Business
Nigeria’s OAGF clarifies “6 months ultimatum” to World Bank
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has clarified media reports that the federal government issued a “six-month ultimatum” to the World Bank.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, on Saturday in Abuja.
He explained that the comments by the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, to the World Bank delegation were intended to encourage timely consideration.
The AGF emphasised that the facilities being accessed by Nigeria were loans and not grants.
He said that the timely release of funds would ensure that projects tied to such facilities were implemented within planned timelines and fiscal cycles.
READ ALSO; AGF warns that Nigeria may reject delayed World Bank loans
“At no point did the AGF issue a threat or ultimatum to the World Bank. Rather, he underscored the importance of stronger collaboration and favourable consideration in the processing.
“There was no objection requests by the OAGF to the World Bank when such requests for the deployment of Projects Accountants, and others that has a duration of more than six months before the project closure.
“The OAGF remains committed to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the World Bank and other development partners, and effective public financial management in Nigeria.
“The Office reiterates its commitment to ongoing reforms, including the digitalisation of financial management processes, in line with global best practices,” he said. (NAN)
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured passengers that airport operations will continue despite the ongoing industrial action by aviation unions.
FAAN, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said it was working with aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of the industrial action and ensure that airport operations were not disrupted.
The authority said it was closely monitoring developments and remained committed to maintaining safe, secure and orderly operations at Nigeria’s airports.
The assurance comes after the industrial action disrupted flight operations earlier on Tuesday, with some airlines suspending or rescheduling services following restrictions on access to airport terminals in Lagos and Abuja.
Air Peace, Enugu Air, and United Nigeria Airlines announced operational disruptions, affecting some passengers with flights suspended or rescheduled.
The action followed grievances by aviation unions over the alleged restriction of workers’ freedom to unionise and the alleged non-remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) collected from passengers.
The unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress backing the action.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Director-General, Chris Najomo, urged the unions to suspend the industrial action pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who the regulator said was working to resolve the dispute.
The NCAA appealed to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation, expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved and that normal flight operations would be restored as soon as practicable. The regulator also assured passengers that flight safety had not been compromised and that it continued to discharge its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
FAAN moves to minimise disruption
FAAN said it recognised the legitimate role of organised labour and supported efforts by Mr Keyamo and other stakeholders towards an amicable resolution of the dispute.
“In the interim, FAAN is working closely with the relevant aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of the industrial action and ensure that airport operations are not disrupted,” the authority said.
The authority also said earlier operational challenges affecting the movement of some flights within the airside environment had been addressed through ongoing inter-agency coordination.
It said measures were being sustained to support the orderly continuation of flight operations.
“FAAN remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s airports remain safe, secure, functional and accessible to passengers and other airport users,” it said.
FAAN advised passengers to remain calm and maintain contact with their respective airlines for real-time information about their flights.
READ ALSO: Passengers stranded as airlines suspend, reschedule flights amid aviation unions’ strike
The authority said it remained confident that ongoing engagements under the minister’s leadership would lead to a speedy and mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.
It also appreciated passengers for their understanding and patience amid the disruption.
The latest assurance comes as airlines continue to adjust their operations in response to the industrial action, with passengers advised to confirm their flight status with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport.
FAAN said its priority remained maintaining safe, secure and functional airports while efforts to resolve the dispute between the unions, airlines and government continue.
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