Airport Reporters

  NIMET highlights achievements in engagement with users of its  services  The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has highlighted major improvements in its engagements with the public and its existing clients. outlining key achievements recorded within the past year and commemorating two years under the new management.  The Directorate of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection ,playing a central role in coordinating NiMet’s public image, disseminating the weather information, and safeguarding consumer rights, has undergone notable upgrades that enhance national weather communication for early warning systems, the safety of lives and property and the protection of the means of livelihood. "The notion to segmenting weather action is to tailor adaptation and risk management strategies to specific context hazards, industries, sectors,  communities and their locations, rather than a one sized fits all approach." says its  Director Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe...

  Anthony Joshua: Ogun  State Govt cautions against speculation, premature probe The Ogun State Government has asked the public to refrain from speculation or premature conclusions until investigations are complete and the relevant authorities release official findings regarding a road accident involving former world heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua on Monday. The Ogun State Commissioner of Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, said the call for restraints was a result of reports circulating in the media regarding a road traffic incident at ‘ Danco area’ along the Lagos–Sagamu Expressway on Monday, 29th Dec 2025. He extended his Ministry’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, sympathized with all persons affected by the tragic incident, and commended the swift action of the emergency services in response. He disclosed that investigations into the circumstances and probable causes of the incident are ongoing, adding that information reported in the media at this ti...

  Harmattan Operations and Air Safety In Nigeria: Setting the Record Straight By Abdullahi Musa  The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has noted with concern a recent publication by a national newspaper which, while highlighting the perennial challenges of Harmattan weather, advanced claims that could mislead the public regarding the state of air navigation safety and the serviceability of landing facilities across Nigerian airports. While seasonal meteorological conditions are a legitimate subject of public discourse, it is essential that such discussions are anchored on technical accuracy, regulatory context, and an informed understanding of how aviation safety systems function. Unfortunately, some of the assertions made in the referenced report risk creating unnecessary public anxiety by conflating weather-induced operational limitations with alleged infrastructure inadequacies. NAMA therefore considers it necessary, in the overriding interest of public confidence ...

' We did not dump passengers in Barbados' , Air Peace clarifies  Air Peace Limited  offered clarifications on information making the round suggesting  that the airline sold tickets to Jamaica and subsequently “dumped” passengers in Barbados.  The airline has described such reports as both  misleading, inaccurate, and does not reflect the actual facts surrounding the incident. In a statement, Air Peace confirms that all tickets were sold strictly in accordance with international airline sales practices and applicable aviation regulations.  It reads :" At no point did the airline engage in deceptive sales or intentionally mislead any passenger regarding their travel arrangements.  "During standard pre-departure profiling and documentation checks at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria, it was discovered that some passengers did not possess the required transit visas to travel via Antigua to their final destinations, including Jamaic...

  Keyamo: Aviation Reformer On the Threshold of History By Tunde Moshood History often pauses to take stock when leadership, timing, and courage intersect to alter the course of an industry. As 2025 draws to a close, Nigeria’s aviation sector stands at such a historic juncture, with the  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo , firmly at its centre—poised on the threshold of history after a year of audacious moves, reform-driven policies, and record-breaking milestones. The year began dramatically, not in Abuja, but thousands of miles away at the Airline Economic Conference held between January 12th and 15th, in Dublin, Republic of Ireland—the global nerve centre of aircraft leasing and aviation finance. There, Keyamo embarked on what has since been described as a bold diplomatic and economic offensive: marketing Nigeria directly to the global aviation community. Before international lessors, financiers, and aircraft manufacturers, he presented a compell...

 JEDLOF founder fetes over 400 less privileged, widows ...Calls for patience  The founder of Jedidiah Divine Home of Love (JEDLOF), a non-governmental organisation, Dr (Mrs) Ebele Okoye, has appealed to well meaning Nigerians, Corporate organisations and individuals to come to the aid of widows and less privileged in the society in order to give them sense of belonging . Speaking at the JEDLOF Widows Foundation's Last Quarter Outreach program in Abia community in Udi, Enugu state, where  she distributed food, essential items and other materials, Dr Okoye admonished the gathering mostly widows and vulnerable members of the community to be patient in all they do. With the theme, 'reviving hope and empowering widows' for this year's outreach, Dr Okoye stressed that she got the calling from God to go back to the village and take care of the widows four years ago and she has been doing it since then. She said JEDLOF budgeted for between 200 and 250 widows for the outreach bu...

Ground handling equipment damages Air Peace new aircraft  ...Disrupts multiple flights  Flight operations involving a brand-new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft belonging to Air Peace Limited were significantly disrupted on Friday, Boxing Day, following a ground handling incident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. According  to a statement by the airline, the incident occurred when a luggage conveyor belt vehicle operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) reportedly collided with the engine of the aircraft, registered as 5N-BYH, while it was on the ground after passengers had completed boarding. The aircraft, the statement added  was scheduled to operate Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra when the collision occurred.  The impact , it said caused visible damage, resulting in a dent and tear on the aircraft's Thrust Reverser Cowling, a part of the engine cover prompting an immediate safety assessment and the grounding of the aircraf...

  Incident at MMIA forces Air Peace to ground aircraft .....Nine flights scheduled for affected aircraft disrupted  Air Peace has grounded one of its Embraer E2 aircraft following the airplane being  hit by the conveyor belt belonging to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on Friday December 26, 2025. The incident caused a dent on the engine cover of the  aircraft marked with registration mark BYH. A source at the airport said the development forced Air Peace to disembark the passengers already on board and subsequently grounding the airplane. The source said the development has caused Air Peace huge losses as the nine flights already scheduled for the aircraft will be disrupted.  An industry source hinted ": NAHCO conveyor belt just hit BYH causing dent on the engine cover. Pax disembarkation is on.  Aircraft is grounded. This is one of the brand new E2s. Last time the cowling was hit b...

 MMIA Strengthens Emergency Readiness with Table-Top Safety Exercise  In furtherance of its commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive Table-Top Exercise (TTX) to evaluate emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination in the event of an aircraft incident. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash on the runway involving 103 passengers, during which participating agencies demonstrated coordinated rescue, search, and recovery operations in line with established emergency response procedures. The activation of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was also simulated to assess command, control, and communication effectiveness. The exercise brought together critical stakeholders within the aviation and emergency response ecosystem. Participants included the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Emergen...

 Onyema Backs WABU Welterweight Champion Obizulike with ₦10m Sponsorship Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, has reaffirmed the airline’s unwavering commitment to sports development and youth empowerment with the warm reception and sponsorship of rising Nigerian boxing sensation, Elisha “Viper” Obizulike, the newly crowned West African Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight champion. The courtesy visit, which underscores Air Peace’s long-standing belief in sports as a powerful vehicle for national pride, diplomacy, and youth development, culminated in the Chairman’s announcement of a ₦10 million sponsorship package and complimentary flight tickets for one year to any Air Peace destination in support of the undefeated boxer’s professional journey. Obizulike, who clinched the WABU welterweight title in December 2025, has continued to cement his status as one of Nigeria’s most promising boxing prospects. Hi...

 Air Peace Transitions Regional Operations to Daytime Flights Effective 02 February 2026 Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline and one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers has  announced a major enhancement to its regional network with the transition of all regional operations from night-time services to daytime flights, effective 02 February 2026. This strategic shift is designed to significantly improve passenger convenience, operational reliability, and regional connectivity, while offering more competitive schedules that align seamlessly with onward domestic, regional, and long-haul departures. The new daytime structure strengthens Air Peace’s position as the preferred carrier for travel between Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond, delivering improved connectivity from Lagos to key regional markets. New Regional Daytime Schedule (Local Times) Lagos – Abidjan – Dakar – Banjul – Dakar – Abidjan – Lagos Frequency: Monday / Wednesday / Friday • LOS–ABJ: 07:00 – 07:50 • ABJ–DSS: 08...

  Yuletide Rush - FAAN Director Calls for Aviation Stakeholders' Cooperation As the festive season travel peak hits the nation’s airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a strong call for collaboration among all agencies and service providers to ensure a smooth and positive experience for passengers. The Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, made the appeal in a statement on Monday, highlighting the critical role airports play as the “nation’s first impression” during the influx of travellers characteristic of the “Detty December” period. Agbebire specifically pointed to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, as key gateways requiring exceptional service delivery. In line with the expectations of President Bola Tinubu and the  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, FAAN urged all stakeholders—including the Niger...

Overland Airways reconnects Ibadan / Abuja service  Overland Airways, Nigeria’s leading domestic airline has announced  recommencement of flight services from Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. Effective December 23, 2025 Overland Airways will commence three weekly services from Ibadan to Abuja on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights will depart Abuja to Ibadan by 1030am and Ibadan to Abuja by 1200pm. Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, Mrs. Aderonke Emmanuel-James said: “As the pioneer airline on the Ibadan route Overland Airways is excited to return to Ibadan to continue the excellent flight services we have provided to the people of Ibadan, Oyo State and Osun State over the past 22 years. We equally wish to congratulate the Government of Oyo State for the extensive improvement works at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.” Overland Airways will operate on the Ibadan route us...

  NAMA Signs Contract for New Corporate Headquarters in Abuja The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has formally signed contractual documents for the construction of its new corporate headquarters and  Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre in Abuja, marking a historic milestone in the agency’s institutional growth and Nigeria’s aviation development. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of NAMA, Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, described the project as a strategic and forward-looking investment designed to position Nigeria’s airspace management system at par with global best practices. According to him, the new facility will serve a dual purpose by housing NAMA’s Corporate Headquarters and accommodating a centralised Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre. He explained that the development represents a major operational shift, as it will consolidate airspace control functions that were previously decentralised. “What this structure re...

 Air Peace Resumes Daily Ibadan–Abuja Flights from December 24 ...... Fares from ₦95,000 Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s premier airline, has announced the resumption of daily return flights between Ibadan and Abuja, effective December 24, 2025, further reinforcing its commitment to improved domestic connectivity and passenger convenience. The resumption follows the reopening of Ibadan Airport, which had earlier been closed to commercial flight operations. With airport activities now restored, Air Peace is responding swiftly to the strong demand from its esteemed passengers, particularly travellers in Oyo State and surrounding regions seeking seamless access to the nation’s capital. The airline confirmed that fares on the Ibadan–Abuja route will start from ₦95,000, offering customers an affordable and reliable travel option during the high-traffic festive season and beyond. This development forms part of Air Peace’s recently announced resumption of its Warri operations and additional ...

 NAHCO Continues Strides in CSR, Sponsors Schools Debate The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) has continued its impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives along a wide spectrum of its host communities with the latest being the sponsorship of school debate for primary schools in Oshodi – Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State. The Company which reiterated its commitment to the implementation of meaningful projects in communities in its operations areas said it would exceed all expectations in the area of CSR. The Group Managing Director/CEO of the company, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekumn, who was represented by the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Tayo Ajakaye, during the prize awarding ceremony to winners at the event said, over the years, NAHCO had always made timely intervention in host communities in key areas including provision of borehole water, donation of relief materials to IDPs and sponsorship of education infrastructur...

 Plateau's Moment As Mutfwang Joins APC By Yakubu Dati  The announcement by National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, that Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has officially joined the ruling party at the party’s 14th national caucus meeting in Abuja on Thursday, has ended months of speculations.  It has confirmed what we all know to be necessary for the further development of Plateau State: that the state has to eschew politics of sentiments to be in the mainstream of Nigeria's politics  Presenting a bigger picture of the development, the APC National Chairman who is also from Plateau State, said with the defection of Gov Mutfwang, the entire North Central is now governed by the APC.  This is both true and revealing that a sense of cohesion with like minds has been enabled to be consolidated. As an indigene of Plateau State I cannot but say Eureka to this development with the epiphany that my state has realigned not j...

 SAHCO Wins ITF ‘Best Employer in SIWES Student Acceptance 2025’ Award Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Employer in SIWES Student Acceptance 2025’ award by the Federal Government through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). In a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communications, SAHCO, Mrs. Vanessa Uansohia, the leading ground handling company was recognised for its consistent commitment to the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), demonstrated through the regular acceptance and structured training of students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria. According to the statement, the award—presented earlier this month—acknowledges SAHCO’s sustained contribution to practical skills acquisition, workplace exposure, and capacity building for Nigerian students participating in the SIWES programme. Reacting to the honour, the Chairman of SAHCO Plc, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, expressed delight at the recognition, describ...

FAAN highlights readiness for yuletide  travels   Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in this interview highlights the preparedness of the country’s airports management body to ensure travellers and users have a safe, hitch free travel experience around and across the nation’s airports. EXCERPT : Given the high passenger volume during the yuletide season, what operational measures has FAAN implemented to ensure seamless facilitation at the busier airports like the Murtala Muhammed International Airport? We conducted advanced traffic forecasting, which anticipated significant passenger pressure, compounded by the impending shutdown of Terminal 1 for a comprehensive overhaul post-season. To mitigate congestion, we initiated a multi-pronged operational strategy: Enhanced Passenger Support: We deployed a dedicated augmentation team, identifiable in shirts and jackets, to provide real-time informatio...

 Air Peace Ushers in Third Embraer 190 ..... Reinforcing Capacity , Additional Festive Connectivity In a continued demonstration of strategic fleet expansion within Nigeria’s dynamic aviation landscape, Air Peace Limited, West and Central Africa’s largest airline, has welcomed its third Embraer 190 aircraft, reinforcing its operational capacity to meet the heightened travel demand of the festive season and beyond. The state-of-the-art Embraer 190-100 AR (Advanced Range) jet, with registration mark 5N-CFM, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 3:13 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, marking another significant milestone in the airline’s deliberate and fast-paced fleet modernization drive. Configured as a 99-seater aircraft, the Embraer 190 features 11 Business Class seats and 88 Economy Class seats, offering passengers a refined balance of comfort, efficiency, and reliability. The arrival of the Embraer 190 AR represents the third aircraft of...

 NDLEA SEIZES 457 KG OF SKUNK CANNABIS IN EDO  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Command has apprehended a suspected drug trafficker in Uroe, a community in Owan East Local Government Area, in an intelligence-led raid operation where skunk cannabis weighing 457 kg was recovered inside an illicit warehouse.  According to the State Commander of the Anti-Narcotic Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, the raid operation took place on December 9, 2025. The arrested suspect, who is a 44-year-old Ohiomah Igbafe, was found in possession of a massive haul of illicit substances, including 15 bags of cannabis sativa weighing a staggering 457 kilogrammes, alongside an additional sack containing 4 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds. Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju added that the arrest marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the state. “The operation reflects our undying commitment to the eradication of drug trafficking with...

 Christmas Unplug Festival: Ibom Air Celebrates International Civil Aviation Day in Uyo International Civil Aviation Day is observed globally on December 7. According to the United Nations, the purpose of the day is to raise and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of nations, as well as the unique role played by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in fostering cooperation among states and enabling a truly global air transport network that serves humanity. Akwa Ibom State has embraced this vision wholeheartedly and is steadily positioning itself as an emerging aviation hub, built on the tripod of the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the airport, and Ibom Air. Against this backdrop, Ibom Air leveraged the opportunity to reinforce this narrative and engage stakeholders in a lively, upbeat atmosphere by hosting a musical concert filled with energy, music, and celebration....