“Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport pending the resolution of the petitions and selection of a mutually agreed date. Please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s highest regards.”
Aviation
Nigeria’s $500m Tucano jets, largest purchase in sub-Saharan Africa – US
Nigeria’s purchase of 12 new A-29 Super Tucano jets at a sum of $500 million is the largest single arms procurement in sub-Saharan Africa, the United States Department of Defense has said.
Gen. Jeff Harrigian, the US Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa commander, disclosed this on Tuesday at the A-29 Super Tucano induction ceremony, hosted by Nigerian Minister of Defense Bashir Salihi Magashi and the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja.
“The Nigerian Air Force is one of our key partners that play a critical role in furthering regional security and stability,” Harrigian was quoted as saying in a statement by the US Embassy in Abuja.
“This ceremony symbolizes the strength of our unique partnership and underscores the value of training and working together,” he said.
The Super Tucanos were the impetus for the significant deepening of training and professional relationships, he added.
The statement said, “Precision targeting, air-to-ground integration, and human rights training are all included in the partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria.
“The aircraft will assist the Nigerian Air Force in their fight against violent extremist organizations including the Islamic State West Africa Province.
“The joint structure of air-to-ground integration also supports Nigerian Army and Navy operations.
“Nigeria purchased the A-29s through the Foreign Military Sales programme, which follows the Department of Defense’s “Total Package Approach” model and includes spare parts for several years of operation, contract logistics support, munitions, and a multi-year construction project to improve Kainji Air Base infrastructure.
“The total sale is valued at almost $500 million, making it the largest FMS program in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Harrigian said the A-29 is a prime tool to help Nigeria combat violent extremism and is vital to sustained deterrence.
“The total package deal—aircrew and maintainer training, precision-guided weapon delivery, and more—highlights our enduring partnership with the Nigerian Air Force and our commitment to enabling their successes where we can.”
A total of 64 pilots and maintainers from the Nigerian Air Force were trained to U.S. standards with the U.S. Air Force’s 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Base in Georgia, USA.
The training also emphasized the Law of Armed Conflict and civilian casualty mitigation, which are fundamental principles of the Nigerian military’s professional education and training.
As part of the programme, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing $36.1M in infrastructure support to the A-29s’ home base, Kainji Air Base, including covered magazines and aircraft sunshades, a new airfield hot cargo pad, perimeter and security fencing, airfield lights, and various airfield apron, parking, hangar, and entry control point enhancements.
The infrastructure package also includes a flight annex wing building for simulator training as well as munitions assembly and storage and small arms storage.
Aviation
Nigeria’s rail revenue drops 4% to N2.2bn in three months
Nigeria’s rail revenue drops 4% to N2.2bn in three months
Revenue generated from rail transport fell by 4.7 percent year-on-year (YoY) to N2.19 billion in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3’24), from N2.3 billion in the corresponding period of 2023, Q3’23.
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this yesterday in its Rail Transportation Data for Q3’24.
The breakdown of the revenue shows N1.7 billion was received from passengers while N412.57 million was collected on goods/cargo, and N51.85 million received from the movement of goods/cargo through pipelines. It also generated N34.77 million from income line categorized as ‘Other Receipts’.
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The Bureau also said that 743,205 passengers travelled through the rail system during the period.
It stated: “In Q3’24, a total of 743,205 passengers travelled via rail system relative to 594,348 reported in the corresponding quarter of 2023, indicating a growth rate of 25.05 percent.
“The volume of goods/cargo transported via rail in Q3 2024 stood at 96,401 tons compared to 69,003 tons recorded in Q3 2023.
“In the quarter under review, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) reported an additional volume of goods/cargo transported via pipeline which stood at 7,320 tons, lower than 12,960 tons in Q3 2023.
“In terms of revenue generation, N1.7 billion was received from passengers during the reference period, showing an increase of 13.83 percent from the N1.49 billion recorded in the same quarter of the previous year”.
Nigeria’s rail revenue drops 4% to N2.2bn in three months
Aviation
JUST IN: Six crew members escape unhurt as Cargo plane crash-lands in Abuja
JUST IN: Six crew members escape unhurt as Cargo plane crash-lands in Abuja
A cargo plane operated by Allied Air made an emergency landing at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport due to a malfunctioning landing gear.
The aircraft, bearing registration number 5N-JRT, experienced the failure on Wednesday at 10:00 am with six crew members on board.
“Fortunately, no casualties were recorded,” a source familiar with the incident said.
“Crew members were quickly evacuated and are undergoing medical evaluations at the 063 Nigerian Air Force medical unit.”
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“Emergency responders swiftly secured the crash site, cordoning off the area under Military Airport Commandant supervision.”
The source revealed that the airport’s runway is temporarily closed, causing flight delays.
Airport authorities, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, are working to remove the aircraft and inspect the runway for potential damage.
This incident occurs three months after a Port Harcourt helicopter crash claimed three lives.
JUST IN: Six crew members escape unhurt as Cargo plane crash-lands in Abuja
Aviation
FG stops Adeleke’s move to relocate Osun Airport to Ede
FG stops Adeleke’s move to relocate Osun Airport to Ede
The federal government has suspended the relocation of the Osun State International Airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede, following widespread controversies and protests.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had announced that the foundation-laying ceremony for the new airport would be held on December 16, 2024, in Ede, his hometown.
The event was to feature key dignitaries, including Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.
However, the proposed relocation drew sharp criticism.
The Ido-Osun community staged protests, condemning the move as nepotistic and undemocratic.
Critics argued that the relocation prioritised personal interest over public good.
In defence, the Osun state government cited encroachment on the Ido-Osun airport land, the presence of gullies, and the inadequacy of the runway as reasons for the decision.
In a letter dated December 6, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr. Emmanuel D. Meribole, and addressed to Governor Adeleke, the ministry directed the state government to suspend the project indefinitely.
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The letter, obtained exclusively by The Nation, stated: “Re: Invitation as a Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Osun State International Airport. I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21st November 2024 on the above subject and to respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved and to harmonize the state’s efforts with that of the federal government.”
This development marks a significant setback for Governor Adeleke’s administration amid ongoing disputes over the airport’s future.
“Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. In addition, there is a petition indicating there is an existing airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip instead of a new site.
“The federal government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between state and federal governments, we must be in synch before the project takes off.
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