Opinion Ed: Aviation Industry in Nigeria, the Great Metamorphosis

by Ugwuja Johnson Udoka

Infrastructural development taking place in Nigerian airports, from those located at the heart of the Savannah in the north, to those at the fringe of the rain forest in the South, bears eloquent testimony to the success of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government in the aviation industry. 

The nation’s airports now wear a new look with the grand re-modelling project currently going on at the airports, courtesy of the foresight of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the courage and determination of the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah. 

It is no longer news that ultra-modern airport terminals are springing up at various airports at the blink of an eye. What is news now is the great impact of this developmental metamorphosis and the deep-seated attitudinal change it has brought about in airport users nationwide. 

There is no doubt, environment affects attitude. Airport environment hitherto commanded no respect as users could afford to splash and litter the environment at ease. The story is different today. The saying that cleanliness is next to godliness has truly found meaning in our airports. Travelers and other airport users can afford to savor fresh air while transiting to various destinations and transacting businesses at the nation’s airports. 

It was indeed a moment of true confession and kudos to the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, at the recently concluded 24th Enugu International Trade Fair, in which the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) participated actively. Investors and discerning members of the public who visited FAAN’s stand lauded the efforts of the present leadership in the aviation industry. Some of them literally went emotional as they praised the invisible hand that tele-guided Princess Stella Oduah into the aviation industry as the Honorable Minister. 

This was how Mr. Abiola Daisy Idufueko of Que Initiative (NGO), No. 2A Idahosa Street, Off 2nd Cemetery Road, Edo State, expressed his joy and enthusiasm about the transformation in the aviation industry in the country: “With what we have seen in Benin Airport, we are very very impressed. We say to Princess, the sky is your starting point. God bless you real good.” Dr. Nwaneri of Department of Surgery, University Teaching Hospital, Enugu picked it from there: “I am impressed with what I saw.” That was not all. Passion came alive with the commendation from Njoku Obiageli of Union Bank of Nigeria, Okpara Avenue, Enugu State: “You are really doing a great job in re-modelling our airports. Keep it up.”

It did not end there. Valentine Poly Okafor of Union Express Ltd, 1 Garden Avenue Enugu, lauded the current change in aviation industry thus: “Highly impressed with the transformation going on nationwide in the airports of our country by Princess Adaeze. Kudos!! The encomiums continued unabated while the trade fair lasted.

From what our highly esteemed visitors confessed above, one thing is clear: that the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, has surpassed her predecessors, as today’s airports, under her close watch, have become the pride of the Nigerian people, who now see themselves as the true owners of the nation’s airport business.

Genuine investors from all walks of life, across the globe, are now willing to collaborate with the Ministry of Aviation and FAAN to explore the investment opportunities at Nigerian airports as exemplified by the MoU signed by the Governments of China and Nigeria to build five world-class ultra-modern international airport terminals in Nigeria. This is an indication that the present handlers of aviation matters in the country have won both domestic and international trust and confidence. This means that the aviation industry in Nigeria is truly playing a key role in making Nigeria realize her vision of becoming one of the biggest 20 economies in the  world come year 2020.

The current revolution in aviation industry in Nigeria has generated many job opportunities in the last one year as ready employees now find succor in the industry. 

What else need be said? To revive a sub-sector hitherto in coma and bring it to the limelight, placing it in a vantage position of serving as the engine of the nation’s economic growth, is no mean task to say the least.

It is on this note that we congratulate Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah and the Managing Director/CEO, FAAN, Mr George Uriesi, for the metamorphosis that has taken place at our airports in the last one year, making them the pride of the nation.

Ugwuja Johnson Udoka writes from the Corporate Communications Department, FAAN Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos.

Oustanding staff promotions released by FAAN

Aviation Nigeria

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has released all outstanding staff promotions, between 2009 and 2012, as part of the Authority’s staff welfare package.

This was made public by the General Manager, Corporate Communications of Aviation parastatals, Mr Yakubu Dati.

The statement said the promotion exercise, cut across all cadres and airports, and was preceded by a screening exercise, which involved written examinations and oral interviews designed to test the capacity of qualified staff in handling the responsibilities of higher office and their grasp of current developments in the industry. 

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi, has congratulated all the promoted staff and asked them to see their promotions as a tonic for greater productivity, in line with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government in the aviation industry as well as the Aviation Sector Master Plan, as developed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah.

Most of the affected staff have expressed gratitude to the management of the Authority for bringing an end to their long wait for the release of the promotion, most of which preceded the present management.

SE region stands still, as Jonathan commissions Akanu Ibiam Airport Enugu

Aviation Nigeria

by Alkasim Abdulkadir

All roads led to Enugu state Saturday 18 May, 2013 to commission the Akanu Ibiam reconstructed Airport Terminal and also to lay the foundation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. The dual ceremony was performed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

While laying the foundation the president was assisted by the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Managing Director, FAAN, MR. George Uriesi and Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha

President Goodluck Jonathan while commissioning the airport terminal expressed his elation at the turnaround witnessed at the terminal. He also stated that the airport will improve economic activities in the entire region. The Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah in her speech at the occasion said

“The new international terminal with a total floor area of 25,000 square meters and the capacity to handle 500,000 passengers per annum will cost 13.3 billion naira and will be completed in 24 months.

“The 5 terminals across the country are not the only elements of this transformation process; even  before starting these 5 new projects we started remodelling all 22 current terminals in FAAN network in fact next week we will witness the commissioning of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri Terminal and the Yola Airport Terminal.

She also added that the aviation industry remain pivotal to the socio-economic development of our country as it is supposed to be and as we proclaim in our vision and the will to do what it takes to deliver.

Several dignitaries graced the occasion serving ministers from the South Eastern region who were on the entourage of the president; they were received by the governors and hosted by Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State. Amongst the dignitaries was Nigeria’s former Vice President in the second republic Chief Alex Ekwueme.

President Jonathan Commissions Remodeled Enugu Airport

Aviation Nigeria

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan recently commissioned the newly remodeled Akanu Ibiam International airport, Enugu.

The President also laid the Foundation Stone for the new International Terminal building at the airport, said his administration will not rest on it’s oars until all it’s campaign promises have been delivered to the people.

Speaking during the commissioning, President Jonathan said the ceremony is not only a fulfillment of his campaign promise in 2010 to give the South East geo-political zone a befitting international airport, but also a tip of the iceberg of what is to come to the zone in his transformation agenda.

He noted that the commissioning of the remodeled terminal is part of: "A national effort at transforming the country’s air transport industry into one that is pivotal to socio-economic development of the country as it ought to be”.

The programme is ambitious, covering all 22 airports under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN). It involves the remodeling of all 22 airport terminals within three years, by modernizing, expanding, and upgrading the facilities in line with international standards.

The President noted that already, the General Aviation Terminals (GAT) in Lagos and Abuja, the Benin and Kano remodeled terminals were all commissioned in quick succession earlier in the year, adding that in the following weeks, the Dr. Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport terminal as well as the the remodeled Yola airport would be commissioned.

“I also know that work in Jos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Sokoto, Ilorin, Maiduguri and the Murtala Mohammed International Terminals are at various stages of completion and that these projects will completely change the airport experience of Nigerians and our visitors alike, when completed. the President 

The President lamented that ever since the various airports in the country were built about three decades ago, they had faced little or no developments until the recent efforts, following his approval of the Aviation Master Plan and Road Map.

On the new International terminal for which he performed the Foundation Laying ceremony, President Goodluck Jonathan said the project, which is to be built at a cost of about N13 billion will provide for 500, 000 international passengers and provide Enugu and the South East region not only a modern, efficient, functional, safe and secure gateway, but most importantly a prestigious edifice that will offer a befitting welcome and goodbye from the region and Nigeria.

Earlier in her address of welcome, Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah said the occasion calls for celebration, not just for the people of the South East geo-political zone of the country, but indeed for all Nigerians, enthusing that the Transformation Agenda of Mr President “is being actualized tangibly at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Princess Oduah said the new international terminal with a total floor area of 25,000 square meters will have capacity to handle 500,000 passengers per annum and will be completed in 24 months. “On completion of the terminal, this airport will finally answer it’s name in the real sense of the word “Akanu Ibiam International Airport”.

The Minister further disclosed that already, two international airlines have indicated interest to operate flights into Enugu, adding that discussion along these lines will continue over the next few months “as we prepare the airport’s infrastructure to meet this demand.

The Minister spoke about the remodeling of the 22 federally-owned airports, the five new international terminals coming on stream in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano as not the only transformation taking place in the aviation sector, but also the aerotropolis projects and the Perishable cargo terminals.

“Nigeria’s aviation industry must take it’s rightful place in our national life. The industry must become pivotal to the socio-economic development of our country as it is supposed to be and as we proclaim in our Vision, we will continue to do what it takes to deliver just such an industry to Nigerians”, the Minister declared.

Airplane violated laws and falsified documents – Aviation Minister

Aviation Nigeria

Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, has maintained that the case of the gounded aircraft was not just a case of violation of aviation laws, but also falsification of documents.

According to her, “It is not just a clear violation of aviation laws, it is about falsification of documents.”

Oduah made this call when she appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Aviation and Justice along with other parties in an ongoing controversial dispute over the NCAA's grounding of an airplane belonging to the Rivers State Government.

While speaking, Stella Oduah pointed out that the the Rivers State Government was operating the said aircraft illegally within the nation’s airspace.

According to her, the Ministry of Aviation or any of its parastatals does not have any record of the aircraft as one documented in the name of Rivers State Government, but that the plane was known to the ministry as a foreign aircraft that comes and goes out of the country upon clearance by the appropriate authority.

Members of the committee however expressed their reservations with the inconsistency in facts provided by parties involved in the hearing. They also expressed concern over roles played by agencies like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) .

They demanded that within two days, the committee be furnished with relevant documents belonging to all private jets in the country.

Some of the documents demanded for are status of registration, number of private jets in the country, letter of purchase, ownership and their insurance certificates.

NCAP 2013 in line with ICAO regulations - Aviation Minister

Aviation Nigeria

Aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah has said that the nations airports will be structured to international standards.

"We shall not relent in our efforts to totally transform all airports in the country up to international standards" 

This was during an online media chat on 9 May 2013, held to discuss key issues about the newly released Nigerian Civil Aviation Policy 2013.

The discussion more referred to in online media language as a 'tweet-meet' featured key discussion on several topics of the policy including Private registration, Passenger insurance and the Aerotropolis project.

Aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah said the formulation of the aviation policy had been ongoing for over a year adding that stakeholders were well aware and contributed to the development of the policy.

Princess Stella Oduah pointed out that steps were immediately taken to draft a new aviation policy, after a review of international practices indicated the the old policy did not completely address global trends.

While speaking about the controversial clause regarding friends and associates being barred from private jets, Oduah lamented that wrong interpretations were being made:

"The sections of the policy which people are mixing up is related to insurance for passengers on private jets."

"There is nowhere in the new policy where friends are barred from being on board their friend's private jet." Oduah said.

She stressed the need for sufficient focus on air safety and passenger insurance as well as a coordination of both: "Any insurance policy that indemnifies private jet owners in the event of an accident or mishap will be adequate." she said.

The Minister also pointed out that the new policy will also aid the tackling irregular practices in the sector.

They had been on-going media discussions about the position of the NCAP 2013 on private jet owners. Since its release during the week, several interest groups have sought to properly understand and adapt to its legal framework.

Aviation Policy aims to build a stronger sector –Minister

Aviation Nigeria

The Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah has said the main thrust of the 2013 New Civil Aviation Policy, NCAP is to develop strategic plans to build a stronger, dynamic and liberalized aviation sector that will meet present and future challenges in the sector.

The Aviation minister disclosed this at the Public Presentation Friday of the 2013 NCAP, she said “the goal of government is to put in place an Aviation sector that delivers socio-economic benefits to Nigerians”.

She recalled that “in November 2012 the Ministry of Aviation in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated a technical review committee to develop a sustainable policy framework for the Nigerian Aviation Sector”.

The technical was composed of experts from both private and public sectors of the Aviation industry.

Princess Oduah mentioned that the review exercise became necessary as the NCAP was last reviewed in 2001 and the global and local aviation industry has experienced safety and security challenges as well as technological developments.

The policy review exercise revealed that the Nigerian Aviation industry needed to be restructured to enable it drive economic growth for the country as well as remain globally competitive.   These objectives, the minister noted will be effectively achieved through greater participation of the private sector in the Nigerian Aviation industry.

“The Federal ministry of Aviation is therefore repositioning the industry to be largely driven by the private sector” said the Minister.  She added that the policy review exercise clearly showed that the government’s vision for dynamic, self-sustaining air transport system is achievable.

Princess Oduah said she was pleased to present the reviewed NCAP and urged all stakeholders to join in its implementation emphasizing that “the Federal government of Nigeria is conscious of the fact that sustainable implementation of this policy is would require the collective participation of all stakeholders in the Nigerian Aviation sector”.

Nigeria Airways: Foriegn retirees appeal to Aviation Minister for unpaid severance benefits

Aviation Nigeria

Workers of defunct Nigeria Airways in other African countries have made an appeal to the Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah to intervene in the matter of their unpaid severance benefits.

In a petition made to the Minister dated April 15, 2013, entitled: “The cry of a suffering and helpless orphan. What is our fate 10 years after the liquidation of Nigeria Airways,” retirees stated their names and numbers and noted the pains they had gone through in their attempts and failures to secure their benefits.

The Airline was liquidated in October 2003 and in March 2008, the Nigerian based workers were paid almost their full benefits while all the West Coast staff who  were all present in Lagos in 2008 during this massive payments  were left out.

The workers based in Lome, Togo, Cotonou, Douala, Cameroon and Libreville disclosed that they had considered following up the approval of the supplementary list by the National Assembly and the Presidency.

According to the affected workers: “Unfortunately, we were completely neglected as we were told payments were only for the Nigerian workers. The excuse we were given by the paying staff from Abuja was that the west coast staff were erroneously not captured in the system.

“They told us that we would be paid with the supplementary list coming up before the end of 2008. No one could imagine this could take another five to six years.” another aggrieved retiree said.

They lauded the efforts of their High Commissioners and Embassies in Abuja that led to the final approval of their money by October last year.

Benin Airport completed in record time - Aviation Minister

Aviation Nigeria

Work has been completed and the Benin Airport has been commissioned by the Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah in the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of aviation facilities in nationwide.

The Minister in-line with the aviation transformation agenda, earmarked 22 airports which are to face necessary reconstruction, some dating back as much as 30 years. In the last quarter of 2012, 11 airports were part of the first tranche of reconstructed facilities. The Hajj terminal in Kano State and some airports were also re-designated as perishable goods and cargo airports.

The Minister Aviation Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah who arrived aboard an Overland Airlines aircraft in company of senior Federal Ministry of Aviation officials and the CEO of Overland Airlines was received by the MD of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN George Uriesi, before proceeding to the commissioning ceremony.

The Minister while in Benin had initially paid a courtesy visit to the governor of Edo State Comrade Adams Oshiomole.

According to Oduah the Benin Airport Terminal was completed in record time as the rehabilitation took 10 months, “the runway will be ready in six weeks, we had minor issues with the contractor but that has been resolved, it will be ready in by the first week of April”

On why the reconstruction of the airport was strategic, the Minister said Edo State presented a readily economically viable route and the airport will connect Edo to other states.

Responding the Edo State governor, Comrade Oshiomole thanked the Minister for including Benin in the list of airports to be renovated, he further stated that “Nigeria is growing and we need to make more investments to meet the requirements of modern aviation.

Gov. Oshiomole also stated that the state government had embarked on re-constructing the road leading to the airport so as to complement the federal government. This he said was premised on the fact that he believed public assets required maintenance from time to time and airports presented the first impression to tourists. He also used the occasion to commend President Jonathan for the support he is extending to the Ministry of Aviation

With the remodeling Overland Airlines will now commence six flights a week from Lagos to Benin, Abuja to Benin and Benin to Port-Hacourt.

The Federal Ministry of Aviation has continued to receive commendation from aviation professionals and air travelers alike, some of which include the Good Governance Tour earlier commending the aviation minister on the work at the Benin airport, and also the granting of the 'Man of the Year' award to the aviation minister by Champions Newspaper.

Princess Stella Oduah Awarded For Excellence by Champion Newspaper

Aviation Nigeria

The Champion man of the year award has not been given based on any political, ethnic or other base considerations or with intent to boost the ego of the award recipient, but with the highest sense of responsibility, the Chairman of Champion Newspapers Limited Dr. Emmanuel Nwanyanwu disclosed Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel Ikeja.

The Chairman, Dr. Nwanyanwu  said For the first time in the history of the Champion Newspaper Man of the year awards, a woman is recognized  and this time Nigeria’s Aviation  Minister Princess Stella Oduah for her outstanding performance at the Ministry since assumption of office.

The Chairman said the verdict by the Newspaper Board of Senior Editors to award the Aviation Minister is based on her courageous performance to in transforming the Aviation Industry within an 18 month period.

In his remarks, at the conferment of the award, the Champion News paper boss said the recipient, Princess Stella Oduah has set a high standard that should become the benchmark for other public officers in Nigeria.

The Aviation Minister, in her acceptance speech questioned why she should be awarded for doing what she had been called to do.

She said “To be sure, I have always been hesitant to accept awards not only from the media, but also from numerous other groups and bodies within and outside the shores of this country. The reason for this is simple. I hold the strong belief that I do not need to be given any award or honour simply for doing my job. I think as Aviation Minister, everything I am doing, and everything I am going to do going forward, is within the normal brief of an Aviation Minister. So I don’t feel I am doing anything extra-ordinary. This principally accounts for why, up till this moment, I have turned down several Awards, with all due respect to the groups and organizations that had considered me in the past.”

The Minister however said, she consider herself highly privileged to be considered and eventually selected for the prestigious Man of the Year 2012 Award by the Champion Newspapers, a newspaper that has a tradition of dedication to excellence, professionalism and the pursuit of the ideals of nationhood.

The Award she said, “is significant in one profound respect – it challenges me and my team at the Ministry not to rest on our oars, but to continue to do all we can to expand the frontiers of transformation in the aviation industry beyond what we are seeing today.”

Speaking earlier, the Anambra State Governor Mr. Peter Obi challenged the Minister to do more and ignore the praise singers. Governor Obi said everyday the role of leadership in Nigeria is challenging because everyday, leaders are encouraged to do the wrong things as most Nigerians choose the act of sycophancy in praising the leader rather than telling them the true situation of thing that are wrong with the system.

Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo was the Guest Speaker at the event, and called on Nigerian leaders to set the pace in Leadership for the younger generation

Anambra State Governor commends Aviation Minister

Aviation Nigeria

Executive governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has sent a congratulatory message to the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah on on her selection as the Champion Newspaper Man of the Year 2012, noting that the Award is a call to greater service and dedication towards the sanitization of the Aviation industry in Nigeria. 

This was made public by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media Joe Obi. The message dated February 4, 2013 Obi urged Oduah to

“...on behalf of the government and good people of Anambra state accept my hearty congratulations on the occasion of your selection as the Champion Man of the Year 2012”

The governor, in his letter indicated that the Minister had done a great service and stressed that the minister had been selected on meritorious grounds stating that: “amidst a plethora of qualified candidates for this award speaks volumes about your accomplishments''.

The governor also urged the Minister to continue her transformation in the aviation sector, adding that “Much as the award is a reward for excellence, it inevitably challenges you to do more in your effort to sanitize the Aviation industry. It is my belief that you will continue to acquit yourself creditably as our worthy Ambassador”

Governor Obi expressed joy that the vision, focus and courage with which Oduah had brought about, and was continue bringing transformation to bear on the Aviation industry. 

Transformation Agenda: Cleaning the 'graveyard'

Aviation Nigeria

by Tahir Sherriff

Activities to rid Nigerian airports of damaged aircraft remains have commenced in a new Ministry of Aviation project, pioneered by Princesss Stella Oduah.

The planes which have been lying around several of the nations airports had some dating back as much as 8 years. From technical problems or insolvency to government impounds and also de-commissioned planes, airports in Nigeria were becoming dump-sites and graveyards.

At least 65 planes ranging from small jets to Boeing 747's, have been abandoned at airports across Nigeria and the process aims to dismantle and rid the airport premises, a move which is described as a step to improve air safety, and aid in proper airport facility maintenance.

Notice had been given to the several owners of the abandoned aircraft's to move the planes before the dismantling process kicked-off. Beginning with a press release from the FAAN Corporate Communications Manager Yakubu Dati stating that the airports could not be used as a dumping ground and citing the safety and security implications caused by that scenario.

Some responded by weighing the cost implication and taking no action, others gave express go-ahead through notification to the aviation authorities and some entirely failed to respond.

For external observers it seems as one of those alternative seeking government projects, but from workers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport the large chunks of metals presented some ill luck, and they were quick to adopt the name 'the graveyard'

The large space was known to habour the remains of Space Worlds two aircrafts, a Dana passenger plane, two planes from Bellview, a plane from Nicon Airways and several others, with several appeals by the authorities in the past to remove this abandoned aircrafts by meetings with the owners and publication of paid notices in various newspapers in the past five years.

Before now, some abandoned aircraft owners had taken FAAN to court over the issue and got court injunctions that made it difficult for the Authority to carry out this exercise before now

This recent moves shows a technical approach to a social problem, solving an otherwise 30 year problem. It also follows an airport transformation that is unseen, with terminal remodeling which reports say have not been done in as much as 50 years.

Planes abandoned at other airports, including Abuja, and Kano, would also be dismantled as explained by the Director of Airport Operations of the Federal Airport Authority  Captain Henry Omeogu who is currently spear-heading the operation.

ABUJA GAT: A product of unwavering efforts - Uriesi

Aviation Nigeria

By George Uriesi

Today’s event is of great significance because it marks the formal commencement of general aviation services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport since its inception in the early 80s, even though it is the second busiest airport in the country, after the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja. 

The airport has had to contend with decaying infrastructure and obsolete facilities that belied its position as the second busiest in the country, apart from being situated in the nation’s capital city. What was then the airport’s domestic terminal operated both scheduled and non-scheduled flights using the same tarmac and terminal facilities.

The resultant congestion did not augur well for efficient service delivery hence the need to separate the services into two terminals. Domestic flight operations were transferred to a wing of the international while the old domestic terminal was to be remodelled to serve as the General Aviation Terminal, for more efficient service delivery.

This new arrangement was made possible by the advent of airport remodelling project initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan and vigorously pursued by the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, who has not relented in reminding all of us that implementing the project to the letter is a task that must be done. Today’s commissioning of this new General Aviation Terminal is a product of her relentless effort.

We are happy to inform you that the Authority is bracing up for more commissioning ceremonies in the next few months because work on the remodelling of the other terminals under phase I of the airport remodelling project is nearing completion in Benin, Owerri, Yola, Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Calabar and Jos. 

You may also wish to recall that the reconstructed Domestic Terminal I (formerly GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja was commissioned in October, last year.

Work on the remodelling of this new General Aviation Terminal started in October, 2010 and was completed early this month. 

The project entailed the expansion of the old domestic terminal and its conversion to a general aviation terminal for non-scheduled flights. The new terminal has a full complement of modern terminal facilities including check-in counters, shops, offices, duty rooms, conference center, dining room, kitchen, security screening machines and lounges, including a separate lounge for pilots.

By today’s commissioning, scheduled and non-scheduled flights at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport will take place at two different terminals, creating opportunities for huge improvement in service delivery by FAAN and other service providers in the aviation industry. 

is our hope that the completion of the first and second phases of the airport remodelling project will transform Nigerian airports into a haven for viable private investments. We hereby invite all well meaning investors to join hands with Government to hasten the fulfilment of this dream.

We wish to thank our dear President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for believing in the potential of the aviation industry to make Nigeria great and for matching this belief with action, through the formulation of the Transformation Agenda for the industry. We also owe deep gratitude to the amazon of the industry, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah for her doggedness in realising the vision of the President for the industry. 

The airport remodelling project and other programmes for the industry would have remained mere paper work without the assistance of the National Assembly which has encouraged us through their various committees on aviation. We are grateful, Your Excellency. 

We also thank other stakeholders, who have, in one way or another, made today’s event possible through their various contributions.

On our part as FAAN, we wish to assure all Nigerians, especially aviation stakeholders, that our airports can only get better. The recent restructuring of the Authority was designed to make us adapt to recent developments in the industry so that our services will not fall short of acceptable international standards, as set by ICAO and I know that this is achievable.

11 More Airports earmarked for remodelling

Aviation Nigeria

The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Odua, has said that the second set of 11 airports have been earmarked for re-modelling.

This was stated by the Director, Cargo Development of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr Rowland.

Ofubue, who represented the aviation minister made this statement in Jos on Friday while visiting Governor Jonah Jang in Jos.

"The designated airports would receive government attention as soon as the first set of 11 airports currently undergoing remodeling are completed and commissioned by the end of the first quarter of 2013" she said.

Ofubue also noted that for the first time ever, in the history of the industry, 11 airports are undergoing remodeling simultaneously while another set is in the waiting

The Minister said the purpose of her visit to the state was to rub minds with the government on the commencement of Agro-cargo operation from Yakubu Gowon Airport, Jos, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan was committed to the completion of the agro-cargo terminal.

Governor Jonah Jang who was represented by his deputy Mr Ignatius Longjan, expressed the readiness of the state support the presidents transformation agenda.

Jang re-assured the minister his administration was committed to improve agriculture, and was looking forward to the cooperation with the aviation ministry to complete the agro-cargo terminal.

Aviation Minister promotes 66 NAMA AGM's to DGM's

Aviation Nigeria

The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze-Oduah  has approved the promotion of 66 Assistant General Managers in Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) to the position of Deputy General Managers.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director of NAMA, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh on Friday 11 January 2013 during an interactive in-house chit-chat with middle and senior management officials of the Agency tagged "Happy Hour" in its headquarters,MMIA,Ikeja,Lagos.

Mazi Udoh enjoined the newly promoted officers to further put in their best so as to sustain the agency in its task of providing seamless air navigation services to its numerous and the continued safety of the country's airspace.

Mazi Udoh further enjoined those promoted to always imbibe the spirit cooperation in their day to day encounter with one another. 

Some of the newly promoted officers while expressing their happiness on their new status, commended the Managing Director for having recommended them to the Minister for promotion and that this is the first time in the history of the agency that such number of officers would be promoted at once.

The officers promoted are:

1. Charles Obi

2. Julius Ojewale

3. Damian Ejiogu

4. Fidelis Ogbonna

5. Samuel Madunagwu

6. Romanus Uche

7. Jonathan Olatunji

8. Emmanuel Onyebueke

9. Edwin Amaechi

10. Sylvanus Onu

11. Agnes Chinda

12. Akiniyene Mendie

13. Daniel Irhepono

14. Fatai Olanrewaju

15. Olusegun Obafemi

16. Francis Nwankwo

17. Ferdinand Anukwe

18. Mecha Kalu (who was posthumously promoted. He died in the June 3,2012 Dana plane crash)

19. Festus Aseghiemhe

20. Clifford Esoung

21. Anthony Omashor

22. Levi Nnadi

23. Joseph Ibe

24. Solomon Mbachu

25. Patric Ezike

26. Basil Omamogho 

27. Gabriel Nwosu. 

Others are-

28. Ahmed Ibrahim

29. Emmanuel Nwokodi

30. Cordelia Ekpott

31. Ndubuisi  Ihedioha

32. Silas Odo

33. Sunday Jonah

34. Kenneth Nworah

35. Chijioke Nwachukwu

36. Paul Ugadu

37. Josiah Ngwuta

38. Tijani Shahada

39. Akanji Awolade

40. Ephraim Maigida

41. Malumta Ali

42. Emmanuel Onyemaobi

43. Gabriel Yankaura

44. Abdul Yankaura.

The rest are: 

45. Charles Uwechi

46. Obiesie Egwim

47. Iliya Wakili

48. Lateef Olabanji

49. Moses Williams

50. Ademola Adebowale

51. Mansur Mohammed

52. John Tayo

53. Jude Ineh

54. Martin Akujuobi

55. Ademola Adeleke

56. Adebayo Kareem

57. Rafik Arogunjo

58. Robinson Ba'Azo

60. Haske Jibrin

61. Matthew Pwajok

62. Joshua Agbaje

63. Joy Umeh

64. George Amadi

65. Ifeanyi Ogochukwu

66. Edward Osimen.

Stakeholders' expectations for aviation industry in 2013

Aviation Nigeria

By Abubakar Jimoh

The aviation industry no doubt had its own fair share of ups and downs in the year 2012. In fact, with incessant air crashes that occurred in the year, some people will argue that it was all about downs and no ups.

Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry the Dana plane disaster that killed over a hundred people in Lagos, the aircraft crash that wounded Governor Danbaba Suntai and his aides in Yola, the Naval Chopper that killed 6 Nigerians in Bayelsa as well as the helicopter crash that claimed the life of DIG Haruna in Jos, Plateau state. 

As part of Stella Oduah's Transformation Agenda however, a lot of Airport remodelling was witnessed during the New Year. Repair works at most of the 21 airports across the country are all at advance stages of completion. The General Aviation Terminal 1 in Lagos is a reference point and it was rebuilt in record time at the sum of N648 million.

To put it in the words of Yakubu Dati, GM. Cooperates Communications of FAAN, "It is common knowledge that most Nigerian airports and terminals were built in the 70's and by 2011, they were decayed and in a state of utter disrepair. Airport users attest to the fact that our infrastructure was a disgrace and embarrassment to our national pride and standing in the comity of nations. It sent the wrong signals and scared investors away."

The authority spokesperson said It has been estimated that the country will need to invest about $100 billion over the next ten years in just four basic infrastructure areas; power, rail-track, road, and aviation. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, N300 billion will be required to bring the aviation sector to a satisfactory condition.

He said on resumption of office, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has left no one in doubt that she will "walk her talk". 

Worried by the scale of infrastructure deficit at the nation's airports, she initiated the reconstruction of 22 airports across the country. Within two months of being in office, 11 airports earmarked in the first phase were undergoing reconstruction simultaneously.

However industry watchers and experts while expressing optimism for the New Year offer some piece of advice that should guide the country in moving the sector forward.

For Benjamin Okewu, president of Air Traffic Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), government must take an all encompassing approach to address issues in the industry, but the labour leader opined that the welfare of workers should also top government priority as only a motivated workforce will put in their best.

 Politicisation of issues is another area the ATSSAN leader wants leaders to desist from saying politicians should leave aviation industry alone. Mr. Okewu pointed out that in other climes it was only aviation professionals who were allowed to run and man the industry, adding that aviation entails a lot of technicalities which should only be done by professionals.

According to him, the involvement of politicians in aviation business was a way of mortgaging the safety of the Nigerian travelling publics as he said that if safety should be adhered to as it is done globally then things should be done professionally.

He said "politicians who have turned themselves to aviation analysts and experts should leave the aviation industry alone in Nigeria this year 2013, so as to give safety a chance, this is how it is done all over the world. In the case of the Dana crash you witnessed and hear politicians who don't know anything in the industry saying words that were derogatory to the aviation industry in Nigeria"

"By the grace of God, I will be in the inaugural flight of Dana air tomorrow and I wonder what role the House of Representatives has to play in matters relating to aviation. When have you heard that the House of Congress in the United States of America were legislating on issues relating to aviation, it is left solely to the Federal Aviation Administration ( US FAA) in America."

Commenting on the plans of the Federal Government to give 30 aircraft to domestic airlines and make airfares affordable between the rate of N10,000 to N15,000 for an hour flight, the ATSSSAN boss said that it is possible for airfare to be pegged at such prices depending on the type of the aircraft and the policies put in place by the government.

Also speaking on the emergency installation of the Air Field Lighting System at Runway 18 left of the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Comrade Okewu pointed out that since the installation, airlines have been landing and taking off beyond 6pm.

According to him, from my discussions with Air Traffic Controllers, they said that the airfield lighting system is working, adding that he wants to commend the government for putting such temporary measures in place to ameliorate the plight of the airlines.

"I want to thank the government for putting such emergency air field lighting system in place but we still need a permanent one. If it means re awarding the contract so that we can have a permanent solution to the problem of Runway 18 left once and for all," he added.

Captain Dele Ore was formally in charge of the Presidential fleets in the days of the Nigeria Airways and presently president of the Aviation Round Table, one of the pressure groups in the sector whose voice is noted for its bluntness.

President of National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineer, Isaac Balami has been in the forefront for the welfare of members under his association. He at several times fought for the settlement of entitlement of his members in different airlines often times.

Balami said the country is on course but warned against rancour between government and stakeholders while he also advised that the zero percent interest tariff announced by the President must not be delayed in its implementation to encourage air travelling among majority of Nigerians especially now that the terminals are wearing a new look. 

For the agencies, FAAN spokesperson, Mr. Dati said the agencies under the Ministry are being transformed and appropriate laws initiated to make them more accountable. 

He said questionable concession agreements skewed against the interest of the sector and the Nigerian publics were being vigorously reviewed to send the right signals; "it's no longer business as usual for crooked minds," he said.

In the area of safety and security, modern security equipment has been procured following a comprehensive security threat and vulnerability assessment.

"Deliberate strategies are being deployed to change the orientation of the aviation employees through capacity development. 

For instance, the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. George Uriesi, has embarked on a campaign to change the orientation of all employees of the Authority towards service delivery, accountability, and self-sustenance of the agency.

The Minister of Aviation has pursued deliberate strategies to grow the domestic airlines.

According to him, the year 2013 will witness the construction of brand new airport terminals in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, and the commencement of the Aero-tropolis project; a concept that involves building cities around airports, and thus connecting businesses, suppliers, executives and goods to the aviation global world.

FG to assist local airline operators by purchasing 30 aircraft.

Aviation Nigeria

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the government’s plan to 

purchase 30 aircraft in a move to boost the operations of the aviation industry. 

This was made public by the Corporate communications General Manager of FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, during an inspection of the renovated Benin Airport on Wednesday 2 January 2013.

Yakubu Dati said that the fund would be sourced from part of the aviation intervention fund of the Federal Government. He added that the purchase would be made by the government and distributed ti domestic airline operators as against the former practice of giving out aviation intervention funds.

The aircraft procurement is to be funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in conjunction with the Bank of Industry (BOI).

The Benin airport has undergone a major renovation for the first time since it was opened in 1979, and is to be inaugurated upon completion with the additional 22 airports earmarked for major reconstruction nationwide. 

Yakubu Dati also said that:  “ I also want to say at this point that the issue of assisting domestic carriers has been uppermost on the mind of the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah."

" We believe a one hour flight should not cost more than N10,000 or N15,000, and the whole idea is to make the business cheaper and easier to operate so that Nigerians who are the ultimate beneficiaries should be the passengers and they should board with cheaper tickets" He added.

Dati concluded by stating the initiative of an addition of 30 aircrafts would go further to boost commercial activities in the aviation sector increasing traffic and revenue.

Portable runway lighting system installed at Lagos Airport

Aviation Nigeria

The reconstruction and re-modeling of airports nationwide has also enabled the installation of a temporary civil airfield lighting system (CALKIT) in the early hours of December 25, 2012.

The domestic runaway (18L/36R) at Lagos Airport which had last seen renovation five years ago will soon be enabled for night operations till a more permanent lighting system is installed.