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122 FAAN officials working in Minna Airport without commercial flight –MD

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says at least 122 of its staff members work in Minna Airport, Niger State, which does not operate any commercial flight.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this at the 9th Airport Business Summit and Expo held in on Lagos with the Theme: “Airport Viability is Key to Successful Aviation Business Ambition.”

She lamented that many airports in Nigeria had not translated into increased passenger traffic while most of the unviable airports continued to drain the resources of FAAN.

Kuku noted that despite the projection of 261million passenger traffic for Africa in 2025, Nigeria was still scratching the surface.

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She said, “The majority of our facilities are operating below capacity; it’s very clear. Let me even shift from the international or the regional airports and look at the domestic terminals. I believe we have about 122 staff that are working in Mina. Today there is no single flight for commercial operations that is flying out of Mina but despite that, let’s look at the positives.

“And when I look at the population of Nigeria, exceeding 220 million, and the number of passengers that we have flying on both our domestic and international routes, you will know that we’re barely scratching the surface.

“And this has absolutely nothing to do with the number of airports that we have, but largely around economic growth and development. I continue to tell people that it’s not about building airports. Passenger traffic is driven. It’s driven by GDP growth and economic development.

“Despite the challenges that we have as a nation, the FX fluctuations, the inflation issues that we have, it is very evident that our geographic positioning as a nation puts us in the place where we can drive.”

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Earlier, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, said that unviable airports were threatening aviation sustainability.

He however tasked stakeholders in the aviation industry to come up with actionable plans that will usher Nigeria into the next phase of its aviation growth.

Keyamo, who was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, said the ministry’s position was hinged on the recent revelation FAAN that only three airports were viable in Nigeria.

Many state governments have been spending huge amounts of money on airport development without considering the viability while the airports are usually transferred to the federal government.

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According to the minister, the federal government is committed to making its airports viable.

He said, “Airport viability is indispensable in the pursuit of a successful aviation business ambition. By recognising its significance and collectively committing to its enhancement, we can steer the sector towards greater prosperity, resilience, and excellence.

“I want to charge all delegates and experts here present to work towards coming up with actionable plans that will usher Nigeria into the next phase of its Aviation growth.

“Without strong, efficient and sustainable airports, the aviation industry will struggle to reach its full potential. But with strategic investments, innovative approaches, and collaborative efforts, we can ensure that airports continue to be dynamic engines of growth and opportunity for the entire aviation ecosystem.”

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A former MD of FAAN, Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, emphasized that route development and revenue optimization were vital for the sustainability of state airports.

He stressed that effective strategies were essential for enhancing airport connectivity and logistics across Nigeria.

Aisuebeogun noted that building airports in nearly all states was aimed at boosting connectivity and streamlining logistics for passengers and cargoes.

“The goal of having airports in nearly all 36 states is to enhance connectivity and logistical inclusion for passengers and cargo. However, the success of this national ambition will depend on the airports’ economic sustainability and usability,” he stated.

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Abia Assembly orders Deputy Governor, Emetu to apologise over assault on House member

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Abia House of Assembly directs Deputy Gov Engr Ikechukwu Emetu to issue an unreserved apology to the house over assault on the member representing Ohafia South, Hon Kalu Mba Nwoke.

The motion which was moved by the member representing Ukwa West , Godwin Adiele was supported by other members

Kalu Mba Nwoke was reportedly assaulted at the Ohafia Local government Secretariat on Saturday, 2nd of November 2024( date of the just concluded local government elections)

The lawmaker alledged that he was assaulted on the orders of the Deputy Gov Engr Ikechukwu Emetu because he demanded that election result sheets should be available before the elections.

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NNPC, Dangote Sign GSPA Agreement To Boost Local Production, Revamp Industrial Growth

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The NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National d Gas Sale and Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has successfully executed a Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

The agreement, according to a statement signed by NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye was undertaken by the Managing Director, NGML, Barr. Justat the Ezeala and the President/CEO of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote on Tuesday at Corporate Head Office of Dangote in Falomo, Lagos State, outlines the supply of natural gas for power generation and feedstock at the Dangote Refinery, in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

This major milestone is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy of utilizing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources towards revamping the nation’s industrial growth and kickstarting its economic prosperity.

This development, which sees a huge investment of this nature penned with zero capital expenditure (CAPEX) outlay, has been described by many as unprecedented in the history of NGML or any gas Local Distribution Company (LDC) in the country.

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Under the terms of the agreement, NGML will supply 100 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCF/D), 5OMMSCF/D being firm supply and the rest 50MMSCF/D interruptible natural gas supply to the refinery for an initial period of 10 years, with options for renewal and growth.

This collaboration is a significant step toward ensuring the operational success of the Dangote Refinery and enhancing Nigeria’s domestic gas utilization.

NNPC Ltd, through NGML, its gas marketing subsidiary, continues to lead efforts in promoting the use of domestic gas to support industries and businesses nationwide.

The agreement represents a milestone for both NNPC Ltd and Dangote Refinery, aligning with their shared commitment to boosting local production and providing vital products for the benefit of all Nigerians.

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It is also a further proof of NGML’S unwavering commnitment to business excellence and fulfilling NNPC Ltd’s core mandate of ensuring Nigeria’s energy security through the execution of strategic gas projects across the country.

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Ecuador Midfielder Dies At 22 After Car Crash

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Ecuador international, Marco Angulo has died at the age of 22 a month after being seriously injured in a car crash, his club has announced.

The LDU Quito midfielder had been in hospital since the incident on 7 October in the south of Ecuador’s capital Quito.

Reports in Ecuador, external said he underwent several operations and spent over a week in intensive care, before passing away on Monday night.

“With deep sorrow and sadness, we regret to have to inform you of the death of our dear player Marco Angulo,” LDU Quito, who plays in Ecuador’s top flight, said in a statement on Tuesday morning.

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“We convey our condolences to his family and his loved ones.

“His passing is an irreparable loss which will leave an indelible mark in our hearts.”

Angulo’s parent club, Major League Soccer outfit FC Cincinnati, said they were “heartbroken to share” news of his death.

After a single season in the United States, Angulo joined LDU Quito on loan with an option to buy in March 2024.

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Angulo made 16 appearances for the club. His last appearance came on 6 October – a day before the car crash.

He made his debut for Ecuador in November 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Iraq, and earned three caps for his country.

“The Ecuadorian Football Association expresses its deepest sympathy over the death of Marco Angulo,” a statement from the governing body read.

“Marco was not only an outstanding player but also a great team-mate. He leaves a deep sorrow in our hearts, especially in those of us who went with him on countless trips, and to training camps and matches.

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“Rest in peace, Angulito.”

According to Ecuadorian reports, Independiente del Valle footballer Roberto Cabezas and a friend, Victor Carcopa, also died in the accident.

There were two other passengers in the car at the time. Their condition is unknown.

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