Aviation
Aviation stakeholders seek improvement of security at airports
ABUJA – Aviation sector stakeholders have lamented the porosity of Nigerian airports, especially the four major international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano, calling on government to complete the perimeter fencing of all the airports across the country.
A cross section of stakeholders on Tuesday,said as much as government was trying to transform the sector, inadequate security was dampening its efforts, adding that until security is taken seriously the sector will be nowhere to be found globally.
According to Benjamin Okewu, president, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN), “Government has made concrete efforts at improving safety especially after the crash of Dana flight, but the security aspect is still a major problem, eroding the efforts in other areas.
“Aviation is basically founded on two fundamentals, safety and security. So many nations are talking about the 3rd level of security at airports, Nigeria is still talking about putting in place perimeter fencing. We are all aware that drug cartels and money launderers areon the rise at airports because of the porosity, the remodeling of the airports is good but has to be complemented with security”, he said.
Also speaking, Ayo Obilana, a security expert, said the major problem Nigeria needs to conquer at the airports is incursion to the airside, an area of the airport that is highly restricted.
He lamented that up till now, the country is still grappling with preventing foreign bodies from gaining entry into unauthorized places at airports years after so many incidents that should have been lessons have taken place.
“Incursion into the airports is still a big problem, the transformation agenda must not be done without necessary global aviation security measures that will place the country at par with other countries”, he said.
Olumide Ohuanyo, another stakeholder, noted that government needs to implement or improve upon deficient areas being pointed out every time the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) officials visit Nigeria’s airports for audit.
“We have dispensed financial and psychological resources on the dilapidated terminals that we needed a 13-year-old Benin boy to remind us that there is enormous leakage in our airport security preparedness. I acknowledge the strides attained and equally wish we can also address the other issues to the benefit of the industry and the country in general”, he said.
– BUSINESSDAY
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
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It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
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Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
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Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
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