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Tag: Hadi Sirika

  • Arrest of twin brothers, 82 internet fraudsters by EFCC sparks call for arrest of ex-Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika

    Arrest of twin brothers, 82 internet fraudsters by EFCC sparks call for arrest of ex-Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika

    The arrest of twin brothers and 82 internet fraudsters by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sparked call for the anti graft agency to arrest former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika.

    Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC arrested 56 suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    Similarly, Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command arrested two identical twins: Takwan Potential and Takwan Peter and 26 others for alleged internet fraud in Calabar, Cross River State.

    However, the development has sparked calls for the EFCC to swoop in on Sirika to arrest him over what many have described as the Nigeria Air scam.

    TNG recalls the Federal Government had in July 2018 unveiled the much-awaited new national carrier during the Farnborough Air Show in London.

    In eight years, the Muhammadu Buhari administration, a day to the inauguration of the President Bola Tinubu administration, Sirika supposedly launch the Nigeria Air airline.

    However at an investigative hearing of Senate Committee on Aviation over the state of Nigeria Air project, the Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt. Dapo Olumide, told legislators that the aircraft paraded as Nigeria Air plane belonged to Ethiopian Airlines and not Nigeria whereas Sirika paraded the aircraft as being owned by Nigeria.

    Olumide had disclosed at the investigative hearing that the supposed Nigeria Air aircraft that flew in with logo of the airline was chartered from Ethiopian Airline for the purpose of unveiling the logo.

    He also disclosed that the airline was yet to secure an operating licence for full flight operations, contrary to submission of the past minister of aviation on the Air Nigeria.

    Olumide had told the Senate committee that the aircraft was used pending the completion of the processes required for the operation of the airline.

    With Sirika as the arrowhead, the Aviation Ministry spent over N85 billion on Nigeria Air, as shown in data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Compilation of Budgetary Allocations between 2016 and 2023.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Aviation Committee, Sen. Biodun Olujimi and the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, both agreed that the launch of Nigeria Air was a fraud.

    Olumide admitted that the Boeing 737-800 aircraft used to unveil the country’s national career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines.

    He said the aircraft returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling.

    Angered by the development, and with the EFCC going after internet fraudsters, Nigerians have asked the commission to go after Sirika and other politicians perceived to have embezzled government funds instead.

    “Unless you arrest Hadi Sirika  @hadisirika no one will believe EFCC anymore,” a Twitter user, who goes by the handle, @CrownprinceCom2 tweeted.

    Another Twitter user with the handle, @PIDOMNIGERIA tweeted: “If it is china, Hadi sirika @hadisirika will be sentence to death, & be killed next week latest.

    “If it is Japan, he will hurriedly commit suicide tonight, to avoid the shame & embarrassment. If it is the US, they will arrest him today & charge him to court. In Nigeria, guess”.

  • Nigeria Air: Pressure mounts on EFCC to probe ex-Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika

    Nigeria Air: Pressure mounts on EFCC to probe ex-Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been called on to investigate the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika over unpleasant discoveries on purported lunch of Nigeria Air aircraft.

    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Haruna Gololo made the call while addressing a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He was reacting to the disclosure by the Acting Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt Dapo Olumide at an investigative hearing of Senate Committee on Aviation over the state of Nigeria Air project.

    Olumide had disclosed at the investigative hearing that the supposed Nigeria Air aircraft that flew in with logo of the airline was chartered from Ethiopian Airline for the purpose of unveiling the logo.

    He also disclosed that the airline was yet to secure an operating licence for full flight operations, contrary to submission of the past minister of aviation on the Air Nigeria.

    Olumide had told the Senate committee that the aircraft was used pending the completion of the processes required for the operation of the airline.

    Gololo, however, said: ”we are giving the EFCC two weeks to arrest and investigate the former Minister of Aviation and other key participants in the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.”

    He said if the EFCC could go after “Yahoo Boys,” for alleged scam, the anti- graft agency could as well go after the government officials for alleged monumental fraud

    “Only yesterday the Senate Committee Aviation confirmed the fear and suspicion of many Nigerians, when it unearthed the issues in the aviation sector by the immediate past minister, on indicating that procurement of Nigeria Air was a scam which gulped billions of tax payers fund”

    Gololo, who was Coordinator of the North-East Tinubu, Shettima supporters group during the general elections said further:

    “What happened to the M11.3 trillion spent on the Turn Around Maintenance ( TAM), of the Kaduna, Warri and Porthacourt refineries.

    “But today the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, who awarded the contracts has gone to run for governorship election to seek immunity.

    “There are several other MDAs that were looted under Buhari’s administration.”

    He expressed displeasure on the appointment of the new Executive Director of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) by the out -gone administration, saying that the appointee was in NNPC while refineries remained unfuctional.

  • Aviation Minister insists Nigeria Air will fly in 12 days time

    Aviation Minister insists Nigeria Air will fly in 12 days time

    Twelve days before May 29, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has said the national carrier, Nigeria Air, will commence operations before the present administration winds down.

    Sirika made this clarification while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “Regarding Nigeria Air, yes, we are on course; and by the Grace of God, before President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office, it will fly. We are on course; before May 29, Nigeria Air will fly,” he said.

    The minister said that something crucial had happened in the aviation industry with FEC’s approval of the Aviation Leasing Company.

    He said the council also approved the sum of N3.5 billion for contract for photometric and taxiway light for Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt airports.

    “Something very significant has happened in the world of civil aviation; part of our road map, the Aviation Leasing Company has been established and approved by council.

    “Therefore, operators in civil aviation will have access to this equipment at affordable rate and within our country, Nigeria; this is part of the roadmap.

    “So, the roadmap is gradually coming to 100 per cent completion.

    “Second memo was award of contract for the procurement and installation of taxiway light and photometric pattern for Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja and some other equipment all over the country.

    “The total sum of the contract for photometric and taxiway light is N3.5 billion with 7.5 per cent VAT and 12 months completion period,’’ he said.

    On his part, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said that the council had approved the establishment of 37 new private universities across the country.

    He said that by the foregoing, the present administration had surpassed any other administration in terms of establishing universities.

    “37 new private universities have been licenced and that will make this admiration probably the most university –friendly administration because we have so far established 72 universities.

    “14 by the Federal Government, 21 by states and 37 private; so, total we have 72 new universities from 2015 to date.

    “And today I am announcing 37 new private universities,’’ he said.

  • National Assembly wades into aviation workers’ strike

    National Assembly wades into aviation workers’ strike

    The National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation on Wednesday directed the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika to halt planned demolition of the offices of aviation agencies in Lagos.

    The directive is contained in a letter to the minister and signed by Clerk, Senate Committee on Aviation, Mrs Franca Mbah and her House of Representatives counterpart, Mr Bassey Edem.

    They stated that the directive was the fallout of the two-day warning strike embarked upon by aviation workers’ unions.

    The joint committee stated that it was working to ensure amicable resolution of the issues in contention.

    It requested the minister to halt the planned demolition of the aviation agencies headquarters and offices in Lagos pending the outcome of the committee’s intervention.

    The committee stated that it was deeply worried by the rampant cases of strike actions by workers in the aviation industry with attendant disruption of flight operations, citizens’ movements, economic paralysis and grave security implications.

    “The strikes have become too many and too frequent to be let low even though the issues in contention are not new.

    “Some have lingered for over eight years with several agreements signed between the unions and the government.

    “These include non-implementation of the consequential adjustment to the national minimum wage by some of the agencies as agreed as at February 2022.

    “They also include non-release of reviewed Conditions of Service by relevant government agencies for upward of a decade.

    “Another issue is continuous threats of demolition of aviation agencies: (FAAN, NCAA and NAMA) headquarters in Lagos without making reasonable provisions for befitting regional offices in Lagos being the nation’s aviation hub,’’ the letter read.

    The committee requested the minister to furnish it with comprehensive details on all issues under contention.

    It also requested to be informed of actions taken by the ministry and its agencies to address the grievances of aviation staff and their unions.

    Aviation workers embarked on a warning strike in Lagos on Monday to demand that the minister halts his planned demolition of their offices to pave way for an Airport City, among other demands.

  • What FG is saying about aviation workers’ strike

    What FG is saying about aviation workers’ strike

    Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has appealed to aviation workers to end their ongoing strike.

    Sirika’s appeal is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Mr Odutayo Oluseyi, the Head of Press and Public Affairs in the Ministry.

    According to Sirika, the unions should call off the strike and join hands with the ministry to make Nigeria’s aviation industry a hub in Africa.

    He said the ministry had intensified efforts to meet the demands of the workers, and expressed displeasure at the ongoing warning strike

    According to him, the strike is unnecessary as it will only increase hardship to citizens, affect flight schedules, lead to economic losses, and negatively impact the country’s global rating.

    The minister stated that the grievances prompting the strike by the unions ought not to have led to strike.

    “It should be noted that the planned demolition of certain buildings obstructing the runway is in public interest and an administrative issue that can be sorted in-house.

    “The Unions should have met with management of Agencies for alternative accommodation to all affected offices before going ahead with the strike.

    “On the concession of airports, the Unions are aware of global practices.

    “And for the Aviation industry in Nigeria to be the hub in Africa, concession is the way to go to improve infrastructure and make the nation`s airports economically viable without loss of jobs.”

    On Conditions of Service in some of the agencies, the minister said the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission “is already carrying out assessments and will soon conclude”.

    “The Unions should also note, if they are not already aware, that consequential adjustment of the minimum wage has been finalized and about to be paid any time soon.

    “We have always conveyed this information in several conversations and meetings held with the Unions.

    “The Management of the Ministry of Aviation is open to continuous engagement with the Unions to improve their welfare.

    “However, this can only be done in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect, “ he said.

    According to him, while appealing to the unions to sheath their sword, the Management will view seriously any behaviour by any union that is likely to lead to breakdown of law and order at the airports.

  • Nigeria Air will fly before May 29 – Hadi Sirika assures

    Nigeria Air will fly before May 29 – Hadi Sirika assures

    The Federal Government has assured that the National Carrier will take to the sky before May 29.

    The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, gave the assurances during his presentation at the National Aviation Stakeholders Forum 2023, on Thursday in Abuja.

    According to him, the Federal Government is taking all necessary measures to overcome the hurdles introduced by the indigenous airlines that went to court to stop the process.

    The minister, however, said that the Muhammadu Buhari administration had supported local airlines more than all previous governments in the country.

    Sirika said the national carrier would create numerous jobs and better opportunities in the industry when fully established.

    He said that the Nigerian aviation industry was the only one in the world where qualified pilots were without jobs.

    “About 50 pilots have come to me complaining about their unemployment status.  The national carrier should be able to employ more pilots and create other job opportunities.

    “Ethiopian Airlines, the offered bidder for the national carrier is highly competent, and profitable enough to add value to the Nigerian aviation sector, “ he added.

    Sirika said the ministry had focused on investment in airports terminals by the private sector and airside infrastructure in the last couple of years.

    He said that the ministry had supported development of associated services such as aircraft maintenance and airport service providers.

    “By the investment in air navigation systems to provide and improve safe, and enhanced air traffic management services.

    “Support financing of airlines and other aircraft-related investments based on the feasibility, transition gaps and sustainability of such investment.

    “Also, providing an overview of the infrastructural developments and other allied achievements in the Aviation Sector since the inception of President Buhari’s administration, “ he said.

  • FG declares preferred bidders for airports concession programme

    FG declares preferred bidders for airports concession programme

    The Federal Government has announced the selected preferred and reserve bidders for Nigerian airports concession.

    Sen. Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, made the announcement when he addressed newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to him, the preferred bidder for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, is Corporacion America Airports Consortium, while ENL Consortium has also been selected as the reserve bidder for NAIA.

    Sirika said the preferred bidder for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, is TAV/NAHCO/Project Plant Limited (PPL) Consortium while Sifax/Changi Consortium has also been selected as the reserve bidder for MMIA.

    He further said that the preferred bidder for the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, is Corporacion America Airports Consortium while there are no reserve bidders for MAKIA for now.

    The minister stated that Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Port Harcourt, did not receive any proposals when the Request for Proposal (RFP) deadline closed.

    “The Federal Government, in line with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (establishment, etc.) Act, 2005, and global best practice, is ready to inform all stakeholders, local and international, development partners and the media on development regarding airports concession.

    `The Request for Proposals (RFP) phase of the Nigeria Airports Concession Programme (NACP), came to a close on the 19 of September 2022.

    Sirika said that the ministry is in consultation with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and other stakeholders for the fourth airport asset which did not receive bids as at the time of the RFP deadline.

    The minister said the process was a multistage process, adding that the final outcome of the NACP is yet to come.

    “The next stage of the programme is the negotiations and due diligence stage, during which the ministry will invite preferred bidders to enter detailed negotiations with its representatives, with a view to developing a Full Business Case (FBC) before onward transmission to ICRC for review and approval.

    “Only after a successful conclusion of the negotiation and due diligence stage will the FBC and all other approvals be presented before the Federal Executive Council for final approval by the Federal Government,” he said.

    Sirika urged all participants who had responded to RFP to continue referring to the NACP website — www.nacp.aviation.gov.ng, where all updates and relevant documentation, including updated FAQs, could be found.

  • Sanwo-Olu receives FG’s approval to construct Lekki Airport

    Sanwo-Olu receives FG’s approval to construct Lekki Airport

    The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Tuesday presented an official Letter of Approval for the construction of the proposed Lekki-Epe International Airport to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

    Sirika, on behalf of the Federal Government, presented the letter to the governor at the 9th Ehingbeti Lagos Economic Summit, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

    The Lekki Airport, to be constructed around the Lekki Free Zone (LFZ), is expected to assist manufacturers and other business owners within the zone to transport their products abroad.

    The minister said that Lagos State was very significant to the economy of the country, adding that the Murtala Muhammed Airport was currently congested.

    According to him, Lagos has the resources and exigencies for an additional airport which will help to decongest the Murtala Muhammad Airport.

    The minister said that it was a huge step in the right direction for Gov. Sanwo-Olu to plan to construct another airport in the state.

    ”Lagos with its GDP, housing and Stock Exchange, 200 financial institutions, 25 million people on 5,377 square kilometres of land mass, including the Eko Atlantic, all the industries, the tradition, the history, the tourist attraction, the Eyo Festival, and so on so forth, needs to be connected to the world.

    ”For Lagos to continue to be the centre of the economy of the activity of the country, Nigeria, the only best way you can link this city of Lagos to the world is obviously by infrastructure, and especially civil aviation.

    ”The expansion of Lagos is astronomical, is huge, is big. The idea and the size of the economy is good and big. So, you need to continue to link Lagos, not only with Nigeria, but Africa and the world.

    ”You are not going to get it wrong because aviation has the opportunity and uniqueness to link markets, link history, tradition and culture, people, schools and hospitals, which all Lagos has,” he said.

    Also, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said that the project was all about a partnership between the federal government, through the Ministry of Aviation, and Lagos State for the benefit of the citizens and the businesses.

    He said that the state government was engaging in Business2Business as well as Government2Business to develop economies like Lagos State.

    The governor said it was about giving them a platform where infrastructure and the opportunity for their businesses to thrive are available.

    ”This infrastructure will reduce journey time, make Lagos easily and better accessible, and people can make local and international business decision, given all the investment that had happened in that direction,” he said.

    Recall that the state government had said that the project, expected to begin in 2023, would be built on 3,500 hectares of land.

    It said that the master plan and aeronautical designs of the planned airport were in place.

    It said studies were ongoing about strategies, funding and other issues, after which the project would be taken to the market place.

    The airport, according to the state government, is expected to cater to a minimum of five million people yearly, and would be constructed in partnership with local and foreign investors.

  • Nigeria Air: FG selects Ethiopian Airlines as preferred bidder

    Nigeria Air: FG selects Ethiopian Airlines as preferred bidder

    The Federal Government has selected Ethiopian Airlines (ET) Consortium as the preferred bidder for Nigeria Air.

    The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika made this known during a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, ET scored 89 per cent out of 100 as regards the technical bid and 15 out 20 as regards the financial bid.

    Sirika explained that the Request for Proposal (RFP) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act, governed by Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission(ICRC) regarding the Nigeria Air was now completed.

    “After a careful, detailed, and ICRC governed selection process, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) Consortium has been selected as preferred bidder, offering an owner consortium of 3 Nigerian investors.

    “The Nigerian investors are MRS, SAHCO and the Nigerian Sovereign Fund (46%), FGN owning 5% and ET 49%. The consortium has been subject to a due diligence process.

    “The contract will be negotiated between consortium and FGN leading to a Full Business Case (FBC) which will be expected to be approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). We expect this process to take 6-8 weeks.”

    The minister said the national carrier would be launched with three Boeing 737-800 in a configuration very suitable for the Nigerian market.

    According to him, Nigeria Air will be launched with a shuttle service between Abuja and Lagos to establish a new comfortable, reliable and affordable travel between the two major Nigerian Airports.

    Sirika added that other domestic destinations would follow thereafter.

    “The first aircraft is ready to arrive in Abuja for the further work and NCAA inspection, demo flights and audit as part of the AOC requirements.

    “In time, two others will arrive to complete the required three aircraft for a new AOC holder. The interim executive team has prepared, with the support of FAAN.

    “The team has arranged for Terminal C at the Abuja Airport and finalised a contract with MMA 2 terminal in Lagos, for the operation of an initial shuttle between Lagos and Abuja,” he said.

    He noted that the Operations Control Centre (OCC) at the Abuja Airport would act as Headquarters of the airline.

  • Aviation minister frowns at airlines selling tickets in dollars

    Aviation minister frowns at airlines selling tickets in dollars

    The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has frowned at foreign airlines selling tickets in dollars, warning that government would not take it kindly with those caught engaging in such violation of Nigerian laws.

    Sirika gave the warning while fielding questions from State House correspondents at the end of the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had been instructed to swing into action by protecting the interest of Nigerians against reported airlines’ operations malpractices.

    He warned that no violator, no matter how highly placed, would be spared if caught in the act.

    According to him, findings at the government’s disposal have indicated that some of the airlines are refusing naira and charging their ticket fares in dollars in violation of the country’s laws.

    He said: ”I want to use this opportunity to say that reports are reaching us that some of the airlines are refusing to sell tickets in naira. That is a violation of our local laws, they will not be allowed.

    ”The high and the mighty amongst them will be sanctioned if they’re caught doing that.

    ”NCAA had been directed to swing into action and once we find any airline violating this, we will definitely deal with them. Also, they blocked the travel agents from access.

    ”They also made only the expensive tickets available and so on and so forth.

    ”Our regulators are not sleeping, we have a very vibrant Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Once they found any airline guilty, that airline will be dealt with because we need to protect our people.”

    The minister further disclosed that the foreign airlines made over 1.1 billion dollars from Nigeria in 2016 when Buhari’s administration cleared the 600 million dollars it inherited from the previous government.

    Sirika recalled that the airlines remitted over 600 million dollars to their home countries in 2016 while over 265 million dollars had also been released this year out of about 484 million dollars due to them.

    According to him, the government is trying to keep the airlines happy by ensuring that their money does not pile up again, saying that while the country needs their services, the airlines need the Nigerian market.

    The minister warned them to refrain from using social media to press home their demands rather than resorting to diplomatic channels.

    Sirika also described an irresponsible media report that the Federal Government had so far expanded N14.6 billion on the Nigeria Air project.

    According to him, the government has only spent N651 million (N352 million and N299 million) for what he called transactional advisory services approved by the FEC, but yet to be disbursed as the consultants were yet to finish their work

    He said: ”So Nigeria Air is of course, we are going to come very soon to council for approval of the full business case.

    ”The activity is a Public Private Partnership, which is guided by the ICRC regulations, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.

    “We have diligently followed that. And I want to seize the opportunity to say that we have been reading newspaper reports, especially those that I have maximum respect for like the Guardian, which put out a sensational article on the front page.

    ”That the Federal Government of Nigeria has spent N14 billion on the national carrier and they did nothing – this is absurd.”