Aviation
Nigeria Air: EFCC summons ex-Aviation minister Sirika
Following the stream of controversies that had trailed the launch of proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned ex Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to appear before it within the week.
The anti-graft agency had also questioned officials of the Nigerian Air over the recent launch of the airline in Abuja.
It has been learnt that the commission will probe the N3 billion the ex minister said was spent on the project as well as look at the alleged N85 billion put forward by stakeholders.
Sirika had in a television interview stated categorically that the project since 2016 had got an approval of N5 billion of which around N3billion had been spent.
“Between 2016 to 2023, all the money that was approved was five billion naira and only three billion naira was released and not all has been spent. The money spent so far was spent on transaction advisory, salaries, office in Abuja, consultancy and Air Operating Certificate (AOC) processes,” he said.
However, a compilation of budgetary allocations alleging that N85 billion was spent on the national carrier in eight years came to light from 2016 – N605 million (Transaction advisers and others), 2017 – N755 million (Transaction advisers and others),2018 – N90 million (Transaction advisers and others), 2019 – N47 billion (Working capital for Nigeria Air); 2020 – N4.8 billion (Working capital) , 2021 – N1 billion (appropriation bill) , 2022 – N29.87 billion ( Working capital), 2023: – N1.3 billion (Appropriation bill) garnering a total of N85.42 billion.
Also questions are expected to be asked with regards the launch of Nigeria Air using a chartered Ethiopian airlines aircraft as confirmed by the Minister painted in Nigeria Air livery.
Especially, who the financiers of the charter flight, livery change are and if truly there were paid passengers on the aircraft when it was leaving since it arrived in Nigeria with the ET call sign.
…Says Tinubu’s travelling in chartered aircraft, a national embarrassment
An aviation expert, Dr Godwin Emmanuel, has expressed grave concerns over recent developments that caused President Bola Tinubu to travel abroad on chartered flights.
Emmanuel, who said that the public shame that befell Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, as its President flew abroad for engagements in chartered flights was unquantifiable, urged the Presidency to prepare a supplementary budget providing new aircraft for the president and Vice President Kashim Shettima, and pass it to the National Assembly for legislative approval without delay.
Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, Emmanuel said President Tinubu’s trip on chartered flights had reduced his personality, image, and security, as Nigerians could not guarantee the safety of the hired aircraft.
He said, “Nigeria must not toy with the safety of the president.
“It is on record that most of the planes in the Presidential Air Fleet are already old, and some of them are in deplorable condition.
“The 23-year-old Gulfstream GV is said to be due for major engine overhaul, while Falcon 7x, which is 13 years old, is undergoing C check, as two of the three engines are in the engine shop for an overhaul.
“Nigerians must also note that the 19-year-old B 737 is also undergoing major maintenance.
“It is a national shame and disgrace that the Presidency has no functional aircraft.
“It’s on record that the president cannot use the aircraft in the fleet for his regular foreign trips to woo investors, build goodwill, and communicate with the external world in Nigeria’s interest.
“Of late, the vice president, who was going to the United States of America, had to shelve the trip because his plane developed technical faults.
“The President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, suffered a similar fate. This is a terrible development.
“God forbid that bad things should happen to the president, vice president, or their spouses.
“The president and vice president represent the image, integrity, and symbol of the Nigerian government, and we should save ourselves from this shame by ensuring that they have functional aircraft.”
Emmanuel, who added that no one should toy with the safety and security of the president as it would de-robe and detract from Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations, said that the president should be able to travel when the need arises, in order to build bridges and guarantee Nigeria’s development and well-being.
By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
Barely over five years after Overland Airline suspended its flight to Dutse international Airport of Jigawa state, the Airline now has resumed its operation after signing the memorandum of understanding with the State Government.
Speaking to newsmen one of the board members of Jigawa State Invest Commission, Barrister M Tahir said, they deem it necessary to engage with Airlines to resume services in the state to ease travelling and related challenges faced by local and foreign investors who have an interest in the state.
“Airlines service is the major key for modern business, so we have to make sure the availability of such services in Jigawa state improves our enabling environment for investors.
“Jigawa is one of the must Investors Friendly States in Nigeria, and to sustain such a position we must keep on addressing the remaining gaps and improve our strength and comparative advantage for better chance to have more investors in the state,” Barrister Tahir said.
According to him, “Jigawa State Invest is a body saddled with responsibilities of promoting investment in the state by encouraging the local and foreign investors to come to the state and provide, formulate incentive, policies, and programs that can attract them.”
Barrister Tahir added that Dutse International Airport has potentiality that can guarantee customers to Airlines due to its strategic location and peaceful atmosphere of the state.
He noted that, based on the MOU the Airline will fly in Dutse international Airport three times in a week, that is Monday Wednesday and Saturday
By Seun Ibiyemi
Ethiopian Aviation University has graduated close to 800 aviation professionals including international trainees from eight African countries and one from Asia.
The graduation ceremony which took place at the university’s facility, last week 2024 was graced by Ambassadors and Officials from African countries including Ethiopian Airlines Group executives, families and friends of the graduates.
The graduates were trainees in Ethiopian Aviation University’s Pilot, Aviation Maintenance, Cabin Crew, and Commercial Training programs.
Congratulating the aviation professionals, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, said, “We are delighted to witness the fruits of our effort in realising a self-sufficient Africa, in terms of aviation professionals supporting the industry within the continent.
“We believe in the potential of Africa’s youths to shape the continent’s aviation and continue to educate them at our centre of excellence.
“Training globally competitive professionals, today, we graduate 308 aviation maintenance, 142 pilots, 297 cabin crew, 25 electro-mechanical professionals, and 15 ticket agents. I urge Africans to invest in training their youth for the future of aviation at Ethiopian Aviation University.”
Since its establishment in 1956, Ethiopian Aviation Academy, upgraded to a university level recently, has been offering various aviation courses to local and international trainees.
The university currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in aerospace and hospitality including BSc in Aeronautical Engineering, Aviation Maintenance Engineering, Aviation Management & Operations, BA in Tourism & Hospitality Management, MSc in Data Science, and MBA in Aviation Management.
Ethiopian Aviation University continues to offer diploma and certificate programs in aircraft maintenance technician, pilot training, cabin crew, commercial training, leadership, career development, catering training, ICAO courses, and online courses. In addition to its facility at Addis Ababa, Ethiopian offers aviation training in regional cities, including Hawassa, Dire-Dawa, Bahir-Dar, and Mekelle.
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