The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: News

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  • Mbah Congratulates New NBA President, Osigwe

    Mbah Congratulates New NBA President, Osigwe

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has congratulated Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on his inauguration as the 32nd President of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, describing him as a round peg in a round hole.

    Mbah, who is also a senior lawyer, charged Mazi Osigwe to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on the task of addressing the challenges facing legal practice and the justice sector in general.

    In a statement released on Friday, Mbah said, “I join the rest of the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on his inauguration as the 32nd President of the NBA.

    “As a member of the inner Bar, a former Secretary-General of the NBA, Chairman of the Unity Bar, and a consummate legal practitioner, who has distinguished himself in his calling, Mazi Osigwe is purpose-built for the office he was overwhelmingly elected to occupy.

    “Also, as a candidate, he articulated a blueprint for the advancement of the legal profession and the justice sector that enjoyed the buy-in of members. Therefore, I trust him to lead a proactive Bar that delivers solutions and benefits to legal practitioners and the justice sector in general.

    “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Enugu State, I wish him the best as he undertakes this onerous task.”

    Governor Mbah urged members of the Bar and Nigerians to accord the new NBA total support and cooperation to succeed.

  • X whistleblower PIDOM’s health deteriorates in custody

    Isaac Tamunoibifiri Bristol-Alagbariya, reportedly linked to the popular whistleblower X handle PIDOM NIGERIA, is facing severe health issues in custody due to the Nigerian Police Force’s refusal to provide medical attention. He continues to be held at the Force headquarters despite his worsening condition.

    He was arrested on August 5, 2024, for alleged cyber offences. According to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism – FIJ – a source who gained access to him revealed that his treatment in custody has been inhumane, involving solitary confinement and insufficient medical care for untreated injuries.

    The investigating police officer (IPO) handling the cybercrime case against Isaac Bristol has not provided him with medical care and has ordered FCID officers to prevent him from speaking with visitors.

    His condition has therefore worsened due to neglect by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and denial of hospital visits.

    “Isaac’s health condition has worsened; the injuries on his body are festering,” a source revealed. “He has been neglected by his IPO and denied hospital visits despite being scheduled for it repeatedly.”

    Bristol has been completely isolated from other detainees and has been instructed by police not to communicate with them. “His IPO has neglected his duty, and Isaac may as well be on the verge of death,” the source decried.

    Bristol’s declining health highlights serious concerns regarding the treatment of detainees in Nigeria. Authorities must urgently address this issue and ensure the whistleblower receives appropriate medical care.

    Newscentral

  • CSO Condemns Assault On Press Freedom By Fed. Govt.

    CSO Condemns Assault On Press Freedom By Fed. Govt.

    A civil society organisation, The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s government’s glaring assault on press freedom and freedom of expression.

    The Tinubu government has shown intolerance for dissenting voices as it clamps down on journalists, social critics and whistleblowers while shielding corrupt persons.

    Recently, Isaac Bristol, the person whom Nigerian police alleged to be behind the famous whistleblower account on X, PIDOMNigeria, was abducted by the Nigerian Police and is still in detention. He has been in detention since August 5, while being subjected to torture treatment, with the police demanding civil servants worth N500 million as sureties for his bail.

    A few days ago, a journalist, Adejuwon Soyinka, was arrested by the DSS and detained for hours. Earlier, Investigative Journalists Fisayo Soyombo, Daniel Ojukwu, and Abdulrasheed Hammad, among others, were hounded by security men for publishing critical reports.

    The Nigerian government had also made several attempts to track the location of Investigative Journalist David Hundeyin, possibly to abduct him.

    According to NACAT, the government’s actions in its encounters with investigative journalists and critics are against the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws.

    The group’s Operations Manager, Stanley Ugagbe, addressed journalists in Abuja on Wednesday and expressed concern for Nigeria’s democracy.

    Ugagbe said: “We have been watching with disdain the alarming trend of arrests, detentions, and harassment of investigative journalists by the Nigerian government. These actions are a direct attack on the freedom of the press and a dangerous step toward authoritarianism.

    “It is even bemusing that state agents can easily track and arrest investigative journalists, clampdown on those who air their grievances over the failed policies of the government that have subjected the people to untold hardship but cannot track and arrest terrorists and kidnappers, who have turned the nation into a crime zone, making Nigerians live in perpetual fear.

    “We demand immediate justice and accountability for these journalists, especially for Isaac (PIDOM), who is still being held in detention. We are troubled that if these actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a lawless society where journalists are silenced or disappear for doing their jobs.

    “We urge the President to rescind this trajectory and keep to his words to promote the rule of law, adhere to the principles of separation of powers, and tolerate dissenting views within the ambit of the laws of Nigeria. We seek an open society where citizens can express themselves freely, access unclassified information, and the government is fully accountable to the people.

    West Africa Weekly

  • FCCPC gives traders 1 month to crash food prices

    FCCPC gives traders 1 month to crash food prices

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has granted a one-month grace period for traders and market stakeholders to lower prices on goods.

    The decision, announced by the newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello came during a stakeholder engagement on exploitative pricing held in Abuja on Thursday.

    Bello stated that enforcement actions against unfair pricing practices will begin after the grace period. The session aimed to confront the growing issue of excessive pricing and address the unethical practices observed within various market associations.

    He highlighted an example of price inflation, noting that a Ninja fruit blender was priced at $89 (approximately N140,000) in a Texas supermarket, while the same item was listed at N944,999 in a Victoria Island, Lagos supermarket. Such stark differences, he remarked, reflect broader issues of market manipulation that threaten economic stability.

    “Under Section 155 of the FCCPC Act, violators—whether individuals or corporations—face significant penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment, if found guilty. This measure is intended to deter illicit practices. However, our approach is not punitive at this stage,” Bello explained. “We are providing a one-month grace period for stakeholders to adjust their pricing practices before we implement strict enforcement.”

    He acknowledged the government’s awareness of the challenges faced by market participants and stressed the importance of cooperative solutions.

    “While we recognize the genuine concerns raised by stakeholders; such as rising transportation costs and multiple layers of taxation; it is also essential to address any collusion among traders aimed at exploiting consumers.”

    Stakeholders shared their perspectives on the factors driving price increases. Mr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (FCT Chapter), cited increased import duties at ports and urged the formation of a task force with association involvement for effective enforcement.

    Emmanuel Odugwu from Kugbo Spare Parts Market reported a dramatic rise in transportation costs, with the price of moving a trailer load of tires from Lagos to Abuja increasing from N450,000 to over N1 million. Ms. Kemi Ashiri, Liaison Manager at Flour Mills, called for the harmonization of regulatory fines to support business sustainability.

    Ikenna Ubaka, representing supermarket owners, attributed high costs to excessive bank interest rates, rent increases, and inflated prices from supply chains. He also noted that electricity distribution companies were imposing high charges on supermarkets.

    Mr. Solomon Ukeme from the Master Bakers Association pointed out that the cost of essential baking ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and butter, has surged significantly, with a bag of flour now costing N74,000 compared to N34,000 previously. He linked these increases to multiple layers of taxation.

    The engagement underscored the need for a concerted effort among market stakeholders and regulatory bodies to address pricing issues and promote fair market practices.

    Sun

  • Anyim makes case for constitutional recognition of offices of SGF, SSG

    Anyim makes case for constitutional recognition of offices of SGF, SSG

    On Thursday, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, asserted that the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Secretary to State Governments (SSG) are not established by law.

    During the inaugural meeting of the Forum of the SGF and SSGs, Anyim, who also served as Senate President, explained that Sections 171(1)(2) and 208 of the 1999 Constitution only reference the SGF and SSG as positions that the President and governors can appoint to execute their powers.

    “The office of SGF/SSG is not a creation of law,” Anyim stated. “Section 171(1)(2) and 208 of the Constitution only mentioned the SGF/SSG as officers the President/governor has powers to appoint in the exercise of his executive powers.”

    He continued, “First Schedule, Part 2, Paragraph 10 and Section 209 of the Constitution only mentioned the offices of SGF and SSG as offices subject to code of conduct processes and nothing more.”

    Anyim questioned whether the omission of these offices from the Constitution was intentional or an oversight.

    “I don’t know whether it was deliberate or oversight that the framers of the Constitution omitted to establish the office of SGF/SSG in the Constitution but went ahead to talk about its appointment. Being executive appointees under Section 171 and 208 of the Constitution, we must be sure that the role of SGF/SSG is limited to the executive arm of government.”

    He argued that the SGF and SSG positions “should be institutionalised or protected by law,” advocating for legal establishment of these roles. “The first step to institutionalise the roles of SGF/SSG is to institutionalise the office by law,” Anyim proposed.

    He also suggested seeking the Attorney General of the Federation’s advice on creating a common repository for coordinating activities across Nigeria’s three arms of government. “At present, there is no effective mechanism to coordinate or synergise the activities of the three arms of government,” he added.

    SGF George Akume addressed the need for enhanced coordination and collaboration among government bodies saying “In these challenging times, the importance of policy coordination and implementation is more critical than ever”.

    As Nigeria navigates a complex array of socio-economic, environmental, and security challenges, we must take clear, unified action across all levels of government.”

    He emphasized, “The success of our national agenda depends on how effectively we align federal, state, and local policies, ensuring that they are not only well-conceived but also consistently implemented. Achieving this requires a deep commitment to collaboration and a shared vision of our common goals.”

    Ripples

  • Nigerian Army Will Remain Apolitical, Respect Human Rights – COAS

    Nigerian Army Will Remain Apolitical, Respect Human Rights – COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has averred that the Nigerian Army(NA) has recently acquired combat enablers to enhance troops’ effectiveness in the conduct of ongoing operations across the country.

    He made made the assertion on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, at the Chief Opening Ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2024 held at the Council of Chiefs Hall Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    Speaking further, the COAS stated that essential combat enablers such as Mine-Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles, rifles and ammunition necessary to strengthen troops’ operations across the country have been acquired and are already impacting positively on troops operations against security challenges. “These acquisitions,” he added, “will undoubtedly enhance the effectiveness of troops across various theatres and ultimately firm up the nation’s path to an improved security environment in furtherance of economic prosperity for the nation”.

    General Lagbaja noted the desire of President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to build a well-equipped, truly professional Army for the nation. This he said, the President has demonstrated through the purchase of combat enablers such as the 2 BELL UH -1 Huey Helicopters and other enablers to conduct a range of missions, including logistics and medical evacuation among other functions for the NA. He disclosed that Nigerian Army pilots are currently undergoing training on these platforms since the Army took delivery of the platforms on 20 June 2024. The COAS reassured that the platforms will soon be fully inducted into the theatres of operation, but however limited to logistic missions.

    Pastor Umoh Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, while formally declaring the conference open, commended the progressive restructuring of the Nigerian Army, urging the NA to maintain the trajectory. He urged the Nigerian Army to remain apolitical and continue to operate within the framework of the principles of fundamental human rights and adherence to rules of engagement in its operations.

    Governor Eno further espoused the critical role of actionable intelligence and synergy among security agencies in the conduct and success of operations.

    He lauded the successes so far achieved by troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies across the 6 geopolitical zones, pointing out that the Nigerian Army is a key element of national power and diplomacy. Governor Eno commended the COAS for his sterling and exemplary leadership of the NA. He urged the NA to evolve strategies that would consolidate on its achievements thus far.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of Nigerian Army Group Life Assurance cheques to beneficiaries. The presentation was in fulfillment of one of the pillars of the COAS’ Command Philosophy, which is to promote sound administration through the implementation of adequate welfare for personnel and their families.

  • Man Seeks Help as Wife Delivers 11 Babies

    Alake Latoyosi, a 54-year-old woman, recently gave birth to eleven (11) babies in Cotonou, Benin Republic. The births occurred in two separate batches: the first set of six babies was delivered on August 7, followed by a second set of five babies on August 14.

    Her husband, 56-year-old Yahaya Nafiu, is now seeking assistance to support the care of his wife and their newborns. He has appealed to kind-hearted individuals for financial help to provide for the babies and their mother.

    Nafiu, who serves as the Missioner for the Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) in Port Novo, Ajasse, and Cotonou, explained that a birth attendant assisted with the deliveries on both occasions.

    According to Nafiu, after the first delivery, his wife reported feeling unusual movements in her abdomen. A subsequent hospital scan revealed that she was still carrying more children. This led them to call upon the same birth attendant, who successfully delivered the next set of five babies.

    Nafiu shared that the pregnancy had lasted over three years, during which the hospital was unable to determine its nature, preventing doctors from performing a Caesarean section. He attributed the ordeal to an evil spiritual influence affecting the doctors.

    He also mentioned that he and his wife already had several children from their previous marriages before the arrival of these eleven babies.

    Newscentral

  • $1million Fraud: EFCC Arrests Syndicate Impersonating Chairman Olukoyede

    $1million Fraud: EFCC Arrests Syndicate Impersonating Chairman Olukoyede

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested a four-man syndicate of alleged fraudsters impersonating and blackmailing  the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede in a $1million deal.

    According to a statement on the Commission’s X handle, the suspects, Ojobo Joshua, Aliyu Hashim, Thomas Oduh and Paul Ogiji were arrested on Wednesday,  August 28, 2024, at Gimbiya Street, Garki and Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.

    The alleged fraudsters contacted a former Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority, NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko claiming his indictment in some phony investigative activities of the EFCC during his tenure as the MD of NPA.

    They alleged that Olukoyede was ready to give him a soft landing for $1million or risk being arrested and prosecuted.

    On receipt of intelligence regarding the moves of the impersonators, operatives of the Commission were deployed to play along with the alleged fraudsters. They were successfully arrested and in custody of the Commission.

    They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

  • Enugu gets state-owned mega asphalt plant, targets bitumen exploration

    Enugu gets state-owned mega asphalt plant, targets bitumen exploration

    In furtherance of his campaign promise to construct 10,000 roads in eight years, governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has commissioned a mega asphalt production plant built by his administration.

    Inaugurating the plant in Enugu on Thursday, Governor Mbah also explained that the state would in addition produce the inputs for asphalt production, noting these moves would drastically reduce the cost of road construction for the state.

    “This is an event that brings us closer to our dream of bidding our collapsed, unpaved roads goodbye. This special and state-of-the-art asphalt production plant is designed to produce 160 tons of asphalt per hour. For context, it will produce 2.5 tons every minute and 160 tons per hour. What it effectively means is that if we decide to work 20 hours in a day, we can produce 3,200 tons every day. This is not seen anywhere in the South East.

    “The interesting thing is that we are also committed to making sure that we produce the inputs. In a few days from now, we are going to inaugurate a plant where we will be mining and crushing the stones that we need to feed this plant.

    “It is our hope that we are going to start the exploration of bitumen in the state because we are also blessed with bitumen. So, in a few years time, we are going to be able to produce the bitumen that will feed this plant. It means that we will get the bitumen here, get the stones, and sand so that everything is made in Enugu,” the governor said.

    Mbah added that the inauguration of the asphalt plant had brought his administration closer to achieving its target of over 1,000km of roads per annum.

    “This brings us closer to the dream of paving a minimum of a thousand kilometers every year in Enugu State. This is not heard of anywhere. We are talking about a length of road that you know is even a challenge to have in eight years. But we commit to doing that every year.

    “So, for context, what it means is that all our urban roads will be paved, we are not going to discriminate. Just a few weeks ago, we announced the approval of N183 billion for the construction of 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads.

    “Remember that we have also just completed the pavement or construction of 71 urban roads and work is ongoing on the 10 rural roads we awarded earlier.

    “For our rural roads, we understand the importance because one of the challenges we have in scaling up our agriculture production is access to farmlands. So, with the commissioning of a plant like this, we are now able to access our farmlands because we are now going to have the roads to our farmlands paved, and also going to pave the roads in our rural communities.

    “Therefore, our projection on roads is not a dream, but something we are already beginning to implement,” he said.

    Earlier in their addresses, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji; Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, Arc. Uchenna Nwatu; and the Technical Manager of the plant, Mitesh Prajapati, explained that the plant was of high standard and fit for bringing the governor’s dream of infrastructural transformation in Enugu to fruition.

    “This Fabhind product is eco-friendly, and undoubtedly, will help the citizenry to benefit from smoother, safer, and more durable road networks.

    “Second to none in the South East, this asphalt batch mix plant boasts of several special features that set it apart from others. With a capacity of 160 tons per hour, the plant can produce 1,500 tons of best quality asphalt a day,” Arc. Nwatu stated.

  • Minimum Wage: Mbah Inaugurates Implementation Committee

    Minimum Wage: Mbah Inaugurates Implementation Committee

    Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated the Committee for the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage for Civil and Public Servants in Enugu State, giving the Committee a maximum of one month to submit its report.

    The Committee which was inaugurated on Thursday at the Government House, Enugu, had the Head of Service, Kenneth Ugwu, as Chairman; representative of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Sandra George as Secretary and the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Nathaniel Uramah.

    Others are the Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Pharm Chika Ugwuoke; and Accountant-General of the state, Mr. Anthony Okenwa as members.

    On the Labour side, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu State chapter, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo and Chairman of the state chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Benedict Asogwa.

    Others are the Chairman, Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Ezekiel Omeh and Chairman of the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Comrade Udaya Ani are members.

    Inaugurating the Committee, Governor Mbah reiterated his commitment to workers’ welfare and urged the Committee to consult widely with relevant stakeholders, especially the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, to ensure that the workers take ownership of the eventual report.

    “We have set very ambitious targets for ourselves, and we know that the only thing between us and achieving these targets will be the human resources because as great as our visions and dreams might be, it would be impossible to anything if we do not have a motivated workforce.

    “We recognised it from the very onset, which is why before the discussions on the new minimum wage came up, we introduced the wage awards, and made a commitment that we would not cease until we migrate to the new minimum wage.

    “That is why the constitution of this Committee for the implementation of the new national minimum wage is a very important exercise, and we have carefully selected members of this committee. We believe that you will be able to discharge yourself creditably,” he said.

    The governor added that, “We expect, as terms of reference, you should be able to come up with a comprehensive review of the salary chat of all categories and cadres of workers of both the state and the local government levels, the unified local government system, using the existing state salary chat as a guide.

    “Finally, we will expect to have a detailed report submitted within a month. We want to get on with the implementation of the new national minimum wage as quickly as possible.”

    Speaking, the Committee Chairman and Head of Service, Kenneth Ugwu, assured that the governor that the committee would surpass his expectation both in terms of time frame and quality of work.

    “We are aware of your commitment to the welfare and motivation of the great workers of Enugu State. All our recommendations are going to be aligned with your vision for a highly motivated and productive public service.

    “We are not only going to meet your expectations, but we are also going to surpass it. One-month period is given to us, but I assure you hat we are going to submit our recommendations in record time,” he stated.

    Speaking to Government House correspondent, Chairman of TUC, Comrade Asogwa, said Governor Mbah’s prompt action did not come to Enugu workers as a surprise, as he had been paying wage awards to workers since 2023.

    “The governor also made a promise to the health professionals to pay the 100 per cent Consolidated Health Workers Salary Structure (CONHESS) starting from this month of August.

    “If you go to the health industry within the state today, all the health professionals are happy because they have started receiving the new salary alerts as promised.

    “So, setting up this Committee did not come to us as a surprise because we know the kind of person we have as a Governor. He is not playing. The governor understands what it means to enter into social contract with his people.

    “We have confidence in him. We feel happy that in no distant time, our financial situation as Enugu worker will be improved in Enugu State,” he said.

  • JUST-IN: Afam Osigwe sworn-in as 32nd NBA President

    JUST-IN: Afam Osigwe sworn-in as 32nd NBA President

    Afam Osigwe (SAN) has been sworn-in as the 32nd president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for a two-year term.  

    The transition of leadership from the outgoing president, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), to Afam Osigwe took place in Lagos today, August 29, 2024. 

    Certificates of return were presented to Osigwe and other national officers by the NBA Election Committee.  

    Afam Osigwe (SAN) was elected as the new president of the NBA in July this year.  

    Maikyau’s tenure as president of the NBA ends today, August 29th, 2024.  

    The NBA renews its national leadership every two years through elections. The tenure of elected officials of the NBA runs for two years and is non-renewable. 

    Results at the end of the NBA National Officers election via electronic voting on July 21, 2024, showed that Osigwe, a former General Secretary of the association, won with 20,435 votes.  

    The Chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education board, Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, trailed him by scoring 10,998 votes, while Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN) came third with 9,018 votes.

    The final results of the NBA 2024 elections were formally announced in July at the NBA House Auditorium, Plot 1101 Muhammadu Buhari Way, Abuja, though the contenders disputed the electoral process that eventually produced Osigwe.  

    Osigwe expressed gratitude for the privilege and honor of being entrusted with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from the end of August 2024. 

    “The outcome of the 2024 NBA National Officers Election is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing the cause of justice, upholding the rule of law, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive legal community,” he said.  

    He had also appreciated his colleagues, Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN) and Tobenna Erojikwe, for their dedication to the legal profession and democratic process. 

    After the certificate of return were given to the new leaders on Thursday, Maikyau administered the oath of office to Osigwe and others, thereby officially passing the mantle of leadership to the latter.  

    Osigwe vowed to discharge his duties faithfully.  

    Nairametrics
  • Keyamo leads delegation as Nigerian airlines sign MOU with Boeing to strengthen aircraft acquisition

    Keyamo leads delegation as Nigerian airlines sign MOU with Boeing to strengthen aircraft acquisition

    Major Nigerian airlines, under the Airline Operators of Nigeria, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing to enhance aircraft acquisition, safety practices, and other key aspects of the aviation industry. 

    The delegation, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, finalized the agreement on Wednesday in Seattle, Washington. 

    This development was announced via a statement on the official X (formerly Twitter) account on of the Aviation Minister on Thursday.  

    This signing followed an invitation from Boeing, which sought to strengthen its partnership with Nigerian airline operators. 

    According to the Minister’s statement, the MOU not only focuses on improving aircraft acquisition but also includes provisions for technical support, operational efficiency, leadership training, safety collaboration, and consultations to expand airport capabilities in Nigeria. 

    “Yesterday, in Seattle, State of Washington in the USA, I led a delegation of the Executives of major airlines in Nigeria under the auspices of Airline Operators of Nigeria and other important stakeholders in the civil aviation ecosystem in Nigeria to sign an important Memorandum of Understanding with THE BOEING Company, one of the major aircraft manufacturers in the world,” the statement read in part. 

    Key Provisions of the MoU 

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covers nine critical aspects of the aviation sector, as outlined by the Aviation Minister. This comprehensive agreement is designed to address key areas that will significantly enhance the efficiency, safety, and growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.  

    Below is an overview of what the MoU entails: 

    • Aircraft Acquisition Support: Boeing will use its network of financiers and lessors to help Nigerian airlines acquire newer generation aircraft, modernizing their fleets.
    • Technical Support: Enhanced technical support will be provided for integrating new or used Boeing aircraft into existing operations, ensuring smooth transitions.
    • Operational and Business Training: Boeing will offer training to improve airline operations and business models, boosting efficiency and profitability.
    • Access to Technical Data: Nigerian airlines will gain access to Boeing’s maintenance documents, engineering drawings, and other critical data to streamline maintenance practices.
    • On-Site Technical Support: Boeing will establish Field Services Representation in Nigeria or nearby, providing immediate technical assistance to airlines.
    • Leadership Development: Boeing will provide leadership training to help Nigerian airlines strengthen their executive teams and leadership pipelines.
    • Safety and Efficiency Collaboration: Boeing will work with airlines to enhance safety and operational efficiency in in-flight operations, maintenance, and engineering.
    • Safety Oversight: Boeing will collaborate with NCAA, NSIB, and ICAO to strengthen safety oversight and regulatory compliance in the region.
    Nairametrics