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Nigeria is ready for ICAO safety audit – NCAA

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu yesterday said the country is ready and prepared for the forthcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA), audit slated for the first quarter of this year.
Captain Nuhu said this while refuting a publication by a media house that Nigeria is not prepared for the audit.

According to him, the media report is a misrepresentation of the audit facts.
He said “ICAO Annex 9 is on facilitation, while Annex 17 contains Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) concerned with the security of international air transport and is amended regularly to address the evolving threat.”

He added that the coming audit is an activity during which ICAO assesses the effective implementation of the critical elements (CEs) of a safety oversight system and ” conducts a systematic and objective review of a State’s safety oversight system to verify the status of a its compliance with the provisions of ICAO Convention.”

He further explained that security had its own separate audit, stressing that Nigeria performed well in the last security audit conducted in the sector by ICAO. Nigeria Scored 96.4 per cent and the country received ICAO Council President Award Certificate for its performance.

Captain Nuhu said: ‘NCAA will step up its oversight function and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure continued improvement in aviation security and facilitation.

Security Audit is different from safety audit. What we are doing now is quite different from security audit and it’s not related to facilitation. I understand facilitation is good for passengers, but, it has nothing to do with the current audit.”

“The last security audit we had, Nigeria scored 96.4 per cent and because of this performance, Nigeria received ICAO Council President Award Certificate for its performance. Yes, I accept we have some challenges in the industry, just like in the other countries around the world”.

” However, to say Nigeria is not ready for audit is a misnomer. Someone is saying we are not ready for two issues that are not part of the forthcoming audit. I think that is wrong.”

Recall Nuhu had declared last week at the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) annual training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria that the country was full prepared for the audit.

According to him, NCAA was on top of its game to ensure a successful outing for the Nigeria in the ICAO audit.
He also said NCAA proactive approach and robust regulations had led to the “over eight years of zero accident in commercial flight operation in Nigeria”.

Patoma Admin by — January 17, 2022 in Aviation 0
Cybersecurity alert: New ransomware attacking organisational networks through infection USB drives uncovered

By admin

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has alerted members of the public that a cybercrime group has perfected a new year scheme to deliver ransomware through infection USB drives to targetted organizational networks.

The Commission said that the new ransomware uncovered by security experts has been categorised, by the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team’s, ngCERT, advisory released over the weekend, as high-risk and critical.

It said: “According to the ngCERT advisory the criminal group is said to have been mailing out USB thumb drives to many organisations in the hope that recipients will plug them into their personal computers, PCs, and install the ransomware on their networks.

“While businesses are being targeted, criminals could soon begin sending infected USB drives to individuals.

“Describing how the cybercrime group runs the ransomeware, the ngCERT advisory said the USB drives contain so-called ‘BadUSB’ attacks.

The BadUSB exploits the USB standards versatility and allows an attacker to reprogram a USB drive to emulate a keyboard to create keystrokes and commands on a computer.
“It then installs malware prior to the operating system booting, or spoofs a network card to redirect traffic.

“Numerous attack tools are also installed in the process that allows for exploitation of PCs, lateral movement across a network, and installation of additional malware. The tools were used to deploy multiple ransomware strains, including BlackBatter and REvil.

“The ngCERT noted that the attack has been seen in the US where the USB drives were sent in the mail through the Postal Service and Parcel Service.

It said: “One type contained a message impersonating the US Department of Health and Human Services and claimed to be a COVID-19 warning. Other malicious USBs were sent in the post with a gift card claiming to be from Amazon.”

Meanwhile, to stay safe, the Commission said ngCERT recommends that individuals and organisations must not insert USB drives from unknown sources, even if they’re addressed to you or your organization.
“Also, if the USB drive comes from a company or a person one is not familiar with and trusts, it is recommended that one contacts the source to confirm they actually sent the USB drive,” it advised.

Patoma Admin by — January 16, 2022 in Technology 0
FAAN hands airports touts to Police

By Favour Nnabugwu

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has arrested over 90 persons, caught at both the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for touting and carrying out nefarious activities at the airports

The touts were arrested for various acts of illegality including Fake Covid-19 test results,Touting, Unauthorised entry, Trespass, Illegal Facilitation, Forgery, Loitering, Theft, Public nuisance & arguments, amongst others.

In a statement By Mrs Henrienta Yakubu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN said some of those arrested are staff of Patovilki Nigeria Limited, Lakewood Services, Nahco Plc, and other airport staff.

Of the total arrested, 59 were handed over to the airport police command in Abuja for prosecution, while 30 were handed over to the police force in Lagos for same.

FAAN will like to use this opportunity to warn those that do not have any legitimate business at the airports, as well as airport staff carrying out illegal duties to desist from such acts, as the Authority will not hesitate to arrest and hand over such individuals for prosecution.

Patoma Admin by — January 10, 2022 in Aviation 0
NCAA reinstates Emirates 21 weekly flight slots, confirms Air Peace 7 slotd

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The federal government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday reinstated the weekly 21 flight slots earlier approved for Emirates airline.

The reinstatement came after NCAA confirmed that the Dubai airport authority actually approved 7 flight slot weekly for Nigeria Air Peace airline.

The Director General, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu in a letter dated yesterday, December 21, 2021and copied to Nigeria Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, Director General of General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in Dubai, UAE and addressed to the country manager of Emirates airline, stated that the approval was given in the wake of consultations with stakeholders and the letter from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority with reference number DCAA/ASA/N-3.016 dated 17 December, 2021 offering Air Peace airline daily slots at Dubai Airport.

Captain Nuhu said : ”Following further consultations with various stakeholders and the letter from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority with reference number DCAA/ASA/N-3.016 dated 17 December, 2021 offering Air Peace airline daily slots at Dubai Airport, I wish to inform you of the reinstatement of the ministerial approval of Emirates Airline Winter schedule.”

“This approval is predicated on the compliance with the Dubai Travel Protocol as released by Dubai airport on Friday 26 November, 2021 as it affects passengers travelling from Nigeria to UAE. Please be guided accordingly”, the letter added.
Recall the Dubai authority last week sent a letter to Nigeria Air Peace airline granting them permission and 7 slots into the Dubai airport after refusing the airline the initial 3 slots into Sharjah it requested for.

The NCAA had hinted that the Ministry of foreign affairs was in the process of verifying the letter sent to Air Peace before any action could be taken about resumption of flights between the two countries . It had also promised that once confirmation is done, Nigeria will reach a decision on flight resumption.

Flights between Nigeria and Dubai had been suspended since March following Dubai discriminatory covid-19 protocol.

Patoma Admin by — December 21, 2021 in Aviation 0
NiMet alerts on poor visibility in North, other States

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

NIGERIAN Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has cautioned Nigerians on possibility of poor visibility in the coming days.

According to a release by the Agency’s Central Forecast Office on Tuesday, the development is as a result of fresh dust plumes raised at the dust source region (Faya Largeau in Chad Republic).

This, according to the statement is expected to advect into the country and reduce horizontal visibility.

“Dust haze conditions are expected to intensify before the end of the day over most of the Northern cities, horizontal visibility should further deteriorate from 0600 local time of 15th December 2021; as thick dust haze should be observed over some of the Northern cities keeping visibilities to 1000m and below over places like Maiduguri, Yobe Nguru, Potiskum, Dutse, Gombe, Yola, Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna.”

NiMet therefore warns that flight operations may be disrupted and airline operators are advised to pick up their flight folders and adhere to regulations, especially at aerodromes in the Northern parts of the country while road users should exert caution while driving along areas with poor visibility during this period and people with respiratory problems should take caution.

Meanwhile, in its High Temperature Outlook, NiMet warns that High-temperature between 35°C and 40°C is expected over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara in the northwest. Similarly, in the northeast, temperature greater than 35°C and less than 40°C is expected over parts of Taraba, and Adamawa.

In the north-central, parts of Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, and Plateau are also expected to experience 35°C and less than 40°C.

Areas in the south that are expected to record the same temperature range (35°C and less than 40°C) include parts of Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo and Cross River.

The Agency therefore advised Nigerians to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, avoid leaving humans or animals in the car, especially young children.

It also advised that people should stay in the shade such as under trees if you have to wait outside, Wear light and bright clothing, avoid wearing dark colors.

Patoma Admin by — December 16, 2021 in Aviation 0
NCAA warns airlines to comply with newly revised covid-19 travel protocols, threatens $3,500 fine, ban

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ,NCAA, has warned airlines operating into the country to adhere strictly to the newly revised COVID-19 Provisional Quarantine protocols.

This is just as the regulator has imposed a fine of $3,500 dollars per passenger for non-compliance with the new requirements and outright ban of airline that consistently flout the new travel rules.

Issuing the warning in an All Operators Letter(AOL) with reference NCAA/DG/AIR/16/327 dated December 3rd, 2021 , addressed to all accountable managers and signed by the Director-General NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, reminded all airlines that protocols for international flight operations and quarantine protocols for travellers arriving Nigeria issued on July 1, 2021still subsists.

Captain Nuhu also said in the revised protocols that for, ”Inbound passengers: Airlines are only to board passengers travelling to Nigeria who are in possession of a paid permit to travel with a QR Code and a result of a negative COVID-19 test done not later than 48 hours from the time of boarding.

“For any inbound passenger who is unable to either make payment for his/her repeat PCR test(s) or generate a paid permit to travel via the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP), airlines are to send an email to directorporthealthfmoh@gmail.com and copy travelportal@ncdc.gov.ng. ictservicedesk@ncdc.gov.ng, ilfred.haggai@ncaa.gov.gn for necessary assistance”.

“For outbound passengers, Airlines are only to board passengers out of Nigeria with evidence of either full vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test done at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) accredited laboratories not later than 48hours from time of boarding.”

The regulator also warned that violation of the above travel directives will cost the airline $3500 for any individual passenger or earn them a ban from flying into Nigeria.

” Non-compliance to these pre-boarding requirements by any airline will attract a penalty of $3,500 per passenger. Airlines who consistently fail to comply with these requirements may be banned from coming to Nigeria,” Captain Nuhu warned.

Patoma Admin by — December 7, 2021 in Aviation 0
FG finally gives approval to Anambra airport to operate visual flights

By Favour Nnabugwu
The Federal government has finally granted approval to Anambra International Cargo Airport, Umueri to commerce the operation of visual, that is, day time flight.
 In a letter by the Director-General, iNgerian Civil Aviation Authority , NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu dated December 1, 2021, entitled, ‘Approval for opening Anambra International Cargo Airport”, and addressed to the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano , the regulator said approval has now been given after getting favourable security reports that the airport can now operate flights.
Nuhu said ” NCAA’s initial response not to approve the airport for flight operations after commissioning was  due to adverse security reports which were conveyed to the Governor on October 28, 2021, vide letter with reference number- NCAA/AC/015/21/VOL/162.”
“However, I now wish to inform His Excellency that NCAA has received clearance from relevant security agency approving the opening of Anambra International Cargo Airport for flight operations”.
“In view of that and in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 12.1.4.1 (C), I am pleased to inform His Excellency that the Authority hereby grants Anambra State government approval to operate category B aircraft (Dash8-Q400 or its equivalent on rescue and fire category 5), with effect from December 2, 2021”.
The NCAA DG further said  that the “operation shall be Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only, meaning sunrise to sunset. Whenever outstanding requirements are met, all restrictions will be removed”.
He however urged the state government to adhere strictly to safety, security, and COVID-19 requirements at the airport at all times.
Recall at the commissioning of the airport  few weeks ago, Governor Willie Obiano said five airlines have been approved to commence operation at the airport. The airlines are  Air Peace, United Nigeria Airline, Dana Air, Ibom Air, and Anap Jets
Patoma Admin by — December 2, 2021 in Aviation 0
MTN targets over 2m shareholding base in Nigeria with public offer

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

Nigeria’s largest telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria Communications (MTN Nigeria) Plc has disclosed it’s plan to expand Nigerians participation in the shareholding of the company through a public offer.

The company will yesterday opened subscription for its public offering of 575 million ordinary shares to the general retail investing public at a price of N169 per share.

The offer period ends on December 14, 2021.

Minimum subscription is 20 shares and thereafter in multiples of 20 shares.

The offer includes a bonus share of one share for every 20 shares bought by a retail investor subject to maximum bonus shares of 250 per investor.

However, to qualify for the free share such retail investors must hold the shares allotted to them after the allotment date for at least a period of 12 months.

The public offer is an offer for sale by MTN Group, which is divesting part of its shares in MTN Nigeria to allow Nigerian institutional and retail investors to buy equities in the telecommunications giant.

The book building for institutional investors was done last week with a price range of N165 and N175.

Beside the inclusion of bonus share in the public offer, the MTN Nigeria’s public offer is also setting record as the first to be delivered through a digital platform, thus facilitating maximum participation by investors.

Speaking to journalists during virtual media.   debrief, Karl Olutokun Toriola, MTN Chief Executive Of-ficer explained that  the offer is not an exit of the company from the country but a move to ensure more Nigerians participation in MTN shareholding base. He said, “To be clear, we are not raising capital. This is a sell down by MTN group of its shareholding in a structured process from just under 79% to 65%.

Patoma Admin by — December 1, 2021 in Technology 0
NIMET forecast high temperature for Ogun, most northern States

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency ,NiMET, yesterday released a forecast of a high temperature of over 35°C in Ogun State and most Northern states of Nigeria.

The forecast released by Prof. Mansur Matazu, the Director-General, NiMET, said that the affected States would experience some high intensity for the next two days and this will commence from Tuesday till Wednesday in most regions of the north.

The forecast also said that the ” northern region would experience temperatures greater than 35°C, but less than 40°C for the two days.”

Matazu listed the affected states to include ” North-East; Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, the Eastern part of Jigawa, Northern Adamawa and Northern Taraba,” stressing that the areas would have temperatures in the excess of 35°C.

Also, “Sokoto, the western part of Zamfara and the Eastern half of Kebbi, in the North East are expected to experience temperatures in the excess of 35°C during the forecast period”.

He further said : “In the central part of the country, Niger, Northern part of Kwara, west of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), southern Plateau, North-East of Kogi, and North-west of Benue are all expected to experience high temperatures.”

“High-temperature greater than 40°C is expected over parts of Niger state. However, other parts of Niger, FCT, northern Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and eastern Plateau in the central states are expected to experience temperatures above 35°C.”

“Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara in the northwest as well as northern Jigawa, southern Yobe, Borno, Gombe, eastern Bauchi, northern Adamawa, and northern Taraba in the northeast is expected to record temperatures greater than 35°C. Ogun State in the South West of Nigeria could experience 35°C,” he added.

Patoma Admin by — November 29, 2021 in Aviation 0
New Omicron COVID variant detected in 2 travellers from Nigeria in Canada

By admin

 

 

Canada’s Ministry of Health has confirmed two cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in two individuals who recently travelled from Nigeria to the country.

A statement by Ontario Ministry of Health said the two travellers had already been isolated.

“Today, the province of Ontario has confirmed two cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Ottawa, both of which were reported in individuals with recent travel from Nigeria”, the ministry said.

“Ottawa Public Health is conducting case and contact management and the patients are in isolation.

“In addition to the measures recently announced, we continue to urge the federal government to take the necessary steps to mandate point-of-arrival testing for all travellers irrespective of where they’re coming from to further protect against the spread of this new variant,” it said.

Also, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos also confirmed Canada’s first two cases in a statement on Sunday evening, saying he is working with the province’s public health officials to contact trace the cases.

“As the monitoring and testing continues with provinces and territories, it is expected that other cases of this variant will be found in Canada.”

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled the Omicron variant as a variant of concern.

Persecondnews recalls that it was first reported by South African scientists with over 100 cases already logged.

To contain its spread, the EU, U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, UAE have announced travel ban on Southern African countries

Patoma Admin by — November 29, 2021 in Aviation 0