News
FG partners Hungarian coy on aircraft assembly, manufacturing plant
The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner the Magnus Aircraft Manufacturing industry in Hungary to establish an assembly plant in the country.
The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said this in a statement by the ministry’s Director, Public Affairs, James Odaudu, in Lagos on Tuesday.
Sirika had expressed the interest of the Federal Government when he paid an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary on Monday.
He said: “if we venture with them, we may start with assembly plant and later manufacturing in the country.
“Magnus aircraft is an aeroplane that is good for military training, has capability for aerobatic maneuvering and is made of fully composite materials with high strength and very light weight.”
Sirika said he was satisfied with the features of the aircraft and was willing to facilitate the production of the aeroplanes in the country.
The minister added that one of the significant features of the Magnus aircraft was that it used normal car petrol and outperformed any training aircraft of its kind.
He said the proposed partnership with the aircraft manufacturer would be subjected to further analysis to verify the market and government’s willingness to partner with a significant amount of money and logistics.
Sirika emphasised that the local production of aircraft in the country would facilitate the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation super power.
According to him, this will also come with maintenance and repair facilities that will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.
The minister said the present administration had created an attractive environment for international investors in the country, especially in the aviation sector.
He said this included the ongoing implementation of the development roadmap, which placed emphasis on public private partnerships. (NAN)
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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