General News
Demonstration Flight Hours Cost Airlines N36m for AOC Acquisition
Aviation experts in Finum Aviation Services have decried the estimated sum of N36 million spent by airlines in sponsorship for the fifty demonstration flight hours in the course of Air Operators Certificate (AOC) acquisition.
Aside that, experts at Finum believe that the process of (AOC) acquisition has and is perhaps still been seen as a task by those in the industry and by greenhorn investors from outside the sector.
Speaking at the 2nd memorial lecture in honour of Engr. Zakari Musa Haruna held at the NCAA annex, Lagos, Sheri Ayuba Kyari, managing director of Finum Aviation Services, said that the cost of fuel worked out by them shows that an average of Thirty Five or Thirty Six Million Naira is being expended by airline sponsors for the fifty demonstration flight hours in the course of AOC acquisition.
He said that FAS feel such sum can be reduced drastically to only five hours without passengers while ninety five hours can be done while carrying passengers.
According to him, this will reduce cost and the airlines can be made to use a large amount for the training of crew and engineers, et cetera.
To lead us in this task will be no other person than our amiable Guest Speaker, Mr. Gbenga Olowo, President, Sabre (WA), a man with a wealth of experience in airline management, marketing and economy.
He said, “This year, we are looking at the complex processes of acquiring the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC). The process has and is perhaps still been seen as a task by those in the industry and by greenhorn investors from outside the sector. Today we will all try to contribute to finding a middle of the road approach and open our industry for expansion in order to absorb the teaming young population dotting our airports in search of jobs.
“We at Finum will like to start by congratulating the Federal Government for proceeding with the award of contract for the construction of the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport; Abuja almost thirty five years after the only run was commissioned. With the incident of the Saudi airline last year which caused the runway to be close for eighteen hours and the closing of the runway for maintenance this year clearly shows the need for that facility – second runway.
“The next facility that is of dire need today is a maintenance centre capable of handling all the commercial airliners in the country that require heavy maintenance. The absence of this asset is encouraging capital flight and this song has been sung for too long to the stage that the music is losing its flavor.
“We will however continue till sing it till the tune actually loses it meaning, if it will. This is a facility that can be taken up by private investors but the fear of policy inconsistency is the order of the day. Government therefore, must provide guarantee and assurances to investors either by getting involved or providing a conducive environment for investors.
“Our airports need to raise the level of security in view of the sporadic bombing of public places in the country. And since airports are also public places, we have a duty to use technology for surveillance of secured environments around the airports.
“Undoubtedly, we need to increase the level of security awareness and employ latest technology to scan the airports to keep air travelers, workers and infrastructures safe and secure.
“Unemployment of pilots, engineers and other cadre of aviation workers is still an issue and last year we were told over two hundred young pilots were without work and similar situation is befalling others. We need to open up the industry for more investors and give these young ones an opportunity to achieve their aspirations.
“All bottle necks for investors should be removed and allow serious investors whether domestic or foreign to buy into aviation. This will also pave way for more jobs and even consultants to thrive.
“Aviation professionals have indeed failed the industry by the continuous bickering without coming together to find a way for a smooth management of the industry. Whether those in employment or the retired ones. There is no document forwarded to any minster of aviation by the totality of industry professionals.
“A document that has the input of Air Traffic Controllers, Meteorologists, Cabin Crew, Engineers, etc., itemizing priority areas, rather it is individuals that send proposals and use polarizing sentiments such as ethnicity, religion or regionalism to direct whoever happens to be Minister or chief executive. We are Finum, pray that we will find a cause to unite and present a common position for the benefit of the industry and the nation.
“The last thing on our mind is the protracted case of the Nigeria Airways ex-workers. The professionals and the other highly placed persons in the industry have failed to support in the fight for them to have their pensions paid.
“This is unfair and we believe that it is time for all groups to act and assist these ex-workers to secure what belongs to them, not as a gift, but as a constitutionally and legally endowed right for being government workers”.
In commemoration of Women’s Month, health-tech platform Myitura has released a new white paper addressing the critical gaps in healthcare financing for women in Nigeria.
Titled “Closing the Gap: Healthcare Financing for Women in Nigeria,” the report highlights how high out-of-pocket costs, limited insurance coverage, and socio-economic factors continue to prevent women from accessing timely healthcare.
According to the report, over 70% of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are paid out-of-pocket, disproportionately affecting women who often delay care due to financial and social constraints.
“When women can afford to take care of their health early, we don’t just save lives; we strengthen families, communities, and the economy,” said Chialuka Kelechi, MyItura’s Chief of Staff.
Key Insights from the White Paper:
- Preventable conditions often escalate due to delayed care
- Women are more likely to deprioritize their own health
- Affordable, structured healthcare financing can significantly improve outcomes
Introducing a Women’s Health Initiative
As part of its commitment, Myitura is launching affordable women-focused health packages (powered by Mediloan), starting at ₦58,180, designed to encourage preventive care and early detection.
The package provides access to:
- Fasting/Random Blood Sugar
- Urinalysis
- Electrolytes
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Pap Smear Submitted slides
- HIV I & II Rapid (Qualitative)
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Screening (Rapid)
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening (Rapid)
- Abdominopelvic Ultrasound
- Ongoing support via the Myitura platform
Access:
Women can access these packages by downloading the Myitura app, which makes healthcare more accessible and convenient.
Myitura is a health-tech platform focused on improving access to healthcare through financing, technology, and preventive care solutions.
General News
DBI Unveils Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Report Highlights Strategic Trends, Risks
DigitalSENSE Business Intelligence (DBI), powered by ITREALMS Media, has launched the Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Intelligence Report (Executive Edition), delivering vital insights for navigating Nigeria’s fast-paced digital landscape.
This executive summary spotlights trends, risks, and opportunities in telecommunications, fintech, digital infrastructure, policy shifts, and investment flows. It underscores digital transformation’s pivotal role in boosting economic growth, financial inclusion, and nationwide innovation.
DBI Publisher, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, emphasized its value for leaders: “This Executive Edition offers a sharp, strategic view of Nigeria’s digital economy during a pivotal moment. As the sector surges ahead, reliable intelligence is key to seizing opportunities and tackling risks.”
Key highlights include:
Broadband infrastructure expansion.
Surge in digital payments adoption.
Evolving regulations.
Investor pivot to sustainable, profitable ventures.
The report urges action on digital financial inclusion, infrastructure funding, skills training, and public sector digitization.
Freely accessible, the Executive Edition complements the premium Full Edition with in-depth analysis for executives and institutions. Stakeholders can request full access or briefings.
Media & Access Contacts:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.itrealms.com.ng
The on-going construction works at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State is gathering momentum as the project is envisioned to address the country’s energy needs.
NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State
The project occupying a 40-hectare park designed as a multi-energy hub will help curb capital flight and save foreign exchange expenditure by enabling local production of key renewable energy components such as solar panels, mounting racks, wind systems and biomass technologies.
Speaking during an inspection visit on the project site on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Special Adviser to the Executive Vice Chairman on Renewable Energy, Engr. Suyud Abdullahi Muhammad, who also serves as the Gora Project Manager, disclosed that the initiative is designed to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported renewable energy equipment.
“There will be a wind assembly plant, small hydro power equipment production, and solar panel manufacturing; Renewable energy goes beyond just solar, and this park reflects that broader vision,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that the project aligns with NASENI’s goal of reducing energy poverty in Nigeria, where over 80 million citizens remain off-grid, while many connected to the national grid continue to experience inadequate power supply.
The Special Adviser also emphasised on the project’s industrialisation potential, highlighting its role in job creation and value chain development. The park is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs, with an additional 50,000 indirect employment opportunities across supporting industries when completed.
“This initiative will localise the renewable energy value chain. Instead of relying on imports, Nigeria will begin to produce and eventually export these technologies, starting with the West African market and scaling up to the rest of the continent,” he added.
On sustainability and long-term viability, he revealed that the project is being executed in collaboration with private sector players, academia and other stakeholders, in line with NASENI’s “3Cs” principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.
The ongoing construction is being handled by about 35 contracting firms, each handling specific components at varying levels of execution such as Multipurpose Halls for industrial productions, Research and Development (R&D) Centre, Knowledge Park, Energy Centre, Workshops, Researchers Lodge, Studio Apartments, Clinic, Restaurant, Wellness Centre, Solar Farm, Drivers Lounge, Gate House, Internal roads and drainage system and Fencing.
The Gora Renewable Energy Industrial Energy Park is considered a key component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, enhancing energy security and positioning Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa.
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