Aviation
How Non-Committal Investors Grounded Nigeria Air
Facts are beginning to emerge that investors approached for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the Nigeria Air were yet to append their signatures to the transaction, as at the time the Nigerian Government were showing desperation to launch it, last May.
The Ministry of Aviation has made revelations in this regard, in a memo it presented to the ninth House of Representatives.
This stance was also corroborated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), which specifically fingered unresolved issues, including their shareholding structure and respective functions in the Nigeria Air, in another memo to the House of Reps.
Recall that the lower arm of the national assembly had condemned the manner in which the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika handled the project.
Sirika on his part, denies any wrongdoing.
Instead he pointed accusing fingers at the former chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Hon Nnolim Nnaji, for asking for five percent stake in the airline from him.
Hon Nnaji also denied this accusation.
Media outlets reported that an aircraft said to belong to Ethiopian Airlines, which was meant to hold 49 percent equity stake in Nigeria Air was hired for public relations stunt on the Nigeria Air project last May.
In the bid to get to the root of the matter, the House of Reps, summoned the Ministry of Aviation, who tendered a memo dated June 2, 2023, with Reference Number MCA0008/S.33/T4/22, under the signature of its Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, M. R Shehu, with explanations.
The memo partly read, “I am directed to refer to your letter Nos: NASS/9HR/CT.017/121 dated 31st May, 2023, and NASS/9HR/CT.017/122 dated 1st June, 2023 on the above subject and to respond to your request as follows:
“Full disclosure of ownership structure of Nigeria Air: The proposed ownership structure of Nigeria Air Limited is as follows: Ethiopian Airlines Group, 49 per cent, $122,500,000; The FGN, five per cent, $12,500,000; MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited, 31 per cent, $77,500,000; Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, 15 per cent, $37,500,000; Total, 100 per cent, $250,000,000.
“All PPP agreements reached and signed with Ethiopia Airline with regard to the Project: There was no PPP agreement signed.
“PPP agreement reached and signed with all other parties: None.”
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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