Airport Reporters

Rewane Bismarck , others to lead discussions at LAAC 2025 Conference   With barely a week to go, the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) has reaffirmed its high level of preparedness for the 29th Annual Conference scheduled to hold on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at The Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. Themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: The Risks, Opportunities and Prospects,” the landmark event has drawn substantial industry interest and endorsements, with robust participation anticipated from across the aviation and finance spectrum. In a major update, LAAC has confirmed the addition of Mr Bismarck Rewane, acclaimed financial analyst and Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, as a keynote speaker. Rewane, a respected voice in Nigeria’s economic and financial policy circles, will bring deep insights into macroeconomic trends, investment flows, and sustainable financing strategies critical to the aviation sector’s future. Mr Gbenga Alade, Ma...

Keyamo hosts Finance Ministry team, Qatari investors  ......As MOFI proposes strategic investment collaboration  The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has received in audience a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), led by its Managing Director, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang.  The purpose of the visit was to present investment opportunities within the aviation sector as part of broader efforts to reposition the industry as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation. Accompanied by representatives of their Qatari strategic partner, Power International Holdings, the MOFI team highlighted several potential areas of collaboration across key segments of the aviation value chain. Dr. Takang praised the Minister’s recent introduction of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) and Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) framework, describing it as a “masterstroke in reform-minded policy innovation...

  NAMA Gears Up for Annual Search,  Rescue Simulation  in Abuja Airport  The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is set to conduct its annual Search and Rescue (SAR) Simulation Exercise on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. A pre-exercise debriefing was held today at the airport, drawing key stakeholders across Nigeria’s aviation and emergency response sectors. The meeting served as a platform for participating organizations to present their reports and demonstrate their state of readiness for the upcoming simulation. Speaking during the session, representatives from NAMA, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Safety investigation Bureau, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Nigerian Air Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Police Force, Federal Medical center, Jabi, Niger...

 Air Peace Honours Fallen Sports Legends with Emotional Night of Tribute Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, hosted a moving Night of Tribute in honour of its departed Sports Diplomacy Ambassadors; Moses Effiong (MON), Charles Bassey (MON), Christian Chukwu (MFR), Obisia Nwakpa (Golden Gloves), and Peter Rufai (MON), fondly known as Dodo Mayana, at the main auditorium  of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos on the 28th of July 2025. The event, curated by football legend Dr Segun Odegbami, MON, also known as “The Mathematical,” brought together families, former teammates, stakeholders, and dignitaries in celebration of the legacies of these national icons. In attendance were, Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Lloyd Ekweremadu, renowned clergyman, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo who gave a heartfelt sermon and a walk down the sports memory lane, the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, and several respect...

 The politics of Abakaliki street naming and renaming  Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo today, Wednesday, 29th July 2025, renamed Club road, Awka, Abakaliki Street, its original name that was changed to Club road by his predecessor Governor Willie Obiano in 2018. There was some misunderstanding regarding the renaming of the Street in to Club Road by Governor Obiano. Some individuals attributed sinister motives to this decision made by former Governor Obiano. When Governor Obiano changed the name, it was believed that “Club Road” was a more fitting name to promote the emerging nightlife district in Awka. The aim was to make the street easily identifiable for visitors and partygoers; thus, when they arrived in town, they could simply inquire about the clubs, and locals would direct them to Club Road. Additionally, another street adjacent to Club Road was renamed Abakaliki Street at the same time, which was more respectable. Nothing was lost. Abakaliki was not denigrated in any w...

    NSIB hosts BAGAIA meeting ....Signals leadership in advancing regional aviation safety  The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has played host to the 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), further strengthening its leadership role in promoting aviation safety and investigative cooperation across West Africa. According to a statement by the NSIB Director for Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji, the event , which held in Abuja on 28 and 29 July 2025, the high-level gathering brought together representatives and heads of Accident Investigation Bureaus from member states, including Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone.  Delegates , she said engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening regional coordination, streamlining policy direction, and addressing emerging threats to aviation safety. This year’s theme, "Celebrating Our Collective Wins in Capaci...

 BAGAIA 12th Commission Meeting Opens in Abuja with Renewed Drive The 12th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) opened in Abuja with strong calls for enhanced regional aviation safety cooperation. One of the key outcomes of the meeting is the implementation of establishment of a Board of Directors composed of heads of Accident Investigation Bureaus from member states. This Board will provide policy direction to BAGAIA and streamline decision-making. A Chairman will be elected from among the members, while the BAGAIA Commissioner will serve as Board Secretary. The official document to establish this Board was signed by the Council of Ministers in English by five member states on May 22, 2025. It will take full effect once translations in French and Portuguese are completed and endorsed by the remaining member states. Commissioner of BAGAIA, Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, said the agency has been creating synergy to unify West Africa thr...

Aviation Minister Receives WAFCON Winning Super Falcons At Abuja Airport  .....As President Tinubu Hosts Africa's Football Queens The  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo on Monday  led top directors from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to receive Nigeria’s heroic women football team, the Super Falcons, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The Super Falcons arrived from Morocco after emerging champions of the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), claiming their 10th continental title, a historic feat that further cements Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football. The aviation Minister, in his remarks at the arrival hall, hailed the team's resilience, unity, and unrelenting patriotism, describing their victory as “a triumph for the girl-child, a national pride, and a symbol of Nigeria’s unbreakable spirit.”  The team was welcomed with cheers, traditional performances, souvenirs, and gifts, capt...

 Why We offloaded passengers, luggage, by Lufthansa German Airlines    Lufthansa Airlines has attributed the reasons why it offloaded passengers and luggage on its Abuja-Frankfurt flight last Wednesday to safety reasons, saying that it has to light the aircraft because of rain and tailwind. The airline made this known in a letter it wrote to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), disclosing that it knew that part of the airport was under repair because it had earlier received notice to airmen (NOTAM) to that effect, but reduced load for safety considerations.   This has confirmed FAAN’s statement that it issued NOTAM to all airlines operating at the airport.   FAAN also disclosed that on the same July 23, British Airways operated Boeing B777 at 0816hrs with 245 passengers   and 23crew; Qatar Airways operated Boeing B787  at 1403hrs with 251  passengers and 12 crew; Ethiopian Airlines operated Boeing B777 LR aircraft  at 1411 h...

  Lufthansa's letter to FAAN validates NOTAM on Abuja Airport Runway  Fresh facts have emerged validating the position of aviation agencies on the communication of Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), to Lufthansa German Airlines in the need to comply with what type of airplane weight should utilize the runway of Abuja Airport. In a letter to the , Regional Manager FAAN , NAIA Abuja, with  reference : Safety Measures LH595/23 JULY, Lufthansa Group Station Manager, Thorsten Glaeser wrote :  Dear Sir,  As discussed with you, I would like to give you more details about the incident on July 23.  Of course, Lufthansa was aware of the valid NOTAM for runways 04 and 22 and the pilots were sensitized accordingly. According to the Captains assessment, heavy ran and 8 corresponding tailwind were to be expected on runway 04 very soon. He therefore had to adjust the maximum take-off weight for safety reasons to be able to carry out the flight safely under the special conditions. ...

  Lufhansa aware of NOTAM on status of Abuja runway repairs - investigation  Facts have emerged confirming the prior notice issued on the status of the Abuja Airport runway repairs before German carrier : Lufthansa Airlines begun the office - loading of passengers on its bigger jet , instead of   using a smaller equipment. Investigations also reveal that the decision  by the airline pilot  to continue to use the bigger, which would require longer run on the facility to get thrust for take - off runs contrary to the NOTAM issued by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Findings  further revealed that, in addition to the NOTAM issued by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which manages the country’s airports, also released a message informing all airlines of the issue and the planned repairs to the identified depressed section of the runway. The message obtained by our correspondent ...

  Air Peace hosts strategic leadership, customer experience retreat  In a bold step to strengthen its leadership culture and enhance customer experience delivery, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, convened a high-level Strategic Leadership and Customer Experience Transformation Retreat for its management team. The three-day intellectual and immersive retreat, held from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, 2025, took place at the serene Protea Hotel Ikeja Select by Marriott, Lagos, Nigeria. Organized in partnership with the Lagos-based consulting powerhouse, Ricchezza Capital Advisors Ltd, the retreat brought together top minds and seasoned professionals to challenge and inspire Air Peace’s leadership on the evolving dynamics of transformational leadership and modern-day customer experience excellence. Anchored by Mr. Udeme Etukeyen, Managing Consultant and CEO of Ricchezza Capital Advisors Ltd, and co-facilitated by renowned communications strategist, Dr. Uc...

FAAN signs strategic MoU with ATOM training services  ...Targets advanced human capital development  The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to deliver on the six-point agenda of the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku. In a landmark move toward global training excellence, the FAAN Training School has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ATOM Training Services, a world-class aviation training institute based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The agreement marks a major step forward in enhancing the capacity and competence of FAAN personnel, particularly in safety-critical operations. The initiative, which began earlier this year, followed a series of strategic engagements and planning sessions between the two organisations. On 22nd July 2025, the MoU was officially signed in Dubai between FAAN and ATOM. The FAAN delegation was led by Dr. Luqman Emiola Olatunbosun, FAAN’s Di...

Air Peace concludes strategic leadership , customer experience transformation  retreat  Photo News: Uche Nworah Ph.D, retreat co- facilitator (left), Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Peace (middle) and Udeme Etukeyen, retreat lead facilitator, Managing Consultant and CEO, Ricchezza Capital Advisors Ltd (right) at the closing ceremony of Air Peace ‘Strategic Leadership and Customer Experience Transformation’ retreat held at Protea Hotel Ikeja Select (Marriot), in Lagos, Nigeria held from Friday, 25th July - Sunday 27th July 2025.

  JEDLOF boss charges Nigerians on regular medical check up A retired general manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the founder of Jedidiah Divine Home Of Love (JEDLOF), a Non Governmental Organisation, Dr. Mrs. Ebele Okoye, has advised Nigerians to check their blood pressure and sugar level regularly to avoid sudden death.  Speaking shortly after carrying out free medical tests for over 100 widows at the Ikeja High School Oyetayo, Oshodi, as part of the NGO's quarterly medical outreach over the weekend, Dr Okoye said,  the exercise was borne out of the fact that so many Nigerians can not access health facilities due to economic hardship in the country. With the theme 'Reviving Hope and Empowering Widows' Dr Okoye noted, that high blood pressure remained a silent killer of individuals in the country adding, that a lot of Nigerians do not have money to access medical facilities saying that, the free medical screening was  part of JEDLOF’s giving bac...

NLNG , NCDMB visit NCAT The NIGERIAN LIQUIFIED NATURAL GAS and the NIGERIAN CONTENT DEVELOPMENT and MONITORING BOARD has paid a working visit to the NIGERIAN COLLEGE OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY ZARIA on an Institutional Strengthening Initiative, on the 24th of July 2025. This visit was preceded by an earlier visit in August of 2024, which was a needs assessment visit. This collaboration/Partnership marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigeria LNG Limited and Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board. The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, (formerly known as Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre) was set up by Act. No 31 of 1964 to train aviation professionals.  The Centre was established as a joint programme between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This joint programme came to an end on 31...

  Stakeholders conduct mock search, rescue exercise at Lagos Airport  Stakeholders in search and rescue operation on Saturday conducted an aeronautical search and rescue mock exercise at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. The exercise was to test the preparedness of rescue officers for rescue operation when an aircraft accident or incident occurs. Several agencies involved in search and rescue participated in the exercise coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Agencies that participated in the exercise included the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Air Force, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Lagos Emergency Service Agency (LASEMA) and other emergency service providers. Coordinator of the Search Mission, Mr. Abayomi Agoro who addressed the stakeholders after the exercise described the exercise as “a critical Aeronautical Search and Rescue Mock Exercise and a signific...

Ibom Air expands flight schedule on Enugu, Calabar routes  In line with its commitment to improving connectivity and offering greater convenience to its passengers, Ibom Air has  announced  the expansion of its flight schedule on the Enugu and Calabar routes. Effective July 25, 2025, flights from Lagos and Abuja to Calabar will now operate daily, while flights to Enugu will operate six days a week -Tuesday to Sunday  in observance of the current sit-at-home directive in Enugu on Mondays. This adjustment transforms what was previously a limited-schedule operation into a more robust service offering, giving travelers greater flexibility and more options to plan their trips with confidence. “At Ibom Air, we understand the value of consistency and convenience in travel. Expanding our flight frequency on these routes is a direct response to our customers’ needs for more choices without compromising on the schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service we ...

  NSIB, FRSC partner to strengthen transport safety  The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has emphasized  its commitment to improving road safety through a strategic partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji disclosed this in a statement. The two organizations have signed  a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)  to  broaden safety investigations across all modes of transport, including road, aviation, maritime, and railway. This collaborative action, the agency said  is poised to elevate the standards of safety, addressing critical areas such as enforcement and real-time response to accidents, which are crucial for safeguarding Nigerian lives.  The partnership, Mrs   Oladeji said will enable both agencies to create a more holistic approach to transportation safety.  Through shared expertise and resources, the two agencies, she said ...

  Airbus expands its footprint in Africa  ...Opens   new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg   Airbus has officially opened a new Customer Support Centre dedicated to commercial aircraft in Johannesburg, marking a major milestone in nearly five decades of partnership with Africa’s aviation sector. The facility will bring Airbus closer to airline customers across the continent, enhancing customer proximity and offering a full range of services to help operators maintain safe, efficient, and reliable fleets.  The centre will provide technical assistance, engineering and maintenance solutions, fleet performance analysis, training services, and on-site customer support for all Airbus commercial aircraft families, including the A220, A320, A330, and A350. “The new centre expands Airbus’ presence in Africa and underscores our confidence in the region’s potential, as we invest in local capabilities, empower our customers, drive connectivity and shared pro...

  Bankit MFB Launches Card Services, Referral Program Bankit Microfinance Bank (MFB), one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing fintech institutions, is expanding its offerings with two major initiatives. These include the rollout of debit card services and the introduction of a gamified referral reward program. Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Bankit MFB continues its mission to promote digital banking made easy. The bank is doing this through a secure, intuitive, and customer-first approach to financial services. According to Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa, “Bankit isn’t just a bank. It’s a lifestyle built around ease, safety, and user rewards. Our card service and referral program will make banking simpler, smarter, and more rewarding.” The upcoming debit card service is designed to give users better access and control over their funds. It will support online payments, in-st...