Travel/Tourism
NCAA Presents Air Transport License to Nigeria Air

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has presented an Air Transport License (ATL) to the interim management of Nigeria Air, signifying that the country’s proposed national carrier may soon commence operations after years of waiting.
The license was given on Monday, June 6 at the NCAA’s corporate headquarters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
An ATL certification is a document that states the kinds of operations a carrier will embark on scheduled, non-scheduled, cargo air services within and outside Nigeria.
This licence precedes the Air Operator’s Certificate which empowers the airline to operate scheduled commercial flights.
The ATL signed by the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, will run for a period of five years from June 3, 2022, to June 2, 2027.
The new national airline is expected to provide scheduled and non-scheduled services. It is one of the licenses received by airlines before they can commence operation just as they await the all-important Air Operator Certificate (AOC) that fully guarantees them the right to begin air services.
Nigeria Air Limited, the country’s proposed national carrier, led by Captain Dapo Olumide, had in April 2022 applied to the NCAA for a license to operate scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services.
The federal government had on July 18, 2018, announced the name of the national carrier – Nigeria Air – in the United Kingdom with the Minister of State for Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, unveiling it at the Farnborough International Airshow in London, England.
During the unveiling, the Minister also revealed the logo of the airline, which replaced the defunct Nigeria Airways, which was liquidated as a result of mismanagement.
However, much dispute had delayed the full launching of the carrier but with the new set of licensing, Nigerians will be awaiting the full commencement of the airline service.
In March, the federal government opened a bid for private investors to join the national air carrier to promote economic growth and develop public-private partnerships.
The private sector partners were expected to comprise – Nigerian Financial and Institutional Investors (min. 46 per cent shares) so that the total Nigerien shareholding will hold a minimum of 51 per cent of the shares of Nigeria Air (including the 5 per cent non-interactive FGN share), as required by international laws for a national carrier.
Travel/Tourism
UAE Bans Transit Visas for Nigerians in Fresh Travel Restrictions

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerian passengers have been slapped with fresh travel restrictions by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the Middle-East nation banning transit visas for Nigerians.
In the new stringent travel conditions introduced by the UAE, it was disclosed that transit visa applications would no longer be processed for Nigerian nationals.
Further, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 years are ineligible for tourist visas if travelling alone, while those above 45 years must provide a personal bank statement from a Nigerian bank for the last six months, each month’s statement must show an ending balance of at least $10,000 or its Naira equivalent, and all existing requirements such as hotel reservations and passport data pages must still be submitted with applications.
“For Nigeria nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for tourist visa category.
“An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of $10,000 or its Naira equivalent.
“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc,” the new requirements communicated to Nigerian travel agents on Tuesday stated.
Nigerians have found Dubai in the UAE as a tourist destination. It is also used for business transactions like the purchase of luxury items like gold and others.
Recall that last year, the UAE authorities lifted a travel ban on Nigerian passport holders after two years.
Travel/Tourism
US Reduces Nigeria’s Non-Immigrant Visa Validity Period

By Adedapo Adesanya
The United States government has announced that most Nigerians applying for non-immigrant visas will now only get single-entry three-month visas.
The US Mission in Nigeria said this was to reciprocate Nigeria’s visa policy for Americans.
“Effective today, most non-immigrant and non-official visas for Nigerian citizens will be single-entry with 3-month validity.” the embassy stated in a press statement on Tuesday. Prior to this, it was up to five years.
It gave the criteria that must be met to see changes to include: secure travel documents with verified traveler identities, implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas, and sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
“We commend the ongoing efforts by the government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices,” it said, adding that, “We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges.”
The US encouraged Nigerian travelers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.
“The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges. We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” it added.
This comes after it was earlier reported that Nigeria alongside some other countries could face restrictions under President Donald Trump’s policy to cut down on immigration.
Travel/Tourism
FAAN to Increase Airport Tariffs, Adopt Contactless Payment System

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to increase tariffs across all its airports to allow for utilisation of its operations for profitability.
The announcement was made during the Directorate of Commercial and Business Development (DCBD) Stakeholders Engagement Forum held Monday in Lagos.
According to FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mrs Adebola Joy Agunbiade, the agency will also implement a complete transition to automated and contactless payment systems.
She said the authority currently generates 92 per cent of its revenue from aeronautical sources, with only eight per cent coming from non-aeronautical activities which contrasts with developed countries where non-aeronautical sources typically account for over 40 per cent of airport revenue.
Mrs Agunbiade assured stakeholders and service providers that they would receive adequate notice before tariff implementations.
“We have to find the means to review our tariff in such a way that it’s not too much on you but it’s also helping us to pay our bills,” she said.
Also speaking, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, emphasised the authority’s commitment to eliminating cash transactions across all airport payment points. She said the new system will feature cards that enable tap-and-go payments.
“All payment will soon be made online using our cards. It is an airport card. You tap and go. It is a very seamless and straightforward process,” she said.
The pilot programme has already begun in Lagos, with plans for rollout across other airports. The system will include ECR devices for terminal payments and automated parking and tollgate facilities.
“Automation makes it easier for you to track your payment. We’re going cashless and contactless payment. So it is easier and faster,” Mrs Kuku stated.
According to her, FAAN reported generating N2 billion from below the line platforms alone last year, and with could see a higher revenue this year.
The authority also said it is restructuring lease agreements following legal reviews to create more workable terms for service providers.
Mrs Kuku noted that substantial investments have been made in infrastructure upgrades and automation systems and that revenue improvements will directly benefit passenger services and airport operations.
FAAN also issued warnings over unauthorised activities at airports with the FAAN official saying that licenses would be revoked for car hire services and Bureau de Change operators engaging in lout activities.
Additionally, FAAN has issued orders to remove tankers parked along Lagos airport access roads, citing security risks and environmental concerns.
“We cannot just have businesses on the side of the road in a manner that is not organized. We will be taking very drastic actions,” Mrs Kuku said.
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