Dana Air rewards guests with iPhones

3 loyal passengers of Dana Air have won iPhone 5s as part of initiatives by the airline to consistently reward its guests. The emergence of the winners is sequel to the recent introduction of the flydana mobile app that offers the convenience of searching, booking and paying for preferred flights while using mobile devices on the go.

The lucky winners were picked during a reward event monitored by the Consumer Protection Unit of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and anchored by Dana Ambassador, Mr. Bright Okpocha (alias Basket Mouth). Speaking at the event, the Head, Corporate Communications of Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro stated that Dana Air has always stimulated the market with innovative products aimed at providing seamless solutions to the travelling public and that the airline is passionate about rewarding guests for patronage while ensuring quality customer experience both on ground and aboard their flights.

"Each of our guests is a beneficiary of our simplified business solutions and our commitment is to constantly align our products to suit the demands of the flying public as well as offer periodic incentives to reward their loyalty”, said Mr. Ogbogoro.

While announcing the names of winners which includes NMA ADAMU, STEPHEN IGHOMUAYE AND ABDULRAHMAN IDRIS; Mr. Ogbogoro thanked representatives of the Consumer Protection Unit of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for their presence. He also encouraged guests to download the flydana mobile app for free on google play, blackberry and android stores.

The FlyDana App is an enhanced and innovative distribution channel that allows passengers to view flight information and availability in real-time whilst giving them the option to book and pay for flights from the comfort of their homes or on the move.

Dana emerges as one of Nigeria’s top 50 brands

Dana has been listed as one of the top 50 brands in Nigeria following its immense contribution to the nation’s economy. The emergence of Dana as one of the top 50 brands in Nigeria follows the outcome of the research findings and evaluation of notable brands by BrandNigeria Journal.

The coordinator of the Top 50 Brands in Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Oluboyede noted that as Nigeria becomes a haven for foreign direct investment, there is need for verifiable information about the top players in the economy to be made available. He said that operating in the world stage requires a new line of thinking as well as means of communication and engagement and the Top 50 Brands in Nigeria has created a platform for companies to proactively engage their target market for feedback.

Samuel Ogbogoro, Head, Corporate Communications of Dana said that Dana is committed to service as all the activities of all the companies within the group are geared towards improving the well-being of the populace. “We are happy to be so recognized as one of the top brands in Nigeria and our strategy is to continuously reinvest in the economy”.

Dana Group a has diverse range of strategically positioned subsidiaries that give the group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition. With interest spanning across different sectors of the economy such as automobile, steel, FMCG, pharmaceutical, aviation, as well as properties and shipping services; the group continues to contribute to the national economy as well as providing direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The unveiling of the Top 50 Brands attracted top industry players and representatives of the various brands.

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Award-winning airline, Dana Air, has added a double feather to its cap as it recently bagged two awards consecutively. The airline emerged the Best Customer Service Company in Airline Services at the Nigerian Customer Service Awards 2014 as well as being named the Most Efficient Airline in 2014 at the just concluded Accolade awards.

The Nigerian Customer Service Awards (NCSA) is an annual award that celebrates service excellence in Nigeria by recognizing companies that deliver effective and exceptional customer service with a view to make them leverage on value-orientation and encourage other entities to emulate such commitments to business social responsibilities.

Commenting on the award, the Head Corporate Communications of Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro said: “this is the 4th award we are receiving this year and it is a clear indication that our guests appreciate our quality service. We are committed more than ever to introducing innovative services to satisfy our guests’’.

According to the coordinator of the NCSA, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, Dana Air and the other outstanding companies were accessed based on their customer service practices in a process that includes customer feedback, review of staff and management processes that relate to customer service.

Earlier this year, Dana Air emerged the most consistent airline in hospitality and customer service by the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa while it was adjudged as Airline of the year 2013 by the Transport and Logistics Company of Nigeria. The airline is the only domestic airline to have successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) The Flight Safety Group in conjunction with its foreign partners. The airline is reputed for its world-class customer service, in-flight service and on-time performance

Dana Air Bags 4th Award in 2014

Award-winning airline, Dana Air, has added a double feather to its cap as it recently bagged two awards consecutively. The airline emerged the Best Customer Service Company in Airline Services at the Nigerian Customer Service Awards 2014 as well as being named the Most Efficient Airline in 2014 at the just concluded Accolade awards.

The Nigerian Customer Service Awards (NCSA) is an annual award that celebrates service excellence in Nigeria by recognizing companies that deliver effective and exceptional customer service with a view to make them leverage on value-orientation and encourage other entities to emulate such commitments to business social responsibilities.

Commenting on the award, the Head Corporate Communications of Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro said: “this is the 4th award we are receiving this year and it is a clear indication that our guests appreciate our quality service. We are committed more than ever to introducing innovative services to satisfy our guests’’.

According to the coordinator of the NCSA, Dr. Aliyu Ilias, Dana Air and the other outstanding companies were accessed based on their customer service practices in a process that includes customer feedback, review of staff and management processes that relate to customer service.

Earlier this year, Dana Air emerged the most consistent airline in hospitality and customer service by the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa while it was adjudged as Airline of the year 2013 by the Transport and Logistics Company of Nigeria. The airline is the only domestic airline to have successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) The Flight Safety Group in conjunction with its foreign partners. The airline is reputed for its world-class customer service, in-flight service and on-time performance

Nigeria at 54: Dana Air fetes Orphanage

As the nation celebrated its 54th Independence anniversary, Dana Air used the occasion to fete the special and orphaned children at the Sai Orphanage as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The airline demonstrated its love, care and compassion for the children in the home by treating them to a special anniversary party and also engaged them in various games, puzzles, quiz, refreshments, as well as music, dancing and singing.

Head, Corporate Communications of Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro, expressed delight that the airline is leading in the drive to properly integrate the less privileged into the society through its humanitarian activities.

Mr. Ogbogoro said: “The airline identifies with all worthy initiatives to improve the welfare of the people. We are a caring airline that will continue to pay serious attention to issues that concerns humanity and our commitment is to balance economic, social and environmental objectives for the overall goal of a successful and sustainable business”.

The Matron of the Home, Mrs. Deko Okitikpi, who was overwhelmed by the gesture, commended Dana Air for the initiative by noting that the airline had demonstrated a high sense of responsibility to put smiles on the faces of the children. “The Sri Sai Vandana Foundation has been managing the home in the last 18 years and this initiative by Dana Air is a practical demonstration of what it means to connect with the aspirations and yearnings of children in this home”, said Mrs. Okitikpi.

Dana Air has since inception supported charitable causes by providing a vehicle through which donations are collected onboard all its flights. The airline had helped to raise funds for Sickle Cell Foundation as well as for The Autism Awareness Drive and it is currently raising funds for the Sri Sai Vandana Foundation (SSVF) which manages all charitable activities for Dana Group. Also, the airline continues to give children an opportunity to experience air travel through its Kids Fly program.

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Nigeria at 54: Dana Air fetes Orphanage

As the nation celebrated its 54th Independence anniversary, Dana Air used the occasion to fete the special and orphaned children at the Sai Orphanage as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The airline demonstrated its love, care and compassion for the children in the home by treating them to a special anniversary party and also engaged them in various games, puzzles, quiz, refreshments, as well as music, dancing and singing.

Head, Corporate Communications of Dana Air, Mr. Samuel Ogbogoro, expressed delight that the airline is leading in the drive to properly integrate the less privileged into the society through its humanitarian activities.

Mr. Ogbogoro said: “The airline identifies with all worthy initiatives to improve the welfare of the people. We are a caring airline that will continue to pay serious attention to issues that concerns humanity and our commitment is to balance economic, social and environmental objectives for the overall goal of a successful and sustainable business”.

The Matron of the Home, Mrs. Deko Okitikpi, who was overwhelmed by the gesture, commended Dana Air for the initiative by noting that the airline had demonstrated a high sense of responsibility to put smiles on the faces of the children. “The Sri Sai Vandana Foundation has been managing the home in the last 18 years and this initiative by Dana Air is a practical demonstration of what it means to connect with the aspirations and yearnings of children in this home”, said Mrs. Okitikpi.

Dana Air has since inception supported charitable causes by providing a vehicle through which donations are collected onboard all its flights. The airline had helped to raise funds for Sickle Cell Foundation as well as for The Autism Awareness Drive and it is currently raising funds for the Sri Sai Vandana Foundation (SSVF) which manages all charitable activities for Dana Group. Also, the airline continues to give children an opportunity to experience air travel through its Kids Fly program.

Afrinvest introduces online trading solution

Lagos, 26th September 2014 – Afrinvest Securities Limited has announced the launch of Afrinvestor.com - a portal that enables individual investors and institutional clients to trade Nigerian stocks and other investment products online, using their personal computers and other smart devices.

Commenting on the launch of the online trading platform, Charles Egbunonwo, Managing Director of Afrinvest Securities Limited said, “Afrinvest has always placed a premium on the use of technology as a business enabler, and the introduction of Afrinvestor.com is to empower clients to take more control of their investments, supported by sound investment advice and professional guidance.”

“With Afrinvestor.com, our clients and investors will not only be able to initiate and execute trade online; they can also view (and edit) their account information and portfolio performance, access a wealth of in-depth equity research as well as market data and intelligence on companies, key sectors and the broader Nigerian economy, all from the comfort of their homes or offices."

On how to begin trading on Afrinvestor.com, Egbunonwo said, “existing clients of Afrinvest Securities Limited can request for their login credentials by sending an email to us at afrinvestsecuritiesltd@afrinvest.com. New clients, however, need to complete the online account opening form and upload required documents to set up their Afrinvest.com account and begin trading; no minimum account opening balance required.”

The move to electronic trading compared to floor trading continues to increase with many of the major exchanges the world over now doing all their business online. Benefits to investors include reduced cost of transactions, greater liquidity, greater competition, increased transparency and tighter spreads, especially for commoditised, exchange-traded instruments.

Afrinvest Securities Limited is a broker dealer and dealing member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. It is a fully-owned subsidiary of Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, a wealth advisory firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment research with a focus on West Africa.

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Afrinvest supports The Nigeria Cup 2014

Lagos, 24th September 2014 – Leading wealth advisory firm, Afrinvest, has announced its support for the 2014 edition of The Nigeria Cup, an annual golf tournament hosted exclusively at the Ikoyi Club 1938 golf section, Lagos to commemorate Nigeria’s independence anniversary.

The 8-day golfing extravaganza, which kicks off on September 27, 2014, will feature a kiddies’ competition, ladies’ competition, professionals’ competition, guests and veterans’ competition as well as the Nigeria Cup final. There will also lots of other fun activities, all designed to celebrate Nigeria’s independence.

Announcing the firm's support, Ike Chioke, Managing Director of Afrinvest said, “We are pleased to partner with the Ikoyi Club towards the successful hosting of The Nigeria Cup 2014. We identity with the vision of the club to boost the development of golf in Nigeria and also to use the game as an avenue not just for networking but also to raise funds for charity.”

Tony Onwu, Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Organising Committee for the 2014 Nigeria Cup, while confirming Afrinvest’s sponsorship of this year’s tournament, thanked the firm and all other individual and corporate sponsors who have thrown their weight behind the 2014 event.

In his words, “We are extremely grateful to Afrinvest and all our other sponsors for rallying behind us to make this year’s Nigeria Cup the best yet, and we would like to encourage other well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to support the vision of the Ikoyi Club towards the development of golf in Nigeria and charitable giving.”

Established in 1996, The Nigeria Cup is, undoubtedly, one of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments on the Nigerian golfing calendar. Having grown in stature and reputation over the years, it has become established as the leading amateur club event in the country and the most coveted trophy for all competitive golfers at the Ikoyi Club.

Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited is a wealth advisory firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment research with a focus on West Africa.

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DANA AIR APPOINTED OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE 1ST AKWA IBOM STATE TOURISM SUMMIT 2014

Dana Air which recently re-commenced scheduled flight operations to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, has been designated as the “official partner airline” of the 1st Akwa Ibom State Tourism Summit 2014 scheduled for 17th and 18th September 2014 at the Ibom e-library.

The Akwa Ibom Tourism Summit which is first of its kind seeks to develop historic sites within the state as well as showcase the rich cultural and tourism potentials that are located across the state. Also, the summit will further project Akwa Ibom to occupy a place of pride in the global tourist map by attracting visitors from within and outside Nigeria to experience the unique tourists’ attractions bequeathed by nature in Uyo and its environs.

Dana Air will by virtue of its designation offer convenient means of transportation to all expected guests with online fares starting from N9,000. The partnership is a further re-affirmation of Dana Air’s commitment towards an accelerated tourism development in Nigeria as the airline has been in the vanguard of air transport development through its concerted efforts as reviewing and introducing capacity to better serve the market.

Speaking on the potentials of the summit, the Chief Commercial Officer of Dana Air, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo said: “accessibility and tourism are synonymous and the designation of Dana as the official airline partner of the maiden edition of the summit will further accelerate pace of growth so far recorded in the state especially the commendable global recognition that some historic sites and monuments have achieved under the current administration”.

Mr. Mbanuzuo further noted that Akwa Ibom has served as a remarkable symbol of unity and pride and Dana Air will continue to provide reliable and convenient means of transport to guests across its existing route network within Nigeria.

Speaking in same vein, the Project Organiser, Mr. Joseph Utin noted that Uyo is ready to host the tourism world and the appointment of Dana Air is sequel to the interest of the airline to genuinely partner with the authorities to grow domestic tourism potentials.


For further information, please contact:




Mr. Joseph Utin | Project Organiser
Akwa Tourism Development Company | #275, Oron Road, Akwa Ibom State
M: 07039414121 | akwatourism@yahoo.com

The 5th edition of the Youth Rescue and Care Initiative (YORCI) 5-week free summer academic, vocational and life skills training program would have been concluded in grand style but for the outbreak of the Ebola Virus disease.

According to the Executive director of the Non Governmental organisation, Mrs Bisilola Asenuga, "plans were already in top gear for an all encompassing prize giving and talent fair day when the federal government issued a directive that all summer classes be suspended" She added that it was difficult suspending the program at the three centres (Lekki,Ooshodi&Festac) as the 1,020 students were already engrossed in different life enriching activities that the NGO had taken the children through.

According to Deborah Adeyanju an ss3 students who attended program at the Oshodi centre: "Before now,I was disrespectful, arrogant ,unfocused and always go late for appointments but thank God for the life skills training of the Rescue the scholars training program, I am now better with solving mathematical problems and am now able to extinguish fire through the practical fire training program given to us by the consultant'' .

Speaking further on the benefits of the program to the students, Mrs Asenuga said ‘’we invite resource persons to come enlighten them on issues that would help them in life. In the first week, we invited a medical doctor to come enlighten the children on Evd outbreak and issues relating to their health and in the second week we invited Boke Safety Initiative another NGO based in Lagos to come enlighten the children on fire management. All of these are some of the activities that made our programme engaging to the students. She noted that the prize giving day is a date set aside to reward the moral and academic excellence of the children in the course of the program. She emphasised that that it was also a date for the children to exhibit their God-given talents.

On the measures that the NGO put in place to avoid the spread of Ebola, Asenuga said " we swung into action and provided all our centres with facilities to ensure that the students wash their hands before entering their classes in the morning and also got another resource person to come and teach the students how to make hand sanitizers for their use both at school and at home and now we are happy that the kids can at least contribute their quota to their families if they can be producing the sanitizers at home. We want to thank our corporate sponsors first registrars, Redeemed Christian church of God, province XI ,CSCS, vitafoam , stanbic IBTC stockbrokers and so on particularly Mr Bayo olugbemi for believing in the future of our leaders of tomorrow"

Youth Rescue and Care initiative was founded in 2010 with the vision to raise responsible, well informed and successful youths that can compete favorably in any environment. Since the inception of one of its programmes, Rescue the scholars in oshodi, the program has now sprawled to three centres in oshodi, festac and lekki.

DANA AIR LAUNCHES PROMOTIONAL BUSINESS CLASS FARES

Dana Air, one of the leading domestic carriers in the country, has introduced a special promotional across-the-counter fare of N27,000 for one-way business class seats on all its existing domestic route network to herald the 54th independence anniversary of the nation.

Chief Commercial Officer of the airline, Mr. Obi Mbanuzuo, who announced the special offer of N27,000 for business class seats; also noted that economy class seats are still being sold at online fares starting from N9,000. He explained that the business class promotional offer was conceived to stimulate the traveling guests to experience comfort of the business class cabin at reasonable fares, as they now have the option to upgrade their economy class ticket to business class upon paying an additional N9,000 at the counters.

"We will continue to offer various forms of incentives to the travelling public in order to improve the volume of air transport patronage in Nigeria, especially as air transport still remains the best means to travel from one point to another and it is our hope that our guests will take advantage of this offer to experience incredible value and convenience of travelling in our premium cabin," Mr. Mbanuzuo said.

Dana air has been in the forefront of launching innovations that seek to exceed the flying aspirations of its teeming guests as only recently, it launched the flydana mobile app which enables guest to book, pay and check in online. The airline currently operates daily flights from the Murtala Mohammed to Abuja, Port Harcourt and Uyo as well as direct flights from Abuja to Uyo and Port Harcourt.

DidYouKnow Online Travel Agency Travelstart Has Partnered With Dana Air For Domestic Flight Booking

Nigeria’s Travelstart.com.ng, an online travel agency has partnership with Dana Air, which will allow customers to book domestic flights on their online travel booking platform. This collaboration gives Travelstart an exclusive third-party distribution rights for Dana Air flights and thus, giving the airline a broader distribution influence in Nigeria travel market.

Beforehand, passengers could only book Dana Air flights on its website but under this partnership, passengers can now book Dana Air flights on Travelstart Nigeria website. The alliance is seen as a major move to offer cheap airfares and easy flight booking to the domestic travellers who often fly within the country for personal or business purpose.

Commenting on this alliance, Lilian Obinna-Igwe, Country Manager of Travelstart Nigeria, said; “We have collaborated with Dana Air and we will be issuing their flights tickets to domestic destinations in Nigeria on our website. Some of these destinations include Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Uyo. This is very exciting because Travelstart Nigeria is growing leaps and bounds with major International and domestic airlines offering their tickets through our platform”

Since its launch in 2012, the online travel agency has witnessed significant growth in terms of domestic travel sales. According to Travelstart’s internal data, domestic flight bookings increased by 46.9 percent in 2013 and 49.35 percent from 1st of January 2014 up to now compare to total flight bookings in 2012 and this shows the growing popularity of Travelstart.com.ng among Nigerian travellers.
Through this collaboration, passengers will now benefit from a variety of domestic travel deals and cheap flights from Dana Air on Travelstart.com.ng. This partnership will also enable customers to get full access to Dana Air Flight Information via Travelstart Search Engine.

Travelstart Nigeria offers easy payment options for travellers to cater for their needs. These payment options include, EFT from Nigerian banks, Credit Card, Quick Teller, Cash Payment at the office and of course, Cash on Delivery is also available to customers.

Dana Air Rewards Students

Dana Air recently played host to winners of the 5th Bristow Helicopters/Travel & Business News National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2013/2014) to reward them with free tickets for their brilliant performance in the contest.
Those who received the prizes were Miss Tolulope Ogunkoya of International School Lagos (ISL), in the Secondary Schools Category, and Miss Janet Ayandele of the University of Lagos (Unilag) in the Tertiary Institutions Category.

They were welcomed and received at the DANA House by Mr. Sam Ogbogoro, Head, Corporate Communications who congratulated the students for their performance and urged them to keep the flag flying as worthy ambassadors of not only of their schools but also of the aviation industry. “We believe in adding value to the lives of the youths and rewarding them in whatever way we can as a means of encouraging them to achieve even more,” Mr. Ogbogoro noted.

Founder and Coordinator of the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC), Mr. Ewos Iroro thanked Dana Air for its continued support for the initiative since 2009 which is aimed at creating greater awareness for the air transport sector and raising future aviation professionals. He said: “We would like to thank Dana Air for their encouragement so far and we use this opportunity to solicit their sustained and increased support.”

Also in attendance at the visit were Mr. & Mrs. Olayide & Abosede Ogunkoya, parents of Tolulope who expressed delight and gratitude to Dana Air for their generosity.

NIGERIA, LEVICK AND THE IMPERATIVES OF NATION BRANDING - By Tony Usidamen

In the past week or so, I have read quite a number of articles and comments about the “purported” award of a public relations (PR) contract to a foreign-based PR consultancy, LEVICK, which, as a local news site – www.thecable.ng - put it, was hired by the News Agency of Nigeria to manage the international information on President Goodluck Jonathan on the Boko Haram insurgency, especially after the battering he got in the foreign media over his handling of the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls.

Well, blame it on the Nigerian social media that, at best, sensationalize every news or report relating to the government or, at worst, fill their pages with unsubstantiated claims, half-truths and outright false and misleading account of events, I take every information I get with a pinch of salt until I can satisfactorily prove the veracity. Hence, my reference to the Levick story as a mere “claim”. It might as well be true!

But this article really isn’t about the truth or falsehood of government’s hiring of a PR agency (I couldn’t care less if it is foreign or local). No! It’s about the imperatives of nation branding for a country like ours. Like it or not, Nigeria needs a LEVICK, a “Quadrant”, a “Sesema” or an “Uburu” to help sort out its image problems!

According to one of the world’s leading voices on the subject of National Identity, Simon Anholt, a nation’s “brand” generally refers to the common images, perceptions and associations people have with that nation. Therefore, “nation branding’ is an important tool used by countries to create, change or promote a distinct self-image and international reputation.

And the value of a country's reputation is not hard to understand. It can attract people and money through foreign direct investment, trade, tourism and immigration, as well as provide “soft power” in the shape of political, diplomatic and cultural leverage.

To this end, Argentina handed a near seven-figure account to Bell Pottinger - a US-based agency - in 2009 to improve its reputation in Europe and the US. Russia used another US firm, Ketchum, to challenge its reputation of secrecy, and Dubai employed a number of foreign agencies to help repair its dwindling financial reputation.

In the run-up to the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, China began an ultimately fruitless search for PR counsel that would help revive a faltering international image. And, as the 2010 World Cup drew closer, South Africa appointed international firms, MS&L and Dow Jones Insight, to its global communications effort.

All of these countries, says a PR Week report, are following a template that was only formalised in 1990. It was the global PR firm, Hill & Knowlton, to which Kuwait turned when it was invaded by Iraq. The agency was asked to create international sympathy and Western military support for what was essentially an oil-rich undemocratic regime in the Middle East. It worked!

The reality is that more and more national bodies, today, are turning to high-level communications counsel in order to revive flagging or damaged images (and rightly so). As Simon Anholt put it, “if there is a master marketing discipline for countries then it is certainly PR.”

Nigeria’s global reputation can surely benefit from deliberate, well-orchestrated PR efforts too. Beyond the shoddy handling of the Chibok abduction, which has, deservedly, projected the country in bad light, most Nigerians who live abroad, or who have had the privilege of visiting other countries understand how unfairly bartered our international image is.

Even from the preferential treatment meted to Nigerian citizens at regional and international gateways, you can tell how poorly Nigerians are perceived as a people.

Of course, like most countries of the world, Nigeria has her peculiar problems…and very serious ones too. But ‎listening to non-nationals talk about Nigeria, it would seem as though ALL Nigerians were crooks and terrorists. While some of the negative commentaries are true, most Nigerians are actually hardworking, peace loving and friendly people. There’s an obvious perception problem that needs to change!

Having said this, it is important to also note that the power of communications to change perceptions is ultimately limited by a country's behaviour. PR cannot create an image that doesn't correspond with reality. It can make the best of a country's capabilities and attractions but cannot invent what's not there.

A country is judged by what it does. By this I mean its economic performance, commitment to education, health and environmental matters, infrastructure development, technological advancement and production capabilities, security, justice systems, human rights issues such as child labour, gender inequality…and so on.

Changing global perceptions is, no doubt, a difficult challenge; stereotypes and beliefs about countries are often emotional and deeply held. But as Nigeria makes “deliberate” efforts to improve her ratings on the above indices through good governance, PR can be used more effectively to change the mindsets of people, home and abroad.

Movies, music, art and culture are great tools for national reorientation and influencing global perceptions. We must add these to the PR mix and, through these mediums, focus attention on all the positive developments coming out of the country.

A professional PR agency can add significant value by distilling the complexity of the country into a compelling story, and building bridges with the international community. LEVICK, or any agency tasked with managing the nation’s reputation, must be allowed to do its job, and the government must also understand that while PR is extremely important, it can only complement the change process. Only statecraft can drive it!


Tony Usidamen is Managing Partner at Uburu – a business communications consultancy. Email: tonyusidamen@yahoo.com

Bumper Harvest for Afrinvest NIDF Investors

Afrinvest Asset Management Limited is set to pay note holders on the register of the Nigeria International Debt Fund (NIDF) – an NSE listed mutual fund that invests in fixed income securities of Federal and State Governments - its interim coupon for the 2014 Financial Year.

In a statement made available to Capital Market reporters, the Fund Manager said that the sum of N44, 171,877.51 would be distributed amongst note holders on the register of the NIDF by July 29, 2014 while payment would be made within two weeks of the closure.

According to Ola Belgore, Managing Director of Afrinvest Asset Management Limited, “This is the 32rd coupon in the life of the Fund which was launched in 1997. Since the NIDF is an open-ended fund it is estimated that a minimum of N36.00 per note would be paid to note holders who are in the books of the NIDF on the closure date which is July 29, 2014.”

“The interim distribution is in line with the structure of the NIDF, as the Fund is designed to pay distributions twice a year, as indicated in the Fund's Trust Deed.”

The Nigeria International Debt Fund invests in the domestic and international debt instruments of the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as those of the 36 States.

NIDF offers investors safety, capital preservation, steady returns, diversification and value, and has a consistent dividend history making it quite attractive for both individual and institutional investors such as Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), insurance companies, asset managers and gratuity funds.

Restructured as an open-ended fund in October 2010 at a price of N1, 700 per unit, the NIDF with a price of N1, 988.48 as of July 10, 2014 has achieved a capital appreciation of 16.96 percent.

Afrinvest Asset Management Limited is a subsidiary of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, a wealth advisory firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment research with a focus on West Africa.

Infamous Radio/Tv Tax
if the plan by Lagos state government to start collecting taxes for radio and television is anything thing to go by, then this APC led government is headed for destruction. Little wonder they were ousted in Ekiti. This is a government that has seen nothing wrong in taxing even the pepper seller on the streets of Lagos.

If APC is voted into power in 2015 they will tax even the widows and orphans because that is what APC has come to be known for. I would rather mobilize for PDP than vote a PARTY that has no regard for the citizen and their welfare. Fahola has taxed lagosians to the extent of pushing some of them back to their states of origin.

Now the reason for this tax I still can’t fathom, because very soon I know we might be asked to start paying for refrigerator and gas cookers. I don’t trust this Lagos APC government! If they can think of this infamous means of making money, then they can think of anything. To make matters worse it’s the local government that is championing the takings. What a glorious mistake!

Sadly, Most of the local governments in Lagos can’t boost of one thing they have been able to achieve since their inception. All they spend time doing is chatting each time you visit them. They are never in their offices and end up frustrating whoever does not part with some cash when you need certain files to be treated. Part of the many reasons I won’t pay that bill!

I wonder if this government is thinking at all! I use Dstv in my house and pay monthly. Are they saying I have to pay for dstv and still pay for watching in my house? They had better go to the dstv and collect their tax because I see no sense in this obnoxious law!

DANA AIR SET TO RECOMMENCE DAILY FLIGHT SERVICE TO UYO
...set N9,000 as introductory fare

Dana Air will on Friday, June 27 recommence direct flight operations between the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos, and the Akwa Ibom Airport Uyo, as well as to provide onward flights linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, from Uyo. Also in line with Dana Air’s commitment to encourage air travel, it has set an introductory online webfare starting at N9,000 for one-way booking across its existing route network on its website at www.flydanaair.com to stimulate both leisure and business travels.

Announcing the development in Lagos, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Obialor Mbanuzuo, noted that Dana Air is working with the objective of integrating most major cities in Nigeria into its route network. He emphasized that Dana Air is constantly reviewing its operations with a view towards exceeding the high expectations of its guests.

“At Dana Air, we recognize the importance of Akwa Ibom state in the socio-economic development of Nigeria as a tourist destination and oil producing state, and the need to offer choice of travel to open up accessibility. We are confident that our recommencement of flights between Lagos and Uyo as well as onward connections between Uyo and Abuja will make the state even more attractive to investors", said Mr. Mbanuzuo.

He also disclosed that the decision to recommence operations into Uyo is hinged on the airline’s commitment to offer comfort and convenience to passengers in Akwa Ibom and adjoining cities.

Dana Air which currently operates flights on the Lagos – Abuja – Lagos; Lagos – Port Harcourt – Lagos and Port Harcourt – Abuja – Port Harcourt routes is the only airline to have successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Flight Safety Group in partnership with its foreign partners. The airline is one of ten airlines benefiting from the IOSA implementation training initiative that is 100 per cent funded by International Airline Training Fund (IATF).

DANA AIR SET TO RECOMMENCE DAILY FLIGHT SERVICE TO UYO
...set N9,000 as introductory fare

Dana Air will on Friday, June 27 recommence direct flight operations between the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos, and the Akwa Ibom Airport Uyo, as well as to provide onward flights linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, from Uyo. Also in line with Dana Air’s commitment to encourage air travel, it has set an introductory online webfare starting at N9,000 for one-way booking across its existing route network on its website at www.flydanaair.com to stimulate both leisure and business travels.

Announcing the development in Lagos, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Obialor Mbanuzuo, noted that Dana Air is working with the objective of integrating most major cities in Nigeria into its route network. He emphasized that Dana Air is constantly reviewing its operations with a view towards exceeding the high expectations of its guests.

“At Dana Air, we recognize the importance of Akwa Ibom state in the socio-economic development of Nigeria as a tourist destination and oil producing state, and the need to offer choice of travel to open up accessibility. We are confident that our recommencement of flights between Lagos and Uyo as well as onward connections between Uyo and Abuja will make the state even more attractive to investors", said Mr. Mbanuzuo.

He also disclosed that the decision to recommence operations into Uyo is hinged on the airline’s commitment to offer comfort and convenience to passengers in Akwa Ibom and adjoining cities.

Dana Air which currently operates flights on the Lagos – Abuja – Lagos; Lagos – Port Harcourt – Lagos and Port Harcourt – Abuja – Port Harcourt routes is the only airline to have successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Flight Safety Group in partnership with its foreign partners. The airline is one of ten airlines benefiting from the IOSA implementation training initiative that is 100 per cent funded by International Airline Training Fund (IATF).

DANA AIR OFFERS SPECIAL RAMADAN IN-FLIGHT MEALS

As Muslims all over the world observe the holy month of Ramadam, Dana Air has announced that it would offer special in-flight menu that can be taken away throughout the fasting period of Ramadan to cater for the dietary needs of guests who are adherents of the Muslim faith.

Announcing the initiative in Lagos, the Chief commercial officer of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo, said “Ramadan, which is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam, is here again and seeing that we understand the significance of the fasting period in the lives of our Muslim guests, we have included additional fruits like dates in our in-flight catering due to the numerous health benefits they bring,’’

While urging brethrens to use the observance of the holy month of Ramadam to reflect and start a personal relationship with their creator, Mr. Mbanuzuo also encouraged guests who are observing the daytime fasting to take along the in-flight meals while disembarking until they are ready to break their fast.

Also coming on the heels of the inauguration of direct flight service between Lagos and Uyo as well as Uyo and Abuja, the airline has further reiterated her commitment to continually offer customer-friendly services especially as it offers webfares starting at N9,000 across its existing route network.

Guests wishing to take advantage of the pocket friendly fares are encouraged to book and pay on www.flydanaair.com or by simply downloading the recently introduced Flydana Mobile App for the convenience to search, select and book flights on their mobile devices.

Dana Air is the only airline to have successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Flight Safety Group in partnership with its foreign partners.

DANA AIR OFFERS SPECIAL RAMADAN IN-FLIGHT MEALS

As Muslims all over the world observe the holy month of Ramadam, Dana Air has announced that it would offer special in-flight menu that can be taken away throughout the fasting period of Ramadan to cater for the dietary needs of guests who are adherents of the Muslim faith.

Announcing the initiative in Lagos, the Chief commercial officer of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo, said “Ramadan, which is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam, is here again and seeing that we understand the significance of the fasting period in the lives of our Muslim guests, we have included additional fruits like dates in our in-flight catering due to the numerous health benefits they bring,’’

While urging brethrens to use the observance of the holy month of Ramadam to reflect and start a personal relationship with their creator, Mr. Mbanuzuo also encouraged guests who are observing the daytime fasting to take along the in-flight meals while disembarking until they are ready to break their fast.

Also coming on the heels of the inauguration of direct flight service between Lagos and Uyo as well as Uyo and Abuja, the airline has further reiterated her commitment to continually offer customer-friendly services especially as it offers webfares starting at N9,000 across its existing route network.

Guests wishing to take advantage of the pocket friendly fares are encouraged to book and pay on www.flydanaair.com or by simply downloading the recently introduced Flydana Mobile App for the convenience to search, select and book flights on their mobile devices.

Dana Air is the only airline to have successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Flight Safety Group in partnership with its foreign partners.

NCAA, please stop compounding our problems!

As I write this piece, I am totally losing my patience. For the past (3) three weeks Dana Air has been grounded and they have refused to continue refunds. Each time you call their offices to confirm the situation, they keep telling you that the audit is yet to commence and that they are ready and willing to corporate with the regulatory to carry out the audit.’’ For how long are they going to keep cooperating with this agency?

If I may ask: which regulatory agency? Is it the agency that that has forgotten that it grounded some airlines? Or is it the agency that is battling to save the minster from the 255m car scandal? It is really a confused situation!

Do we have to wait for this long to get our refunds? Is the audit thing going to take eternity? For the past three weeks, we have been hearing the same line from Dana Air! Why would the NCAA ground them when they knew they were not ready to conduct the audit? Do we have to wait for NCAA to clear up their mess before they attend to Dana Air, so that we can get our refunds? I hear the audit is going to be an industry-wide thing, how come others are flying and Dana Air and IRS are still grounded? Who is deceiving who here?

As an awaiting corp. member, I booked ahead to get a convenient fare 9,000, as they (Dana Air) would always say: book ahead to get the best fare’’ but before I could say jack, they announced on their website and face book sites that they have been suspended to allow the so called regulatory agency conduct an industry-wide audit’’ how do I now get my money? Where do these people want me to get money to get another ticket? Is it now that the other airlines have taken advantage of this situation to jack their fares up? Knowingly fully that Chanchiang, IRS and Dana Air are all grounded are not likely to resume soon?

These days these airlines just take passengers for granted. Just the other day, I bought an aero ticket only to be told that the flight has been cancelled. Before I could say jack again, all their ticketing staff and station manager disappeared! There was nobody to talk to. The same aero I hear they want to make national carrier? This industry is messed!

Arik delayed my uncle in the Uk for over six hours over a technical issue and did not deem it necessary to apologize. These days Arik cancels flights at will and make a journey of six hours to become 8hrs, just as FG and ASUU are making us spend more than the normal four years at school. Only recently I heard Arik over sold their tickets leaving passengers to struggle and beg to board. An angry passenger actually filmed the scenario and uploaded it on his YouTube page. Watching that short video, made me remember the days of old Oshodi and the struggle for the now moribund molue buses. It was funny, seeing chief executives rushing to board and even begging Arik staff. It was a total show of shame!

I wonder what the consumer protection unit of the NCAA is doing. Or are they just paying lip service to the newly promulgated consumer protection laws? We are now at the receiving end of the actions of these shylock airlines and NCAA’s sit-down look style.
NCAA had better wake up to their responsibilities and conduct the audit or better still pay us our monies back if they are not ready to conduct the audit, as all Dana Air offices nationwide are shut and no Dana staff seem to be insight.

Finally, I wonder who can save us from this mess in the industry. It can’t be President Jonathan who is still strategizing on 2015 election and grappling with the ASUU strike, and definitely not NCAA and madam minister who are still undergoing investigation in the N255million car scam.

I am in a total fix.

Benjamin Ekufo, a Corper, writes from Port Harcourt

NCAA, please stop compounding our problems!

As I write this piece, I am totally losing my patience. For the past (3) three weeks Dana Air has been grounded and they have refused to continue refunds. Each time you call their offices to confirm the situation, they keep telling you that the audit is yet to commence and that they are ready and willing to corporate with the regulatory to carry out the audit.’’ For how long are they going to keep cooperating with this agency?

If I may ask: which regulatory agency? Is it the agency that that has forgotten that it grounded some airlines? Or is it the agency that is battling to save the minster from the 255m car scandal? It is really a confused situation!

Do we have to wait for this long to get our refunds? Is the audit thing going to take eternity? For the past three weeks, we have been hearing the same line from Dana Air! Why would the NCAA ground them when they knew they were not ready to conduct the audit? Do we have to wait for NCAA to clear up their mess before they attend to Dana Air, so that we can get our refunds? I hear the audit is going to be an industry-wide thing, how come others are flying and Dana Air and IRS are still grounded? Who is deceiving who here?

As an awaiting corp. member, I booked ahead to get a convenient fare 9,000, as they (Dana Air) would always say: book ahead to get the best fare’’ but before I could say jack, they announced on their website and face book sites that they have been suspended to allow the so called regulatory agency conduct an industry-wide audit’’ how do I now get my money? Where do these people want me to get money to get another ticket? Is it now that the other airlines have taken advantage of this situation to jack their fares up? Knowingly fully that Chanchiang, IRS and Dana Air are all grounded are not likely to resume soon?

These days these airlines just take passengers for granted. Just the other day, I bought an Aero ticket only to be told that the flight has been cancelled. Before I could say jack again, all their ticketing staff and station manager disappeared! There was nobody to talk to. The same Aero I hear they want to make national carrier? This industry is messed!

Arik delayed my uncle in the Uk for over six hours over a technical issue and did not deem it necessary to apologize. These days Arik cancels flights at will and make a journey of six hours to become 8hrs, just as FG and ASUU are making us spend more than the normal four years at school. Only recently I heard Arik over sold their tickets leaving passengers to struggle and beg to board. An angry passenger actually filmed the scenario and uploaded it on his YouTube page. Watching that short video, made me remember the days of old Oshodi and the struggle for the now moribund molue buses. It was funny, seeing chief executives rushing to board and even begging Arik staff. It was a total show of shame!

I wonder what the consumer protection unit of the NCAA is doing. Or are they just paying lip service to the newly promulgated consumer protection laws? We are now at the receiving end of the actions of these Shylock airlines and NCAA’s sit-down look style.
NCAA had better wake up to their responsibilities and conduct the audit or better still pay us our monies back if they are not ready to conduct the audit, as all Dana Air offices nationwide are shut and no Dana staff seem to be insight.

Finally, I wonder who can save us from this mess in the industry. It can’t be President Jonathan who is still strategizing on 2015 election and grappling with the ASUU strike, and definitely not NCAA and madam minister who are still undergoing investigation in the N255million car scam.

I am in a total fix.

Benjamin Ekufo, a Corp member, writes from Port Harcourt

NCAA and double standards in Nigeria’s aviation industry

Civil aviation is one of the most regulated industries in the world. Every single technical personnel, equipment and airport must be certified and monitored by competent regulatory agencies known as Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs).

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is the apex regulatory body, overseeing the activities of all airlines and their pilots, engineers and cabin staff, airports, airstrips and heliports, navigation aids, all service providers including the airport authority and the air traffic service provider, aviation training institutions etc. In short, the NCAA is the ‘police’ of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

As stated on the NCAA website, “The Authority sets safety standards, issues licenses and operating certificates to personnel and service providers, and monitors their compliance through a range of surveillance activities. Where safety rules are breached, the NCAA takes strong corrective actions to enforce compliance which may include sanctions.”

Perhaps it was a ‘breach’ in ‘safety rules’ that the NCAA was trying to address when it grounded the operations of Dana Air, IRS and Chachangi, shortly after the crash of an Associated Airlines jet on October 3, 2013? If that was truly the case, then the agency deserves to be commended for enforcing strict compliance with laid down guidelines and safety regulation.

But really, was the recent grounding of Dana Air operations due safety reasons? Wouldn’t this be the second time the airline is being grounded by the authorities for ‘safety issues’ since recommencing flight operations this year? If, as the NCAA told the media a few weeks back, there is going to be an operational audit of all local airlines, how come Dana is the only one grounded for ‘audit purposes’?

My take is either Dana Air is an ‘exceptional’ defaulter to warrant such selective action or the NCAA isn’t telling Nigerians the full gist of the matter. Or could there be a deliberate witch-hunt on the airline by the ‘ogas at the top’? Perhaps the NCAA is just following instructions from ‘higher’ quarters to keep the airline grounded for reasons unknown?

Maybe a look at the circumstances surrounding the suspension of the airline in both instances will help us answer these questions: On March 16, 2013, the carrier was handed a suspension order due to what the NCAA and the Ministry of Aviation would later refer to as ‘safety issues’.

On ground Abuja, a Lagos-bound Dana aircraft developed a snag. The Captain, during his pre-start checks, noticed that the airplane battery was under charging. He humbly explained the situation to his passengers and called for a replacement aircraft from Lagos which eventually ferried the passengers to Lagos safely. The airline’s operations were suspended by the NCAA later that evening on the orders of the Minister. Apparently, a friend of hers who was onboard placed a call to her that the aircraft's engine was faulty and could not start.

The Dana scenario described above brings to mind the October 23, 2013 Lagos-bound Arik Air flight which was aborted in Abuja when the aircraft developed technical issues and refused to start. According to one of the intending travelers, Dominic, who spoke to Channels Television, “the passengers had checked in and were about boarding the aircraft when some people noticed the pilot was having issues in his seat. After a few minutes, a member of the Arik team announced to us in front of the airplane that there was a technical issue” and so they would have to wait for another aircraft from Lagos to ferry them to their destination. “

Of course, the Dana and Arik incidents are similar and, in both cases, the pilots acted in line with standard international aviation practice by aborting the flight and calling for a replacement aircraft. The only difference for both airlines was in the outcome: one airline (Dana) had the misfortune of having a Minister’s friend on board, and so got grounded by the NCAA; the other (Arik) did not incur the wrath of the NCAA. Perhaps, they were lucky enough not to have a ‘Minister’s friend’ onboard? Or maybe the NCAA’s yardstick for regulating operations of airlines is simply different from one airline to another?

The recent grounding of Dana Air, as widely reported in the media, came on the heels of an air return the airline had on October 6, 2013. I still find it hard to believe that this is the reason being adduced to the airline’s suspension, as most operators, local and international, have had cases of air return(s) in their history, due technical or non-technical causes. Otherwise, Medview should have been grounded after its January 27,, 2013 air return? Or how would Arik have escaped suspension following its September 26, 2013 air return on a Calabar-bound flight, or the October 4, 2013 air return on a Benin-bound flight? Many such cases of air return abound, involving other local as well as international airlines, and the NCAA has all the records.

As has been emphasized by several aviation experts, air returns are not uncommon in the global aviation industry. The decision by a pilot to return an aircraft to base after take-off is a precautionary safety measure, and it is in line with international best practices. Or would the NCAA and the Ministry of Aviation rather pilots continued on a trip after noticing a snag that could affect their safe continuation, thereby risking their lives and the lives of their passengers? Obviously not! They should rather be commended for taking such initiatives. Of course, as per standard practice, the snag(s) on the aircraft must be duly reported and rectified, and the aircraft recertified by the NCAA before its return to service.

So, back to the question of the planned operational and financial audit of all local airlines which, by the way, is a welcome development for the industry: does the NCAA need to ground the entire operations of an airline to be able to conduct an audit? Why the selective grounding of Dana Air? Would the operations of Aero, Arik, First Nation, Medview, Kabo, Overland and other small airlines currently flying be grounded for audit purposes too?

If, indeed, the NCAA is unbiased in its oversight functions, why then did it allow IRS and Chachangi to carry on with their operations with just one aircraft for such a long time (until the October 13, 2013 incident involving IRS), even when the law states that operators must have a minimum of 2 serviceable aircraft? And why wasn’t Kabo Air’s operation suspended following the near mishap in Sokoto on October 4, 2013 involving one of its aircraft?

On the agency’s website, its Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu states, “At the NCAA, great emphasis is placed on workers' integrity and professionalism. NCAA provides services in the most efficient, effective, quality and technology driven manner to stakeholders.” Clearly, going by the inconsistencies highlighted so far, this doesn’t seem to be the case in the agency at present.

The onus is now on Capt. Akinkuotu and the leadership of the NCAA to put their house in order and prove to Nigerians that the agency is capable of performing its statutory functions efficiently, and without fear or favour. Aviation business is too serious for vital decisions to be made on a whim, and undue political interference must be firmly resisted. We must begin to do things right, and as per global aviation standards. Nigerians are watching! The world is watching!!

Edet Akpan, an Engineer, writes from Lagos

NCAA and double standards in Nigeria’s aviation industry

Civil aviation is one of the most regulated industries in the world. Every single technical personnel, equipment and airport must be certified and monitored by competent regulatory agencies known as Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs).

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is the apex regulatory body, overseeing the activities of all airlines and their pilots, engineers and cabin staff, airports, airstrips and heliports, navigation aids, all service providers including the airport authority and the air traffic service provider, aviation training institutions etc. In short, the NCAA is the ‘police’ of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

As stated on the NCAA website, “The Authority sets safety standards, issues licenses and operating certificates to personnel and service providers, and monitors their compliance through a range of surveillance activities. Where safety rules are breached, the NCAA takes strong corrective actions to enforce compliance which may include sanctions.”

Perhaps it was a ‘breach’ in ‘safety rules’ that the NCAA was trying to address when it grounded the operations of Dana Air, IRS and Chachangi, shortly after the crash of an Associated Airlines jet on October 3, 2013? If that was truly the case, then the agency deserves to be commended for enforcing strict compliance with laid down guidelines and safety regulation.

But really, was the recent grounding of Dana Air operations due safety reasons? Wouldn’t this be the second time the airline is being grounded by the authorities for ‘safety issues’ since recommencing flight operations this year? If, as the NCAA told the media a few weeks back, there is going to be an operational audit of all local airlines, how come Dana is the only one grounded for ‘audit purposes’?

My take is either Dana Air is an ‘exceptional’ defaulter to warrant such selective action or the NCAA isn’t telling Nigerians the full gist of the matter. Or could there be a deliberate witch-hunt on the airline by the ‘ogas at the top’? Perhaps the NCAA is just following instructions from ‘higher’ quarters to keep the airline grounded for reasons unknown?

Maybe a look at the circumstances surrounding the suspension of the airline in both instances will help us answer these questions: On March 16, 2013, the carrier was handed a suspension order due to what the NCAA and the Ministry of Aviation would later refer to as ‘safety issues’.

On ground Abuja, a Lagos-bound Dana aircraft developed a snag. The Captain, during his pre-start checks, noticed that the airplane battery was under charging. He humbly explained the situation to his passengers and called for a replacement aircraft from Lagos which eventually ferried the passengers to Lagos safely. The airline’s operations were suspended by the NCAA later that evening on the orders of the Minister. Apparently, a friend of hers who was onboard placed a call to her that the aircraft's engine was faulty and could not start.

The Dana scenario described above brings to mind the October 23, 2013 Lagos-bound Arik Air flight which was aborted in Abuja when the aircraft developed technical issues and refused to start. According to one of the intending travelers, Dominic, who spoke to Channels Television, “the passengers had checked in and were about boarding the aircraft when some people noticed the pilot was having issues in his seat. After a few minutes, a member of the Arik team announced to us in front of the airplane that there was a technical issue” and so they would have to wait for another aircraft from Lagos to ferry them to their destination. “

Of course, the Dana and Arik incidents are similar and, in both cases, the pilots acted in line with standard international aviation practice by aborting the flight and calling for a replacement aircraft. The only difference for both airlines was in the outcome: one airline (Dana) had the misfortune of having a Minister’s friend on board, and so got grounded by the NCAA; the other (Arik) did not incur the wrath of the NCAA. Perhaps, they were lucky enough not to have a ‘Minister’s friend’ onboard? Or maybe the NCAA’s yardstick for regulating operations of airlines is simply different from one airline to another?

The recent grounding of Dana Air, as widely reported in the media, came on the heels of an air return the airline had on October 6, 2013. I still find it hard to believe that this is the reason being adduced to the airline’s suspension, as most operators, local and international, have had cases of air return(s) in their history, due technical or non-technical causes. Otherwise, Medview should have been grounded after its January 27,, 2013 air return? Or how would Arik have escaped suspension following its September 26, 2013 air return on a Calabar-bound flight, or the October 4, 2013 air return on a Benin-bound flight? Many such cases of air return abound, involving other local as well as international airlines, and the NCAA has all the records.

As has been emphasized by several aviation experts, air returns are not uncommon in the global aviation industry. The decision by a pilot to return an aircraft to base after take-off is a precautionary safety measure, and it is in line with international best practices. Or would the NCAA and the Ministry of Aviation rather pilots continued on a trip after noticing a snag that could affect their safe continuation, thereby risking their lives and the lives of their passengers? Obviously not! They should rather be commended for taking such initiatives. Of course, as per standard practice, the snag(s) on the aircraft must be duly reported and rectified, and the aircraft recertified by the NCAA before its return to service.

So, back to the question of the planned operational and financial audit of all local airlines which, by the way, is a welcome development for the industry: does the NCAA need to ground the entire operations of an airline to be able to conduct an audit? Why the selective grounding of Dana Air? Would the operations of Aero, Arik, First Nation, Medview, Kabo, Overland and other small airlines currently flying be grounded for audit purposes too?

If, indeed, the NCAA is unbiased in its oversight functions, why then did it allow IRS and Chachangi to carry on with their operations with just one aircraft for such a long time (until the October 13, 2013 incident involving IRS), even when the law states that operators must have a minimum of 2 serviceable aircraft? And why wasn’t Kabo Air’s operation suspended following the near mishap in Sokoto on October 4, 2013 involving one of its aircraft?

On the agency’s website, its Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu states, “At the NCAA, great emphasis is placed on workers' integrity and professionalism. NCAA provides services in the most efficient, effective, quality and technology driven manner to stakeholders.” Clearly, going by the inconsistencies highlighted so far, this doesn’t seem to be the case in the agency at present.

The onus is now on Capt. Akinkuotu and the leadership of the NCAA to put their house in order and prove to Nigerians that the agency is capable of performing its statutory functions efficiently, and without fear or favour. Aviation business is too serious for vital decisions to be made on a whim, and undue political interference must be firmly resisted. We must begin to do things right, and as per global aviation standards. Nigerians are watching! The world is watching!!

Edet Akpan, an Engineer, writes from Lagos

Suspension Of Dana Air Illegal
By: Capt. Daniel Omale on October 12, 2013

Again, in less than 12 months, Dana Air has been handed another suspension from flying in our national air space by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The reason given is flimsy in every sense of professional aviation. According to the regulatory agency, the airline made two air returns (aborted trip) in a week. While the NCAA's argument is that Dana Air's two separate flights made two air returns due to engine-related issues, the airline vehemently refutes the allegations. The carrier insists that the first air return was as a result of auto throttle "warning indicator" in the cockpit and the pilot in command promptly opted to go back to the departure airport, Port Harcourt. The second issue had to do with the aircraft’s battery under-charging, and the captain of the flight initiated similar procedure--- to return to base.


In all these arguments, as a professional pilot, whether the two incidents were engine-related or not, the airline's crews must be commended, and the carrier should be mandated to file two separate incident reports (if neither was filed as stipulated in the regulation). An invitation by the NCAA for discussion, as opposed, to outright grounding of its operation would suffice. The regulatory agency cannot, on the basis of rumour/ speculation, take such drastic action.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://leadership.ng/news/121013/suspension-dana-air-illegal&ct=ga&cd=MTE0OTExNDk3MTU3NTA1NjYxNjU&cad=CAEYAA&usg=AFQjCNHXd8nuN1t7cFIVeUUWLbimTUc94g

Suspension Of Dana Air Illegal
By: Capt. Daniel Omale on October 12, 2013

Again, in less than 12 months, Dana Air has been handed another suspension from flying in our national air space by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The reason given is flimsy in every sense of professional aviation. According to the regulatory agency, the airline made two air returns (aborted trip) in a week. While the NCAA's argument is that Dana Air's two separate flights made two air returns due to engine-related issues, the airline vehemently refutes the allegations. The carrier insists that the first air return was as a result of auto throttle "warning indicator" in the cockpit and the pilot in command promptly opted to go back to the departure airport, Port Harcourt. The second issue had to do with the aircraft’s battery under-charging, and the captain of the flight initiated similar procedure--- to return to base.


In all these arguments, as a professional pilot, whether the two incidents were engine-related or not, the airline's crews must be commended, and the carrier should be mandated to file two separate incident reports (if neither was filed as stipulated in the regulation). An invitation by the NCAA for discussion, as opposed, to outright grounding of its operation would suffice. The regulatory agency cannot, on the basis of rumour/ speculation, take such drastic action.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://leadership.ng/news/121013/suspension-dana-air-illegal&ct=ga&cd=MTE0OTExNDk3MTU3NTA1NjYxNjU&cad=CAEYAA&usg=AFQjCNHXd8nuN1t7cFIVeUUWLbimTUc94g

Na wa oooo

i think i agree with you @the brightest. dey are probably the safest cos they will be doing everything possible to avoid a re-occurrence and also heard they bought two new aircraft and their customer service is good. they doing this things to show their new stuffs sha... but i heard arik delays like mad without apology unlike Dana sha and medview..that is pride na! you customer is supposed to b king, you cant just be allowing pple miss their appointments cos of ur false believe that stuffs cant happen to u and that customers cant complain...i will fly dana or any airline as far as am treated right... for me this promo is good abegi and will fly. weda u fly or not na God go decide your faith not man.

how much did dey pay you to damage their image? dis is one the best airline in the country. Go and do ur surveY. the fact that they crashed doesn't mean they are not doing well. as for me oooo wateva this nairanlander likes let him post am a stickler for quality and that's it. i fly dis airline regularly and i dnt experience anytin negative. dis guy has been paid to do a hatchet job. u beta go and ask elite, they are d ones who fly dana not villagers like the person dat posted this comment. villager! how can u claim to knw wat is wrong wt an engine by merely looking at it? u b real villager!

Old story! i flew their new aircraft like weeks back. So guy get you facts right! haha! u b seer? just looking at the engine, you could predict the situation? Guy try wake up from the right side of your bed next time abeg!

wats the big deal if aero aborted its flight? dat was a precautionary measure na haba! negative news spreads faster than anything. the last time it was dana air. i think dana are the ones that wont hesitate for a minute to abort a flight, cos i believe they will putting 150% into safety to prevent a re-occurrence. its is now very clear that there is no safe airline. it is only God that can guarantee one's safety. when i fly any airline both local n int' i pray n sleep.