Aviation
Federal Government Renames Aviation Ministry
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Aviation to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace of Nigeria.
The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, made these known in Abuja on Wednesday.
This announcement came shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.
During the announcement, Sirika clarified that the decision to make this alteration was prompted by the fact that aviation is listed as an exclusive item under the government’s jurisdiction.
Senator Hadi Sirika emphasized that the progress of the aviation industry had reached a point where aviation and aerospace were closely intertwined.
He highlighted the importance for Nigeria to take proactive measures in aligning its policies with future developments in the sector.
The minister also drew a connection between this renaming and the establishment of the African Aerospace and Aviation University, situated in Abuja.
In addition, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) granted approval for the concessioning of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
Senator Hadi Sirika further revealed that the concession agreement for the Abuja airport would span 20 years, while the Kano airport would be concessioned for a period of 30 years.
Furthermore, in a related development, the FEC approved the resumption of on-street parking, commonly known as Park and Pay, in the capital city of Nigeria.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who made the announcement regarding the resumption of on-street parking, stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had been pursuing legal amendments. As a result, the memo regarding on-street parking received official ratification.
Mohammed reminded the public that on-street parking had initially been introduced in 2012 but was discontinued following a court ruling that deemed it illegal. However, with the recent approval, on-street parking would immediately resume.
The information minister also disclosed that the Second Niger Bridge was ready for commissioning on May 20, nine days before the official handover.
Earlier, FEC approved $4.7 billion for the development of the Ondo Multi-Purpose Port, Ilaje; Snake Island in Lagos; and Burutu in Delta State.
Prince Ademola Adegoroye, the Minister of State for Transportation, informed State House Correspondents that the aforementioned projects would be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement, without any financial burden on the Federal Government.
He revealed that the development of the Ondo port would require an investment of $1.48 billion from the private developers. The port would be concessioned for a period of 50 years, with an estimated total revenue of $50 billion for the concessionaire and $2.6 billion for the Federal Government.
Aviation
Accra Bound Aircraft Loses Engine Mid-Air After Departing NAIA, Abuja
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.
Aviation
FG Secures 12 Pre-Owned Alpha Jets to Bolster Nigeria’s Air Power
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.
Aviation
Festive Season: Aero Contractors Slashes Ticket Prices To N80,000
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.