Tag: FAAN

Dispute: FAAN bans taxi operators at Abuja airport

Following the unresolved factional disputes amongst the car hire operators, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has proscribed Taxi services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a press statement by the director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, urged passengers to make use of secured alternative means of transportation.

The statement reads, “The FAAN wishes to inform the general public that the airport car hire service at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been suspended with immediate effect. This is as a result of the unresolved factional dispute amongst the car hire operators which has been affecting airport car hire service operations.

“Consequent upon this suspension, FAAN Management advises the general public and all airport users, particularly our esteemed passengers to use secured alternative means of transportation or E-hailing services in and out of the airport.

“The Management of FAAN regrets any inconvenience this necessary suspension may cause our esteemed passengers, airport users and the general public. Normal Car Hire Services resumes as soon as their differences are resolved.”

FAAN however, advised airport users and passengers to use secured alternative means of transportation or e-hailing services in and out of the airport pending the resolution of the dispute.

“Consequent upon this suspension, FAAN management advises the general public and all airport users, particularly our esteemed passengers to use secured alternative means of transportation or E-hailing services in and out of the airport.

“The management of FAAN regrets any inconvenience this necessary suspension may cause our esteemed passengers, airport users, and the general public,” the statement added.

August 4, 2023
Nigeria’s aviation authority probes fuel contamination

Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched an extensive investigation into a recent incident involving water contamination in the fuel tanks of certain aircraft.

The move comes as part of the authority’s efforts to prevent future occurrences of such safety breaches and ensure the safety of air travel in the country.

Speaking at a meeting in Abuja, the Director General of NCAA Musa Nuhu, emphasized the urgency of the investigation and stated that the agency was intensifying its efforts to determine the root cause of the fuel contamination issue.

Nuhu stressed that this matter goes beyond the purview of the aviation ecosystem and requires engagement with the regulator of the downstream petroleum sector.

“The fuel contamination is outside the purview of the aviation ecosystem, which is why we have engaged the regulator of the downstream sector. We have been in consultation with NMDPRA because they certify all the oil companies in Nigeria,” he said.

Nuhu added that the collaboration between NCAA and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had become crucial due to the identified gaps resulting from the lack of deliberate collaboration between the two entities, as well as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), on fuel quality monitoring.

To address this issue comprehensively, he said a committee consisting of representatives from the NCAA, FAAN, NMDPRA, National Society of Independent Petroleum Marketers (NSIB), airlines, pilots, fuel depot operators, aircraft maintenance officers, and other stakeholders, will be inaugurated soon.

The committee’s primary responsibility will be to ensure the constant monitoring and maintenance of aviation fuel quality.

July 23, 2023
Despite appeals, Tinubu renames Osubi airport after Alfred Diete Spiff

President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of Osubi airport in Okpe local government area of Delta State after the first Military Governor of Rivers State, Alfred Diete Spiff.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu approved the renaming of Osubi airport along with 14 others in a memo dated 19 June 2023 released on Monday.

Recall that Muhammadu Buhari had in his dying minutes in office as Nigeria’s president renamed Osubi airport to Alfred Diete Spiff International Airport, which was rejected by Urhobo youths in Delta State.

The youths contended that the dying minute action taken by Buhari was a deliberate act to cause disharmony in Delta State in particular and the Niger Delta in general.

The youths under the aegis of the youth wing of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) worldwide, contended that the government should have renamed the airport after the Late Major General David Ejoor or some other notable Urhobo person instead.

“Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff is from Bayelsa State, not Delta state and he is the Amayanabo (King) of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State.

“He was the first Military Governor of Rivers State after it was created from part of the old Eastern Region which Delta state is never part of.

“Late Major General David Ejoor was the first military governor of the Midwestern Region, made up of the present Edo and Delta States,” a statement by the youths reads.

Similarly, some Okpe leaders took a swipe at former president Buhari, describing the renaming of Osubi International Airport after Alfred Diete-Spiff as a monumental error and big slap on the Okpe people.

In a statement signed by Okpe Union President General, Professor Igho Natufe; General Secretary, Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin and National Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Rose Atarhe-Abuh, the Okpe leaders urged Tinubu to consider renaming the airport after a prominent Okpe person.

‘’The Osubi International Airport is located in Osubi, a major town in Okpe Local Government and was commissioned for commercial use 1st April 1999.

“Towards the twilight of the last administration, the Okpe Union was both shocked and dismayed to hear that the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the re-naming of the Airport after Alfred Diete-Spiff, a former Military Governor of old Rivers State under the General Yakubu Gowon era.

“We appreciate the need to name certain national assets after eminent citizens, dead or living. Alfred Diete-Spiff had nothing to do with either the old Midwest region or Bendel or Delta States.

“He was not in any way connected to Osubi nor was he indigenous to Okpe land or the Okpe people of Delta State. With all due respect to him, he never served Nigeria at “Federal” level such as to suggest that any national asset “anywhere” could be named after him.

“Therefore, the Okpe Union is of the view that the re-naming of the Osubi International Airport after Alfred Diete-Spiff is not only a monumental error but a big slap on the Okpe people for which an immediate redress is required.

“The Okpe people have several eminent citizens such as Senator David Dafinone, a prominent Senate Leader in the Second Republic, General Patrick Aziza, a leading light of the military era, HRM Ezezi II and HRM Orhoro I, both eminent traditional rulers and statesmen after whom the Osubi International Airport may be renamed,” reads the statement issued in Lagos State by the Okpe leaders.

ALSO READ || Urhobo youths reject dying minutes renaming of Osubi airport by Buhari

However, damning the appeal by the youth group and other similar appeals, President Tinubu approved the renaming of the Osubi airport after Alfred Diete Spiff by Buhari.

In a statement by the Director of Airport Operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Joke Olatunji, renaming the airport was “part of reforms of the Aviation sector”

June 26, 2023
President Tinubu renames airport after Buhari, approves renaming of 14 other airports across Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of about 15 federal government-owned airports after some prominent Nigerians including the immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari.

This was made known via a memo signed by the Director of Airport Operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Joke Olatunji and it was dated 19 June.

The memo which was made available to journalists on Monday, revealed that President Bola Tinubu renamed the airports “as part of reforms of the Aviation sector.”

The memo reads in part: “I am directed to refer to a memo with reference number, FMA/T4464/7090/T7B/647 dated 1 June, 2023 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation on the naming of some federal airports after notable Nigerians.

“Please kindly be informed that the under-listed Airports have been renamed by the President as part of reforms of the Aviation sector”.

Check out full list below:

1. Maiduguri Airport – Gen. Mumammadu Buhari

2. Benin Airport – Oba Akenzua II

3. Dutse Airport – Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi

4. Ebonyi Airport – Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo

5. Gombe Airport – Brigadier Zakari Maimalari

6. Ibadan Airport – Samuel Ladoke Akintola

7. Ilorin Airport – Gen. Tunde Idiagbon

8. Kaduna Airport – Hassan Usman Katsina

9. Akure Airport – Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu

10. Makurdi Airport – Joseph Sarwuan Tarka

11. Minna Airpor – Mallam Abubakar Imam

12. Nassarawa Airport – Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio

13. Osubi Airport – Alfred Diete Spiff

14. Port Harcourt Airport – Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo

15. Yola Airport – Lamido Aliyu Mustapha

June 26, 2023
BREAKING: Disaster averted as aircraft skids off Lagos airport runway

Disaster was averted at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 in Lagos State on Wednesday after a United Nigeria Airlines’ aircraft skidded off the runway.

Mr Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, Head, Corporate Communications confirmed the development in a statement in Lagos.

Uchegbu said that the aircraft, which had 50 passengers on board, was flying in from the airport in Abakaliki, when the incident happened.

He said the aircraft landed safely but was forced to terminate its movement to the apron off the runway.

He said all passengers disembarked safely and were transported to the arrival hall alongside their luggage.

The spokesman said that officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were at the scene of the incident alongside engineers, in order to move the aircraft to the hangar.

He said that Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) had also been duly notified.

Uchegbu reiterated the airline’s commitment on maintaining the strictest safety standards in its operations and prioritising passenger safety always.

May 31, 2023
Aviation unions condemn concession of Abuja, Kano airports

Four aviation unions have condemned the concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, to Corporacion American Airports Consortium without due process.

The unions are: National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

The NUATE Secretary General, Mr Ocheme Aba, made this known at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos, with the theme: “Buyer Beware of Purported Concession of Airports”.

Aba said the unions brought the situation to the public domain to alert the incoming government to the underlying issues.

According to him, the unions remain committed to ensuring that the concession is carried out in ways that will ensure unwavering development in the aviation sector.

“The present exercise falls short acceptable limits and standards of airports concession by global best practices.

“On the foundation of the concession, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace has no authority to do so.

“To begin with, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace does not own neither does it run any airport in the country.

“By the dictates of the governing Act of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), ownership and management of all Federal Government airports are fully vested in the authority not the ministry.

“On the other hand, the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) procedure document states, with respect to the agency that wishes to concession a facility that the public entity should have enabling authority to transfer its responsibility – enabling legislative and policy framework or an Administrative Order to that effect.

“By the combined import of the FAAN Act and the ICRC procedures manual, it is evidently manifest that the entire airports concession is based on an incurably faulty foundation,” he said.

According to him, the labour issues around the concession of airports were not resolved before the airports were concessioned to the American company.

The union scribe noted that the issues must be resolved before concession could be taken.

“FAAN workers are not airports-tied in their employments, all employees are considered as a whole unit.

“Concession of the four major airports away from FAAN will necessarily cause a cessation of the employment of all the staff involuntarily.

“As FAAN pension liability is unfunded, the federal government’s promise to provide this funding has to be actualised immediately.

“The pension liability is estimated to be about N120 billion. Before redundancy can be discussed, individual liabilities of staff and pensioners have to be determined through up-to-date actuarial valuation for 2022.”

Aba said the entirety of the airport concession programme of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace is facing legal action by their unions at the National Industrial Court, Lagos Jurisdiction.

He noted that proceeding with the concession was in contempt of the court.

May 26, 2023
New FAAN MD, Kabir vows to reposition airports

The newly appointed Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Kabir Yusuf, has pledged to reposition the nation’s airports, toward growth and development of the country.

He made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja during the handover ceremony that took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA).

Yusuf promised to effectively and efficiently work with the staff members and other stakeholders in to achieve the feat.

According to the new managing director, airport is a catalyst to tourism growth and key to national and international relations.

“I am grateful to Allah for the opportunity to contribute my quota to my country. I am not the most experienced, neither most qualified nor deserved. It is just a choice of God.

“To Him, I extend my sincere gratitude.

“Current global reality shows that aviation drives sustainable growth. We will put all hands on deck to reposition our airports towards establishing sustainability during our purposely leadership, with professionalism, discipline, accountability and responsibility“ he said.

He sought support of all stakeholders to build on the successes of previous leaders.

The new managing director said effort would be intensified to improve facilities for safety, security, and efficiency, to carry passengers and goods at world-class standards.

Earlier, the outgoing managing director, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, described Yusuf as strong , proactive, intelligent, and a hard worker with unique wisdom in aviation industry.

He said that Yusuf’s special performance as NAIA Airport Manager and other positions he had held previously would have earned him recommendation to be his successor.

Yadudu, whose four-year tenure expired on May 19, gave thanks for the opportunity to serve.

He said that during his tenure, there was robust staff welfare, constant critical support for stakeholders and projects met were fully accomplished.

May 23, 2023
Senate laments incessant increase of airfares by airline operators

The Nigerian Senate has condemned the incessant increase of airfares by airline operators in the country.

Speaking this during the 2nd edition of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) national conference, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Biodun Olujimi, described the incessant increase of airfares by the operators as worrisome.

Olujimi, who said this acts as an impediment to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector, also lamented the poor implementation of aviation policies in the country.

Speaking on the economic and international benefits of the aviation sector, Olujimi urged the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, halt further encroachment of airport facilities, which according to her, was having a negative toll on the growth of the sector.

On the recent crisis between the federal government and the aviation workers, she said that it was unnecessary and called on aggrieved parties to resolve their differences behind closed-doors.

According to her, “Picketing is what I find very unnerving in all of this, because there should be a way whereby the workers’ associations and the federal government can settle all their grievances without bringing it to the fore.

“And most of the issues that were put on the front burner were already settled and sealed by the various agencies. There was no reason to stop the aviation industry to put them in a very bad stand with their counterparts abroad by ensuring that people did the work of flight didn’t take off. I think the time is right for the NLC and the workers unions to know that there are certain industries where picketing cannot be allowed and aviation is one.

“The aviation industry, as you know, comprises various activities that are strategic, not only for its potential for economic growth but also its crucial role in international development and integration. The most important contribution aviation makes to the economy is through its impact on the performance of all our industries of our civilization.”

Also speaking, the managing director, FAAN, Rabiu Yadudu, said the conference was aimed at furthering partnership and sustainability, as part of efforts to mitigate challenges hampering the aviation sector.

He said: “This conference would continue to serve as an open market, or meeting point for the private sector to tap into a world of opportunities to invest and generate incredible returns on their investments. We are happy that some state governments and private investors, who participated at the maiden edition of this conference are already taking good advantage of the business opportunities available in the industry, and are already positioning their States and organizations strategically for greater productivity and profitability.”

Also speaking, the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, said that under the Buhari-led administration, the ministry has achieved remarkable growth in the aviation roadmap.

May 16, 2023
FAAN warns labour unions to stay away from airports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to stay away and not disrupt flight operations at airports over their grievances in Owerri.

Capt. Hamisu Yadudu, Managing Director, FAAN, said this in Lagos on Sunday while speaking with newsmen.

The unions, on Wednesday, disrupted flight operations to Owerri over alleged disruptions of their May Day rally by miscreants.

Yadudu said the unions’ disruption of flight operations was condemnable.

“They wrote to us that our workers would come and picket the Lagos Airport and they should not allow flights to fly Owerri Airport because their members were harassed by Imo State Government.

“However, for any organisation that is licensed by the government to behave in personal interest and not national interest, is very unfortunate.

“It has nothing to do with labour or workers in Nigeria; in fact, they undermined aviation and other workers because people lost their flights. I pray no one dies.

“The more you distress aviation, the more you are creating vulnerability for uncertainty.

“What happened that day is very regrettable and just a sign of ego massage and I think that has no place in aviation,” he said.

Yadudu said the unions’ action was illegal and a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Act which puts aviation as an essential service.

He said the unions undermined the nation by carrying out the action, noting that FAAN would not tolerate such anymore.

The Managing Director said that he had written to the Ministry of Aviation, notifying them of the need to protect the aviation sector from the action of the NLC and TUC.

Yadudu said the industry needed the confidence of stakeholders, to boost operations.

May 8, 2023
FAAN reads riot act to illegal occupants of airport land

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has advised all illegal occupants of airport lands to relocate for their safety and security.

Mrs Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.

Hope-Ivbaze said the removal of illegal structures would be carried out at all other airports that have similar challenges.

She said the notification was in respect to the recent demolition of 13 houses which posed danger to the operations of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

She revealed that in 2020, the organisation noticed some encroachments within its acquired land in Lagos and a committee was set up to investigate and compel encroachers to desist from such actions.

“In the committee’s report submitted in 2022, out of 254 buildings evaluated, 220 buildings were recommended for regularisation, asthey pose no direct/critical security and safety challenges to the Airport. They have been duly regualarised.

“The 34 others that were built within FAAN’s perimeter fence and mostly erected above the aviation fuel pipeline and waterways, clearly posing direct safety and security challenges to the Airport as well as to their owners/ occupants themselves, were marked for demolition,” she said.

Hope-Ivbaze said the occupants of the buildings were duly notified of the impending demolition by intensive awareness campaign through “stop work” markings and planting of notice boards within the Red Zone.

The general manager said a committee put up “Caveat Emptors” and positioned them strategically within the areas under encroachment

She said that publications were done in national dailies and local radio stations, notifying people of the risks in purchasing and building on Restricted Aviation Land.

She noted that such building was without consideration of the dangers on aircraft operations and the building occupants.

“To avoid a situation of wanton damage and colossal losses, the present administration, on assuming office, inaugurated a “Regularization Committee on FAAN Encroached Lands and Property.

“The committee was charged with finding ways of identifying and regularizing only those properties located in positions that do not pose a direct and critical challenges to airport safety and security.

“The FAAN directorates of Airport Operations and Aviation Security commenced stakeholders’ engagements and met severally with the residents of the Ajao axis in which all meetings recorded and filed.

“The meeting brought to their knowledge the dangers of erecting houses on pipelines, waterways and the airport’s perimeter fence blocking access for security patrols.

“Most of the residents cooperated, except for the few who ignored and continued erecting their structures in the red zones,” she said.

The general manager said it was imperative to note that area of land presently housing the Lagos Airport was acquired for public use by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

She said the land was acquired through the Lands Acquisition Ordinance by FGN Official Gazettes in 1944, 1972, and 1975 respectively.

Hope-Ivbaze reiterated FAAN’s commitment to adhere to its core values of safety, security and comfort.

May 3, 2023