News Wings

Category: Aviation

  • Lockdown: NAHCO, SAHCO refuse grant of 100% demurrage waiver for cargo agents

    Lockdown: NAHCO, SAHCO refuse grant of 100% demurrage waiver for cargo agents

    Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and other Ground Handling companies say they will not grant cargo agents 100% waivers on demurrage for cargo storage during the 14 day lockdown on Lagos due to the covid-19.

    The agents under the umbrella of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA had in a statement protest the insistence of the Managements of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO and the Skyway Aviation Handling Company plc, SAHCO on the payment of demurrage on cargoes affected by the lockdown.

    The companies in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communication, NAHCO, Samuel Akinrinmade says the 100% waiver requested by the agents is based on the premise that an agency of Government, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is taking on the financial burden of the 100 % waiver at the seaports and issuing credit notes to Port Terminal Operators. 

    According to him, the ground handling Companies provide critical handling services in support the management of and fight against COVID 19 at extra costs and in the  challenging circumstances in the last 6 weeks of lockdown and closure of  airports and airspace (except for approved essential and emergency flights). 

    “In addition, warehousing services especially ensuring shipments in the custody of the Ground Handling Companies are kept safe, and in good condition have also been at a huge cost.”

    He notes that this is not the case in aviation, as Ground Handling Companies have not been informed by Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) or Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) that Government is giving any financial exchange for storage waiver in the aviation sector. We have shared this fact with the cargo agents and asked them to direct their protest appropriately.

    “We are a responsible corporate organisation, employing over 2,200 Nigerian and affecting over 100,000 people in Nigeria directly and indirectly. COVID 19 has affected the aviation industry the most. Today, our industry is faced with revenue loss and cash crunch. Ground Handling Companies are critical aviation service providers and greatly affected. 

    Mr. Akinrinmade states that the cost of operations has risen materially in light of the new safety measures in their operations and all the safety equipment, systems, PPE etc that they have put in place for  staff, customers and stakeholders.

    While appreciating the work and efforts of the Minister of Aviation, NCAA and FAAN, as the Aviation industry continues to face the effects of COVID 19, “we are challenged and meeting our obligations to staff and paying all that is due to Federal Airport Authority of Nigerian (FAAN), charges such as 5% of our revenue as concession fee, Rent and Service Recovery Charge etc.

    Going forward is an insurmountable task.” The statement emphasized that, “Ground Handling Companies are private companies just like the Port Terminal Operators in the seaports, Cargo Agents many of whom work in in Custom Bonded Warehouses in both the seaports and airports and or belong to associations that operate in same, understand this and the fact that both maritime and aviation industries are in the same economy.”

    “They should therefore direct their grievances in the right direction away from the Ground Handling Companies to the appropriate quarters to ensure their desire results of equity in all Customs Bonded Warehouse whether in the seaport or airport.”

  • IATA Appeals to Nigerian Government to Support Aviation in the Face of COVID-19 Crisis

    IATA Appeals to Nigerian Government to Support Aviation in the Face of COVID-19 Crisis

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for aviation-specific financial relief measures from the government of Nigeria to address the severe impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the air transport sector.

    In a statement by IATA notes that Air transport has ground to a halt in efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Along with the direct impact on jobs and companies in aviation, related industries including tourism, hospitality and trade have been hit hard.  All play an essential role in creating jobs and powering economies.

    Prior to the crisis, aviation contributed $1.7 billion to Nigeria’s GDP and supported 241,000 jobs. IATA estimates that the COVID-19 crisis puts 124,000 Nigerian jobs at risk and some $900 million of the country’s GDP.

    The Nigerian government has introduced broad economic relief packages to mitigate the devastation caused by COVID-19 but IATA now urges the government to implement specific financial relief measures for aviation to ensure that, the sector will be capable of driving the recovery.

    “Nigeria has announced general relief measures for sectors affected by COVID-19, but not specifically for aviation. Given the importance of air transport for Nigeria’s economy and connectivity, the government must not let aviation fail. The industry faces a liquidity crisis. Without a viable aviation sector Nigeria’s eventual recovery from COVID-19 will be longer and even more painful. 

    According to Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, aviation-specific financial relief measures are urgently needed as a matter of survival. 

    The Government should consider implementing some or all of the following relief measures:

    1)       Direct financial support to passenger and cargo carriers

    2)       Loans, loan guarantees and support for the corporate bond market by the Government or Central Bank

    3)       Tax relief – rebates on payroll taxes paid to date in 2020 and/or an extension of payment terms for the rest of 2020

    4)       Financial relief on airport and air traffic control (ATC) charges and taxes 

    5)       Reduction, waiver or deferral of government-imposed taxes and fees

    6)       Foreign exchange availability

    “As the aviation industry looks to restart, it is important that key regional players like Nigeria are ready and able. Aviation is a strategic pillar for social and economic development. Supporting aviation now will mean that Nigeria’s economy can pick up from where it stopped and drive forward,” said Albakri.

  • 160 Nigerians evacuated to Abuja from the United States

    160 Nigerians evacuated to Abuja from the United States

    Nigerians stranded in the US have arrived the country through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The evacucees who arrived 11am this morning numbering 160 were flown in by an Ethiopian airline Boeing 787 aircraft

    The returnees were screened and temperature taken inside the aircraft on arrival by officials of the Port Health services and given contact forms.

    In a monitored report, the International Airport Manager, Abuja, Alhaji Mahmoud Sanni said after the temperature screening, the passengers on alighting from the aircraft were handed testing kits by officials of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC.

    According to Alhaji Sanni the evacuees comprised children, mothers, fathers, family members, males and females.

    He explained that after retrieving their luggage, the passengers were led into 8 buses provided to take them to the isolation center in town.

  • COVID-19: NAMA  MD cautions Staff on Safety Procedures

    COVID-19: NAMA  MD cautions Staff on Safety Procedures

    Ahead of the partial relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdown billed to commence on Monday, staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have been tasked to ensure full compliance with the directives and safety guidelines by the Federal Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on COVID-.19 preventive measures, including social distancing, regular washing of and/ or sanitizing of hands and wearing of face mask.

    Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu who stated this in a message to staff of the agency noted that “while the health and wellbeing of workers is of utmost importance to management, a lot needs to be done by staff themselves to ensure they remain safe in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic which is still very much in our midst.”

    He assured workers that the agency had put in place procedures and measures that would guarantee their safety in the work place, stressing that “the battle against Covid-19 is a collective one and we must all join hands with the Federal Government to triumph at the end of the day.”  

  • COVID-19: FAAN express worry over dwindling revenue

    COVID-19: FAAN express worry over dwindling revenue

    The Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN has expressed worry over the dwindling revenue of the agency following the continued lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

    The Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, FAAN, Dr. Clifford Omozeghian, who disclosed this to newsmen monitoring the lockdown at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Ikeja, said, FAAN Management would liaise with the federal government to see how the issue of revenue generation would be addressed to meet up with airport infrastructure challenge.

    Dr. Omozeghian explained that only recently April salaries of FAAN
    workers was paid saying that it was the directive of the federal
    government that workers salaries should be paid and to take care of
    other key critical projects in the aviation industry.

    “Revenue for FAAN has dwindled drastically, management will liaise
    with the Federal Government to see how this issue of revenue
    generation would be taken care of because it may be difficult to pay
    salaries but I know that a fact that with the federal government on
    our side, certain measures will be put in place.

    “Federal Government has said salaries must be paid and that is a key instruction from the FG and that will be taken care of as much as
    possible and that has been done.”

    Dr. Omozeghian noted that with the global problem, the global economy
    is in recession and FAAN is not excluded as it generates its revenue.

    He expressed optimism that the present situation would be quickly
    taken care of so that FAAN would not have issues with the payment of
    salaries and taking care of very key critical projects that are
    essential in the aviation industry.

    The FAAN Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, explained that FAAN
    would continue to provide services to approved airlines during the
    period of lockdown adding that evacuation of nationals of some
    countries have been carried out at various times.

    “We had Europeans, we had Americans, and we had British citizens, citizens of various nationals being evacuated at various times.
    Because we render essential services, some of our key staff has been on ground rendering these services ensuring that these flights and their operations are smooth and there is easy take off and landing and these have been some of the activities we have been carrying out and everything has been smooth.”

    He said the management of FAAN had given out palliatives to essential staff that come to work every day in order to make them happy at this critical time adding that the process of distribution was still ongoing.

  • Covid-19: ITPN calls for interventions for travel, hospitality and tourism sub-sectors

    Covid-19: ITPN calls for interventions for travel, hospitality and tourism sub-sectors

    The Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), has urged the Federal Government to accord priority and prime attention to the tourism industry in all its economic stimulus, palliative and intervention initiatives.

    This is to cushion as well as bring productive stability in the national economy that has suffered summersault due to the Covid-19 global pandemic.

    In a statement made available to the media, the National President of the Institute, Chief Abiodun Odusanwo noted that the tourism sector is the hardest hit in the current global Covid-19 pandemic because of the multi varying nature and economic activities of the sector that entails movement of people and services, adding that these activities have been completely hampered by the restrictions placed on the movement of people and lockdown of most parts of the country.

    ‘Worldwide generally, tourism and hospitality industry is very badly affected by pandemics because of the nature of the business which is always related to the travelling of people’ the statement added.

    It also notes that ‘history has shown at epidemics and pandemics have an immediate impact on the hotels and restaurants, airlines industries,travel agencies, etc. due to the international travel restrictions and government measures of imposing lockdowns’.

    It observed that what the tourism sector is currently witnessing are travel restrictions and recommendations leading to outright cancellations of travel and accommodation bookings, ‘and as long as the pandemic lasts, the impact on tourism will be irreversible leading to a myriad of operational challenges and losses’.

    Chief Odusanwo said in economic terms, hotels will lose billions from cancellations; smaller hotels will stop operation because they can’t afford to do so; unemployment will skyrocket in the sector; travel agencies and tour operators will bankrupt; transfer companies will be economically destroyed and all forms of travels will be completely grounded.

    “The labour force in the sector will suffer similar fate as employees will be forced to take unpaid leaves and a few offered part time works where skeletal services are offered. This is where tourism professionals who are members of ITPN will be in greater dilemma and at risks of confronting survival in a sector that has become comatose.”

    Chief Odusanwo enumerated areas of intervention required in the sector to include grant of moratorium period for all bank facilities granted operators in the Travel,Hospitality and the Tourism Sub-sectors for a period of not less than 6 months and Tax Free regime in the 1Q and 2Q of year 2020 as part of Post Covid-19 intervention. 

    Others are the Immediate promotion of domestic tourism as an inward strategy to boost inbound tourism due to impending dwindling fortunes of international travel bans and restrictions and financial intervention of N15.5 billion for job losses, pay cuts, sustainable professional competency training for members across the country and N30 billion economic stimulus for the sector.

    For the purpose of ensuring transparency and inclusiveness, the ITPN President posited that members of ITPN be involved to actively participate in the intervention measures and fund disbursement processes, saying that the Institute is readily disposed to galvanize the inputs of all sub-sectorial key players and critical stakeholders in terms of figures and statistical data for a wholistic inclusion of all to benefit from the intervention and palliative measures.

    The downside economic impacts of Covid-19 globally has necessitated various governments at all levels to initiate palliative and intervention measures to cushion the groaning impacts of the pandemic on individual citizens and operating multi-sectorial economics and businesses.

    In Nigeria, the Federal Government, through the Central Bank, says it is planning to help small, medium-sized businesses, airlines service providers, hotels, health care workers benefit from a $136m intervention fund and the provision for economic stimulus of up to $2.7 billion. This is in addition to an intervention initiative of the government of the reduction of interest rates for loans.

    “ITPN welcomes this as a lofty development and good omen for the resuscitation of the national economy for all key players.”

  • COVID-19: IATA offers free online training to 5,000 aviation workers

    COVID-19: IATA offers free online training to 5,000 aviation workers

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is offering free access to online training courses for up to 5,000 aviation workers as part of its efforts to help the industry through the COVID-19 crisis.   

    Current employees—or those who wish to become a part of the aviation or related industries–can select one from six of IATA’s most popular e-learning courses to strengthen their industry knowledge and skills:
     
    Aviation Competition Law
    Destination Geography
    Travel Agency Fees: A Professional Approach
    Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies
    Geography in Travel Planning
    Distribution and Airline Retailing

    ‘’Aviation will make it through the COVID-19 crisis. That’s because, as with past crises, the many great people of this industry will pull together to face the challenges head-on. In a salute to the women and men of this industry, IATA is making a small contribution to support the sector’s recovery with free training. These are tough times but we wanted to see the opportunity of the future, and what better way than through learning,” said Stéphanie Siouffi, IATA’s Director of Training. 

    Courses will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis for 5,000 online training opportunities. Applications must be received before 27 April 2020. 

    IATA is proud to offer this as part of an ongoing campaign, #WeAreAviation, to support the men and women in the aviation community during these challenging times as well as to showcase the passion and people behind the business of freedom.

  • Aero Contractors to pay half salary for April

    Aero Contractors to pay half salary for April

    The Managing Director, Aero contractors of Nigeria, ACN, Captain Ado Sanusi says some staff will receive half salary at the end of the month of April, 2020 despite the suspension of flights.

    According to Captain Sanusi in a statement, this is to assist in ameliorating the challenges presented by the covid-19 ravaging the world and has led to the suspension of operations.

     “By end of April 2020, the minimum some staff would receive would be half salary, to assist in ameliorating these challenging times.”

    He noted that the outbreak of the pandemic has affected business and revenue generation. “I fully understand and appreciate all our individual apprehensions because Aero has not sold a single seat since this Pandemic forced the suspension of operations. This has naturally affected our revenue with the attendant apprehension amongst staff.” 

    He explained that Management is exploring all options including seeking bailouts or loans from the Federal Government, FG and majority shareholders to assist with the payment of salaries should this suspension of operations exceed April, 2020.

    Captain Sanusi urges all staff to continue observing the Public Health Safety Protocols including personal hygiene and Social Distancing.  “We should remain vigilant and prayerful and guard against being used by destabilizing elements to cause division in our collective resolve to save our Company.” 

    “I remain committed to ensuring that Aero Contractors survives these challenges and by God’s Good Graces, we shall succeed.” The ACN boss called on Heads of Departments, HODs, Team Leaders and Union Leaders to encourage  staff members to understand that there is time for everything in life, and they should reflect on and be guided by, the famous quote of late President John F Kennedy: “Do not Dwell on what Aero can do for you, but be guided by what can we do for Aero to survive.”


    “For the second time in the history of Aero Contractors, the COVID-19 challenge threatens the survival of the company while we were already struggling to stabilize before COVID-19 presented additional operational & financial challenges to our efforts. The success of Aero is predicated on our collective resolve on how we surmount these challenges and emerge stronger.” 

  • 37 Egyptians evacuated from Sam Mbakwe Int’l. Cargo Airport to Cairo

    37 Egyptians evacuated from Sam Mbakwe Int’l. Cargo Airport to Cairo

    37 Egyptians have been evacuated from the country through the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.

    The evacuation is due to the deadly Coronavirus pandemic globally.

    An Airpeace aircraft for the evacuation mission arrived the airport at 11.27am and departed 11.56am to Abuja to pick other Egyptians to Cairo, Egypt capital.

    This is the 7 evacuation embarked on by different countries thus far since the shut down of passenger flight Operations into the country.

    This is the 2nd evacuation by Airpeace of foreign nationals, the first was the Isrealis from Lagos via Abuja to Tell Aviv.

    So far, Air France and Lufthansa have evacuated over 800 French and German nationals through Murtala Mohammed international airport Lagos.

  • Air Peace flies in FG COVID-19 medical kits from Turkey

    Air Peace flies in FG COVID-19 medical kits from Turkey

    The Federal government on Saturday night took delivery of its first batch of medical supplies in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus pandemic and for the treatment of those who are infected.

    Air Peace aircraft, Boeing 777 with registration number, 5N-BWI landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday night.

    Inside source disclosed that the flight left Nigeria early Saturday for the seven hours flight to Turkey and was able to lift the supplies and returned to Nigeria before midnight.

    The source also disclosed that this was the first batch of the medical supplies from the federal government, noting that the airline would leave for China Monday for another batch of medical supplies from the federal government.

    “Air Peace will also deliver another supplies for the federal government. It will leave for Beijing on Monday for 15 hours non-stop flight to China with its B777-ER with registration number 5N-BE,” the source said.

    The Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide on behalf of the airline gave kudos to the federal government for its efforts to rid the coronavirus disease from Nigeria, noting that the Nigerian government is way ahead of some countries in the fight against the virus, which is devastating mankind.

    “The management of Air Peace commends the federal government for being proactive in the preparation for emergencies, preventing the spread of the virus and also providing the kits and other medical equipment for the treatment of those infected by the pandemic.  This shows that government is ready to fight this disease and it is even more prepared than the governments of some of the advanced nations in the measures and strategies adopted to eradicate the virus,” Olajide said.

  • United States, Canada evacuate 585 citizens from Nigeria

    United States, Canada evacuate 585 citizens from Nigeria

    No fewer than 585 American and Canadian citizens were yesterday airlifted from Lagos and Abuja. The evacuation was in response to requests by the nationals, who felt insecure staying in Nigeria despite the comparatively low prevalence of the coronavirus spread and attendant deaths.

    Earlier move to evacuate the American citizens, majority of who had dual nationality, failed at the weekend as the operating chartered carrier was denied clearance by the authorities.

    Two Ethiopian Airlines (ET) planes were, however, deployed yesterday to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) to carry the passengers. An ET Boeing 767, with registration number ET-ALO, evacuated 137 Canadians from Lagos and another 63 from Abuja.

    The aircraft left Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia en route Toronto, Canada. The Guardian learnt that each of the travellers paid out-of-pocket in excess of N1.45 million ($5000CAD).

    Another Boeing 777-300 series aircraft also evacuated 385 American nationals from the Lagos airport. The aircraft took off at about 4.40pm for Washington DC.

  • NUATE: Coronavirus and Labour Issues in Aviation – A Call for Dialogue

    NUATE: Coronavirus and Labour Issues in Aviation – A Call for Dialogue

    By Comrade Ben K. Nnabue

    The break out and wild spread of corona virus has taken a heavy toll on aviation globally. From high exposure of airline and airport personnel, through the near total collapse of international travel, to the closure of some airports, it is very obvious that aviation has taken the hardest hit from this pandemic.

    The colossal losses arising from this state of affairs has created a very serious labour challenge. As the airlines, especially the international carriers, and the companies dependent on them count their losses, there is now a present danger that the workforce might take a hit as well. This is a matter of serious concern to NUATE as a labour union.

    All stakeholders, ourselves more than others, must share the worry of the affected aviation companies. We truly sympathise with their situation. And there is a genuine fear that some of the smaller entities might be unable to survive the crush. This type of circumstance calls for sober thoughts.

    On the other hand, it cannot be denied that the workers of these companies are real human beings with real human needs. The unfortunate situation of their companies does not diminish the bills they have to bear. If anything, the psychological trauma imposed by this condition may likely lead to health issues and cause greater spending. This unfortunate, paradoxical inter-relationship between the companies and their workers truly begs for understanding of the deepest kind.

    Flowing from the foregoing, we wish to inform all the impacted aviation companies that NUATE stands firmly with them as a social partner. And we throw our doors open for discussions with them for the purpose of arriving at workable grounds upon which both sides will ride this testing period. We thank those companies that have already approached us in this respect.

    We hasten, however to advise all our partners against unilateral actions that could be without heart. The present adverse situation is but temporary. Therefore all actions at this time need to draw from our common humanity. For, it must be noted that there will be the other side of this present adversity where we shall all still be together as families. We consider dialogue, as against show of might, a better approach, especially at this time. This is a clarion call.

    We use this opportunity to commend the Federal Government who, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, has announced an intervention fund of N1Tr. to mitigate the negative impact of the corona virus pandemic. We are grateful that aviation has been named among the beneficiaries, and hopeful that the sector will actually be given the lion share. This is against the background of the well-grounded view that the adverse effects of the corona virus on aviation far outstrips the impact of 911 for which aviation received quite substantial interventions all over the world. We further urge that the modalities for the application of this fund should be quick to be released in other for the benefits to begin to manifest as quickly as possible. In this regard we are of the opinion that the positive handling of labour issues by the companies should be among the criteria to be used in accessing the fund.

    We equally use this medium to call on all aviation agencies to activate, or scale up, their corona virus response modes. We expect an integrated mechanism that incorporates the entire airport activities nationwide led by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This mechanism should in turn be integrated with the national response system. May we therefore be expectant of very urgent and effective steps towards prevention of the entrance of the ailment into the aviation workplace, and/or curtailing it in the event that the worst happens.

    God bless us all.

    Comrade Ben K. Nnabue is the National President, National Union of Air Transport Employees

  • Turkish Airways update Nigerians  regarding flights to Nigeria

    Turkish Airways update Nigerians  regarding flights to Nigeria

    Following the announcement of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to shut down the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from all international flights from Monday, March 23, 2020 at 23:00 local time, we at Turkish Airlines will be rescheduling its flights on Tuesday, 24 March, 2020 to Monday, 23 March, 2020, in order to accommodate the passengers of the cancelled flight and ensure that they reach their destination before the closure of the airports.

    As the airline that always puts the travel security at the forefront, Turkish Airlines will continue to monitor latest developments on the situation with the national and international health authorities and take appropriate precautions.

  • MMIA Toll Gate: FAAN to earn N100m by March Ending- Danjuma

    MMIA Toll Gate: FAAN to earn N100m by March Ending- Danjuma

    The chairman, Air Transport Services Senior Staff, Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), FAAN Branch, Comrade Ahmed Danjuma has projected an expected income of about N100 million by March ending, as proceeds from the collection of tolls at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) access road.

    Comrade Danjuma who disclosed this figure in a chat with newsmen yesterday stated that FAAN has been able to garner N80 million from toll fees collections, added that by ending of March, FAAN will be able to know precisely how long they can stay.

    “I assure you that we would be able to hit N100 million”, Danjuma stressed.

    He added that “Within the first month of operation, I think we generated over N80 million despite the teething problems. Initially, we had the issue of change despite the fact that l- cube has sold off all the stickers and even 2019 stickers are still being used coupled with the fact that there are so many challenges we had in that place”.

    Explaining the security aspect of the task, the labour leader said, “you know our members were not guarded at night, we don’t operate beyond 11pm, so you see the difference between 11pm and 5am; any car passing through there is passing free. Despite all these, we have been able to hit N80 million. So by the ending of March, we will be able to know precisely. I assure you we will be able to hit N100 million.

    Danjuma also informed that, in a recent meeting with FAAN MD, Capt Rabiu Yadudu and others, the union had raised the need to establish a free trade zone around the airport environment.

    He stated that the idea was brought to Capt Yadudu, based on the information they got on how the establishment of the free trade zone would benefit the people. He however, pointed out that, the concern of the union is that, the free trade zone will give room to business owners within the confine of that zone to operate without paying taxes.

    Recall that one month ago, the union took over the collection of tolls at the MMIA.

    Emphasising that FAAN went after the facility because they believe that they can do it better, Danjuma further explained “that was even the main reason we even went there and to God be the Glory, up till date, we have done creditably well, our members are working very hard. The fear of inconsistency in government and managing businesses have been abused here, we have not seen that and we have been able to prove to everybody that yes, we can do it and we can do it better”.

    On the series of indebtedness to FAAN by operators, Danjuma said the union has written to some of their debtors, requesting them to offset their bills within a shortest possible time, just as they have advised management to call these debtors, sit down with them and negotiate on how best the debts could be paid.

    He said the essence of a union, is for them to ensure that the welfare of their members are taken care of. He however, maintained that they do not only emphasise welfare for workers, but that they first and foremost, find out how they can make the system better so that welfare will now be second issue.

    Lamenting discrepancies in signing of MoUs between FAAN and state owned airports, Danjuma said “All the welfare issues were outlined. I think the most important one is the issue of those of our members that are domiciled in most of these state owned airports. Most of the MoUs signed between FAAN Management and the state owned airports were not properly done; it is in such a way that most of our members are exposed to hazards. They were not captured in the MoU’s based o medicals, their accommodations and so many benefits they are supposed to be deriving from those airports.

    He therefore, appealed to the management to ensure that they look at those MoUs and ensure that their members are captured fully.

  • About 800 returnees arrive Nigeria from Libya between January and February 2020.

    About 800 returnees arrive Nigeria from Libya between January and February 2020.

    About 800 Nigerians of different classification have arrived the country from Libya through Murtala Muhammed International Airport between January and February 2020. Some of the returnees were those found wanting, deportees, voluntarily returnees and repatriation.

    Investigation revealed that more on the list of the returnees were voluntarily returnees, those who have found out that they can no longer live in Libya.

    It was also gathered that deportees were very negligible and repatriations were a little bit higher than deportation while the voluntary topped the list.

    According to sources close to the immigration service at the airport, all the returnees were treated Ike normal passengers, profile them without stigmatization

    There was however no issues of human trafficking in the last two months through the airport, it was further gathered

    On the Coronavirus currently ravaging the world, the source hinted that there has been a great reduction in the issuance of Visa on Arrival VoA by men of the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos.

    Investigation at the airport revealed that a total of 265 on arrival visas were issued in February as against 440 in January by NIS at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport with a decline of 175

    This shows the implication of Covid 19 to business investors to Nigerian or ease of doing business in the country

    But both the Port Health and immigration personnel have been working assiduously to ensure effective coverage especially in the area of Yello card

    It was also learned that the earlier agitation between passengers and immigration personnel in the wake of the coronavirus has stopped as passengers now surrender their documents for check

    On protection of officers against covid19, our source said “we are provided with sanitizers and face mask everyday, it has become a consumable, we change it on and on and port health always give us advice on how to use them, so we have become port health officers in disguise”

    “Our embarkation form, the information there are very reliable and that is the bulk of the data for the passengers, on passenger manifest, so these are the raw data that give us a trace to the passenger in line and it is really helpful” added the source