Airport Reporters

  LAAC 2025: Keyamo, AMCON CEO, Sabre Chairman, to Lead Discussions on Aviation Financing The League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) has announced a distinguished line-up of top industry leaders, financial experts, regulators, and policymakers for its 29th Annual Conference, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at The Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. This year’s conference, themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” will provide a strategic platform for robust discussions on funding mechanisms and investment models for Nigeria’s aviation industry. Mr Gbenga Alade, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), will chair the event, bringing his extensive experience in financial management and restructuring to bear on discussions. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Gabriel Gbenga Olowo, renowned aviation economist and Chairman of Sabre Central and West Africa, w...

  FCM Wins Nigeria’s Leading Travel Management Company At World Travel Awards FCM Nigeria has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing the coveted title of Nigeria’s Leading Travel Management Company at the World Travel Awards 2025.   This prestigious recognition represents a defining moment for both the company and Nigeria’s position on the global travel management stage.   The announcement was made during the Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the continent’s most distinguished travel professionals, industry leaders, and hospitality pioneers gathered to celebrate excellence across the travel and tourism sector.   FCM Nigeria’s victory in this highly competitive category underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to redefining industry standards and challenging conventional approaches to travel management.   Since its inception, FCM Nigeria has deliberately chosen to forge an unconventional path in an indu...

  Arik Loan Was Not Performing Since Inception – Jega, EFCC Witness Contrary to his earlier stance, when he first appeared as a star witness to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing criminal trial at the Special Offences Court presided by Justice Mojisola Dada, Mr Muhammed Abbas Jega, a former Executive Director, Credits at Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) under cross-examination agreed that the Arik debt in AMCON, which was onboarded at the time he served as Executive Director, indeed fell within the category of non-performing loan as categorised by the regulatory agencies in the country.  The matter, which was adjourned to continue tomorrow, July 1, 2025, is between the EFCC vs the ex-AMCON MD/CEO, Ahmed Kuru, Kamilu Omokide, a former receiver manager of Arik Air Ltd; Captain Roy Ilegbodu, the airline’s CEO; Union Bank Ltd; and Super Bravo Ltd. Recall that Jega, in his previous evidence, testified that the Arik loan, which AMCON pu...

 Governor Okpebholo, NDLEA Commander, Stakeholders Want Drug Cartels Dislodged The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Edo Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders have unanimously called for concerted efforts to dislodge drug trafficking cartels who cultivate cannabis and traffic illicit drugs. This was the position of eminent leaders who gathered to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was held at the Festival Hall, State House, Benin City. Governor Okpebholo, in his address presented by the secretary to the state government, Musa Ikhilor, emphasised the urgent need for coordinated actions to dismantle drug syndicates that pose grave threats to society. "We must stand firm against the drug trade that endangers the lives of our youth and disrupts our communities. Operations of drug trafficking cartels must be dismantled. Our position on crime control in Edo State is very ...

  SAHCO posts 74.8 % revenue increase  The Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has posted a significant increase in its revenue for the year 2024 with a 74.8 percent increase as it earned a whooping over six-billion-naira profit before tax.  The Nigerian giant ground handling firm disclosed that it board of directors recommend a dividend of sixty kobo per shares to its shareholders just as it said it secured major contracts with renewed global carriers in the year under review.  Speaking at the SAHCO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held the prestigious Marriotts Hotel in Ikeja on Thursday, its Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi said that despite the challenges in economic environment, SAHCO demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic agility in its businesses. According to Dr Afolabi, the company posted a profit before income tax expenses of N6,486,469 in 2024 as against N2,630,287 in 2023. Afolabi said the 2024 Global Aviation Performance in 2024 continued its...

  Ibom Air Holds 1st Public Annual General Meeting ...Appoints New Chairman  Ibom Airlines Limited has  held its 1st public Annual General Meeting, bringing together key stakeholders as requested by the Shareholder, Governor Umo Eno. According to the Shareholder, he requested this public AGM to showcase Ibom Air’s strong Corporate Governance and to serve as the model for all of Akwa Ibom’s State-Owned Enterprises. The meeting, which took place at the prestigious Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, in Akwa Ibom State, provided a comprehensive overview of Ibom Air’s operational and financial achievements over the past year, including notable milestones in route expansion, fleet growth, and customer satisfaction. In his address, the immediate past Chairman of the Board, Mr Imo-Abasi Jacob, expressed appreciation to the Shareholder, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and the airline’s loyal customers for their continued confidence and support. He reaffirmed Ibom Air’s mi...

 NDLEA: EDO SPEAKER PLEDGES SUPPORT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chief Adebaku Sheriff Blessing, has pledged his support for the campaign against drug trafficking and abuse. Adebaku made this known in Benin City when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking Control, Hon. Oghenovo Andrew, led an anti-drug abuse rally to the House of Assembly as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The theme is "The Evidence Is Clear: Invest In Prevention." According to Mitchell, who addressed the Speaker and other top officials of the House of Assembly when the campaign train had a brief stopover at the assembly complex, “this sensitization rally is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking in our communities. It is import...

Finchglow Travels marks anniversary  Finchglow Travels, Nigeria’s leading travel consolidator, is commemorating 19 years of redefining the nation’s travel landscape with a renewed focus on strategic growth, people development, and purposeful innovation.Public Relations Manager , Finchglow Holdings, Temilade Adu disclosed this in a statement. According to Adu, rather than host a conventional celebration, the company signalled a new era with Summer90 Plus: Power Up and Shine, a dynamic three-day internal workshop designed to realign its workforce, reinforce core values, and reposition the business to thrive in an increasingly competitive travel ecosystem.  Speaking on the development, Managing Director of Finchglow Travels, Mr. Ezekiel Ikotun said  the  anniversary marks a strategic inflection point for the company.He said : “The travel industry is evolving fast, and our response is to evolve faster from the inside out. We are making deliberate investments in people, p...

Federal Government seeks enforcement of helicopter landing levies  The Federal Government has given a seven day ultimatum to helicopter operators into oil fields, terminals, platforms , rigs , floating production storage and offloading (FPSO), units helipads, airstrips and aerodromes to communicate their proposed payment plans and modalities for applicable air navigation levies to the firm : Naebi Concepts Limited authorised to collect the fees. In a public notice issued by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), on behalf of the Federal Government , the agency cautioned that failure to comply within the stipulated time frame will trigger appropriate enforcement measures, including denial of flight clearance for the affected operators. The proposed enforcement measure, the government said will be taken , not merely to enforce regulatory compliance, but to safeguard national security , enhance aviation safety , promote operational sustainability as well as ensure c...

South Sudan civil aviation regulatory body visits NCAT  .....Signs MoU   The Rector/CE of NCAT, Dr Danjuma A. Ismaila has  received the DG of South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, Hon John Woja Eliana who led a delegation of South Sudanese Aviators to NCAT.  The visit as directed by the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, seeks to enter into a memorandum of Understanding with NCAT to help build more human capacities for the South Sudanese aviation industry.  The delegation undertook a facility tour of the college and were greatly impressed with the cutting edge facilities on ground, the comprehensive training programs and the vastly knowledgeable instructional staff.  The Rector, Dr. Danjuma A. Ismaila appreciated the interest shown in the college’s programs, which are certified and classified as Regional training Center of Excellence with Platinum Status by ICAO.  He  assured the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority of the College...

South Sudan civil aviation boss visits NCAT  The Rector/CE of NCAT, Dr Danjuma A. Ismaila received the DG of South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, Hon John Woja Eliana who led a delegation of South Sudanese Aviators to NCAT.  The visit as directed by the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, seeks to enter into a memorandum of Understanding with NCAT to help build more human capacities for the South Sudanese aviation industry.  The delegation undertook a facility tour of the college and were greatly impressed with the cutting edge facilities on ground, the comprehensive training programs and the vastly knowledgeable instructional staff. The Rector, Dr. Danjuma A. Ismaila while thanking them for the interest shown in the college, also assured of the College readiness to accept their demands to benefit from NCAT’s training expertise. They were shown NCAT’s detailed training programs, courses and packages to choose from; especially areas that best bridge their human...

   Helicopter landing levy, strategic necessity, not a burden , says expert  A former Director , Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Hassan Tai Ejibunu has called on oil companies engaging in offshore operations and other players who rely heavily on helicopter transport for personnel and equipment to comply with the regulatory enforcement regime approved by the Federal government. Compliance in the payment of the  prescribed helicopter landing levy by the affected organizations, Ejibunu  said, has not only become compelling, but part of the targeted contribution toward the maintenance, modernization, and expansion of Nigeria’s air navigation infrastructure, which is now a  backbone of both civilian and military aviation. Ejibunu's comment is coming on the heels of  the regulatory enforcement of Helicopter Landing Levy by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Ministry of Aviat...

  Emirates resumes  scheduled operations after  disruption    Emirates’ passengers experienced minimal disruptions to their travel plans after last night’s (23 June) regional events, with regularly scheduled flights resuming within a few short hours.  The airline quickly activated its robust contingency and disruption plans, with no diversions, only a small number of cancellations and a few flights experiencing longer flight paths due to airspace congestion.   Despite rapidly evolving regional developments, it’s been business as usual across the Emirates network. In the past two weeks, Emirates has maintained scheduled services by rerouting flights to avoid conflict zones, successfully serving over 1.7 million passengers on more than 5,800 flights across its global network and delivering certainty to their travel plans when they needed it the most, while upholding its commitment to safe, reliable travel.   The airline took immediate action by susp...

 NAHCO Wins Aviation Ground Handling Company of the Year Award  In recognition of its unparalleled contributions to the development of the Nigerian aviation sector and excellent operating year 2024, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc has been presented with the Aviation Ground Handling Company of the Year Award by Transport Day Media. Commenting on the tremendous stride the Company has made consistently over the years, the organizer of the Awards praised NAHCO’s resilience, its strength and strong brand value. “it is a Company that the Nigerian aviation community should be proud of,” says Mr. Frank Kintum, Chairman/Editor -in – Chief, Transport Day Media. The Award came on the heels of other awards which the Company had received in the course of the year including the Champion of the Industry Award conferred on it by the industry’s regulator, NCAA, and the Aviation Handling Company of the Year Award, given by the Air Transport Quarterly. The latest award was presented ...

 MMIA terminal will not be pulled down, says FAAN boss  ......Renovation will be in phases  The Federal Government will not pull  down the over 40 years Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Terminal 1, Lagos, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku disclosed yesterday. She said the old terminal will undergo major renovation , which will be phased affirming that the ambition may trigger operational challenges. Kuku explained that as much the facility will not undergo reconstruction, work will start from the departure hall before shifting to other parts of the terminal. She said FAAN has not issued directives for concessionaires and other users to vacate the facility. Kuku said :" The Murtala Muhammed International Airport building will not be pulled down. We are not planning any reconstruction . What we are looking at, which will start soon , despite our determination to have had it earlier is going to be ...

  Airport toll gates payment to go cashless , contactless, says FAAN  ....As authority begins pilot roll  in Lagos ,Abuja  The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said yesterday that it has concluded plans to implement cashless and contactless payment using cards , links and other digital platforms at Access Toll Gates at airports nationwide. Its Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku disclosed this at the 2025 Directorate of Commercial and Business Development Stakeholders Engagement Forum in Lagos. Mrs Kuku said the adoption automation and digitalization of payment will begin at the Lagos and Abuja Airports as pilot roll out. The new arrangement, she said is part of efforts by FAAN to upgrade its automation / digitization payment process , which will drive transparency , accountability and ensure appropriate tracking of revenue. The FAAN boss also disclosed efforts by the authority to eliminate touting at airports saying concessionaires , including car hire...

ForsaTEK 2025 offers platform for high-impact, scalable innovation The Emirates Group’s annual flagship innovation and technology forum, ForsaTEK, is once again bringing cutting-edge technology partnerships, dynamic start-ups, thought-provoking discussions, and emerging talent developing game-changing concepts to the fore.   ForsaTEK has expanded its reach this year to drive greater innovation engagement across the Group’s different departments and businesses, focusing on scaling successful trials to extract the full value of promising innovation and solutions. This year, the annual forum’s themes highlight how AI, robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) will reshape aviation, in addition to the role human factors play in successful adoption of technology.   ForsaTEK was officially opened by  His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group , who was accompanied by  Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Educat...