Airport Reporters

 Air Peace Completes Phase One of 2025 Hajj Operations Airlifting Over 5,000 Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has successfully concluded the first phase of its 2025 Hajj operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its position as a key player in Nigeria’s religious pilgrimage logistics. The Phase 1 airlift was concluded on May 24, 2025, with a total of 16 flights conducted and over 5,000 pilgrims airlifted. The operations began on May 9, 2025, with the airline operating the National Inaugural Hajj Flight from Owerri Airport, Imo State—an event graced by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima. Air Peace operated Hajj flights for 15 Nigerian states and the Armed Forces, using strategically located airports to ensure smooth operations and accessibility for pilgrims. Below is a breakdown of states and their respective departure airports: Kogi & Benue – Abuja Airport Born...

  Rector highlights plans to transform NCAT  The Rector and Chief Executive of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Dr Danjuma Adamu Ismaila, has highlighted plans to transform the college into a world-class aviation training institution. He said when transformed , the college will have capability to attract students from across Africa and beyond, while identifying critical infrastructural and funding challenges currently limiting the institution’s potential. Speaking during a recently completed a one-week training programme at the Kaduna-based college, Dr Ismaila emphasised his mandate to reposition NCAT for financial independence and international relevance. “The college has the potential to serve the training needs of not just Nigeria, but the entire African continent and even other parts of the world. With certification from the NCAA, which aligns with ICAO standards and is equivalent to the UK CAA, our training is globally recognised,” he said. According ...

   Tinubu's administration reshaping aviation for global competition, says Captain Najomo  Nigeria is increasingly consolidating its pride of place in the global air transport space as it joins international civil  organisations in charting the progress of the  sector. In recognition of this strategic move, the  Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Ona Najomo was the cynosure of eyes at  the Tenth International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Africa Indian Ocean AFI region Aviation Week Symposium- Session 5, which held at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Riding  with the theme : "  Optimizing Air Transport connectivity for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa",  Najomo , in an  engaging  and enthralling question and answer session  with delegates, highlighted the successes of the  President  Bola  Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in reshap...

 Keyamo highlights role  aeronautical information management   As aviators light up Abuja as Nigeria hosts first IFAIMA global conference, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo has emphasized the importance of Aeronautical Information Management in ensuring safe, regular, and efficient air navigation. In his opening address at the  Global Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) Conference 2025, themed "Digital AIM for a Safe and Efficient Global Air Navigation System," holding in Abuja, Keyamo called for innovation and collaboration in the aviation sector.  Keyamo highlighted the need for a robust aeronautical information ecosystem, citing the critical role that information collection, collation, and application play in ensuring safe, timely, and seamless flight operations.  He also stressed the importance of embracing change and innovation in the pursuit of excellence, noting that the aviation industry is continuously evolv...

 Young Nigerian drone manufacturer seeks govt support  A young Nigerian local drone manufacturer, Ikechukwu Samuel Great has appealed to the Federal government to train him overseas to enable him realise the dreams of building drones Speaking with journalist in Lagos at the just concluded Drone technology conference organised by Mr Fortune Idu, Great said training abroad will enable him build his skills and come back to the country to transfer the technology to the young ones  In the alternative, he also stated that government can finance him to build more bigger locally made drone models  "When they train me outside, I will develop my skills, come back and build the country together. They can also finance me to build bigger version of the Drone"  Great noted that the country was behind and can not be hidden adding that hard work was required with the endowment and develop the drones technology to counter any aggression at any time  He remarked that the wor...

 Air Peace Champions Inclusivity , Joy at Dual Children’s Day Celebrations As part of its ongoing commitment to social impact and child-centered advocacy, West Africa's leading airline, Air Peace Limited, proudly sponsored and attended the Parkland Amusement Center Children's Fiesta and Raising Star’s This Ability 4.0 in celebration of Children’s Day 2025. These dual engagements were centered on a shared goal: honoring children and creating inclusive spaces where every child’s voice is heard and valued. At the Parkland Children’s Fiesta, children from various underprivileged schools gathered for a vibrant day filled with fun activities, games, and refreshments. The event, held at Parkland Amusement Park, Lagos, brought together children from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of unity and happiness. Air Peace sponsored 40 children to attend the event, ensuring they experienced the joy and excitement of the day. Alongside prominent brands like Chocolate City, Mavin Records, Ry...

SAHCO hosts strategic cargo stakeholders meeting  ....To strengthen industry collaboration  Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has reiterated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s cargo and aviation handling sector by successfully hosting a Cargo Stakeholders engagement.  The event served as a platform for meaningful engagement, collaboration, and strategic dialogue among SAHCO’s key clients in the cargo logistics value chain to promote trade and efficiency in the cargo industry. The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including clearing agents, exporters, logistics professionals, amongst others. Discussions focused on how to reposition Nigeria’s cargo industry as a central driver of economic diversification and how to support government initiatives for sustainable growth. In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, who was represented by the Executive Director, Cargo Services, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna expr...

 LAAC Training: Stakeholders Commend NCAA Over Manpower Development  Critical stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry have commended the efforts of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to boost manpower development through robust training programmes.  The NCAA is the major sponsor of this year's ongoing League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) course holding at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State.  The 5-Day training programme code-named LAAC-13 2025 is designed for different categories of aviation reporters and editors, cutting across five layers of classes, including: Basic, Advance, Management, Senior management and Refreshers courses for all the journalists. Declaring open, the 2025 Training Course, the Rector/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Dr. Danjuma Adamu Ismaila applauded NCAA  for continuously sponsoring the media training.  According t...

FG directs NAEBI Dynamic Concepts to  resume collection of helicopter landing levies  The Federal Government has lifted the temporary suspension on enforcement granted to MESSRS NAEBI DYNAMIC CONCEPTS LTD, consultants for the collection of helicopter landing charges for air navigation services related to helicopter operations by oil companies in the Gulf of Guinea. According to a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Abdullahi Musa, the resumption of the task by the firm is sequel to a directive from the Ministry of Aviation. According to a ministerial directive on the above subject, Messrs Naebi Dynamics Concepts Ltd is to immediately resume collection of levies related to air navigation services for helicopter operations by oil companies operations at fields, platforms, terminals, rigs, FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading), heliports, helipads and aerodromes in line with its contract....

NCAT to fix infrastructure gap, rector assures  Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in Kaduna State, Dr. Danjuma Adamu  Ismaila has given assurance of the institution's readiness to address the dearth in infrastructure in order to meet the surge in enrollment for the over 200 aviation industry programmes run by the college. Ismaila disclosed this yesterday at the opening session of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Course on going in the college. He said despite some challenges , besides inadequate accommodation, the college is striving hard to position itself as the leading centre for manpower development in the country. He said the construction of a 150 room additional hostel is currently on , affirming that the management is concluding plans to acquire a Boeing 727 flight simulation facility to boost the recurrence training of pilots in the country. The rector said if many facilitirs are provided , there may be no need...

 Nigeria has great potential in drone market - Chinese expert  A Chinese Sales Manager of Yangda drone, Garry Chen, has described Nigeria as a fast growing drone acquisition nation in the world with an immense potential in the application of the drones technology. Speaking with journalists at his pavilion at the just concluded Dronetecx conference and Exhibition held at the NIGAV Expo Event Centre at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, Chen described Nigerians as hard working people with great vision in the drones technology application. According to the Chinese drone technology expert, Dronetecx under Mr Fortune Idu, will play an important role in attracting the Nigerian youths to drone technology. He said Yandga came to the 5th Dronetex Conference to exhibit the company’s latest drone technology. According Chen, the company has already produced two types of fixed wing drones with three hours duration in the air. He said the drones can be used for pipe line surveillance and u...

  NSIB Begins Onsite Investigation into Ilorin Crash-Landing, Data Card Recovered   The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun an on-site investigation into the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School.  The incident occurred at 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin. NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., visited the crash site yesterday May 24, 2025, to assess the situation and oversee the initial phase of the investigation. According to a statement by  Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the NSIB, its Director General ,  confirmed that the aircraft’s data card has been recovered and that analysis has commenced. “Our investigators are on ground and have begun work in earnest. The damaged aircraft is positioned on the left side of the runway, and recover...

  AON lauds Keyamo on appointment as Banjul Accord Group Council Chairman  The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), has congratulated the   Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) – a coalition of seven West African countries committed to the advancement of civil aviation in the sub-region. According to a statement by the President and Vice President of the umbrella body of indigenous carriers : Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa and Dr. Allen Onyema , described Keyamo 's appointment as a remarkable and testament to the Minister’s exceptional leadership, bold reforms, and tireless dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector, as a beacon of excellence across Africa.  They said the appointment further affirms Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the future of aviation on the continent and globally. The AON statement reads :" Since assu...

FAAN holds long service awards   Yesterday,May 22, 2025 , the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, held a Meritorious and Long Service Award for her management staff as well as  Best Staff Award, 2024 Edition. The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, while addressing the long service awardees, pointed out that those years of long service do not just  signify tenure  but represent loyalty,resilience, and an unwavering  belief in FAAN 's vision. The MD stated ," You have witnessed the evolution of our aviation industry, contributed to our milestones, and upheld our values. You are the living  archives of our progress, and today, we express our gratitude."      To the best staff awardees, Mrs Kuku  said," You embody excellence,  innovation, and the spirit of service.  In a highly  dynamic industry like aviation, your outstanding contributions have set benchmarks for others to follow." The MD...

  NSIB probes Ilorin training aircraft crash landing  ...Colleges gives update  The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that two occupants of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School, Ilorin sustained injury following the crash-landing of the aircraft. The NSIB stated that it has commenced an investigation into the crash-landing of the aircraft. According to a statement on Friday night by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, the incident occurred at 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport. She stated that the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop on the grass verge.  According to the statement: “Two occupants were on board. Both sustained serious injuries and were swiftly evacuated to a medical facility, coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).” She added that...

    'Tinubu's policies restoring confidence in aviation sector'   Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo on Friday said in the last two years, the confidence of both international and local investors have been restored in the aviation sector given the innovative policies and reforms by the current administration. Speaking during the launch of ‘‘100 Years of Civil Aviation In Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects’  ‘, a book written by Wole Shadare, Aviation Editor of the Telegraph Newspaper, Keyamo noted that the sector was not attracted to investors over the years but things have taken new shapes after President Bola Tinubu took over the helms of affairs of the country, working with his ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra. Keyamo noted that the positive steps that  have been taken to improve the sector since 2023 have improved the outlook to investors, adding that recent bold policies implementations have created a more stable and favourable environment ...

 NDLEA, Police and Stakeholders Collaborate Against Drug Cartels in Edo State The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State is adopting a holistic approach in tackling the drug problem in the State. This was revealed by the Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju during a courtesy visit to the State's Police Commissioner, CP Monday Ogbonika, in Benin City. The meeting, which was aimed at fostering collaboration between the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders dedicated to a crime-free society, will help to address the illicit drug problem in the State. The meeting took place at the Edo State Police Command headquarters with notable participants. They include Honourable Ogheneovo Andrew, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Policy, and Reverend Father Dr Fidelis Arhedo, the Executive Director of the Uromi Justice Department. Oghenevo expressed the state government's unwavering commitment to confronting drug trafficking cartels. In h...

 FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs inducted into NIPR Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has been formally inducted into the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). The induction ceremony took place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as part of the Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW), an event that convened leading professionals, industry experts, and government officials from across the nation.  The occasion marked the official admission of new members into the Institute, which is renowned for championing excellence, professionalism, and ethical conduct in the practice of public relations in Nigeria. Mrs. Orah’s induction is a reflection of her outstanding achievements in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and consumer advocacy. In her role at FAAN, she has been instrumental in fostering public trust, enhancing customer experiences, and promoting transparent commu...