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.”