Airport Reporters

  FAAN Airports Charges: The Imperative of New Increases  For decades, Nigeria’s aviation industry has been weighed down by outdated airport charges, rising operational costs, and the need for modern infrastructure that keeps pace with global aviation standards. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which manages 22 airports across the country, has long operated under financial constraints caused largely by tariffs and fees that have remained stagnant for years—even as inflation, security demands, and infrastructure pressure continue to rise. Today, the conversation on the imperative of new FAAN airport charges is not merely a revenue argument. It is a national aviation safety, sustainability, and modernization argument. The reality is simple: Nigeria cannot build world-class airports on 2002 prices while running a 2026 aviation system. Therefore, the decision by FAAN to embark on upward review of its airport charges is necessary, timely, and beneficial for the ent...

 FAAN Records Revenue Growth Despite Lower Cargo Throughput Following Operational Reforms The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has recorded significant improvements in cargo operational efficiency and revenue performance following strategic reforms implemented by its Cargo Development and Services Directorate. An operational report released by the Authority shows that recent adjustments to legacy processes are already yielding measurable results, with improved revenue assurance across major cargo terminals. A key reform highlighted in the report is the relocation of FAAN operational staff and revenue-collection desks back into cargo warehouses. This, alongside enhanced monitoring of unaccompanied luggage, has effectively blocked major revenue leakages that previously affected cargo operations. The report notes that the positive impact of these reforms is particularly evident in the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHC...

  FAAN Airports Charges: The Imperative of New Increases  For decades, Nigeria’s aviation industry has been weighed down by outdated airport charges, rising operational costs, and the need for modern infrastructure that keeps pace with global aviation standards. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which manages 22 airports across the country, has long operated under financial constraints caused largely by tariffs and fees that have remained stagnant for years—even as inflation, security demands, and infrastructure pressure continue to rise. Today, the conversation on the imperative of new FAAN airport charges is not merely a revenue argument. It is a national aviation safety, sustainability, and modernization argument. The reality is simple: Nigeria cannot build world-class airports on 2002 prices while running a 2026 aviation system. Therefore, the decision by FAAN to embark on upward review of its airport charges is necessary, timely, and beneficial for the ent...

  Air Peace debunks online report Lagos - Sao Paulo route  The attention of the Management of Air Peace has been drawn to a malicious and misleading report published by SaharaReporters alleging that the airline, in collaboration with the Tinubu administration, deceived the flying public over the proposed Lagos–São Paulo direct flight. The report, which bears all the hallmarks of a deliberate attempt to malign Air Peace and the Nigerian government, relies on unnamed and unverifiable sources who claim that “the entire arrangement was deceptive from the outset.” Nothing could be further from the truth. To set the record straight and debunk the falsehoods contained in the report, the Management of Air Peace hereby states as follows: The allegation of a ‘scam’ is false, sensational, and dishonest. At no time did Air Peace or the Federal Government of Nigeria defraud Nigerians in Brazil or elsewhere regarding the Lagos–São Paulo route. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is not a fl...

  Nigerian airports show improved airfield operations, apron management after joint safety workshop Following the joint apron safety workshop, Nigerian airports, mostly those operated by FAAN, have demonstrated significant operational improvements in airfield activities and apron management. This was contained in a communique by the Marshaller Consultative Forum at the conclusion of the 1st National Joint Apron Safety workshop. The report, presented by Mr Fortune Idu, the convener of the workshop and a member of the forum, outlined improvements in safety in apron operations when comparing 2025 with previous years noting that clear improvement was recorded, as evidenced by the passing of the NCAA safety audit and certification processes at the Port Harcourt International Airport and other airports.  Fortune Idu, on behalf of the members of the Aircraft Marshal Consultative Forum,  commended the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olub...

 Emirates , Air Peace activate bilateral interline agreement ...To  enhance seamless global connectivity Building on their existing partnership, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline and  Air Peace, West Africa’s largest airline, have activated a bilateral interline agreement, expanding air connectivity between Africa, the UAE, and London.  The agreement offers passengers of both airlines frictionless, single-ticket travel and with through-checked baggage, on select routes, resulting in greater travel comfort and convenience for customers. Beyond the 13 cities in Nigeria already available for Emirates passengers on Air Peace’s network, the enhanced interline agreement now enables travelers to connect with Banjul in Gambia and Dakar in Senegal, both via Abidjan; and with Freetown in Sierra Leone and Monrovia in Liberia, both via Accra.  The additional gateways allow more passengers in Africa to access Emirates world-class product and services, and v...

  BASL Commences Strategic Engagement Sessions with Airline  ...Partners to Enhance Passenger Experience at MMA2 The management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has commenced a series of strategic engagement sessions with airline partners as part of ongoing efforts to enhance passenger experience and align operational plans ahead of anticipated traffic growth. The engagement series formally began last week with visits by the BASL management team to the corporate offices of United Nigeria Airlines, Aero Contractors, and ValueJet Airlines, where extensive discussions were held at executive level with the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the respective airlines on operational performance during the December peak travel period and the implications for future growth. The sessions provided opportunities for candid dialogue with each airline. United Nigeria Airlines highlighted its fleet expa...

 Ibadan Airport Now Equipped for On-Site Jet A1 Refuelling  .... Airport Management Visits BOVAS MD Aircraft operators in Nigeria’s South-West region can now heave a sigh of relief as the multimillion-naira Jet A1 aviation fuel depot operated by BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport (SLAIIA), Ibadan, has commenced full operations. With the facility now operational, aircraft flying into Ibadan Airport can conveniently refuel on site, eliminating delays associated with fuel logistics and significantly enhancing operational efficiency. The development was underscored during a courtesy visit by the management team of Samuel Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, to the Managing Director of BOVAS Oil and Gas Limited, Dr. Victoria Samson. Speaking during the visit, the Airport Manager, Mr. Gbenga Afuwape, commended BOVAS for the timely establishment of the Jet A1 fuel depot, describing it as a major boost to airport operations. He note...

 NDLEA Supports Edo State Symposium Against Drug Abuse and Cultism The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the Ayuele Clan Progressive Association held a one-day symposium focused on the pressing issues of drug abuse and cultism at the weekend. The event, attended by students from twelve secondary schools, featured a presentation from NDLEA Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju,  Commander Ofoyeju shed light on the alarming rise in drug-related issues in Edo State, emphasizing the critical role of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders, in addressing these challenges. "The fight against drug abuse and cultism is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement; it requires a collaborative effort from all sectors of society," he remarked during his presentation on "Anti-drug and Cultism Campaign: The Role of Stakeholders." The keynote address was delivered by Comrade Grace Obakina while the event was chaired by ...

Aviation Minister Signs Enugu Airport's Concession Agreement Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo  has formally signed the concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, marking a major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through strategic public-private partnerships. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Abuja, where the Minister received a combined delegation of Enugu State Government officials and representatives of Aero Alliance, the concessionaire. The Enugu State delegation East led by Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Obi Ozor, while the Aero Alliance team included Engr. Chuks Aniekwe, Barrister Oyiwodu Okibe-Oga, Onyedikachi Nwachukwu, Kester Enwereonu, and Barrister Michael Nwaechie of Ivy Solicitors. Also present from the Federal Government side were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, D...

Aviation Minister Receives Edo Governor In Audience .....Set Up Committee For The Launch of Indigenous Airline Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo  has received in audience, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo who paid him a strategic courtesy visit to advance discussions on the immediate activation of indigenous airline for Edo State. Governor Okpebholo, who was accompanied by key members of his cabinet, stressed the urgency of establishing a homegrown airline to operate from Benin Airport, describing aviation as a critical driver for Edo State’s economic revival, investment inflow and job creation. According to the Governor, the State Government is already exploring several partnership options, including engagements with South African investors who have pledged to provide aircraft for the take-off of operations. “If I have my way, I want this airline to kick off immediately — like tomorrow, even before the election. Edo State needs a stro...

 Marwa Presents Award of Excellence to NDLEA Edo State Command The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been honoured with the distinguished Chairman Chief Executive Officer Award of Excellence. The award recognises the outstanding performance in ingenuity and exceptional contributions to combating drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State. The 11th edition of the award ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together leaders and commanders from various commands across the country. The NDLEA Edo State Command stood out for its innovative strategies, operational successes, and community-focused initiatives that have significantly enhanced the agency's effectiveness in the State. Speaking on the achievement, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju expressed gratitude to his team and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for drug-related offences. “This award is a reflection of the dedication, resilience, and creativity of our officers. We ar...

  Emirates announces partnership tennis ambassador    Emirates has announced a landmark partnership with the world’s No. 1 tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, who becomes the airline’s first tennis ambassador.   The milestone builds on Emirates’ longstanding commitment to tennis as the Official Airline of all four Grand Slams worldwide. To mark the occasion, Sabalenka unveiled an Emirates A380 aircraft adorned with a special tennis-inspired livery celebrating its sponsorship of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open.   Sabalenka and Emirates both share a passion for excellence, innovation and a winning spirit. Dubai serving as a hub for Sabalenka's training and preparation over the years, positions her as a natural fit for Emirates.   The partnership caps a dominant period for the 27-year-old, who is now a four-time Grand Slam champion after claiming a second US Open in September last year. Sabalenka, who won back-to-back Austr...

  ValueJet Unveils VIKI – Africa’s First Full-Scale Airline AI Concierge To Transform Passenger Experience ValueJet, Nigeria’s innovative airline, has officially launched VIKI, an AI-powered digital concierge designed to transform how passengers access flight services, making it the first airline in Africa to deploy such technology at scale. VIKI is a multilingual, text- and voice-enabled AI assistant that responds verbally to voice commands, offering enhanced accessibility for visually impaired users. Through popular messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, passengers can book and manage flights, modify reservations, check in online, receive real-time travel updates, and access support services, completing essential travel tasks in minutes without visiting the airport or navigating traditional websites.  To access VIKI, users simply save 09160012700 to their device and begin chatting. “At ValueJet, innovation must lead to real impact,” said Capt. Omololu Majekodunmi...

FAANET debuts in aviation Former workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) under the agies of Former Airport Administrators Network (FAANET) has debut, with Comrade Jolly Iyotoide Ndidi (Retired General Manager, Human Resources, FAAN) as its pioneer Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman and Comrade Adetomiwa Simeon Kolawole (Retired General Manager, Credit Control, FAAN) as secretary, while the other pioneer BOT members include Engr. Sadiq Muhammad Tijjani (Retired Director of Engineering Services, FAAN), Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma (Retired Director of Human Resources, FAAN), Alh. Ibrahim Daiyabu Sulaiman (Retired General Manager, FAAN), Comrade Awolowo Okogbo (a retired officer of ARFFS, FAAN), and Mrs. Nwokoye Ebele Angela (a retired officer of Operations Directorate, FAAN). According to statement by the BOT chairman, Comrade Jolly Ndidi, the new body duly registered with and recognised by the Corporate Affairs Commission, will become very active in helping to shape...

  Najomo, Badeh harp on adherence to safety at airport aprons  The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reminded ground personnel at airports on the need to adhere strictly to safety requirements at aprons. Speaking at the first  Joint National Apron Safety Operations Workshop in Lagos, organized by the Chairman, Airport Business Summit, Mr. Fortune Idu, the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, said incidents on airport aprons cost the global aviation industry billions of dollars annually and injure hundreds of thousands of people, stressing that Nigeria must not ignore such dangers.  The address was delivered on his behalf by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Mr. Ahmed Abba. According to Capt Najomo, apron  safety requires continuous training and competence of marshallers and ground staff, standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are regularly reviewed and enforced. Others according to the NCAA ...

 NDLEA EDO CLAMPDOWN ON DRUG CARTELS INTENSIFIES ARRESTS 462 SUSPECTS WITH 207,595.54KG OF DRUGS The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has sustained the clampdown on drug trafficking cartels with the apprehension of 462 suspected drug traffickers with 207,595.54kg of illicit drugs in an impressive 2025 scorecard.  The State Commander of the Anti-Narcotics Agency, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju,  gave the statistics while addressing journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital.  He described the command’s achievement as a substantial leap in intelligence-led operations, effective legal prosecution, and drug demand reduction initiatives. In the year under review, a total of 462 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended, comprising 309 males and 153 females. These arrests were a direct result of several targeted operations aimed at curbing the drug trade in the state. The command reported significant seizures of narcoti...

 EDO STATE COMMAND ARRESTS 31 WITH 2,011 KG OF DRUGS ...........INTERCEPTS FIVE VEHICLES USED IN DRUG TRAFFICKING The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a successful arrest of 31 suspected drug traffickers with over 2,000 kilogrammes of narcotics in December 2025. According to the State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, the command’s fight against drug trafficking and abuse is yielding substantial results. Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking cartels within Edo State through concerted efforts and intensified operations. In his words, “In the month of December, a total of 31 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended during various raids on drug flashpoints across the state. The suspects arrested comprised 20 males and 11 females. The Command also seized 2,011 kilograms of drug exhibits, including 1,020 kilograms of cannabis, 0.1399 kg of psychotropic substance, and 0.0003 kg of...

  NCAA rescues stranded Saudia Airlines passengers in Abuja ....Facilitates their movement to Kano  The  Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has facilitated the rescue of over 400 passengers stranded since weekend at Abuja  Airport following the inability of  a Saudia Airlines aircraft ferrying them land in Kano Airport  because of  poor weather conditions. The pilot of the aircraft initiated a diversion to Abuja  Airport , following what industry sources described as a force majeure - circumstances beyond the airline's control.  While the crew waited in Abuja Airport for the weather to improve,  with a view to continuing to Kano, their allowed flying hours had elapsed requiring that  they observe the globally prescribed rest hours  before another set of pilots take command of the aircraft. According to prescribed standards set by the global civil aviation regulator : International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), pilots...

 MMA2 Records Successful Year-End Operations ... Introduces Slot System for 2026 The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, has recorded a highly successful year-end operational period, underscoring the terminal’s resilience, operational flexibility, and strong collaboration with airline partners, ground handling companies, and other critical service providers during the peak festive travel season. In a  statement by its Head, Corporate Communications, Mrs Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi said throughout the high-traffic end-of-year period, MMA2 worked closely with its airline partners and key service providers, including ground handling companies, to deliver seamless and efficient operations, with passenger comfort, safety, and service continuity remaining top priorities.  To support uninterrupted flight operations,  she said the terminal provided extended operational coverage, remaining open beyond its scheduled shutdown...