Aviation
Nigeria, Singapore Sign Aviation, Medical Tourism Pact
SINGAPORE – Nigeria and Singapore have sealed a fresh deal to open up direct air links between both countries and to leverage each other’s competitive and comparative advantage for an enhanced, mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship.
The two nations agreed to collaborate in the areas of medical tourism, capacity development, skills acquisition and enterprise development, among others, while taking steps towards investment guarantee and a fair taxation regime.
The agreements were reached at a meeting between the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and the Singaporean Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. S. Iswaran, on the sidelines of the Nigeria-Singapore Business and Investment Forum in Singapore.
Aganga noted that direct air services between Nigeria and Singapore would provide a good foundation for unrestricted business movement and growth, in addition to a mutually favourable trade and investment relationship between both countries.
Iswaran said: “Once we open up the links, the people will follow and businesses too. Nigeria is a large country in its region and there are a lot of opportunities. Singapore is also an important gateway in this region. If we explore these advantages, the two countries will be better for it.”
The Singaporean government, however assured that arrangements had been concluded to have direct flights to Singapore from Nigeria, noting that the Ethiopian Airlines would commence direct flights from Nigeria to Singapore in December 2013.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission signed a memorandum of understanding with the Enterprise International Singapore Board in five key areas – collaboration in the growth sectors of the economy, sharing information and best practice, mutual support in business missions and capacity development facilitation.
The Singaporean trade minister, however, noted that the double taxation agreement talks between both countries had reached an advanced stage, adding that further improving the business climate and providing investment guarantee would create a good level of comfort for businesses on both sides.
Aganga, who stated that an agreement had been reached to develop a smart city in Abuja also urged Singapore to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones, to create good avenues for investment while also creating jobs and generating wealth for Nigerians.
In his presentation, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, Mr. Gbenga Kuye, pointed out that the Free Zone Scheme was presently undergoing strategic reforms to adequately reposition it to meet the nation’s quest for industrialisation.
Nigeria and Singapore have, however, agreed to start off the process of establishing the Nigeria-Singapore Trade and Investment Council, starting first with the setting up of the chamber of commerce (private sector-to-private sector) in both countries this year.
According to Iswaran, the Singapore Business Federation, which works with all the businesses in Singapore, will facilitate the Council on the side of Singapore. The council is an institutional framework for working on increasing the level of trade and investment between both countries under a win-win situation.
“The business environment in Nigeria is getting better and better, in line with the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President. And the story of Nigeria is being told the right way in major countries of the world. The result is that Nigeria is better viewed and investments are coming. This is the reason, for the second year running, Nigeria is the preferred destination for investment in Africa, according to UNCTAD’s figures,” Aganga noted.
– THIS DAY
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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