Nigerian Flight Deck Travel and Business Reportage
- Sights incompetence as investigations shows huge debt profile
FEDERAL Government has approved the termination of contract of Shoreline Oil Services Limited as operator of the Osubi Airstrip for what is described an issue of competence, the termination takes effect immediately.
Although reasons are still sketchy, the termination may not be unconnected with huge unremitted debts in both.
In a letter dated February 7, 2020 titled TCA 402/S.38/C.2/1/213 from the Federal Ministry of Aviation Safety and Technical Policy Department signed by its Director Captain T. Alkali and addressed to the Director General Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Director General Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) the agencies were directed to carry out the termination seamlessly.
The letter Re: Request for Approval to Terminate Shoreline Oil Services Limited as Operator of Osubi Airstrip obtained by Nigerianflightdeck.com is in reaction to requests by the agencies to cancel the contract because of unresolved differences bothering on debt.
The letter in read,” I am directed to refer to the above subject and convey Mr. President’s approval of the termination of the appointment of Shoreline Oil Services Limited as interim operator of the Osubi Air Strip as well as the engagement of the Honorable Minister of Aviation by NNPC to put in place a mechanism to Ensure operation of the Airstrip pending the appointment of a competent operator.
Consequently, you are directed to take necessary action by ensuring seamless operations at the Airstrip with immediate effect.”
Recall, in late 2018, agencies like the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) withdrew services from the airport at various times, grounding activities there due to amassing debt. Also read: https://nigerianflightdeck.com/2018/11/01/withdrawal-of-air-traffic-services-at-osubi-airport-was-avoidable-investigation/
Shoreline Oil Services Ltd, operators of the Osubi airstrip as of then was indebted to NAMA to the tune of N566, 422, 000.50 for navigational services of which they defrayed N31 million as of then. Also read: https://nigerianflightdeck.com/2018/12/09/faan-withdraws-security-fire-services-to-airports-over-n708-million-debt/
Also FAAN in December of same year withdrew security and firefighting and rescue operations at the Osubi Airstrip and various others including Bebi, Gombe over an accumulated N808,610, 160 million debt owed.
