₦airaland Forum

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami says nullifying the recruitment for 10,000 police constables will cause economic loss for the country. His submission is contained in a counter affidavit filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja opposing the suit by the Police Service Commission seeking to quash the recruitment of 10,000 constables. The commission had filed the action in September challenging the recruitment exercise for 10, 000 new Police Constables embarked by the Nigerian Police Force.

But in a counter-affidavit filed through the Office of the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata, the AGF is contending that the recruitment was not stated by the Nigerian Constitution as a function of the PSC. The AGF said the recruitment exercise had gone through significant stages with millions of naira already spent in the process, stressing that “That nullifying the current exercise will occasion serious economic loss to the country.” Justice Inyang Ekwo yesterday fixed November 20 to enable the AGF serve lawyers with copies of the counter affidavit filed.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nullifying-recruitment-of-10000-constables-will-cause-economic-loss-agf.html

Issues relating to the provision of official cars and other allowances triggered the impeachment of the Deputy Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly, Shuaibu Adama Haruna, Daily Trust has gathered. Our correspondent reports that delay in the provision of official vehicles to the 24 members of the State House of Assembly created a rift between them and executive arm led by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya.

Of the 24 members in the house; the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has 19 while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has five members. Since the inauguration of the assembly on June 14, the members have been using their personal vehicles for both official and private functions, despite several pleas to the governor to purchase new vehicles for them. The lawmakers have indicated their preference for SUVs, it was gathered. Sources in the assembly told our correspondent that the lawmakers have virtually approved all requests forwarded to them by the governor to placate him to buy into their demand for the brand new SUVs.

One of the sources, who pleaded not to be named, said it was because of this that “the lawmakers screened and confirmed 21 commissioner-nominees, special advisers and also approved a supplementary budget he sent to the house. “But the governor refused to buy-in and also declined to approve their other requests tabled before him. “As such, the members are still using their personal vehicles for official functions. However, they learnt that he has already purchased new official vehicles for the newly inaugurated commissioners which made them angry.” He added that, the legislators were still trying all possible channels to resolve their differences with the executive before it became public knowledge.

Following their failure to meet the governor, the lawmakers irrespective of party differences, held a meeting where they unanimously agreed to boycott all the functions and events hosted by the governor until he provided the vehicles. It was gathered that it was following the resolution that all the members were conspicuously absent when the governor launched 50 new buses for the state transport company, Gombe Line.

It was alleged that the former deputy speaker leaked the information to the governor. Our correspondent reports that the last straw was last Saturday’s inauguration of the 21 commissioners and members of the state executive council, which all the members boycotted. Shuaibu Haruna was the lone member that attended the inauguration, an action that angered the other members. This, it was gathered resulted in his impeachment on Tuesday and replacement with Siddi Buba (Kwami West) during a plenary presided by the Speaker, Abubakar Sadiq Kurba (Yamaltu West).

When contacted, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Mr Tulfukut Kardi, said the erstwhile speaker was impeached based on internal issues of the assembly, “that is not for public consumption for now.” “We will inform the public at the right time the reason we impeached the deputy speaker,” Kardi said. Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Communication and Strategy, Anas Ibrahim Kubalu, said the impeachment of the embattled deputy speaker had nothing to do with the relationship between Governor Yahaya and the house.

“Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution as amended have given the three arms of government power to operate independently. “As such, what transpired in the assembly is solely their in-house matter that has nothing to do with the governor because there is a cordial working relationship between the governor and the lawmakers,” Kubalu said. He added that very soon the governor will procure official vehicles for the lawmakers, commissioners and advisers, “all the talk about rift between Governor Yahaya and the legislators is just baseless rumour,” he added.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-official-vehicles-others-led-to-gombe-deputy-speakers-ouster.html

The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has pledged to ensure the nation’s civil service deliver its mandate beyond expectation of the people. The Chairman FCSC, Dr. Tukur Bello Ingawa and the acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, gave the pledged yesterday in Abuja when the later paid a working visit to the FCSC headquarter in Abuja.

The Deputy Director, Press, FCSC, Mrs. Babaoye Eniola Felicia, said in a statement that the two organizations said they were ready to make the civil service work through practicable working relationship.

Mrs. Babaoye quoted Dr. Ingawa as assuring the acting HoCSF of collaboration that will advance the course of service in our nation. “The Hon. Chairman while welcoming the acting Head of Service expressed his desire to work with her and her team in order to preposition the Federal Civil Service in line with the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari. “He said the new leadership of FCSC is ever committed and determined to transform the Federal Civil Service, which is the engine room of Government, for the sustainable progress of the Nation,” she said.

The Honorable Chairman assured the Acting Head of Service that the commission will continue to remain open to collaborate with her office on all issues that will advance the progress of the service and the nation at large. Earlier in her address, the acting HoCS, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan sought synergy between her office and the FCSC, to work hand in hand in order to succeed in improving the Federal Civil Service. While emphasizing the need for the two bodies to cooperate and work together to achieve the aim of repositioning the Civil Service and ensure that no gap is allowed in the course of progress, Yemi-Esan said that without the cooperation of the FCSC, the OHCSF cannot succeed.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg-moves-to-strengthen-civil-service.html

Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba said that ongoing onslaught against banditry in some parts of the state was yielding good results. Ishaku made the statement on Thursday at the Galla Night organised by the state government for both Federal and States Security administrators in Jalingo.

The governor, who was represented by Anthony Jellason, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) also commended the military and other security agencies for their efforts in containing the bandits.

He however, noted that the local hunters do not have the legal mandate to carry out such an operations. He said that the level of kidnappings and other crimes became worrisome to all and sundry, leading to the acceptance of local hunters for the job. He expressed the determination of the state government in supporting any initiative aimed at addressing the security challenges in the state. He also commended the Federal Government for its support in talking insecurity in the state. “Let me acknowledge the efforts of our local hunters in engaging the bandits into fierce battle”.

“Their operation is yielding results and very soon, the menace will be brought under control.’ “Though, the local hunters do not have the legal authority to carry out such operation.” “That doesn’t mean that other security agencies did not do their best but in situations of despair, one is likely to subscribe to every suggestion available.” “On our part, we are in support of every initiative that will bring an end to this security challenges,” Ishaku said.

In her remarks, Dr Amina Shamaki, Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said that the government would support the state in ensuring that the security challenges were brought under control. Shamaki commended both Taraba and Benue governments in their efforts to resolve the lingering Tiv/Jukun crisis in Taraba.

She gave assurance that most of the security challenges would become a thing of the past as the Federal Government was having sleplslee nights to ensure that the life of a Nigerian is better protected. The Federal and states security administration’s meeting had in attendance security managers major stakeholders. (NAN)

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/taraba-local-hunters-onslaught-on-bandits-yielding-results-gov-ishaku.html

The Lagos State Police Command yesterday raided a rehabilitation centre, rescued 12 chained inmates and arrested a pastor, Joesph Ojo, who was allegedly using his church for rehabilitation activities. Pastor Ojo was said to have been arrested sequel to a tip-off by the president of a non-government organisation, Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative, by Samuel Adam. The spokesman of the state police command, Bala Elkana, was quoted as saying that an investigation had commenced.

“We have rescued 12 victims so far. They are 15 victims in number, but three couldn’t move when we got there. We are bringing the remaining three. Some of them were chained. We have commenced an investigation,” Elkana was quoted to have confirmed.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/12-rescued-pastor-arrested-from-lagos-rehab-centre.html

Med-View Airline PLC has said it would soon commence operations after temporarily suspending it due to lack of operating aircraft. The airline said it was expecting its aircraft, which went for C-check, to return to service very soon.

Besides, the airline disclosed that it had complied fully with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CAR) 9.1.1.12 (A), noting that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was aware of its current status as far as its operation is concerned.

Chief Operating Officer of Med-View Airline, Mr. Michael Ajigbotoso, stated this in a chat with newsmen, even as he assured that the airline was coming back stronger despite recent operational difficulties. He said: “We appreciate the staff for their commitment in spite of the little operational challenges which we believe are the hallmark of any business. Businesses have their high and low moments and I can tell you we are surmounting the challenges. We are coming back soon bigger and better.

“Also, to our numerous customers, we want to tell you that the best is yet to come. We have done it before, making the nation proud at the domestic, regional and international fronts. We have been consistent with our hajj operations in the past 14 years. We remain the only carrier to have done that successfully. “We want to assure you that, as soon as our aircraft return from the scheduled maintenance, we will begin to provide the excellent and safe flight services which we have maintained since the commencement of our operations.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/med-view-airline-to-resume-operations-soon-coo.html

Mr presido A.K.A baba buhari

Sai baba

The Sokoto State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on its supporters to remain calm over the loss of two National Assembly seats to the PDP. A statement issued by APC State Chairman, Alhaji Sadiq Achida on Wedndesday in Sokoto said the party would study the Court of Appeal verdicts on the cases and respond appropriately. ” The judgements in respect of Sokoto North and South Federal Constituency, as well as those in respect of Sokoto South Senatorial District and Bodinga Dange/Shuni Tureta Federal Constituency appeared to be clear miscarriage of justice.

”APC appeals to all our supporters to continue to remain calm and law abiding, these are virtues known to be in our character,” “The APC is examining the judgements and will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we defend all the seats won by our party through votes freely cast by Sokoto people,” he added. It could be recalled that Senator Abubakar Tambuwal representing Sokoto South and member representing DangeShuni/Bodinga/Tureta Aliyu Shehu lost their seats to PDP’s Ibrahim Danbaba and Balarabe Kakale respectively following the Appeal Court court judgement that upheld the latter’s appeals. Also,the court had ordered the fresh election for Sokoto North/ Sokoto South constituency.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apc-calls-for-calm-over-loss-of-nass-seats-to-pdp.html

…as FEC okays N5.72 bn for NDIC offices

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, says Arik Air is not qualified as national carrier. The minister said this yesterday while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. “Arik, as presently constituted, is not in line with the thinking of the ministry. It will not be able to give us that airline that we need. “However, Arik as an entity, since it is private-sector driven, can either buy shares in the new ventures or invest in any manner in the business as presently approved.

“The carrier that I intend to bring is such a carrier that will support national economy, with $450m GDP for 200m people, very equipped to compete favourably. “We are not saying once we have a national carrier, every other airline goes down. No. It is our duty to continue to support businesses,” Sirika said. The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said the FEC approved N5.72bn for construction and consultancy services of the National Deposit Insurance Corporation offices. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the FEC approved N718m for the supply of land mobile security scanner for Lagos Port.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/arik-not-qualified-as-national-carrier-fg.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 87 out of 159 observer groups that participated in this year’s general elections are yet to submit their reports, eight months after the poll was conducted. INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). He decried the inability of registered CSOs to summit their election observation reports.

Prof. Yakubu said only 72 CSOs submitted their 2019 election observation reports out of over 159 groups accredited. “For the 2019 general elections, the commission accredited a total of 159 observer groups out of which 120 were domestic and 39 foreign. Collectively, they proposed to deploy 73,562 observers: 71,256 domestic and 2,306 foreign. “However, seven months after the general elections, the commission has so far received reports from only 72 observer groups out of 159, representing 45.2 percent.

“I wish to remind those that are yet to formally submit their reports to the commission to do so in earnest in both hard and soft copies as required of them under their terms of accreditation,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, the Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Mrs Grace Jerry, assured INEC of the organizations’ continued support towards improving the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-polls-87-observer-groups-yet-to-submit-report-8-months-after-inec.html

Atiku is coming

Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA)’s Director-General, Hajiya Umma K Ahmad, on Wednesday, said the authority has shut down 25 unregistered private schools within the metropolis in four days. She said majority of the schools closed were not conducive for learning, lamenting that animals cannot be reared in some as they were substandard.

The Director also explained that some of the schools shut down were not registered with the state government, adding that all efforts to make them see reasons to register failed as they refused to yield to advice given to them.

Hajiya Ummah, who gave the update at a news briefing, said the operations commenced on Monday and that the exercise will continue because they must ensure quality education for the children in the state. “Out of the 25 schools shut down, we have open five schools because they have written an undertaking on when to come for their registration with the Authority.

“We are also urging other schools to ensure they register their schools because we will not allow unlicenced and registered schools to operate in the state,” she said. She explained that a part of the mandates of the State Schools Quality Assurance Authority was to monitor and regulate the activities of public and private schools in the state. She also added that the task force had representation of Nigerian Association of ‎Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) owners so as to ensure justice and equity.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/kaduna-government-shuts-down-25-private-schools-in-four-days.html

hmmm

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday described the closure of the land border between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin was a big blow to regional integration. Commenting for the first time since the Nigerian government closed its border with the Republic of Benin on August 20, Akufo-Addo said the move could negatively affect the regional integration agenda.

Akufo-Addo, at a meeting with a delegation from the First Bank of Nigeria at the Jubilee House in Accra, said: “We are about to enter a delicate period in the ECOWAS journey looking ahead of the possibility of a single currency and trying to forge greater integration among our economies and at the same time have important security and other issues which confront us.

“We have this business of the closure of the Benin Border, which seems to some people to be a big blow to the ECOWAS project”. Akufo-Addo argued that overall interest of member states should override individual national interest. “I believe that there are other considerations that we have to look at and examine to find a way so that we can live in this region in harmony and allow each one of us our national ambition to be fulfilled,” he added.

The chairman of the First Bank of Nigeria, Chief Oba Otudeko, affirmed that Akufo-Addo’s government’s economic policies, particularly banking reforms, had made the Ghanaian economy resilient.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nigeria-benin-border-closure-big-blow-to-regional-integration-ghanaian-president.html

The Joint National Assembly Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission yesterday summoned 17 oil companies over alleged N72bn and $273m indebtedness to the commission. The joint committee’s chairman, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, during interactive session with the officials of the NDDC, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Union Bank, named the companies as Shebah Express Petroleum, Atlas Petroleum, Allied Energy, Frontier Oil, Seven Energy Limited, Belma Oil Producing Limited, AITECO Exploration and Production, Dubri Oil, Conoil Producing, Continental Oil and Gas.

Others were Enageed Resources Limited, New Cross Exploration, and Production, Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Petroleum Development Resources. Munipulo Petroleum Development Company, Prime Exploration and Production Company and the Nigeria LNG Limited

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/n-assembly-summons-17-oil-companies-over-n72bn-273m-debts.html

The Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, Hajiya Ahmed Zainab, says Nigeria needs a lot of resources to actualise the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (ERGP) and other development plans. Hajiya Zaina, who said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Peer Learning Event, was represented by a Director at the Ministry, Dr Israel Igwe. The minister, who said Nigeria required about $3 trillion over the next 30 years to “sufficiently” address its infrastructure deficit, added that the country needed fiscal sufficiency and buoyancy which must come through domestic revenues for it to be sustainable.

She said the performance showed the country’s inability to “efficiently” collect taxes from its non-oil economic activities. She said: “Regarding the 2019 Budget, as at 30th June, the actual aggregate revenue as per our Fiscal Accounts was N2.04 trillion, indicating a revenue shortfall of 42 percent, to underperformance of both oil and non-oil revenue targets. “Similar revenue shortfalls have been experienced since 2017, when the ERGP was launched, resulting in serious deviations from our targeted revenue and expenditure projections….

“We currently have a pervasive revenue generation problem that must change to successfully finance our development plans…. “Speaking to the facts, our current revenue to GDP of 8 percent is sub-optimal and a comparison of oil revenue to oil GDP and non-oil revenue to non-oil GDP performance reveals the significant area that requires immediate and dire intervention as the non-oii sector.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nigerias-economic-growth-and-recovery-plan-at-risk-finance-minister.html

aayah

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has condoled with the Government and People of Bauchi State, particularly the family of Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, over the death of Hajiya Aishatu Jummai Balewa. In a statement signed and issued by his special adviser on media, Ola Awoniyi, the Senate President said the death of the last surviving wife of Prime Minister Balewa has created a big vacuum in the family.

The Senate President said her motherly love will be greatly missed by her loved ones and all those whose lives she had impacted. Lawan prayed that the Almighty Allah will comfort the family and grant the departed soul eternal bliss in Aljanah Firdaus.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/senate-president-condoles-with-bauchi-over-death-of-balewas-widow.html

Students of Ndegwu Secondary School, Ndegwu, in Owerri West local government area of Imo State have deserted their school following the invasion of the institution by cultists. It was gathered that the cultists took over the school following a clash by rival gangs. One of the students, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said that this was not the first incident as the cultists have invaded the school on several occasions.

He said: “The incident of cultism in secondary schools has increased drastically as secondary schools in this area has been under constant attack by these people. “Just yesterday (Wednesday) they came again and disrupted academic activities in the school, forcing both students and teachers to flee for safety.” The students appealed to the authorities to come to their aid. Imo Police Public Relations Officer, SP Orlando Ikeokwu could not be reached for comments as his phone was off.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-cultists-invade-secondary-school-in-imo-chase-away-students.html

ok

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El’rufai on Thursday said the sex for grade allegation against a staff of Kaduna State University, KASU would be fully investigated. The Governor said the investigation and prosecution would be carried out by the Attorney General of the State.

Governor El’rufai who tweeted the update on his twitter handle few hours ago said the suspension of the staff by the university was the first step. The Tweet read ” The suspension of Mr. Umar by KASU is the first step. He and 15 lecturers sacked by nearby ABU‎ Zaria for sexual harassment will be fully investigated & prosecuted by the Attorney General of Kaduna State.

We must face evil & end this scourge in our state,” It could be recalled that ‎on Wednesday KASU management set up a committee to investigate one of its staff known as A.B Umar Over alleged sex for grade allegation leveled against him The allegations were made by a female graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who protested in KASU but it was gathered that the alleged harassment didn’t happened at KASU. ‎KASU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Professor Abdullahi Ashafa, who chaired the meeting emphasised that the institution has zero tolerance for such behaviour by its staff .

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/sex-for-grades-elrufai-orders-full-investigation-against-kasu-staff.html

The 36 states of the federation piled up a domestic debt profile of N3.6trn as they struggled to generate N1.1trn in 2018, a document from the Debt Management Offices has shown. Analysis of the 2019 edition of states’ document unveiled in Abuja yesterday also showed that the borrowing surpassed the earning from internally generated Revenue (IGR) by N2.5trn.

While Lagos State generated the highest IGR of N382.18bn, its domestic debt was higher at N530bn. Rivers State was second with N112.8bn IGR and N225.6bn debt. Ogun generated N84.6bn, but incurred N78.7bn debt, Delta and Kano States had N228.8bn and N117bn debts, but they earned only N58.4bn and N44.1bn during the year respectively.

Domestic debts for Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Anambra and Yobe States accrued to N176.9bn. however, the IGR for the five states was a paltry N62.1bn. The report also showed the federal allocation and receipts by the states in the first half of 2019. The 36 states combined got N1.1trn from the FAAC allocation with Delta receiving the highest of N108.7bn. While Akwa Ibom collected N86.3bn, Rivers, Bayelsa and Lagos States received N75.8bn, N65.6bn and N58bn respectively.

Osun state received the lowest allocation of N10bn; and Cross River, N17bn. Briefing journalists on the report, the principal lead of BudgIT, Gabriel Okeowo, said over the years, states had been spending alarmingly on recurrent expenditure that did not boost their human capital nor generate revenues for them.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/36-states-in-n3-6trn-debt-dmo.html

yes!

Nigerian and West Africa’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has marked five years of commencement of operation assuring that it would continue to unify Nigeria through air transport having employed over 3000 Nigerians across all ethnic and religious divides.

The airline reiterated its commitment to the safety and comfort of its passengers even as it disclosed that it has grown its fleet to 25 aircraft from seven at inception. The airline celebrated its 5th Anniversary by rewarding passengers with various gifts including free tickets, souvenirs and improved in-flight refreshments.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, who described Air Peace as a multi-country airline, said that it has been five years of steady progress, while adding that the airline’s vision of creating seamless connections and network options for its domestic, regional and international markets, is being achieved. Onyema commended stakeholders who have supported the airline since inception and promised more improved air transport services.

The Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, disclosed that the airline chose to celebrate with the flying public because the airline recognises that its customers are the reason for its existence. Olajide, who stated that Air Peace has experienced a consistent rise to become an airline of global repute, noted that the last five years have not been devoid of challenges, but such challenges have only made the airline a stronger brand in the aviation industry. She said: “The past five years have been laden with challenges but our loyal customers have made the journey worthwhile for us, and we owe them as well as other stakeholders immense gratitude”.

She revealed that from seven aircraft at launch, Air Peace now has 25 aircraft in its fleet, excluding the 10 brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 30 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft it recently ordered. She stated that in five years, the airline has recorded a number of firsts in the aviation industry in Nigeria and West Africa. She said: “From seven aircraft and five routes at the launch of our operations on October 24, 2014 to 25 aircraft and 22 routes, our esteemed customers have consistently supported us and now, we can boast of being Nigeria’s and West Africa’s largest airline”.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/air-peace-celebrates-5th-anniversary-grows-fleet-to-25.html

In line with its policy to support youth empowerment, education and excellence among Nigerian youngsters, EgyptAir has rewarded the commitment and hard work of Miss Deborah Olatunji, a student of Holy Saviour College, Isolo, with a free ticket to Dubai for winning the 10th edition of the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2019). The airline also presented a second free ticket to the parent or guardian of the winner in order to allow her travel to Dubai together with any family member of her choice.

The District Manager of EgyptAir in Nigeria, Mr. Muharram Abdelrahman, presented the tickets to Miss Olatunji in the company of her aunt, Dr. Ayodeji Adewakun, in his office.

Mr. Abdelrahman said, “EgyptAir is an airline that believes strongly in securing the future of the younger generation because we believe they are the leaders of tomorrow. With this in mind, we have supported the NTEC since it started 10 years ago in 2009, and we are committed to continue to strengthen our relationship and support for Travel and Business News, organisers of the competition, as we join hands with them to raise future aviation professionals.”

In a related development, EgyptAir recently took its humanitarian campaign effort to the streets by supporting the Rotary Club of Lagos District 9110 with one business class and two economy class tickets to support the club in its drive to better understand and create greater awareness about the treatment of children with Alzheimer’s disease.

Similarly, EgyptAir extended its arm of fellowship to the less privileged by joining forces with Landmark Group to support the Music Dance Hall Festival held recently in Lagos with proceeds from the show donated to support various humanitarian initiatives aimed at easing the burden of the less privileged.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/egyptair-rewards-essay-winner-guardian-with-free-tickets.html

The Nigerian aviation industry is currently experiencing shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), with not more than 350 ATCs manning the 27 airports, aerodromes and airstrips in the country, checks by Daily Trust have shown. ATCs are the personnel responsible for the safe and orderly flow of air traffic across the world. With over 100,000 flights taking off and landing worldwide per day, the ATCs are responsible for safe air navigation and prevention of collisions.

October 20, every year has been set aside to celebrate individual ATCs, wherever they work or under whatever conditions they work, who strive each minute to give the utmost in service to the flying public to bring them safely and efficiently to their destinations.

But stakeholders have decried the challenge of inadequate ATCs manning all the airports in the country. Daily Trust reports that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) manages about 22 airports, while there are other private aerodromes and airstrips requiring the services of ATCs on a daily basis. According to the executive summary of flight operations of NCAA for June, 2019, domestic airlines operated 5,323 flights, which implies that on the average, there are about 170 to 180 daily domestic flights apart from the international flights.

Currently, 27 foreign airlines fly into the country on a daily basis with some of them doing between two to four daily flights. Experts say the number of ATCs manning Nigerian airports is a far cry to what is obtained in advanced countries, especially the US, where there are 43,290 average daily flights with more than 14,000 ATCs managing traffic at many of the 700 facilities.

President of the Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Abayomi Agoro, lamented the shortage of ATCs in the system, saying the 350 personnel manning all the airports in the country were too inadequate and below the standard stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Agoro said, “What ICAO stipulated is about 700 ATCs, and as at that time, I don’t think we have up to 27 airports and airfields as we have right now, and some states are still trying to build new airports. So, it means that the less than 350 ATCs is inadequate, and we also try as much as possible to tell the government to increase the retirement age of ATCS from 60 to 65 in order to bring a kind of balance.”

He, however, lauded the management of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) for recruiting more ATCs in recent years, pointing out that Nigeria’s airspace was one of the safest in the world. The General Secretary of NATCA, Banji Olawode, said, “What could be done to address the shortage which we have suggested severally is the annual recruitment and timely training of at least 50 ATCs for the next 10 years to bridge the gap, and the annual attrition due to retirements and other natural causes.”

A competent source at NAMA confirmed to our correspondent that there were plans to deploy more ATCs into the system, saying, “There are two batches of ATC cadets in Zaria at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT); they have finished their training actually. “I can confidently tell you that there is plan to employ more people to replace those who are leaving the system.”

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/shortage-of-traffic-controllers-hits-nigerias-airports.html

The Federal Government has set aside N4.6bn in the 2020 budget for safety and security of critical projects and airport certification nationwide, Daily Trust analysis of the budget has shown. Daily Trust learnt that this is part of move to fortify the 22 airports managed by the Federal Government against “emerging challenges in aviation security globally.”

The detail of the expenditure in next year’s fiscal year was contained in the 2020 budget proposal presented recently by President Muhammadu Buhari. Under the safety and security of critical projects, according to our findings, is the installation of close circuit television (CCTV) to cover the airsides of various airports to the perimeter fencing.

Daily Trust reports that major airports like the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, among others would benefit from this. It would be recalled that the MMIA for instance had recorded some security breaches which were blamed on the porous nature of the airport fence. On July 19, an intruder later identified as a Nigerien caused a stir when he climbed on an Azman Air aircraft that was about to take off from the airport. The intruder was believed to have gained access to “the restricted area” from the fencing.

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Hamisu Yadudu disclosed at the time that the Federal Government would provide perimeter fences at the airports, including detection devices and CCTV cameras with infrared capacity for night operations. In the area of airport certification, the Federal Government certified Lagos and Abuja airports after decades of operations but it plans to complete the certificate of the Mallam Aminu Kano Airport, Kano and Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State while other second grade airports would follow. Also in the Ministry of Aviation budget, the government plans to spend N347.5m on consultancy for the concession of four airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt and another N100m on implementation of approved aviation roadmap. Similarly, the sum of N1bn was set aside for the purchase of fire trucks while the government proposes to establish fire and truck maintenance and refurbishment centre at Katsina with N500m. Commenting on the proposed budget for security, Aviation security analyst, Group Capt. John Ojikutu, rtd, said there should be provision for perimeter and security fences for all airports and their enhancements to meet the global standards or the best practices.

He added that there must be biometric access control for all access into the airports security control areas; improved screening machines for passengers and baggage at all airports. Ojikutu also called for recruitment of more personnel to make up for the deficiencies in all the airports and recurrence training including intelligence training for the Aviation security (AVSEC) staff.

Read more: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/airport-security-certification-get-n4-6bn-in-2020-budget.html

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