Nigerian Government Orders Mass Employment of Nigeria Pilots
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Nigerian Government Orders Mass Employment of Nigeria Pilots
According to an article in The Guardian, the Federal Government has directed all airlines in Nigeria to make it a priority to recruit Nigerian pilots. Operators have been given up to 1 July, 2015 to fully implement the directive or have their licences withdrawn.
Don't blame me for the poor spelling in the article 
THE Federal Government on Tuesday directed all airlines operating both general and commercial services in the country to henceforth make it a priority to recruit Nigerian pilots in order to create jobs for the nation's teaming professionals. The government in giving this directive said the aim is to begin to actualize the Nigerian dream whereby Nigerians will be the ones to build Nigeria. In fact, the government gave the airlines up to July 1, 2015 to fully implement the directive or have the their operational licenses withdrawn.
This revelation was made by the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Benjamin Chidoka who also ordered the airlines to henceforth train their personnel on yearly basis across the aviation landscape, to include pilots, aircraft engineers, aeronautical information officers, air traffic controllers and cabin crew.
According to him, the current trend among airlines to poach trained personnel from among themselves instead of investing in training their existing staff, destablises a strong safety culture.
He gave these directives while unveiling a new initiative called 'Aviation Commits Initiative' (ACI) which is aimed at repackaging, rebranding and redirecting the aviation industry in Nigeria towards enhanced service delivery and customer satisfaction.
The Guardian gathered that this was the first bold step and attempt by the aviation sector in Nigeria to acknowledge the need for service improvement to its customers and publicly commit to carrying out such improvements as appropriate.
As Chidoka put it, it is about building a brand in line with global standards that inspires trust and confidence among customers who are the liveblood of the industry.
To him, aviation commits, is a policy priority of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for expanding and clearly defining consumer protection of Nigerian airline passengers as Nigeria intends to actualise the plans to be a regional hub by championing the implementation of the Yamoussoukro declaration of an open sky in the African continent.
In demonstrating the seriousness he attaches to this initiative, the minister said he had identified that general aviation was responsible for over 70 per cent of air accidents and therefore has decided that from February 5, 2015, all private registered airlines for general aviation who also carry on commercial business in Nigeria would be grounded until proper regularisation of their registration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Presently, there are 90 foreign registered general aviation aircraft purportedly operating for private use, while 111 Nigerian registered aircraft for general aviation use only.
It was because of the giant strides being recorded in aviation that Chidoka announced that it was high time the players in the industry begun to take the work ethics seriously to the benefit of the customers and the general public.
He said reforms that were being carried out in the industry were to place the sector in better position in line with international best practices.
To further improve the sector, the minister disclosed some other measures that are being considered to include a review of aviation fuel charges in view of the reduction in oil prices.
In view of this, the fuel surcharge (YQ) which is the single highest component on the passenger's ticket currently arbitrarily charged by airline operators without any standardised methodof computation, the minister said, would be reviewed.
This decision was based on the report of the ministerial committee on aeronautical and non aeronautical charges that recommended a wide range of measures to sanitise the operations of all stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Chidoka, relying on this, said in line with the recommendations, his ministry is working to streamline the air cargo fees and revising landing, parking and ancillary fees to avoid hidden costs being passed on to the passengers.
He also anoounced that the ministry would carry out a full independent audit of the fuel surcharge and further introduce an industry standard method of computation, warning that sactionswould be enforced for non compliance with industry standards.
To reiterate the government of President Jonathan's resolve to diversify the economy, the minister announced that with effect from February 3, 2015, all agricultural products for export would henceforth be exempted from the five per cent cargo sales charge.
On differential price fixing charges by international airline operators, Chidoka said the issue of the apparent disparity in ticket costs levied on Nigerian passengers compared to that of other continental destinations would be addressed soon.
Concerning the recommendations by the ministerial committee on accident investigation, the minister that as at Januauary 28, 2015, the implementation status for fully closed cases improved to 75 per cent, while seven percent was partially closed and 18 per cent are still open.
The minister who was applauded several times while announcing the changes, however acknowledged that the sector was not there yet, but said that with the efforts of all concerned and the relevant agencies, 'things will keep on improving until customer satisfaction is achieved.'
He also disclosed that in strict implementation of the new initiative, there is the likelihood of making new enemies and new friends, but stated that he was determined to risk everything to win the friendship of the passengers who must be served to win their hearts.
The Vice President, Mohammed Nemadi Sambo represented at the occasion by the Minister of National Planning, Abubakar Suleiman Olarenwaju led in the unveiling of the logo of the initiative to declare it open.
While unveiling the logo of the intiative, the Vice President praised the effort of the minister since he assumed office in July last year and said the new intiative is a consolidation of the gains attained in the aviation master-plan.
This revelation was made by the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Benjamin Chidoka who also ordered the airlines to henceforth train their personnel on yearly basis across the aviation landscape, to include pilots, aircraft engineers, aeronautical information officers, air traffic controllers and cabin crew.
According to him, the current trend among airlines to poach trained personnel from among themselves instead of investing in training their existing staff, destablises a strong safety culture.
He gave these directives while unveiling a new initiative called 'Aviation Commits Initiative' (ACI) which is aimed at repackaging, rebranding and redirecting the aviation industry in Nigeria towards enhanced service delivery and customer satisfaction.
The Guardian gathered that this was the first bold step and attempt by the aviation sector in Nigeria to acknowledge the need for service improvement to its customers and publicly commit to carrying out such improvements as appropriate.
As Chidoka put it, it is about building a brand in line with global standards that inspires trust and confidence among customers who are the liveblood of the industry.
To him, aviation commits, is a policy priority of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for expanding and clearly defining consumer protection of Nigerian airline passengers as Nigeria intends to actualise the plans to be a regional hub by championing the implementation of the Yamoussoukro declaration of an open sky in the African continent.
In demonstrating the seriousness he attaches to this initiative, the minister said he had identified that general aviation was responsible for over 70 per cent of air accidents and therefore has decided that from February 5, 2015, all private registered airlines for general aviation who also carry on commercial business in Nigeria would be grounded until proper regularisation of their registration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Presently, there are 90 foreign registered general aviation aircraft purportedly operating for private use, while 111 Nigerian registered aircraft for general aviation use only.
It was because of the giant strides being recorded in aviation that Chidoka announced that it was high time the players in the industry begun to take the work ethics seriously to the benefit of the customers and the general public.
He said reforms that were being carried out in the industry were to place the sector in better position in line with international best practices.
To further improve the sector, the minister disclosed some other measures that are being considered to include a review of aviation fuel charges in view of the reduction in oil prices.
In view of this, the fuel surcharge (YQ) which is the single highest component on the passenger's ticket currently arbitrarily charged by airline operators without any standardised methodof computation, the minister said, would be reviewed.
This decision was based on the report of the ministerial committee on aeronautical and non aeronautical charges that recommended a wide range of measures to sanitise the operations of all stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Chidoka, relying on this, said in line with the recommendations, his ministry is working to streamline the air cargo fees and revising landing, parking and ancillary fees to avoid hidden costs being passed on to the passengers.
He also anoounced that the ministry would carry out a full independent audit of the fuel surcharge and further introduce an industry standard method of computation, warning that sactionswould be enforced for non compliance with industry standards.
To reiterate the government of President Jonathan's resolve to diversify the economy, the minister announced that with effect from February 3, 2015, all agricultural products for export would henceforth be exempted from the five per cent cargo sales charge.
On differential price fixing charges by international airline operators, Chidoka said the issue of the apparent disparity in ticket costs levied on Nigerian passengers compared to that of other continental destinations would be addressed soon.
Concerning the recommendations by the ministerial committee on accident investigation, the minister that as at Januauary 28, 2015, the implementation status for fully closed cases improved to 75 per cent, while seven percent was partially closed and 18 per cent are still open.
The minister who was applauded several times while announcing the changes, however acknowledged that the sector was not there yet, but said that with the efforts of all concerned and the relevant agencies, 'things will keep on improving until customer satisfaction is achieved.'
He also disclosed that in strict implementation of the new initiative, there is the likelihood of making new enemies and new friends, but stated that he was determined to risk everything to win the friendship of the passengers who must be served to win their hearts.
The Vice President, Mohammed Nemadi Sambo represented at the occasion by the Minister of National Planning, Abubakar Suleiman Olarenwaju led in the unveiling of the logo of the initiative to declare it open.
While unveiling the logo of the intiative, the Vice President praised the effort of the minister since he assumed office in July last year and said the new intiative is a consolidation of the gains attained in the aviation master-plan.
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Nigerian pilots know the score - working for a nigerian airline means getting paid either late or never so they go elsewhere.
The best move the government could make is to force all employers to pay in full and on time.
The best move the government could make is to force all employers to pay in full and on time.
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Let me try and explain. In, shall we say not so developed countries, nepotism is rife, more so than developed countries. Therefore the wrong people are chosen to do the job, over and above more suitable candidates. So incompetence, coupled with inexperience and pushy types (it's in the genes) getting into the "wrong seat" too soon, is a recipe for disaster. I've witnessed this first hand on many occasions, in many countries. National pride must never take presidence over safety but it does, even in the so called developed countries.
Thank God for automation, as this may reduce the overall risk, should everything go right.
Thank God for automation, as this may reduce the overall risk, should everything go right.
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Smoking holes
DApron I get it now. I was focused narrowly on the new Goverment policy of private operators using their AOC for charters being sanctioned. Thanks for the OP reminder. Cheers.
only one country is left Tanzania
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Flight Instructing Nigeria.
I'm a dual citizen (Nigerian/American) and am currently an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) here in the United States. I currently have over 400hrs total time, and a Bachelors Degree in Aviation Management.
1. We have 1500hr rule here in the US... Is that the same in Nigeria for ATP equivelant?
2. Are there any current opportunities to Instruct in Nigeria to build further flt time and maximize on the opportunities from this announcement to promote Nigerian Pilots and Aviation?
3. Is there an NCAA equivalent Flight Instructor Certifications conversion which I will require?
4. How many flight hours is marketable in Nigeria for getting hired to fly Right Seat commuters/regional? Any info will be helpful.
I know lots of knowledgeable people visit, read, comment on this website. Networking, building Turbine PIC time, and being marketable for Corporate or Major Airline carrier is my eventual goal. I would love to help promote aviation and safety in Nigeria. So any advice or connections to resources regarding opportunities in Nigeria would be great! I have family in Edo State and also Lagos State.
Thanks in Advance.
1. We have 1500hr rule here in the US... Is that the same in Nigeria for ATP equivelant?
2. Are there any current opportunities to Instruct in Nigeria to build further flt time and maximize on the opportunities from this announcement to promote Nigerian Pilots and Aviation?
3. Is there an NCAA equivalent Flight Instructor Certifications conversion which I will require?
4. How many flight hours is marketable in Nigeria for getting hired to fly Right Seat commuters/regional? Any info will be helpful.
I know lots of knowledgeable people visit, read, comment on this website. Networking, building Turbine PIC time, and being marketable for Corporate or Major Airline carrier is my eventual goal. I would love to help promote aviation and safety in Nigeria. So any advice or connections to resources regarding opportunities in Nigeria would be great! I have family in Edo State and also Lagos State.
Thanks in Advance.
I wouldn't want to be the one to spread grim news but here is glimpse of whats happening...
Unemployed Nigerian pilots turn office assistants, estate agents (1)
Unemployed Nigerian pilots turn office assistants, estate agents (2)
Over 500 Nigerian licensed pilots are unemployed ?Meggison | National Mirror
Once in a while you get to hear that 4 or 5 people where taken here and there but that's about it. These stories are from 2014 and I know the number of guys still enrolling into flight schools is on the increase.
Anyways its an international issues and not limited to Nigeria alone.
Unemployed Nigerian pilots turn office assistants, estate agents (1)
Unemployed Nigerian pilots turn office assistants, estate agents (2)
Over 500 Nigerian licensed pilots are unemployed ?Meggison | National Mirror
Once in a while you get to hear that 4 or 5 people where taken here and there but that's about it. These stories are from 2014 and I know the number of guys still enrolling into flight schools is on the increase.
Anyways its an international issues and not limited to Nigeria alone.
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Nigerian Pilots Should Stop COMPLAINING! Take Responsibility
Thanks for the links and comment.
I am Nigerian. Lived in U.S. I am also American' I served Enlisted the U.S Navy within the Naval Aviation field. I have many marketable operational skills. Unlike pilots complaining about debt and unemployment, I took the debt free route by working hard, not and paying my way for my flight training out of pocket for (85%-90% of my training). No huge loans. Pay as i go. I hate debt. It took me a few years longer, but I very careful and livie comfortably. I'm very current in flying skills and knowledge. Currently teaching students which I enjoy very much. I am building flight hours and experiences (using ADM, Fundamentals Of Instructing, Situaltional Awareness, Resource Management, and of course Aviating, Navigating, and Communicating skills).
I am not better than anyone, I am not more fortunate, I do not claim to be smarter, I am not trying to be an Asshole or harsh, or talk down to anyone. But WE pilots really need to be smarter in our decision making. WE RELY ON EMOTIONS WAY TO MUCH! WE NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS AND POOR DECISIONS! Pilots need to manage their training costs and reduce the risks placed on other family members livelihood if using other people's money!
These guys in debt need to stop complaining and blamming others. Managing risks and costs is a very important life skill. They knew the risks involved.
It's like a flight school that tells you "you need to get your Multi Private Pilot License first before for Single Engine Private pilot...." I would and have told them to "kiss my a$$$." I found another flight school not trying to waste my money. I studied and did my part! I worked hard for my money! Why pay for my multi private and accumulate interest on a use-less certificate I will not be using for a couple of years?
The certifications I need to build experience most affordably is: PVT PILOT, IR, COM-Single Engine, CFI-A (Single Engine), CFII (Instrument instructor). That is all I need to build flight hours!
After getting my 1,000 to 1,500 hrs When the time is right to build multi engine flight experience (so that I'm current and fresh) I will get my COM-Multi... Why rush to get all the certifications (like B737, and multi eng certificate like these Nigerian pilots are doing), when its flight hours the Airlines want most!?
Get FLIGHT HOURS IN SINGLE ENGINE AS CHEAP & SAFE AS POSSIBLE! DOES NOT HAVE TO BE GLASS COCKPIT NEW AIRPLANE! I can get that later, takes 5-10hrs to get use to.
The articles piss me off because PILOTS OUT THERE NEED TO BE SMARTER, AND DO THEIR HOMEWORK/RESEARCH BEFORE SPENDING $XX,XXX AND ACCUMULATING HUGE INTEREST DEBT FOR A JOB THAT IS NOT GUARANTEED.
JUST BECAUSE YOU TOOK OUT $60,000 LOAN DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE OWED ANYTHING, OR ANY JOB. Likewise, neither does a 4yr College Degree guarantee anything or any job.
This view point makes me different. I'm making the personal sacrifice to GAIN experience and get the job I want, I've paid my dues over and over again. BUT, Nobody owes me anything. I can go out and get the job b
I am Nigerian. Lived in U.S. I am also American' I served Enlisted the U.S Navy within the Naval Aviation field. I have many marketable operational skills. Unlike pilots complaining about debt and unemployment, I took the debt free route by working hard, not and paying my way for my flight training out of pocket for (85%-90% of my training). No huge loans. Pay as i go. I hate debt. It took me a few years longer, but I very careful and livie comfortably. I'm very current in flying skills and knowledge. Currently teaching students which I enjoy very much. I am building flight hours and experiences (using ADM, Fundamentals Of Instructing, Situaltional Awareness, Resource Management, and of course Aviating, Navigating, and Communicating skills).
I am not better than anyone, I am not more fortunate, I do not claim to be smarter, I am not trying to be an Asshole or harsh, or talk down to anyone. But WE pilots really need to be smarter in our decision making. WE RELY ON EMOTIONS WAY TO MUCH! WE NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS AND POOR DECISIONS! Pilots need to manage their training costs and reduce the risks placed on other family members livelihood if using other people's money!
These guys in debt need to stop complaining and blamming others. Managing risks and costs is a very important life skill. They knew the risks involved.
It's like a flight school that tells you "you need to get your Multi Private Pilot License first before for Single Engine Private pilot...." I would and have told them to "kiss my a$$$." I found another flight school not trying to waste my money. I studied and did my part! I worked hard for my money! Why pay for my multi private and accumulate interest on a use-less certificate I will not be using for a couple of years?
The certifications I need to build experience most affordably is: PVT PILOT, IR, COM-Single Engine, CFI-A (Single Engine), CFII (Instrument instructor). That is all I need to build flight hours!
After getting my 1,000 to 1,500 hrs When the time is right to build multi engine flight experience (so that I'm current and fresh) I will get my COM-Multi... Why rush to get all the certifications (like B737, and multi eng certificate like these Nigerian pilots are doing), when its flight hours the Airlines want most!?
Get FLIGHT HOURS IN SINGLE ENGINE AS CHEAP & SAFE AS POSSIBLE! DOES NOT HAVE TO BE GLASS COCKPIT NEW AIRPLANE! I can get that later, takes 5-10hrs to get use to.
The articles piss me off because PILOTS OUT THERE NEED TO BE SMARTER, AND DO THEIR HOMEWORK/RESEARCH BEFORE SPENDING $XX,XXX AND ACCUMULATING HUGE INTEREST DEBT FOR A JOB THAT IS NOT GUARANTEED.
JUST BECAUSE YOU TOOK OUT $60,000 LOAN DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE OWED ANYTHING, OR ANY JOB. Likewise, neither does a 4yr College Degree guarantee anything or any job.
This view point makes me different. I'm making the personal sacrifice to GAIN experience and get the job I want, I've paid my dues over and over again. BUT, Nobody owes me anything. I can go out and get the job b
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What about jet A1 price Nigerian Government?
Nigerian airlines are struggling due oil tankers cartel and taxes ,how you can expect to expand under this conditions?.Ridiculous .
It's all window dressing for the election in a few days time. The current govt has appointed useless Ministers for Aviation who have done more harm than good to the airlines and now wishes to add aviation to the long list of false promises being wheeled out to try to ensure it is re-elected.
1PilotGuy, be thankful that where you are you know the other pilots who will be going against you for jobs have valid licences with valid hours, not ones that have been bought for a good price without the hours being done.
1PilotGuy, be thankful that where you are you know the other pilots who will be going against you for jobs have valid licences with valid hours, not ones that have been bought for a good price without the hours being done.
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1PilotGuy,
I suggest you take time out and go down there and see things for yourself. It's very easy to stay from afar and judge. I know that over there hours is not all you need, you also need a type rating as most airlines rarely send pilots for initial type ratings these days even if you have 1,500 hours. Poaching already type-rated pilots or pilots with ours on type is very common among airlines in Nigeria
I suggest you take time out and go down there and see things for yourself. It's very easy to stay from afar and judge. I know that over there hours is not all you need, you also need a type rating as most airlines rarely send pilots for initial type ratings these days even if you have 1,500 hours. Poaching already type-rated pilots or pilots with ours on type is very common among airlines in Nigeria
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Hi, Mates.
Most appreciated, please, if anybody knows any information regarding Nigerian CAA written tests for license convalidation. I'm just searching for most important subjects usually covered.
Thank you.
Most appreciated, please, if anybody knows any information regarding Nigerian CAA written tests for license convalidation. I'm just searching for most important subjects usually covered.
Thank you.
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All the clever Naija pilots will be returning in mass to reclaim their place at the table of sky gods. All the N registered aircraft will be registered in Nigeria now too. I welcome this new age of Nigerian aviation. Now, I won’t have to take the controls from an FO with 1000 hours, 3 degrees from dubious sources and a penchant for stalking females. Thank you for taking back your astronauts Nigeria. RwandAir also thanks you. Please leave your wings and company ID at the office when you go.
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