Aviation
Nigeria recommences move to concession airports
Josephine ADAMA
ABUJA-Talks have just recommenced among the relevant Nigerian authorities on the possible concessioning of the airports, Benjamin Dikki, director general, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), said yesterday.
Speaking during the BPE’s privatisation day held yesterday at the sidelines of the 9th Abuja international trade fair, Dikki said that even though the airports had been improved, the concessioning was now necessary for them to be more efficient and meet global standards.
No timelines have been given yet as it is still early days, but Dikki hinted that his office “has already held discussions with the minster of aviation, who is “agreeable and very keen that we hand over the management of our airports to the private sector.”
He noted that there is already an agreement in principle and that the concept paper was being developed to indicate the direction, timelines and work programmes which would be discussed with the minister before seeking necessary approval of the National Council on Privatisation and President Goodluck Jonathan.
While he could not actually say how soon the process could commence, Dikki, however, explained that the first step would be to do a due diligence on the airports which would be captured in a detailed information document that can be handed to the potential investors to make informed decision.
He hinted that it would likely take between two and six months to complete diagnostic study of all the airports before the process can then commence.
Dikki also announced that the guided liquidation of the NITEL/MTEL was still ongoing and that the prospective bidders were currently conducting data room due diligence on the assets of the companies.
He also said that the privatisation of the refineries was still at the consultation stage, noting that his office was still “consulting with the major stakeholders like the labour unions, among others.
“We want to agree with them on the acceptable framework for the privatisation of the refineries,” he stated, expressing confidence that the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would encourage private sector investors to commit their money into those refineries.
“We are constrained by the absence of the law, and also by the fact that we are holding consultations with major stakeholders to be able to agree on a road map going forward,” Dikki explained.
According to him, the eight bills, which are also critical element in the Bureau’s 2014 work plan including railway bill, inland waterways bill, federal roads authority bill, national transport commission bill, ports and harbour reform bill, federal competition and consumer protection bill and postal reform bill have been reviewed and finalised by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and presently before the FEC.
He envisaged that the passage of these bills would lead to the abrogation of monopoly sector laws, liberalisation of the sector and establishment of regulatory agencies would encourage private sector investment inflows, job creation and higher economic growth.
Dikki assured that the Bureau would be working with relevant stakeholders in meeting the conditions precedent for the declaration of Transitional Electricity Market and to continue to handle post-privatisation issues relating to the Discos, Gencos and TCN.
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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