Aviation

SAHCO, NAHCO, Customs dispute 100% Cargo Handling increment

Published

1 year ago

May 2, 2023

There seems to be a dispute between the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, over the commencement of a 100 per cent increment of cargo handling in the country.

This came as they staged a ‘no work action’ at the airport’s cargo section. ANLCA had condemned the increment, describing it as insensitive and an attempt to add to the sufferings of the masses.

But SAHCO and NAHCO jointly stated that they will no longer be liable for any loss and demurrage from the no-work action staged by ANLCA members.

It will be recalled that they started a no-work action which started last Friday. It was gathered that the increment showed that general cargo /bank consignment charges per kilogram rose from N63. 30 to N130. 6, the demurrage charge per kilogram also went up from N13 to N26 while re-registration was pegged at N15,000 from N4,420 among others.

However, the Vice Chairman of ANLCA MMIA, Davies Chukwunenye, who spoke on behalf of all agents across the country stated that in February 2023, the ground handlers sent a circular to the executive of ANLCA introducing an upward review of 300 per cent on their handling and other charges.

“Due to the intervention of our executives, there was a downward review to 100 per cent which was against trade disputes all over the world.

“The previous increase has sent many agents out of business as they could not cope. This will further add to the plights of agents.

“ANLCA members bear the brunt of customers’ damaged cargoes, especially those affected by water as a result of waterlogged cargo shed of NAHCO,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a letter obtained from the two ground handlers to the agents they declared that the final rates adjustment was effected in line with aviation standards as all relevant stakeholders recognised by law including government agencies and the regulator were duly consulted.

The letter read, “We have also complied with the relevant provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s four main principles on increase in charges for Airport and Air Navigation Service providers as contained in ICAO Doc 9082, which are, cost recovery, transparency, consultation with users and non-discrimination.

“It is on record that the Ground Handlers have held several meetings with all critical stakeholders and various associations of Freight Forwarders and Brokers in the industry.

“During the engagements and numerous conversations held with the stakeholders, it was collectively agreed that there is a need to ensure compensation for services rendered as a way of cost recovery for operations and such must enhance the safety, efficiency, and security of our collective operations and the airport environment.

“Consequently, it was suggested that the Ground Handlers should amongst other things come up with competitive rates that to a large extent match up with the integral cost of operations and that are commensurate with what obtains in other West African countries. This was intensively considered by all parties.

“The companies agreed that there were meetings held between them and agents on a shift in the commencement dates of implementing the said agreement which they acceded to despite the huge cost involved in having to adjust and readjust operating systems which occurred over three or four times.

“We consciously aligned in the spirit of progressive partnership, engagements, consultations, and collaborations.

“On the 17th of April 2023, we had a meeting with all the relevant stakeholders, consequent upon which an agreement was jointly executed on the 19th of April 2023 where it was collectively agreed that the ultimate effective date for the implementation of the 100 per cent increase is Monday 24th of April 2023.

“We were therefore shocked and taken aback that having achieved the above millage based on thorough justifications regarding the current economic realities, your members still went ahead, staging a protest for a matter that has already been concluded/resolved.”

Aviation

Association urges FG to settle defunct Nigeria Airways pilots

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2024

NewsDirect

The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has re-echoed the call on the federal government to settle the outstanding severance benefits of erstwhile workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways.

The First Vice President of the association, Mr Emmanuel Jaja, said this in commemoration of the 2024 International Workers’ Day on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said that the workers put in the greater part of their life in the service of the airline, which was liquidated during the regime of former president OlusegunObasanjo.

Jaja regretted that over 100 former workers of the former national carrier had died since the last verification and part payment exercise carried out in 2019.

“Again, we wish to lament the death of five former Staff of the Nigerian Airways Staff who lost their lives in the last one week, including the pilot whose plane was hijacked in 1993, Captain MakpoOmodiagbe, without them receiving their full benefits from the federal government after the liquidation of the airline.

“The government must endeavour to pay the remaining living staff so that they can enjoy the labour of their lives before they are called home by their creator,” he said.

Jaja also decried the recent increase in electricity tariff in the country amidst the epileptic power supply, calling for a return to the status quo.

The ATSSSAN leader lamented the hardship in the country following the fuel supply challenges, stating that the labour body was studying the situation.

He also spoke on the issue of companies in the aviation industry that had refused to allow their staff to join trade unions.

Jaja said labour would soon make the industry uncomfortable for such companies and airlines.

“Government must also urgently address the issue of minimum wage for workers in order not to incur the wrath of the Nigerian workers,” he said.

Jaja said that ATSSSAN, in collaboration with the National Union of Air Transport Employees and other unions, would henceforth, not tolerate airlines and companies refusing to allow their workforce to be unionised.

Aviation

Aviation sector to benefit from RIDF

Published

1 month ago

March 29, 2024

NewsDirect

Aviation is set to be part of key economic drivers that will benefit from President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).

In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the fund targets strategic sectors like agriculture, transportation, ports, energy, healthcare, and education along with aviation.

The initiative plans to inject funds into vital national projects to foster growth, bolster local value addition, generate jobs, and spur innovation.

Efficient use of low-interest loans and financing options will secure advantageous arrangements for project financing and operation.

The focus on aviation enhancement involves modernising major airports nationwide with targeted investments and infrastructure upgrades.

The statement reads, “On aviation enhancement, the focus is on the revitalization and modernization of major airports nationwide. Through targeted investments and infrastructure upgrades, major airports will undergo comprehensive refurbishment, including improvement in terminal facilities, runway expansions, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency.”

For agricultural infrastructure, the focus includes developing robust networks like storage facilities and irrigation systems.

In port revitalisation, the goal is to modernise facilities and attract investments to enhance Nigeria’s regional trade hub status.

“By modernizing port facilities and implementing advanced monitoring systems, the goal is to optimize efficiency, attract investments, and bolster Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub,” the statement read.

Key road projects like Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road aim to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth.

Rail projects like Lagos-Kano and Eastern lines will modernise transportation networks for speed and reliability.

President Tinubu’s approval of the RHIDF absorbs the PIDF, expediting project delivery for Nigerians’ benefit.

Projects funded under the RHIDF will have a national spread, reflecting the commitment to equitable development.

Aviation

ICAO Aviation security audit team debriefs Nigeria, indicates strong outing

Published

1 month ago

March 29, 2024

NewsDirect

The Team Lead of ICAO Security Audit Programme, Callum Vine, announced Nigeria’s strong performance during a debrief after its Audit.

Nigeria recently concluded the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Security Audit Programme the continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA) according to a statement emanating from Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Obiageli Orah.

The USAP-CMA aims to improve aviation security compliance by analysing Member States’ performance and implementation of security standards. It focuses on Annex 17: Security Standards and Annex 9: facilitation compliance, along with associated procedures and security practices.

The event held at NCAA Headquarters saw Vine praise Nigeria’s robust policies and agencies, acknowledging their speed in addressing identified deficiencies without complaints.

He mentioned that the full audit report would be available within 60 days, followed by a 30-day period for comments.

FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, affirmed using the audit results as a roadmap for continuous improvement.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate closely, share best practices, and uphold the highest security standards in the industry.

The debrief was attended by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, representing the Minister, and Captain Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of NCAA.