A desperate rush for free fuel has resulted in the deaths of of at least 100 people in Southern Nigeria. A crowd had gathered around a petrol tanker that overturned in the Niger delta. That's when it caught fire and blew up. Women and children are among the dead.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Video report - At least 95 dead in oil tanker explosion in Nigeria
A desperate rush for free fuel has resulted in the deaths of of at least 100 people in Southern Nigeria. A crowd had gathered around a petrol tanker that overturned in the Niger delta. That's when it caught fire and blew up. Women and children are among the dead.
Lufthansa suspends services to Air Nigeria
Perhaps taking a cue from General Electric Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) which withdrew its four aircraft last week, Luftahnsa Technik was Tuesday alleged to have terminated its aircraft spare parts and aircraft component pool which was domiciled in Lagos for the use of Nigeria's major carrier, Air Nigeria.
Before the withdrawal of its services, Lufthansa Technik was the leading provider of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) support to the airline.
The aircraft maintenance company was servicing the airline's Boeing and Embraer aircraft.
The implication of this is that when the airline, which was grounded by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) about two weeks ago, resumes operation, it would face difficulty in getting spares to service any of its aircraft on ground (AOG) as there would not be readily available aircraft parts for minor repairs.
In fact, an inside source told THISDAY Tuesday in Lagos that with the withdrawal of Lufthansa Technik, the airline may not even resume operation after meeting the laid out conditions by NCAA without approved technical team.
"This is because they cannot carry out any maintenance
of their aircraft. In the first place, NCAA will not even give them approval to start operation without maintenance engineers and they cannot in the time being put up the required engineers to have their own technical team, and where will you even get those engineers?"
Reacting to the report, Air Nigeria denied that the aircraft maintenance company has severed its services to the airline, insisting that Lufthansa Technik was still providing spares to the airline. According to the head of communication of Air Nigeria, Sam Ogbogoro, "Sequel to the recent reduction in our capacity following the return (repossession) of four Boeing B737-300 aircraft in our fleet, we are currently in discussions with Lufthansa Technik to rationalise aircraft spares in alignment with the current fleet size"
Meanwhile, air fares continue to rise for local destinations because only few airlines are still operating as the lull that was observed after the crash of Dana Air flight on June 3, 2012 has given way to an upsurge in passenger movement in many of the nation's airports, especially in Abuja and Lagos airports.
Industry observers said that if the present number of airlines continues to operate in the next few months that fares might rise as high as N50, 000.00 for one hour's flight during the peak period which begins from September.
Before the withdrawal of its services, Lufthansa Technik was the leading provider of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) support to the airline.
The aircraft maintenance company was servicing the airline's Boeing and Embraer aircraft.
The implication of this is that when the airline, which was grounded by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) about two weeks ago, resumes operation, it would face difficulty in getting spares to service any of its aircraft on ground (AOG) as there would not be readily available aircraft parts for minor repairs.
In fact, an inside source told THISDAY Tuesday in Lagos that with the withdrawal of Lufthansa Technik, the airline may not even resume operation after meeting the laid out conditions by NCAA without approved technical team.
"This is because they cannot carry out any maintenance
of their aircraft. In the first place, NCAA will not even give them approval to start operation without maintenance engineers and they cannot in the time being put up the required engineers to have their own technical team, and where will you even get those engineers?"
Reacting to the report, Air Nigeria denied that the aircraft maintenance company has severed its services to the airline, insisting that Lufthansa Technik was still providing spares to the airline. According to the head of communication of Air Nigeria, Sam Ogbogoro, "Sequel to the recent reduction in our capacity following the return (repossession) of four Boeing B737-300 aircraft in our fleet, we are currently in discussions with Lufthansa Technik to rationalise aircraft spares in alignment with the current fleet size"
Meanwhile, air fares continue to rise for local destinations because only few airlines are still operating as the lull that was observed after the crash of Dana Air flight on June 3, 2012 has given way to an upsurge in passenger movement in many of the nation's airports, especially in Abuja and Lagos airports.
Industry observers said that if the present number of airlines continues to operate in the next few months that fares might rise as high as N50, 000.00 for one hour's flight during the peak period which begins from September.
20,000 doctors leave Nigeria for better opportunities in other countries
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) yesterday revealed that over 20, 000 medical personnel from Nigeria have migrated to foreign countries to seek greener pastures and better working conditions. The council also said that Nigeria is one of the highest exporters of health workers, doctors and nurses with about 4,000 to the United States of America.
National Chairman, Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr Obehi Okojie, stated this during the induction ceremony of 103 graduates of foreign medical institutions and Igbinedion University Okada.
National Chairman, Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr Obehi Okojie, stated this during the induction ceremony of 103 graduates of foreign medical institutions and Igbinedion University Okada.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Video report - Nigerian women's limited access to contraception
The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation is preparing to donate hundreds of millions of dollars towards improving access to contraception in the developing world. Reaching 100 million women, the initiative hopes to bring about major economic and health benefits and control population growth. In Nigeria, it is estimated that only 10% of married women use contraception. More than 20% want it, but do not have access to it. Some believe that using birth control and other types of contraception goes against their faith. Cultural beliefs about contraception is one of the many challenges the Gates initative faces.
Prosecution of oil subsidy fraudsters to begin next week
This is coming just as president Goodluck Jonathan held a crucial meeting with heads of the other two arms of government, including the Senate President, David Mark; Speaker of the House, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher to mull the way forward on the war against corruption.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke who disclosed federal government's readiness to prosecute alleged looters of the country's funds meant for fuel subsidy in the country said: "The report was not discussed as an issue, but assurances were given that as soon as the EFCC finishes its assignment which is very soon, you will begin to see prosecution probably in the next one week.
"We will begin to prosecute because the EFCC has gone very far. So, Nigerians should be rest assured that this is not an issue that will be swept under the carpet. We have gone this far because we want a proper and painstaking investigation done so that when we charge people to court there will be no lapses or loopholes for lawyers to explore", the AGF added.
Adoke who spoke to State House Correspondents immediately after the meeting of heads of the three arms of government admitted that the meeting was to review strategy on fighting corruption, saying, "Yes, we are coming out with a national strategy on the fight against corruption, and that strategy will involve the three arms of government".
Also present at the meeting from the executive's side were the Vice President, Secretary to Government of the Federation, the Head of Service, Central Bank Governor, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke who disclosed federal government's readiness to prosecute alleged looters of the country's funds meant for fuel subsidy in the country said: "The report was not discussed as an issue, but assurances were given that as soon as the EFCC finishes its assignment which is very soon, you will begin to see prosecution probably in the next one week.
"We will begin to prosecute because the EFCC has gone very far. So, Nigerians should be rest assured that this is not an issue that will be swept under the carpet. We have gone this far because we want a proper and painstaking investigation done so that when we charge people to court there will be no lapses or loopholes for lawyers to explore", the AGF added.
Adoke who spoke to State House Correspondents immediately after the meeting of heads of the three arms of government admitted that the meeting was to review strategy on fighting corruption, saying, "Yes, we are coming out with a national strategy on the fight against corruption, and that strategy will involve the three arms of government".
Also present at the meeting from the executive's side were the Vice President, Secretary to Government of the Federation, the Head of Service, Central Bank Governor, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Related story: The big Kerosene fraud in Nigeria
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