Brother hater, why did ChimaAdeoye bring Abuja ICC or Ibom Golf Hotel here? You can as well insult him. Aggressive and uncivilized people like you and Collagiatepaper are not supposed to be on this thread or any public space at all. You are supposed to be locked in a cage because you are not a social compliant being and therefore no value to humanity. I hope you don't suffocate from envy. Even I am Afonja and I like Ebonyi, then I am better than you an Anambra man that out of jealousy is not happy to hear the name Ebonyi.
Your foolishness is on display,, u spam Anambra thread with news from Ebonyi yet have d temerity to claim we re jealous.. Hoe stupid re you.. How can an Anambra man be jealous of Ebonyi state.. Is thr anything to be jealous of any African state
Brother hater, why did ChimaAdeoye bring Abuja ICC or Ibom Golf Hotel here? You can as well insult him. Aggressive and uncivilized people like you and Collagiatepaper are not supposed to be on this thread or any public space at all. You are supposed to be locked in a cage because you are not a social compliant being and therefore no value to humanity. I hope you don't suffocate from envy. Even I am Afonja and I like Ebonyi, then I am better than you an Anambra man that out of jealousy is not happy to hear the name Ebonyi.
Please get out of this thread.
The thread is update in Anambra state not Ebonyi.
If you want to post update about Ebonyi do that on Pan igbo thread..
Pioneering Concession of State-owned Airport February 26, 2021 3:12 am Chinedu Eze Thisday
The Delta State Government recently signed concession agreement and handed over the Asaba International Airport to a private investor for management. Chinedu Eze writes that this may be the key to sustaining the airport and other aerodromes owned by state governments
The decision to hand over the Asaba International Airport to private investors by the Delta state government last Tuesday could be described as a radical departure from the past and an opportunity to sustain the airport and make it viable.
What has been common in Nigeria is where some state governments would build airports, largely out of infatuation and idealistic projections of the benefits, but narrowly to create an opportunity to airlift governors, their acolytes, the upper class and family members from their own state capitals without thinking of the continuous stream of funds that must be made available to sustain the maintenance and management of such airports.
Subsequently, some states would hit a cul-de-sac in the area of funding; then they approach the federal government and request that the airports should be taken over by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Sagged by such huge responsibility, FAAN with limited sources of revenue is beset with huge fiscal demands that it fails to effectively management these airports.
But the Governor of Delta state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa found a niche in concession and thus handed over the maintenance, expansion and modernisation of the airport to private investors. By that action, the Governor has aligned himself with modern trends of efficient airport management.
Why Concession?
The Governor during the concession agreement explained why government decided to concession the airport. “Moving forward, we choose concession as the most viable option for the airports to be run professionally, efficiently and profitably for the overall good of the state,” he said.
He also disclosed that the consortium of investors were expected to expend at least N28 billion on various developmental investments on the airport over the 30 years concession period.
Okowa further said the consortium was expected to make the payment of N1 billion to the state within 15 days of commencement of activities, while another sum of N100 million was expected from the concessionaire annually and would be escalated every five years, noting that the new arrangement would boost economic and social activities in the state.
He explained that the government concessioned the airport to FIDC-Menzies Consortium as the preferred bidder to operate as the Master Concessionaire, while others would act as sub-concessionaires for the entire concession years.
The consortium has technical partners like Air Peace as the Anchor Airline and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operator, Multifreight Cargo and Logistics; for cargo and logistics centre, Arbico Construction Company; to develop the business park, hotel and convention centre, Rainoil Limited and Cybernetics Limited; to develop the tank farm and provide aviation fuel, while Quorum Aviation Limited would develop and manage the private jet and helicopter terminal.
Okowa said the airport could only be made more efficient when handed over to private investors whom he said were experienced in management of airports.
He explained that at inception, the vision of the government was to make airport a regional hub for exportation of agricultural produce for the country, but lamented that it suffered a huge setback some few years back when it was downgraded to Cat 111 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) due to drop in standards.
He added that the concessionaire should be responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the airport, keeping the airport in good operating condition throughout the concession period at his own cost and risk and in accordance with industry practice, and the provisions of the agreements.
Rebuilding the Airport
After the airport was downgraded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) due to lack of safety critical facilities, the Okowa-led administration had to reconstruct the runway, construct perimeter fences, upgrade the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other facilities, leading to its upgrade by the regulatory agency.
According to him, the new initiative by the state government had attracted new investors, new airlines, which now jostle to operate to the airport and improved economic activities for the state.
“It is the business of the Master Concessionaire to manage the airport, develop the cargo, hotel and conference centre, airlines operating into the airport and the MRO facilities among others.
“The name of the airport shall remain Asaba International Airport and there shall be no new other Greenfield airport within the concession period. Also, 20 per cent of its staff must be from Delta State and there should be mandatory capital project to be completed with the three years of commencement.”
The Governor remarked that it was important that the citizens of the state were kept abreast of the new developments about the airport, “so that they know that we are truly transparent, because from day one, in all the processes, we actually have stayed on course in being transparent.”
“We want our people to know that this decision is taken in the best interest of the state and the people of Delta State. And because we know that it is difficult for state governments to directly run airports and run it in the way that they should and actually bring maximum benefits to the people, we decided to go this route. And I want our people in Delta State to know that the decisions we have taken and the signing ceremony with our concessionaires today is actually in the best interest of the people of Delta State. And I hope that other states with state airports will follow suit.
“My good people of Delta with over N20 billion expected to be pumped into the airport development by the consortium over the concession period, the benefits to the state in terms of employment generation, economic growth, and tourism potential are enormous,” Okowa said. In his remarks, during the ceremony, the Chairman, Asaba Airport Company Limited, Mr. Adebisi Adebutu, assured that the management would rebrand the airport and make it one of the best within the continent.
He recalled that it all started in 2016, in line with the vision of Okowa to bring economic and infrastructure impact to the state via the airport concession. After a vigorous and transplant selection process in 2019, the FIDC-Menzies Consortium emerged the preferred bidder of the concession.
“For the sake of clarity, the Asaba International airport was initiated by the Delta State government in 2008, as part of the strategic objectives to create an economic platform to open the stage to the global marketplace.
“The airport, which has been under operational management of the state government institutions with technical support from federal regulatory agencies, was unfortunately downgraded in May 2019, due to the safety concerns identified by regulatory agencies. “As a result, the airport maintained limited shuttle flight operations in recent years.
However, the Okowa administration in fulfillment of its responsibility to reposition the airport facility embarked on the rehabilitation of key infrastructure within the airport to resolve the regulatory identify challenges, which led to the downgrade. The rehabilitation work was successfully completed and the airport upgraded to category six by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,” he said. Benefits of the Concession
Generally airports are known globally not to make run-away profits but they provide very critical service that buoys the economy of every nation and they also create jobs for the people. Industry stakeholders in Nigeria have variously frowned at the airports built by state governments because they are seen as waste of funds, as they don’t provide the needed jobs and many of them operate under conditions that compromise international standard, as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
But the Asaba airport has proved them wrong because since it was established it has provided essential flight service to air travellers in Delta and Anambra states. And the problem of funding the airport has been solved by the Delta state government with the concession of the airport.
The industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Alike confirmed this to THISDAY when he spoke during the agreement ceremony in Asaba.
“The benefits of the concession are multidimensional; the first is that it frees the funds the government has made expending on the airport. So that relief is immense and it is humongous given what the government has spent over the years in trying to bring the airport to what it is presently.
“Secondly, it creates an opportunity for a world-class airport, world-class infrastructure to be developed here. And the approach they have taken is the approach that has not been taken taking anywhere in the world.
“The models they have adopted is a model that will expand business opportunities, increase employment for the people, and sooner than later property rates and everything will rise in Asaba and that will be to a greater benefits of developers and those who will come into this place.
“Asaba will become a distillation as this is likely to be a gateway airport to the south-south and south east. And if and only if the federal government does not or is not allowed by all the controversies to concession all the other airports, this airport will eventually become number one airport in the country, in terms of facilities, in terms of attraction and ambience, in terms of being a destination,” Aligbe said. He said that in term of economic gains that would flow from the airport concession would be immense.
“Nobody can fully imagine it. This will be a lesson to other governors, who today, spend so much money building airports, and then turn around to hand it over the FAAN. There should be a bandwagon effect from what has happened here.
“If that happens, FAAN will be relieved of present burden of managing what today is called unviable airports. All airports can be viable if you determine how to go ahead and the only way to do it is to bring those who know how to manage airports. And that is a true concession,” he said.
Competition
Aligbe also dismissed the fear that when a new airport is built in Anambra state it would reduce the passenger traffic at the Asaba International Airport, recognising that presently the airport is also the gate way to air travellers in Anambra state.
“Let me tell you, it is going to be a major problem for both airports (Anambra and Asaba). This is because after the construction of the new Niger Bridge, Nnewi will be closer to Asaba than where the new airport is located. Onitsha is closer to Asaba than to Awka. So what will determine the choice for the people is the service each airport will offer,” Aligbe added.
It is also the view of many in the aviation industry that the concession of Asaba airport would provide it with enviable, efficient service that will place it above other airports in the country.
Anambra international airport has come to stay and it shall be the busiest airport in Nigeria aside Abuja and Lagos. No amount of crying by you can change anything. It is very obvious you are threatened by Anambra international airport. You have failed and you will continue to fail.
Pioneering Concession of State-owned Airport February 26, 2021 3:12 am Chinedu EzThisdaThe Delta State Government recently signed concession agreement and handed over the Asaba International Airport to a private investor for management. Chinedu Eze writes that this may be the key to sustaining the airport and other aerodromes owned by state governmentThe decision to hand over the Asaba International Airport to private investors by the Delta state government last Tuesday could be described as a radical departure from the past and an opportunity to sustain the airport and make it viable.b]What has been common in Nigeria is where some state governments would build airports, largely out of infatuation and idealistic projections of the benefits, but narrowly to create an opportunity to airlift governors, their acolytes, the upper class and family members from their own state capitals without thinking of the continuous stream of funds that must be made available to sustain the maintenance and management of such airports.[/b]Subsequently, some states would hit a cul-de-sac in the area of funding; then they approach the federal government and request that the airports should be taken over by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).Sagged by such huge responsibility, FAAN with limited sources of revenue is beset with huge fiscal demands that it fails to effectively management these airports.But the Governor of Delta state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa found a niche in concession and thus handed over the maintenance, expansion and modernisation of the airport to private investors. By that action, the Governor has aligned himself with modern trends of efficient airport management.hy Concession?he Governor during the concession agreement explained why government decided to concession the airport. “Moving forward, we choose concession as the most viable option for the airports to be run professionally, efficiently and profitably for the overall good of the state,” he said.e also disclosed that the consortium of investors were expected to expend at least N28 billion on various developmental investments on the airport over the 30 years concession period.Okowa further said the consortium was expected to make the payment of N1 billion to the state within 15 days of commencement of activities, while another sum of N100 million was expected from the concessionaire annually and would be escalated every five years, noting that the new arrangement would boost economic and social activities in the state.He explained that the government concessioned the airport to FIDC-Menzies Consortium as the preferred bidder to operate as the Master Concessionaire, while others would act as sub-concessionaires for the entire concession years. The consortium has technical partners like Air Peace as the Anchor Airline and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operator, Multifreight Cargo and Logistics; for cargo and logistics centre, Arbico Construction Company; to develop the business park, hotel and convention centre, Rainoil Limited and Cybernetics Limited; to develop the tank farm and provide aviation fuel, while Quorum Aviation Limited would develop and manage the private jet and helicopter terminal.Okowa said the airport could only be made more efficient when handed over to private investors whom he said were experienced in management of airports.He explained that at inception, the vision of the government was to make airport a regional hub for exportation of agricultural produce for the country, but lamented that it suffered a huge setback some few years back when it was downgraded to Cat 111 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) due to drop in standards.He added that the concessionaire should be responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the airport, keeping the airport in good operating condition throughout the concession period at his own cost and risk and in accordance with industry practice, and the provisions of the agreements.Rebuilding the AirportAfter the airport was downgraded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) due to lack of safety critical facilities, the Okowa-led administration had to reconstruct the runway, construct perimeter fences, upgrade the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other facilities, leading to its upgrade by the regulatory agency. According to him, the new initiative by the state government had attracted new investors, new airlines, which now jostle to operate to the airport and improved economic activities for the state.It is the business of the Master Concessionaire to manage the airport, develop the cargo, hotel and conference centre, airlines operating into the airport and the MRO facilities among others.“The name of the airport shall remain Asaba International Airport and there shall be no new other Greenfield airport within the concession period. Also, 20 per cent of its staff must be from Delta State and there should be mandatory capital project to be completed with the three years of commencement.”The Governor remarked that it was important that the citizens of the state were kept abreast of the new developments about the airport, “so that they know that we are truly transparent, because from day one, in all the processes, we actually have stayed on course in being transparent.”b]“We want our people to know that this decision is taken in the best interest of the state and the people of Delta State. And because we know that it is difficult for state governments to directly run airports and run it in the way that they should and actually bring maximum benefits to the people, we decided to go this route. And I want our people in Delta State to know that the decisions we have taken and the signing ceremony with our concessionaires today is actually in the best interest of the people of Delta State. And I hope that other states with state airports will follow suit.[/b]“My good people of Delta with over N20 billion expected to be pumped into the airport development by the consortium over the concession period, the benefits to the state in terms of employment generation, economic growth, and tourism potential are enormous,” Okowa said. In his remarks, during the ceremony, the Chairman, Asaba Airport Company Limited, Mr. Adebisi Adebutu, assured that the management would rebrand the airport and make it one of the best within the continent.He recalled that it all started in 2016, in line with the vision of Okowa to bring economic and infrastructure impact to the state via the airport concession. After a vigorous and transplant selection process in 2019, the FIDC-Menzies Consortium emerged the preferred bidder of the concession.“For the sake of clarity, the Asaba International airport was initiated by the Delta State government in 2008, as part of the strategic objectives to create an economic platform to open the stage to the global marketplace.“The airport, which has been under operational management of the state government institutions with technical support from federal regulatory agencies, was unfortunately downgraded in May 2019, due to the safety concerns identified by regulatory agencies.As a result, the airport maintained limited shuttle flight operations in recent years.However, the Okowa administration in fulfillment of its responsibility to reposition the airport facility embarked on the rehabilitation of key infrastructure within the airport to resolve the regulatory identify challenges, which led to the downgrade. The rehabilitation work was successfully completed and the airport upgraded to category six by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,” he saidBenefits of the ConcessionGenerally airports are known globally not to make run-away profits but they provide very critical service that buoys the economy of every nation and they also create jobs for the people. Industry stakeholders in Nigeria have variously frowned at the airports built by state governments because they are seen as waste of funds, as they don’t provide the needed jobs and many of them operate under conditions that compromise international standard, as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)But the Asaba airport has proved them wrong because since it was established it has provided essential flight service to air travellers in Delta and Anambra states. And the problem of funding the airport has been solved by the Delta state government with the concession of the airport.The industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Alike confirmed this to THISDAY when he spoke during the agreement ceremony in Asaba.b]“The benefits of the concession are multidimensional; the first is that it frees the funds the government has made expending on the airport. So that relief is immense and it is humongous given what the government has spent over the years in trying to bring the airport to what it is presently.[/b]Secondly, it creates an opportunity for a world-class airport, world-class infrastructure to be developed here. And the approach they have taken is the approach that has not been taken taking anywhere in the world.The models they have adopted is a model that will expand business opportunities, increase employment for the people, and sooner than later property rates and everything will rise in Asaba and that will be to a greater benefits of developers and those who will come into this place.Asaba will become a distillation as this is likely to be a gateway airport to the south-south and south east. And if and only if the federal government does not or is not allowed by all the controversies to concession all the other airports, this airport will eventually become number one airport in the country, in terms of facilities, in terms of attraction and ambience, in terms of being a destination,” Aligbe saidHe said that in term of economic gains that would flow from the airport concession would be immense.Nobody can fully imagine it. This will be a lesson to other governors, who today, spend so much money building airports, and then turn around to hand it over the FAAN. There should be a bandwagon effect from what has happened here. f that happens, FAAN will be relieved of present burden of managing what today is called unviable airports. All airports can be viable if you determine how to go ahead and the only way to do it is to bring those who know how to manage airports. And that is a true concession,” he aidCompetitionAligbe also dismissed the fear that when a new airport is built in Anambra state it would reduce the passenger traffic at the Asaba International Airport, recognising that presently the airport is also the gate way to air travellers in Anambra state.[b]“Let me tell you, it is going to be a major problem for both airports (Anambra and Asaba). This is because after the construction of the new Niger Bridge, Nnewi will be closer to Asaba than where the new airport is located. Onitsha is closer to Asaba than to Awka. So what will determine the choice for the people is the service each airport will offer,” Aligbe added.[/bt is also the view of many in the aviation industry that the concession of Asaba airport would provide it with enviable, efficient service that will place it above other airports in the country.
Hahahaha is like you no wan mercy for the miserable mktinsight. Each time you guys post any update on the airport, mktinsight gets close to taking his life due to depression and frustration.
Anyways lemme post old pictures of the international airport to keep mktinsight in bad mood because current pictures of the project could make him jump into River Niger without thinking.
Fabulousl0l: , Please let us celebrate the 600 page with pictures
Please update us with pictures, any sector will be appreciated
Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Real estate, Education, Industries, sports, etc, Thanks
If only this forum is for engagement and not curses.. Anambra Airport will be number one in the whole universe, noted, but can we talk about other developments happening in the state? Where is James Nwafor? Or those he killed not our fellow youths? Why is Anambra State government shielding him from facing punishment? What is the economic value of the Governor's trip to Texas? Have any one us been to Onitsha Main Market recently? Aside Old Market Road, which other road that leads to the market is motorable? Upper Iweka should pass as the war zone, touts with uniform at all sections. Even mad people can do better? I was there today, and the Governor is giving out parks upon parks upon parks to touts. Keke in Kano doesn't pay a dime, Anambra Keke drivers pay between 450 to 750 daily, yet Kano generates more revenue than Anambra. Election is around, what efforts are we making as youths to get it right. Take it or leave it, Anambra is in Auto Pilot. We don't know between Uche Okafor(Wiper), Primus Odili, EbeleChukwu Obiano, and Chinedu Obidigwe who exactly is the governor of the state. With what I am seeing here, a lot of us are comfortable collecting peanuts from James Eze, and messing ourselves up. The data coming from the world body that Onitsha is the 3rd most populous city in Africa is what we need to work with to sell our city and state. Currently Tiger Foods is sponsoring a set of girls in Onitsha in Tech through Lady Uche, the lady that groomed the golden girls of Silicon Valley. Mind you, the Archdiocese Of Onitsha, and ANSG didn't contribute anything to it. (I dare anyone to come up with prove and I will drop Uche's number here, those of the girls too) Can anyone tell us about the girls?! So, we need to wake up. At the very end, we are all at the receiving end, while those greedy politicians keep cashing out. Ya gazie.
martinect2803: If only this forum is for engagement and not curses.. Anambra Airport will be number one in the whole universe, noted, but can we talk about other developments happening in the state? Where is James Nwafor? Or those he killed not our fellow youths? Why is Anambra State government shielding him from facing punishment? What is the economic value of the Governor's trip to Texas? Have any one us been to Onitsha Main Market recently? Aside Old Market Road, which other road that leads to the market is motorable? Upper Iweka should pass as the war zone, touts with uniform at all sections. Even mad people can do better? I was there today, and the Governor is giving out parks upon parks upon parks to touts. Keke in Kano doesn't pay a dime, Anambra Keke drivers pay between 450 to 750 daily, yet Kano generates more revenue than Anambra. Election is around, what efforts are we making as youths to get it right. Take it or leave it, Anambra is in Auto Pilot. We don't know between Uche Okafor(Wiper), Primus Odili, EbeleChukwu Obiano, and Chinedu Obidigwe who exactly is the governor of the state. With what I am seeing here, a lot of us are comfortable collecting peanuts from James Eze, and messing ourselves up. The data coming from the world body that Onitsha is the 3rd most populous city in Africa is what we need to work with to sell our city and state. Currently Tiger Foods is sponsoring a set of girls in Onitsha in Tech through Lady Uche, the lady that groomed the golden girls of Silicon Valley. Mind you, the Archdiocese Of Onitsha, and ANSG didn't contribute anything to it. (I dare anyone to come up with prove and I will drop Uche's number here, those of the girls too) Can anyone tell us about the girls?! So, we need to wake up. At the very end, we are all at the receiving end, while those greedy politicians keep cashing out. Ya gazie.
keke in kano pay fine..it is because they pay fine that they rioted or demonstrated some days ago
martinect2803: [s]If only this forum is for engagement and not curses.. Anambra Airport will be number one in the whole universe, noted, but can we talk about other developments happening in the state? Where is James Nwafor? Or those he killed not our fellow youths? Why is Anambra State government shielding him from facing punishment? What is the economic value of the Governor's trip to Texas? Have any one us been to Onitsha Main Market recently? Aside Old Market Road, which other road that leads to the market is motorable? Upper Iweka should pass as the war zone, touts with uniform at all sections. Even mad people can do better? I was there today, and the Governor is giving out parks upon parks upon parks to touts. Keke in Kano doesn't pay a dime, Anambra Keke drivers pay between 450 to 750 daily, yet Kano generates more revenue than Anambra. Election is around, what efforts are we making as youths to get it right. Take it or leave it, Anambra is in Auto Pilot. We don't know between Uche Okafor(Wiper), Primus Odili, EbeleChukwu Obiano, and Chinedu Obidigwe who exactly is the governor of the state. With what I am seeing here, a lot of us are comfortable collecting peanuts from James Eze, and messing ourselves up. The data coming from the world body that Onitsha is the 3rd most populous city in Africa is what we need to work with to sell our city and state. Currently Tiger Foods is sponsoring a set of girls in Onitsha in Tech through Lady Uche, the lady that groomed the golden girls of Silicon Valley. Mind you, the Archdiocese Of Onitsha, and ANSG didn't contribute anything to it. (I dare anyone to come up with prove and I will drop Uche's number here, those of the girls too) Can anyone tell us about the girls?! So, we need to wake up. At the very end, we are all at the receiving end, while those greedy politicians keep cashing out. Ya gazie.[/s]
take your nonsense beer parlour gossips back to facebook where you belong.. Get a job too...
I'd rather be than work for James Eze for 30k, nga na anyata ya na Okada na Nkwọ Nnewi. Ọ ga adịcha mma. ���. Jisikwaa ike. Nigeria adịgo ga oga adị, anything at all mmadụ ga na eme ka ọ welụ na atachi, as long as na idi ezu ohi. ✌️.
asha80: keke in kano pay fine..it is because they pay fine that they rioted or demonstrated some days ago
Fine kwa? Fine kọ revenue kọ ego ticket. In Anambra, revenue collection is sold to the highest bidder. Nkpor Park for instance is managed by the son of Alphonsus Uzoegwu, he pays 4.7m to ANSG every month. Likewise every other park and pit. Ifeanyi Ibezim, Emeka Offor, GUO, Victor Umeh all have pits and parks they control, and now pay ANSG percentage. Likewise the IGR from ticket ndị Keke. These guys are cashing out big time, reason I pity some of our youths they give peanuts, and they keep jumping upandan, defending these set of thieves. Life na as e be you shaa.
[s] I'd rather be than work for James Eze for 30k, nga na anyata ya na Okada na Nkwọ Nnewi. Ọ ga adịcha mma. ���. Jisikwaa ike. Nigeria adịgo ga oga adị, anything at all mmadụ ga na eme ka ọ welụ na atachi, as long as na idi ezu ohi. ✌️. [/s]
zuzuru si here puo. We dont want to hear you beer parlour gossips...Go back to facebook, and get a job to keep you busy..
Pioneering Concession of State-owned Airport February 26, 2021 3:12 am Chinedu Eze Thisday
The Delta State Government recently signed concession agreement and handed over the Asaba International Airport to a private investor for management. Chinedu Eze writes that this may be the key to sustaining the airport and other aerodromes owned by state governments
The decision to hand over the Asaba International Airport to private investors by the Delta state government last Tuesday could be described as a radical departure from the past and an opportunity to sustain the airport and make it viable.
What has been common in Nigeria is where some state governments would build airports, largely out of infatuation and idealistic projections of the benefits, but narrowly to create an opportunity to airlift governors, their acolytes, the upper class and family members from their own state capitals without thinking of the continuous stream of funds that must be made available to sustain the maintenance and management of such airports.
Subsequently, some states would hit a cul-de-sac in the area of funding; then they approach the federal government and request that the airports should be taken over by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Sagged by such huge responsibility, FAAN with limited sources of revenue is beset with huge fiscal demands that it fails to effectively management these airports.
But the Governor of Delta state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa found a niche in concession and thus handed over the maintenance, expansion and modernisation of the airport to private investors. By that action, the Governor has aligned himself with modern trends of efficient airport management.
Why Concession?
The Governor during the concession agreement explained why government decided to concession the airport. “Moving forward, we choose concession as the most viable option for the airports to be run professionally, efficiently and profitably for the overall good of the state,” he said.
He also disclosed that the consortium of investors were expected to expend at least N28 billion on various developmental investments on the airport over the 30 years concession period.
Okowa further said the consortium was expected to make the payment of N1 billion to the state within 15 days of commencement of activities, while another sum of N100 million was expected from the concessionaire annually and would be escalated every five years, noting that the new arrangement would boost economic and social activities in the state.
He explained that the government concessioned the airport to FIDC-Menzies Consortium as the preferred bidder to operate as the Master Concessionaire, while others would act as sub-concessionaires for the entire concession years.
The consortium has technical partners like Air Peace as the Anchor Airline and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operator, Multifreight Cargo and Logistics; for cargo and logistics centre, Arbico Construction Company; to develop the business park, hotel and convention centre, Rainoil Limited and Cybernetics Limited; to develop the tank farm and provide aviation fuel, while Quorum Aviation Limited would develop and manage the private jet and helicopter terminal.
Okowa said the airport could only be made more efficient when handed over to private investors whom he said were experienced in management of airports.
He explained that at inception, the vision of the government was to make airport a regional hub for exportation of agricultural produce for the country, but lamented that it suffered a huge setback some few years back when it was downgraded to Cat 111 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) due to drop in standards.
He added that the concessionaire should be responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the airport, keeping the airport in good operating condition throughout the concession period at his own cost and risk and in accordance with industry practice, and the provisions of the agreements.
Rebuilding the Airport
After the airport was downgraded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) due to lack of safety critical facilities, the Okowa-led administration had to reconstruct the runway, construct perimeter fences, upgrade the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other facilities, leading to its upgrade by the regulatory agency.
According to him, the new initiative by the state government had attracted new investors, new airlines, which now jostle to operate to the airport and improved economic activities for the state.
“It is the business of the Master Concessionaire to manage the airport, develop the cargo, hotel and conference centre, airlines operating into the airport and the MRO facilities among others.
“The name of the airport shall remain Asaba International Airport and there shall be no new other Greenfield airport within the concession period. Also, 20 per cent of its staff must be from Delta State and there should be mandatory capital project to be completed with the three years of commencement.”
The Governor remarked that it was important that the citizens of the state were kept abreast of the new developments about the airport, “so that they know that we are truly transparent, because from day one, in all the processes, we actually have stayed on course in being transparent.”
“We want our people to know that this decision is taken in the best interest of the state and the people of Delta State. And because we know that it is difficult for state governments to directly run airports and run it in the way that they should and actually bring maximum benefits to the people, we decided to go this route. And I want our people in Delta State to know that the decisions we have taken and the signing ceremony with our concessionaires today is actually in the best interest of the people of Delta State. And I hope that other states with state airports will follow suit.
“My good people of Delta with over N20 billion expected to be pumped into the airport development by the consortium over the concession period, the benefits to the state in terms of employment generation, economic growth, and tourism potential are enormous,” Okowa said. In his remarks, during the ceremony, the Chairman, Asaba Airport Company Limited, Mr. Adebisi Adebutu, assured that the management would rebrand the airport and make it one of the best within the continent.
He recalled that it all started in 2016, in line with the vision of Okowa to bring economic and infrastructure impact to the state via the airport concession. After a vigorous and transplant selection process in 2019, the FIDC-Menzies Consortium emerged the preferred bidder of the concession.
“For the sake of clarity, the Asaba International airport was initiated by the Delta State government in 2008, as part of the strategic objectives to create an economic platform to open the stage to the global marketplace.
“The airport, which has been under operational management of the state government institutions with technical support from federal regulatory agencies, was unfortunately downgraded in May 2019, due to the safety concerns identified by regulatory agencies. “As a result, the airport maintained limited shuttle flight operations in recent years.
However, the Okowa administration in fulfillment of its responsibility to reposition the airport facility embarked on the rehabilitation of key infrastructure within the airport to resolve the regulatory identify challenges, which led to the downgrade. The rehabilitation work was successfully completed and the airport upgraded to category six by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,” he said. Benefits of the Concession
Generally airports are known globally not to make run-away profits but they provide very critical service that buoys the economy of every nation and they also create jobs for the people. Industry stakeholders in Nigeria have variously frowned at the airports built by state governments because they are seen as waste of funds, as they don’t provide the needed jobs and many of them operate under conditions that compromise international standard, as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
But the Asaba airport has proved them wrong because since it was established it has provided essential flight service to air travellers in Delta and Anambra states. And the problem of funding the airport has been solved by the Delta state government with the concession of the airport.
The industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Alike confirmed this to THISDAY when he spoke during the agreement ceremony in Asaba.
“The benefits of the concession are multidimensional; the first is that it frees the funds the government has made expending on the airport. So that relief is immense and it is humongous given what the government has spent over the years in trying to bring the airport to what it is presently.
“Secondly, it creates an opportunity for a world-class airport, world-class infrastructure to be developed here. And the approach they have taken is the approach that has not been taken taking anywhere in the world.
“The models they have adopted is a model that will expand business opportunities, increase employment for the people, and sooner than later property rates and everything will rise in Asaba and that will be to a greater benefits of developers and those who will come into this place.
“Asaba will become a distillation as this is likely to be a gateway airport to the south-south and south east. And if and only if the federal government does not or is not allowed by all the controversies to concession all the other airports, this airport will eventually become number one airport in the country, in terms of facilities, in terms of attraction and ambience, in terms of being a destination,” Aligbe said. He said that in term of economic gains that would flow from the airport concession would be immense.
“Nobody can fully imagine it. This will be a lesson to other governors, who today, spend so much money building airports, and then turn around to hand it over the FAAN. There should be a bandwagon effect from what has happened here.
“If that happens, FAAN will be relieved of present burden of managing what today is called unviable airports. All airports can be viable if you determine how to go ahead and the only way to do it is to bring those who know how to manage airports. And that is a true concession,” he said.
Competition
Aligbe also dismissed the fear that when a new airport is built in Anambra state it would reduce the passenger traffic at the Asaba International Airport, recognising that presently the airport is also the gate way to air travellers in Anambra state.
“Let me tell you, it is going to be a major problem for both airports (Anambra and Asaba). This is because after the construction of the new Niger Bridge, Nnewi will be closer to Asaba than where the new airport is located. Onitsha is closer to Asaba than to Awka. So what will determine the choice for the people is the service each airport will offer,” Aligbe added.
It is also the view of many in the aviation industry that the concession of Asaba airport would provide it with enviable, efficient service that will place it above other airports in the country.
mr man what is your problem with this airport that’s already neck deep into construction? Are you sure you’re okay at all because at this level you’re beginning to appear abnormal with the level you go digging up nonsense to discredit this airport. You claimed it’s not viable, we’ve heard you. So why not STFU and let’s hear word. Enough of this irritating tantrum of your please, kindly shove it up your ass and let the future be the judge. Parasite
Anambra #EndSARS Panel Members Shock Governor Obiano, Joint Resign Over Abuses
The five panel members in their joint resignation letter, dated February 13, 2021, noted that police brutality, extortion, and even extrajudicial killings had remained unchecked in the state. by SaharaReporters, New York Feb 14, 2021
Members of the #EndSARS panel in Anambra State have tendered their resignation letter, knocking Governor Willie Obiano for ignoring the panel and for rising human rights abuses under his watch.
The five panel members in their joint resignation letter, dated February 13, 2021, noted that police brutality, extortion, and even extrajudicial killings had remained unchecked in the state, even as the “notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Awkuzu and numerous other police outfits in Anambra State have become infamous around the world for outrageous, unconscionable, and iniquitous violations of the fundamental rights of Nigerians, including the right to life.”
The members who resigned are Ifediora Chijioke, Henry Ugwu, Osonwa Chukwuka, Ebelechukwu Ngini, and Chibuike Obiwuzie.
Their letter was copied to the Chairman of the Panel, Awka, Anambra State; Secretary to the State Government, Awka, Anambra State; Chairman of Chairmen, Nigerian Bar Association, Anambra State branch; Nigerian Bar Association President; National Human Rights Commission; and the Amnesty International.
Their letter said, “Permit the undersigned to first express gratitude to you and the government of Anambra State for finding us qualified to be appointed into the Anambra State judicial panel of inquiry into the allegations of extrajudicial killings by the defunct SARS, police brutality, and other public complaints against the Nigerian police.
“It is imperative to mention that Anambra State, under your watch and that of your predecessor, was the cynosure of police brutality, extortion, and even extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.
“The notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Awkuzu, and numerous other police outfits in Anambra State have become infamous around the world for outrageous, unconscionable, and iniquitous violations of the fundamental rights of Nigerians, including the right to life.
“Following the EndSARS protests that occurred in many states in Nigeria in the last quarter of 2020, we felt that perhaps the Anambra State Government may have become penitent and was willing to competently take up its duty of securing the lives and properties of its residents.
“Sadly, the sittings of the panel were characterised by inefficiency and poor organisation because the Anambra State Government failed woefully to adequately provide for logistics for anything at all involving the proceedings of the Panel. There was no funding to enhance clerical or secretarial functions of the Panel, no provision for security or witness protection.
“The Anambra State Panel received the highest number of petitions, 310, against the police in Nigeria, even though the timeframe for submission of petitions and complaints against the police were extremely limited. The large numbers indicate the resolve of residents of Anambra State to vent out their grievances against the violations of their human rights.”
The panel members said they were, however, convinced that the Anambra State Government had no regard for the victims of the many human rights violations by the police in the state.
“The government has totally ignored the panel and had simply set up the panel to play to the gallery. Many victims of abuse of police powers and other interested stakeholders have been communicating with the panel secretariat or its members in a bid to know why the panel is no longer sitting despite more than 250 petitions which have been unattended to.
“All these inquiries have failed to yield concrete answers and the government despite being aware of the interest of the public is showing no signs of interest in the activities of the Panel.
“We firmly refuse to be pawns in the game of the government, so we hereby resign our appointments into the Anambra State Panel and completely dissociate ourselves from all the charade put up to give lip service to the plights of residents of Anambra State.
“The undersigned are fully aware that our position expressed in this correspondence may expose us to blackmail and intimidation, but we are determined to say the truth,” it said.
honestly,the state needs a total revamp in their transport system. i am back to Anambra to carry out a contract..the atmosphere in d state capital is tiring. the state needs an Elrufai or Donald duke to fix it in d right place. why is keke scattered all over d capital like brown roaches. the shuttle mini buses would have been just OK.
the state could have done well to introduce taxi cabs instead of all these tiny bull craps scattered in d capital causing traffic and making d state look so disorganised. SE yall should wake up o. civilisation has left yall at d back
i have three weeks left in this state..chaii tiring as Bleep. cant even find good food to eat..u cant even find other tribes food here either in d canteen or market to buy. A state that can't even accommodate other tribes in their food market. Every where ma Abacha,fufu, finish can't even find good things to add to my food and look healthy. wanna cook soup...ma so u go find periwinkle,dried fish,ponmo etc tire
will be patiently waiting 4 d e-rats to come under my post to say trash. will be patiently waiting for yall. thunder fire u pple and including ur 5 SE lazy governors
Mtkinsight including u..thunder fire u 2. don't even think i fancy your posts here. u post like a dimwit too. u cant even dismantle the e-rats will real facts and figs.
Anambra has the best transport system in the entire eastern region. Stop breaking your head about Anambra because we don't need your advice. Take it back. Anambra is fine and progressive.
