The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently met with protesting workers from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) in Abuja. The workers have been protesting due to inadequate working conditions. The key purpose of the meeting was to discuss the workers’ grievances, including the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, the exclusion of certain staff from past allowances, and the neglect of crucial training programs, among other concerns. The meeting was attended by the Director General of NiMET, officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), representatives from the National Union of Transport Employees (NUTE), and other essential stakeholders. The meeting began with a brief opening session before moving into a closed-door discussion. Various unions, including the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees, were present at the meeting. This ongoing strike by NiMET workers has caused significant disruptions to flight operations at local airports. The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, announced the cancellation of all flights nationwide due to the strike, which began two days ago. In a viral video, Onyema expressed his concerns, emphasizing the safety of passengers, crew, and equipment: “If NiMET has not called off the strike, cancel every Air Peace flight now with immediate effect. People’s lives and the safety of our equipment and our crew are foremost. I don’t care if other airlines are flying. Suspend every Air Peace flight nationwide. Look at the thunderstorm everywhere. Look at the kind of weather we are going into, and NiMET, which is supposed to provide these things, is on strike, and we are flying. Suspend all flights with immediate effect, until further notice, until that strike is over, safety first.” Related Articles: BUY ANYTHING ON KONG BUY NOW Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
President Tinubu has reaffirmed his confidence in Kano State by appointing Abdullahi Ganduje as FAAN chairman. This move highlights Kano’s contributions to his administration while sparking political debate. President Tinubu’s Endorsement of Kano’s Contributions President Bola Tinubu has once again demonstrated his confidence in Kano State by appointing Abdullahi Ganduje as the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). According to Oliver Okpala, an aide to Ganduje and a top figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), this appointment is a testament to the President’s recognition of Kano’s significant contributions to his administration. Ganduje’s Appointment Sparks Controversy Despite the honor bestowed on Ganduje, the appointment has faced criticism from certain quarters. The Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, has openly opposed the decision. In response, Okpala condemned Rimingado’s stance, emphasizing that politics should transcend personal grievances and focus on national progress. Call for Unity and Progress Okpala urged politicians to shift their attention from political rivalry to the collective development of Nigeria. He expressed full confidence in Ganduje’s ability to lead FAAN effectively and implement transformative policies that would enhance the country’s aviation sector. “Whether critics like Rimingado accept it or not, Ganduje’s contributions to Kano State’s development during his tenure as governor remain undeniable,” Okpala stated. He further assured Nigerians that Ganduje’s dedication to public service would reflect in his new role at FAAN. “Expect remarkable improvements in our nation’s airports, as Ganduje will undoubtedly collaborate with key stakeholders to drive positive change,” he added. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a statement to clarify the details surrounding the incident involving United Airlines flight UAL 613. The flight, which departed from Lagos to Washington on January 24, 2025, with 256 passengers and 11 crew members on board, did not initiate a return to Nigeria’s airspace as previously reported. NAMA explained that the airline did not breach any airspace regulations, and they commended the pilot for prioritizing the safety of everyone aboard by deciding to return to Nigeria. Abdullahi Musa, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NAMA, addressed the misinformation surrounding the event, noting that after 2 hours and 32 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude while over Côte d’Ivoire’s airspace. Musa’s statement read: “We wish to correct inaccurate reports about United Airlines flight UAL 613. Contrary to claims, the flight did not return within Nigeria’s airspace. The flight, which left Lagos for Washington Dulles, adhered to all standard protocols and international aviation regulations. “Approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes into the flight, the aircraft encountered a sudden altitude loss over Côte d’Ivoire. Though the pilot had the option to land in Bamako or Abidjan, he chose to return to Nigeria, considering it safer to land in Lagos, the origin of the flight, rather than in those locations. “After establishing contact, Air Traffic Control (ATC) activated medical emergency services, as per industry standards. The flight, which was 180 nautical miles from Lagos, was guided to a safe landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with the help of emergency services on the ground. “NAMA’s ATC and medical teams swiftly executed emergency protocols to ensure the safety of all onboard. Another United Airlines aircraft, dispatched from Accra, flew to Lagos to assist the passengers, who were treated by Nigerian medical personnel. “Contrary to some claims, the aircraft from Ghana was solely on a rescue mission. We want to emphasize that United Airlines did not breach any airspace regulations. We commend the pilot for his professionalism and his decision to prioritize the safety of all passengers and crew. NAMA remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of airspace safety in line with international best practices.” NAMA concluded by urging analysts to rely on verified sources of information when discussing sensitive matters related to air travel, in order to prevent misinformation and reassure the public of the safety of Nigerian airspace. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) have signed a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at boosting trade relations between the two nations. Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chair of EXIM, signed the agreement on behalf of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, while Abba Bello, Managing Director and CEO of NEXIM, represented the Nigerian Export-Import Bank. Strengthening Trade Opportunities During the signing ceremony, EXIM President Reta Jo Lewis emphasized the growing potential for U.S. exports to Nigeria in key sectors such as critical minerals, clean energy, aviation, and infrastructure. She expressed confidence that the MOU would create significant opportunities for U.S. businesses, enhancing their presence in these crucial industries. NEXIM’s Managing Director, Abba Bello, also highlighted the importance of the agreement, calling it a key milestone in strengthening trade ties between Nigeria and the U.S. He noted that the collaboration would provide Nigerian businesses with greater access to trade financing and facilitate smoother trade flows between the two countries. Collaboration for Growth and Economic Development The MOU reflects both nations’ commitment to fostering stronger trade and economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like clean energy, critical minerals, aviation, maritime transport, digital connectivity, and infrastructure. The partnership is expected to generate new opportunities for mutual growth. “Nigeria is the second-largest U.S. export destination in Sub-Saharan Africa, but there’s still so much room to expand,” said Chair Lewis, signaling the immense untapped potential for increased trade between the countries. A Promising Future for U.S.-Nigeria Trade The collaboration will also focus on using EXIM’s medium- and long-term loan guarantees or direct loans to support U.S. exports to Nigeria, enhancing the competitiveness of businesses in both nations. This partnership aligns with EXIM’s mission to foster economic growth and job creation by supporting U.S. exports. EXIM’s Commitment to Sub-Saharan Africa This MOU directly supports EXIM’s mandate to promote trade in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past three years, EXIM has approved around $4 billion in authorizations to assist U.S. exports to the region, reinforcing its role in advancing American economic interests. About EXIM The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the country’s official export credit agency. EXIM supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports through various financing options, including credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM plays a crucial role in contributing to U.S. economic growth and supporting businesses and supply chains across the nation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Federal Government (FG) has confirmed that it does not intend to resurrect the failed Nigeria Air project involving Ethiopian Airlines. This clarification followed public speculation regarding comments made by Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during a recent handover ceremony in Abuja. Dr. Kana initially mentioned that his assignment involved two key objectives: making a national carrier a reality and improving airports nationwide. However, he later clarified his statement in an official release, stating he had no directive to revive the terminated Nigeria Air deal with Ethiopian Airlines. He explained that his remarks were a general reflection of the administration’s vision, emphasizing that a national carrier would only be reconsidered if beneficial to the nation and under the explicit guidance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo. Dr. Kana reaffirmed his full support for Keyamo and commitment to working collaboratively to advance the ministry’s objectives for a modernized and efficient aviation sector. The Nigeria Air project, initially introduced under former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, was suspended due to corruption allegations. On August 6, 2024, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa further halted the Federal Government’s plans to establish the national carrier, citing legal issues. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
