NSIB UPDATE

 NSIB releases seven accident reports, issues safety recommendations to Agencies 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

In a bit to meet up new responsibilities, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau(NSIB) has simultaneously released seven final reports of air mishaps that occurred within the Nigerian airspace and also issued twenty (20) safety recommendations to the Aviation regulatory bodies in order to prevent future recurrence. 

The first under its new name, the reports, according to the Director-General of the Bureau, Engr Akin Olateru, in a virtual meeting held with stakeholders on Thursday, are the serious incident involving Bristow Helicopters Nigeria LTD, Embraer 135 Aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BSN which occurred at Port Harcourt military Airport (NAF BASE), Port Harcourt, on the 9th March 2020; the serious incident involving ATR-72 Aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N- BPG owned and operated by Overland Airways limited, which occurred at Ilorin International Airport, Nigeria on 29th November 2014; the serious incident involving Boeing 737-300 Aircraft belonging to Air Peace Limited with nationality and registration Marks 5N-BUO which occurred at FL310 en route Enugu from Lagos on 14th December 2018 and the serious incident involving British Aerospace BAE 125-800B Aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BOO operated by Gyro Aviation limited, which occurred at Port Harcourt, Nigeria on 16th July 2020. 

Others are the serious incident involving British Aerospace BAE 125-800B aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BOO operated by Gyro Aviation limited, which occurred at Osubi airstrip, Warri, Nigeria on 10TH September 2020; the serious incident involving a Dornier 328-100 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-DOX, operated by Dornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP (DANA) Limited, which occurred at Port Harcourt military Airport on 23rd January 2019 and the serious incident involving Airbus 330-243 aircraft operated by Middle East Airlines with nationality and registration marks OD-MEA and a parked Boeing 777 aircraft operated by Turkish Airlines with nationality and registration marks TC-LJC which occurred at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on 29th July 2020.

The newly released reports make a total of 82 aircraft accident reports released by the Bureau since its establishment in 2007 and a total of 63 reports released by the current administration from 2017 to date.

Engr Olateru also confirmed that a lot of activities were going on in the background with five years development plans for the agency.

On the safety recommendations, he said, "The Bureau has released a total of two hundred and seventy two ( 272) safety recommendations since the inception of the Bureau of which a total of One hundred and ninety one (191) of the recommendations were equally released by the current management.

“NSIB is committed to quality investigation of accident and serious incident through improving of processes, human capacity and equipment, among others.

“We remain committed through improving our processes, human capacity and equipment, to fulfil our mandate effectively, purposefully, and professionally."

 

NAGAFF Tasks Members on Professionalism

 NAGAFF Urges Members to be Professionally Certified, Sets November 2023 as Deadline

ZAINAB JUNAID

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has called on its members to at least acquire national minimum Qualification (Diploma) in freight forwarding or face sanctions by November 2023.

Speaking at the association’s 23rd Anniversary banquet held in Lagos on Thursday with the theme “Good Governance- A Road Map to National Development”, the founder of the association, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam stressed the need for freight forwarders to embrace professionalism and be adequately educated in their field.

The founder encouraged stakeholders to seek more professional trainings and be certified in freight forwarding.

Meanwhile, on good Governance, he said his party, New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) has been made a platform to encourage great minds to take up positions in government in order to provide desired results for the country. 

He encouraged stakeholders to endeavor to vote for their conscience in the forthcoming 2023 general elections and avoid any forms of political blackmailing. 

 

His words, “I want you to support NNPP as it is a platform that encourages people to take up positions in government level and please don’t promotes any forms of political blackmail, and also endeavor to vote for your conscience in the 2023 general elections.

“NAGAFF at 23 is the first link of what God wants me to do and that has to do with the liberation struggle creating opportunities for the young freight forwarders to be able to do things on their own and have that self-confidence. That is why the NAGAFF Academy is very crucial to the administration of NAGAFF.” 

However, the Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) Barrister Sam Nwakohu, laid more emphasis on the importance of education and certification for all freight forwarders in his speech. According to him, “it has become a mandate by the Council to ensure all practicing freight forwarders got duly registered, certified and professionalized.”

 He said the Council has decided to deregister any freight forwarder who did not possess national minimum Qualification (Diploma) in Freight Forwarding by the end of 2023. He, thus enjoined all freight forwarders to enroll themselves for training and get fully-certified before the deadline, to avoid being de-registered or denied of practicing freight forwarding in Nigeria. 

Also speaking at the event, the National President of the Association, Chief Tochukwu Esizi, in his speech appealed to Nigerian Policy Formulators in the maritime industry to always carry critical stakeholders along in policy Formulations, in order to achieve a desired result at the implementation levels.

He said NAGAFF would maintain it’s regular stakeholders engagement by remaining proactive and dynamic in advocacy campaigns, until the maritime sector cum freight forwarding is enthroned as a leading economic contributor to the treasury. He added that the association shall continue to lead the way by bringing new ideas and innovation into the system, continuously embrace the new and evolving digital technology, maintain and improve new values, standards ethics and professional ethos of the industry. 

To him, NAGAFF would continue regular stakeholders’ engagement to remain proactive and dynamic in its advocacy campaigns, to ensure that the maritime industry through freight forwarding gets fully-recognised as a leading economic contributor. 

In a related development, the Gubernatorial candidate of Labour Paty (LP) for Lagos State, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour on his part used the medium to address stakeholders present at the event stating that the maritime industry is an extremely important sector of Lagos State that must run efficiently.

He expressed worries over the traffic situations within the  Apapa Port environs, thus promised to ensure all problems tackled through adequate provision of multi modal transport system, and proper call up system, if elected. 

AIB SAUDI AND NSIB

 NSIB Inks Deal with AIB SAUDI ARABIA 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Accident Investigation Bureau of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (AIB-KSA) to enhance aviation safety in both countries.

This was contained in a release signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs of NSIB, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi and made available to journalists on Monday evening. 

Engr. Akin Olateru, Director General of the Bureau noted that the MoU, which was signed today by both parties at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, would ensure cooperation and assistance in the field of civil aircraft accident and incident investigation.

According to the Bureau Chief, the cooperation agreement would also allow both parties to assist in the areas of investigation training, sharing of information and expertise consistent with the Standard and Recommended Practices of Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention.

He said, “You have to understand that there is only one aviation in the world and the rule of the game is cooperation. There is no country that is an island. We need to work together as a team to enhance safety. Yes we are both established, we have equipment and human capital but there are a lot of lessons we can learn from each other. It is all about improving safety of the flying public.”

Also speaking on the agreement, the Director-General, AIB-KSA, Abdulelah O. Felemban, said “We are here in Nigeria to sign an MoU with our counterpart on an Executive Cooperation Programme to promote aviation safety. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt from accident investigation. The benefit for both of us is that we get to learn from each other, exchange information and exchange knowledge with our counterpart”.

The MoU signing ceremony, which was witnessed by the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, took place alongside the International Conference on Air  Negotiations (ICAN) 2022 hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The NSIB, under its previous name, Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N), had signed international agreements with France BEA, Sao-Tome and Principe, Sierra-Leone and Benin Republic; It has also signed local agreements with the Nigerian Air force, the University of Lagos, the University of Ilorin amongst others and is currently seeking agreements with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police , Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) and the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

“AIB-N is in the process of transitioning to the NSIB, a unified investigation agency charged with the responsibility of investigating accident and serious incident occurrences in air, rail, marine and other modes of transportation,” Mr. Oketunbi said in the statement. 

Osun-Osogbo River

 Gold Mining: A Threat to the Myths of Osun River

ZAINAB JUNAID

Osun River is one of the powerful river from Igede-Ekiti in Ondo State, which serves Osun, Oyo State - Asejire, Ogun State and Lagos State – Epe, before entering Lagoon and the Oceans.

It is known for providing for the needs of its people and has been able to give the barren- babies; and also change the lives of many.

It is one of the several rivers known for its local mythology—women turning into flowing waters after facing traumatic events that frightened or angered them.

Thereafter, it has tremendously turnaround to become a sacred and reserved area where dirt and other unlawful activities are not meant to take place all for its attributes of changing the lives of many positively.

But when this myth of serving as the main identity of Osun State people and the attribute of being symbolic to the African belief system, is being threatened by some illegal and unregulated gold mining activities that has attracted about 15000 illegal miners; the Chinese Miners inclusive, then danger looms.

A situation where the Sacred River gradually changed to cloudy colour, becoming unsafe for indigenous consumption, endangering the cultural and biodiversity significance of its nature, calls for drastic measures to be adopted by both the State and Federal Government for this menace to be curbed.

The River that is internationally recognized as the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) World Heritage center, is now contaminated with heavy metals that includes Lead, Mercury, cyanide among others.

A development that now serves as a threat to the river and the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove- a Grove that is several centuries old and is among the last of the sacred forests that once adjoined the edges of most Yoruba cities before extensive urbanization. Osun-Osogbo sacred grove is along the banks of the Osun river just outside the city of Osogbo, Osun State of Nigeria.

These unregulated activities have trapped many communities in the state, and caused them pains through the exploration of gold as the river is a main source of water for the people of Osun State.

The river started changing colour in 2018 as a result of this illegal and unregulated licensed gold mining activities at the upper course.

Both Federal and Osun State Government have been lukewarm about the life-threatening situation. despite several independent report by different organizations and the media on this development.

The Osun State Government on its part has remained unserious about the contamination, by only paying lip service to it without taking any significant move.

“The Federal Government under whose the root-cause (mining) falls have also not given the expected attention to the problem,” Anthony Adejuwon, Convener ‘Save Osun River’ CAMPAIGN and also Team Lead, Urban Alert had reported.

Also at an interactive session with journalists at a Water Reporting Summit jointly organized by Bertha Foundation and Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation with the theme—“A Nation in Thirst” recently, a recorded documentary rolled out depicted the lackadaisical attitude put forward by these illegal miners towards the river. This is a sign of no respect for the value of life.

Just as Mr. Kayode Ogunbunmi, Publisher City Voice newspaper, also confirmed that the impacted local communities are left to pay the cost of this illegal mining without getting any of its benefits, government need to adopt urgent resolution to abate this illegal act of the miners.

The Federal Government as a matter of urgency need to put an end to the continuous contamination of the river by these illegal gold miners; Make available Security Patrol Van at the River Bank to arrest any invader; Clean the river henceforth and ensure the enforcement of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 which protects water bodies and mining host communities on all the illegal miners.

Government should also push forward policies that will help save over 2million people living in the 23 communities of the state who not only depend on the Osun River, but also see it as an identity of Osun State and also symbolic to the African belief system. 

AIB-N to NSIB

AIB-N BEGINS TRANSITION TO NSIB

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) has commenced the process for the transition into a multimodal accident investigation body with the setting up of an in-house committee for the implementation of the new act on the establishment of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

This followed the assent of the new NSIB Act 2022 by President Muhammed Buhari and the Supreme Court Gazette, which was released on November 28, 2022.

A statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs of the Bureau, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, partly read that with the new development, the nomenclature of the Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau has thus changed from Commissioner to Director-General of NSIB. 

In the statement, “The newly established NSIB is now responsible for the investigation of air, marine, rail and other modes of transportation serious incidents and accidents in Nigeria and anywhere the country’s interest is affected."

The statement further confirmed the Commissioner of the Bureau, Engr. Akin Olateru said “The new Act will further enhance safety in all modes of transportation in the country as serious incidents and accidents would be investigated and recurrence prevented”.

Olateru, according to the statement, said, “With this development, Nigeria would be moving with global trends in ensuring safety in all transportation modes. The National Assembly has done great passing the bill and the President given his consent made it a realisable dream. I also commend Hon. Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and the Federal Ministry of Aviation for championing the creation of the NSIB, as this will open a new chapter in Transportation Safety in Nigeria.”

On the inauguration of the committee for the implementation of the new act that establishes the NSIB, the Commissioner commended the staff and management of AIB-N for their support and sacrifices of ensuring that the bill saw the light of day.

His words, “We did it together in the interest of the country. I salute your commitment, sacrifices and determination without which we would not have achieved this”.

“The expansion of AIB-N scope of operations into a multimodal agency was one of the cardinal programmes of Engr. Akin Olateru when he assumed office in 2017.

“With this in mind, the Bureau, under his leadership had vigorously canvassed for the establishment of the NSIB that would enable the Bureau to extend its mandate to cover not only the investigation of air mishaps but also that of other modes of transportation in accordance with global standard practices."

However, the Commissioner, in 2020, at a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Aviation and the House Committee on Aviation for the passage of the NSIB bill, had assured the committee that the NSIB would enable the Bureau to improve the safety standard of the country’s transportation network through quality investigation of accident and serious incident occurrences, timely publication of reports and safety recommendations.

“AIB-N, whose mandate was to investigate air mishaps in the country, with its rigorous investigations and timely release of reports and safety recommendations, has greatly enhanced safety within the industry.

“The Bureau, from inception, has released 71 reports and 252 safety recommendations, out of which 58 reports and 194 safety recommendations were released by Olateru’s administration.

“The current administration at AIB-N also released four safety Bulletins since assumption of office in 2017.

“This safety standard achieved in the aviation industry would now be replicated in other modes of transportation in the country through the NSIB.

The purpose of accident investigation is not to apportion blame or liability but to prevent future recurrence of similar incidents,” the statement read. 

FAA Sets December 31 as Deadline-AFRAA

 FAA Wants Some Airlines to Replace Radio Altimeter, sets December 31, as Deadline

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Federal Aviation Administration has set December 31, 2022 as the deadline for particular aircraft models including Airbus A300, A320, A330, A340, B737 classic, B747 and B757 respectively, to have their radio Altimeter retrofitted or face sanction.

Raphael Kuuchi, Aviation Management Consultant, disclosed this at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) virtual Industry Affairs briefing held yesterday.

Raphael said aircraft that are not retrofitted will be subject to restrictions in the US market.

Radio Altimeters are used to give data on airplanes height above ground for bad weather landings but the roll out of the new 5G band technology in the State is causing interference.

Kuuchi maintained that airlines that do not comply may face sanction as FAA had said.

However, FAA according to reports had earlier notified airlines in May this year to ensure they comply with this regulations but an airline trade group had declined comment in this regard, hence the sanction notice from the Administration. 

On Passenger Revenue loss for African Airlines, he said in 2022 compared to 2019, it is estimated to $3.5 billion representing 20% of 2019 revenue; in third quarter of the year 2022, the loss is $0.8 billion while that of fourth quarter stood at $0.4 billion. 

Aero Contractors to Relaunch Flight

 Aero Contractors to Relaunch Flight Operations in December 5 

Nigeria’s oldest aviation company Aero Contractors is relaunching scheduled services in the Nigerian market to ten destinations from Monday, December 5th, 2022.

The airline suspended scheduled services on July 20 and having satisfied regulatory requirements, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authorities (NCAA) has given approval for Aero Contractors to commence operations.

The airline will be operating with Boeing 737 and Dash 8 (Q-400) servicing ten destinations. These destinations include Warri, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Benin, Yola, Sokoto, Kano, Asaba, and Calabar.

Aero Contractors is commencing operations with a new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Ado Sanusi and a new Chief Finance Officer, Charles Grant.

The airline has three business units, namely: the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), the fixed and rotary wing airline operation, and the training unit.

According to the airline’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Ado: “We are pleased and delighted to return to services after a few months. We thank all our stakeholders who have been supportive, particularly the NCAA, our management, and staff. I admit that we missed our customers dearly.

“We are determined to offer great travel experience to our customers during this season and beyond We look forward to welcoming them on board.”

NAWOJ Bemoans Security Rate

 Insecurity: NAWOJ Condemns high kidnapping Rate in the Country

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has condemned the deteriorating security situation of the country and its effect on the citizens in the society, especially now that the yuletide season draws near. 

Members of the association expressed complete disappointment towards the insecurity menace at a congress hosted by management and staff of IELTS in Lagos recently. 

They affirmed that it is no longer news the security challenges the citizens are facing, Nigeria is going through hard times. There are economic issues and hardships and the Nation is bleeding and government need to act accordingly by ensuring all necessary actions are taken to curtail all these illicit act of kidnapping and other forms of violence citizens now faced in the society. 

Following a recent video that went viral on social media (Whatsapp) on how a man was kidnapped at Island axis on his way back from work but successfully escaped the incident after been thrown out of the vehicle as a result of his traditionally made believe protection, members sitting at the congress worried over what would have happened if he was not guarded as he claimed.

However, NAWOJ urged citizens to continue to be extra vigilant and security conscious as the Kidnappers now have spies in almost all walks of life including the media.

 In a related development, the congress sitting also saw to the election of new Assistant Secretary for NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Lola Olamijulo of FRCN Chapel, who was sworn in immediately. While appreciating chief host of the congress, NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Adeola Ekine, on her part, lauded the support given to the association by the management of MOD/IELTS /Westfield college for giving the congress a different ambiance and also appreciated all members present, Mrs Tosin Odusola, NAWOJ National Officer- Comrade Julie Ekong especially. 

Agency Trains Health Professionals

Agency Trains Doctors, others on Factual Reporting of DSVC

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has organized a two-day training on prevention and management of sexual assault for health care workers in Lagos State. 

Speaking at the training programme, Mrs Omotola Rotimi, Administrator General and Public Trustee of Lagos State Ministry of Justice, stressed the need for availability of forensic facilities on the part of doctors for evidence gathering and investigation, which will hitherto help enhance and hasten court judgement on every domestic and Sexual Violence Case.

While advising participants present at the programme to ensure they present detailed report as evidence in court, she outlined the different level of sexual assault and their respective punishment as applicable by law.

According to her, "By law, sexual assault occur only if there is penetration into the Virgina as in section 261 and this is punishable with life in imprisonment" . 

"Penetration by any form into the anus, Virgina, mouth or any other openings in the body of another person with a part of his body or anything else, answer a case of transgender and punishment is life imprisonment."

Also Speaking at the programme, Dr. Omoera Victoria, Productive Health Coordinator, Lagos State Ministry of Health, affirmed that in-depth sensitisation against social stigmatisation of survivors as well as provision of psychosocial support services would help boost survivors’ confidence and interaction within the society.

Dr. Omoera later advised health workers to be respectful and show compassionate towards survivors of the violence.

Meanwhile on her part, Avril Euewu Eoero, a trainer at the programme and also a Forensic Investigator, urged participants present at the training programme to always make available factual forensic reports on violences that occurs as it always enhance and hasten court verdict on the illicit act.

Dana Air increases flights frequency

Dana Air to Reintroduce Abuja- Owerri, Enugu  in Dec 9

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Dana Air has announced resumption of its Abuja-Owerri, Enugu service effective December 9, 2022. 

Spokesperson for the airline, Kingsley Ezenwa, made this announcement in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday stating that the airline is gradually reopening its prime routes to offer superior options  to its guests in terms of fares, service and comfortability. 

“We are delighted to re-introduce these flights based on popular demand for our service to these destinations and the schedule has been suitably fixed to meet the expectations of our eastern brothers and sisters.

''Our customer service is still 24/7 and our guests are encouraged to visit www.flydanaair.com to get best fares for their yuletide, business or leisure travels," he said.

Dana Air has since resumption on the 9th of November 2022, commended for its resilience as the first and only domestic airline to have undergone and scaled twice, an operational audit conducted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). 

The airline's resumption of these routes has been more of a huge relief for its customers as it has since encouraged the right fare pricing for the travelling public. 

SAHCO Expands Fleet

 

SAHCO Expands Fleet With Modern Aviation Ground Handling Equipment to Boost Operation 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) has announced expansion of her fleet with an ultra-modern Aviation Ground Handling Equipment of Universal Loaders, Tractors, Container Dollies, Canopied Passenger Steps, Conveyor Belt loaders and Air Starter Units.

Mrs Uansohia Vanessa Adeola, spokeswoman for the company disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, stating that the new Universal loaders manufactured by French Ground Support Equipment (GSE) maker, AirMarrel in France are 7,000 tonnes lower and main deck loaders. The GSEs are well-matched with the latest compatible standards and can be used to load both pallets and containers. Also, the loaders are equipped with Aircraft Approach sensors that minimizes accident or damage to the Aircraft body by restricting contact.

Her words, “explained that the three ruggedly built GSEs also known as E-LAM 7,000 are fitted with tier 4 Deutz engines and the capacity to travel long distances that makes them compatible for Nigerian terrains and long distanced tarmac. The E-LAM 7,000s can similarly be used for loading at both the front Cargo hold and at the rear Cargo hold.

“In addition, SAHCO acquired three Air Starter Units (ASU) equipment from Guinault, a GSE manufacturer resident in France. ACUs are used to start an aircraft’s engine while it is on ground. The ASUs acquired by SAHCO can power both wide body and narrow body aircrafts. They are also fitted with tier 4 Deutz engines with low emission of carbon monoxide and are built to produce 180 pounds per minute of power. 

“Furthermore, the ASUs are built with aluminum chassis which is to prevent rusting thereby making them an all-weather equipment which can be used under the rain or the scorching sun.

“Similarly, 6 Sherpa Tractors were procured to boost the existing fleet of GSE in SAHCO. These tractors are built to service both Cargo and Passenger Baggage. The front wheels of the tractors have been modified to be bigger than the older models to enable a better stability of the equipment and to suit a rough terrain better, besides the seats have in-built leaf springs to ensure that the operator is comfortable driving the equipment thereby preventing any work-related development of hernia due to hard and immobile seats.

She went further that the GSEs are fitted with tier 4 Deutz engines for low emission of carbon monoxide which makes them environmentally friendly. The Tractors which were produced by Goldhofer from Germany are built to have low fuel consumption capacity.

“Also, SAHCO added 50 Container Dollies manufactured by Bombelli, an Italian GSE company to the new fleet of GSEs, these Container Dollies are used to transport Unit Load Devices (ULD) during Operations. The Dollies are made of galvanized steel to prevent corrosion and rusting and are fitted with spring loaded hooks which makes connection and pulling easy for operators.

“Similarly, the Canopied Passengers Steps and Conveyor Belts were manufactured by Bombelli. The three Canopied Passenger Steps have factory fitted Coverings to protect Passengers from the rain or scorching sun while embarking or disembarking and they are also fitted with Aircraft Proximity sensors in accordance to world best practices. The Passenger Steps also have the capacity of being motorized or manually operated and can be used to service the following Aircrafts; B737, B727, B757, CRJ, A318 – A321.

“In addition, the three Conveyor Belts which are used for loading and offloading of baggages, are equally fitted with In-built Aircraft Proximity Sensors. Also, the roller belts are manufactured in a block assembly fashion which makes the GSE to convey loads faster, carry more weight and last longer,” She added. 

Meanwhile speaking about the equipment, the Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO, Basil Agboarumi according to the statement reiterated how SAHCO is committed to always providing safe, speedy and efficient services for clients and prospective clients. 

“Furthermore, as SAHCO clients are expanding their routes, we are also ensuring that we are exceeding their expectations by expanding our fleets too. We are constantly training our staff both abroad and locally to learn how to operate and maintain these new equipment so as to maximize their productivity, Basil said. 

NAMA

 NAMA to Train Airspace Managers on Global Air Navigation Plan 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has concluded arrangements to train Airspace Managers across all airports in Nigeria on Global Air Navigation Plan. 

This, according to the agency is targeted at equipping them with global trends in strategic air traffic management and also building their capacity for seamless airspace operations in their various domains.

Acting Managing Director of the agency, Matthew Lawrence Pwajok disclosed this over the weekend in Port Harcourt during this year’s Airspace Managers Forum and added that it had become imperative that Airspace Managers at the nation’s airports are kept abreast of global trends in airspace management. 

Pwajok explained that the training would expose managers to Global Air Navigation Plan, Regional Air Navigation Plan and National Air Navigation Plan just as it would keep them acquainted with the Civil Aviation Policy which is the framework that guides operations nationally. 

His words, “you must also be kept abreast of the Aviation Roadmap or Masterplan of the Federal Government; our Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Masterplan and the milestones towards attaining these masterplans because these are frameworks within which we are expected to operate in carrying out our statutory function as the nation’s airspace manager.”

   

The NAMA boss said Airspace Managers needed to be top-notched in understanding the national air navigation plan as it relates to the implementation strategies, milestones, timelines, technology roadmaps for achieving the national plan and the strategic position of NAMA in the entire plan, even as he solicited for their buy-in to ensure successful implementation.

Pwajok stressed that with the increased pressure on the aviation industry at the global, regional and national level following the growth in passenger and cargo, there is the need for the agency to grow capacity to be able to cope with the increasing traffic, adding that insecurity, expansion in the economy and the upsurge in political activities in Nigeria have also accounted for increased demand for air travel, hence the need for strategic air traffic management that would ensure seamlessness in operations. 

He further cautioned managers at airports with limited hours of operations not to turn down requests for extension of services especially at this period of electioneering as this could be given political colouration. 

“The honourable Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika sees aviation as a support role to every sector and to everybody, irrespective of political leaning,” Pwajok said. 

“Airports the world over are best handled by experts who run them as a business and not the government. Concessioning of airports in Nigeria would attract direct foreign investment necessary for export expansion, development of aerotropolis, airport cities, cargo terminals as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations, “ he maintained.   

AIB-N Assures Commitment

  AIB-N Assures Commitment to Improved Air Safety 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N), Akin Olateru has assured its agency resolve to double efforts towards enhancing aviation safety in Africa and beyond through quality investigations of air mishaps.

Engr. Olateru gave this assurance on Monday at the conclusion of the week-long workshops organised by the Bureau and Bangul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) in partnership with African  Union(AU) and European Union, (EU) under the  Aviation Safety for Africa,(EU-ASA). 

The Commissioner who was duly represented by the Director of Engineering, Engr. Muhammad Wali, affirmed that AIB would continue to work in partnership with relevant agencies and stakeholders in the aviation industry for  a secure airspace in the African sub-region and beyond.

He added that the Bureau’s  resolve to continue to align to the current  trends of enhancing aviation safety through improved technology, training and retraining of the personnel, contributes meaningfully to the achievement of the Bureau’s mandate.

However, the BAGAIA Commissioner, Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, in his speech, appreciated the AIB management, the  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and AU for their support and cooperation towards the  successful completion of the workshops, which was organised as part of efforts to drive safety measures and quick response during air mishaps in Nigeria and other African countries.

Erhueh also called on the participants of the workshops to ensure that they put all the knowledge and skills acquired at the training into practice at their various organisations.

The week-long workshops was titled the Role of Accident and Incident Investigation in the State Safety programmes (SSP), and Flight Recorder- Recorder and Beyond.

 Participants at the workshops were drawn from AIB, NCAA, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), the  BAGAIA, amongst others.

NAMA to maintain Safe Tower Project with #36.2b

NAMA Sets to Improve Nigeria's Airspace with #36.2 billion 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has concluded plan to improve, maintain and repair where necessary the country’s Safe Tower Project (STP) with the sum of #36. 2 billion.

Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Mathew Lawrence Pwajok disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists over the weekend in Lagos adding that Overhaul Included in the STP are the upgrade of the air traffic management system, surveillance system, and meteorological system in the four major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.

In his breakdown, the agency through the Federal Government had approved N13 billion for the Safe Tower Project (STP), N23.2 billion for the upgrade of the soft and hardware of the Total Radar Coverage, otherwise known as TRACON.

Aside from that, the upgrade would also occur to nine Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radars (RSM 970M) to cover the following stations – Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Maiduguri, Talata-Mafara, Numan, and Obubra configured to be interconnected through a VSAT network and one that intends to improve the country airspace surveillance.

NAMA is on the verge of completing it’s pet project, the Wide Area Multi-lateration (WAM) system, which is a surveillance system to cover Nigeria’s delta region and it’s cost was placed at $12.9 million.

Since Oil and gas activities are occasioned by a lot of helicopter operations in the Niger Delta and the purpose of WAM is to capture these flight operations that are outside the radar coverage areas in the country.

This is done for safety and security purposes and according to the agency, benefits of the system include the provision of low-cost extension of the surveillance coverage for low altitudes and areas where no radar coverage currently exists; optimization of surveillance infrastructure through the efficient mix of radar sensors, MLAT and ADS-B; increased airspace safety and capacity by providing separation to aircraft operating in the region.

The project upon completion, Mr. LAWRENCE said would provide an additional source of revenue for the agency and MLAT applications, particularly when combined with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to provide important operational improvements by addressing some of the limitations of the traditional radar surveillance system, optimize the controller workload and provide benefits in the areas of safety, capacity, efficiency, and environmental impact, thus contributing to the overall Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management  (CNS/ATM) objectives.

NAMA Boss also disclosed that the multi-billion Naira radar for Lagos and Abuja airports that were commissioned in 2010 with a five-year maintenance agreement signed with Thales of France had expired since 2015, a situation that has put the agency in a tight corner on how to keep the air safety tool functioning. 

Thanks to the expertise of the agency’s engineers who had kept the system working and one that had made the air traffic management system seamless for air traffic controllers and pilots.

In his words, “A whole lot of money has been saved through that action of our engineers to keep the system running. There had been significant improvement in traffic management with the radar. With this radar, we can see traffic up to Accra, Yaounde, Malabo, and many other places”.

The NAMA boss noted that the idea was to increase the efficiency of the airports and reduce the workload in the control tower and automate what was hitherto analogue system into digital..

Pwajok said that information regarding weather, regarding all of the components of weather, winds, rain, and macroburst would be displayed automatically.

He further disclosed that most of the Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at virtually all Nigerian airports are obsolete, hinting that the agency was already replacing all the equipment to at least category 2 ILS.

In aviation, the ILS is a precision radio navigation system that provides short-range guidance to aircraft to allow them to approach a runway at night or in bad weather.

In its original form, it allows an aircraft to approach until it is 200 feet (61 m) over the ground, within a 1⁄2 mile (800 m) of the runway.

We have done category 2 ILS in at least ten airports. ILS has been installed in Enugu, Sokoto, and Abuja. Category 2 was done at Lagos airport 18/R. We have done the same in Akure, Ilorin, and many other places. We have category three ILS in Katsina, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, and Abuja. We have completed satellite navigation for backup in the event of power failure”.

“We have provided ILS in over 32 airports at the moment at all the Federal Government owned airports and state-owned aerodromes

NIMASA OFR Award: MAJAN Congratulates DG

MAJAN Congratulates NIMASA DG on award of OFR conferment 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), has felicitated with the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, on the national honour bestowed on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President of the Association, Comrade Ray Ugochukwu, Congratulated NIMASA boss in a press statement released on MAJAN platform today.

Ugochukwu described the award of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), conferred on Dr. Jamoh, as an honour well deserved.

He stated emphatically that Dr Jamoh deserves such honour following his hard work, resilience and tenacity in moving Nigerian Maritime industry to greater heights.

The MAJAN President, also commended the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Engr Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, who is working tirelessly to reposition the transport sector for greater efficiency within a short period of his assumption in office.

Lekki Airport, ASRTI

Lekki-EPE Airport: ASRTI Advocates Public Private Partnership Initiatives 

 ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Aviation Safety Round Table INITIATIVE (ASRTI) has declared full support and whole heartedly welcomed the decision of the Lagos State Government to build an airport in the Lekki axis to cater for the bourgeoning population and businesses around the Lekki industrial layout. 

This is coming after the country’s Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, presented a letter of approval for a new airport to be built in Lagos State at the on going Ehingbeti Lagos Economic summit on Tuesday. 

Spokesman for the Round Table group, Olumide Ohunayo, in a statement made available to journalists reiterated that despite earlier promises and the potentials including the extensive plans for the development of the area over the years, the project never took off and the Lekki corridor continued to expand, creating congestion, logistic and traffic chaos, impacting the economic and business opportunities in the area.

However in view of the latest development by the government and for the benefit of Lagos at large, the group strongly advocate for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and the need for the regulator, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, to give the necessary support and approvals for this project.

His words, “We are also calling on the relevant agencies and tiers of government,  to as a matter of urgency,  commence with the repair of the Cenotaphs erected to honour the  fallen air passengers at Lisa, Epe and Ejigbo respectively. These sites serve as a memorial of the dark history of our industry and to honour to our fallen citizens. Therefore, roads leading to these sites should  be fixed for accessibility.”

In a related development, Aviation Minister at the Ehingbeti summit, acknowledged the economic potential of Lagos State and affirmed that the Federal Government did not hesitate to approve Lagos request for a new airport because its rich culture, history, industries, and tourism potential needs to be connected to the rest of the world.

“This city, which houses about 26.7 percent of national GDP, housing our stock exchange, 200 financial institutions, 25 million people, on 5,377 square kilometres of landmass plus Eko Atlantic, plus all the industries, the rich culture, the tradition, the history, the tourist attraction the Eyo Festival, and so on and so forth, needs to be connected to the world to continue to be the center of the economy of the activity of the country, Nigeria,” Sirika said.

“And the only way you can link this city of Lagos to the world is obviously — not the only way, but the best way to connect — by infrastructure.

“So, when his excellency, the governor, approached us in [the] civil aviation ministry and says he wants to build an airport in Lagos, another airport? I said yes, this is a huge step in the very right direction. And the reason is simple. As I said, in my days in Lagos, the terminal point is Maroko, Sandfield. When you go there, you only go to the mechanic to do panel beating for you — that’s it.

“But today, from here, all the way to outer VGC, all the way to Epe, it’s Lagos. The expansion is astronomical, it’s huge, it’s big. The ideas and the size of the economy are good and big. So you need to continue to link Lagos, not only with Nigeria, [but] Africa and the world.

So if you look at all these financial institutions, the 200 industrial estates, and the Eko Atlantic, there must be a way that these people will come in and out of Lagos on another alternatively, which is the airport in Lekki. Your Excellency, the Governor, this is a huge step in the right direction, we didn’t waste time giving the approval. And we’re happy to present the certificate today.”

NAMA Recruits

 NAMA sets to Recruit 100 Air Traffic Controllers 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

In a bid to fill the vacuum created by impending shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) in the nation’s aviation industry, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has concluded plan to recruit at least 100 personnel between 2022 and 2028 respectively. 

Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Lawrence Pwajok disclosed this while speaking at the 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), held in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the weekend, adding that about 40 Controller Cadets are currently undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, in order to fill the expected vacuum in the next six years. 

Pwajok, who attributed proliferation of aerodromes across the country to the scarcity of air traffic controllers in the aviation industry, noted that NAMA management had envisaged the gap in the number of ATCOs and had hitherto concluded plan to employ at least 100 controllers between 2022 and 2028. 

He explained that though controller staffing has fallen drastically since 2010, the agency is fully ready to employ more hands. 

His words, “Management is aware of the current and impending shortage of air traffic controllers due to retirement, death, and unrelenting increase in the number of airports around the country. 

“Management is also aware of the pressure that shortage has been exerting and may further exerting on your members. Let me assure you that we are already working to ensure that the situation does not become an emergency.

 “Presently, a Basic ATC Course is running in NCAT Zaria for 40 cadets and very soon, another set will resume as soon as Zaria has space. This is besides efforts at obtaining approval to recruit additional 100 Air Traffic Controllers for strategic replacement of ATCOS that will retire from service up to 2028.” 

Pwajok who was represented at the event by Mr. Jubril Haske, NAMA’s Director of Operations confirmed that the 40 cadets undergoing training at Zaria are different from the 100 personnel planned for the agency by 2028. 

He revealed further that NAMA management had also recruited another six controllers trained by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) into the agency to address the expected shortage. 

“At least 36 Air Traffic Controller Officers (ATCOs) had been trained in various courses and countries in the last six months,” he said. 

All these training, Pwajok maintained were tailored towards achieving seamless conduct of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) for the country. 

NAGAFF Chief Tasks Maritime Journalists on Concise Reporting

…. 

... Bags Freight Forwarder General Award for immense contributions 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Maritime expert and founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Boniface Aniebonam has underscored the reporting level of maritime Journalists which has derailed their presence in the industry. 

Speaking at the official commissioning of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) Secretariat at Apapa, Lagos, on Thursday, Dr. Aniebonam said it is necessary for the members to engage in a constructive reporting with a factual evidence. 

According to him, “Maritime Journalists must take Charge and Control of the nature of their job because In life baking of things always can never solve a problem, but working hard to earn a living and then establishing on that foundation is the best,” he said. 

On who to take control of the freight forwarders in the industry, Dr. Aniebonam emphasized more that young freight forwarders should be given opportunity to explore their ideas on how to o move the industry forward from its dilapidated state while the geriatrics should start thinking of retirement. 

Meanwhile, MAJAN President, Mr. Ray Ugochukwu in his welcome address expressed gratitude to the immense contribution of NAGAFF founder and his benevolence towards the association as it knows no bound. 

In an overwhelming mood, Mr. Ugochukwu expressed satisfaction towards NAGAFF leadership for supporting Dr. Aniebonam in making MAJAN stay at NAGAFF Village a memorable one, thus presented plaque of Honour, 'Freight Forwarder General Of Nigeria' award to Dr Aniebonam Boniface, who is also the pioneer National Chairman and founder of the New Nigerian People’s PARTY (NNPP) . 

Other notable members who grace the occasion are: Assistant commander of Narcotics of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Samuel Magaji, National Secretary General of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila, CEO of Omara, Hajia Bola Muse, other members of Maritime Journalists among others. 

 

FG queries Foreign Airlines on Naira

 FG To Sanction Foreign Airlines Over Refusal To accept Naira as means of Exchange 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Strong indications have emerged that foreign airlines who refused to operate in naira for ticket sales are likely to receive sanctions from Federal Government of Nigeria over their refusal to accept Naira as a means of exchange.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made this known at a briefing today after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Investigations according to him, revealed that some of the airlines refuse to sell in naira but rather sells ticket in dollars which is in violation of Nigerian laws.

Sirika maintained that the regulatory body of the industry  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been ordered to deal with any foreign airlines caught violating the laws.

He later advised the airlines to desist from using the social media in tackling their demands but rather resort to diplomatic channels which is more acceptable. 

“Foreign airlines have made over 1.1 billion dollars so far from Nigeria since 2016, an amount which could have remained in the country if they were local airlines.

“They remitted over 600 million dollars to their home countries in 2016, while over 265 million dollars has also been released this year,” Sirika noted. 

MAJAN sets to Commission Secretariat

MAJAN to Commission Secretariat in Grand Style 

* Invites stakeholders to epoch making event

ZAINAB JUNAID 

As part of its vision to continue being the forefront of advocacy in making the Nigerian maritime industry a prosperous one, the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), has again concluded plan to  formally commission its much talked-about Secretariat in grand style.

The President of the association, Comrade Ray Ugochukwu, disclosed this today adding that the inauguration is slated for Thursday September 8, 2022, by 11 am prompt, at the association’s Secretariat located at No 19, Calcutta Crescent, Apapa, Lagos. 

Comrade Ray promised the event will be best of its kind, as everything has been put in place to make the occasion a memorable one.

The Secretariat which is located at No 19, Calcutta Cresent is of different sections: a standard news room, radio studio and conference room for meetings.

MAJAN is using this great opportunity to invite and honour reputable stakeholders, who have contributed tremendously to the growth of Maritime Industry in Nigeria and media colleagues from other associations to witness this remarkable event.

Its publication, the Powerful Pen Newspaper, which is also available on the online news platform is the major tool used in constant advocacy for a better maritime industry.

You are invited  !

Be part of our success story  !

Identify with the winning team !

MAJAN ... The Powerful Pen !

Two Kids die in Building Collapse

 Building Collapse: Two Children Die, three Sustain Injury

ZAINAB JUNAID 

No fewer than two children have died in another building collapsed with three adult males sustaining injuries at Adeleye street, Ladilak, Bariga area of Lagos State on Sunday.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the three adult males have been taken to nearby hospitals.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, affirmed that the Agency’s Cobra team is currently at Onipanu en route the scene of the incident.

“The Agency activated its response to the above incident and upon arrival at the incident scene, discovered that the tank scaffolding of a two-storey building collapsed on a bungalow beside it and affected two rooms.”

“Unfortunately 2 children died from the impact. 3 adult males sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals.

“The Agency’s response team alongside Lagos State Fire and LASBCA are responders at the incident scene,” he said. 

 

NPA Revenue

NPA Generates #172. 286 billion, remits #78. 497 billion to CRF in Six months 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has generated revenue of N172,285,626,312.00 from its operations in the first half of 2022 and has simultaneously remitted N78,496,966,862.20 to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the federation within the same period.

These were contained in a half-year 2022 operational report released by the Managing Director of the Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko.

Koko said: “The Authority generated total revenue of N172,285,626,312.00 and remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) with the sum of N78,496,966,862.20.

While explaining the breakdown of money remitted to CRF, Koko said: “A breakdown of the figure indicates that N50,255,925,779.20 represents cash remittances, the compulsory deduction of 25% of revenue generated and other sundry payments for the absolute period of January-June 2022.”

While describing the performance of the authority as encouraging amidst global economic and inflation crises, NPA Chief noted that the remaining sum of N28,241,041,083.00 relates to the remittance concerning other periods.” 

According to him: “Global economic and inflation crises, global reduction in household incomes and purchasing power and scarcity of foreign exchange all of which has negatively affected business environment, affected government revenue and constrained expenditure.

The development in the port industry cannot be severed from the macro-economic environment with galloping inflation that has grossly reduced the disposable income of the households, the depreciating exchange rates that stifle business environment and the dwindling government revenue that constrains expenditure.

“In the face of these harsh macro-economic indices, the Nigerian Ports Authority has forged on to deliver port and harbour services to the teeming operators in the export and import businesses across the country.”

The NPA boss explained that the remittances indicate the operational performance of the ports.

According to him: “In the 1st half of 2022, a total of 1,992 ship calls were recorded and the aggregate of the Gross Registered tonnage (GRT) of vessels was 60,235,133 tons.

“The Authority achieved total cargo throughput of 38,672,392 metric tonnes and 849,175 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container traffic. Vehicle traffic handled, during the period under review, was 132,543 units.

“Also, the average turn-around-time (TAT) of vessels, indicating port efficiency, stood at 5.16days. This is an improvement and we are strategising to perform better in the second half of the year.”

Koko while noting that port represents the yardstick

to measure the pulse of the economy added that it remains the gateway of the national economy.

“The Authority remains committed to providing improved services to increase efficiency at the ports that impact on higher revenue generation and economic growth of the nation.”

IATA Disappointed

IATA Blames Nigeria as Foreign Airlines' trapped funds hit $464 million 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) has expressed dissatisfaction over Nigeria’s position towards the repatriation of foreign Airlines trapped funds which has increased from $450 million in May to $464 million in July 2022. 

IATA declared this, few hours after Emirates Airlines announced the suspension of all its Nigerian routes starting from September 1, 2022, as the carrier said it could not continue flights to Nigeria, lamenting its trapped $85 million.

IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawahdi in a statement on Thursday expressed disappointment with Nigeria as the amount of airline money blocked from repatriation by the Nigerian government grew to $464 million in July.

His words, “IATA is disappointed that the amount of airline money blocked from repatriation by the Nigerian government grew to $464 million in July.

This is airline money and its repatriation is protected by international agreements in which Nigeria participates. IATA’s many warnings that failure to restore timely repatriation will hurt Nigeria with reduced air connectivity are proving true with the withdrawal of Emirates from the market.

“Airlines cannot be expected to fly if they cannot realize the revenue from ticket sales. Loss of air connectivity harms the local economy, hurts investor confidence, and impacts jobs and people’s livelihoods. It’s time for the Government of Nigeria to prioritize the release of airline funds before more damage is done.”

SAHCO

 SAHCO Reaffirms Continuous Support for NDLEA on War Against Drugs 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has declared its continuous support to Nigeria’s fight against peddling of controlled substances.

The Managing Director of the company, Basil Agboarumi made this declaration recently adding that SAHCO can boast of it’s well-trained staff that are well equipped to know what to look out for when it comes to rules and guidelines for accepting Cargo and have been trained to comply with Government’s agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) assigned to SAHCO’s Import and Export warehouses.

Agboarumi said SAHCO, which is a major gateway to Import and Export in Nigeria has one of the best warehouses in West Africa and these warehouses are Customs bonded.

The warehouses according to him, were built with the latest technology and are constructed with the customers’ best interest at heart and also for the purpose of maintaining clients’ trust by ensuring that clients of questionable businesses are not allowed to use SAHCO’s warehouses as gateways for their nefarious activities.

“Our company has a campaign titled “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” where all staff are trained to always call attention to unscrupulous activities and crooked acts. 

“We have a long-time commitment to support Government’s agencies that are stationed at every point where SAHCO conducts businesses by giving them unhindered access to every nook and crannies of both Import and Export Warehouses, providing the necessary scanning machines and other screening technologies to support NDLEA and other Government agencies operations,” he said.