Airport Reporters

 AIMAN PRESIDENT LAUDS KEYAMO ON APPROVAL FOR PROMOTION OF 24 AIM STAFF AS DGM   The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, has approved the promotion of 24 Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to  management level.  Out of the 24 personnel 23 were promoted to the position of Deputy General Managers, one was promoted to the position of an Assistant General Manager in a promotion that cut across all departments of the agency.  The promotion has been described as unprecedented in the history of AIS and chart departments of NAMA.  Reacting to the promotion, the president of the Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria  Dr. Ibrahim Audu who was also promoted to the position of Deputy General Manager, applauded the Minister of Aviation and NAMA management under the leadership of Engr. Umar Farouk for the approval of 23 officers promotion to Deputy General M...

  Our Airports Infrastructure Trajectory, by FAAN Managing Director  Panelists during the General Session: “Shaping the Future of Air Travel- A Global Airport Perspective” at the ACI-NA & ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Toronto. Seated (from left) are Armando Brunini, CEO SEA Milan Airports; Aiman Fawzi Arab, Chairman and CEO Egyptian Holding Company for Airports & Air Navigation; Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Cindy Nichol, ACI-NA Board Chair and Director of Airports, Sacramento County; and Juan José Salmón, CEO Lima Airport Partners. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has highlighted its major airports infrastructure trajectory affirming that it has a raft of  innovative solutions to improve passenger facilitation and experience at the nations airports. This move the authority said is part of the broader strategy to ramp up facility upgrade at airp...

  Badejo calls for urgent integration of Nigeria’s transport modes Chairman, Lagos State Government Professorial Chair Endowment on Transport Studies, Professor Bamidele Badejo, has called for urgent integration of all transport modes in Nigeria to unlock the nation’s economic and social potential. Delivering a keynote lecture titled “The Future of Transportation in Nigeria: Trends, Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward” at the 2025 Transport Infrastructure Summit in Lagos, Prof. Badejo said that multimodal transport integration is Nigeria’s most viable route to inclusive development, job creation, and sustainable urban growth. According to him, transportation remains the “lifeline of any nation” and its dysfunction has a ripple effect on productivity, trade, and safety. He noted that when transport systems collapse, every aspect of life grinds to a halt, from essential services to economic activity. “Transportation is life, nurtures life, and keeps life going. Without it, ...

  Tinubu Calls for Innovation to Drive Sustainable Transport Future Managing Director of Primero Transport Services and Chairman of the Nigeria Transport Infrastructure Summit 2025, Mr. Fola Tinubu, has called for greater innovation and sustainability in the nation’s transport sector to meet the needs of a modern economy. Speaking at the opening of the summit held at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Tinubu said that Nigeria’s transport infrastructure must evolve beyond traditional systems and embrace technology-driven solutions for long-term growth. “Transportation is not just about moving people or goods; it is about connecting lives, driving trade, and fueling development,” he said. The summit, themed “Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure: Innovation for a Sustainable Future,” drew participation from industry leaders across aviation, maritime, rail, and road sectors. Tinubu commended the organisers, JustAlive Communications Limited, for creating a platform that unites public...

  Nigeria Can Replicate World-Class Transport System — Ngwama Organiser of the 2025 Transport Summit, Mrs. Pearl Ngwama, has called for an integrated transport masterplan to propel Nigeria’s growth, stressing that Nigeria’s transport infrastructure must become the engine of national development. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Transport Summit in Lagos with the theme ‘Nigeria’s Transport Infrastructure: Innovation for a Sustainable Future’, Ngwama said the world’s most advanced nations are built on formidable multimodal transport systems integrating road, rail, air and sea. She said Nigeria’s geographical location and economic diversity offered an unparalleled opportunity to build such networks, linking farms, factories, ports and airports into a seamless logistics chain. “We only have to look around the world to see how advanced nations are built on multimodal transport systems. These systems facilitate trade, improve productivity, reduce costs and drive innovation,” she said....

 United Nigeria Airlines Hosts Agency Forum Ahead of Accra Flight Launch As part of preparations for the commencement of its Abuja to Accra and Lagos to Accra routes on November 10, 2025, United Nigeria Airlines has hosted its first Strategic Agency Forum to strengthen collaboration with key travel partners and ticketing agents. The event, held on Tuesday at Protea Hotel, Lagos, brought together leading travel agents from across Nigeria, including members of NANTA, as well as representatives from Sabre, Wakanow, American Express Travels, Orih Travels, and other major industry players. The forum comes as United Nigeria Airlines expands its operations, having recently welcomed more aircraft, two Airbus A320-200 and a CRJ-900, to its growing fleet serving 14 destinations nationwide with Accra set to launch on November 10. In her presentation, the Head of Business Development and Strategy, Mrs. Ifeoma Ekwerike, emphasized the strategic importance of Accra in United Nigeria Airlines exp...

  Heathrow Chief Applauds Air Peace’s Abuja–London Launch  ....Describes it as Milestone in Global Connectivity In a landmark moment for African aviation, Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, was warmly commended by Mr. Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer of Heathrow Airport, for its outstanding achievement in launching direct flight operations between Abuja and London Heathrow — a feat that underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence on the global aviation map. Speaking during the inaugural ceremony held at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3, Mr. Baker described the launch as a moment of pride and progress that symbolizes the deepening partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. “It’s a real pleasure to welcome everyone here today at Heathrow for a truly exciting milestone — one that has been years in the making. The launch of Air Peace’s direct service between London Heathrow and Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, marks more than just the beginning of a new route; it ...

London Heathrow Welcomes Air Peace as Nigeria’s Flag Returns to Global Skies 26 October 2025, history was made at London Heathrow Airport as West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, inaugurated its Abuja–London Heathrow service, marking the triumphant return of Nigeria’s national colours to one of the world’s most prestigious aviation hubs after over a decade. The colourful ceremony, held at Terminal 3’s check-in area, attracted dignitaries from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including senior government officials, diplomats, aviation regulators, business leaders, and strategic partners. The event featured goodwill messages, speeches, and a ribbon-cutting session that highlighted the significance of this new service in strengthening bilateral trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties between both nations. Welcoming guests, Mr. Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer of Heathrow Airport, described the development as a milestone that deepens connectivity between Nigeria and the U...

  Keyamo Hails Onyema, Air Peace for Transforming Nigeria’s Aviation Landscape The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo  has commended Air Peace and its Chairman, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, following the achievement of a major milestone with the successful launch of direct flights from Abuja to London Heathrow, a move he described as a defining moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector.  Speaking at the grand event to mark the inaugural flight held in Abuja, Keyamo applauded Air Peace for its vision, resilience, and patriotism in taking Nigerian aviation to new heights.  He emphasized that securing the highly competitive Heathrow slot represents not just a triumph for the airline but also a testament to the capability of indigenous operators to compete on the world stage.  The Minister, who attended the event alongside top government officials and representatives of the Presidency, such as the Deputy Chief of Staff to The President of the Fe...

 NDLEA , Army Officers Attacked at Ukpuje by Drug Barons  A combined team of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Army personnel in the early hours of Monday, October 27, 2025, came under attack at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of the State, a community that is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking. As the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The hostile environment forced the team to abort the operation and retreat for safety.  Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery. Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended the bravery of his officers and the army personnel involved. “Our mission here is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorio...

 Why Maiduguri International Airport is strategic, by Terminal Manager   The Federal Government in the last few years has embarked on massive upgrade of airport terminals in its broader strategy to use air transport infrastructure to drive the growth of the economy. Ensuring that no part  of the country is left behind, massive work has taken place in the North Eastern Region , with the upgrade and designation of Maiduguri Airport as a Regional International Hub. In this interview,  Ibrahim Bello, International Terminal Manager, Maiduguri International Airport speaks on interventions that have taken place at the facility. Excerpts :  Give us an overview of the infrastructural upgrades that have been carried out so far at the airport? Thank you very much. The infrastructural upgrade, especially the terminal extension came up when the Governor saw the passion to collaborate with FAAN, with the Aviation Ministry to upgrade the airport. So, he went to see the Ministe...

 Air Peace Abuja–London Heathrow Flights :  A Symbol of National Pride , Resilience, says Nnenna Onyema  Nigeria’s largest privately owned airline, Air Peace, has made history by launching direct flights between London Heathrow Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja — restoring the Nigerian flag to one of the world’s busiest air corridors after more than a decade. At the inauguration ceremony organised by London Heathrow Airport authorities to welcome the first flight,  the Executive Director, International Operations, of the airline,  Nnenna Onyema, described the new operation as a “symbol of national pride and resilience,” emphasizing that it represents more than just a new route but a renewed declaration of Nigeria’s presence in global aviation. “For years, there was silence in the skies,” she stated. “Today, that silence ends. Our flag flies again because, as we say back home, ‘Naija no dey carry last.’” The executive director highlighted ...

 NAMA MD , DATS Honoured as AO32 Graduates Celebrate at NCAT Zaria It was a moment of pride and celebration at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, as the Aeronautical operator's course AO32 marked its Graduation and Award Ceremony with the recognition of outstanding individuals, including the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, and the Director of Air Traffic Services (DATS), Mr. John Tayo. The colourful event,  which held on Friday, October 24, 2025, brought together aviation professionals, instructors, students, and dignitaries from across the sector to celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service. Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, NAMA Managing Director  was honoured with a distinguished award in appreciation of his visionary leadership and tireless efforts toward advancing Nigeria’s air navigation services. The organizers praised him for driving innovation, improving airspa...

 Air Peace Marks Historic Abuja–Heathrow Launch .... Strengthening Nigeria’s Global Aviation Footprint In a vibrant and celebratory event at the check-in counters of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja), Nigeria’s leading carrier Air Peace Limited officially launched its maiden direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow Airport. The occasion signals a major advance for both the airline and the Nigerian aviation industry at large. The check-in area was transformed into an exhilarating environment of branded décor and enthusiastic passengers, where travellers received special souvenirs and celebratory treats as part of the carrier’s inaugural into Heathrow. In attendance were the airline’s management team, including the carrier’s Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema  Vice Chairman Mrs Alice Onyema, and Board of Directors Barr Emeka Ngige, SAN; Mrs Ekaette Monsuru; Engr Benedict Adeyileka and Chairman United Nigeria Airline, Dr Obiora Okonkwo  High-powered government officials...