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Nigerian govt pledges more support for local airline operators
The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to offer more assistance to local airline operators to create enabling environment and ease of operations.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Mr Festus Keyamo, made this known when he presented his master card at the ministerial news briefing on the administration of President Bola Tinubu sectorial update.
According to him, the government will support and empower all local airline operators as it did with Air Peace to enable them compete with other international airlines.
The minister said the government would also facilitate the acquisition of aircrafts under dry lease agreement which he said, was cheaper compared with the wet lease.
Keyamo affirmed that the government had planned to review the nation`s Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) to favour local operators.
He said government was making conscious and gradual efforts toward embracing eco-friendly practices and green technologies in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s long-term global aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emission in the aviation sector.
“We are rehabilitating some Airports/Airstrips, enhancing collaboration with states government to improve state airports infrastructure, training and re-training of aviation professionals (Accident investigators, Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers),” he added.
On the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Centre, Keyamo said the federal government was in advanced stage in discussions with investors across the world who would collaborate through Public Private Partnership (PPP).
He disclosed that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, had successfully resolved a longstanding land dispute that had hindered construction of the Abuja second runway within, two weeks of assuming office.
The minister added, with the development, contractors had commenced work on the project which had been stalled for over a year.
The minister said he had relocated all international airlines to the new international terminal in Lagos to address design flaws that had previously rendered the facility unusable for many international flights.
Keyamo said the relocation and remodeling of arrival hall at Lagos airport, done with active collaboration and support of the Ministry of Interior through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, had enhanced smooth operation of the terminal.
The Minister said he facilitated the swift repair and reactivation of Lagos’ second runway (18R), which had been out of service for nearly a year.
He said the operation of the two Lagos airport’s runways had increased efficiency and reduced congestion.
Keyamo said he worked closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure clearance of the longstanding backlog of trapped funds for foreign airlines.
“By actively engaging the UK authorities on the reciprocal rights under our BASA, I successfully broke the long-standing monopoly of foreign airlines on the UK-Nigeria route.
“ This led to the granting of reciprocal operating rights to Air Peace, a local airline, resulting in increased competition and reduced international airfares for Nigerian travellers.
“This allows liberalised air transport commercial activities without any restrictions as to routes and capacity among others, “ he said.
The minister said the “United States-Nigeria Open Skies Air Transport Agreement“ came into force under his watch.
He added that the significant milestone opened doors for local airlines to operate the route, promoting increased connectivity and trade between the two countries.
Keyamo said he successfully facilitated the resumption of Emirates flights through diplomatic efforts coordinated with United Arab Emirate’ authorities to strengthen air travel connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE.
The Minister there was plan in place for the development of a master plan for the nation’s major airports to transform them into proper hubs and aerotropolis.
(NAN)
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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