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FG Opens Bid For Four Airports’ Concession
The Federal Government has released a request for qualification for the concession of four international airport terminals and other related services.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Mr Hassan Musa, made this announcement in a statement issued to newsmen in Lagos by the Director, Public Affairs of the ministry, Mr James Odaudu,
The four major commercial airports are Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; and Port Harcourt International Airport.
Musa said that the ministry released the request in compliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (N4P).
He said the airports surrounding communities were intended to develop into efficient, profitable, self-sustaining, commercial hubs, which would create more jobs and develop local industries through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation is inviting bids from reputable Airport Developers/Operators/Financiers/Consortia for pre-qualification for the concession of selected airports terminals under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“The airport’s terminal concession is one of the critical projects under the sector roadmap of the FGN and fits well within the scope of the ministry’s strategic plan for the sector.
“The execution of this project is meant to achieve the Federal Government’s objective in terms of air transport value chain growth.
“The project will develop and profitably managing customer centred airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality,” he said.
Musa said the eligibility requirements were full names of firm/consortia; evidence of company registration; ownership structure of bidding entity; audited financial statements; sworn affidavit.
According to him, others are the Power of Attorney/Board Resolution and in the case of a consortium, evidence in the form of a letter of association agreement.
He said that to be prequalified for consideration as a prospective PPP partner for the project, the prospective firms/consortia must had technical, operational and financial capability.
He said others included the experience in the Development and Operation of an International Airport and Cargo Terminals; Evidence of Financial Capacity in support of the company or consortium’s ability to undertake the airport concession.
The permanent secretary said this was as illustrated by a minimum net worth of N30billion and Letters of Support from credible financial institutions in support of the consortium’s ability to manage and operate the airports terminals.
Musa said the ministry urged the interested international parties to partner with local firms in compliance with the requirements of the country’s local content development policy.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
