News
Senate Seeks Reevaluation Of Kano, Abuja Airports Concessioning
By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja
The Senate has demanded that the executive branch reassess the concessioning of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Expressing strong disapproval of the concessioning process, the Senate highlighted suspicions of shady dealings throughout the entire process.
This decision by the Senate follows a resolution on a motion titled “Urgent Need to Reverse the Concessioning of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” sponsored by Senator Suleiman Kawu from the ANPP representing Kano South.
During his opening argument, Senator Kawu informed his colleagues that the Federal Executive Council had approved the 30-year concessioning of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport to the Corporación America Airports Consortium on May 17, 2023.
He emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace does not own or manage any airports in Nigeria. According to the governing Act of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the ownership and management of all federal government airports are vested solely in the Authority.
The lawmaker further noted that the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) procedure document stipulates that for an agency to concession a facility, the public entity must possess the necessary authority to transfer its responsibility, either through an enabling legislative and policy framework or an Administrative Order.
A section of the motion reads: “Considering the combined implications of the FAAN Act and the ICRC procedures manual, it is evident that the entire airport’s concession is built on a fundamentally flawed foundation. It is undeniable that it is the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, not the Ministry of Aviation, that possesses the power ‘to transfer its responsibility’ to a prospective concessionaire. It is also FAAN, not the Ministry, that has the required ‘legislative and policy framework’ for such a transfer.”
“Convinced that if the claim that the FEC has approved the concessioning of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport has any substance, then the FEC has indeed been misguided in its decision, and that action cannot amount to anything more than a nullity.”
“Concerned about the rationale behind borrowing and utilizing public funds to upgrade the airport only to hand it over to foreign businesses for a 30-year concession.”
“Alarmed that Nigeria is receiving a concession fee or upfront payment of $1.5m, while the total revenue generated by the Kano airport for the government amounts to $97.4m.”
“Disturbed by the apparent dubious nature of this concession, which raises questions about the process and the motives of the actors involved. It should be noted that unions in the aviation industry went on strike to question the integrity of the concession exercise, emphasizing that the concession of the airport away from FAAN would inevitably result in the involuntary termination of employment for all staff members.”
“Concerned that the concession by the Buhari-led administration raises a fundamental question of injustice regarding why a major project with significant public investment would be executed so close to the end of the administration. It is also worth noting that the inherent flaws in the concessioning agreement are likely to result in a slew of lawsuits, which would be an embarrassment to the current administration.”
Contributing to the debate, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume from the APC representing Borno South, lamented that certain government agencies and officials took advantage of what he described as President Buhari’s passive leadership to exploit and short-change the Nigerian people.
All other senators who participated in the debate expressed their condemnation of the hasty manner in which the concessioning was carried out. They unanimously supported the resolution to denounce the actions of the previous administration and called for a thorough review.
During the consideration of the motion, an amendment was proposed, leading the senators to decide that the investigation and potential reversal of the deal should also include the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The Senate’s call for a reevaluation of the concessioning of the Kano and Abuja airports reflects the concerns raised by Senator Suleiman Kawu and other senators regarding the flawed foundation of the concession process. They highlighted the lack of authority of the Ministry of Aviation in transferring responsibilities and the fact that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) should be the governing body in such matters.
Furthermore, the senators expressed their worry over the use of public funds to upgrade the airports, only to hand them over to foreign businesses for an extended period. The discrepancy between the concession fees received by Nigeria and the total revenue generated by the airports also raised suspicions about the fairness and transparency of the process.
The potential loss of jobs for airport staff due to the concessioning was a significant concern for the senators, as it would have a detrimental impact on the aviation industry. They questioned the integrity of the concession exercise, leading to labor unions in the sector going on strike to protest the move.
Additionally, the senators raised doubts about the timing of the concession, occurring towards the end of the previous administration. They viewed this as an issue of justice, questioning why a project of such magnitude, involving substantial public investment, was initiated at that particular time.
The flawed nature of the concessioning agreement was deemed likely to result in legal disputes, which would be an embarrassment for the current administration. This further reinforced the need for a comprehensive review of the process to rectify any irregularities and ensure transparency.
Senator Ali Ndume, the Senate Chief Whip, expressed his disappointment in the government agencies and officials involved in the concessioning, criticizing their exploitation of the perceived passiveness of President Buhari as a leader, which resulted in a disservice to the Nigerian people.
The Senate’s resolution to reevaluate the concessioning of the Kano and Abuja airports highlights the concerns raised regarding the flawed foundation, potential loss of jobs, inadequate financial arrangements, and lack of transparency in the process. By calling for a review, the Senate aims to rectify any shortcomings and ensure that the best interests of Nigeria and its citizens are safeguarded.
US President Donald Trump has asserted that he is not jesting about his ambitions for a third presidential term, despite the constitutional restrictions in place.
While the U.S. Constitution prohibits any individual from serving more than two four-year terms, Trump indicated that it is premature to delve into such considerations.
Having assumed office for his second, non-consecutive term on January 20, Trump has hinted at his desire for a third term, addressing the matter more directly in a telephone conversation with NBC News.
“No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” Trump reiterated, though he acknowledged, “it is far too early to think about it.”
He hinted at potential avenues to pursue this goal without providing specific details.
According to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, U.S. presidents are limited to two terms, whether consecutive or not. To amend this constitutional provision would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the 50 state legislatures.
Some of Trump’s allies have suggested the feasibility of extending his stay in the White House beyond 2028. Trump himself has alluded to this notion on multiple occasions, often in a manner that challenges his political adversaries. Should he pursue another term after the November 2028 election, he would be 82 years old, having previously made history as the oldest president at the time of his inauguration.
The tradition of limiting presidential terms was established by George Washington in 1796. This practice was largely followed for over 140 years until Franklin D. Roosevelt broke the norm by winning a third term in 1940. Roosevelt, who led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, sadly passed away during his fourth term in 1945, leading to the enactment of the term limits amendment in 1951.
Steve Bannon, a long-time adviser to Trump, expressed in a March 19 interview with NewsNation his belief that Trump will indeed run again in 2028. Bannon noted that he and others are exploring ways to facilitate this ambition, including reviewing the definition of term limits. “We’re working on it,” he stated, underscoring the ongoing discussions surrounding Trump’s political future.
Traders in Lagos have voiced their concerns regarding the significant decline in food sales, particularly for pepper, attributing the downturn to rising prices and the diminished purchasing power of local residents.
In interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), both traders and consumers shared their experiences regarding patronage as the Sallah celebration approaches.
Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna chapter), linked the situation to the heightened prices of produce and the weakened purchasing capacity of consumers. He stated, “Pepper prices in the north are also steep, with a jumbo 50kg bag reaching as high as N150,000, compared to N60,000 to N70,000 just months ago. This price surge may adversely affect the Sallah festivities, as only a few consumers may afford these products.”
Zuntu further explained, “Currently, we are outside the pepper farming season. Insufficient rainfall has led to a scarcity of this commodity, with only a handful of farmers involved in irrigation. Many will resort to using dried pepper, which is more affordable during this time, although demand remains low. We anticipate an increase in demand as the celebration nears.”
Mrs. Mistura Balogun, a pepper vendor at Lawanson Market in Surulere, echoed these sentiments, noting the unusually low customer turnout. “It’s not just pepper that has become expensive; many other goods have seen price increases as well. Typically, this time of year should see a bustling market, but today is quite different. I have been at my stall since morning, and the number of customers is minimal,” she lamented.
Similarly, Mrs. Mojisola Gbadegesin, another pepper seller at Idi-Araba market, reported a stark decrease in patronage. “Despite the high prices, we usually see customers buying pepper, but this year is different. The market feels deserted, and business is sluggish,” she remarked.
Mrs. Judith Amen, also a foodstuff vendor, highlighted that the rising prices of pepper and other food items are likely to escalate further as the celebrations peak. “At the start of the week, a small bag of scotch bonnet pepper was priced at N70,000, and I expect prices to soar over the weekend due to Sallah. A good quality bag of rice is selling for N85,000, while lower-quality options range from N60,000 to N75,000. Although patronage is currently low, we anticipate an uptick a day before Sallah, but consumers will only purchase what they can afford,” she explained.
Mr. John Nwabueze, a trader in the Agege area, expressed frustration over the lack of customers as Eid celebrations begin. “Sales have been notably low, with people buying only what their budgets allow. The market has been unusually quiet, affecting all commodities, including rice. A 50kg bag of rice is priced between N76,000 and N78,000, yet sales remain sluggish this Sallah,” he noted.
Mrs. Amina Fakunle, a resident of the Alimosho area, remarked that the high cost of pepper would lead consumers to celebrate in a more subdued manner. “Just six pieces of pepper cost about N500, which is the lowest price available. With these prices, people will likely opt for a low-key celebration,” she stated.
Mr. David Oriafo, a resident of the Dopemu area, also commented on the lack of festive activity in the market. “I managed to purchase a few items for my family to save costs, but it’s evident that the usual festive buzz is missing. People are only buying what they can afford, much like myself,” he shared. (NAN)
A Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin confirmed the death of the boxer on Sunday.
The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.
The referee called the match immediately, and medical aid was ushered into the ring.
Olarenwaju died after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ther boxer was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.
He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.
In 2022, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another boxer, also died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) in a bout at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta.
Igboanugo died after he took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.