NEWS
Again, Minister Frowns at Airlines Selling Tickets in Dollars
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has frowned at foreign airlines selling tickets in dollars, warning that government would not take it kindly with those caught engaging in such violation of Nigerian laws.
Sirika gave the warning while fielding questions from State House correspondents at the end of the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had been instructed to swing into action by protecting the interest of Nigerians against reported airlines’ operations malpractices.
He warned that no violator, no matter how highly placed, would be spared if caught in the act.
According to him, findings at government’s disposal have indicated that some of the airlines are refusing naira and charging their ticket fares in dollars in violation of the country’s laws.
He said: ”I want to use this opportunity to say that reports are reaching us that some of the airlines are refusing to sell tickets in naira. That is a violation of our of local laws, they will not be allowed.
”The high and the mighty amongst them will be sanctioned, if they’re caught doing that.
”NCAA had been directed to swing into action and once we find any airline violating this, we will definitely deal with them. Also, they blocked the travel agents from access.
”They also made only the expensive tickets available and so on so forth.
”Our regulators are not sleeping, we have a very vibrant Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Once they found any airline guilty, that airline will be dealt with because we need to protect our people.”
The minister further disclosed that the foreign airlines made over 1.1 billion dollars from Nigeria in 2016, when the Buhari’s administration cleared the 600 million dollars it inherited from previous government.
Sirika recalled that the airlines remitted over 600 million dollars to their home countries in 2016 while over 265 million dollars had also been released this year out of about 484 million dollars due to them.
According to him, the government is trying to keep the airlines happy by ensuring that their money does not pile up again, saying that while the country needs their services, the airlines need the Nigerian market.
The minister warned them to refrain from using the social media to press home their demands rather than resorting to the diplomatic channels.
Sirika also described as irresponsible media report that the Federal Government had so far expanded N14.6 billion on Nigeria Air project.
According to him, that government has only spent N651 million (N352 million and N299 million) for what he called transactional advisory services approved by the FEC, but yet to be disbursed as the consultants were yet to finish their work
He said: ”So Nigeria Air is of course, we are going to come very soon to council for approval of the full business case.
”The activity is a Public Private Partnership, which is guided by the ICRC regulations, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
“We have diligently followed that. And I want to seize the opportunity to say that we have been reading newspaper reports, especially those that I have maximum respect for like the Guardian, which put out a sensational article on the front page.
”That the Federal Government of Nigeria has spent N14 billion on national carrier and they did nothing – this is absurd.” (NAN)
SYC/IAA
NEWS
Benue killings: Benue reps frown on incessant attacks on communities, killings of his constituents
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The member House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Achado, Wednesday, condemned the incessant attacks on Benue communities and killing of 28 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen militia in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Arc. Achado who described the action of the attackers as senseless, expressed deep condolences and solemn empathy to the grieving communities of Tse-Kperyisa, Tse-Adaa, and Tse-Shiver, where innocent farmers were slaughtered by herdsmen. Achado in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mendah Manasseh, said he joined his voice with the Gwer West people in condemnation of the senseless and unlawful attacks..The statement said “the attacks have inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering upon the peace-loving people of Gwer West.”I implored the Benue State Government to urgently intervene by enforcing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, by ensuring that the perpetrators of these barbaric acts face swift and decisive justice.“They should also collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for these heinous crimes against humanity,” he said.”I therefore call on the people of Gwer West to remain steadfast and united in their quest to bring an end to the spate of killings.Achado assures his constituents of his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to championing their cause and advocating for lasting peace and security in the constituency.NEWS
Benue killings: Gov Alia Condemns Attack on Communities, Charge Security Agents to Rescue Those in Captive
From Attah Ede Makurdi
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Wednesday, condemned in strong terms, the recent horrific attacks on different communities in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders which resulted to the killing of several persons and scores kidnapped.
He wondered why such grossly offensive attacks continue on Benue communities despite the relentless efforts of government to arrest the ugly situation.
The governor in a statement by his Principal Special Assistant(PSA) on media and content creation, Isaac Uzaan, called on Benue people, particularly those at the frontline of the attacks to cooperate with the government and security agencies to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
The Governor however extend his deep condolences to those whose relatives were killed in the attacks and called on security agencies to expedite their search and ensure safe release of those kidnapped.
Uzaan quoted the governor as assuring Benue people that his government, in union with security chiefs and traditional rulers is committed to concerted action to ending insecurity in Benue State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), says it is planning to hold some sporting events as part of activities marking this year’s May Day celebration.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Chairman of the NLC in Anambra, said this when he led members of the State May Day Planning Committee on a courtesy visit to Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, on Wednesday.
Nwafor, represented by Dr Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Anambra, expressed satisfaction with the developmental programmes of the Sports Commission.
Odogwu, who is also the Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the Labour movement in Anambra was willing to partner the Commission to make its May Day sporting activities successful.
He said the games, planned for the day, were athletics, Football, Badminton, Nchoo and Volleyball.
“We are satisfied with what you are doing in the sports as Chairman of Sports Development Commission and we want to appreciate your doggedness and effective drive in the sector,” he said.
In his response, Onyedum commended the NLC for the innovation, saying that sports should be a habit for all to ensure healthier life.
He promised that the Sports Development Commission would take care of their technical needs to make the sporting event worthwhile.
“What you are doing is in line with the agenda of Gov. Soludo who has always been supportive of human capital development of the youth through sports.
“I encourage you not to relent in your efforts and support to the state government,” he said. (NAN)
Benue killings: Benue reps frown on incessant attacks on communities, killings of his constituents
Share From Attah Ede, Makurdi The member House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Achado, Wednesday,...
Benue killings: Gov Alia Condemns Attack on Communities, Charge Security Agents to Rescue Those in Captive
ShareFrom Attah Ede Makurdi Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Wednesday, condemned in strong terms, the recent...
May Day: NLC Seeks Partnership with Anambra Sports Commission
ShareThe Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), says it is planning to hold some sporting events as part of activities marking this...
Illegal Mining: NSCDC Arrests 2 Suspects in Anambra
ShareThe Anambra Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested two suspects for allegedly engaging in...
Nigeria not Ripe for Diaspora Voting – NBA Official
Share Mr Auta Nyada, the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Legal Education Committee, says Nigeria is not ripe...
PDP NWC passes Vote of Confidence on Damagum
Share The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has passed a Vote of Confidence on the...
No pending Lassa Fever Cases in kaduna—–Official
Share Kaduna State Primary Health Development Agency, (KPHDA) says there is no pending cases of Lassa fever in the state....
Kano High Court Affirms Ganduje’s Suspension
Share A Kano State High Court has restrained the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar...
Adamawa Govt. Earmarks N55.5 bn as 2024 Supplementary Budget
Share The Adamawa Government has approved the sum of N55.5 billion as supplementary budget for the 2024 financial year. Mrs...
Retrenchment Necessitated by Need to Retain Realistic Workforce, says BIPC
Share The Management of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) said the recent retrenchment of workers was necessitated...