Aviation
Reps order FAAN to return bulletproof cars to Coscharis
LAGOS – The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, on Wednesday in Lagos, ordered the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to return the N255 million controversial bulletproof cars allegedly purchased by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the former Aviation Minister, Mrs Stella Oduah, to the suppliers- Coscharis Motors.
On the where about of the two bullet proof cars, the Director General of the NCAA, Engr. Benedict Adeyelika said that the two cars are parked at NCAA headquarters in Abuja and that they are still functional.
The legislators also called for a review the controversial concession agreement which attracted outrage from the Nigerian public.
The lawmakers also described the concession agreement entered into between FAAN and First Bank of Nigeria for the collection of revenue for aviation agencies as fraudulent, and that it should be terminated forthwith.
The committee also said that it would conduct a public hearing on the concession agreement entered into with the bank, adding that it would also want to know the relationship between FAAN and Avi-tech, and between Avi-tech and First Bank.
Avitech is single payment platform for revenue collection introduced by First Bank for the automation of revenue collection in the aviation industry.
The Committee gave the order shortly after inspecting ongoing projects and the Air Field Lighten (AFL) on the 18 left runway at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos yesterday.
The Committee members, who spoke through its Chairman, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, said that the concession agreements between FAAN and Maevis Nigeria Limited and that between FAAN and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) are not the only concessions that are bad, but that the one entered into between FAAN and First Bank is worse.
The committee added that there should not be intermediaries in the revenue collection, describing the concession as fraudulent.
According to her, ”a bank cannot be doing automation in aviation sector. Review the concession agreements between FAAN and First Bank. If the concession between FAAN and Maevis is bad, that of First Bank is worst”
Speaking further the chairman of the committee described the concession agreement is a fraud, adding that the concession agreement between FAAN and First Bank has joined the number of concession agreements entered into by FAAN that skewed against it.
Reacting, Managing Director of FAAN, Engr Dunoma Saleh, told the committee that it only has relationship with First Bank and not Avi-tech.
The committee, who demanded to know the difference between Aerotropolis project and Aerotropolis Nigeria Limited, added that it would also, wants to know the directors of the company and those behind it.
She stated that in as much as the committee is probing to know the owners of the company, the committee is not against the project.
– DAILY INDEPENDENT
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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