Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reacted to the purported ban on Nigerian airlines by the United States, saying the report was misconceived and not true representation of the situation.

Capt. Chris Najomo, the Acting Director General Civil Aviation, said in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday to address the misconception surrounding the alleged ban.

He explained that the delisting of Nigeria from the Category One status by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has nothing to do with any safety or security deficiency in Nigeria’s oversight system.

According to him,Nigeria attained Category One status in August 2010, which allowed Nigerian airlines to operate Nigerian-registered aircraft and dry-leased foreign-registered aircraft into the United States, in line with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

However, with effect from September 2022, the U.S. FAA de-listed Category One countries that had no indigenous operator providing service to the U.S. or carrying the airline code of a U.S. operator within a 2-year period.

The NCAA clarified that Nigerian operators can still operate into the U.S. using an aircraft wet-leased from a country with a current Category One status.

The NCAA also emphasized that it continues to adhere strictly to international safety and security standards and respects the sovereignty of States, including the United States of America, as enshrined in Article One of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

The statement further noted that the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has been actively working to empower local operators to access the dry-lease market around the world, which included a visit to AIRBUS in France earlier this year and the signing of an MOU with BOEING in Seattle, Washington.

The Minister has also made efforts to ensure Nigeria’s full compliance with the Cape Town Convention, which will bring back the confidence of international lessors in the Nigerian aviation market.

The NCAA expressed confidence that with these steps taken by the Minister, it is only a matter of time before Nigeria not only regains but can also sustain its U.S. Category One status.

“The attention of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has once again been drawn to a publication about the purported ban on Nigerian airlines by United States.

“Due to the wrong impression such news could create, it has become expedient that we put this report in its proper perspective.

“To operate into the United States of America, Nigeria like most countries must satisfactorily pass the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Programme and attain Category 1 status.

“Upon attaining this status, Nigerian airlines would be permitted to operate Nigerian registered aircraft and dry-leased foreign registered aircraft into the United States, in line with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

“The first time Nigeria attained Category One Status was in August 2010. The U.S.Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted another safety assessment on Nigeria in 2014. A further safety assessment was conducted on Nigeria in 2017,after which Nigeria retained her Category One status.

“However, with effect from September, 2022, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) de-listed Category One countries who, after a 2-year period,had no indigenous operator provide service to the U.S. or carrying the airline code of a U.S operator. Also removed from the Category One list were countries who the FAA was not providing technical assistance to based on identified areas of non-compliance to international standards for safety oversight.

“No Nigerian operator has provided service into the United States using a Nigerian registered aircraft within the 2-year period preceding September, 2022 so it was expected that Nigeria would be de-listed as were other countries who fell within this category.Nigeria was,therefore,de-listed since 2022 and was duly informed of this action in 2022. 

“It is important to clarify here that the de-listing of Nigeria has absolutely nothing to do with any safety or security deficiency in our oversight system. Nigeria has undergone comprehensive ICAO Safety and Security Audits and recorded no Significant Safety Concern (SSC) or Significant Security Concern (SSeC)respectively.

“It is furthermore necessary to add that a NVigerian operator can still operate into the U.S. using an aircraft wet-leased from a country who has a current Category One status.

“The NCAA continues to adhere strictly to international safety and security standards and respects the sovereignty of States, including the United States of America, as enshrined in Article One of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This provision gives States complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territories.

“Furthermore, it is in full realisation of this situation that has since prompted the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, to embark on an aggressive international campaign to empower our local operators to access the dry-lease market around the world which culminated in the visit to AIRBUS in France earlier this year and the MOU signed with BOEING in Seattle, Washington just last week.

“The Honourable Minister has also done a lot of work to make Nigeria comply fully with the Cape Town Convention which will bring back the confidence of international lessors in the Nigerian aviation market. We are confident that with these steps of the Honourable Minister, it is only a matter of time that Nigeria, not only regains, but can sustain its U.S. Category One status” reads the statement in part.

Mohammed Shosanya

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),says it only grounded three aircraft of Arik Air three Aircrafts,not its entire operations.

NCAA cleared the air in a statement titled “clarification of the status of Arik Air Following Court Order” made available to journalists at the weekend.

Michael Achimugu
Director,Public Affairs and Consumer Protection,signed the statement.

It reads:`Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) refers to the grounding of three (3) Arik Air aircraft following a court order/Attachment.

`It is important to clarify that the action does not include the suspension of Arik Air’s overall operations by either the NCAA or the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development as claimed in some quarters.

`The NCAA is duty-bound to comply with the court order attaching Arik Air’s aircraft (5NMJF; 5NMJQ; 5NBKX) following the determination of its case at the Supreme Court and to ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

`The NCAA reiterates that it has not suspended or halted Arik Air’s flight operations,which continue as scheduled and do not affect the airline’s ability to operate its remaining fleet.

`We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as Arik Air works through this situation with minimal disruption.’

Babatunde Solanke

An Abuja High Court has issued a major ruling mandating the sale of aircraft, hangars, and other movable assets owned by Arik Air Limited.

Specifically,the court directed sale of the aircraft with the registration numbers B737-700/5N-MJF, B737-800/5N-MJQ, DASH8-Q400, and 5N-BKX.

This decision comes as a result of the airline’s substantial outstanding debts owed to Atlas Petroleum International Limited and other creditors.

Justice O. A. Adeniyi,gave the ruling within the context of a legal dispute where Atlas Petroleum International Limited and Prince Arthur Eze acted as the applicants.

Arik Air Limited was identified as the debtor in the case.

The court’s directive to sell off Arik Air’s assets aims to recover the funds owed to Atlas Petroleum International Limited and other creditors.

This legal action underscores the severity of the financial troubles facing Arik Air, once a leading airline in Nigeria.

The ex parte motion, which initiated the process, was filed on June 25, 2024.

An ex parte motion is a legal procedure where the case is presented and decided by the judge without requiring all parties to be present in court, often used in urgent situations.

Mohammed Shosanya

Shareholders of Access Holdings Plc have expressed overwhelming confidence in the company’s growth strategy and pledged their support for the ongoing N351 billion rights issue.

They conveyed this at the recent “Facts Behind the Rights Issue” presentation held at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) office in Lagos.

The shareholders commended Access Holdings for its impressive track record and consistent dividend payments, which have reinforced their trust in the company’s leadership.

“Since Access Bank first started trading on the stock exchange at N0.65, we shareholders have witnessed its incredible growth and accrued immense value, with the stock now trading at N19.35 as of June 9,” remarked Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria.

“Be confident that as the consolidation phase of the Group’s expansion fully takes shape and the brand’s profitability continues to increase, those of us who have been on this journey from the beginning are not about to jump off now. We fully back the capitalisation plans, starting with the Rights Issue, and are excited for the future that lies ahead for Access Holdings.”

This position expressed by this group of shareholders, represented by Bakare, was corroborated by four other groups of shareholders.

Speaking at the event, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings, also expressed confidence in the success of the rights issue, emphasising that it would propel Access Holdings towards its goal of becoming one of the top five financial institutions in Africa by 2027. The rights issue, offering 17,772,612,811 ordinary shares at N19.75 per share, is the first part of a capital raising programme expected to raise up to US$1.5 billion. The funds will be used to strengthen the company’s financial position, support working capital needs, and drive organic growth in its banking and non-banking subsidiaries.

“We are grateful for the solid support of our shareholders,” said Aig-Imoukhuede. “Since Access Bank was recapitalised in 2002, we have consistently kept all promises made to the investing public and actualised all the cyclical milestones we set out to achieve. I have unwavering confidence in the management of the group, led by Bolaji Agbede and Roosevelt Ogbonna, to see through on targets we have for the current five-year strategic cycle. As we progress towards 2027, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our shareholders and solidifying our position as a leading global financial institution,” he added.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, highlighted the company’s commitment to becoming a global banking leader. He noted that the bank aims to grow its customer base to 125 million by 2027 and establish itself as one of the top five banks globally.

“Our journey from a handful of branches to a global presence showcases our dedication to sustainable growth,” Ogbonna said. “By 2027, we aim to be one of the top five African banks, powering trade across the continent and providing superior services to our customers.”

The Rights Issue offer opened on July 8 and will close on August 14, 2024. Shareholders and potential investors are encouraged to participate actively by taking up their rights.

Babatunde Solanke

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),will sanction any airline found to be involved in deceitful departure time scheduling of flights when they know they would not be flying at that time.

The Director,Consumer Protection and Public Affairs of NCAA, Michael Achimugu said the agency has engaged airlines repeatedly in this aspect.

He further noted that the acting director general of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo has directed that henceforth, the authority will monitor the activities of these airlines and sanction anyone found going against aviation roles.

He said:”Recall that when the current NCAA acting director general assumed office, he made sure that there was ease of doing business. Right now, the time of getting AOC is quite shorter and easier compared to years ago. Therefore, the NCAA expects reciprocity from operators, chief of them been to provide world-class services to passengers.

” If the NCAA is making it easier for operators to work, it is expected that passengers must be satisfied. Lately, it has been observed that there are some infractions. Some airlines are been reported to be advertising deceitful departure times.

By the NCAA regulations, especially part 19 states that “no airline shall display deceitful time on counter or its website.”

“We want to make it very clear that the DG CAA has instructed officers and other inspectors to begin to monitor the activities of airlines in this regard and defaulters are going to face serious sanctions. Let it be clear that Capt. Chris Najomo believes in discipline, safety and economic regulations. This is evident in the recent suspension of ten PFC holders for failure to comply with recertification of their licenses.”.

He also warned that the NCAA will go after airlines who refuses to refund passengers after cancellations of flights.

He explained that the standard role of airline operations is that payments made in cash are refunded over the counter immediately while payments made through transfers or other online transactions are refunded within two weeks and noted that anything outside of these, will not longer be acceptable.

According to him, “Another issue we want to address today is the issue of time frame for refunds and compensations. The regulation states that if a passenger has made payment during securing tickets by cash, the passenger must be refunded by cash immediately at the terminal. We have stated this over time. Some airlines comply, while others don’t.

“The regulations also said that if a passenger has made payment for tickets online or via transfer, the airline has 14 working days to make refund.

There is a lot of default in this regard and the consumer protection department has made a lot of progress in educating the airlines and passengers and even ensure refunds which has attracted the commendation of the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo. However, we have more work to do here to ensure full compliance by airlines.”

On the suspended private jets licences, the NCAA maintained that the ten airlines were suspended for failing to come for recertification and discussions are ongoing to address their challenges, while urging the public to be patient and wait for outcome of the process.

He also said the NCAA recently scored about 98 per cent in recent presidential enabling business Environment Council (PEBEC) ratings and 71.04 per cent in ICAO security audit report.

“Captain Najomo and the NCAA wishes to restart that ease of doing business is an area we will continue to improve on. ot is evident in our highest score with regard to PBEC.

” Recently, our sister agency scored 96 points and we commend them. however, the NCAA scored higher; 98.5 points. This is building on thr commendable score of 71.04 we scored for the security audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

“So, the numbers are improving and we will continue to do everything we can to make the industry safer and secure the passengers and all stakeholder” he said.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended ten pivate jet operators over failure to commence tecertification process.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, CARGO or MAIL for HIRE or REWARD (commercial operation or charter services)

A statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu on Saturday said: “As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by the 19th of April 2024.

” To this end, the NCAA has suspended the PERMIT FOR NON COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, Matrix Energy Ltd, Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd and Ezuma Jets Ltd.”

The statement,said NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.

It added:” The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes. The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.

” Furthermore, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders.”

Mohammed Shosanya

One hundred and three Nigerians deported from the Republic of Turkiye to Nigeria were received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders when they arrived at the Nnamdi Arzikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

A Southwind Airlines flight TCGRB that conveyed the deportees from Turkey to Nigeria, touched down in Abuja at about 7pm on Friday and taxied to the pilgrims wing of the airport where they were received by the Federal Government officials led by NEMA.

The Director General NEMA,Mrs Zubaida Umar advised them to accept their experience in good faithnand be law abiding.

Umar,who was represented by the Director North Central Zone Alhaji Bashir Idris Garga said the returnees were received with dignity to assuage their experience and assure the concerns of Federal Government over their plights.

A statement by NEMA on Saturday said the DG informed them that a token of financial support had been provided to assist in their transportation to their various locations.

Other stakeholders who joined to receive the deportees were officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service, National Commission for Refugees Migrant and Internally Displaced Persons, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Federal Airport Authority of Nigerian, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and NDLEA. Others were officials of Port Health Authority and National Intelligence Agency.

After being screened by officials of Port Health authority on arrival the deportees were fed and profiled by NEMA and NCFRMI. They were also cleared by the Nigerian Immigration Service before being handed the transportation support provided by NEMA to go home.

Stakeholders in the nation’s aviation sector have expressed concern over the recent action of the Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Agency (NCAA), Chris Ona Najomo,who was caught on video making a controversial statement.

Premium News gathered that Najomo was recorded on June 21st,2024 at the retirement party of one of most senior pilots of Arik Air, where he said that while one of his legs is in the NCAA, his other leg is in Arik, a privately owned airline company.

Experts in the aviation industry described Najomo’s action as a gross violation of ethical standards and a clear conflict of interest.

They maintained that,it’s inappropriate for the DG of the NCAA, a regulatory body in the aviation sector, to have any form of public allegiance to a private entity within the same industry.

They said:”This situation is even more concerning given Capt. Najomo’s history with Arik Air. Before joining the NCAA, Capt. Najomo served as the Chief Pilot at Arik Air from 2021 to 2022. Prior to that, he was a line captain at Arik Air from 2008 to 2017.

“These roles indicate a long-standing relationship with the airline, raising questions about his impartiality as a regulator.Capt. Najomo’s statement about his divided loyalties blatantly violates Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers (CCPO).

“This section explicitly states: “A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interests conflict with his duties and responsibilities.” By openly acknowledging his dual loyalties, Capt. Najomo has positioned himself in direct conflict with this mandate, undermining the integrity of the NCAA”.

They implored the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo to consider replacing Capt. Najomo on account of this public display of bias.

According to them,such a step is crucial to restoring confidence among industry players, the general public, and the government in the regulatory body’s ability to operate impartially and effectively.

They maintained that the integrity of regulatory bodies like the NCAA is essential for maintaining fair and safe practices within the aviation industry.

Any perception of bias or conflict of interest,they said,can have far-reaching implications, not just for the credibility of the agency but also for the safety and reliability of the aviation sector as a whole.

The agency’s Public Affairs Director,Mike Achimugu,could not be reached for comment as his phone was switched off. He didn’t reply our text message too,as at press time.