Sirika Celebrates Purchase of 10 Firefighting Trucks Worth N12bn for Nigerian Airports With Test Drive Video
- Minister Sirika has spent N12bn to purchase 10 firefighting trucks from Volkan, which he recently commissioned
- The Lion 6x6 models, used by other countries like Uganda and Pakistan, are designed to respond to aircraft fires and improve Nigerian airport safety
- Meanwhile, some Nigerians criticise the cost of N1.2bn per truck and call for more transparency in aviation funds management
Nigeria's Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, is celebrating the acquisition of 10 firefighting trucks worth N12 billion for airport use across the country.
The minister announced the acquisition via his Twitter handle on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Source: Facebook
Sirika explained that the firefighting trucks were purchased to enhance the safety and security of airports in Nigeria.
He added that the trucks were equipped with modern equipment and technology, making them more effective in combating fire outbreaks.
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His words:
"Just commissioned 10 Firefighting trucks, total cost of over 12Bn Naira. More to come in due course.
"Safety has been the Buhari focus in Aviation, since 2015. Hitherto FAAN has not bought new trucks in 15 years"
The 12bn truck
Checks by Legit.ng show that the Turkish firm, Volkan, makes the trucks. The trucks are a Lion 6×6 model used by Uganda, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and seven other countries.
Nigerians react
The announcement of the N12 billion expenditure has been met with mixed reactions from Nigerians.
Reacting to Sirika’s post, some said one truck shouldn’t cost as much as N1 billion.
In his reaction, a frequent air traveller, James Okeke, said:
"It's good that the government is investing in the safety of airports, but I believe that N12 billion is a huge amount of money. There are other areas in the aviation sector that need urgent attention, such as runway maintenance and upgrading of navigation equipment."
Similarly, a public affairs analyst, Ms Bisi Adeyemi, called for more transparency in the procurement process, stating that it was important for the government to ensure that funds allocated for projects were not misappropriated.
She added:
"Nigerians need to know that the N12 billion spent on these firefighting trucks was properly utilized."
A lawyer with the username @MikeInyeneesq on Twitter user wrote:
“Last minute clearing of Government funds. Datti was right, inflated government contract is another form of corruption. 12Bn naira should be able to build you a firefighting vehicle plant.”
Another Nigerian, with username @bellotabdullahi, said:
“10 or 100? Are they flying firefighting trucks? Do they foresee and forestall accidents? N1.2Bn per truck?! I want to believe is a typo if not pls @officialEFCC beam your searchlight here!”
Similarly, a supply chain expert, with username, @JosephOnuorah, stated:
“Minister of Aviation HADI SIRIKA claim he spent 12 bn to buy 10 fire trucks at rate of 1.2bn each! The most expensive Fire truck in the world is less than 1bn naira.
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Meanwhile, in another report, Rano Air will soon be flying over Nigerian airspace after receiving approval from the federal government.
Kano-born business mogul and oil magnate Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano owns the airline.
Rano has spent over N4.2 billion buying a new aircraft to start the airline operation.
Source: Legit.ng
