Airport Reporters

  K-Impex Airline Acquires Four Embraer E190s   ..... Set to Commence Scheduled Operations Soon   K-Impex Airline Limited, a prospective airline that began preparations for launch in 2021, is set to take delivery of four Embraer E190 jets. The company, with head office in Abuja, the Federal Capital, had started as Knights Impex Limited with interest in import and export cargo business and further expanded into aviation services in 2021, has acquired the aircraft for scheduled operations. The airline's Managing Director, Dr. Abel Ozigi, stated that the four Embraer E190 jets, with a 98-passenger capacity (90 economy and 8 business class), were chosen for their economy range and operational efficiency on domestic and regional routes. "We chose outright purchase to redeem the capital flight associated with the lease option," Ozigi said. The acquisition is facilitated by the near completion of the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authorit...

 Nuclear is strategic in Nigeria’s ESG Transition   Nigeria is entering a period of profound demographic and economic change. With a population of about 237.5 million people and rapid urbanisation, the country faces increasing pressure on land, resources and public services. Today, about 40% of the population does not have access to electricity, while per capita electricity consumption remains extremely low at about 150 kWh per year, one of the lowest levels in Africa.   These pressures coincide with the need to create jobs, expand industrial capacity and improve the resilience of institutions that underpin long-term development. As a result, questions of environmental responsibility, social progress and transparent governance are moving to the centre of national planning. ESG principles are becoming relevant because they offer Nigeria a structured way to address challenges that are already shaping the country’s future.   Nigeria has already commenced a gradual forma...

  The Emirates A350 makes its flypast debut at the 2025 Dubai Airshow Making its first-ever appearance in aerial formation, the Emirates A350 starred in the spectacular 2025 Dubai Airshow opening flypast. Joined by the Emirates Boeing 777 and the iconic A380, the airline showcased its full fleet in flight for the first time since the A350’s arrival in November 2024.    Representing the UAE’s impressive aviation capabilities, the aerial performance consisted of a 60 aircraft formation, with Emirates headlining the commercial aviation fleet, followed by other UAE commercial airlines, and a fleet of military aircraft and helicopters.     The iconic Emirates A380 flew at an altitude of 500ft, followed by the Boeing 777 at 700 ft and finally the A350 flying at an altitude of 900ft. One of the Dubai Airshow’s most highly anticipated events, the stunning aerial display delighted thousands of attendees, as the formation soared above the Al Maktoum International Air...

ACI - Africa Sec Gen commends Nigeria's  .....As FAAN steers preparation for 2026 Regional Conference  The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has continued to strengthen its international standing as a leading airport management institution, following the courtesy visit of the Secretary-General of Airports Council International (ACI-Africa), Mr. Ali Tounsi, to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, on Tuesday. Mr. Tounsi’s visit forms part of his scheduled mission to Nigeria to evaluate the nation’s preparedness to host the ACI-Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition slated for October 2026, a landmark event expected to attract global aviation leaders, investors and industry influencers. Accompanied by a high-level FAAN delegation led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Secretary-General met with the Honourable Minister to review Nigeria’s progress in key areas of readiness, logistics plann...

Aviation Minister Receives ACI-Africa Secretary General  ..Nigeria Prepares to Host Regional Conference The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has  received in audience the Secretary General of the Airports Council International (ACI) Africa, Mr. Alli Tounsi. The ACI Africa's topshot visited alongside Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's executives including the Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire and Director, Commercials and Business Development, Adebola Agunbiade as part of preparations for Nigeria’s hosting of the ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition. Nigeria is billed to host the prestigious ACI Africa's Acrobatics Regional Conference and Exhibition next September, 2026, and the visit by the ACI-Africa delegation was primarily aimed at assessing the nation’s level of preparedness for the continental event. In his remarks, Mr. Alli Tounsi emphasized the strategic i...

 Nigeria Week Ahead: CBN decision, UK Autumn budget & US data in focus    By Lukman Otunuga, Manager, Market Analyst, FXTM   Despite the shortened holiday week, November could end with a bang due to a lineup of high-impact events. In Nigeria, the CBN could cut rates as much as 100 basis points on Tuesday as inflationary pressures cool. Annual inflation fell to 16.05% in October 2025, its softest level since March 2022. Persistent signs of easing prices pressures have provided much breathing for the CBN to cut rates in an effort to stimulate growth.  Speaking of growth, Nigeria’s Q3 GDP will be published on 28thNovember. More signs of recovering growth may boost sentiment and encourage the CBN to pursue its expansionary monetary policy.  Equity markets have already kicked off on a positive note with tech leading gains amid rising expectations for a December US rate cut. A string of dovish messages by Fed officials last Friday boosted these odds to 70% bu...

 Online Drug Trafficking: NDLEA Arrests Social Influencer, One Other in Benin City ... Confiscates Cookies Laced with Cannabis. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command has dismantled an illicit online drug cell in Benin City, leading to the arrest of two female suspects, a social influencer, Praise Nwogu, 19, also known as Candy, and Ebong Emem Oghosa, 25. The arrests were made following weeks of persistent surveillance and intelligence gathering on how to dislodge the online drug ring involved in lacing cookies with cannabis. According to the NDLEA Edo State Commander Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, both suspects were apprehended with various confectioneries that tested positive for cannabis. Praise Nwogu, who resides in Benin City but hails from Imo State, was found in possession of 12 plates and 1 cup of brownies infused with cannabis indica. Praise is the brain behind the online promotion with numerous videos on different channels. Meanwhile, Ebong Emem Oghosa, ...

 Air Peace Breaks New Ground  .. Embarks on  Transformational Donation to KNOSK 100NairaADay School  In a landmark demonstration of true corporate citizenship, Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has made a life-changing donation to the KNOSK (Knowledge, Skill and Kreativity) 100NairaADay Secondary School in Kuje, Abuja  becoming the first major Nigerian corporate body to ever support the school. Founded in 2019 with only 30 students, KNOSK now serves more than 180 children, many of whom come from families unable to pay even the symbolic ₦100 daily fee.  For years, KNOSK had But that changed when Air Peace stepped in, breaking what the school’s leadership described as “a longstanding jinx.” Despite this hardship, the school has produced outstanding results, including a 100% WAEC pass rate for its first graduating class and multiple students scoring above 200 in JAMB. One of its star graduates, once destined for early marriage at 14 years old went on to be...

 Demuren, Onyema to lead talk on survival of Nigerian carriers on London route Following the successful launch of flight operations into London Heathrow Airport recently by Nigeria’s leading carrier Air Peace, experts are to gather to share ideas on how best Nigerian airlines can remain competitive . The experts will  analyse factors that could shape the carriers’ long-term viability on the London route. Organisers disclosed that former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren will deliver the keynote address while Air Peace Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema will chair the event slated for Wednesday, November 26th at the NCAA Annex training Centre. Speaking on the forthcoming event, Chief Operating Officer of Saptco Communication Limited, Mr. Sam Adurogboye told journalists in Lagos that the high-level industry dialogue has the theme “International Politics: The Survival of Nigerian Carriers on the London Route.” Will further enrich Nigerian ...

 Keyamo, Sanwo-Olu to grace NAAE AGM  The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, and the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu are expected to grace the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers ( NAAE) 2025 annual gerenal meeting slated for Lagos, December 5, 2025 at the NIGAV Expo Event Centre at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, beginning from 9 am.  The AGM themed, 'Safety, Efficiency and Innovation: the tripple mandate of Air Traffic Engineering' will have in attendance, heads of various aviation parastatals with the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr Farouk Umar as chief host while keynote address will be delivered by Capt Roland Iyayi CEO of Topbrass.  According to the President of NAAE Engr Selzing Miri, said the theme of this year's celebration has been chosen to awaken members to the reality of their job to provide the basic service  He expressed optimism that the conference will strengthen members and go back and co...

 Security: Why Political Hostility Cannot Diminish Nuhu Ribadu’s  Initiatives By Yakubu Dati In Nigeria’s high-stake political environment, few roles provoke as much scrutiny, pressure, and competition as the position of National Security Adviser (NSA).  When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Malam Nuhu Ribadu to the role, expectations were high.  With a long-standing reputation for integrity built during his groundbreaking tenure as the first Chairman of the EFCC, Ribadu assumed office with credibility and a reformist mindset.  Ironically, it is precisely these qualities—his insistence on accountability, transparency, and professional security governance—that have drawn sharp criticisms, calculated attacks, and intense political pushbacks. Ribadu’s commitment to national security begins with his insistence on intelligence-driven operations, institutional coordination, and financial discipline within the security sector.  Under his watch, Nigeria is str...

 DRUG ABUSE: NDLEA STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH NSCDC ,  EDO MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is taking steps to enhance inter-agency cooperation in combating drug abuse and promoting youth development.  This was the outcome of a meeting between the NDLEA Edo State Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, and a delegation of high-ranking officials to his office at the weekend by Akintayo Saidi, the Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Honourable Charity Amanyaevbo, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Edo State. The objectives of the visitations are to foster collaboration among agencies responsible for drug law enforcement and youth welfare, addressing the pressing issues of substance abuse and youth empowerment in the state. It provided a platform for these leaders to discuss strategies, share insights, and lay out plans for joint initiatives aimed at curbi...

 Right  Outstanding Professionals Inducted into the Hall of Fame The 8th Nigeria's Construction Industry Hall of Fame 2025,  induction ceremony took place at the Colossus Lagos, with Engr. Mustafa Balarabe Shehu, FNSE, FAEng, the immediate past President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), in attendance as chairman of the induction ceremony; Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Ph.D special adviser to the Lagos state governor on agriculture. Other notable dignitaries and stakeholders in the construction and engineering industry present includes Engr. Babatunde James, Chairman NSE Victoria Island branch who ably represented the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret A. Oguntala, FNSE; Arc. Abimbola Ogunbiyi, FNIA, represented Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, FNIA, President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) respectively as special guest of honour. This year's edition is unique in the sense that it is the eighth edition and eight...

 EDO STATE GOVERNMENT, NDLEA MOVE TO TACKLE CANNABIS CULTIVATION ...DESTROYS 193,191 KG OF CANNABIS SINCE JANUARY  The Edo State Government and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are strategizing to address the problem of cannabis cultivation in the state. This drug control measures aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices were discussed during a working visit on Wednesday November 19, 2025 by Hon. Dr Jerry Uwangue, the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, to the Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, at the NDLEA headquarters in Benin City. The meeting focused on potential collaboration between the two agencies in areas such as the adoption of Alternative Development programmes and strategies for the confiscation of land used for cannabis cultivation. Commander Mitchell disclosed that the Edo State Command has conducted nine cannabis farm destructions since January 2025. In ...

 NSE Congratulates Elozino Olaniyan as First Female CEO of Midwestern Oil , Gas The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has extended its warm congratulations to Engr. Elozino Olaniyan, FNSE on her appointment as the first female Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Midwestern Oil and Gas. This landmark appointment, effective December 1, 2025, marks a significant achievement for both Olaniyan and the Nigerian energy sector, as she becomes the first woman to lead the company in its 26-year history. In a congratulatory letter signed by the President of NSE, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, the Society commended Olaniyan for her remarkable leadership, her contributions to the energy industry, and her trailblazing role in opening doors for women in leadership positions within the oil and gas sector. The President of NSE expressed the Society's pride in Olaniyan’s achievement. She emphasized that this milestone is not just a personal success for Olaniyan but also a mo...

  Tinubu highlights investment areas in aviation sector  .........Canvasses collaboration with private sectors players  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has highlighted areas investors could explore in aviation to plough their resources for good returns urging players in the air travel ecosystem to imbibe collaboration especially with operators in the private sector. To make Nigeria the  preferred destination for aviation investment, Tinubu said the Federal Government has already on track  the simplification of regulatory procedures, promotion of  transparency, and offering incentives in areas such as airport infrastructure, aircraft leasing, maintenance, and training. Tinubu disclosed this  while declaring open the  2025 FAAN NATIONAL AVIATION CONFERENCE (FNAC), in Lagos. He was represented by the Secretary of the Government of the Federation ( SGF), Mr George Akume. Tinubu said : "We are also working on fiscal reforms that will ensure clarity an...

 DRUG BARONS ABANDONED TWO SIENNA BUSES WITH 1,455 KG OF CANNABIS  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command has intensified its operational efforts, forcing members of a drug trafficking cartel to abandon two Sienna buses conveying one thousand four hundred and fifty-five kilograms (1,455 kg) of cannabis. According to the NDLEA Edo State Commander, Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, "The seizure took place on October 29, 2025, at approximately 3:00 AM, when a team of dedicated officers intercepted two Toyota Sienna buses suspected of transporting a substantial quantity of narcotics along the Okhokho-ISI community route in the Uhunmwode Local Government Area." Both buses were said to have commenced their journey at Okpuje, a community that is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking. The first vehicle seized, a light blue Toyota Sienna with registration number EPE 545 EV, was found to be carrying an impressive 666 kilograms of dried weeds suspected to be ...

  Ganduje lauds Tinubu's strides in airport infrastructure  Chairman , Board of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Umaru Abdullahi Ganduje has praised the efforts of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in upgrading operational infrastructure at airports across the country. He said the massive upgrade of infrastructure at Kano, Abuja and Lagos airports bears testimony to the resolve of the Tinubu administration to ensure facilities at the terminals are comparable to standards across the globe. Ganjude disclosed this yesterday after conducting an assessment inspection of facilities at the Lagos International Airport. The former Kano governor said the current administration has embarked on a massive upgrade of facilities at airports in the last two years to bring the standard of services into the global template , saying the Tinubu administration has also created an enabling environment for private airlines to thrive. Ganduje said private airlines are not only benefit...

  Air Peace fumes over withdrawal of three aircraft by  lessor ... Carrier says it lost over $15m as damages  Air Peace yesterday cried foul over the unjustified  withdrawal of three  aircraft it  wet leased from a foreign company : Smartlynx , which has caused severe disruptions in its flight operations occasioning delays and cancellations. Air Peace entered a wet lease agreement with SmartLynx because 13 of its aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance abroad. According to Air Peace, the withdrawal of the four aircraft without prior notice amounts to a clear violation of industry standards . Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, Air Peace, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Nowel Ngala said the carrier has lost over $ 15 million as damages to the contractual transactions. Ngala said over $ 5 million of its funds including one million dollars had been collected upfront by SmartLynx from Air Peace, fully aware that the right owner of the aircraft would b...

  Aircraft bridge manufacturer appoints rep in Nigeria  Aero-Sys, German manufacturers of Aircraft Boarding Bridges and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) has appointed Aviation Consultants - Belujane Konzult as their Representative in Nigeria. The appointment came after due diligence for a reliable partner in Nigeria. Under the agreement, Beluajne  Konzult will be responsible for marketing and sales of Aero-Sys products in Nigeria, which include AvioBridges, Ground Power Units (GPU) Dollies and Carts, Fixed walkways, Automation and Baggage Handling System, Airport Gate Equipment.  The letter conveying the appointment and signed by its Director Peter Yan said: “the authorisation is granted in recognition of Belujane Konzult capacity and commitment to delivering high quality products and services in accordance  with aviation standards”. Belujane Konzult is entrusted with the responsibilities for marketing, sales, after sale service, and the provision of spare parts f...

 SAHCO RECEIVES SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD AT FAAN 2025 SAFETY WEEK Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has been honored with the Safety Excellence Award at the 2025 Safety Week organized by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The award recognizes SAHCO’s remarkable commitment to safety excellence, adherence to global best practices, and consistent contribution to safe ground handling operations within Nigeria’s aviation sector. The recognition took place during the FAAN 2025 Safety Week, held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. The annual event, themed “Navigating Conflict for a Safer Aviation in Nigeria,” convened key industry stakeholders including airlines, regulatory agencies, ground handling companies, and safety professionals. The program focused on strategies for conflict management, the importance of a safety-driven culture, and the collective responsibility of all aviation stakeholders in building a resilient and secure air transport system....

  How to fix conflict at airports, by Dati  Former General Manager , Public Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Hon. Yakubu Dati has called on regulators in the aviation sector to integrate  conflict management frameworks into  their safety oversight duties. Besides, he said training institutions should embed human relations and   organisational psychology into aviation curricula. He also urged airlines to see  investment in human factors and communication training as essential, not optional strategies to improve the overall business. Dati, who is Chairman , Governing Council , Federal Polytechnic , Ayede ,  in Oyo State, disclosed this Wednesday while delivering a paper at the FAAN 2025 Safety Week, in Lagos. According to Dati, in  an era marked by increasing operational complexity, workforce diversity, and passenger expectations, the  ability to navigate conflict by industry players  will define t...