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Airfares may rise as NAMA set to raise levy by 800%

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Airfares may rise as NAMA set to raise levy by 800%

Amid complaints by the Airline Operators of Nigeria over multiple taxation, the Federal Government has expressed its intention to further raise its charges.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Umar Farouk, announced this on Friday at the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents seminar themed “Aviation Survivability amidst a Challenging Macro-Economic Environment,” held in Ikeja, Lagos.

He stated that the agency would raise its en-route navigational charges from N2,000 and N6,000 to N18,000 and N54,000 per flight. Similarly, the airspace agency increased the extension of service hours to airlines from N50,000 to N450,000, representing an 800 per cent increase per extension to enable the agency to recover the cost of diesel and other logistics during the extension period.

This means that airfares might also skyrocket by 800 per cent.

In January, NAMA and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority held a strategic meeting with some airline operators to review what has been described as the outdated N16,000 terminal en-route navigational charges.

He said, “The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency relies on statutory fees for the management of the airspace (remember that aviation takes place only in the air). These funds are generated from services we provide to the flying community. Without these funds, NAMA can’t discharge its responsibility of ensuring the safety of our airspace effectively. We mainly generate these funds through the airline companies.”

Farouk also noted that in 2023, NAMA had an expenditure of about N21 billion in personnel costs alone, over N12 billion in capital costs, and over N10 billion in overhead costs, adding that all these were to be funded without the Federal Government budgetary allocation.

He said NAMA had been charging as low as N11,000 per flight when a one-way domestic ticket cost only N16,000.

He mentioned that while ticket prices today have gone up astronomically to as high as between N150,000 to N200,000 for a one-way economy ticket owing to the prevailing economic circumstances, NAMA navigational charges had remained the same since June 2008.

“Currently, our unit rate for international flights charged for service provision is about $70, and domestic flights are charged N6,000. While NAMA recognises the difficult economic environment in which aviation operates in Nigeria, it is equally a part of the ecosystem.

“It goes to the same market to procure equipment and other services like training. If NAMA is to survive and continue to guarantee safety and efficiency in the airspace, it must breathe.

“Even though most costs in the economy have increased by more than 1,000 percent, NAMA has proposed to increase its fees by 800%. The new rates for en-route and terminal navigation charges are to be reviewed from N2,000 and N6,000 to N18,000 and N54,000 per flight.

“Also, the extension of service hours is to be reviewed from N50,000 to N450,000 per extension to enable the agency to recover the cost of diesel and other logistics during the period of extension”.

“The largest percentage of NAMA’s revenue comes from en-route navigation charges (domestic and international flights) and terminal navigation charges (domestic and international flights). While international flights pay in US dollars, domestic flights pay in the Nigerian currency.”

23 electricity workers died in Q1 2024 – NERC

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23 electricity workers died in Q1 2024 – NERC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed that 23 electricity workers died in the line of duty in the first quarter of this year in the country.
The commission disclosed this in its latest report made available to journalists on Friday.
It added that 23 workers died while 31 others sustained injuries in 55 accidents during the period.
The report read: “The total number of accidents in 2024/Q1 was 55 which resulted in 31 injuries and 23 fatalities.
“The major causes of casualties (deaths and injuries) recorded in Q1 2024 are wire snaps – six deaths and six injuries; illegal/unauthorized access – five deaths and two injuries; acts of vandalism – two deaths and five injuries; unsafe acts/conditions – 10 deaths and 12 injuries; falls from height – two injuries.
“Breakdown of the number of casualties – Eko Disco (13), Benin Disco (8); Jos Disco (6), and Aba Power (6).
“Cumulatively, Discos accounted for 96.30 percent of casualties recorded in 2024/Q1 continuing a trend observed in previous quarters (98.48 percent in 2023/Q4) that the distribution segment is the biggest contributor to safety issues experienced in the NESI (Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry.”
The post 23 electricity workers died in Q1 2024 – NERC appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Israel plans offensive against Lebanon’s Hezbollah

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Israel plans offensive against Lebanon’s Hezbollah

An Israeli military commander said Friday that troops in the country’s north were preparing for “a decisive offensive” against Lebanon’s Hezbollah after months of deadly cross-border exchanges.

Israeli forces have traded near-daily fire with Hamas ally Hezbollah since the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel started the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s commanding officer in the north, Major General Ori Gordin, told troops that “we have already eliminated more than 500 terrorists in Lebanon, the great majority of them from Hezbollah”, an army statement said.

According to an AFP tally, more than nine months of violence have killed at least 523 people in Lebanon.

Most of them, 342 people, have been confirmed to be Hezbollah militants

but the tally also includes 104 civilians. Gordin did not mention civilian casualties.

In northern Israel, at least 18 Israeli soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed, according to the military.

The exchanges of fire have been largely restricted to the border areas and displaced tens of thousands of Lebanese as well as Israeli residents.

The Israeli military has “destroyed thousands” of targets across the border, Gordin said.

The statement said troops were now preparing “for the transition to offence”.

“When the moment comes and we go on the offensive, it will be a decisive offensive,” Gordin added.

Iran-backed Hezbollah says it is acting in support of Hamas with its attacks on Israel since October 8.

The escalating violence and unsuccessful mediation efforts have raised fears of an all-out conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which last went to war in 2006.

Israel has demanded that parts of southern Lebanon be cleared of Hezbollah militants in line with a UN Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war.

AFP.

Police arrests two suspected bandits’ informants in Katsina

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Police arrests two suspected bandits’ informants in Katsina

Police operatives in Katsina have arrested two suspected bandits’ informants and recovered suspected rustled animals in the state.
The spokesman for the state police command, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Katsina.
He said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the state’s Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) and hunters in Jibia local government area of the state.
The spokesman said: “On July 25, 2024, a team of police operatives attached to Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters while on routine patrol in collaboration with the KSCWC and Hunters, successfully arrested two suspects, all from Zandam village, in Jibia LGA.
“The suspects were arrested along Magama cemetery in possession of two rams, one sheep, and a goat, suspected to have been rustled.”
“In the course of the investigation, the duo confessed to having received the rustled animals from a suspected notorious bandits’ leader called Nura of Mazanya village in Jibia, now at large.
“The suspects were on their way to dispose of the animals at Magama market, in Jibia local government when they were arrested.”
The post Police arrests two suspected bandits’ informants in Katsina appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Submit your names, addresses to police, IG tells hunger protest organisers

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Submit your names, addresses to police, IG tells hunger protest organisers

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.

He spoke while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday.

He said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.

Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.

“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

The IG added that the information expected from the organizers also includes measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.

He added that by providing the information, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

He also said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.

Other guidelines, as issued by Egbetokun, are, “Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.

“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”

Details later…

JNI urges protesters, FG to engage in talks

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JNI urges protesters, FG to engage in talks

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, appealed on Friday to protest conveners, stakeholders, and the Federal Government to engage in dialogue before the situation escalates.

The Muslim organisation acknowledged that Nigerians are facing difficult challenges but noted that protests might not be the solution.

In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, in Kaduna State, the JNI highlighted that the global landscape has shown that protests have led to uncontrollable situations in countries such as Libya, Syria, and Iraq.

JNI urged the government to secure the country to ensure access to land and cultivation, provide subsidised farming materials, promote industrialisation, and enhance the quality of education.

According to the statement, the JNI advocated for sober reflection, sincere humility, and continued prayer to Allah, while citing Qur’anic guidance and the Prophet’s teachings on supplication.

The statement read in part: “Arising from the recent calls and counter-calls for protests in Nigeria, driven by food insecurity, inflation, abject poverty, and escalating national security challenges, it becomes very worrying and requires immediate attention.

“Therefore, the JNI, under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, with all sense of responsibility, appeals to the protest conveners, their covert and overt benefactors, as well as other critical stakeholders and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), to urgently engage in critical and realistic dialogue before the situation deteriorates or snowballs into an uncontrollable scenario.

“Nigerians, no doubt, are facing difficult challenges, but protests might not be the panacea. The global landscape is replete with sordid tales of the repercussions of protests in Libya, Syria, Iraq, the US (Capitol Hill), Ukraine, Tunisia, Sudan, Russia, among others, which did not yield the desired results but rather rendered most of these countries either ungovernable or partly destroyed.”

The organisation noted: “A glance at events in Kenya provides some insights into what might envelop our dear nation Nigeria, which is struggling to overcome the multiple challenges facing the country. Undoubtedly, protests in Nigeria could undermine our efforts to address these challenges.”

The JNI urged Nigerians to “avoid the pitfalls they have fallen into in their attempts to achieve good governance, against the notion that protests are the only way forward because that is the language the government is said to understand.”

“The FGN should make more concerted efforts to secure the country, ensuring that citizens have access to their lands and can cultivate them, and provide subsidised farming materials,” among other measures across the Federation.

Group requests security support from Lagos CP for upcoming hunger protest

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Group requests security support from Lagos CP for upcoming hunger protest

The Active Citizens Group Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, has informed the state Commissioner of Police about their upcoming participation in a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10, 2024.
In a letter, the group’s state coordinator, Adamma Ukpabi, outlined their plans for a peaceful demonstration, emphasizing their right to free speech and assembly.
The protest will follow two designated routes: the mainland route, starting at NAHCO Bus Stop and concluding at International Airport, Ikeja, and the island route, beginning at Marwa Bus Stop in Lekki Phase 1 and ending at Eti-Osa Local Government.
The letter, titled “Subject: Notification of Peaceful Protest and Request for Security Support,” addressed to the Commissioner of Police, reads:
“Dear Commissioner of Police, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing on behalf of Active Citizens Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, to formally notify you of our planned participation in the nationwide peaceful protest against bad governance scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024.
“Our aim is to peacefully exercise our constitutional right to free speech and assembly as we voice our demands for improved governance and accountability from our leaders,” Ukpabi wrote.
The group has requested police support at both protest sites to ensure safety, manage traffic, and reduce disruption to public activities.
“We trust in the professionalism and dedication of the Lagos State Police Command to uphold public safety and protect citizens’ rights. We are open to any advice or suggestions you may have to facilitate the success of these peaceful demonstrations,” the letter continued.
The protest, which has gained significant attention on social media, is organized under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria and seeks to address the ongoing economic challenges in the country.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has voiced concerns that the protest might escalate similarly to the recent demonstrations in Kenya, which started peacefully but turned violent over tax issues.
The post Group requests security support from Lagos CP for upcoming hunger protest appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

BUA group gifts Babcock varsity N250m publishing house

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BUA group gifts Babcock varsity N250m publishing house

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, reiterated on Friday the commitment of BUA Group to coordinated efforts designed to advance the cause of humanity and make life more meaningful for people across Africa.

Udoh disclosed this during the groundbreaking ceremony of the N250m Integrated Publishing House donated to Babcock University, Ilishan Remo by ASR, Africa, the foundation owned by the billionaire industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

Represented by Nakama Keri, Multilateral Coordination Specialist, ASR, Africa, Udoh described the Chairman of BUA Group as someone who believes in impacting people’s lives, and this he has institutionalised with his foundation, ASR, Africa.

He said that ASR, Africa, spent $100m per year per annum in interventions in social development, health, and education and that while $50 million is committed to programmes within Nigeria, the balance of $50 million is used to execute programmes all over Africa.

He said, “Education is of particular importance and priority to Alhaji Abdul Samad. So, far, we’ve invested about $35 billion in education. We have built libraries in Ghana in rural areas; we are building hostels for female students in Niger; and we have committed a billion naira each to about six universities in 2021.

“And we’re also doing a tertiary education grant scheme, of which Babcock University is a beneficiary. About 100 tertiary institutions actually applied for this grant, out of which 22 institutions were picked after a rigorous assessment.

“Babcock University in this category won a N250 million grant for the ASR Integrated Publishing House, which we believe should be ready in about six months from now.”

Udoh said that the university got the approval for the grant because of the impact the publishing house will have not only on the lecturers and the students but also on the entire community and society at large.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ademola Tayo, said that the generous donation of the billionaire industrialist has suddenly made the university achieve its long-time vision of having an integrated publishing house.

The professor, while lauding the selfless disposition of Rabiu to the development of education across Africa, hailed the gift of the integrated publishing house for the university.

He said that the university press plays a crucial role as the intellectual heart of the academic community, fostering knowledge creation, dissemination, and academic discourse.

The VC said, “As we break ground today, we are not just laying the foundation for a building; we are laying the foundation for future generations of scholars, researchers, and thought leaders.

“This complex will serve as a beacon of knowledge and a hub of intellectual activity, contributing to the academic and cultural enrichment of our university and beyond.”

The VC has therefore called for further collaboration that could help to further strengthen the education sector in the country.

Director of Babcock University Press, Dr Sam Okere, described the gift of the Integrated Publishing House as a long-awaited dream becoming a reality.

Okere, an Associate Professor of Publishing and Media Studies, described an integrated publishing house as one one-stop shop for publishing, a resource centre that provides all that is needed to have a published work and get it to the end users.

NSIB accuses NIMASA, NRC of non-remittance of revenue

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NSIB accuses NIMASA, NRC of non-remittance of revenue

The Director-General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Alex Badeh, has accused the Nigeria Railway Corporation and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency of failing to remit the statutory percentages of their revenues to the bureau.

He stated that this constitutes a disregard for the bureau’s Establishment Act of 2022.

Badeh noted that this breach of the law has continued to adversely affect the bureau’s activities, thereby impeding its obligations to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

He made these remarks at the re-opening of the bureau’s regional office in Lagos State on Friday after it was demolished to make way for development during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Badeh said, “However, our journey is far from complete. We continue to face significant challenges in fulfilling our mandate, notably securing the necessary funding to support our operations.

“The non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Nigerian Railway Corporation in remitting the statutorily required percentages of their revenue to the NSIB has severely impacted our ability to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigations.

“The NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 stipulates that NIMASA should remit 3% of the gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute 5% of ticket sales and cargo charges. This financial shortfall not only limits our operational capabilities but also hinders our growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerians’ lives.”

The NSIB boss, however, appealed for the Federal Government’s financial support “to enable us to effectively fulfil our mandate, conduct thorough investigations, enhance safety standards, and contribute meaningfully to advancing transportation safety across Nigeria.

“We implore the Federal Government to further support the critical role the NSIB plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation’s transportation networks. The value of human life and the importance of public safety cannot be overstated.”

Responding at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, appreciated the DG’s work, recalling how the NSIB office was demolished “for no reason.”

He said, “A functional office owned by the NSIB was demolished for no reason. That was very sad, and the DG spoke with me when I got into office. We had no choice but to make this happen, and all the accolades should not come to me but to the DG of NSIB for his drive and passion for this agency, which has propelled it forward. This looks good; I thank you and all the other directors here present.”

On the issue of the non-remitted funds from the other agencies, Keyamo assured Badeh that “a lot has happened regarding making what you want to happen, and a lot is still going on behind the scenes. Very soon, you will begin to see some changes in attitude from the other agencies.”

Iwuanyanwu contributed over 60% to building Imo airport

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Iwuanyanwu contributed over 60% to building Imo airport

The Vice-President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South-East, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has mourned the passing of the President-General of the body, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing him as a man who was truly committed to the Igbo cause.

Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the age of 82, after a brief illness. Before his death, he was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.

In a telephone interview on Friday, Okeke-Ogene described the death as a very big and colossal loss not only to the Ndigbo but to Nigeria in general.

He disclosed that the deceased contributed over 60 per cent to building the Imo airport, adding that he would be missed for his commitment to nation-building and philanthropic gestures.

According to him, Iwuanyanwu, as PG of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stabilised the Ndigbo, adding that the Igbo have lost another great leader in the mood of the great Zik of Africa, late Nnamdi Azikiwe, Odumegwu Ojukwu and the likes.

He said, “It’s a very big and colossal loss to the Ndigbo. He was a man who came to bind the Ndigbo together. He ensured the unity of Igbo and Nigeria. He had the mission to unite all the tribes in the country together. It’s very unfortunate that he did not complete his mission to unite all the tribes in Nigeria.

“His leadership helped to stabilise the Igbo unions all over the world. They looked up to him, and every step he took was applauded. He worked hard to build bridges across every tribe in the country by reaching out to every tribe in the country. He was well-known across the country.

“So, he was a true Nigeria. We will surely miss his great leadership style, and it’s so sad because the late Iwuanyanwu was in the likes of prominent Igbo leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Odumegwu Ojukwu, and others.

“Igbo has lost another great leader, like Zik and Ojukwu. He was committed and dedicated to seeing how best the Ndigbo should be protected and accommodated in Nigeria.

“He was a detribalised Nigerian. If we start talking about what Iwuanyanwu stood for, we will not exhaust it. He was a very generous man. He contributed over 60 per cent to building the Imo airport. He built many structures for his people. He was a man of many parts.

“We want the Ndigbo to emulate his commitment, he was a man well committed to the service of the Ndigbo, he did that during the war, he fought gallantly and he came back to lead the Ndigbo to the promised land before his unfortunate death. He was a great leader that followed always found it easy to follow.”

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