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Tag: Airport

  • E-gate to ease clearance of intl. passengers – Interior minister

    E-gate to ease clearance of intl. passengers – Interior minister

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says Nigerians returning from foreign countries will soon enjoy their arrivals at the nation’s airports with the introduction of e-gate.

    E-gate is an electronic gate-just like scanner-that has all the modern facilities required to scan passengers who just came into the country via the airports easily and faster without the usual delay.

    The minister made the promise on Monday while inspecting the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) ongoing installation of e-gate (scanner) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    He said the era of unnecessary delay of passengers who just came into the country due to manual scanning by immigration officers would be a thing of the past by the time the project came to fruition.

    Tunji-Ojo recalled that the Federal Government had promised Nigerians that upon their arrival into the country would enjoy a seamless passage at the airports through e-gate unlike in the past.

    “So, I came to inspect the e-gate project that is ongoing and I am happy with the progress of work being done so far; eight e-gates are to be installed at the Abuja airport.

    “But I told them that eight will not be acceptable by me; and that they have to increase it by two to make it 10.

    “So far, they have succeeded in installing some and from the assurances given by the contactor, the remaining ones will be delivered before the end of the month, to make it 10 in all.”

    The minister explained that the more the number of e-gates, the lesser the waiting period by passengers.

    “You know the more the e-gate, then the easier it will be for passengers to be cleared and looking at the one that had been tested; I learnt that it is about 30 seconds to clear an individual.

    “This I believe is a record time anywhere in the world; and having looked at the solutions and the hard ware, is unarguably one of the best.’’

    Tunji-Ojo said that with what he saw on ground, he had no doubt that when completed Nigerians would no longer be that the mercy of NIS officers, or anybody when they arrived Nigeria.

    “This is a fact; because as you can see, it is a matter of putting your passport and it scans it, opens the gate, read your facials, your bio-metrics, it will capture you; and then you leave.

    “You do not need to have an encounter with any Immigration officer.

    “But gain, unless you a person of interest, I must always put that because this whole purpose is not just for you to be able to pass at record time.

    “No, is not just for that is to also secure the country by so doing.’’

    The minister explained further that for the country to also add another layer to its national security architecture, it should be able to have about two or three licence verifications.

    This, he said, would enable the appropriate authority to easily flag anybody or a passenger who happened to be a person of interest or on the watch list.

    He added that by the time the project came on stream, it would go a long way to support NIS officers to enable them to effectively do their jobs.

    “By the time the project comes to fruition, it will be a new story and will be another milestone in the annals of the country and NIS.

    “The project is not just in Abuja; we are looking at delivering about 16 in Lagos, 8 in the D-WING and 8 in the E-WING.

    “As well as one in the private wing in Lagos to make it 17 in total; about five in kano,  four in Enugu and four in Port Harcourt.”

    Tunji-Ojo explained that what he believed was that people must not come through Abuja for them to enjoy the services.

    More so, the minister inspected another ongoing project– Advanced Passengers Information System (APIS) at the NIS headquarters.

    APIS is a devise that enables NIS officials to access to anybody’s bio-data at least two hours before the person or passenger enters into the country.

    Tunji-Ojo expressed delight with the level of work done so far, adding that the project was more than 70 per cent ready as the equipment was on ground including the servers.

    “My Joy is that the contractor has given me his words that in the next three weeks, it will be 100 per cent ready.

    “So, it means that the E-NIS project, the border control management which is the automation of border control system is on course and Nigerians are about to have new experience.

    “And above all, NIS is ready to contribute its quota to the national security architecture as I always say NIS is an integral part of national security.

    “And as a security organisation, the efficiency of the service goes a long way to determine how secured the country will be; that is why it has decided to adopt technology and automated its operations,’’ he said.

  • FAAN confirms air mishap at Ibadan airport

    FAAN confirms air mishap at Ibadan airport

    No fewer than 10 persons, on Friday, escaped death as a private jet from Abuja overshot the runway while landing at Ibadan Airport.

    The private jet, with 10 persons onboard, skidded off the runway around 11.00 a.m. at the airport.

    It was gathered that the jet, with Registration Number: N580KR, missed the runway into the nearby bush.

    A Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident.

    The official said that the private jet landed safely but skidded off the runway while landing at the airport.

    The official said that firefighters and rescue officials from FAAN were immediately deployed to the scene of the incident, adding that everything had been brought under control.

    “No casualty was recorded from the incident,” the official said.

    Recall that the private jet conveying the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu from Abuja to Ibadan also crash-landed at the same airport in November 2023.

  • Nigerian Customs probes officer soliciting 5k bribe at Lagos airport

    Nigerian Customs probes officer soliciting 5k bribe at Lagos airport

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced investigation into an incident at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where an officer was observed soliciting N5,000 bribe from a passenger.

    The National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Mr Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    According to Maiwada, this behaviour has rightfully raised public concern, and they are committed to ensuring full accountability.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, and was captured on video by the involved passenger.

    “The recording reveals an inappropriate request for N5,000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures.

    “We wish to confirm that the officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command,” he said.

    Maiwada noted that the NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and was dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism.

    “A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinise the incident thoroughly, and appropriate actions will be taken.

    “Such behaviour is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation,” he said.

    Maiwada encouraged passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly.

    He said these reports are crucial in upholding the integrity of the service and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards.

    “The NCS is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

    “The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the public at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

  • FAAN speaks on banning ‘Ghana must go’ sacks in all airports

    FAAN speaks on banning ‘Ghana must go’ sacks in all airports

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) denied claims that it had banned the use of matted woven bags, popularly known as Ghana-Must-Go by travellers.

    The agency in a tweet on Friday, said Ethiopia Airlines issued a prohibition of the use of Ghana-Must-Go bags on their flight, not FAAN or the federal government.

    It would be recalled that a section of the media had reported that FAAN had placed a ban on the use of Ghana-Must-Go bags at the airport nationwide.

    While sharing a circular from Ethiopia Airline to that effect, FAAN tagged various online platforms debunking these claims to its name.

    The memo from Ethiopia Airlines read: “Dear valued passengers, we would like to inform you of a restriction regarding the usage of irregularly shaped packages on Ethiopian Airlines flights.

    “It is strictly prohibited to bring “Ghana-must-go” bags unless they are adequately packed in a carton or hardcover rectangular container.

    “This restriction has been implemented due to the frequent occurrence of damages to conveyor belts at various airports, resulting in significant costs incurred by the airlines involved.

    “We kindly request your cooperation in complying with this rule to ensure the smooth operation of our flights and to minimize any potential disruptions caused by damaged conveyor belts.

    “We appreciate your understanding and continued support in adhering to these guidelines.

    “Thank you for choosing Ethiopian Airlines.”

  • Part of Delta airport runway converted to soccer pitch – Monarch

    Part of Delta airport runway converted to soccer pitch – Monarch

    The Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Forum in Delta State and Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Majesty, Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, has raised the alarm of looming danger at the Osubi Airport in Delta State, noting with concern that youths in the area have virtually turned a portion of the airport’s runway to a mini football pitch.

    The monarch described the situation as a “security risk to passengers” and urged the Federal Government to wade in urgently to avert an untoward situation.

    “The Honourable Minister of Aviation should intervene and put an immediate stop to using part of the Osubi Airport as a football pitch. This is a security risk to passengers. We want a world-class airport,” the monarch said.

    The traditional ruler spoke in the courtyard of his palace on Saturday at a civic reception held by the Uvwie community in honour of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during which the king called for the revitalisation and upgrade of Osubi Airport in Delta “to a world-class airport.”

    “All we are demanding is the total takeover of the Osubi Airport; settlement of backlogs of salaries; payment of contractual agreements; adequate equipment for flawless flights at day and night; new runway and expansions to accommodate bigger aircraft, and upgrading to international standard,” the monarch stated.

    Responding, Keyamo, who holds the traditional chieftaincy title of Omorokaro of Uvwie Kingdom, acknowledged the state of public infrastructure, including roads and other utilities in the Niger Delta region, noting that he, as a member of the Federal Executive Council, was “presently under severe pressure back home.”

    He, however, promised to formally deliver the monarch’s message to President Bola Tinubu, assuring that the government would take positive measures without delay.

  • Obudu Airport ready by April 2024 – Official

    Obudu Airport ready by April 2024 – Official

    The Cross River Government has disclosed that the Obudu Cargo Airport being constructed by the state will be ready for operation by April 2024.

    This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Aviation, Mr Eno Inah, during inspection of the project on Tuesday.

    He said though the contractor had given 120 days for its completion, he would want to make it 180 days from today (Tuesday) for the completion.

    Inah said that contrary to claim that the airport project had been abandoned by the current administration, work was progressing well on the project.

    He noted that the Gov. Bassey Otu-led administration was desirous to see to the timely completion of the project.

    According to him, “We are here to assure Cross River people that like the governor has said in most of his statements, no project will be abandoned.

    “In matching words with action, construction is ongoing at the Cargo Airport.

    “I am optimistic that God on our side in 180 days, we should be talking of inauguration, going by what we have seen.

    “You can see that the various structures at the airport are at various stages of completion.

    “The contractor has given his word that the Cargo Airport project will be completed in the next 120 days. As a responsible government, I put it at 180, to ensure that everything is done before commissioning.”

    Inah said that the people and ultimately the state, would be the greatest beneficiaries of the project.

    He explained that not only would the airport improve the economic livelihood of the people around the project, it would also boost the tourism potentials of the state due to its proximity to the Obudu Ranch.

    Meanwhile, the Project Manager, Mr Shola Okeleye, said they were working to ensure that the project was delivered timely and according o standard.

    Giving a breakdown of the completion stage of various structures of the project, Okeleye said, “the tower is 85 per cent completed while the terminal building is about 75 per cent.

    “The runway and taxi way are 85 and 80 per cent completed respectively.

    “From the level of work done so far, we are optimistic that the project will be delivered in 120 days time.”

    The immediate past administration of the state inaugurated the construction of the project in March 2021.

  • Air fare rises by 8.70% in one year, says NBS report

    Air fare rises by 8.70% in one year, says NBS report

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said in one year, air transport fare rose by 8.70% from N72,690.54 in September 2022 to N79,013.48 in September 2023.

    This was contained in its report titled: “Transport Fare Watch for September 2023.”

    According to the data, in air travel, the average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey was N79,013.48 in September 2023, showing no significant differences in the fare paid in the previous month. On a year-on -year basis, the fare rose by 8.70% from N72,690.54 in September 2022.”

    The document explained that Transport Fare Watch for September 2023 covers the following categories: bus journey within the city per drop constant route; bus journey intercity (state route) charge per person; air fare charge for specified routes single journey; journey by motorcycle (Okada) per drop; and water way passenger transport.

    NBS said the average fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within the city per drop increased by 0.11% from N1,336.38 in August to N1,337.80 in September 2023.

    On a year-on-year basis, said the bureau, it rose by 117.29% from N615.69 in September 2022.

    NBS added that in another category, the average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity per drop decline to N5,917.16 in September 2023, indicating a decrease of 0.02% on a month-on-month basis compared to N5,918.18 in August 2023. On a year-on-year basis, the fare rose by 56.12% from N3,790.06 in September 2022.

  • Disability-Friendly Airports: FAAN pledges improvement on facilities

    Disability-Friendly Airports: FAAN pledges improvement on facilities

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, says it will improve access for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at the nation’s airports and work with airline operators to upgrade amenities needed for air travel nationwide.

    FAAN’s assurances came during an anti-corruption radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development, PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    A recent investigative report by TheCable exposed that people with disabilities are still having harrowing experiences at Nigerian airports as accessibility to facilities remains poor despite the inclusivity law.

    Speaking during the programme, Head of Department, Public Affairs, FAAN, Alex Okosun, said the government establishment is not oblivious of the plight of persons with disabilities at Nigerian airports, which ranges from difficulties with accessing facilities, lack of aircraft carriers for people on wheelchairs, less-visible signage, among other issues.

    Okosun, however, pledged that FAAN will look into all the challenges of persons with disabilities at Nigerian airports to improve service delivery.

    “We (FAAN) listen to complaints, and we try to do our best to improve our facilities. We have a lot of people with special needs who come to the airport and engage our management.
    “We listen to complaints of persons with disabilities, and we will try to do our best. We always try to improve our facilities. I promise that when we get back to the office, we are going to do a total report and make sure we pursue it to a logical conclusion. “

    He added that FAAN will work with airline operators to ensure they upgrade their aircraft carriers to easily lift passengers on wheelchairs. He also revealed that FAAN is currently having projects to improve amenities at airports across the country but is constrained by government policies and bureaucracy.

    Similarly, Deputy General Manager of Customer Care at FAAN, Zuwaira Yahaya-Joe, stated that the PWD community is highly prioritized and working assiduously to improve facilities to suit air travellers with disabilities.

    Yahaya-Joe assured that FAAN will “act on challenges of PWDs at airports across the nation and will ensure signage for PWDs at airports are made more conspicuous. She also urged Nigerians to take advantage of airport disability desks and report their challenges to customer care desks regularly.

    “We have special passages for PWDs. We have a passage they can go through to the airport and board their aircraft, and concerning signage for people with special needs, we will make them more conspicuous and make sure we improve so that people are able to know where and where to go to,” Yahaya-Joe stated.

    Earlier on the programme, The Executive Director of the Center for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD, David Anyaele, called on FAAN to conduct accessibility audits at airports nationwide to understand the difficulties PWDs are grappling with.

    Anyaele lamented that PWDs continue to face discriminatory attitudes from airport staffers, poor access to facilities, inadequate information and other issues.

    “I advise that FAAN conducts accessibility audits for people with disabilities using Nigerian airports. We’ve done our part by sharing with you, taking time to conduct a survey to audit regarding disabilities access to airports”.

    He noted that “when people with disabilities want to use the airports, they struggle much more than people without disability, during this period.

    “Key among the problems of PWDs are information dissemination and access to aircraft, which remains a nightmare to physically challenged persons. There is no mobile lift, which is available in other countries where if you want to board if you are a person on weight or crotches, they will use the mobile elevator, “Anyaele said.

    He commended PRIMORG for bringing the challenges of persons with disabilities at airports to public knowledge.

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program PRIMORG uses to draw government and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.
    The program has the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

  • Why FG banned ‘Ghana must go’ bags at Nigerian airports

    Why FG banned ‘Ghana must go’ bags at Nigerian airports

    Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has banned the use of ‘Ghana Must Go’ sacks by passengers at all airports in the country.

    This was contained in a circular by FAAN, titled, ‘Re: Prohibition of Usage Of Ghana Must Go’, signed by Manager, Airport Services, Henok Gizachew, read that the ban is particularly for passengers travelling through the country’s international airports.

    Gizachew stated that the sack was banned by the authority as it has cost the airlines huge loss and also damaged the airports conveyor belt system.

    He noted that passengers who wish to use ‘Ghana Must Go’ to travel must have the same well packaged in cartons or hardcovers of rectangular size.

    The use of the ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags have been attributed to the breakdown of many of the country’s airports’ conveyor belt systems and one that has put enormous costs on the shoulders of the airport authority.

  • Paris-bound ‘businessman’ excretes 93 wraps of heroin in Abuja

    Paris-bound ‘businessman’ excretes 93 wraps of heroin in Abuja

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 40-year-old Madrid, Spain-based ‘businessman’, Sherif Egbo at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, (NAIA), Abuja for drug trafficking.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the suspect was arrested while attempting to board an Air France flight to Paris, France, after they discovered he ingested illicit drugs.

    He said that the suspect was arrested on Saturday Oct. 14 after body scanner revealed he had wraps of illicit drugs in his stomach.

    Babafemi added that the suspect was subsequently placed under observation at the agency’s exhibit recovery room where he excreted 93 pellets of heroin weighing 2.222 kilograms.

    “In his statement, the suspect claimed he works at a chicken hatchery farm in Madrid, Spain and also into drug trafficking business, ” he said.

    In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) imports shed of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos have made other seizures.

    Babafemi said that the operatives seized a consignment of 10 cartons containing 500,000 pills of tramadol 225mg branded as tapentadol on Monday.

    He said that the cargo, which was shipped from India through Qatar Airways with airwaybill number MAWB 319-01227236 was purported to be a transit cargo to Monrovia, Liberia.

    “However, the lid was blown open through partnership and real time intelligence sharing mechanisms between NDLEA and its Liberian counterpart, ” he said.

    Also, attempt by an intending passenger to Muscat, Oman on Qatar Airways, Ngene Chinecherem, to export 11.100kgs of skunk and 600grams of tramadol had been frustrated by the NDLEA operatives.

    Babafemi said that the drugs were concealed in foodstuffs and were to be exported through the Lagos airport, adding that the suspect was arrested and the illicit substances were seized.