General News
FG Aviation Agencies Merger Plans Continues Amidst Protests
![Osita Chidoka, Minister of Aviation](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/osita_chidoka_3_3.jpg)
Following the setting up of technical committee for the implementation of White Paper on the merge of some aviation agencies, it goes to show the Federal Government is resolute on the matter.
The Federal Government has despite the outcries of stakeholders and especially the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) gone ahead to set machineries in motion to merge Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to one amorphous agency to be known as Federal Civil Aviation Authority(FCAA).
To this end, and in consonance with an earlier memo dated 14,July,2014, SGF/12/S.II/C.9/42 by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim the Ministerial Technical Implementation Committee have reportedly submitted its report on the white paper to the office of the SGF in the presidency, according to a report by NigerianCommercial Aviationnews.
The report also contained that before now, various professionals, trade associations and labour unions have vehemently opposed the merger of the three agencies on the basis that it would draw the industry to pre-1999 era when there was no difference between industry regulator and service provider as laid down ICAO.
However, the safety concerns expressed the due to the amorphous entity then tagged FCAA, the government listen to voice of reason and set in motion the review of Civil Aviation Act by constitution of members of review committee which led the promulgation of the Civil Aviation Act,2006 and separation of the regulator from service provider.
This eventually led to the establishment the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority as an autonomous regulator of the industry; the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria as against the previous Nigerian Airports Authority(NAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and NIMET-all three service providers.
NAMA as navigation service provider, FAAN-airport development/management and NIMET, weather forecast services.
To this end, ICAO member States of which Nigeria belong at a conference in Montreal, Canada between 15-20, September, 2008 on theSeparation of Air Navigation Services (ANS) Provision from Regulation Oversight summarised as followed : ” Autonomy for the air navigation services provider, and its separation from the regulatory oversight function is well established in ICAO guidance material.
It is evidenced that greater financial and operational autonomy for the ANSP HAS encouraged a business approach to service delivery and an improved of service.
Separation of ANS provision from the regulatory oversight function enhances ATM performance and instils public confidence in the ANSP and the services it provides.
Separation of provision from regulation is consistent with principles of good governance ; the regulatory oversight function must be seen as independent and transparent. While this guidance material is only supplemental to standards and recommended practices (SARP’s), it is of significance to ICAO’s strategic objectives of Safety and Efficiency “.
Following the above, the National Union of Air Transport Employees in April this year noted in a memo to the presidency that the above stated objective of ICAO ” Is currently the role Nigerian Airspace Management Agency plays and which she has played to the admiration of world bodies and international stakeholders and which has earned her international awards”. The same also applies to NIMET which the Nigerian government set up through an Act No 9 of June 19, 2003 as a semi-autonomous agency.
NUATE in the said memo noted:” Our Union most patriotically request therefore that the pronounced merger of these agencies should therefore be stepped down immediately to avoid further further embarrassment.
In a similar vein the Aviation Round Table, a non-governmental industry watcher following the announcement of the planned merger in its white paper on the Steve Orosanye report advised government against going ahead with “This ridiculous recommendation” as regards the three aviation agencies.
Despite all the explicit explanations and the ICAO stand on the separation of service
providers from the regulatory agency, the federal government through a memo to dated 14, July,2014 was bent on prosecuting the merging of the agencies by asking the Ministry of Aviation to set up technical committee for the implementation of the merger.
General News
TD Africa Unveils Super App Version 2, Transforms Technology Access Across Africa
![](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TD.jpg)
TD Africa, a leading technology distributor in Africa, has launched TD Super App Version 2, an upgraded, feature-rich platform designed to revolutionize technology procurement for individuals and businesses.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Omowumi-Oladele-Project-Manager-TD-Africa.jpg?resize=300%2C187&ssl=1)
Omowumi Oladele, Project Manager, TD Africa
The enhanced App offers seamless access to a wide range of cutting-edge tech products at unbeatable prices, with faster delivery options to improve efficiency and convenience.
Available on both web and mobile, the revamped TD Super App boasts an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever for users to discover and purchase technology products.
This latest upgrade reaffirms TD Africa’s commitment to affordability, efficiency, and convenience, ensuring that businesses and individuals can access the tools they need to succeed.
With exclusive deals and discounts, registered users can enjoy significant savings on a vast selection of technology products, including computing devices, smartphones, consumer electronics, and power solutions. Optimized logistics and accelerated delivery times further enhance the shopping experience, ensuring that customers receive their technology essentials quickly and reliably.
“At TD Africa, we are dedicated to delivering value, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology solutions that drive business growth and streamline operations,” said Omowumi Oladele, Product Manager, TD Africa.
“The upgraded TD Super App Version 2 is designed to simplify procurement, enhance productivity, and maximize savings—empowering businesses and individuals across Africa.”
The App is now available for download on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Users can also access the platform via web browsers at superapp.tdafrica.com
General News
FG Drops Merger of NCAA, NAMA
![](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Festus-Kayamo-Aviation-minister.jpeg)
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has stepped down the merger of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as recommended by the Steve Oronsaye report.
He also revealed that the aviation industry was exempted from the foreign travel ban placed on federal government officials last year. The President announced the ban which took effect from April last year.
Keyamo disclosed that the aviation sector was exempted from the ban because President Tinubu is desirous of change and growth in the sector.
The ban was placed following the rising cost of travel expenses by Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government.
The memo released last year stated: “Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr Presideni’s directive to place a temporary ban on all publicly funded international trips for all federal government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months from 1st April 2024.
“All government officials who intend to go on any publicly funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks before embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed necessary”.
The Minister disclosed the reasons for the exemption in Abuja at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
On the merger of NCAA and NAMA, he said: “From modest beginnings, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in our sector, ranging from enhanced supervisory measures and policies formulation, safety and security oversight, robust legislative and regulatory frameworks, advancements in air traffic management, development, expansion and certification of airports, accurate meteorological services, timely accident investigations, manpower development, and indeed, the growth of indigenous airlines.
“These achievements have not come without challenges. However, with the efforts of past administrations and the total support of the present administration under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the five focus areas of the ministry, we have overcome challenges and reached new heights.
“NCAA is a child of God, and despite turbulent waters and attempts sometimes to kill the NCAA, the NCA has survived 25 years. And I’m sure you know that any child that is born at the age of 25, of course, is undoubtedly an age of maturity.
“The Oronsanye reports also recommended the merger of NCAA and NAMA. And so that was also another attempt to kill the NCAA. That report was passed from Jonathan’s government to Buhari’s government, and then to the present government.
“It was one of the first items we considered in this government. So the Oronsanye reports came up that day, and the president went on and on, considered every item in the Oronsanye report, and asked the council to vote. And for each item, they would listen to the ministers and so the president came to the merger of NCAA and NAMA as one body.
“I raised my hand, I spoke for about five minutes and because we have a wonderful president who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, an item dropped, the merger of NCAA and NAMA would not remain”.
On the reasons for the exemption, he said: “It is a fact that the aviation sector remains a pillar of national development, facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. Whilst it is yet to realize its true potential in terms of contribution to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we must renew our commitment to ensuring a more progressive, sustainable, inclusive, innovative, and prosperous aviation industry.
“This necessitates the continuous adoption and integration of emerging technologies, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in human capital development to keep our skies safer and secure and attain cohesive and efficient air transportation services.
“The President directed that foreign travels should stop, except in exceptional circumstances. Last year, there was a memo around March that said it was for three months, and the President, because of his desire to ensure that we are frugal in our spending; there was another memo again in December reiterating that memo last year we should cut down on foreign travels, except by direct presidential approval.
“But let us also give particular thanks to Mr. President, because despite that memo, since last year, he has made an exception for the aviation industry. I wrote a memo to him after that directive on behalf of the entire agency that says; Sir, we respect your directive; yes, we need to be frugal because the Nigerian people have also tightened their belts in the face of the economic reforms that are taking place.
“However, because of the safety of this sector, Sir, we need to make some exceptions for this sector. And the President graciously granted this for the aviation sector”.
General News
Researchers Develop Innovative Treatment for Malaria
![](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/malaria-vaccine.jpg)
An international team of researchers have introduced a groundbreaking drug, known as the covalent kinase inhibitor, which shows promise in combating treatment-resistant malaria.
Developed by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, this innovative drug could surpass current medications by effectively targeting and disabling the proteins used by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite to replicate within the human body.
This is according to a report titled “Targeting Pf CLK3 with Covalent Inhibitors: A Novel Strategy for Malaria Treatment.”
The development, led by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, was outlined in a November publication in the “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.”
According to the researchers, covalent inhibitors form bonds with proteins, usually irreversibly modifying them, and this new drug could be more effective than current medications at all stages of malaria infection.
The new drug works by permanently disabling a protein that Plasmodium falciparum, one of the mosquito-borne parasites that spread malaria, uses to replicate itself inside the human body.
The drug also has the potential to work as a single-dose treatment, a significant improvement over existing therapies.
This breakthrough marks the first adaptation of an approach from cancer treatments to tackle malaria.
The team expressed optimism that the parasite is unlikely to develop resistance to the new drug, which targets the protein Pf CLK3 and disrupts the parasite’s ability to splice RNA.
The researchers, including Prof. Martins Emeje from the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency and Prof. Oyewale Tomori from the West African Academy of Sciences, emphasise the importance of regular calibration and accreditation for medical laboratories to ensure accurate results and reliable treatment.
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