In the wake of growing concerns over the effectiveness of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), stakeholders warn that regulatory actions must be urgently addressed to prevent potential aviation disasters in 2024. The lack of confidence in NCAA reached its peak in 2023, causing fear among industry professionals that if corrective measures are not taken, flight safety could be compromised in the coming year. Key stakeholders emphasize the need to scrutinize the regulatory body’s performance to avert potential catastrophes. Aero Contractors’ Managing Director/CEO, Captain Ado Sanusi, expressed disappointment in NCAA’s reactive approach, citing incidents in 2023 that highlighted safety infractions.…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially granted approval to three distinguished airlines to exclusively airlift intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. The approved carriers are Air Peace Ltd., FlyNas, and Max Air, a move reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage experience. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) revealed that the Federal Government has also sanctioned three air cargo companies—Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd, Nahco Aviance, and Qualla Investment Limited—to handle the airfreight of pilgrims’ excess luggage. To streamline the process, the government has allocated pilgrims from various…
Nigeria is on the brink of expanding its higher education landscape with the proposed establishment of 47 new federal universities. The bill outlining this ambitious plan has successfully passed through the second reading, signaling a significant step toward bolstering the country’s academic infrastructure. Simultaneously, the House has greenlit approximately 56 bills aimed at establishing Federal Medical Centres in various regions of Nigeria. This move underscores a concerted effort to enhance medical facilities and services across the nation. Moreover, legislators are deliberating on additional bills to create 32 Federal Colleges of Education, 11 Federal Colleges of Agriculture, and five Federal Polytechnics.…
The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, conveyed his firm belief that the negotiation process for a new minimum wage between the Federal Government will reach its conclusion before March of this year. In a recent interview with him, Ajaero provided insights into the ongoing discussions and the pivotal steps that lie ahead. Ajaero revealed that the Federal Government, through a formal letter, had requested organized labour to furnish names for the new minimum wage committee. Having submitted the list to the government last year, Ajaero clarified that the subsequent phase involves the constitution of the…
The Nigerian military has successfully eliminated the notorious leader, Ba’a Shuwa, along with numerous fighters during a major offensive in Borno State. The targeted airstrikes, conducted on Tuesday, January 2, 2023, at Kwatan Dilla in the Abadam local government area, proved to be a significant setback for the ISIS-affiliated ISWAP terrorists. Ba’a Shuwa, who held the ISWAP leadership over the Nigerian Wylayat, Lake Chad, Kwalfarji, Timbuktu Farouq, and Sambisa Mantika, was appointed in 2021 following the demise of Abubakar Shekau. Intelligence sources, as disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, revealed…
The President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abubakar Migandi Garima, announced the association’s intention to build modular refineries in Lagos and Cross River states. This strategic move comes in response to the government’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, prompting IPMAN to play a pivotal role in enhancing the nation’s refining capacity. During a live broadcast, Garima detailed the association’s commitment to these refinery projects, revealing that a site in Lagos, known as Aggie refinery, has already been secured. The decision to embark on these initiatives aligns with the broader context of Nigeria’s refining landscape,…
Plateau State Police spokesperson, Alfred Alabo revealed on Thursday that eight individuals connected to the harrowing Christmas Eve attacks in Plateau State have been apprehended at various locations. Shedding light on the dark incident that claimed the lives of nearly 200 individuals in Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, and Mangu LGAs in December 2023, Alabo emphasized the progress made in bringing those responsible to justice. Following the arrests, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun swiftly deployed officers to the North-Central State, ensuring a comprehensive investigation into the tragic event. Christmas Eve attacks. Plateau police spokesman Alfred Alabo emphasized the success of the…
In a recent interview, Gbenga Omotoso, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, unveiled a comprehensive plan to revolutionize commuting in Lagos State in the year 2024. Prominent among the projects listed are the eagerly anticipated Red Line Rail, the game-changing Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge, and the finalization of 15 Ferry Jetties. Additionally, the deployment of 12 new ferries will enhance the existing fleet, significantly easing transportation across the state. Addressing journalists at his office in the Alausa Secretariat, Omotoso highlighted the Opebi Link Bridge as a solution to alleviate traffic congestion on the Ikorodu Road, providing smoother access from Ojota…
The Federal Government of Nigeria had earlier condemned the untimely killing of 19-year-old Afolabi Stephen, a Nigerian student residing in Manitoba, Canada. This condemnable incident has prompted a swift and resolute response from the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as it vehemently expresses profound outrage over the alleged murder and fervently calls for justice on behalf of the grieving family. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, issued a statement characterizing the death of Afolabi Stephen as a heinous act of wickedness. The statement, released by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of the Media, Public Relations, and Protocol unit of NiDCOM,…
President Bola Tinubu has appointed executive directors for two critical maritime agencies, The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). At the Nigerian Ports Authority, the newly appointed Executive Director for Finance and Administration is Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet, while Engr. Olalekan Badmus assumes the role of Executive Director of Marine and Operations. Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar has been designated as the Executive Director of Engineering and Technical Services. Over at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Jibril Abba takes charge as the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services,…
The Lagos State Government has declared an emergency diversion plan for the Third Mainland Bridge, effective January 9th, 2024. This decision, spurred by the Federal Ministry of Works, marks a crucial phase in the ongoing repairs, shifting focus from the ramps to the comprehensive repair of the entire bridge. To minimize the impact on commuters, the government has devised a split schedule for the bridge closure. From midnight to noon, the bridge will be open for Mainland Inbound Island commuting, while those heading from the Island to the Mainland are advised to use the Eko Bridge. Conversely, from noon to…
Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Limited (JSM) refutes recent media claims suggesting an end to its operations in Nigeria. Despite facing challenges in meeting set targets, the company clarifies that it is undergoing a strategic restructuring phase, ensuring a stronger commitment to its Nigerian operations. Since its inauguration in 2017, JSM has been a market leader, providing top-quality syringes and generating employment opportunities in Akwa Ibom State. Acknowledging a need for improvement, the investors, led by the Managing Director of VKS Group of Companies, Mr. Onur Kumral, have decided to reorganize the management team and production structures for enhanced profitability and sustainability.…