The Federal Government says it will fully utilise potentials of the satellite technology by harnessing its benefits to advance national development.

Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Technology, stated this at the inauguration of the 28^th Meeting of the AFI Satellite Network Management Committee (SNMC), on Monday in Abuja.

According to Keyamo, satellite technology offers myriad of solutions to address complex needs of the nation’s aviation sector from enhancing air traffic management systems to improving weather forecasting capabilities.

“By leveraging these capabilities; we can enhance safety, increase efficiency, and unlock new avenues for growth and prosperity. I stand before you with a deep appreciation for the transformative power of satellite technology.

“In a world that is increasingly interconnected, satellite networks serve as the backbone of modern aviation, enabling safer, more efficient and more sustainable air travel.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has set for itself priority areas for the transformation of the nation. These priority areas are focused on improved livelihood, economic outcomes, harnessing human resources and fairer and safer playing field,” Keyamo said.

He said that aviation has been identified as an enabler of growth, considering its role as a catalyst for economic growth and security of the nation as regards its benefits.

The ministry, he said, launched an ambitious agenda to develop the aviation and aerospace sector in the country.

According to him, the ministry aims to create a safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation system that supports economic growth, job creation and national security.

“Our strategy includes – modernising our airports and air navigation infrastructure; developing a robust aviation safety and security framework, encouraging private sector investment in the sector, building a skilled workforce and promoting research and development.

“In order to achieve our goal, we have recognised the pivotal role satellite technology is to play. The ongoing AIS Automation project, that is to provide AMHS to our ATM system, relies on the VSAT network.

“Nigeria is also upgrading its multiplexers to NETPERFORMER in accordance with Conclusion 27/04 of the 27^th SNMC meeting held in Accra in 2019″.

The minister said the effort was part of various projects aimed at improving safety and efficiency of aviation in the country that were highly dependent on satellite technologies.

According to him, the committee’s role is vital in promoting the development and use of satellite technology in the aviation sector to ensure safe and efficient management of satellite networks in the region.

“I urge you all to continue working together to harness the full potential of AFISNET. Let us collaborate by coming up with network concepts and topologies that will assist in achieving relevant ATM operational requirements;

“Also ensuring the continuous operation of AFISNET to meet the AFI and global CNS/ATM plans; addressing the challenges of spectrum management and interference; promoting international cooperation and knowledge sharing.

“Also by deciding on the type and level of service to be provided by the network,” he said.

Keyamo said commitment to harnessing the power of satellite networks was for convenience and a strategic imperative that underpinned collective aspirations for economic growth, social development, and global competitiveness.

He urged members of the committee to forge a cohesive and resilient satellite network ecosystem that would empower the aviation industry to soar to new heights.

This, he said, required effort to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, leverage emerging technologies to prioritise investment in infrastructure and capacity building.

“Moreover, we are steadfast in our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The aviation sector has a responsibility to minimise its carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of its operations on our planet.

“Satellite technology presents us with opportunities to optimise flight paths, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions, thereby advancing our goals for a greener and more sustainable future,” he said.

Keyamo said the decisions, conclusions and recommendations of the meeting would form part of the agenda of creating a safe, efficient and sustainable aviation system that supported economic growth, job creation and national security.

Also speaking, Mr Farouk Umar,  Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), said the committee had consistently prioritised development and implementation of cutting-edge aeronautical satellite communication technologies, enhanced inter-regional integration and interoperability.

According to him, the proactive efforts of the SNMC have directly contributed to the seamless transfer of air traffic within the AFI (Africa-Indian Ocean) Flight Information Regions (FIRs).

“By leveraging modern satellite communication solutions, the SNMC has played a pivotal role in optimising air navigation procedures and enhancing overall safety standards.

“Furthermore, the SNMC’s initiatives have fostered a collaborative environment that promotes effective coordination among aviation stakeholders within and beyond the AFI region.

“This collaborative approach has led to streamlined operational processes, reduced communication latency, and enhanced situational awareness for air traffic controllers and pilots alike,” he added.

He said the SNMC’s unwavering dedication to innovation and collaboration had elevated the quality of aeronautical communication.

“It has also significantly contributed to the continuous improvement of air navigation safety within the AFI Flight Information Regions”.

As part of its commitment to empowering and mentoring women to become global leaders while breaking stereotypes and closing gender gaps, the Airtel Women Network, a platform comprising female employees of Airtel Nigeria, welcomed girls from Airtel’s adopted school, Alaba Oro Comprehensive Senior High School, Ajegunle,, to commemorate International Day of Girls in ICT on Monday, 29th April 2024.

Led by the telco’s IT Director, Kemi Ariyo, the session emphasised the need for the rise of influential female role models in driving progress within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. It also served as an avenue to inspire young girls about the vast opportunities within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field.

During the session, Director of Enterprise and Airtel Business and President of the Airtel Women Network, Ogo Ofomata, shared insights on the significance of the 2024 commemoration with the students.

“Leadership entails leading yourself to do the things you have to do. With regard to the theme of this year’s International Girls in ICT Day, which is Leadership, our goal is to empower young girls and women to become programmers, coders, designers and to pursue careers in the ICT sector, ultimately becoming leaders in the IT sector,” she said.

The highlight of the event was a thought-provoking session led by Kemi Ariyo, IT Director at Airtel Nigeria, emphasising the importance of technological knowledge in addressing various global challenges.

In her words, “The world revolves around technology and everything we do today has to do with technology. You can get into that space by adopting hard work, smart work, and an active involvement in internship programs. In addition, just as technology can be used in music and other sectors, learning technology can help you achieve your goals of problem- solving in this digital age.”

Also speaking at the event, Chief Financial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Phanindra Nichanametla restated Airtel’s tagline ‘A Reason to Imagine,’ reassuring the students of Airtel’s commitment to encouraging positive imagination.

“A very important note to take home from this event is that Airtel is here to change your imagination and give you opportunities to imagine more,” he said.

Airtel remains committed to promoting initiatives that promote gender equality and diversity in the workplace. By investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in ICT, Airtel Nigeria continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future in the world of technology.

By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja

In a bid to restore integrity and order to Nigeria’s postal and courier industry, the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department (CLRD) of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has embarked on a vigorous clampdown operation targeting illegal courier service and logistics operators in Abuja.

Speaking with NewsDirect correspondent, Shonde G. Dotun, the General Manager of CLRD, on Friday, 3rd May, after the clampdown, shed more light on the motivations behind the enforcement and the challenges faced in the process.

Dotun began by emphasising the necessity of enforcing Section 43 of the NIPOST Act, which mandates all express service operators, delivery service providers, dispatch operators, and postal logistics companies to obtain a license from NIPOST before commencing operations.

He highlighted the rampant disregard for this regulation, with many operators venturing into the business without proper licensing, leading to a proliferation of unlicensed and illegal courier and logistics services across the country.

“The enforcement/clampdown operation has come to stay,” Dotun declared emphatically.

He outlined several reasons driving this decisive action, including the prevalence of unethical practices such as price undercutting, pilfering, damages, and dumping of customers’ items. Dotun expressed concern over the mounting public complaints regarding customer exploitation and the carriage of illicit drugs and prohibited items, posing grave threats to public safety and security.

Moreover, the issue of overloading and exceeding the stipulated weight limit of fifty kilograms further compounded the challenges faced by the industry, eliciting public disdain and eroding trust in the profession. Dotun emphasised that such practices not only tarnish the reputation of the postal sector but also contravene global best practices and international conventions.

Dotun underscored the importance of private investors adhering to due process and obtaining operating licenses from NIPOST to avoid facing the full wrath of the law. He reiterated the department’s commitment to prosecuting offenders and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements.

 Offenders caught operating without a license are apprehended and handed over to the police for prosecution, as it is deemed a crime against the state.

On the aspect of awareness and sensitisation, Dotun acknowledged NIPOST’s efforts in educating the public through various channels, including radio and TV stations. However, he lamented the lax attitude of some individuals who fail to conduct proper research and due diligence before venturing into the business space, resulting in legal repercussions.

In closing, Dotun urged prospective investors to visit the NIPOST portal @https://cird.nipost.gov.ng for comprehensive information on licensing requirements and regulations governing the postal and courier industry. He stressed the importance of compliance with regulatory standards to ensure the sustainability and credibility of businesses in the sector.