NIGERIA MASTERWEB DAILY NEWS

*Nigerian Air Force Men Invade Skypower Catering & Hotel

-*Forcefully take Possession

-*Lock out the General Manager and Workers

-*Million Naira Catering Materials and products destroyed

By Lateef Lawal

Skypower Catering and Hotels Limited in the early hours of Saturday, June 12, lost over a million naira when men of the Nigeria Air Force invaded its premises at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos and forcefully occupied it. One of the domestic airline-Chanchangi, was also caught up with the illegal takeover of the premises as it could not have access to its hydraulic equipments kept in the compound for safe keeping. It's early morning flights were delayed as a result of this.

Skypower workers, who were preparing food for supply to their airline clients were sent out of the premises, while all other staff-both junior and senior including the General Manager, were locked out.

According to eye witness accounts, the military men who were armed, invaded the company in a Gestapo-style demanding everybody evacuated as they were asked to take possession of the premises because "it is the property of the Air Force." ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria.

Everybody that saw what happened was surprised by the claim of men of Nigeria Air Force. This is because Skypower Catering is a Federal Government owned outfit supervised by the Ministry of Aviation. In addition it is the last of the subsidiaries of the defunct national carrier-Nigeria Airways which is yet to be sold or privatized by the government.

The Minister of Aviation had been contacted through the Permanent Secretary in the ministry. The Air Force men who had removed the company’s signpost and replaced them with theirs were still occupying the premises as at the time of this report.

Speaking on the incident, the Secretary General of the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria(ATSSSAN), Comrade Frank Aiyede condemned the action of the Air Force and called on the Federal Government through the Minister of Defence to call the rampaging military men to order. He argued that the establishment of the defunct Nigeria Airways in 1958 preceded the coming into being of Nigeria Air Force for it to be laying claims to the premises of Skypower Catering. ( Continues below..... )

Aiyede continued: "We never had it so tough. Things were carried out with decorum not to talk of now that we are in a democracy. The air force men must be called to order."

Also, Comrade Abdul-Razaq Saidu of the Civil Society Group of the Safe Aviation Committee, described the action of the military men as highly condemnable. "Was there any court pronouncement asking Skypower Catering to vacate the premises the Nigerian Airfoce is laying claims to? If there is none, then their action is illegal. They must subject themselves to the dictates of civility not take action that will embarrass the top echelon of the military and the Federal Government of Nigeria in the eyes of the civilized world. The Nigeria Air Force should not be seen as an Occupation Force," Saidu was quoted as saying in his remarks.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Air, Force, FAAN, Airlines, Skypower, Catering, Hotel, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*New Order Of Leadership As Nigeria Turns 50

By Princewill Ogbobula

The constitutional controversies that surrounded the presidency in the wake of Yar’Adua’s illness ended on 5th of May, 2010 with the passing on of our president. I do share our elder’s views that no matter how hard the loss, defeat might serve as victory to shape the soul and let the glory out.

The painful demise of President Umaru Musa Shehu Yar’dua has indeed ushered in a new order of leadership for our great country Nigeria as she turns 50. While it is still very difficult for us to accept this fact, we must accept it gracefully as it has finally ratified a new order of leadership and altered the power sharing formula of Northern and Western regions. A good development for the Niger delta. The Niger Delta region, in spite of the vast economic contributions to the nation, is yet to have political control and had been oppressed and seriously marginalized hitherto.

Today, the situation has become different with the exit of Yar’dua. We now have a president for the very first time in the history of Nigeria. For the sake of our continued unity of the people of Nigeria and the growth of our democracy, I urge every responsible Nigerian to offer support and prayers to this new administration. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan needs us as he pursues Electoral Reform, Niger Delta Development and Power sector reforms as stated in his inaugural speech to the nation. ( Continues below….. )

Nigerians need to discharge their responsibilities unconditionally to honour the new president and do everything possible to help in the fulfilment of the great call on him to serve our fatherland at this critical point of the nation’s history. No doubt, the remaining time of this present administration will not be enough to conclude these objectives, but it sure has opened new doors for political and social landmarks before the forthcoming 2011 elections.

I believe that what remains of the party rancours over the alleged internal zoning arrangement should now be a thing of the past for sustainable progress and peace of the nation. History has given us examples of how some past heroes of Niger Delta like the Adaka Boro’s and Ken Saro’s have fiercely fought for the emancipation of the region with their own challenges and how both the victor and the vanquished have accepted the result peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliation for one Nigeria.

So in that same spirit, let us give President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan the support he needs towards his commitment to serve again in the next dispensation. I know that some will be disappointed but this should be overcome by the love for one Nigeria, for the strength of our love can be established through the difficulties and challenges we collectively overcome. On my part, I urge the entire Orashi region as the “Prince of Orashi” to stand behind President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, come 2011 election. This is ‘Nija’ we need to fight to keep Nigeria first and above all sectional or group interests. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan

With so much faith in God and in Nigeria, Goddluck Ebele Jonathan has served from Deputy Governor to Governor with the support of PDP and the entire Nigerians. He served again as Vice President, now President and should be encouraged as he continues the first tenure of his late boss which is just a matter of months.

Now the campaign for the second tenure is on and I plead with all Nigerians to give him our support again so that the support of our heroes past will never be in vain. Let us grow above sectional and partisan wranglings that have impeded the growth of our country and give President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan all the support he needs to establishment the divine liberty rights of all Nigerian as stated in Lev. 25: 9-13.

Niger Delta people have given Nigeria and indeed the world so much with her human and mineral resources, so I believe that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s re-election as President and commander-in-chief of The Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2011 should be a way of paying back the rich Niger Delta Region.

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*Tags: Leadership, Nigerians, Turns, fifty, Yar'Adua, Africans, Goodluck, Jonathan, Political, Politics, Leadership, Masterweb

*The Truth About Fuel Subsidy In Nigeria

By Kali Gwegwe

I have in the past, and will continue to disagree with the minority elitist clan of bureaucrats calling for the removal of fuel subsidy. I do this just for one simple reason: Nigeria’s present socio-economic framework is too weak to carry the additional burden that will arise owing to any further hike in the pump price of petroleum products. The removal of fuel subsidy will for sure leave millions of hapless Nigerians at the mercy of international market forces. This is not only dangerous, but undemocratic.

Let it be understood that subsidy is an indirect way of putting money in the pockets of citizens. It should therefore not be seen as waste of money as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) would want us to believe. Furthermore, the removal of fuel subsidy is just one among the several means through which government conserve funds. Despite this fact, most developed countries still subsidise critical sectors of their national economy. For instance, agricultural subsidies alone accounts for more than 40% of the total budget of EU. This has not only helped the agro-allied sector to grow; it has equally promoted food security in the EU. The message here is that, subsidy is not as bad as is being painted.

Like in every other country on the face of the earth, activities in the petroleum sector are strongly tied to international market forces. Apart from the fact that Nigeria does not have influence over the pricing of crude oil in the international market, our local currency is too weak against the US Dollar. Those campaigning for the removal of fuel subsidy must also take into account the fact that Nigerian workers are not paid the Dollar equivalent of what their contemporaries earn in developed countries. ( Continues below….. )

This fact alone should rubbish the bases for anyone to assume that the income of the average Nigerian workers can withstand the effects of removal of fuel subsidy. The very wide disparity in the wages of Nigerian workers and their contemporaries in developed countries where fuel subsidy was removed should act as bumps along the economic road Sanusi Lamido and Olusegun Aganga are driving. President Goodluck Jonathan is also reminded that there are inherent dangers associated with leaving the fate of the down trodden masses at the mercy of international market forces, which Nigeria does not have any influence over. This is the major reason why fuel is still being subsidised all over the world.

The Economist reports that over half of the world’s population enjoy fuel subsidies. However, the level of subsidy varies from country to country. For instance, the official pump price of a litre of petrol in Nigeria is N65- about US45₵. However, petrol marketers sell a litre of petrol for as much N100 in the riverine areas of the Niger Delta region due to the dearth of major marketers. Venezuela is reputed to be the nation with the cheapest fuel. There, a litre of petrol goes for just 4₵. It is 79₵ in China, 15₵ in Saudi Arabia, 30₵ in Kuwait, 29₵ in Egypt, 16₵ in Libya, 24₵ in Qatar, and 13₵ in Iran. Compare this to the $2.77 in Britain, $2.62 in Germany, $2.69 in France, and $1.15 in the United States. The percentage of subsidy is mostly influenced by government’s evaluation of the country’s socio-economic framework.

While it is true that the subsidisation of petroleum products is costing the country huge sums of money annually, it must also be noted that democracy has a distinct fundamental character- good governance. Under normal circumstances, this character is not supposed to be killed on the alter of narrow and shallow economic theories, strongly influenced by lack of practical ideas by fiscal policy formulators and economic advisers.

In every democratic society, leadership is mostly about offering selfless service. On the other hand, politics is a democratic exercise aimed at securing the mandate of the electorates in order to offer quality leadership for the good of man and society. There is no doubt that sound political leadership is the hallmark of every healthy constitutional democracy. Fortunately, Nigeria is gradually adjusting to the culture of good governance. Eleven years of uninterrupted democratic governance is indeed a huge achievement. The important need to sustain this political culture cannot be overemphasised. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

It is sad to note that for more than one year now, there has been an orchestrated pressure on the federal government to withdraw fuel subsidy. This pressure has been mostly from the leadership of the FMF, CBN, and membership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. It is necessary to note that by virtue of their remuneration and accompanying entitlements, this category of government officials can afford to buy petrol even at N500 per litre. They are definitely not representing the interest of the over 60m unemployed Nigerians. Even among the employed citizens, how many can rely on their salaries for feeding, transportation, rent, medical, and academic needs of their families? In calling for the removal of fuel subsidy, the two ministers in the federal Ministry of Finance, Governor of the CBN, and membership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum failed to look at the nation’s socio-economic framework critically. Quite frankly, an average Nigerian family (father, mother, and three children) would need about N5,000 daily in order to escape poverty and withstand the negative effects of increase in prices of petroleum products. Of this amount, feeding alone will gulp N3,000: N200 x 3 meals x 5 persons. Transport will take another N1,000: N200 x 5 persons. Another N1,000 would equally be needed to cover rent, medical, academic, and miscellaneous expenses.

Unfortunately, a large chunk of the nation’s workforce is earning in a whole month, what they would need for just a day. It is in this very sad situation that highly informed persons in government are calling for the removal of fuel subsidy, which will no doubt drive up the price of transportation, rent, essential commodities, and services. I am of the opinion that the inability of fiscal policy formulators and the several teams of economic advisers to find appropriate solutions to the nation’s poor socio-economic infrastructure are forcing them to look for shortcuts. The removal of fuel subsidy is by all indications a dangerous short cut to our economic recovery. Rather than rely on the immediate gains from subsidy removal, the nation’s fiscal policy formulators and economic advisers should encourage government to diverse the economy by opening up the non-oil sector.

Through this way, the already battered Nigerian masses would not be forced to carry the burden of a few corrupt officials and inefficient team of economic advisers and fiscal policy formulators. There are abundant potentials in the agro-allied sector alone. In case Aganga, Sanusi, and Babalola need help, I would offer it free of charge for the sake of our dear nation. Government can raise huge sums by rejigging the nation’s anti- corruption protocols. Corruption is costing Nigeria more money than fuel subsidy. They should also advise government to embark on a thorough review of all contracts and audit the activities of the NNPC. It is very clear that most contracts have been inflated to oil the wheels of corruption. The fact that the activities of the NNPC have been shrouded in secrecy for decades is an indication that Nigeria was being milked dry by a few dishonest people in the system.

Worse still, it is a huge shame that government officials have had to resort to blackmail and propaganda in order to stampede government into withdrawing fuel subsidy. From a safe distance, the anti-subsidy apostles appear as though they love Nigeria so much. Far from it! They are only trying to cover up their abysmal lack of credible ideas. Why must anyone deceive the Nigerian public just to score a point? Only recently, the Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Mr. Abiodun Ibikunle told the world that the 2009 payments for fuel subsidy was N450b and not N1trillion as alleged by the CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. This is ridiculous and calls for an immediate investigation. It could be that some persons are short-changing the country. Ordinarily, the operation of Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) is so detailed that corruption cannot find root except more than three key players are involved. The agencies involved in the activities of the PSF are Nigeria Customs Services, Nigeria Port Authority, Department of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant General, marketers, security bodies, external auditors, and inspection agents.

Kali Gwegwe writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and can be reached at kali.gwegwe@nigerianfootballpost.com ( 0806 407 4810 )

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*Tags: Fuel, Subsidy, Nigerians, Yar'Adua, Africans, Goodluck, Jonathan, Political, Politics, Leadership, Masterweb

*Virgin Nigeria Metamorphosed Into Air Nigeria

By Lateef Lawal

The much awaited name change promised by the Chairman of Virgin Nigeria, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim soon after he took possession of the airline five weeks ago has finally come into being. At a not-too-crowded press briefing in Lagos last week Ibrahim declared: "Virgin Nigeria Airways has finally changed her name to Air Nigeria Development Limited, and the airline is now to be known as Air Nigeria."

The name change, according to him was effected sequel to the airline’s Board resolution on May 14, 2010 following the approval by the Corporate Affairs Commission which registered and issued it with Certificate Number RC 501975. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: A Virgin Nigeria Plane

The Chairman explained that the name change became necessary so as to make the airline fully indigenous, adding that, "everything about the airline will reflect Nigerian culture with integrity, showcasing that we as a nation can do it."

Ibrahim promised that the first branded aircraft in the new name and logo would arrive Lagos before the end of next week from France, while the remaining aircraft would follow in quick succession so as to conclude in record time the rebranding. He said the airline would have a minimum of ten aircraft in its fleet by October 1, 2010. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria.

He also assured staffers of the airline of beneficial working environmental with take home pay, adding that: "As we increase the number of aircraft in our fleet, job security will be guaranteed as more people will be required to run the airline while we build customers' confidence through established commitment to service delivery."

The Chairman admonished the management of the airline to always embrace the high-road to financial success as against low-road balance sheet, which always leads to negative short end.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Air, Virgin, Nigerians, FAAN, Airlines, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Nwachukwu Replaces Dele-Cole As NAHCO Aviance's Chair

By Lateef Lawal

The board of directors of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has announced the resignation of Patrick Dele-Cole as chairman and director of the company with effect from May 27, 2010. The board also announced the appointment of Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu as chairman of the company with effect from May 27.

Prior to the 29th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company held in Ibadan on Thursday, May 27, 2010, Dele-Cole had at the pre-AGM board meeting announced his resignation as the chairman of the company. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Ike Nwachukwu shaking hands with Late President Yar'Adua

The company’s head of corporate communications and business development, Demola Akingbola, said the board of directors thanked Dele-Cole for leading the company to significant growth and successfully managing its transition from a government institution to a publicly quoted company. The board appreciated him for his significant contributions to the success of the company and wished him well in his future endeavours, Akingbola said. According to Akingbola, Nwachukwu will be responsible for leading the company through the next stage of its growth and transformation.

The board noted that it has enjoyed the benefits of the wisdom and insightful contributions of both Dele-Cole and Nwachukwu. The resignation of Dele-Cole and the appointment of Nwachukwu is a reflection of the internal democracy and corporate governance which the company advocates and cherishes. ( Continues below..... )

Nwachukwu is an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies. He holds an honorary Doctor of Law (LL.D) (Honoris Causa) degree of Abia State University. He is a graduate of the Institute of Humanitarian Law, San Remo Italy.

Some of the institutions he attended in the course of his military training are the Royal Canadian School of Infantry of the Royal Canadian Military Academy; the Royal School of Infantry, Warminster; United Nations Peace Academy.

Ike Nwachukwu has authored several publications on military strategic studies, social engineering, and diplomacy. He has a long list of national and international honours including: Commander, Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR), Knight, Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG) given by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. He joined the Board of nahco aviance on 9th May 2008.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Ike, Nwachukwu, Dele,Cole, Nahco, Aviance, Chairman, Airlines, Aviation, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*PRESS RELEASE: Vote John W. Walker For Change

Vote on Tuesday, June 8 for change; vote John W. Walker for Arkansas House of Representatives District 34

- John W. Walker, a man of the people

John W. Walker, premier civil rights attorney in Arkansas will:

-Change the status quo!

-Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves!

-Stand for those who cannot stand for themselves!

-Make laws for the good of all Arkansans!

John W. Walker

In the state house of representatives, he will be the people’s voice.

For Fairness, Justice and the future, our choice is John W. Walker

It is time for John W. Walker to be our lawmaker!

Attorney John W. Walker, Snr. received support of Dr. Terrence Roberts (Little Rock Nine who integrated the Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957)

By Dr. Chima Uko Igwe -for Friends of John W. Walker.

Email: chimaigwe@sbcglobal.net

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*Tags: Arkansas, House, Representatives, John, Walker, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: 'Police Fire' Abort Abia Amnesty Program

By Masterweb News Desk

The 21-day amnesty announced by Abia State Government for kidnappers, was reportedly aborted yesterday by police fire. According to our source, police around noon invaded Abala arms collection center, one of the designated points for arms surrender by kidnappers to officers of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). A repentant kidnapper was killed in a shoot-out with the police, with other kidnappers taking back their surrendered weapons, taking NSCDC officers hostage as they fled into the bush. The officers were accused of betrayal and beaten-up, some severely. It took the intervention of the traditional ruler of Abala for them to regain their freedom. Those of them that sustained injuries are being treated in the hospital.

The motive for the police invasion was unclear but some see it as geared towards sabotage of the amnesty program. Their reason being that most of the surrendered guns had Nigeria Police colour which may have drawn the action by the police to disrupting the exercise. If the guns were acquired from the police, disruption of the exercise would make it difficult incriminating the police. Abia commissioner of police is still to confirm whether surrendered guns in Nigeria Police colour belong to the police or were criminally painted by the kidnappers. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Nigerian Policemen

Some have accused some members of Nigeria Police Force and some politicians as barriers to the amnesty exercise. According to reports, kidnappers were scared away by some men of the Nigeria Police who mounted stop-and-search road blocks at some roads leading to the arm collection centers, while some politicians poisoned the minds of the kidnappers for their selfish interest.

Abala, a community in Obigwe LGA was a new arms collection center carved out from Ukpakiri center as a result of kidnappers' fear of going to Ukpakiri. As at 5.00 pm Thursday, June 3, the amnesty program had yielded positive results; Ukpakiri had 20 assorted weapons turned-in, Abala recorded 10, Mbutu 6 and Asa High School 10. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Map of Abia State, Nigeria Click Adjourning Link For Enlarged Photo:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/Etc/AbiaMapLarge.jpg

The Abala incident immediately spilled over to Ukpakiri with kidnappers calling-off the exercise, fleeing into the bush and accusing Abia government of insincerity. Activities are also paralyzed in the other collection centers. NSCDC is deliberating with Abia government on the conclusion of the exercise which was to end this morning.

Chief Umeh Kalu, Chairman of the Amnesty Central Working Committee and Commissioner for Justice, described the incident as sabotage of government efforts in ending kidnapping in the state. He said some highly placed people were behind the plot.

Masterweb will keep you updated as news become available.

*CLICK LINK BELOW TO READ OUR ARTICLE OF 3/6/10 TITLED "Abia Kidnappers Lay Down Arms "

http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/06/03/abia_kidnappers_lay_down_arms

*To forward this article to friends and associates, here is the link to send to them:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/06/07/police_fire_abort_abia_amnesty_program

*Tags: Nigerians, Abia, Kidnappers, Police, Amnesty, Programme, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigerian Airlines To Partake In N500b CBN Credit

By Lateef Lawal

Nigerian troubled airline industry is to partake in the N500 billion($3.3b) fund meant to stimulate credit to the power and manufacturing sectors of the nation's economy. The development is at the instance of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN)which felt that the airlines should not be allowed to go under, in view of their contributions to the growth of the nation's economy. This was confirmed in an interview with Reuters by the spokesman of the apex bank, Mohammed Abdullahi at the weekend.

Airlines in sub-Sahara Africa's second biggest economy have gone through rapid expansion in recent years and are heavily indebted not only to the country's banks, but also to service providers such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), ground handling companies and other allied service providers. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: A landing Arik Plane

"These airlines can now partake from the fund and those that are indebted to banks can refinance their loans and amortise them over a period of 10-15 years.This we believe will help put off a feared financial crisis in the aviation industry", the Central Bank spokesman said.

Nigeria's airline industry has become highly competitive in recent years, particularly on domestic routes, with new carriers such as Arik Air and Dana Air springing up to compete with older firms such as Aero Contractors and IRS Airlines.

British billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic [VA.UL] has said it is looking to sell its 49 percent stake in Virgin Nigeria, which recently changed its name to Nigerian Eagle Airlines and said last year it needed fresh capital.

The airline last year suspended its loss-making long haul flights to Britain and South Africa to focus on domestic and regional operations, under pressure from one of its main financial backers, Nigeria's United Bank for Africa ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: An Aerocontractors Plane

Analysts have warned some Nigerian airlines are in such financial dire straits that they could end up being forced to merge or face collapse. Reacting to this, the Assistant General Secretary of Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON), Alhaji Mohammed Tukur described it as a welcome development and a big relief for airlines in the country that have been struggling to survive under unfriendly economic environment.

He commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan for acceding to the request of airline operators in getting bail out in form of the credit line extended to them with conducive moratorium. He also implore his members to positively take advantage of the credit line to improve on their operation and move away from the 'Death Zone' to that of lively and improved operations, adding that: "we should not abuse this good gesture".

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Airlines, Aviation, Cbn, Credit, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigeria: Abia Kidnappers Lay Down Arms

By Masterweb News Desk

Abia State kidnappers last week agreed to lay down their arms to the Abia State Government through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command. The kidnappers refused handing over their arms to police nor the army, but rather to NSCDC. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Map of Abia State, Nigeria Click Adjourning Link For Enlarged Photo:- http://nigeriamasterweb.com/Etc/AbiaMapLarge.jpg

The Amnesty program is sponsored by Abia State Government. The three Arms collection centers are: Ukpakiri in Ugwunagbo LGA, Mbutu in Isialangwa South LGA, Asa High School in Ukwa West LGA all in Abia State.

Reports filtering into Masterweb News Desk claim the sighting of officers of NSCDC over the weekend in bushes around kidnappers' camps for the weapons collection exercise.

Masterweb will keep you updated as news become available.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Abia, State, Kidnappers, Lay, Down, Arms, Crime, Africa, Masterweb

*Nigerian Airlines Owe NAMA N4b

-*Total Completion of TRACON Slated for June 2010

-*All Satcom Sites Upgaded

-*Next Phase-Total VHF Coverage

By Lateef Lawal

Nigerian registered airlines are owing the country’s air navigation service provider-Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA), not less than N4 billion as at February this year. This was brought to light at the weekend during an interactive session with aviation journalists by the Managing Director of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Auyo who laid bare the problems, prospects and the successes so far achieved by his management since it came on stream in February, 2009.

The response of domestic airlines in the prompt payment of their bills was having negative impact on the revenue base of NAMA and its onerous safety critical mandatory obligation to the industry, especially in the areas of constant maintenance of facilities and provision of electricity to energize landing aids spread across the country. Auyo said for example between January and September 2009 alone, the agency spent over N170 million for the purchase of petroleum products, especially diesel to power the landing facilities. ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Port Harcourt International Airport, Nigeria

He pointed out that some people used to hide under the claim that since the Federal Government provided for some of our major facilities such as the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria(TRACON) project domestic airlines should not pay navigational charges, ’Yes, government paid for the TRACON project, they should know that we have the sole responsibility to ensure constant maintenance, procure spare parts from the revenue we generate, pay staff that are in charge of these facilities from our internally generated revenue which government does not pay for. We are a service provider agency and so airlines must pay for services they enjoy’.

Alhaji Auyo wondered why domestic airlines have not been cooperating in this regard before the recent intervention of the Minister of Aviation, Mrs Fidelia Njeze who in her wisdom appealed to airline operators to go and reconcile their accounts with the Agency with a view to settling their outstanding bills while other industry issues were referred to the committee she set up. Foreign airlines, he noted have been very cooperative in this regard, adding that if not for the constant payments of bills by them, NAMA would have been in a dire strait in the provision of air navigation service and the country’s image would have been dented.

On the TRACON project which began in 2004 and inherited by his management without being completed five years after, Auyo said he was happy to inform the public that the 63million Euros project funded by the government was in the final lap of total completion. The TRACON project, he explained is embedded with automatic billing system which would assist in the tracking of airlines that make use of its services as against the manual billing. He pointedly noted that the Lagos and Abuja phases of the project have been fully deployed into operation while the Port Harcourt and Kano sites have also been completed and being test run in readiness for calibration. ( Continues below..... )

Hopefully, he assured that by the end of June 2010, all the sites including the 9 other stand alone sub-sites would have been fully integrated and deployed for seamless air navigation. To ensure continuous maintenance of the total radar coverage of the country’s airspace by the equipment installed, the Managing Director noted that NAMA has entered into a 5-year maintenance agreement with the contractor-Thales ATM of France which included the training of staff of the Agency in maintenance, handling and operation of the equipment.

In addition to this, Auyo said in order to ensure that the Agency has adequate skilled manpower to be in charge of all its safety critical facilities in the Engineering and Air Traffic Control aspects of its operations, the World Bank is currently funding the training of its Controllers in several aspects traffic control including Area Radar Control. On the cost of calibration of its facilities by the Dakar based aeronautical company-ASECNA, he disclose that NAMA used to spend N60million every six months to calibrate facilities but with the return of the calibration aircraft of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) six years after it was sent to South Africa for maintenance, the Agency was looking into partnering with NCAA for this aspect of its operations so as to save costs.

The next phase of its program, he disclosed was in the area of Communication which was aimed at the total radio coverage of the country with the provision of the Very High Frequency(VHF) radio coverage. The contract for the equipment, he said had been awarded last year and that the equipment have been manufactured and factory tested and awaiting shipment to Nigeria. The VHF equipment would be in the country by October 2010 for installations across the country.

Presently, Alhaji Auyo said the Agency has been able to upgrade all its Satellite Communications(Satcomm) equipment in both Kano and Lagos sectors while the World Geodetic Survey(WGS84) for the country which report was submitted early in the year would fully be deployed in 2011 to further boost air safety and assist pilots in connecting to satellite for navigation and terrain services.

Lateef Lawal (NigerianAviationNews)

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*Tags: Nigerians, Airlines, Aviation, Owe, Nama, Abuja, Lagos, Africa, Masterweb