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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.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 10 comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States Gyogon Augustine Grimah has directed commissioners of police under his zone to ensure adequate security measures in their respective domains before and after the Easter celebration.
Grimah, in a release by the zone 10 Public Relations Officer DSP Uthman Muhammad Yaqub appealed to all and sundry to cooperate with security agencies to enable them serve them well.
The release read in parr, “”Zone 10 headquarters under the leadership of AIG Gyogon Augustine Grimah psc,FCAI, wish to inform the members of the public particularly those residing in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, that it has made adequate security arrangements that will ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during and after the Easter celebrations.
“”AIG zone 10 headquarters, directed the three commissioners of police Commanding Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Police states Commands to emplace adequate security measures that will ensure smooth and hitch free celebrations. Intelligence gathering apparatus of the zone has also been directed to actively generate actionable intelligence that could assist in mitigating any form of threats””.
While wishing Christian faithfuls a happy Easter celebration, the AIG, Grimah enjoined all of them to seize the moment and pray for continues peaceful coexistence in the zone and beyond.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Christians and all residents of the state to use the Easter season to reflect on the virtues of peace, unity, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP extended warm greetings to Christians across the state and Nigeria, describing Easter as a season of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity.
“Easter reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and most importantly, of love, peace, and unity among all people,” Masha said.
He noted that the message of Easter was especially significant at a time when Kaduna State is grappling with economic hardship, political tension, and persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“These are trying times for our dear state. We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in faith, committed to peace, and united in the pursuit of a better future. No matter our religious or ethnic backgrounds, we must come together to pray for Kaduna and Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP also called on residents to pray for divine intervention in addressing the state’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.
“We believe in the power of collective prayers and unity,” the statement continued.
“Kaduna must rise above the tide of division, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Only with sincerity of purpose and inclusive leadership can we achieve that.”
“This Easter should inspire our leaders to embrace sacrificial service. Jesus gave His life to save others — that’s the true test of leadership,” he said.
“We must put aside politics and speak as one voice against the suffering of our people.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kaduna, assuring that it would continue to advocate for good governance, equity, and development. he concluded.
A new terrorist group known as Mahmuda has emerged in Nigeria’s North Central region, launching deadly attacks on communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), according to local sources and a report by Sahara Reporters.
The group, which operates with impunity in the national park spanning Kwara and Niger states, has besieged villages in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. On Wednesday, Mahmuda militants attacked a vigilante group in Kemanji, Kwara, killing over 15 vigilantes and villagers, a source confirmed.
“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source told Sahara Reporters.
The KLNP, covering 3,970.29 square kilometres, has become a haven for the militants, who reportedly displaced park rangers over five years ago.
Sources trace the group’s origins to Mokwa LGA in Niger State, from where they were expelled by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who accused them of being Boko Haram affiliates.
The group then relocated through various regions, including Kaduna State, before entrenching themselves in the KLNP.
A recent audiotape from the group’s leader suggests they are a moderate Islamist sect that splintered from the extremist Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.
The militants, who primarily speak Hausa, identify as the Mahmuda or Mallam Group and claim to be jihadists promoting Sunni Islam.
The Mahmuda group has imposed a reign of terror on local communities.
Herders pay dues to graze cattle, farmers pay levies to access farmland allocated by the militants, and residents are forced to work on the group’s farms as “sadaka” (charity).
The militants also kidnap locals for ransom, mount illegal roadblocks, and regulate social activities, banning alcohol sales and smoking while settling community disputes.
“They preach Islamic ethics, urge disloyalty to the Nigerian state, and insist disputes be reported to them,” a source said, adding that the group is recruiting locals as informants.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the militants are engaged in illegal mining within the park and threaten herbalists suspected of aiding vigilantes.
In a bid to consolidate control, the group has expelled bandits from the park, kidnapping or executing their collaborators after collecting ransoms.
The rise of Mahmuda highlights Nigeria’s growing insecurity, with ungoverned spaces like the KLNP enabling militant groups to thrive.
Loggers, fishermen, and hunters exploit the park’s resources, with some loggers reportedly negotiating with the militants to harvest trees, providing the group with revenue.
“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a source of concern due to its destructive impact on livelihoods,” a source noted.
“New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces.”
Locals suspect the authorities are aware of the group’s activities but have failed to act, possibly due to the militants’ sophisticated weaponry. Vigilante groups, frustrated by the lack of security intervention, have resorted to collaborating with Mahmuda to rescue kidnapped victims, further complicating the situation.
The Mahmuda group’s control over a vast swathe of Nigerian territory underscores the challenges facing the country’s security forces. With communities living at the mercy of the militants, the group’s blend of coercion, religious rhetoric, and economic exploitation poses a significant threat to stability in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with this emerging menace, questions remain about the group’s true origins and affiliations. Some locals speculate the militants may have ties to groups from Benin or Niger Republic, while others see parallels with Boko Haram’s tactics. Further investigation is needed to unmask this faceless group and address the crisis in the KLNP.