Aviation
Import duty waiver: Airlines still pay heavily on importation of spare parts says Usidamen
By Oyise OGHENE
LAGOS: Following the removal of import duty waiver on aircraft and spare parts by the Federal Government three months ago, investigation revealed yesterday that airlines were groaning as they were still been forced to pay heavily for the importation of their aircraft and spare parts.
This revelation shows that the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan have not been implemented due to the failure of the Ministry of Finance and Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) to fully put such directive into action.
Speaking to newsmen in his office in Lagos, Head of Corporate Communications, Dana Airline, Mr. Tony Usidamen who confirm the situation said that it was very pathetic that three months down the line, airline operators were still ask to pay enormous amount of money as import duties for the importation of their aircraft and spare parts.
Mr. Usidamen further called on the Federal Government to fast track the full implementation of the removal of import duties on aircraft and its spare parts stressing that if done, it would bring succor to the airlines and the travelling passengers will be better for it at the long run in buying their tickets at cheaper fares.
He said ‘‘Yes the Federal Government have announced that it would remove the duties and waivers for airlines on importation of spare parts, we are looking to that regime commencing because it will go a long way in reducing the operational cost of airlines, keeping the airlines profitable and also making the fares more attractive so that at the end of the day, the average traveler is better-of for it’’
According to him,‘‘To the best of my knowledge, the implementation of the import duty waiver hasn’t taken place yet but we believe strongly that the government will keep its promise in this regard, the leadership of the ministry of aviation has demonstrated commitment towards seeing improvement in the sector and the on-going remodeling of the airports across the country is a sign of it, so we have no doubt that the government is sincere in this regard and we hope that it will come into effect soon’’
It would be recalled that experts in the industry had said that, this is not the first time a President would give a directive on removal of import duty waiver. They cited former President Olusegun Obasanjo giving the same directive in 2006, backing it up with letters that were allegedly not carried out.Air Marshall Paul Dike (rtd) committee set up by Obasanjo to help tackle the decay in aviation sector after the devastating crashes of Bellview and Sosoliso Airlines in 2005, had in its report recommended to the Federal Government in 2006 to cancel the percentage of tax being charged on spare parts in order to assist the commercial airline operators to improve their business in the country.
Commenting on the operations of Dana Airline since its resume operations on January 4 2013, Mr. Usidamen pointed out that the operations had been going on smoothly stressing that the passengers’ traffic to the airline was quite encouraging.
According to him, the airline will soon resume its operations on the Lagos-Port-Harcourt in two weeks as plans to expand it route network.
He said ‘‘I can confirm to you that in about two weeks time, we should be resuming operations to Port-Harcourt city, plans are also on the way to resume operations to the other cities we fly to, in Uyo, Calabar but specific date will be announce in due course, it is our desire to take our quality services to all of these other cities, a lot of our loyal passengers on that route have already sent in several mails, several requests asking us to come back”
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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