Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: aviation safety

  • NiMet Warns of Three-Day Dust Haze and Southern Thunderstorms

    NiMet Warns of Three-Day Dust Haze and Southern Thunderstorms

    NiMet Warns of Three-Day Dust Haze and Southern Thunderstorms

    NiMet forecast haze across the North and central regions from Jan 21–23, while southern states should expect afternoon/evening thunderstorms and light rain.

    Further reporting across multiple outlets indicates the development is drawing heightened attention, with stakeholders watching for next steps from relevant authorities and institutions.

    Echotitbits take: The simultaneous occurrence of dust haze and thunderstorms highlights the intensifying climatic variability in Nigeria. Aviation stakeholders and health officials should brace for a busy 72 hours.

    Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/nimet-warns-of-three-days-of-dust-haze-thunderstorms-across-nigeria/ (2026-01-21)

    Photo credit: Arise

    2026-01-21 17:00:00

     

  • Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

    Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Figures cited by Punch show Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema says the airline recorded 49 bird strikes in 2025, describing the incidents as a costly operational hazard that can ground aircraft and disrupt schedules.

    In related appearances, Onyema also complained about what he sees as disproportionate pressure on local carriers, citing taxes, compliance costs and agency actions as compounding the burden.

    ARISE News reported the comments, stressing that bird strikes can trigger maintenance downtime and cascading delays, especially when spare parts and replacement aircraft are limited.

    The disagreement adds to public debate over airfares, consumer protection scrutiny and the balance between safety enforcement and airline viability.

    ARISE quoted Onyema: “Air Peace has had 49 bird strikes…,” while Punch reported he said the strikes caused “serious operational setbacks.”

    Echotitbits take: Bird strikes are real, but passengers will ask what mitigation looks like—airport wildlife control, runway management and transparent incident reporting. Watch for FAAN/NCAA data disclosures and joint industry safety steps.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/air-peace-recorded-49-bird-strikes-in-2025-allen-onyema/#google_vignette – December 29, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Ground-handling mishap dents new Air Peace aircraft, sparking delays and calls for accountability

    Ground-handling mishap dents new Air Peace aircraft, sparking delays and calls for accountability

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-27 07:01:00

    Reporting by The Nation indicates a ground-handling incident at the Lagos airport damaged a newly inducted Air Peace aircraft, forcing operational disruptions and knock-on delays for passengers.

    The incident involved ground equipment contacting the aircraft while passengers were already boarded, with the airline stressing that modern engine-area repairs can be extremely costly and time-consuming.

    Air Peace’s position is that such disruptions are not only a service failure to customers, but also a financial burden—especially when damage affects sensitive aircraft components and schedules across multiple routes.

    The episode adds to recurring tension in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem: airlines want stricter accountability for handlers, while regulators face pressure to enforce safety and compensation standards.

    Punch corroborated the development, reporting that a “ground handling vehicle damaged a new Air Peace aircraft,” while Air Peace spokesman Mike Achimugu said, “a ground handler’s conveyor belt hit the aircraft, causing damage.”

    Echotitbits take:
    Expect sharper scrutiny of handler competence, equipment condition, and ramp safety rules at major airports. What to watch next: whether the responsible handler faces penalties, and whether Air Peace pursues claims that set a stronger precedent for industry liability.

    Source: The Nation — December 26, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/ground-handling-equipment-damages-air-peaces-new-aircraft/)
    The Nation December 26, 2025

  • Aviation Ministry Shakes Up NCAA Directorates as Corruption Claims Trigger Safety Fears

    Aviation Ministry Shakes Up NCAA Directorates as Corruption Claims Trigger Safety Fears

    Photo Credit: The Punch 

    2025-12-26 06:50:00

    Reporting by *PUNCH* indicates that the Aviation Ministry has moved directors within the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) amid allegations that raised safety concerns and questions about oversight effectiveness.

    The minister signaled that the issue goes beyond politics: aviation risk is reputation risk, and public allegations—if left unanswered—can undermine confidence among airlines, insurers, and international regulators.

    The reshuffle is also a test of governance in a sector where enforcement credibility matters: weak oversight can translate into operational shortcuts, maintenance risks, and regulatory arbitrage.

    Stakeholders now expect clearer disclosure on the investigation scope, timelines, and whether disciplinary measures will follow the administrative redeployments.

    *The Guardian* reported the reshuffle “may not be unconnected with allegations of inefficiency and compromised oversight,” while *TrustRadio* said the move “followed some regulatory lapses brought to his attention.”

    Echotitbits take: Reshuffles can be cosmetic unless paired with transparent findings and enforcement. What to watch: whether the ministry publishes a clear incident-and-controls review, and whether NCAA processes are tightened rather than simply reassigning personnel.

    Source: The Punch — Dec 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-reshuffles-ncaa-directors-amid-corruption-allegations/)

    Photo credit/source: The Punch
    The Punch 2025-12-26

  • Owerri Airport: Cessna 172 Crash Leaves Four Hospitalised, NSIB Opens Investigation

    Owerri Airport: Cessna 172 Crash Leaves Four Hospitalised, NSIB Opens Investigation

    PhotoCredit: Premium Times

    2025-12-17

    Reporting the incident, *Premium Times* says a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express crashed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, with four people hospitalised and no fatalities reported.

    Authorities said emergency services responded quickly and flight operations continued because the runway remained active, while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) activated investigation protocols.

    The report notes the flight was en route from Kaduna to Port Harcourt when the crew declared an in‑flight emergency and diverted to Owerri, where the crash occurred.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – The Nation: “Officials confirmed no post-crash fire and that investigations have commenced.”
    – Channels TV: “Aviation authorities say a detailed wreckage examination will follow recovery from the crash site.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s aviation safety story is increasingly about rapid response and transparent reporting. Watch for the NSIB preliminary statement, recovered flight data/records, and whether maintenance or weather factors emerge as causal themes.

    Source: Premium Times — December 17, 2025 (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/843653-four-hospitalised-as-aircraft-crashes-at-imo-airport.html)

     

  • Report says FG committed about ₦1.9trn to airport upgrades over two years

    Report says FG committed about ₦1.9trn to airport upgrades over two years

    2025-12-14

    According to The Punch, a report says the Federal Government approved or committed roughly ₦1.9 trillion to airport upgrades over a two-year period, spanning equipment, safety systems and infrastructure improvements.

    The report links the spending to plans to modernise aviation facilities and strengthen safety and operational reliability across airports.

    The Guardian Nigeria reported related approvals around navigation and communication upgrades and described the effort as a comprehensive modernisation drive for air safety.

    BizWatch Nigeria also reported the overhaul and said it is aimed at improving air safety and modernising aviation infrastructure.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: The real measure isn’t the headline figure but delivery: which airports get what upgrades, whether timelines are met, and whether maintenance capacity is built into procurement. Watch for project breakdowns, independent oversight, and whether upgrades reduce delays, incidents and operating costs for airlines and passengers.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-earmarked-n1-9tn-for-airport-upgrades-in-two-years-report/)

  • Bird Strike Strands United Nigeria Passengers in Abuja

    Bird Strike Strands United Nigeria Passengers in Abuja

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    Passengers of United Nigeria Airlines were left stranded at the Abuja airport after a bird strike reportedly damaged an aircraft’s engine, forcing cancellation of a scheduled flight. Frustrated travellers accused the airline of poor communication and inadequate alternative arrangements as they struggled to rebook or secure refunds.

    The incident has reignited concerns about runway wildlife control, safety management and consumer protection in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Regulators are being urged to enforce stricter compensation and communication standards to protect passengers and minimise economic losses from avoidable delays.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12