APRIL 23, 2024

BY  Faith Yahaya, Abuja

An aircraft operated by Dana Air on Tuesday skidded off the runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The aircraft took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The Management of Dana Air in a statement via its official X account @DanaAir said the aircraft has been grounded for investigation.

The airline said the 83 passengers on board the flight disembarked the flight without injuries.

It also noted that it has alerted the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) formerly AIB and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The Management however did not reveal the cause of the incident.

The statement by the airline reads: “Dana Air regrets to inform the public of a runway incursion involving one of our registration number 5N BKI, which was flying from Abuja to Lagos today 23/04/.

“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

“We have also updated the AIB and NCAA on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.

“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident”.

APRIL 23, 2024

By Abiodun Sanusi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe.

The indicted former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm on Tuesday, The PUNCH can confirm.

Our correspondent, who was at the Wuse office of the EFCC, observed the embattled former minister’s arrival at the anti-graft agency’s Abuja office.

Following his arrival at the command, Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Impeccable anti-graft sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because they were not authorised to speak, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Tuesday.

“Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed.

Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.”

In February, The PUNCH exclusively reported that the EFCC was investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry under former Minister Sirika for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

A credible source who spoke with our correspondent on Tuesday revealed that the anti-graft commission is investigating the activities of the Aviation Ministry for conspiracy, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and contract inflation.

Others are criminal breaches of trust and money laundering amounting to N8,069,176,864.00 during Sirika’s tenure in office.

The sum is said to be for four aviation contracts from the former minister to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika.

Apart from being listed as the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abubakar is said to be the sole signatory to the company’s two accounts, domiciled in Zenith and Union Banksy.

It was further revealed that the ex-minister’s younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, has been arrested and detained by the commission in connection with N3,212,258,930.18 paid to his company, Engirios Nigerian Limited’s, bank account by the former minister.

It was noted that there is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

The source said Abubakar Sirika, who was arrested on Sunday, February 4, has since been assisting the commission in its probe of the Aviation Ministry’s financial expenditures during Mr Sirika’s tenure.

The EFCC investigator said, “We’re investigating an N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering case linked to former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika.

“Hadi awarded contracts to his brother Abubakar, knowing that the latter is a civil servant, a deputy director on Level 16 in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he has been working since 2000 till date.

“The first of the contracts from the former minister to Engirios Nigeria Limited was on August 18, 2022, for the construction of the Terminal Building in Katsina Airport, at a cost of N1,345,586,500.00. The second was awarded on November 3, 2022, for the establishment of the Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Center in Katsina Airport, valued at N3, 811,497,685.00.

“The third contract was on February 3, 2023, for the procurement and installation of lifts, air conditioners, and a power generator’s house in Aviation House, Abuja, at the cost of N615,195,275.000, while the fourth was awarded on May 5, 2023, for the procurement of Magnus aircraft and a simulator for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, at the cost of N2, 296,897,404.00.

“Out of the total contract sum, the ex-minister paid out N3,212,258,930.18 to his younger brother’s Engirios Nigerian Limited, who, upon receipt of the payment, transferred it to different companies and individuals. There is no trace of work done on any of the contract items to date.

“Abubakar Sirika is currently in our custody at the Headquarters, and he is providing us with more useful information on the financial activities of the Aviation Ministry under the supervision of his older brother, Hadi Sirika.”

APRIL 23, 2024

Nigeria’s Air Peace has taken flight internationally, capturing global attention with its audacious pricing strategy on the lucrative Lagos-London route. This bold move has not merely disrupted the status quo; it has ignited an intense price war among seasoned international carriers, sparking debates on the sustainability and future direction of Nigeria’s aviation industry. As the skies above West Africa become embroiled in this fierce battle of fares, the implications for Air Peace and the broader aviation landscape are profound and far-reaching.

Air Peace’s introduction of incredibly affordable fares has been revolutionary for Nigerian travellers. By fundamentally changing the regional airfare landscape, Air Peace has opened up travel opportunities for many. This bold move hasn’t gone unnoticed by industry giants like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. They have responded swiftly with dramatic price cuts, slashing fares by up to 50 percent to maintain their dominant market share. This aggressive response underscores the fierce competition brewing in the Nigerian skies and highlights the lengths established players are willing to go to protect their turf from disruptive newcomers like Air Peace.

Consumers rejoice at the immediate benefit of slashed fares, but a crucial question lingers: can airlines maintain these ultra-low prices in the long term? The allure of cheap travel is undeniable, but concerns rise about potential trade-offs. Will airlines sacrifice service quality in this fierce competition? As the price war intensifies, passengers face a dilemma: prioritise affordability and risk lower service, or pay more for a guaranteed quality experience? This is the age-old value versus cost debate playing out live in the Nigerian skies.

Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema accuses foreign airlines of predatory pricing, aiming to squeeze the new entrant out of the market. These accusations expose the underlying issue: established airlines are fiercely protecting their dominance against challengers like Air Peace. The outcome of this price war will determine Air Peace’s fate and become a test case for fair competition in the Nigerian aviation market.

Nigerians have rallied behind Air Peace, viewing its success as emblematic of national pride and economic advancement. As the adage goes, “If you don’t value what is yours, never expect an outsider to value it.” Air peace has become a beacon of national identity, and Nigerians are steadfast in their resolve to see it prosper.

The coming months are crucial for air peace. To navigate this turbulent period and ensure its survival and expansion, the airline can consider several strategies.

First, it can differentiate itself by offering a unique selling proposition, such as exceptional customer service, innovative in-flight experiences, or strategic partnerships.

Second, by investing in a modern fleet, streamlining booking processes, and providing personalised services, Air Peace can enhance the overall customer experience and stand out in the crowded market.

Furthermore, expanding its network through new domestic routes and international forays into Africa and beyond, including popular destinations for Nigerians like Canada, will tap into fresh markets. Finally, prioritising safety and reliability through an impeccable record and consistent service will build trust and loyalty among passengers.

Additionally, Air Peace can leverage targeted marketing campaigns, partnerships with travel agencies, and a strong social media presence to boost its visibility and attract new customers. Ultimately, listing on the stock market could unlock a wealth of benefits, including attracting fresh investments, providing capital for expansion initiatives, and enhancing Air Peace’s credibility in the market. By implementing these strategies, Air Peace can weather the current storm and soar to new heights.

Air Peace’s audacious manoeuvre has shaken the skies above Nigeria, triggering a price war that reverberates throughout the regional aviation industry. The coming months will be a crucible moment, not just for Air Peace’s survival but for establishing a new paradigm in Nigerian air travel.

The outcome of this price war will determine whether these lower fares can be sustained while maintaining service quality. It will also shape the competitive landscape, potentially opening doors for new players and forcing established airlines to adapt their strategies. This is a pivotal moment for Nigerian consumers, who could benefit from greater choice and affordability in the long term.

Ultimately, the skies above Nigeria could become a model for fostering healthy competition and innovation in the regional aviation sector, with Air Peace playing a central role in this transformation.

APRIL 23, 2024

Power outage has hit Gombe, Yola, and Jalingo residents.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, while confirming the development, said that vandals destroyed four towers along the Jos-Gombe transmission line.

Ndidi Mbah, the general manager of Public Affairs at TCN, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

According to her, the towers were vandalized around 3:32 pm on Monday.

Consequently, the bulk power supply to Gombe, Yola, and Jalingo Substations has been disrupted, affecting the bulk power supply to parts of Yola and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies’ franchise areas.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that four towers along the Jos – Gombe 330kV transmission line have been vandalized at about 3:32 pm today, 22nd April 2024.

“TCN notes that when the 330kV transmission line tripped, its operators attempted to restore it to service but it tripped again, prompting the dispatch of TCN lines men to trace the line to detect and rectify the fault.

“While fault tracing, TCN’s engineering crew discovered that towers 288, 289, 290, and 291 were vandalized and that some tower members were carted away. Also, the towers had equally collapsed as a result of the incident.

“Presently, bulk power supply to Gombe, Yola, and Jalingo Substations have been disrupted, affecting the bulk power supply to parts of Yola and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies’ franchise areas.

“To mitigate the effect of the incident on electricity consumers affected by the incident, TCN is trying to first back feed Gombe through its 132kV transmission line from Bauchi and subsequently Ashaka, Potiskum, Damaturu, and Billiri/ Savannah.

“We will do everything possible to restore supply to the affected areas while efforts are made to reconstruct the four vandalized towers,” the TCN spokesperson said.

Abuja was thrown into darkness in February over the vandalization of TCN towers.

 

APRIL 25, 2024

In the new regime, part of the requirements for renewal of passports include provision of a National Identification Number, old passport number, birth certificate, and local government certificate of indigeneship.

By Folashade Ogunrinde

The Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) has defended its latest policy requiring proof of citizenship from Nigerians seeking to renew their passports.

In a post on X, the NIS stated that all documents required during the process of passport issuance are backed by the Nigerian constitution and the Ministry of Interior.

The immigration service explained that “for your claim of being a Nigerian citizen to hold water, there has to be a document that ties you to a local government (indigenous area) within the country.”

On Wednesday, an X user, Tayo Oviosu, raised concern over the policy requiring the provision of letter of identification from the local government by applicants renewing their passport.

He also questioned why Nigerians who live outside their state of origin have to embark on an unnecessary journey just for a document.

In response to Mr Oviosu’s post, the NIS clarified that most states have liaison offices, thus canceling the need for travel.

“First, you DO NOT necessarily NEED to go to your state of origin to get the indigeneship document

“We are aware that most states have liaison offices in other states. For example, Anambra State has liaison offices in Lagos (Eti-Osa) and Abuja (Asokoro).

“These offices are empowered to issue such documents,” the Service stated.

The International Passport Automation system

In recent months, the NIS has undergone reforms.

In January 2024, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, launched the International Passport Automation system.

According to the minister, the International Passport Automation system will help strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

In the new regime, part of the requirements for renewal of passports include provision of a National Identification Number, old passport number as well as supporting documents such as birth certificate, and local government certificate of indigeneship.

But many Nigerians like Adeniyi Paraiso feel the new requirements for passport renewal are unnecessary.

In April, Mr Paraiso visited the Immigration office to renew his passport but was surprised that the process had changed.

“They have all my information so why do I have to provide all these documents as if I’m applying for a new passport,” he queried.

APRIL 26, 2024

It comes at a time when tension over immigration levels is high in Ireland, with the country experiencing a housing crisis.

The threat of deportation to Rwanda is causing migrants to head for Ireland instead of the UK, Ireland's deputy prime minister has said.

The Rwanda Bill, which will see asylum seekers "entering the UK illegally" sent to the central African nation - regardless of the outcome of their application - was passed on Tuesday, despite human rights concerns.

Micheal Martin told The Daily Telegraph that the policy was already affecting Ireland, as people were "fearful" of staying in the UK.

The former Taoiseach said: "Maybe that's the impact it was designed to have."

Mr Martin, who is also Ireland's foreign secretary, said asylum seekers were seeking "to get sanctuary here and within the European Union as opposed to the potential of being deported to Rwanda".

His words follow those of justice minister Helen McEntee, who told a scrutiny committee in the Irish parliament earlier this week that migrants and refugees were crossing the border with Northern Ireland.

Ms McEntee said "higher than 80%" of people seeking asylum in Ireland entered the country through Northern Ireland, a border crossing that is open as guaranteed under a UK-EU Brexit treaty.

APRIL 27, 2024

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has imposed a suspension on the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) of Dana Air with immediate effect.

This is contained in a letter issued by Chris Najomo, the acting DG, NCAA issued to Dana Air on Wednesday.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development has earlier directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) to suspend Dana Air.

In a letter by Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary, the ministry of aviation and aerospace development to the NCAA, he noted that as the supervisor overseeing the nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the minister’s attention that recent incidents involving Dana Airlines have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.

The letter reads that in light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travelers, the Minister has directed that the NCAA immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted.

In NCAA’S letter to Dana, the authority stated that subsequent to the runway excursion involving its aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), the authority is awaiting preliminary report on the investigation launched by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The NCAA stated that while the NSIB is conditioning safety investigation, the NCAA has initiated an in-house compliance assessment of the occurrence taking into account previous occurrences involving Dana Air aircraft.

This, Najomo said is in a bid to establish any trend which must be nipped in the bud in the interest of safety and well-being of citizens and travellers.

He further stated that the minister in sharing the concerns of the authority has thrown his weight behind the need for swift measures to be taken to address pertinent safety and economic issues that may underpin some of these occurrences.

“As a precautionary step, and in accordance to section 31 (7) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the authority has imposed a suspension on your AOC with effect from 24th April, 2022 at 23:59 to allow for a thorough safety and economic audit.

“The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of your organisation, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by part 1.3.3.3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine th financial health of your airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations,” the letter from the NCAA DG read.

APRIL 27, 2024

BY Olasunkanmi Akinlotan 

The Federal Airport Authority has said it has diverted all flight operations from the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal 1 to the D wing of the airport over a fire incident.

FAAN also added that the engineers at the airport have disconnected power from the entire E wing of the airport to quench the ravaging fire which started around 5:29 am on Thursday.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, smoke which eventually turned into fire had erupted from the E54 bridge, a development PUNCH Online learnt caused tension at the airport.

FAAN together with the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services team were said to have restored calm in the area after some airport staff and travellers took to their heels.

The statement reads, “Smoke was detected billowing from the E54 Bridge, leading electrical engineers to immediately cut off power to the entire E Wing.

“The Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) team was quick to respond, arriving at the scene by 05:30 hrs. Initial suspicions point to sparks from an electrical unit as the cause, but a thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the fire.

“The incident, which had escalated into a fire, was brought under control by 06:41 hrs. Efforts to ventilate the smoke from the building are in progress. In the meantime, all flight operations in Terminal 1 of MMA have been diverted to the D Wing. More details will follow shortly.”

APRIL 27, 2024

(Bloomberg) -- American Airlines Group Inc. is cutting some international flights and reducing the frequency of others because beleaguered planemaker Boeing Co. won’t deliver as many widebody aircraft as planned this year. 

The carrier won’t end service to any of its 55 long-haul international destinations. The moves are a result of receiving just three Boeing 787 Dreamliners this year, down from plans for six, American said in a statement Friday. The airline also “continues to evaluate network adjustments” as a result of receiving 16 smaller 737 Max planes in 2024, down from an expected 20.

“We’re making these adjustments now to ensure we’re able to re-accommodate customers on affected flights,” American said.

The reductions will come in the second half of this year and early in 2025.

The moves highlight the widening negative effect for airlines from a crisis that has enveloped Boeing this year, triggering an investigation by federal aviation safety regulators and a cap on its production of aircraft. Southwest Airlines Co., a long-time Boeing customer with an all-737 fleet, said Thursday that it was slowing growth and offering voluntary leaves to workers to help address “significant challenges” from reduced deliveries.

Among the changes, American will end seasonal flights early between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Athens, along with Philadelphia to Venice, Italy. Flights between JFK and Rome and JFK and Buenos Aires will be reduced to once daily. 

The carrier will suspend JFK to Barcelona and Chicago to Paris on Sept. 3 and not resume either route until summer 2025. Dallas-Fort Worth to Dublin will end on Oct. 26 and restart next summer. 

American said the changes won’t affect plans to increase 2024 flying capacity in the single digits over 2023. 

Southwest earlier froze hiring and said it would end the year with 2,000 fewer employees than in 2023 as a result of operating a smaller number of planes. About 800 employees already have taken leaves of various length without pay to help reduce operating costs. With Boeing slowing output because of manufacturing-quality concerns, Southwest says the company has been “urgently” focused on finding more ways to lower costs and improve efficiencies.

CNBC earlier reported American’s flight reduction plans. 

APRIL 27, 2024

By Biodun Busari

The University of East Anglia, located in Norwich, UK, has announced scholarships worth £33,150 (N44.3 million) and transportation cost of £4000 (N5.3 million) to Nigerians seeking masters programmes.

According to the information on the school website, the funding opportunity is the David Sainsbury Scholarships in Global Plant Health, which is fully funded for students planning to travel to the UK for study.

The offer by the University of East Anglia is hugely available for Nigerians and other foreign students willing to do their masters programmes under scholarships, covering travel expenses.

The applications from its David Sainsbury Scholarships in Global Plant Health is for candidates wishing to undertake an MSc in Plant Health at the University of East Anglia in the 2024/2025 academic year. 

Among other benefits catered for in the scholarship at the University of East Anglia are tuition fee, living stipends and transportation allowance.  

The scholarship offers funding to the tune of £33,150 (N44.3 million) and transportation costs of £4000 (N5.3 million). 

Interested candidates must first apply and be accepted into the University of East Anglia beforebeing considered for the scholarships, the school website said.

The information on UEA website reads, “Provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you will automatically be considered for the scholarship, on a competitive basis – no separate application is required. 

“You will be evaluated for the scholarship based on the same criteria used to evaluate your application to enrol on the course. 

“The criteria are: academic achievement and academic awards together with knowledge/experience/potential of molecular biology, genetics, molecular interactions, data science such as bioinformatics and statistics, laboratory skills, and independent study.” 

Addressing interested Nigerian applicants, it says, “All self-funded Nigerian students applying to a Master’s course at UEA starting in September 2024 will automatically be awarded the UEA Nigeria Award scholarship. 

“The scholarship is worth £4,000 – if you meet UEA entry requirements, £5,000 – if your final undergraduate grade is a CGPA 4.1 and above. Amounts will be deducted from your tuition fees, in line with terms and conditions.”

The applications for the scholarship are currently open and expected to close on May 31, 2024. 

The University of East Anglia (UEA) was founded in 1963 and is located in Norwich, a historic city in the east of England.