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The Management of the Nigeria Air Ltd., has advised the general public to ignore fake websites and links used for advertisement and recruitment by people claiming to be agents or staff of the upcoming airline.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mr James Odaudu, the Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Minister of Aviation.
Odaudu urged the citizens to ignore such notifications or invitations as nothing of such exercise was currently going on.
“The attention of the Management of Nigeria Air Ltd., has been drawn to some recruitment advertisements and announcements by certain unscrupulous elements claiming to be agents or staff of the upcoming airline.
“The so-called agents have created a host of fake websites and links supposedly for the submission of applications by unsuspecting members of the public.
“We wish to inform the general public, especially those who have applied for the earlier officially advertised positions that no recruitment interviews or tests have been scheduled, “ he said.
He reiterated that all such announcements or invitations for such ought to be disregarded as they were the handiwork of fraudsters and scammers.
According to him, the official website is www.
nigeriaair.
world for the avoidance of doubt.
“Only those pre-qualified as meeting the B737 requirements will be contacted by the management of Nigeria Air Ltd. individually, and certainly not by public announcements.
“All those concerned are therefore advised to ignore such announcements or invitations, as responding to, or dealing with them in any way, will be at their own risk.
“Management appreciates the unprecedented level of interest shown by Nigerians in the airline which has resulted in the receipt of over 20,000 applications for positions in the organisation so far, “ he said.
Odaudu added that the recruitment process for other positions would begin in due course.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council has re-elected Nigeria as part 2 member at its on-going 41st General Assembly in Montreal, Canada.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Mr James Odaudu, Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Minister of Aviation, Malam Hadi Sirika.
According to him, it was double celebration for Nigeria in Montreal on Saturday as it won re-election into the Part 2 of ICAO Council on the same day it was marking its 62nd Independence Anniversary.
He said that Nigeria garnered 149 votes to be elected for the 15th consecutive time during the plenary.
Odaudu quoted Sirika, who led the delegation to the General Assembly as saying that the increased number of countries that supported Nigeria showed its rising profile among member-nations.
He expressed appreciation for the support given to the aviation sector by President Muhammadu Buhari, which resulted in the numerous achievements celebrated by the global aviation community.
The minister described the election as an icing on the birthday cake for Nigeria, having taken place on its Independence Anniversary.
The Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Amb. Adeyinka Asekun, congratulated the minister and all those whose contributions resulted in the achievement.
Asekun said that it was a thing of pride for him as an individual and the High Commission, to be part of the double celebration for the nation, the election and the Independence Anniversary.
The High Commissioner added that as part of the Independence celebration, the Nigerian mission led by the minister hosted delegates from all the countries to a reception at the assembly.
(wwworg)
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mrs Dagamawit Moges has commended Nigeria for choosing Ethiopian Airlines as the preferred partner for the establishment a national carrier.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by Mr James Odaudu, Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Minister of Aviation, Malam Hadi Sirika
He quoted Moges as giving the commendation when she met with Sirika at the on-going 41st General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in Montreal, Canada.
She assured that the consideration of picking Ethiopian Airlines as the preferred partner for Nigeria’s national carrier out of the numerous interests would not be taken for granted.
According to her, the choice of Ethiopian Airlines is a boost to African Aviation industry.
“The Nigeria Air project has been described as a partnership between the two highest populated African nations that will impact greatly on the aviation industry on the continent and on intergovernmental relationships.
“The government of Ethiopia and Ethiopian Airlines are very excited about the partnership for the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier.
“It is hoped that it will open new vistas for partnership in other areas – political and economic.
“Nigeria, with its position as a major player in the global aviation industry, remains an attractive partner.
The establishment of Nigeria Air will be beneficial to all involved, including the Nigerian teeming populace,’’ she said.
Responding, Sirika stated that the decision to establish the national carrier through a partnership was not because Nigeria lacked the capacity to do it alone.
He said Nigeria only wanted to avoid the issues that led to the collapse of the previous national carrier.
“The choice of Ethiopian Airlines was based on the premise of having shown that government business can be run profitably.
“This is apart from being an African airline that has carved a niche for itself in the world’s air transportation industry.
“The national carrier project is one that is dear to the heart of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Its successful delivery will amount to a major boost to the development and success of the Single African Air Transport Market to which Nigeria and Ethiopia are signatories,“ Sirika stressed.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Growing Africa’s aviation market through single air transport arrangement
Growing Africa’s aviation market through single air transport arrangement
By Gabriel Agbeja, News Agency of Nigeria
The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is a flagship project of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063. It is an initiative by the AU to create a unified air transport market in Africa.
The single market is meant to allow significant freedom of air transport in Africa to aid the AU’s Agenda 2063 of transforming Africa into the global powerhouse.
It is believed to serve as a manifestation of pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.
Many aviation experts have observed that SAATM will bring about enhanced connectivity across the continent leading to sustainable development of the aviation and tourism industry with immense contribution to economic growth, job creation, prosperity and integration across Africa.
They say active cooperation between eligible airlines and other Air Transport Service Providers in different Regional Economic Communities (RECs) will grows the industry.
Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission (AUC), said in a SAATM document on Flying Agenda 2063, that establishing SAATM is an effort toward “building the Africa we want.
“
Abou-Zeid, who was in charge of sectors covering Energy, Transport, Tourism and ICT, said the initiative was expected to enhance air connectivity across the continent to reduce the journey and waiting times for most passengers by more than 20 per cent.
According to her, the vision will induce competition in air services resulting in fare reduction and contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in Africa and job creations in both sectors.
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“SAATM is the first flagship project of AU and it was launched and established on the 28th January 2018, during the 30th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“The development is critical to the African Union’s integration agenda.
“Particularly, it is a crucial logistic infrastructure for the successful operation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA), complemented by the protocol on the free movement of people and goods and the African Passport,“ she said.
The commissioner said the AUC had the mandate to deliver both projects for the benefit of Africans.
According to her, Africa today accounts for less than four per cent of the global world aviation traffic in spite of being home to no fewer than one billion people.
She is optimistic that Africa’s market share of the sector will increase to more than 10 per cent with a fully operational single African air transport market.
Some experts contend that over all, the project would boost Africa’s economy.
Mr Muhammad Albakri, the Regional Vice President Africa and Middle East, International African Air Transport Market (IATA), says African governments will enjoy $1.3 billion incremental Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on the continent adding that no fewer than 155,000 new jobs would be created.
According to him, passengers will enjoy a 75 per cent increase in direct services, fare savings of 25 to 35 per cent while air transport would be available to at least 5 million additional potential travelers.
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He said that under the leadership of African Union and African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) with commitment of strong associations, Africa’s time had come to have its chunk of the aviation market.
Similarly, stakeholders at the maiden National Aviation Conference in Nigeria recommended that responsible agencies in aviation industry not satisfied with modalities for the implementation of SAATM project should approach AFCAC for redress.
In recognition of the fact that in deed there are still challenges facing the implementation of the scheme, the authorities say those issues are receiving adequate attention.
Mr Abderahmane Berthe, the Secretary General of African Airline Association (AFRAA), said the association, in collaboration with IATA, AU, AFCAC and Regional Economic Communities, is at the forefront of advocacy on the effective implementation of the SAATM.
According to him, a detailed action plan has been developed that focuses on key pillars to ensure that the aviation industry achieves the milestone for the prosperity of aviation sector in Africa.
“AFRAA urges States that have signed up to go a step further to ensure they create an enabling operating environment for airlines so that they may realise the maximum potential of the SAATM and take advantage of benefits that aviation brings.
“We continue our collaborative efforts towards successful realization of SAATM with aim of achieving far-sighted vision of a SAATM that will help spur the development of African aviation,” he said.
The dream of a single aviation market in Africa is impossible if all the stakeholders do not see it from the same prism hen Group Capt. John Ojikutu, a former Commandant of the Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Nigeria has canvased for effective collaborations among relevant organisations in the aviation sector across the continent.
Ojikutu also called for unity among member states to actualise objectives of SAATM and AfCTA initiatives.
“These African Economic or Commercial Organisations can work effectively only if there is unity among the member nations, “ he said.
According to him, stakeholders should deepen efforts toward achieving aims of SAATM and AfCTA.
He frowned at national airlines in the regions going into alliances with airlines outside the African continent.
“Why some people in Nigeria think of partnering with foreign airlines outside Africa but on the same Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) route with us?
“Do those in the administration and management of our government agencies with international relationships really know what to look for?
Is it benefits for all or for themselves?
“ he asked.
Ojikutu observed that if the African citizens did not know what they were want, it will be difficult to expect anything special from SAATM and AfCTA.
Mr James Odaudu, Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, said the main goal of the SAATM is to fully implement the 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision (YD).
The YD is a treaty adopted by many African Union members.
It establishes a framework for the librasation of air transport services between African countries and towards a fair competition among airlines operating in Africa.
Odaudu is optimistic that Nigeria will maximise benefits of these opportunities with the emergence of its own national carrier.
“The YD provides for the full liberation of intra-African exercise of first, second, third, fourth and fifth freedom traffic rights for passenger and freight air services by eligible airlines.
“Nigeria is a very large market that everyone wants to exploit.
But then you don’t have a national carrier to go into those countries to exploit opportunities the same way they do ours.
“This is an issue that the soon-to-take-off national carrier will address, “he said.
Experts say the extent to which these initiatives benefit the African continent is dependent on the political will among its leaders, understanding and steadfastness on the side of operators as the compete with one another in the industry.
(NANFeatures)
**If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Ministry of Aviation on Tuesday in Abuja said its priority was to ensure the safety and security of air passengers and cargoes.
Mr James Odaudu, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation on Public Affairs, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria .
Odaudu said that the ministry and the agencies under its purview were working assiduously daily towards achieving the feat to boost confidence and integrity of the aviation sector in the country.
According to him, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has made safety and security of the flying public paramount since he assumed office.
“Right from the inception of the administration, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has placed emphasis on safety and security of passengers and cargoes.
“This is why any noticeable safety concern is thoroughly investigated and handled appropriately, “ he said.
On Dana Air suspension, Odaudu said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had to suspend Dana Air licence as a result of noticeable safety and financial concerns.
According to him, the suspension is to enable NCAA carry out the necessary regulatory of ongoing audit.
“If at the end of the process, the Airline is found to be healthy, its services will resume.
“ NCAA has said in a statement recently that DANA Air suspension is made pursuant to Section 35(2), 3(b) and (4) of Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3(a) (1) of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), 2015.“ On Aero Contractors suspension, he said that the airline`s scheduled passenger flights were self-imposed as a result of inability to meet operational costs occasioned by the high cost of aviation fuel.
The minister’s aide added that Aero was however still operating charter and helicopter services and carrying out its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
In a related development, Mr Mathew Pwajok, the Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Managing Agency (NAMA), however, told NAN that suspension of Dana Airline and Aero Contractors would have negative impact on national economy.
According to him, the downcast of the two airlines being currently handled by NCAA, a regulator for both economic oversight and airworthiness on the airlines, was a big concern to all relevant stakeholders in the industry.
“Anything that will affect the volume of flights is a negative to NAMA capability and revenue as NAMA does not manage empty airspace.
“In the absence of airlines, there is no Airspace Management Agency.
We will not have anything to manage.
So, it is of concern to us to ensure that the airlines are operating.
“ That is why we go about deploying latest facilities to upgrade our facilities to provide the service that is safe, secure, economical and efficient and cost effective to the airlines.
“That is to ensure that the airlines are doing well and stay in business and also keep us in business.
We don’t have business if there are no airline to manage, “ NAMA boss said.
Pwajok said the agency had recently intensified efforts to acquire sophisticated tools that were effective and efficient to reduce flight challenges in the Nigerian air space.
“On our own part, we have done a whole lot in terms of reducing flight time, fuel consumption for operator, and flight delays by automating most of our processes.
“ And by implementing satellite base navigation to reduce flight time for the airlines, by implementing total radar coverage network to ensure that aircraft are safe and secure.
“This will reduce operating cost for the airlines and also ensure that they are comfortable and they can continue in the business, “ he said.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has begged Nigerian airlines to suspend the planned shutdown of operations from Monday over the high cost of aviation fuel from N190 to N700 per litre.
Sirika made the appeal in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Mr James Odaudu, on Saturday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigerian airlines, under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), on Friday announced plans to shut down operations from Monday due to the high cost of aviation fuel.
The minister urged the airlines to consider the multiplier effect shutting down operations would have on Nigerians and global travellers.
He said: “The attention of the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has been drawn to reports that the nation’s air transportation system will be disrupted as from Monday.
“This follows the threats by airline operators to shut down operations as a result of rising cost of Jet A1, otherwise known as aviation fuel.
“As the ministry charged with the industry, we are greatly concerned about the difficulties being faced by the airlines in procuring aviation fuel which has resulted in spiraling costs in air transportation in the immediate past.
“We also acknowledge that the airlines are in the business to make profits, while servicing the very critical sector that is not only the preferred mode of transport for most Nigerians, but the main international gateway to the nation.
“Unfortunately, the issue of fuel supply is not within the purview of the ministry, so the much it can do in the present situation is to engage with agencies, institutions and individuals in positions.
“This is to provide succour to the airlines. This is already being done by the relevant team led by the minister.”
Sirika assured Nigerians, especially stakeholders, that the Buhari administration remained stoic in its commitment to the creation and sustenance of an environment that promotes the growth of the aviation industry.
He said the president was committed to the development of the industry where major players such as the airlines could operate in a profitable and competitive market.
(NAN)
By Yunus YusufThe Federal Government has released a request for qualification for the concession of four International Airport terminals and other related services.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Mr Hassan Musa, made this announcement in a statement issued to newsmen in Lagos on Monday by the Director, Public Affairs of the ministry, Mr James Odaudu,
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four major commercial airports are Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Murtala Muhammed Internatıonal Aırport, Lagos; Malam Amınu Kano Internatıonal Aırport, Kano and Port Harcourt Internatıonal Aırport.
Musa said that the ministry released the request in compliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (N4P).
He said the airports surrounding communities were intended to develop into efficient, profitable, self-sustaining, commercial hubs, which would create more jobs and develop local industries through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation is inviting bids from reputable Airport Developers/Operators/Financiers/Consortia for pre-qualification for the concession of selected airports terminals under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“The airport’s terminal concession is one of the critical projects under the sector roadmap of the FGN and fits well within the scope of the ministry’s strategic plan for the sector.
“The execution of this project is meant to achieve the Federal Government’s objective in terms of air transport value chain growth.
“The project will develop and profitably managing customer centered airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality,” he said.
Musa said the eligibility requirements were full names of firm/consortia; evidence of company registration; ownership structure of bidding entity; audited financial statements; sworn affidavit.
According to him, others are the Power of Attorney/Board Resolution and in the case of a consortium, evidence in the form of a letter of association agreement.
He said that to be prequalified for consideration as a prospective PPP partner for the project, the prospective firms/consortia must had technical, operational and financial capability.
He said others included the experience in the Development and Operation of an International Airport and Cargo Terminals; Evidence of Financial Capacity in support of the company or consortium’s ability to undertake the airport concession.
The perm sec said this was as illustrated by a minimum net worth of N30 billion and Letters of Support from credible financial institutions in support of the consortium’s ability to manage and operate the airports terminals.
Musa said the ministry urged the interested international parties to partner with local firms in compliance with the requirements of the country’s local content development policy.(NAN)
Source: NAN
By Gabriel Agbeja
The establishment of a National Carrier will enable Nigeria to gain optimally from the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with other nations, Mr James Odaudu, the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, has said.
Odaudu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
NAN reports that BASA is a treaty signed between two countries to allow international commercial air transport services between territories.
BASA promotes international air links between countries which support and enable the movement of persons, cargo, trade and tourism.
Odaudu recalled that the Federal Government had earlier announced the signing of BASAs with the U.S., India, Morocco and Rwanda.
“Establishment of the national carrier will also make Nigeria take full advantage of the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM), introduce competition leading to competitive fares, better services and generate employment,” he said.
The Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, had in 2020 while defending the ministry’s budget at the Senate said that the new national carrier would start in 2021.
He stated that all required agreements and arrangements with other partners for the inauguration had been worked out and that the new flag carrier would start with domestic and regional airline services.
He said that the present administration since its inception in 2015 had been planning and strategising on how to resuscitate the national carrier.
Giving further explanation, the director said that the national carrier project would be private-sector driven with the government holding not more than five per cent of the shares.
He further said that the private sector consortium could comprise reputable international Airlines, leasing companies, aircraft manufacturers, financial and institutional investors.
Odaudu said that the Federal Government would provide the required support by creating the enabling environment to sustain the airline.
According to him, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has also completed a feasibility study of the proposed airline.
“Project Development Phase” was completed with the development of the outline by ICRC.
“The next phase is the placement of Request For Qualification (RFQ) in local and international media as part of the procurement exercise,” he said.
The director also said that the plan by the Federal Government to concession four international airports in the country would help fast-track upgrades and enhance their operational efficiency.
The director further said that the concession would strengthen profitability and reposition the airports for competitiveness.
“The project is being structured as a terminal concession under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between government and the Private Sector.
“The private investor will be required to upgrade, manage and operate the airports` terminals over the concession period.
“The concession will be in the following airports: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa; and the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano’’ he said.
According to him, the Project Development Phase has been completed as well as the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC) and subsequent issuance of a compliance certificate by the ICRC.
Odaudu added that the next step would be the placement of Request For Qualification (RFQ) in local and international media.(NAN)
(NAN)The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has announced the decision of the Federal Government to resume international operations from Kano, Port-Harcourt and Enugu Airports before Christmas celebrations.
Sirika confirmed the development in a statement issued by Mr James Odaudu, the ministry’s Director, Public Affairs, in Lagos on Tuesday.
“All international airports in the country may resume international flights before the end of the year, as the ministry is working with the Federal Ministry of Health.
“The ministry is also working with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and other relevant bodies to ensure that the airports meet all the safety and health requirements and protocols.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the international airports that are yet to be cleared to resume operations are the Port Harcourt airport, the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu.
Sirika said that all hands are on deck to ensure that all logistic and policy necessities would be put in place to address the difficulties encountered by international travellers, especially with the impending yuletide season.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the understanding and cooperation of aviation stakeholders in ensuring the smooth reopening of the nation’s airspace.
In a related development, Sirika said the federal government had lifted the flight ban on Lufthansa, KLM and Air France.
He said this development had paved the way for them to resume their operations in and out of the country.
The minister added that Qatar Airways had also been granted approval to start operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.
“This follows the approval of their respective flight plans and schedules submitted to the Ministry.
“In granting the approvals, the ministry has emphasised the need for airlines operating in the country to employ international best practices in handling Nigerian passengers.
“This is because the government will not tolerate any form of maltreatment of its citizens by any airline,’’ he said.
Edited By: Abigael Joshua/Maureen Atuonwu
Source: NAN
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said on Thursday that the Federal Government was ready to provide support and enabling environment to investors eager to invest in civil aviation.
A statement issued in Abuja by Mr James Odaudu, Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, quoted Sirika as saying this when he inspected aviation facilities at the Caverton Helicopters headquarters in Lagos.
The statement listed the facilities to include the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) outlet being established by the organisation and a newly acquired Simulator for the training of pilots.
Sirika said that one of the primary objectives of government was to provide full support to entrepreneurs in order to provide the needed services and employments for people.
“ This is exactly what is happening here at Caverton Helicopters; I am willing to continue to support Caverton and other investors in civil aviation.
“ The ministry is reorienting civil aviation bodies, who are regulators, to shift focus of being police in the industry to being enabler in the industry.
“ This is to create partnership that will help the industry and provide service and employment for our people to kick start the economy and add to the GDP of the country,” the minister said.
He said that investments in Civil Aviation by Caverton Helicopters would certainly create more employment opportunities for the people and provide service that were needed in the country.
Sirika, who stated that aviation industry and services were dominated by foreigners before now, added that Caverton Helicopters’ massive investments would bridge the gap by creating space for Nigeria to participate.
He thanked the Chairman of Caverton Helicopters for the foresight and decision to participate in civil aviation industry.
He also thanked FAAN for providing the parcel of the land, saying that the facilities would shore up revenue and boost activities within the airport.
The Caverton Group Chairman, Chief Aderemi Makanjuola, thanked the minister for the visit, saying that the guidance of the agencies under the ministry had helped the organisation to get it right.
Makanjuola reassured the minister of Caverton’s commitment to fully partnering with the ministry to achieve its developmental objectives.
“The facility will also ensure capacity development and stop capital fly. We know other industry participants spend millions of dollars flying out their pilots for capacity training in various simulators all around the world.
“ Caverton has an annual budget of over $3 millions spent for flying pilots to various facilities in Dubai, USA, Europe for training.
“There are no many Helicopter training facilities around the world, this one in Nigeria will definitely bring in a lot of capital in flow to the country,” he said.
The minister later inspected the Taxiway B under construction at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and met with the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
He commended the commitment and passion of the staff to duty during the lockdown and airport reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, all steps being taken to develop the aviation industry are in the overall interest of the nation.
