Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has pledged N5 billion to support the construction of classrooms and hostels aimed at revitalizing the aviation mini-campus at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna. This commitment was announced during a recent visit by officials from the Nigerian College of Aviation, Zaria. Governor Bago explained that this funding serves as seed capital for the restoration project, which seeks to reduce the need for aspiring aviation professionals to study abroad by providing comprehensive training facilities locally. He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian College of Aviation team for their visit and underlined his administration’s vision to position the Minna airport as a strategic hub for both aviation and agricultural enterprises. Dr. Danjuma Adamu, Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation, Zaria, emphasized the importance of reopening the campus, noting that the collaboration with the state government would fortify efforts in training skilled personnel, particularly in agro-aviation. The college, which was established in 1964 and has grown to include six specialized schools, is set to maximize the potential of this renewed partnership. The delegation inspected key airport facilities, including the aviation fuel depot and existing housing units. Governor Bago revealed plans to demolish outdated structures to make way for enhanced accommodation options, addressing the current housing shortage within the airport precinct. The Federal Government’s designation of the airport as a vital alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport further cements its growing significance.Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo praised the local administration’s political will, noting that the upgrades would not only spur investment but also generate employment and contribute substantially to Niger State’s economy, especially within the agricultural sector.
EFCC calls for enhanced monitoring of private airport wings to combat aviation fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged increased vigilance at the private wings of Nigerian airports, identifying these areas as hotspots for illicit financial dealings. This call came during a recent meeting with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to bolster anti-fraud measures in the aviation sector. During discussions held in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede stressed the importance of tighter oversight over private airport sections, which he labeled as critical zones for unauthorized economic activities. He pledged the commission’s decision to collaborating closely with the NCAA on issues such as fraudulent ticket sales, revenue non-remittance, and suspicious money movements. Senior EFCC officials will partner with the aviation regulator in drafting a memorandum of understanding for joint investigations, information sharing, and regulatory compliance monitoring, to solidify the alliance. Captain Chris Najomo, Director General of NCAA, stressed the serious threats posed by various deceptive practices across the aviation industry, including manipulation of ticketing systems and underreporting of income. He emphasized the detrimental impact such actions have on operational transparency, safety oversight, and investor confidence. The NCAA leader pinpointed areas vulnerable to fraud such as aircraft acquisitions, leasing deals, overseas maintenance agreements, and procurement of safety equipment. He particularly noted concerns over airlines failing to remit the obligatory five percent Ticket Sales and Cargo Sales Charges, undermining the Authority’s funding for safety management. Najomo also drew attention to the problem of illegal charter flights masquerading as private operations, a misuse that demands EFCC’s financial detective expertise to unveil. Both agencies recognized the urgent need for coordinated staff training, awareness programs, and intelligence exchanges to reinforce aviation sector integrity. The partnership between EFCC and NCAA is crucial towards eliminating fraudulent activities within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Both institutions reaffirm their dedication to protecting the sector’s financial health and operational safety through enhanced collaboration, intelligence sharing, and rigorous enforcement.
Air Peace to launch direct Lagos–São Paulo flights under Nigeria-Brazil aviation pact
Air Peace has secured formal approval to operate non-stop passenger services between Lagos and São Paulo, a development set to boost ties between Nigeria and Brazil. The historic route is planned to commence by late November 2025, marking the first direct connection by a Nigerian airline to Brazil. This new service stems from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) inked on Monday in Brasília by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Filhos. Presidents Bola Tinubu and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva witnessed the signing ceremony, stressing the importance of this deal. Confirming the progress on Tuesday, Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema described the Lagos–São Paulo corridor as a long-awaited breakthrough for the nation’s aviation industry. He explained that the airline will initially offer three flights a week, with intentions to expand the schedule as passenger demand and operational conditions mature. Onyema shared with reporters in Brazil, We anticipate starting our operations toward the final week of November through to December this year The airline chief emphasized how this new service will enhance Nigeria’s connectivity with Latin America. The Nigerian Presidency also affirmed the arrangement. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, announced the imminent launch of the direct flights coinciding with the signing of the bilateral aviation deal. The groundwork for this air link was laid during discussions between Presidents Tinubu and Lula da Silva at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa back in February 2024. The plan gained further momentum in August, when Tinubu met Brazil’s ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Jose Areias, in Abuja, stressing the necessity of bridging the current gap that limits trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Beyond facilitating travel, it is expected to accelerate bilateral commerce, attract new investments, and enable fluid movement of goods and people between Africa’s largest economy and Latin America’s key market.
NCAA investigates clash between Ibom Air crew and passenger Comfort Emmanson
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched an official probe into the recent incident involving Comfort Emmanson, a passenger, and members of Ibom Air’s crew. On Wednesday, NCAA officials met in Abuja with Julie Edwards, a crew member reportedly at the center of the trouble, alongside other staff directly involved. This was part of the authority’s effort to get to the bottom of what happened on the flight and at the airport. Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s publicist, shared the update on his X account. He confirmed that different NCAA departments, including Aviation Security, Operations, Licensing, Training Standards, Legal, and Consumer Protection, are working together to ensure a fair and thorough investigation. Emmanson herself was expected to meet with the NCAA later on Thursday, accompanied by her lawyer. The confrontation happened after Emmanson flew from Uyo to Lagos, where she allegedly had a physical encounter with a flight attendant and then clashed with airport officials. The situation led to her facing criminal charges at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and being held briefly at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. Her release came after the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, ordered Ibom Air to withdraw their complaint. This investigation aims to bring clarity and ensure such incidents are properly handled moving forward.
NCAA now requires passengers to switch off phones during flight take-off and landing
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a new rule requiring all passengers to switch off their phones during flight take-off and landing. Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, shared the update on Tuesday through a post on X (formerly Twitter). He said this new regulation unifies previous rules about using phones and other electronic devices on Nigerian flights. This change follows an emergency meeting held by the NCAA with airline and airport stakeholders the same day. Discussions focused on several issues, including passenger behaviour, airport security, teamwork among aviation players, and how passengers follow existing flight safety rules. Passengers will now have to fully power off their phones and other gadgets at these critical moments of the flight, rather than just switching to airplane mode. The goal is to enhance safety during take-off and landing, which are the most sensitive phases of any flight. Passengers and airlines will be expected to comply with the new regulation immediately. The NCAA will continue to monitor implementation and work with all parties to ensure smooth operations in Nigerian airspace.
Nigeria to retaliate against US visa rule demanding social media info from applicants
The Nigerian government says it will respond firmly to the new US visa policy that requires Nigerians to disclose their social media details from the past five years when applying for visas. On Monday, the US Mission to Nigeria announced that all visa applicants must list every social media account they have used in the last five years on the DS-160 form. The Mission warned that failing to provide this information could result in visa rejection and difficulty obtaining US visas in the future. Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the government was informed about these changes ahead of time, saying Nigeria plans to take reciprocal measures. We understand their position because visa rules are often reciprocal. If Nigerians must provide this information to get a US visa, then Americans applying to Nigeria might have to do the same – Ebienfa He added the government will hold a meeting involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, and National Intelligence Agency to decide the best response. For now, the Nigerian government’s planned retaliation could affect Americans seeking visas to Nigeria. The back-and-forth shows the sensitive nature of international travel rules and stresses the need for dialogue between countries.