIN OSA – OKUNBOR , speaks on how  public-private partnerships (PPP) can be vital to bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure gap, workers’ interests and other concerns.

    Position on Airport Concession

    In the last eight years, our position was a firm “no” to concession, but we have realised that concession is not going away. One of the major reasons is that the funds to transform airports, the government doesn’t seem to have. Let me tell you this: aviation standards are global; there are no local standards in the aviation industry. You will agree with me that our airports are not operating to the expected standards, and the government is saying it doesn’t have the resources to pump into this sector. The fact is that Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is just the right way to go for everyone, but we are firmly behind our workers on welfare and labour issues, and all these must be resolved.

    That is where we are with the government.

    Recent Developments around PPP

    In recent days, a lot has been said about the concessioning of Enugu, Ibadan, Minna, and even Port Harcourt airports. The unions have adopted a common position on staff welfare issues. Once these issues are resolved, we don’t have a problem with the government.

    The issues are not much; for instance, in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), we have three big airports — Lagos, Abuja, and Kano — which are feeding the other airports. In the contractual agreement of FAAN’s staff, you are employed as a staff of the authority, not as a staff of Enugu, Kano, Katsina, or even Lagos airports. You can be in Lagos today and be moved to Enugu tomorrow.

    All the assets and liabilities are in a pool to share from. Someone in Enugu is still drawing his pension from Lagos and vice versa. If the government is saying it wants to concession Enugu Airport, for instance, there are pensions and liabilities that are attached to these airports. One of our demands is that the government should resolve our pension problem.

    Effects on FAAN When Concession Take Off

    As it stands, FAAN is practising two pension schemes, the defined benefit scheme and the contributory pension scheme. Before the migration of staff to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA), FAAN did not have the funds at that time to move all their workers. So, we are in valuation, practising the two schemes. Right now, there are people on the other side who are still receiving pensions to date, and there are also some staff on the contributory pension scheme.

    The workers are telling the government to sever everyone and let the concessionaire take over the whole airport. Part of our demands to the government is cluster concession, in which a concessionaire of any of the big airports would pick other small airports within the region. Someone that takes Lagos will add Ilorin, Ibadan, and Akure to it, while the winner of Abuja Airport will add Minna, Makurdi, and Jos to it, and so on. This will enable the capturing of the liabilities and assets of the airports, and nobody will be left out.

    Also, the third one is actual valuation, which is about N1.21 billion for the entire FAAN workforce. So, we are saying let the value of that money be on ground so that those who want to continue with the organisation will continue, and anyone that wants to go can go. So far, the government is sincere in its engagements with stakeholders and the unions.

    Pitfalls to avoid

    The length of the concession period cannot be determined by an individual; this depends on what the concessionaire and the government are bringing to the table. The financial situation determines how long it will take to recoup your investment.

    The good side of this era is that we have the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), which is saddled with the responsibility of midwifing the end-to-end concession process. In the past, we didn’t have an ICRC, but with the coming on board of the commission, such controversies of the past have been nipped in the bud.

    Another issue is good faith. In Nigeria, there are lots of concessions that have gone bad, even beyond the aviation industry, and this is mostly because they were skewed against the people and lacked goodwill. So, they were bound to fail, but because they failed, it doesn’t mean we cannot get it right again. The creation of the ICRC has addressed some of those challenges.

    Also, engagements with stakeholders and the unions will go a long way in addressing several challenges, even beyond labour issues. The new method the government has adopted will help the concession exercises of today.

    What becomes of FAAN post-concession?

    FAAN, as an authority, will still be there. With what we are doing in Enugu right now, it’s a form of revenue sharing between the agency and the concession proponents. FAAN will still be running, but it will be overseeing the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the concession process.In the last eight years, our position was a firm “no” to concession, but we have realised that concession is not going away. One of the major reasons is that the funds to transform airports, the government doesn’t seem to have. Let me tell you this: aviation standards are global; there are no local standards in the aviation industry. You will agree with me that our airports are not operating to the expected standards, and the government is saying it doesn’t have the resources to pump into this sector. The fact is that Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is just the right way to go for everyone, but we are firmly behind our workers on welfare and labour issues, and all these must be resolved.

    That is where we are with the government.

    Recent Developments around PPP

    In recent days, a lot has been said about the concessioning of Enugu, Ibadan, Minna, and even Port Harcourt airports. The unions have adopted a common position on staff welfare issues. Once these issues are resolved, we don’t have a problem with the government.

    The issues are not much; for instance, in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), we have three big airports — Lagos, Abuja, and Kano — which are feeding the other airports. In the contractual agreement of FAAN’s staff, you are employed as a staff of the authority, not as a staff of Enugu, Kano, Katsina, or even Lagos airports. You can be in Lagos today and be moved to Enugu tomorrow.

    All the assets and liabilities are in a pool to share from. Someone in Enugu is still drawing his pension from Lagos and vice versa. If the government is saying it wants to concession Enugu Airport, for instance, there are pensions and liabilities that are attached to these airports. One of our demands is that the government should resolve our pension problem.

    Effects on FAAN When Concession Take Off

    As it stands, FAAN is practising two pension schemes, the defined benefit scheme and the contributory pension scheme. Before the migration of staff to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA), FAAN did not have the funds at that time to move all their workers. So, we are in valuation, practising the two schemes. Right now, there are people on the other side who are still receiving pensions to date, and there are also some staff on the contributory pension scheme.

    The workers are telling the government to sever everyone and let the concessionaire take over the whole airport. Part of our demands to the government is cluster concession, in which a concessionaire of any of the big airports would pick other small airports within the region. Someone that takes Lagos will add Ilorin, Ibadan, and Akure to it, while the winner of Abuja Airport will add Minna, Makurdi, and Jos to it, and so on. This will enable the capturing of the liabilities and assets of the airports, and nobody will be left out.

    Read Also: Nigerian River yields compounds with drug potential

    Also, the third one is actual valuation, which is about N1.21 billion for the entire FAAN workforce. So, we are saying let the value of that money be on ground so that those who want to continue with the organisation will continue, and anyone that wants to go can go. So far, the government is sincere in its engagements with stakeholders and the unions.

    Pitfalls to avoid

    The length of the concession period cannot be determined by an individual; this depends on what the concessionaire and the government are bringing to the table. The financial situation determines how long it will take to recoup your investment.

    The good side of this era is that we have the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), which is saddled with the responsibility of midwifing the end-to-end concession process. In the past, we didn’t have an ICRC, but with the coming on board of the commission, such controversies of the past have been nipped in the bud.

    Another issue is good faith. In Nigeria, there are lots of concessions that have gone bad, even beyond the aviation industry, and this is mostly because they were skewed against the people and lacked goodwill. So, they were bound to fail, but because they failed, it doesn’t mean we cannot get it right again. The creation of the ICRC has addressed some of those challenges.

    Also, engagements with stakeholders and the unions will go a long way in addressing several challenges, even beyond labour issues. The new method the government has adopted will help the concession exercises of today.

    What becomes of FAAN post-concession?

    FAAN, as an authority, will still be there. With what we are doing in Enugu right now, it’s a form of revenue sharing between the agency and the concession proponents. FAAN will still be running, but it will be overseeing the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the concession process.

  • We are transforming mining sector to reshape our economy – Ogbe

    We are transforming mining sector to reshape our economy – Ogbe

    The ongoing transformation in Nigeria’s mining sector is geared towards reshaping the nation’s economic landscape.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, made this disclosure on Monday at the ongoing 3-day Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, while addressing investors, and critical stakeholders in the sector.

    She noted that a 7-point agenda initiated by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake for the transformation of the sector was designed to address core aspects such as data gathering, mines surveillance, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and robust enforcement mechanisms that strengthen our sector’s operational integrity.

    “Central to this agenda is the insistence on value addition, with a clear mandate that every applicant for a mining lease must submit a value addition plan as a prerequisite for issuance. This policy shift marks a fundamental departure from our reliance on raw mineral exports, as we now emphasize in-country processing to maximize economic benefits, create jobs, and support local industries.

    “We are not merely refining an industry; we are building a resilient and inclusive mining powerhouse that taps into the vast potential of our land and its people.

    “Our approach is dynamic and uncompromising, laying the groundwork for a sector that not only competes on the global stage but also uplifts communities, nurtures local talent, and drives Nigeria’s sustainable future forward.

    “Each step we take, each policy we craft, underscores a deep-seated commitment to value creation and a forward-thinking vision that redefines what mining can mean for Nigeria.”

    Assuring local and foreign investors, Ogbe said the government is conducting a thorough review of the 2007 Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act to bring the legislative framework in line with international best practices.

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    This reform, the Permanent Secretary said: “will enhance transparency, competitiveness, and sustainability within the mining sector, ensuring Nigeria remains attractive to high-quality investors while prioritizing the socioeconomic welfare of our communities and the protection of our environment.

    “The revised Act aims to create a legal environment that reflects the needs of a modern mining industry, positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for responsible and sustainable mining investments.”

    The Permanent Secretary then called on stakeholders in the sector to collaborate with the federal government in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s mining sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.

    Participants expected at the talk shop include members of the Miners Association of Nigeria, international mining firms, investors and other critical stakeholders.

  • Ogbe to traders: don’t use Sniper to preserve beans

    MINISTER of Agriculture and Rural Development Audu Ogbe yesterday expressed displeasure at the use of chemicals for food preservation and fruit ripening.

    Ogbe told reporters in Otukpo, Benue State, that it is detrimental to human health and the environment.

    “Sniper is very dangerous; people also use carbide to ripen bananas and some other fruits; people do all kinds of things.

    “Suddenly, people are developing different diseases, something is wrong,” he said, in reaction to the reported use of 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate, otherwise marketed and known as Sniper, to preserve beans by retailers.

    Ogbe appealed to foodstuff and fruit sellers and other Nigerians to adopt natural means of preservation.

    The minister said the ministry would collaborate with the National Orientation Agency to create more awareness on the need for citizens not to use chemicals for food preservation and fruit ripening.

    “We appeal that they use natural means such as pepper to prevent weevils in beans instead of sniper. We hear this and we send people to warn them but the ministry can catch everybody.

    “We are going to use the National Orientation Agency and state ministries of agriculture to create awareness on the need for people to desist from these acts.

    “We just have to keep educating people,” he said.

    The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has also warned citizens against eating and buying foodstuffs and fruits preserved or ripened with chemicals.

    NAFDAC also advised that sale of grains or beans suspected to be preserved with chemicals be reported to the agency.

    The use of  sniper to preserve beans has gone viral on social media.

    Worried by the development, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) on Friday advised consumers to extensively parboil beans before consumption.

    CPC’s Director-General Mr. Babatunde Irukera gave the advice in a statement in Abuja, adding that consumers should make sufficient enquiries before buying beans.

    He said consumers should also sufficiently wash their food items before cooking.

    Irukera said: “Thorough washing of food items before consumption or preparation for consumption is a generally accepted method of protecting and promoting safety.

    “CPC recently confirmed by credible information that retailers, mostly in the open market, are using a pesticide to preserve beans.

    “The use of 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP compound), otherwise marketed and known as sniper to preserve beans, and more particularly to protect them against weevils, is dangerous,” he said.

    According to Irukera, sniper is potentially injurious when human beings are unduly exposed to it by inhalation, absorption, direct skin contact or ingestion.

    Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Director-General Osita Aboloma has hailed the consumer, who reported a beans vendor for using a pesticide for the preservation of the produce on sale to the public.

    A statement signed by his Special Adviser to the DG and Head, Public Relations Mr. Bola Fashina said  such individual and collective awareness by consumers were essential for effective standards implementation and enforcement.

    Aboloma urged Nigerians to take greater interest in their welfare by reporting to relevant regulatory and security agencies any suspected unwholesome, substandard or life endangering products or practices.

    According to him, there are relevant Nigeria Industrial Standard and Codes of Practice for beans along the value chain, to take care of issues concerning the proper preservation of the crop from planting to the table and assure the safety of Consumers in Nigeria.

    He enumerated the Standard and Codes of Practice as follows; Standard for Dry Beans (NIS 1030: 2018), Code of Good Agricultural Practice: Planting of Dry Beans (NCP 065: 2018), Code of Good Practice: Harvesting of Dry Beans (NCP 067: 2018), Code of Practice for Packaging of Dry Beans (NCP 064: 2018) and Code of Practice: Storage and Transportation of Dry Beans (NCP 066: 2018).

    He stated that the Standard and Codes of Practices, which have been approved for use, were results of consensus decisions by stakeholders, including, farmers, processors, Federal Ministry of Agriculture (FMoA) officials and regulatory agencies. Others are academicians, research institutes and consumer advocates.

  • Obiano, Ogbe host fishery society

    Obiano, Ogbe host fishery society

    Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, will attend the annual National Conference of the Fishery Society of Nigeria (FISON) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, from tomorrow to Saturday.

    The organisers in a statement said the theme of the conference is “Harnessing the fisheries and aquaculture value chain in a developing economy”.

    The keynote address titled Aquapreneurship in Nigeria: Lesson for African agriculture will be delivered by Prof. O.A Fagbenro.

    The National President of FISON, Dr Olajide Ayinla, explained there will be a Student’s forum from tomorrow with Prof. E.A Udeh delivering a lecture titled: Career prospects in the industry.

    There will be a forum on Wednesday expected to attract fish farmers, and other stakeholders from the South East and neighboring.

  • Local govts need reforms, says Ogbe

    Local govts need reforms, says Ogbe

    Minister for Agricultural and Rural Development Audu Ogbe has called for the reformation of the local government system of administration in the country.

    Ogbe, who spoke yesterday at the closing session of the Third Ogun State Investors’ Forum, said the local government system established by former President Olusegiun Obasanjo in 1976, has become obsolete.

    According to the minister, except for a few councils, others have not impacted on the lives of the people despite federal allocations.

    “Government cannot continue to play the ostrich. All most of councils do is to collect allocation, then workers show up to collect salary and disappear afterwards until another pay day,” Ogbe noted.

    He regretted that most councils have abdicated their responsibilities and cannot repair roads within their jurisdiction.

    “Councils now cannot even run health centres efficiently and effectively; they cannot build or maintain markets, yet they collect salaries and allocation. This cannot continue,” the minister said.

  • Ogbe lauds Players’ Status C’ttee

    Ogbe lauds Players’ Status C’ttee

    COACH Bernard Ogbe has reacted positively to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players’ Status/Arbitration Committee decision ordering the management of Mighty Jets to pay six-months of his salaries.

    The committee yesterday ruled that the Nigeria National League (NNL) side must pay the highly experienced coach the sum of Three Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (N3, 900.000) on or before the end of June 2015 being the amount owed to him as salary for six-months.

    The committee held that the parties will pay five percent to the purse of the committee as failure on the part of Jets to pay the indebtedness on or before the end of June will attract sanctions to be determined by the arbitration body.

    Ogbe described the committee decision as fair and  objective, hoping that the  management of Mighty Jets will respond immediately without further delay with the payment.

    “It’s a good and welcomed development, I believe justice has been done at last in the case that has lingered for a while. I won’t say I’m happy right now until payment is effected by Mighty Jets as ordered by the NFF Players’ Status/Arbitration Committee.

    “I commend the committee for being bold enough to carry out thorough investigation into the case to come up with the heart-warming verdict,” said the former Akwa United and Gombe United coach to supersport.com.

    The former Nasarawa United coach cited non-payment of salary for six months, interference in technical matters and series of death threat as reasons for quitting the Jos-based side.

    Jets were second on NNL Division A log with 16 points as at the time Ogbe quitted the side but the Tin City side eventually missed promotion at the end of the 2013/14 season.

  • Ogbe: Ortom has formula to tackle Benue’s challenges

    Ogbe: Ortom has formula to tackle Benue’s challenges

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Chief Audu Ogbe, has said the party’s Benue State governorship candidate, Samuel Ortom, has the formula to tackle the challenges confronting the state.

    Ogbe spoke yesterday at the beginning of the party’s governorship, state and National assemblies’ campaigns in Benue South Senatorial District at Otukpo.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former National Chairman said as a successful industrialist, Ortom possessed the key to solve the state’s most nagging problems, including unemployment.

    He described the PDP as a mega mafia, which had deviated from the dreams of its founding fathers.

    Ogbe said the ruling party was pandering to the whims and caprices of a few at the expense of the majority.

    The former Information Minister urged Nigerians to vote for APC candidates in this month’s general elections to change the nation’s fortunes.

    He regretted that while Nasarawa and Osun states, which received far less federal allocation than Benue, were discharging their financial responsibilities to their people, salaries and pensions remained unpaid in Benue State.

  • Ogbe waives off FC Giwa connection

    Ogbe waives off FC Giwa connection

    Former Mighty Jets head coach, Bernard Ogbe has rubbished reports purportedly linking him with the vacant coaching job at newly-promoted Glo Premier League side, Giwa FC.

    The Tin City side have been without a head coach following coach Abdul Bidemi Biffo’s departure shortly after the goalless draw against newcomers, Abia Warriors in the Glo Premier League match day 6 tie at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.

    Ogbe said he is thoroughly embarrassed by the reported association of his name with the job at Giwa FC even when no contact whatsoever has been made or has he considered taking up the coaching job.

    “I’m stunned and embarrassed seeing my name associated with the vacant coaching job at Giwa FC.

    “I’ve never spoken to anybody to help me with the job at Giwa FC nor am I interested. The truth is that I’m not interested. There is no thought of it, I’m not even contemplating it. The report is sensational, untrue as well as mischievous.

    “There are certain jobs one can’t jostle for rather the job should jostle for one, maybe that’s the level the coaching profession has degenerated to in the country.

    “I just left the Nigeria National League side, Mighty Jets because they’re not meeting up with the financial obligations – will I now jump to another club with similar administrative structure?

    “If I need Giwa FC job I’ll straight away go for it without an intermediary, I make bold to deny the report in its entirety, regardless of the intention behind it.

    “I said so not to deny myself the opportunities of getting a good coaching job. I’m available for any club desirous of my service but not Giwa FC,” said the former Akwa United and Gombe United head coach to Supersport.com.

    Giwa FC have raked in 15 points in the 10-week old Nigerian top flight having played less number of matches.