TheNewsGuru

Tag: Airport

  • Lagos government set to build new airport in Lekki

    Lagos government set to build new airport in Lekki

    The Lagos State Government has announced that it will start building a new  airport in the Lekki-Epe area of the state in order to reduce pressure on the present one.

    The decision to build a new airport was made known via the official Instagram handle on Friday, adding that the project would begin in 2023.

    Jubril Gawat, who is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on New media, confirmed this on Friday in a series of tweets.

    Quoting Ope George, Special Adviser to Sanwo-Olu on public private partnerships (PPPs), Gawat said the project is expected to begin in 2023 and would be constructed on a 3,500 hectares of land.

    Gawat added that the state government, led by the governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, had already obtained all necessary approvals from the federal government and that the new airport would be constructed on 3,500 hectares of land in the Lekki-Epe area.

    Gawat noted that the architectural and aeronautical designs were ongoing adding that strategies, funding and other logistics are being looked into at the moment, saying that the project would take off completely.

    He said  that the “Sanwo-Olu-led government has sought and obtained approval from the federal government for the construction of the new airport in Lagos.

    “The project is expected to take off in the year 2023, it will be constructed on 3,500 hectares of land, master plan and aeronautical designs are in place; while studies are ongoing about strategies, funding and other issues, after which the project will be taken to the marketplace.

    “The special adviser also stated that the airport, which is expected to cater to a minimum of five million people yearly, will be constructed in partnership with local and foreign investors.”

    He also disclosed that the master plan and aeronautical designs were in place adding that studies were ongoing about strategies, funding and other issues, after which the project would be taken to the market place.

  • ASUU strike: After Lagos invasion, NANS threatens to occupy Kwara airport

    ASUU strike: After Lagos invasion, NANS threatens to occupy Kwara airport

    The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Kwara Chapter, has threatened to embark on a peaceful protest and occupy Kwara airport if the protracted ASUU strike is not suspended.

    Mr Salman Issa, the NANS Kwara Chairman told NAN on Monday in Ilorin that members were just waiting for directives from its national secretariat.

    Issa said once the national body of the students gave the order to the remaining 36 states, they would comply with the protest.

    The Kwara NANS chairman was reacting to the blockage of the Murtala Mohammed Airport by the NANS, who stormed the Airport in Lagos to mount pressure on the government to resolve the seven-month industrial strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    The students’ national body had earlier threatened to ground activities at the local and international airports across the country, beginning Monday due to the strike.

    Issa explained that the directives so far only involved Zone ‘D’ of NANS, comprising South West states.

    According to him, the National President of NANS is employing the means of dialogue and engaging with necessary stakeholders to solve the lingering strike by ASUU.

    “The directives of the protest is only binding on South West states which has been ongoing for the past five days.

    “When given directive, we shall comply too,” he said.

    Mr Isaac Adeleye, the General Secretary of Unilorin SUG, said the union is researching on best possible means to tackle the situation, assuring that they are deliberating on the matter.

    “We are collaborating with the Kwara axis of NANS to see what will happen next,” he said.

  • 53-year-old excretes 92 wraps of cocaine at Abuja airport

    53-year-old excretes 92 wraps of cocaine at Abuja airport

    A 53-year-old Brazilian returnee, Okolie Nwabueze, has been arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly importing 92 wraps of cocaine.

    This is even as Nwabueze, a father of two, ingested the drugs and eventually excreted them after days under observation in the Agency’s facility.

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

    Babafemi said that the suspect who hailed from Mmaku village, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was arrested on Sept. 2.

    The arrest was upon his arrival on Qatar Airline flight enroute Brazil-Doha-Abuja.

    The NDLEA spokesperson said that the suspect claimed to have left Nigeria to Mozambique in 2004 and finally relocated to Brazil in 2017.

    This, he added, was where he obtained a residence permit before deciding to import the illicit substance for a $4,000 fee.

    In the same vein, a 42-year old man, Aliyu Kwasare, was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, (MAKIA), Kano.

    Babafemi said that the suspect was caught for attempting to export a consignment of new psychoactive substance, “Akuskura”, to Saudi Arabia.

    He said that the suspect, an indigene of Kware LGA Sokoto, who lived in Goron Dutse area of Kano, was arrested on Sept. 5.

    He said arrested during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airline flight to Riyadh.

    In another development, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos, no fewer than 1.099 million tablets of Tramadol (225mg) have been seized.

    Babafemi said the drugs were intercepted through inter-agency collaboration between NDLEA and the Nigerian Customs.

    “The pharmaceutical opioids packed in 50 cartons weighing 2,058.90kg, were imported from Pakistan via Addis-Ababa on Ethiopian Airways.

    “The consignment was concealed among other non-controlled pharmaceuticals.

    “Also, a freight agent, Aliyu Abubakar, was on Friday arrested at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) export shed of the airport.

    “The arrest was over an attempt to export a consignment of cannabis concealed inside bottles of Caro white body lotion, ” he said.

  • Abuja airport to start automated pay car park

    Abuja airport to start automated pay car park

    Mr Kabir Mohammed, the Manager of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA), on Tuesday in Abuja said the airport would commence automated pay car park on Sept. 29.

    Mohammed, who made this known, while speaking with NAN, stated that digitisation of the airport services would be done in phases, starting with the car park pay automation.

    According to him, changing from analogue to digital services will make for a more organised and orderly Abuja airport, especiallly regarding current security situation in the country.

    He said rowdiness in the drop-off area and parking lots, improper parking, parking in restricted areas, unnecessary congestion in front of terminal and all forms of unruly behaviours ought to be avoided by all airport users.

    “Come Sept. 29, 2022, NAIA will be introducing automated pay car park system in line with global best practices.

    “The effort is to enhance passengers, agencies, stakeholders and all airport users experience at the airport as part of the management’s drive to improve on our customer’s satisfaction experience.

    “This may include military and paramilitary personnel, government officials, and politicians and their aides who see the status of NAIA as a ‘Protocol Airport, “ he said.

    The NAIA boss explained that those protocol elites, who fondly call Abuja airport a “Protocol Airport“ were saying so just to justify their excesses and improper behaviours.

    According to him, airports serve as gateways into most countries and cities and often serve as a means for travellers to know what the people in that country represent and their way of life.

    Muhammed, however, said that there would be redefinition of the “VIP/VVIP Parking lots“ and introduction of dedicated parking lots for corporate organisations.

  • Lagos airport cleaner arrested for leading drug syndicate

    Lagos airport cleaner arrested for leading drug syndicate

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, Ohiagu Sunday, who allegedly leads a drug syndicate at the international wing of the airport.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the suspect was nabbed on Tuesday following the arrest of an intending passenger on Airpeace flight to Dubai, UAE.

    He said that the passenger named, Obinna Osita, was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 4.25kg concealed in cassava product, garri and crayfish.

    He also said that one other member of the airport syndicate who worked with Ohiagu had also been arrested, while operatives were trailing another suspect.

    “Investigations revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer recruited Obinna, a 42-year-old native of Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra, to traffic the drugs.

    ” And equally contracted Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner from Orlu West Local Government Area of Imo to create access for the unhindered passage of the trafficker.

    “The drug syndicate bust, which is the first drug arrest at the new terminal of the MMIA comes on the heels of the seizure of a consignment of bottles of viju and fearless energy drinks.

    “They were used to conceal skunk for export to Dubai, UAE through the NAHCO export shed on Monday Aug., 15, ” he said.

    Babafemi said that a freight agent had already been arrested in connection with the seizure and more Investigations were still ongoing.

  • Falconets stranded, sleep on floor at Turkey airport [Photos]

    Falconets stranded, sleep on floor at Turkey airport [Photos]

    Nigeria’s Falconets have been pictured in viral photos sleeping on chairs and the floors at Istanbul airport, Turkey, while on their way back home from the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

    This comes barely 48 hours after they crashed out of the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

    The two times FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finalists left Costa Rica on Monday, August, 22, at 6:30am (Nigerian Time).

    Following their arrival in Turkey, the squad were left stranded at the Istanbul Airport for 24 hours.

    ALSO READ || Why Falconets overstayed at Istanbul airport – NFF

    Veteran sports journalist, Collins Udoh, who shared the photos on Instagram, wrote: “Nigeria’s #Falconets have been traveling from Costa Rica since 6:30am on Monday. They’re now in Istanbul on a 24-hour layover and sleeping on the airport chairs and floor, or wherever they can find.”

    See photos:

     

     

     

  • Dana Air remains grounded – NCAA

    Dana Air remains grounded – NCAA

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said investigations were still ongoing into the operations of the suspended Dana Air and it would remain grounded until all the identified issues had been resolved in compliance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu made this known to aviation journalists at the Muritala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos State on Friday, while re-affirming NCAA’s commitment to ensuring continued sustenance of safe and secure flight operations in spite of  challenges facing the aviation industry.

    Nuhu promised that the regulatory agency would continue the implementation of its statutory responsibilities and duties to retain the confidence of the flying public.

    According to him, the detailed report of the two audits on DANA,  shows the determination of the NCAA in ensuring that the safety of flights is foremost and overrides all other considerations.

    The director-general recalled that the  NCAA had carried out a Financial and Economic Health Audit in addition to Technical Safety Audit of the airline.

    Nuhu said: “The outcome of the two audits revealed a weak financial position and grave violations of Nig.CARs,  which prompted the immediate suspension of the airline’s Air Transport License (ATL) and Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

    “However, I want to express dismay at some negative comments on the NCAA in some social media platforms based on interview that took place on a television network.

    “Almost the entirety of the comments during the interview were direct quotes of NCAA findings of the two audits. The details of these investigations and proactive action showed the professionalism of the apex regulatory agency”.

    Nuhu urged industry experts to seek clarification from the NCAA to make informed and balanced comments because it was opened to informed criticisms geared toward improving the industry.

    Recall that NCAA had in July, suspended the operations of Dana Air’s Transport License (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) indefinitely.

    Nuhu in a statement said suspension was because of the outcome of a Financial and Economic Health Audit and a Technical Safety Audit carried out on the airline’s flight operations.

    According to NCAA, the airline was no longer in a position to meet its financial obligations and to conduct safe flight operations

    Nuhu had said that its action was made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b) and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a)(1) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015.

  • FAAN shuts down, for 3 months, domestic runway at Lagos Airport

    FAAN shuts down, for 3 months, domestic runway at Lagos Airport

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has shut down, for three months, the domestic runway of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.
    This is as it concludes arrangements to complete the installation of CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting system on Runway 18L/36R of the Airport.

    Mrs Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, the Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, said in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos that the closure was part of efforts aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of flight operations.

    Hope-Ivbaze said that the project, which would commence effectively on Friday, was expected to last for 90 days.

    She said that consequently, Runway 18L/36R would be closed to flight operations during this time.

    “Stakeholders are to note that there will be no disruption. All normal flight operations will be conducted through runway 18R/36L.

    ”A NOTAM to this effect has already been published and disseminated accordingly.

  • FAAN speaks on Tuesday’s reported plane crash

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has released a statement about Tuesday evening’s reported Lagos plane crash.

     

    It would be recalled that on Tuesday evening, an unidentified private jet caused major gridlock at the Ikeja-along bus stop, Lagos State.

     

    Many on social media believed the plane had crash-landed on the area, while others claimed it was damaged and was being towed to a nearby Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) facility when it became stranded on the road.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the plane with one missing wing had stopped at the always-bustling roadway, causing panic among road users.

     

    However, in a swift response, FAAN addressed the issue in a statement on Tuesday evening adding that the news of a plane crash was untrue.

     

    The statement reads: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria would like to inform the general public to disregard the news making the rounds on social media about an alleged crash at Ikeja Airport.

     

    “The aircraft was sold by the owner to a buyer, who was taking it to its final destination.
    Thank You.”

     

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Agency, while debunking reports of the plane crash, said “nothing of such happened”.

     

    Highlighting plane crash into buildings at the Ikeja area of Lagos, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls the Dana Air Flight 0992, a scheduled Nigerian domestic passenger flight from Abuja to Lagos, Nigeria. On 3 June 2012, the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft serving the route suffered a dual-engine failure during its approach to Lagos.

     

    It failed to reach its intended destination and crashed onto buildings, killing all 153 people on board and six on the ground.

     

    Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) concluded that both aircraft’s engines had lost power during the approach to Lagos.  Incorrect assembly had severed the engines’ fuel line, causing fuel not be delivered to both engines.

     

    During the initial sequence of the engine failure, the pilots opted not to declare an emergency until the second engine lost power during the flight’s final approach.

     

    Lack of situational awareness and poor decision-making by the pilots eventually caused the aircraft to crash into buildings.

     

     

  • I’ll complete airport, school projects before leaving office – Fayemi

    I’ll complete airport, school projects before leaving office – Fayemi

    Gov. Kayode of Ekiti has assured that the on-going projects embarked upon by his administration will be handed over before the expiration of his tenure in October.

    Fayemi gave the assurance during an inspection of the projects in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Thursday.

    The governor, who inspected the terminal buildings, runway and other sections of the state airport project, expressed delight at the pace and quality of work done.

    He also expressed confidence in the ability of the company handling the projects to deliver within the stipulated time.

    According to him, the company has all the necessary materials, equipment, experience and expertise required for the timely completion of the job.

    ”It has no reason not to deliver within the expected time frame.

    “The terminal and the run way are almost completed; its major section is already asphalted; the rest is just concrete stone base and it will be asphalted.

    “I believe they will complete that within the time we have agreed,” he said.

    Fayemi further said that the company had started the terminal building and the access road connecting the main Ado Ekiti-Ijan road through the airport.

    “I think they are on course; I have every confidence that they will finish before I leave office.

    “We have tried them before; we knew they would do it; they did Ado-Iyin road and they are doing this.

    “They will soon start the Omisanjana road. So they have the experience, knowledge and the expertise to accomplish the task given to them and we are impressed,” the governor said.

    He disclosed that over 720 workers are currently working round the clock at the project site.

    The governor also visited the ultra modern council of traditional rulers’ chamber, Harding Model College, a bus terminal and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Model School.

    He said that Harding Memory College was a mega school designed to accommodate 36 classrooms with laboratories, sick bay, an ICT centre, a library and staff quarters.

    Fayemi noted that the intervention would provide parents with the opportunity to put their children and wards in public schools equipped with modern facilities and well-trained teachers.

    According to him, the school, when completed, will accommodate large number of pupils who would have gained admission to some of the missionary schools which had been returned by government to their original owners.

    He said that the UBEC Model School at Ekiti Knowledge Zone area would provide space for students at Ago Aduloju and Ago Ayegunle.

    This, the governor said, was to address the challenge of attending school in far away Ijan-Ekiti by pupils.

    He stressed the need for continuity to bring about more massive developments in the state.

    Fayemi also said that the people of the state would have cause to smile, as his efforts at ensuring that the projects were delivered on time was going on as planned.