Airport Reporters

Air Peace launches monthly schedule charter flights to the Caribbean from Dec 21  Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, is set to launch a monthly commercial charter service between Lagos and Accra to Antigua and Barbados connecting Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, commencing 21 December 2025. This new route represents a major step in Air Peace’s commitment to expanding Africa’s connectivity as the only carrier with direct flights from West and Central Regions of Africa to the Caribbean, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between both regions. The new route will connect Lagos and Accra to Antigua and Barbados, with onward extensions to Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. This initiative underscores Air Peace’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and creating new gateways for African travellers to explore the Caribbean. Building on the airline’s previous successful Caribbean operations — including its historic Lagos–Montego...

NITT honours SAHCO as 2025 Aviation Service Provider  The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT) has conferred the prestigious “Aviation Service Provider of the Year 2025” award on Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) in recognition of the company’s exceptional innovations, operational excellence, and significant contributions to the development of the transport and aviation industry in Nigeria. The award was presented during the NITT Annual Award and Dinner Ceremony, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, which brought together leading figures from government, academia, and the private sector to celebrate outstanding achievements in the country’s transport and logistics sector. In his remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, Director-General/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, commended SAHCO for its unwavering dedication to quality, safety, and innovation in aviation ground handling services. He noted that the company has ...

  Nigerian Bottling Company Expands Portfolio with Launch of Iconic Plazma Biscuit in Nigeria Reinforcing Confidence in Nigeria’s Economic Future , Commitment to Local Investment  Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., a leading consumer packaged goods company and member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Beverage Company (CCHBC), has announced the official launch of Plazma Biscuit, one of Europe’s most iconic biscuit brands, into the Nigerian market. The launch marks a strategic milestone for NBC as it expands into Nigeria’s rapidly growing snack food sector, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment and confidence in the country’s economic potential. The launch is a result of a collaborative effort between Bambi (a leading confectionary company in Europe), Coca-Cola HBC Group, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), and a respected local biscuit manufacturer and outsourcing partner. Crafted with high-quality ingredients, Plazma offers a wholesome, creamy biscuit experience designed to s...

 NAAPE urges Kalu to withdraw statement indicting pilots  The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has urged Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to with immediate effect withdraw the   unsubstantiated claims he made during a plenary session of the National Assembly, alleging that some pilots in Nigeria smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs.  The umbrella body of indigenous pilots and aircraft engineers said it is deeply disturbed by such utterance and funds it very concerning . The body according to statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Engineer Blessing Ahmadu described  Kalu's utterance as baseless claims, which constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals. He said the senator's utterance , besides is  not only false but represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation ...

  Our concerns on Kalu's comment on Nigerian pilots, by NCAA   The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has noted with concern the comments made by Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on the floor of the Senate regarding alleged inadequacies in pilot preparation, claims of substance use among flight crew, and supposed lapses in the Authority’s oversight responsibilities.  According to a statement by the Director , Civil Aviation Authority , (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, while the Authority holds the Distinguished Senator and the National Assembly in the highest esteem, it is necessary to provide factual clarifications in the public interest. Contrary to the impression created by Senator Kalu,  the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority  said it maintains a rigorous and internationally recognized system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots operating in Nigeria. No pilot, the NCAA said  is permitted to operate a ...

  United Nigeria Airlines Donates Five Million Naira ,   Food Items to Ogidi Flood Victims  United Nigeria Airlines has brought hope and relief to hundreds of Ogidi residents affected by a devastating flood that destroyed homes, wiped out livelihoods, and left many families displaced. The flood, which ravaged several communities across Ire, Abor, and Ezi Ogidi villages in Idemili North Local Government Area, left many households struggling to survive. In response, United Nigeria Airlines, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, extended support to over 200 affected homes with food items, relief materials, and a 5 million Naira cash donation. Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines and Founder of Pro-Value Humanity Foundation, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, expressed concern over the level of devastation caused by the flood and emphasized the need for preventive measures.  “We are hopeful that our do...

  Air Peace, Onyema honoured at NITL Excellence Awards  Air Peace  its  Chairman, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s aviation and transport sector at the Nigerian Institute of Transport and Logistics (NITL) Annual Excellence Awards, held at the NICON Hotel, Abuja. At the prestigious ceremony, Air Peace clinched the “Airline of the Year” award, while Dr. Onyema received the “Trailblazer Award in Transport and Logistics.” Both honours underscore the airline’s industry-defining achievements and the exemplary leadership steering its continued growth. The Airline of the Year recognition celebrates Air Peace’s consistent operational excellence, customer-focused innovation, and impressive route expansion across domestic, regional, and international networks.  A highlight of the airline’s recent milestones is the historic launch of its Abuja–London Heathrow route, an accomplishment that cements its position as...

 NATCA to Hold 54th AGM ....Affirms Commitment to Safe Skies, Capacity Development   The Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) has announced plans to hold its 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM), the flagship event that brings together air traffic management professionals, aviation regulators, service providers, and stakeholders to discuss issues critical to the advancement of air navigation services in Nigeria and beyond.   This year’s AGM, themed “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management,” is scheduled to hold from 21st-22nd October in Abuja.   President of NATCA, Mr. Edino Amos Ilemona said the choice of theme reflects NATCA’s recognition of the centrality of human capacity and adaptability in an era increasingly defined by automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation within global air traffic management (ATM) systems.   According to him, the AGM will serve as a platform to evaluate the r...

  NSE President highlights importance of  collaboration on sustainable development  ......As 2025 Global Engineering Congress holds in China The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala has emphasized the importance of global collaboration in advancing Engineering practices, particularly in areas of sustainable development and climate change mitigation.  She made this statement in a sideline interview at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Global Engineering Congress and World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) General Assembly, held at the Shanghai Expo Centre in China. The NSE President highlighted the pivotal role Nigerian Engineers are playing on the global stage, noting that the country’s active participation in such a high-profile event underscores Nigeria's commitment to innovation and Engineering excellence.  She also stressed the need for Engineering professionals worldwide to come together to tackle cr...

United Nigeria Airlines Commences Direct Flights to Accra, Ghana  The wait is finally over as United Nigeria Airlines has  announced  the commencement of its  direct flights to Accra, Ghana, beginning November 10, 2025. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the airline revealed that the new service will operate from both Lagos and Abuja to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, marking United Nigeria Airlines first regional route beyond Nigeria’s borders. Speaking in Lagos, the Chief Operating Officer, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, described the launch as a major milestone in the airline’s expansion strategy.  “Ghana is an important part of our regional growth plan. This marks our first operation outside Nigeria, and we are truly excited about it,” Okonkwo said. “Over the past four years, United Nigeria Airlines has built a strong reputation for safety, regulatory compliance, exceptional customer service, and on-time performance, values we are committed to extending across all ...

  Emirates, flydubai , Dubai Finance partner to accelerate  Cashless strategy   Emirates and flydubai have signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Dubai Finance (DOF) to advance digital payment initiatives and promote ‘Dubai Cashless Strategy’ among international tourists, cementing the city’s position as a global digital economy hub.   With over 18.7 million tourists visiting Dubai in 2024, cash-reliant travellers represent the emirate's greatest untapped potential for digital payment adoption.   Two separate MoUs were signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Hamad Obaidalla, flydubai’s Chief Commercial Officer with Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DOF, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of DOF along with sen...

 Week Ahead: Nigeria CPI, US-China trade woes, big bank earnings By Lukman Otunuga, Senior Research Analyst, FXTM The biggest macro event for Nigeria will be September’s CPI report on October 15th which is likely to show inflation easing to 18.8% year-on-year from 20.1% in August. A combination of softer food prices and a strengthening naira may have tamed prices pressures. Further signs of cooling price pressures may pave the way for further rate cuts by the CBN in November to stimulate economic growth. Outside of Nigeria, it’s another week packed with high-risk events and market shaking themes. A 200-word post by Trump on Truth Social was enough to erase almost $2 trillion from US markets last Friday. Risk aversion engulfed global markets after Trump threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting from 1st November. US equity bulls were slaughtered as the S&P 500 tumbled 2.7% - its worst session since April. The pain spread beyond equities with Bitcoi...

  Nigeria Week Ahead: CPI, Fed decision, US-China talks   . By Lukman Otunuga  The biggest macro event for Nigeria will be the incoming CPI report which may shape monetary policy expectations ahead of the CBN meeting next week. Nigeria’s August CPI is expected to show prices easing to 21 percent  year-on-year, from 21.9 percent previously.  Such a figure may support the argument around CBN cutting interest rates in September. The prospects of lower interest rates may boost confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook, lending support for local equities. Speaking of interest rates, major central bank decisions could inject global markets with fresh volatility in the week ahead. The Federal Reserve (Fed), Bank of Canada (BoC), Bank of England (BoE) and Bank of Japan (BoJ) will be under the spotlight. Markets widely expect the Fed to cut interest rates for the first time in 2025 amid persistent weakness in the US labour markets and tame inflation. But much focus w...

 Tinubu to Chair Landmark Transport Summit in Lagos The Managing Director of Primero Transport Services Limited, Mr. Fola Tinubu, will serve as Chairman at the inaugural edition of the JustAlive Communications Limited Summit, taking place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. A seasoned executive, Tinubu holds a BA in Economics and Politics from the University of East Anglia (Norwich, England) and an MBA from the University of Stirling (Scotland). Renowned for his dynamic leadership at both Primero Transport Services and Maryland Wreckage Limited, Tinubu has played a pivotal role in steering both organisations toward sustainable growth and operational excellence. Known for his strategic acumen, he has consistently merged deep financial insight with innovative business strategies—strengthening organisational structures and driving impactful change across the companies he leads. Themed “Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure: Innovation for a Sustainable...

 NAMA Wins National Integrity, Leadership, Development Award …As Spokesman Bags Individual Integrity Award The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has been recognized for its exceptional commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in the aviation industry as it was recently conferred with the National Integrity, Leadership, and Development Award as the Most Efficient Aviation Agency by the Centre for Ethical Conduct Orientation and Empowerment in Abuja during the 2025 Summit and Awards.  According to the citation by the organizers, the recognition highlights NAMA's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of efficiency, ethics and professionalism in its operations. "NAMA's commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability has set a new standard in the aviation industry, ensuring efficiency in its processes and overall safety in the Nigerian airspace. The agency’s excellent performance is a reflection of the exceptional leadership and man...

 MMA2 Celebrates Customer Service Week   The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), joined organizations worldwide in celebrating this year’s Customer Service Week, an annual event dedicated to recognizing the importance of customer service and the people who provide it. Held under the theme “Mission Possible,” MMA2 seized the week-long celebration to honour its dedicated staff and reiterate its unwavering commitment to providing a seamless, world-class airport experience. Throughout the week, the Customer Service Unit of the Operations Department organized various engaging activities that involved passengers and terminal users alike, demonstrating the terminal’s commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering positive engagement. Acting Chief Operating Officer, Remi Jibodu, emphasized the importance of maintaining a service-driven culture at MMA2. “At BASL, our commitment to customer satisfaction is u...

  Professionals' association holds conference on pipeline technology, security  The Pipeline Professionals’ Association of Nigeria (PLAN) has concluded plans to host the Nigeria International Pipeline Technology & Security Conference & Exhibition (NIPITECS) at the Abuja Continental Hotel, spotlighting innovation, investment, and security in Nigeria’s midstream sector from November 11–12, 2025. With the theme “Building Robust Pipeline Systems for the Decade of Gas & Beyond…”, NIPITECS 2025 will bring together 1000 - 1500 delegates, including engineers, regulators, investors, and indigenous service providers. According to a statement by Engr. Geoff Onuoha , Chairman, PLAN Board of Trustees, the  two-day program will  feature peer-reviewed technical papers, a technology exhibition, interactive policy panels, and a high-level networking dinner and awards. NIPITECS stands apart as Nigeria’s only midstream-focused pipeline conference, offering practical solutio...

 Gateway International Airport: Best Investment of Gov. Abiodun's Administration - Ogun Elders   The Gateway State International Airport, Ilishan Remo, has been described as the best investment bequeathed to the state by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration. The Chairman of the Governor's Elders Advisory Council, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, stated this on Thursday when he led other members of the council on an inspection tour of the airport. Chief Okuboyejo, who expressed delight with the state-of-the-art facilities at the airport, noted that it could be compared to the best anywhere across the globe. He said: "It is an excellent airport. I have traveled the whole length of the world, and in all these places, I am proud to say that what I have seen here today measures up and is much better than a number of other airports. "It is the best long-term investment. As it grows over the years, its developmental progress becomes so magnificent that you cannot imagine. "So...

  Rosatom Showcases Nuclear Energy for Africa’s Sustainable Future  The role of nuclear energy in meeting Africa’s future energy at the African Energy Week 2025 (AEW 2025), presently underway in South Africa. State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom is proudly participating in the landmark energy event This prominent gathering has convened over 5,000 distinguished representatives from government, investment communities, and senior energy sector professionals, fostering critical dialogue on innovative strategies to ensure Africa’s energy security and sustainable growth.   Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for Corporate Development and International Business of Rosatom, took part in a high-profile panel discussion entitled “Nuclear Energy in Africa: Financing, Economics, and Sustainable Deployment”. The dialogue addressed the sector’s foremost challenges, including infrastructure development, regulatory environments, and financing mechanisms. Experts exchanged in...

  Air Peace Refutes False Claims over N100 Million Land Payment for Anambra Airport MRO Facility  Peace has strongly dismissed media reports suggesting that its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, made false claims regarding the payment of N100 million for land designated for the airline’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Anambra State. In a statement issued by the airline’s management, Air Peace described the allegations made in a publication credited to the Traditional Ruler of Umueri Community, Igwe Emeka, as “unprovoked, baseless, and entirely misplaced.” According to the airline, Dr. Onyema neither misrepresented facts nor made any false statement concerning the payment for the MRO facility land. The statement clarified that Air Peace’s dealings were exclusively with the Anambra State Government and not with any community, including Umueri. “For the avoidance of doubt, Air Peace’s dealings on the MRO project were solely with the then Anambra State Government, no...

  NCAA hosts CODEVMET- AFI in Abuja  The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has  played host to the sixth session of the Steering Committee for the Cooperative Development of Aeronautical Meteorology Services Project in the Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Region, known as CODEVMET-AFI. The three-day gathering, organized under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held between October 6, 2025  and  October 8, 2025  in Abuja. Delivering his keynote address,  Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by the  Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang, commended ICAO's unwavering dedication to advancing this pivotal initiative, expressing strong confidence that it will further elevate the standards of aeronautical meteorological services across the AFI Region. The event draws a distinguished lineup of participants, including senior officials from the NCAA and the Nigerian ...

 Contact Staff Commend NCAA ....Seeks Regular Training The contact staff of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have commended the management of the Authority for extending its Public Relations Pep Talk to the regional offices across the country, describing the initiative as timely, enriching, and a morale booster for enhanced productivity. The training programme, held under the theme “Character and Relationship for Maximum Productivity”, took place at the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Kano Regional Offices. The workshop, which was conceptualized and facilitated by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SAPTCO Public Relations, Mr. Sam Adurogboye was earlier organized for cleaners and security personnel at the NCAA Headquarters in Abuja and Lagos Regional Office. However, the current management, in its commitment to capacity building, approved its extension to other regions to further strengthen the organization’s frontline engagement and service delivery. Partic...