The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport (SLAA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, to facilitate extensive upgrade works aimed at transforming the facility into an international airport. This decision, approved by the Federal Government, was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah. The closure, effective immediately, involves shutting down the airport’s runway and suspending operations in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations. Mrs. Orah explained that the remodeling efforts are part of the Oyo State Government’s initiative to elevate the airport’s infrastructure and operational standards to meet global aviation requirements. These upgrades include enhancements to passenger experience and safety measures. FAAN emphasized that the closure is essential for ensuring the safety of passengers and airport personnel during the construction phase. While no specific timeline was provided, previous reports suggest the upgrade may take up to six months. The agency appealed for cooperation from stakeholders and travelers, highlighting the long-term benefits of the project for regional connectivity, trade, and tourism. Upon completion, SLAA is expected to significantly boost Oyo State’s economic development by enabling international flights.
Lagos unveils plans to redesign Oshodi transport interchange for rail integration
The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to redesign the Oshodi Transport Interchange (OTI) to integrate it with the Red Line and Blue Line rail systems, a move aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving commuter experience across the state. The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this initiative in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing the need to optimize the interchange’s design and operations to align with global standards. The redesign is part of Lagos State’s Rail Mass Transit project, which seeks to transform transportation infrastructure in the state. Key Measures Announced: Comprehensive Site Inspection: The Ministry of Transportation will conduct a detailed assessment of the interchange to identify areas for improvement and ensure its optimal usage. Collaboration with FERMA: The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency will partner with the state government to ensure regular road maintenance around OTI, enhancing commuter safety and accessibility. Enforcement Initiatives: Measures will be implemented to address street hawking around the interchange, which poses safety risks for pedestrians and commuters. Law enforcement agencies will be involved to maintain order. Stakeholder Feedback: Relevant stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on areas requiring improvement, ensuring targeted solutions during the redesign process. Mr. Osiyemi highlighted that these efforts aim to prepare OTI for seamless integration with the rail systems, making it a model transport hub in Nigeria. “With continued collaboration and proactive measures, we can enhance services and provide a seamless commuting experience for Lagos residents,” he stated. The Oshodi Transport Interchange currently serves thousands of passengers daily and is set to become a key component of Lagos State’s integrated mass transit system.
Plateau State partners with ValueJet to reintroduce Lagos-Jos flights starting April 2025
ValueJet has announced the resumption of direct flights between Lagos and Jos, Plateau State, beginning April 2, 2025 to enhance connectivity and promote safer travel. This development is the result of a partnership between the airline and the Plateau State Government. The flights will initially operate three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with plans to expand to daily service in the future. This was disclosed by ValueJet’s Managing Director, Omololu Majekodunmi, in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos. The reintroduction of this route is part of ValueJet’s broader expansion strategy to connect key cities across Nigeria. According to Majekodunmi, the service offers travelers a safer and faster alternative to the five-hour road journey between Jos and Abuja, which has been marred by security concerns and extended travel times. With the new flights, passengers can now complete their journey in just 35 minutes. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has personally experienced the challenges of road travel on this route, having made over 25 trips since assuming office. This partnership aligns with his administration’s efforts to improve mobility for residents and visitors while driving economic growth. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ValueJet and the Plateau State Government to formalize their collaboration. Representing the state was Commissioner for Transport Jatau Gyang, who emphasized that this initiative is a significant step toward fostering development in Plateau State by improving accessibility and safety. “This collaboration is not just about convenience; it’s about creating opportunities for investment and ensuring that our people have access to reliable transportation options,” Gyang stated. ValueJet, established in 2018, began operations in October 2022 with a focus on connecting major Nigerian cities. The airline briefly introduced flights to Jos in February 2023 but later suspended operations on that route. With this renewed commitment, Jos is set to rejoin ValueJet’s growing network of destinations, which currently includes Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Yola, Benin, Asaba, and Kano. The airline also offers charter services for customized travel needs.
Indian woman arrested at Kano airport with 72 parcels of heroin disguised as chocolate.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 42-year-old Indian woman, Ms. Neetu Neetu, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. She was found with 72 parcels of heroin cleverly packaged as chocolates, weighing a total of 11kg. The seizure occurred during the inward clearance of a Qatar Airways flight from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha, on March 14, 2025. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), highlighted the growing trend of drug cartels using foreign nationals to traffic illicit substances into Nigeria. He praised the agency’s vigilant officers for consistently thwarting these attempts with the aid of modern technology and proactive intelligence. In other operations, NDLEA operatives in Kano and Lagos apprehended several suspects with large quantities of tramadol, skunk, and codeine-based syrup. These arrests shows the agency’s dual focus on drug supply and demand reduction, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts against drug abuse and trafficking nationwide.
Abia State seals partnership with ipNX to revolutionize digital connectivity
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has launched the State Wide Area Network, Internet, and Managed Network Services initiative, to expand digital access. This project aims to revolutionize how the state operates by equipping Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with high-speed digital tools and fibre-optic connectivity, powered by leading ICT company ipNX. The initiative includes distributing high-performance digital tools, laying fibre optic cables across public institutions, and installing infrastructure for high-speed data transmission. This will streamline government processes, enhance communication among MDAs, and improve engagement with global partners Governor Otti emphasized that the project will empower civil servants and boost economic activities by connecting artisans, entrepreneurs, and businesses to the digital economy. The goal is to ensure every community in Abia has reliable internet access within nine months, enabling businesses to thrive virtually To support this digital shift, the government is investing in training programs to upskill workers for a digitally driven economy. This marks a major milestone in Abia’s journey towards a fully digital economy
Nigeria Customs seizes $193,000 hidden in yogurt carton at Abuja airport
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an undeclared sum of $193,000 concealed inside a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The seizure occurred on Thursday and involved a passenger on Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS spokesperson, the operation was based on credible intelligence and meticulous baggage inspection. The suspect, identified as Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, failed to declare the cash, violating Nigerian financial regulations that require travelers to declare amounts exceeding $10,000 upon arrival or departure. The use of advanced scanning technology played a crucial role in detecting the unusual density of the suspect’s luggage, leading to the discovery of the hidden cash. The funds have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and potential prosecution. Authorities have warned that failure to declare large cash sums could result in seizure, prosecution, and forfeiture under the country’s stringent financial laws.