The Honourable Minister of Aviation Pays a Courtesy Visit to Daily Trust Corporate Headquarters, Jabi Abuja.

Honourable Minister's arrival with her entourage, received by Mamud Jega (Deputy Editor-In-Chief, Daily/Weekly Trust Newspaper).

Honourable Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, responding to questions.

Aviation Minister (Centre) in a group photograph with the Management and Editorial Team of Media Trust Limited, publishers of DAILY /WEEKLY TRUST Newspapers during a courtesy visit by the Minister at Daily Trust's Corporate Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, today (30/12/2013). 

Minister's Entourage

Daily/Weekly Trust Management / Editorial Team

Oduah: 14 Perishable Cargo Terminals For Exports in 2014

Aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah has assured that 14 perishable cargo terminals will be completed next year to deliver the first consignment of fresh produce for local and international markets.

The 14 cargo terminals are located in Abuja, Akure, Calabar, Ilorin, Jalingo, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Minna, Owerri, Asaba, Port Harcourt and Uyo.

The terminals, the minister said, had been selected in line with their regional agricultural comparative advantage and private sector expressions of interest.

Oduah, who spoke at the weekend in Lagos, was optimistic that the expected revenue from the export of farm produce through the cargo terminals would surpass oil revenue in the next 10 years.

The programme, she stressed, would also empower farmers, who constitute 85 per cent of Nigeria’s work force, and eliminate poverty by 60 per cent.

Oduah noted that though the programme was being driven by the Federal Government, states and local governments would also have keyed into it to enable rural dwellers earn from their produce.

The minister said the government would ensure a standard for the quality of the produce and packaging to meet international consumers’ expectations in Europe, the United States and other parts of the world.

She said many of the global consumers had shown their interest in Nigeria’s farm produce.

Oduah said: “Various private investors and state governments have expressed readiness to take advantage of the programme and contact the relevant authorities for permissions to establish Export Processing Zones or Free Economic Zones at the terminals.”

Also, spokesman of Aviation corporations Yakubu Dati said the varieties fresh produce in Nigeria and the growing economic importance of the sector, which stands at US$1.53 billion (N245 billion), necessitated the development of the 14 cargo terminals.

http://thenationonlineng.net/new/oduah-14-perishable-cargo-terminals-for-exports-in-2014/

Season's Greetings from the Honorable Minister of Aviation

(Mobile Device Viewer - Click on Christmas Card for clearer view)

Hon Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah Inspects Work at Lagos International Airport

 The Murtala Muhammed Airport played host to Princess Stella Oduah, Minister of aviation  who were on tour of facilities at the airport on Tuesday, 24th, December 2013.

Facilities inspected include the Extended Departure and Arrival Halls, new in-bound baggage reclaim carousels, on-going constructionwork on “Fingers” as well as Transit Facilities.

The extended Departures Halls feature 5 nos state –of-the-art screening machines and 2 nos Body Scanner at each of the wings in addition 30 nos new immigration counters.

A distinguishing feature of the new screening machines is the ability to detect explosive materials and potential threat items real time with the lowest rate of false alarm.

The introduction of 30 nos new immigration counters as against the previous 9 nos promises to take the face of facilitation in MMA to another level.  Also inspected were the newly installed in-bound baggages reclaim carousels at each of the Arrivals Halls. The high- speed carousels are smooter, easier – to- maintain and more resistant to luggage jams than their decades – old predecessors. This translates into accelerated baggage retrieval, reduced waiting – time and improved travel experience.

Highlight of the visit was the inspection of the on-going construction of 2 new additional fingers as well as new Transit Facilities.

The visit afforded journalists the opportunity to appreciate, first hand, the cause of some leakages experienced at the Terminal some time ago. Briefing the Minister, the Director of Maintenance and  Engineering & Ag. MD of FAAN, Engr. Femi Ogunode explained that the construction work on the new Fingers affected the sealant on the existing Terrance on which the Fingers are built, resulting in dripping of water in some sections of the Terminal. He said measures have been put in place to check the so-called leakages, promising that services levels in the airport will continue to be tailored to passengers needs.

The two new additional Fingers located on the 2nd level of the Terminal building and each measuring 3,074 sq m, and seating atop the existing Fingers represent a major capacity increase with all the attendant benefits.

Hitherto, arriving and departing passengers made common use of the Fingers, although with a glass partition separating them. With the new development, each of the two new Fingers will be exclusively for Departures while the existing ones will be dedicated to Arrivals, thus enhancing safety, security, and facilitation.

The Transit Facility, located on the 3rd floor of the Terminal building, features  9 standard lounge, and 20 hotel rooms for transiting passengers .Transit  Facility is a major requirement for a hub operations. With this development, MMA is  set for a sub –regional hub status in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s vision..

Press Release - EXPANDED TERMINALS OPENS AT LAGOS AIRPORT

Passengers flying through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to other parts of the world were giving a pleasant Xmas surprise with the opening of the new departure/screening points of the terminal at about 6.00 am on Saturday, December 21, 2013.

The extended Departure Hall feature 5 nos state –of-the-art screening machines and 2 nos Body Scanner at each of the wings in addition 30 nos new immigration counters. A distinguishing feature of the new screening machines is the ability to detect explosive materials and potential threat items real time with the lowest rate of false alarm. The introduction of 30 nos new immigration counters as against the previous 9 nos has taken passenger facilitation to another level.

The extended Departure consists of 14 check-in counters, seven hand-luggage X-ray machines and eight walk-through body scanners at the E finger.

The facility is equipped with 11 toilet facilities for both male and female passengers, as well as disabled persons. The new extension comes with commercial offerings. These duty free shops will afford passengers the opportunity for last minute shopping,  refreshments and other conveniences in line with global standards and  recommended practices.

The improvements in physical extension of the passenger handling area is by one and a-half times or 150 per cent more than its previous size. Three new hi-tech conveyor systems have also been installed in this new section since early this year. Already, this has been easing the experience of passengers who now enjoy faster processing of their luggage and personal effects. The new conveyor systems can process the luggage of a 1,000 passengers per hour. Passenger processing is now faster and the congestion has been eradicated in line with the Aviation Road map initiated by the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah.

The ongoing remodeling has led to an expansion of about 25% as against the former operational area, in expectation of the expected passenger growth.

The new facility is part of the strategy by the President Jonathan Goodluck to make Murtala Mohammed International Airport,  the preferred regional hub in the West African sub- region.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr George Uriesi, who personally supervised the operation expressed appreciation to Immigration, Customs  and other security organisations for their support.

- Yakubu Dati

Coordinating Spokesman,
Aviation Parastatals.

Aviation Workers's Day / Award Nite - Holds

Photographs  From Event...

To keep up with the Transformation Agenda in the Aviation industry, visit the Ministry of Aviation's Youtube channel for documentaries, interviews, events and lots more. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/aviationnigeria

Thank you.

MARK, ANYIM, UZODINMA HAIL DR ALIU'S ELECTION

* Say it is an endorsement of Transformation in Aviation Sector

* I will not betray Nigeria's confidence in me - Aliu

Senate President, David Mark, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim and Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Hope Uzodinma have all hailed the election of Nigeria's Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, the first African as the President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), saying it is a measure of the global recognition given to the Transformation taking place in the Aviation sector in Nigeria.

The three top government functionaries were speaking Friday in Abuja when Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah led Dr Aliu on a Courtesy Call to Mark, Anyim and Uzodinma in their offices.

While congratulating Aliu, Mark said it is a good thing to encourage capable Nigerians to contest top positions of responsibility wherever they find themselves, and commended the foresight and courage of Aviation Minister for putting forward Dr Aliu's candidature for the election. He urged Aliu to always bear in mind that he is first and foremost, a representative of Nigeria and Africa on the world stage, and should make all effort to keep Nigeria's flag flying high.

''You must always bear in mind that you are first and foremost a representative of Nigeria. You must not disappoint or let us down. Whatever you do would reflect either positively or negatively on Nigeria so you must always strive to do that which will glorify and dignify our nation'', Mark urged the new ICAO helmsman.

The Senate President said the implication of Aliu's Presidency is that Nigeria's aviation sector cannot be seen to be performing below ICAO standards, adding that although aviation all over the world is undergoing some form of turbulence currently, the scenario provides an excellent opportunity for Aliu to leave lasting legacies. He said the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly would avail Dr Aliu all the support he needs to succeed.

Also speaking, Anyim said the election of Aliu as the first African to lead ICAO Council is a great feat and honour to the nation, stressing that it is quite remarkable because it was gotten on merit and not as a concession to Nigeria. He said his election is a further endorsement of not only his candidature by the global civil aviation community, but also the reforms taking place in Nigeria's aviation sector. 

The SGF urged Aliu to be diligent in his leadership, pledging the full support of the government and people of Nigeria to his Presidency. He implored Dr Aliu to leverage on his position to help the growth and development of civil aviation in Nigeria, and commended the spirited efforts of Oduah which ensured that Nigeria won the coveted seat.

In his remarks during the Courtesy Call on him, Uzodinma commended the Minister and her team for the election of Aliu, saying his election is an indication that ''the world outside here has confidence in our people and that Nigeria is not lacking in capable technocrats to lead global organisations and institutions''.

He stated that his emergence as a Consensus Candidate shows ''clearly the convergence of opinion and recognition the world has for Nigeria'', and pledged the support of the Senate Aviation Committee to the new President.  He said Nigeria needs more Alius', and expressed the hope that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), with the support and guidance of Aliu, would sooner than later attain the same status as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America, USA.

In her Introduction of Aliu at the venues of the Courtesy Visits, Oduah thanked Mark, Anyim and Uzodinma respectively; as well as Nigerians for their support and faith in the Aliu Project, stressing that without the support from the highest chambers in government, the historic election of ''our compatriot would not have been possible''. She further commended the three top government functionaries for the support given to the Transformation Agenda in the Aviation Sector, saying Aliu's emergence is a reflection of that ''unflinching support and faith in our reforms''. She urged them to continue to lend their support to Aliu and the Ministry in order to attain greater heights for Nigeria and Nigerians.

In his remarks also, Aliu thanked President Goodluck Jonathan, Mark, Anyim, Uzodinma as well as the government and people of Nigeria for standing solidly behind him in the election. While dedicating the victory to the entire country, Aliu pledged not to betray the trust and confidence reposed in him by Nigerians and other Member States of ICAO who elected him president. He sued for continued support to to enable him succeed during his tenure.

Joe Obi

SA (Media) to the Hon. Minister of Aviation

UPDATE ON CARGO AIRCRAFT

The B747 Saudi Air Cargo flight SVA 6814 that veered off the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja last night at about 22:12 hours local time has been successfully recovered to the apron and the airport reopened for normal flight operations.

It took the swift, combined emergency response effort of the Aviation agencies, (FAAN, NAMA, AIPB, NIMET, NCAA, NCAT), Customs, the Security agencies and Fire Service Personnel to accomplish the feat in record time.

Speaking to News men at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the airport shortly after completion of the exercise, MD of NAMA, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh praised the team effort of all those involved in the quick resolution of the situation, adding it was a measure of the readiness of all relevant authorities to respond to emergency situations in the aviation sector.

Udoh regretted the inconvenience the temporary suspension of flight operations as a result of the incident had caused the travelling public. He however commended their patience and understanding with the aviation authorities throughout the period of the exercise, and assured that safety and security of air passengers remains a top priority in the scheme of things in the sector.

He disclosed that an advisory known in aviation parlance as Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has already been issued on the resumption of normal operations at the airport. 

It would be recalled that last night, at approximately 22:12 hrs local time, flight SVA6814, a Boeing 747 cargo plane with registration K74798 operated by Saudi Air Cargo arriving into the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport landed safely but subsequently veered off the taxiway. The incident was immediately brought under control without any casualties.

The airport was subsequently closed temporarily for landing but aircraft were permitted to take-off as normal.

We make haste to add that our first priority is safety. We however regret the disruption in flight services which arose from this incident.

The Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIPB) has commenced investigations into the incident and the preliminary report would be released as soon as possible.

Joe Obi

SA (Media) to the Hon Minister of Aviation

ABUJA INCIDENT

A Saudi Arabian B747 Cargo aircraft landed in Abuja last night and veered off at the manoeuvring area of the runway, ran into a maintenance area of the runway and stopped.

No casualty recorded while efforts are underway to move the aircraft away following preliminary assessment visit by the AIPB, NCAA, FAAN and other relevant agencies.

In the meantime, flights into Abuja have been temporarily suspended to facilitate evacuation efforts to clear the runway. 

Normal operations will resume immediately the aircraft is removed.

While it must be noted that the incident is not a plane crash, the Federal Ministry of Aviation regrets all inconveniences this must have caused our esteemed air travellers and Airport users. 

Concerted effort is being intensified to remove the obstacle and restore normalcy.

The public will continue to be updated as progress is made towards restoring normal operations at the airport.

Thank you. 

Joe Obi

SA (Media) to the Hon. Minister

PRESIDENT JONATHAN HOSTS DR ALIU, ICAO PRESIDENT- ELECT

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will on Friday, December 6th, 2013) play Host to Nigeria and Africa's first President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu in Abuja.

Dr Aliu was elected by the 36-Member Council of the organisation on November 18th, 2013 in Montreal, Canada. 

Dr Aliu, who arrived the country today, will be joined by a High-Powered delegation of the Leadership of the Council led by Out-going President, Mr Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez. Gonzalez's team will arrive Nigeria today. While in the country, Dr Aliu, accompanied by the Out-going President will pay Courtesy Visits on President Jonathan, the Senate President, Senator David Mark and Speaker, House Of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The ICAO Leadership would later be Hosted by the President to a State Banquet at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. 

Dr. Aliu made history on November 18th, 2013 in Montreal, Canada when he was unanimously elected President of the ICAO Council. His term commences on January 1, 2014 and ends on December 31st, 2016. He is the first African to lead the organisation in the over seven decades of its existence. 

His election has been described as historic and hailed not only in Nigeria, but also across the African Continent. Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah  said the election of Aliu to head the international civil aviation body is a landmark event, adding it is an endorsement of the Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan administration in the Aviation sector.  

'' The election of Dr Aliu is another historic moment for Nigeria's aviation sector, coming shortly after the historic signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with the State of Israel. I want to dedicate this victory to Mr President, who not only nominated Dr Aliu for the position, but also gave his full support for his candidature from beginning to the end. This victory would not have been possible without his full interest in Nigeria's aspiration to lead the global aviation body', Oduah stated on hearing the news of the election.

ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security and efficiency as well as for aviation environmental protection. The Organisation serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation amongst its 191 Member States.

Joe Obi

SA (Media) to the Hon. Minister of Aviation

AEROTROPOLIS TO CREATE 10 MILLION JOBS - ODUAH

* Generate over N100 Billion in revenues

Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah has declared that the Nigeria Aerotropolis project will create at least 10 million  jobs for Nigerians, especially the youth in the first two years of its take-off. The Minister was speaking during the Public Hearing organised by the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the FCT Land Swap. The Federal Ministry of Aviation is participating in the land swap for the Abuja Aerotropolis project.

The Minister said the projects, to be sited in Abuja and other major international airports across the country, has a value chain with the potential to transform the Nigerian economy and the living standards of the rural farmers through Perishable Cargo exports. Oduah said an estimated N100 billion will be generated annually from the initiative.

Explaining that the initiative is private-sector driven with 20 per cent equity holding by government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Minister added that value chains would span the agricultural, Health, Manufacturing, Culture and Tourism sectors of the economy.

Already, she said investors from Nigeria, the USA, China, Turkey and other European countries have embraced the initiative, just as she disclosed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has endorsed the Abuja Aerotropolis for which documentation is being finalised for the land acquisition. The Minister further disclosed that that the FCT has already incorporated the Aerotropolis project into its development Master Plan.

The Minister dispelled fears about issues concerning non-payment of compensation, saying although the land would be acquired at the going commercial value, all due compensation would be paid promptly. She however stressed that the greatest compensation Nigerians will get from the initiative will come in the form of millions of jobs that will be created for the teeming unemployed youth population.

''The development of airport cities (aerotropolis) is a 21`st century phenomenon that is gaining ground all over the world. It is no longer fashionable to have an International Airport without the support facilities and amenities such as shopping arcades, hotels, packaging industries, Residential Estates, modern airline offices and recreational facilities. The proposed aerotropolis will definitely boost the Nigerian economy and generate the much-needed employment for our teeming youth'', the Minister concluded in her Presentation.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Ad hoc committee, Hon. Bimbo Daramola said part of the Terms of Reference of the committee was to ascertain that land acquired through the FCT Land Swap Programme was for noble purposes and not used for racketeering. He commended the Minister for embarking on the aerotropolis project, saying it is a ''laudable and noble objective''. He expressed joy that the Minister ''has taken the aviation sector to another level'' and expressed the hope that the aerotropolis project will not only be profitable for private sector investors, the government and people of Nigeria, but also sustainable.

Joe Obi

SA (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Aviation. 

FG Committed to Jigawa Airport Project-Oduah

Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah has said the Federal Government is very committed to the actualisation of the dream of Jigawa Airport project. The Minister spoke while on inspection tour of the progress of work on the project.

The Minister, who expressed happiness on the pace of work on the airport project, said the Federal government will do everything within its powers to support the laudable project of the Sule Lamido administration in the state. 

The Minister said the airport, when completed would tremendously boost the economy of the state and its environs, adding that the Federal government would also construct a Perishable Cargo terminal to enhance the agricultural produce and commercial viability in the area. 

She said Jigawa airport has the potential to become the Perishable Cargo hub in the region, adding that this will greatly enhance the income of farmers in the area who would have ready international markets for their produce. 

She said the government was very proud of the milestones already achieved by governor Lamido in a little over eights months of the commencement of the project, and expressed the hope that the airport would commence full operations in the first quarter of 2014. 

In his remarks, Lamido expressed happiness with the support his government has received from the federal government on the project, adding that at the pace work was being executed, the airport would be completed by the end of January 2014. 

The governor agreed with Oduah that the airport would boost the economy of the state, adding that when completed, the airport would be the hub in the region in terms of agricultural produce export. 

He disclosed that the project would cost the state government about 11 billion naira, stressing that the success achieved within eight months of the commencement of the project is a good example of what Nigeria and Nigerians can achieve with the right determination and focus. 

Joe Obi

SA(Media) to Hon. Minister of Aviation

Photo Gallery: 

Control Tower Under Construction

Cooling System