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Proposal for Relocation of Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicles Refurbishment Project

Katsina City News
20 Jan, 2024
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The Hon. Minister

Ministry of Aviation and Airspace Development

New Secretariat

Shehu Shagari Way

Abuja

Dear Honorable Minister,

Ref.: Project to Refurbish Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicles in Katsina.

I hope this letter finds you well. Our company, AVSATEL Communications Ltd., was honored on December 7, 2022, with the award to supply machinery, tools, and provide training for personnel related to the refurbishment of Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles in Katsina.

We proudly accept this award, drawing on 50 years of management experience in refurbishment and assembly of trucks and various truck bodies. Notably, I, as the first Managing Director of Steyr Nigeria Ltd., was involved in planning and establishing truck and agricultural tractor plants, including the Special Vehicle Plant for the Ministry of Defence in Bauchi.

While we wholeheartedly accept the award and the corresponding agreement, we would like to propose considering the relocation of the project site. Our proposal is based on practical considerations to ensure economic viability and long-lasting success:

1. **Transportation Logistics:** Considering the extra-wide dimensions of the ARFFs (3.4m), transporting them to Katsina poses logistical challenges. The majority of these vehicles are located in the Southern part of Nigeria, requiring escorted transport over considerable distances.

2. **Personnel and Training:** The availability of skilled labor in Enugu, Ibadan, Lagos, and other locations offers a cost-effective solution for personnel and training, minimizing the need for extensive relocation and associated costs.

3. **Strategic Independence:** To achieve self-sufficiency and independence from foreign suppliers, future assembly and manufacturing considerations should be taken into account.

4. **Synergies and Financial Considerations:** Integrating vehicles from the Federal Fire Service, Government Agencies, and the private sector in the project enhances economic viability. Furthermore, promoting Private Public Partnerships (PPPs) is crucial, and private investors are more easily identified in the Southern region.

5. **Exports and Utilization of Katsina Site:** Manufacturing plants in the South facilitate easier exports to other ECOWAS countries, while the initial works done in Katsina can be utilized for the production of agricultural implements.

In conclusion, we believe that relocating the project to the South or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) offers a promising future. We are prepared to address any questions and appreciate your consideration of this proposal.

Yours faithfully,

Mag. Georg Eder, MBA

Managing Director/CEO

AVSATEL Communications Ltd.