Author: Agbeja Gabriel

FG inaugurates task force on illegal private charter operations
FG inaugurates task force on illegal private charter operations
Force
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja, inaugurated a `Ministerial Task Force` on illegal private charter operations and related matters in the aviation industry.
Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said at the inauguration that the task -force would be engaged in taking inventory of all Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) holders and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders.
According to him, the committee will among others determine why the practice of illegal charters by PNCF holders persists in the country in spite of regulatory controls.
”Call in all professional licenses of pilots and crew in the country and determine their authenticity and validity.
“Recommend to the minister, any additional measures to be taken by regulatory agencies to stem the ugly tide. To recommend appropriate sanctions to be imposed by the regulatory agencies on defaulters.
“Recommend additional measures to further monitor operations and activities of private aircraft in Nigeria and any other terms of reference that may be determined by the minister as the Task Force continues its work,“ he said.
He added that members of the task force had been carefully selected from within the aviation industry and were people of high repute and integrity.
According to the minister, members of the Task Force include Capt. Ado Sanusi as Chairman; Capt. Roland lyayi as Vice Chairman; Director of Air Transport, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development as Secretary.
“Other members are -Theresa Babaoye (DATR-NCAA);One nominee from the National Security Adviser – Capt Daniel Quansah ; Capt. Patrick Ogunlowo ; Obafemi Bajomo (SA-HMA).
“This Task -Force is not only a response to the current challenges but also a proactive step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability and integrity of our aviation sector.
“We expect the Task-Force to work for three months, except circumstances require some extension, “ he said.
Keyamo canvassed collective working diligently to restore confidence in the aviation industry, eliminate illegal operations, and ensure that every flight in the nation`s skies adhered to highest standards of safety and legality.
He expressed optimism that such collective efforts would lead to a stronger, more secure, and prosperous aviation industry.
“ It has come to my attention, through a series of disturbing reports, that practice of illegal charter operations is thriving within the aviation industry, thereby undermining efforts of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory bodies.
“ These illicit activities have resulted in significant financial losses to the Federal Government and also have raised security and safety concerns as operations of private aircraft owners have remained largely unchecked and unregulated.
“This has also resulted in using these private aircrafts for other illegal activities.”
He said the National Security Adviser wrote to alert the ministry last week of the spike in money laundering, drug-trafficking and other illegal activities through the use of private aircrafts in the country.
“It appears that Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) operators have become increasingly emboldened, continuing their illegal operations with the assistance of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who collect tolls and list these illegal charters under their AOCs.
“Furthermore, we have received alarming reports that some crew members have not attended mandatory simulator trainings for nearly three years and are flying with fraudulently-obtained renewed licenses.
“Many of these individuals are operating planes registered under PNCF but are conducting illegal charter operations with impunity, “ he said.
“In light of these grave concerns and in alignment with two key objectives of our five-point agenda, I am compelled to take this decisive action, “ he said.
Keyamo reiterated his five -point agenda encapsulated as safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development and revenue generation,“
Speaking, Capt. Ado Sanusi, Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force, said the newly established task force would effectively and efficiently achieve all statement objectives by its predetermined judicious performance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Isaac Aregbesola

June 27, 2024
Efforts underway to tackle airport touts – Keyamo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development ,Mr Festus Keyamo
Airports
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo says the Federal Government is making efforts to tackle the menace of tours and extortionists at the nation’s airports.
The minister, who made this known on his verified X account (@fkeyamo) on Sunday, expressed sadness over prevalence of touts and extortionists at the country’s international airports.
Keyamo said he had received series of complaints from Nigerians concerning touts and extortionists that were giving the nation a negative image.
“Just to set the records straight, most of the agencies involved in this menace are not under the control of the aviation ministry, though they are stationed at our airports.
“However, I have been working closely with other Ministers, arms of government and agencies who are responsible for these agencies and a solution is in sight.
“We are all working under the coordination of the National Security Adviser who called a meeting a few days ago on this issue and we shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide.”
The minister thanked Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on burning issues.
Keyamo affirmed he had received several complaints about the menace of begging and extortion at the nation’s International airports by a few unscrupulous persons that gave the country bad image.
“My phones are beeping every minute with messages about this from well-meaning Nigerians. We shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide.
“We thank Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on this issue,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FGA/CHOM/MNA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

June 23, 2024
NiMet predict 3-day thunderstorms, rain from Sunday
NiMet predict 3-day thunderstorms, rain from Sunday
Weather
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja forecast morning thunderstorms on Sunday over parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Taraba and Kaduna states.
It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Borno, Adamawa Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, and Taraba states later in the day.
“Thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the central states` places like; Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue and Niger states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of; Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The southern cities are expected to witness morning rains particularly parts of Imo, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Bayelsa and Lagos states,’’it said.

The agency anticipated thunderstorms to be accompanied with rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Lagos states in the afternoon and or evening hours.
According to NiMet, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba and Kaduna states on Monday.
“While afternoon/evening period show prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Zamfara, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna states.
“Early morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa states while afternoon and evening periods have prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Plateau Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Morning rains are anticipated over parts of Ekiti, Imo and Cross Rivers states with prospects of rains over parts of Abia, Imo, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, and Rivers states during the afternoon/evening hours,’’ it said.
NiMet envisaged morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi and Kaduna states on Tuesday.
According to it, thunderstorms are predicted over most parts of the northern region later in the day.
“With morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Niger states while thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region during the afternoon/evening hours.
“Cloudy skies are predicted over the southern region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states while prospects of afternoon/evening rains are envisaged over the entire region,’’ it said.
NiMet advised public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.
It urged Airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecast from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 22, 2024
NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms, cloudiness across Nigeria
NiMet predicts 3-day thunderstorms, cloudiness across Nigeria
Weather
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and cloudiness from Tuesday to Thursday across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja, forecasts morning thunderstorms on Tuesday over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe and
Gombe states.
It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Bauchi, Katsina and Taraba states later in the day.
“Partly cloudy conditions are expected over the central regions during the morning hours with prospects of afternoon/evening thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa and Kwara states.
“Cloudy skies are expected over the
southern region during the morning hours with prospects of afternoon/evening rains over part of Ondo, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Ekiti, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa and Lagos states,” it said.
According to NiMet, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kebbi
states on Wednesday.
It further anticipated thunderstorm over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, Bauchi and Kaduna later on Wednesday. .
“Early morning thunderstorms are anticipated over
parts of Kwara and Kogi states while later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and Nasarawa states.
“Morning rains are anticipated over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states, while later in the day, rains are expected over most parts of the southern region,” it said.
NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Taraba state and thunderstorms over Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina and Kano states later in the day.
It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and Nasarawa states early in the morning.
The agency predicted thunderstorms over the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kogi and Nasarawa states later in the day.
NiMet forecasts cloudy skies over the southern region during the morning hours with rains over the entire region later in the day.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.
“Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

June 17, 2024
FG sets to increase nation`s navigable waterways – Oyetola
Waterways
By Gabriel Agbeja
Lokoja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola says the Federal Government will increase the three thousand kilometres navigable waterways across the nation to five thousand kilometres.
Oyetola made the assertion on Tuesday in Lokoja during his working visit to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the inauguration of landmark projects embarked upon by the management of the authority.
According to him, elongating waterways will advance the effectiveness and efficiency of navigation on waterways for the passage of goods and people.
“ I am aware that of the 10, 000 kilometres of our waterways, only 3,000 kilometres are navigable. We are determined to increase them by at least 2,000 kilometres more.
“This is why it is desirable for us to embark on a holistic dredging of strategically important inland waterways for the passage of goods and people.
“This is a task that must be accomplished to create positive change, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, “ he said.
Oyetola said the ministry was currently engaging relevant stakeholders to finalise the arrangement for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) for the development of the maritime sector.
“As a ministry, we will continue to create enabling environment, develop policies and offer necessary support to grow inland waterways segment of the maritime sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
“ In line with the mandate of the ministry, we will continue to vigorously pursue the development of the shipping and maritime related sectors in order to ensure sustainable development of our marine resources.
“I call on the private sector to explore and utilise the opportunities inherent in the sector for possible investment and partnership with the government to enhance growth and ensure sustainable development, “ the minister said
According to him, President Bola Tinubu `s policy agenda is the need to improve Nigeria’s balance of trade to strengthen the value of the Naira and create employment.
He said the ministry was determined to ensure the maximisation of the comparative advantages that maritime resources present.
“ NIWA has also keyed into the concerted efforts at achieving the economic goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration led by our President.
“ I must commend the management of NIWA for their visionary intervention in ensuring that the Water Transportation Code comes alive after several years of being in the pipeline,“ he said.
While officially unveiling the national transportation code, Oyetola said it would guide the boat operators, regulate the conduct of passengers and provide a framework for potential investors in water transportation.
The minister said the code by the NIWA would enhance the ministry to standardise water transportation to reduce accidents on nation`s waters to the barest minimum.
Other projects inaugurated by Oyetola were, 15 boats of varying capacities and uses, comprising three boats with 150 Horsepower each for surveillance, to ensure that the NIWA Police officers are more visible.
Five boats with doubles 75 Horsepower each for enforcement of safety rules and regulations; one Gun Patrol Boat (combat ready) with 115Horsepower for emergency response to security threats.
Others are, one 62-seater passenger boat as a pilot scheme to replace the wooden passenger canoe, three fully equipped water ambulances for prompt response to emergencies and two hydrographic survey boats with multi-beam echo sounders among other projects.
In his opening remarks, the NIWA`s Director- General, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, said the management had put in place some efforts to reposition the agency for greater efficiency.
Oyebamiji, however, said the agency was confronted with many challenges including inter-agencies rivalry occasioned by overlapping functions that called for speedy action on the NIWA Act currently before the National Assembly.
“Sir, we recognise your efforts at ensuring that the Cabotage Fund is disbursed for the greater good of the sector.
“We therefore plead that NIWA be supported to benefit maximally from this fund and its administrative set-up,” he said
The director- general plead for minister`s support in facilitating funding for NIWA`s major Key Performance Indicators; the Capital dredging of 2000 km and the completion of the ongoing inland port at Ganaja, Lokoja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

June 11, 2024
NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness from Monday
NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, cloudiness from Monday
Weather
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agent (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Monday to Wednesday across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja forecast sunny skies on Monday, with patches of clouds over the northern region and of morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Borno states.
“Later in the afternoon/evening period, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Zamfara, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Borno, Kano, Taraba and Adamawa.
“Cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are anticipated over the North Central region with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa states.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue states,” it said.
According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected over the southern states with prospects of morning rains over parts of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
It anticipated thunderstorms over the entire region later in the day.
The agency envisaged patches of clouds on Tuesday with sunshine intervals over the northern, with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Taraba states.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Kaduna, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa and Jigawa states.
“Patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected over the North Central region, with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Kwara and Niger states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Kogi, Benue and Niger states,” it said.
NiMet predicted cloudy atmosphere over the southern states, with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours.
It expected rain over most parts of the region later in the day.
“On Wednesday, sunny atmosphere with patches of clouds are anticipated over the northern region, with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Taraba and Adamawa states during the afternoon/evening hours.
“Patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected over the North Central region, with prospects of thunderstorms expected over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kwara and Nasarawa states during the afternoon/evening hours.
“Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the Southern
states during the morning period. Later in the day, rains are expected over the entire region,” it said.
NiMet urged the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains, in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.
It advised Airline operators to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 9, 2024
Strike: Operations restart at Abuja airport
Operations
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Aviation workers have restarted operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, following the suspension of the indefinite strike by the organised labour.
Mr Samuel Wuyep, Chairman of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Abuja chapter, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that passengers had started coming into the domestic wing to check-in.
It would be recalled that labour had declared an indefinite nationwide strike, midnight of June 2, to press home its demands of non conclusion of national minimum wage fixing and non reversal of hike in electricity tariff.
However, in a communiqué jointly issued by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the organised labour said it had relaxed the strike for one-week, to allow continuation of negotiations
Wuyep, told NAN that following the suspension of the strike, normalcy had returned to the airport and it was fully opened for operations.
“There are few scheduled flights that will be operated in the remaining hours of the day, so they have started checking-in passengers.
“Though, the traffic is very low, a lot of people came in the morning and observed that the locked -up exercise was still ongoing, so they decided to go back.
“Some who managed to wait, got their flights rescheduled, and were told when to come back, “ he said.
According to him, many cabin crew and pilots we nore seen working toward the expected arrival of airplanes in order to continue normal flying to other airports.
Wuyep mentioned Value Jet, Ibom Air, Air peace and United Nigeria Airlines , among local flights that had arrived Abuja today.
The union leader said the strike could not affect the international flights as the strike was called off before the end of the time given.
“In the international wing, since the frame time that we gave to them would elapse today ,being June 4, the international airlines came in the morning, disembarked their passengers.
“While they were disembarking their passengers, coincidentally, the strike was called off and some of them that were on ground decided to check-in the passengers, and normal businesses continued.
“Everything is okay. The airport has returned to its normal businesses. The international Airlines that arrived in the morning were Ethiopia airline, Egypt Air, among others at the international wing,“ he said.
According to him, more international airlines are expected later in the day as the skies were opened, and the processes of check-in were on.
Wuyep advised passengers that had scheduled flights to contact the airline toward processing their travelling documents for the trip. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

June 4, 2024
Striking workers shut Abuja airport
Airport
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Aviation activities were shut down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja on Monday following the nationwide strike declared by organised labour over minimum wage.
Mr Samuel Wuyep, Chairman of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Abuja chapter, confirmed this to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja
According to him, The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had declared the strike action to press home their demand on implementation of new minimum wage for workers.
He said the NLC and TUC had directed aviation service providers, airline operators and all aviation workers nationwide to embark on strike from early hour of June 3.
“The strike has a lot of impact here. Airport is not a place you are going to joke about, at all.
“All airports all over the federation are shutdown. Though, we don’t have a clear dichotomy between military and civil aviation but the civil aviation operators have shutdown their services.
“Passengers that came into the airport were stranded outside. They were not allowed to gain access into the terminal building. Even if they come in, nobody is there to attend to them, “ he said.
Wuyep said that all the service providers were closed down and services of aviation workers had been temporarily stopped.
He added that other affiliates and the assistant agencies within and outside the airport were equally observing the strike.
“So, we are on top of the game. We are hoping that the government will do something so that everybody will go back to his working place and everything will be normalised,“ he said.
According to him, medical workers in NAIA were equally gradually shutting down their services.
Wuyep said that some staffers that went to the clinic were sent back, adding that all agencies under the NLC and NTC were in total compliance with the strike.
He said the passengers that came were calm and observed the rules of the game, as nobody harassed or chased them away.
Wuyep, however said that only the international flights were given the leverage to land for now.
“ Right now, the international flights are given the leverage to land. Already, they are coming from far destinations, and the time difference between Nigeria and such countries is something you cannot reverse.
“Most of them were airborne in Nigerian airspace before the commencement of the strike. Therefore, we will definitely allow them to land. They are landing and departing.
“But, the grace of today is given to them. After today, by tomorrow, all their services too will be grounded. So we expect the Federal Government to do something, “ he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Rotimi Ijikanmi

June 3, 2024