Airport Reporters

 OKPEBHOLO, EDO NDLEA , STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR INNOVATIVE RESPONSES AGAINST DRUGS ...... AS STUDENTS WIN AWARDS IN ESSAY ,  QUIZ COMPETITIONS Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, and other stakeholders have called for innovative responses in addressing the agelong problem of drug trafficking and abuse. This position was unanimously adopted by stakeholders who gathered at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, June 26.  The theme for this year, "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses", resonated throughout the event, as speakers emphasised the critical need for innovative and collaborative approaches to tackle drug trafficking and abuse in both the state and the nation. His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo stressed his commitment to est...

 United Nigeria Airlines to deepen West Coast operations United Nigeria Airlines has said it is preparing a major push into West and Central Africa, with plans to launch new routes to Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Abidjan, and Conakry in the short term. The airline's Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the secretariat of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos on Thursday.  Olawuyi who said United Nigeria Airlines is currently the second largest domestic Nigerian airline said it is also moving forward with a previously announced partnership in Guinea-Bissau, where it intends to help establish a national carrier for the African country.  Beyond West Africa, he said the airline will also open routes to Central Africa, with Douala and Libreville as destinations, while UK, USA, Canada, Turkey, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia are  part of the expansion plans. He also mentioned Johannesburg, South Africa as a pl...

  NAHCO consolidates handling contracts with more airlines  .....Begins export of solar cells to US  Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc yesterday affirmed its dominance in the ground handling  industry following the  extension of its contract with Qatar Airways, Saudia Airlines and ASKY. To consolidate its place, the company also signed a fresh contract with new entrant into the Nigerian market - FlyGabon.   The  company said it has  commenced the export  of solar cells  to the United States of America. NAHCO in a statement  disclosed that BGE (Nigeria) Solar FZE has  since January 2026 be  using NAHCO its facilities in Lagos to move the solar cells to the United States.  The project, the statement added  initially moved through scheduled carriers, including Lufthansa (LH), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Turkish Airlines (TK), and DHL, with shipments ranging between 20, 30 and 50 tons per consignment through freigh...

NDLEA, Edo Govt sensitise Niger College students on drug abuse  Students of Niger College, Benin City, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, received a strong double warning against drug abuse as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Honourable Andrew Efe, took the anti-drug campaign directly to their school assembly. The outreach was held ahead of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked globally on 26th June, with this year’s UN theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses”. “Your brain is your phone’s processor – drugs are the virus,” Commander Ofoyeju said while delivering the main presentation titled "CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE: SAY NO TO DRUGS”. Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, engaged the students with direct questions on trending substances like Colos/Colorado, Mkpuru Mmiri/Ice, codeine syrup, and Tr...

  NAHCO consolidates handling contracts with more airlines  .....Begins export of solar cells to US   Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc yesterday affirmed its dominance in the ground handling  industry following the  extension of its contract with Qatar Airways, Saudia Airlines and ASKY. To consolidate its place, the company also signed a fresh contract with new entrant into the Nigerian market - FlyGabon.   The  company said it has  commenced the export  of solar cells  to the United States of America. NAHCO in a statement  disclosed that BGE (Nigeria) Solar FZE has  since January 2026 be  using NAHCO its facilities in Lagos to move the solar cells to the United States.  The project, the statement added  initially moved through scheduled carriers, including Lufthansa (LH), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Turkish Airlines (TK), and DHL, with shipments ranging between 20, 30 and 50 tons per consignment through ...

   FAAN offers clarifications on airport cab operations  ...Reaffirms position on vehicle standards, operational charges  The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has responded to recent comments and concerns expressed by some members of the Association of Private Cab Operators regarding the Authority's directives on vehicle standards and operational tariffs at Nigerian airports. The authority according to a statement by its management said given its  commitment to delivering safe, secure, efficient, and world-class airport services, it  considers it necessary to provide clarification on the issues raised and to reassure the travelling public that every action being taken is aimed at enhancing passenger experience and maintaining acceptable service standards at  airports. FAAN said given that airports are the gateways to any nation and often provide the first and last impression of a country's image, it  has a responsibility not only to en...

 SAHCO reports N44.459b revenue for 2025 Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has announced a strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, reporting a revenue of N44.459,365 billion. The performance reflects significant growth driven by increased passenger and cargo handling activities, improved operational efficiency, and continued investments in modern Ground Support Equipment (GSE), workforce development, and strategic infrastructure expansion at the 16th edition of the company’s Annual General Meeting. L-R: Executive Director, Cargo Services and Operations, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna; Executive Director, Finance, Admin Services & Projects, SAHCO, Mr. Abiodun Adegbesan ; Managing Director/ CEO, SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin; Chairman, SAHCO and SIFAX Group, Dr. Barr. Taiwo Afolabi ; Company Secretary, SAHCO, Ms. Jesuyemisi Odeyemi; Executive Director, Business Development and IT, SAHCO, Mr Baba...

Air Peace ramps up preparations  for Brazil flights  .....Toronto, New York, China underway  West Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, has achieved another significant milestone in its transformation into a global carrier, following approval by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to operate scheduled international air services to and from the South American nation. The Brazilian approval comes as Air Peace accelerates its international expansion drive.  The airline has, since last year, applied to the Canadian and United States authorities for landing permits for scheduled operations into Toronto and New York, respectively while almost concluding plans to resume their operations into Jeddah  Saudi Arabia, and Guanzhou, in China.  The airline has equally concluded plans to do three weekly flights into Manchester in the United Kingdom while further extending its reach across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and South A...

 ‎Naming two of our aircraft after Achebe, Obi of Onitsha is tribute to Nigeria’s heritage -Okonkwo, UNA chairman  ‎...Says 4 more expected in months  ‎ ‎ ‎The executive chairman of United Nigeria  Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has said the two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft named in honour of the late literature icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, is a celebration of Nigeria's rich culture and heritage. ‎Speaking in Lagos on Thursday during the unveiling, he said both aircraft carry the Achebe name for reasons close to the airline's own history. Describing the late  icon as a relative from his hometown of Ogidi, Okonkwo called him "one of the pioneers who first introduced Africa to the wider world through literature" and asked the audience to observe a moment of silence in his honour.  ‎ ‎On the Obi of Onitsha who was present at the ceremony, Okonkwo said the royal father carries the wisdom of a traditi...

  Why Fed Govt is supporting indigenous airlines, by Keyamo  .......United Nigeria Airlines boss canvasses reduction in aviation charges   Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,  Mr Festus Keyamo yesterday gave reasons why the Federal Government is supporting indigenous carriers saying the intentional policies pursued by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is for the growth and sustainability of the aviation value chain. Keyamo said the Tinubu administration since  inception continues  to consolidate its strategies to firm up policies through engagement with indigenous airlines, the industry's regulators,  international partners , such as aircraft manufacturers , lessors and others to rally support for Nigerian airlines. Speaking at the unveiling of named after the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.  Keyamo said the government will not renege in its intervention to provide sovereign...

  ValueJet aircraft engineers participates in Boeing advanced  technical programme  Safety in the aviation industry received a boost on Wednesday as ValueJet Airlines commenced participation in Boeing's Advanced Technical Training Programme for Nigerian airline engineers. The Boeing training programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen technical capacity within Nigeria's aviation sector and support the long-term sustainability of airline operations through world-class engineering expertise. The training according to the carrier is a reaffirmation of  its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and human capital development  for aircraft maintenance engineers.  The programme , which kicked off officially in Lagos  June 16, 2026 xx is providing intensive training for ValueJet engineers on the Boeing 737 Next-Generation (737NG) aircraft.  Scheduled to run until July 29, 2026, it  is being conducted by Boeing as part of its ongoing...

 *Miss Edo 2026 Pledges Joint War on Drug Abuse*  'Make Your Crown A Voice for Drug Abuse Prevention', NDLEA Tells Beauty Queen. The State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD, on Wednesday received the newly crowned Miss Edo 2026, Bossey Vivian, at the command headquarters in Benin City as she seeks collaboration for her advocacy campaign against drug abuse. The courtesy visit, according to Commander Mitchell, is aimed at leveraging Miss Edo’s platform and statewide goodwill to intensify drug prevention education among youths, students, and communities across the 18 LGAs of Edo State. Welcoming the beauty queen and her entourage, Dr. Ofoyeju congratulated her on her emergence and described her reign as a strategic opportunity to win the war against substance abuse from the grassroots. “Make your crown a voice for drug abuse prevention. We have seized and destroyed tonnes of drugs, but enforcement alone cannot solve ...

 United Nigeria Airlines now live on Amadeus GDS, global  flight booking access One of Nigeria's leading airlines, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), has officially gone live on the Amadeus Global Distribution System (GDS), a move the airline says marks a major milestone in its commercial and distribution strategy. The integration means travel agents, corporate clients, and travel management companies around the world can now search, book, and manage United Nigeria Airlines flights directly through the Amadeus platform, instantly boosting the carrier's visibility and accessibility across the global travel marketplace. Speaking on the launch, United Nigeria Airlines' Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, described the Amadeus integration as a major leap forward for the airline's distribution capabilities. "Our integration with Amadeus represents a major leap forward in our commitment to providing convenient and efficient access to our services. It opens up United N...

  Air Peace expands African footprint with services to Doula, Libreville, Bamako  Air Peace, West Africa's leading airline and Nigeria's foremost carrier, is pleased to announce the launch of new scheduled flight services connecting Lagos with Douala (Cameroon), Libreville (Gabon), Bamako (Mali), and Conakry (Guinea), effective 1 August 2026. The introduction of these new destinations represents another major milestone in the airline's ambitious network expansion strategy and further strengthens its commitment to improving connectivity across Africa while promoting trade, tourism, investment, cultural exchange, and economic integration among African nations. The new routes will be operated as follows: LAGOS – DOUALA – LIBREVILLE – DOUALA – LAGOS Operating Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday Route Lagos – Douala:   08:00 - 09:30 Douala – Libreville:   10:10 -11:30 Libreville – Douala:  12:10- 13:30 Douala – Lagos:  14:10 - 15:40 LAGOS – BAMA...

  Air Peace boosts domestic connectivity, frequencies for Summer/Winter 2026 Air Peace, Nigeria's leading airline and the largest carrier in West and Central Africa, has announced a significant expansion of its domestic operations for the Summer 2026 season, introducing additional frequencies, enhanced connectivity, and increased seat capacity across key routes within Nigeria. The schedule enhancement, effective June 22, 2026, reflects the airline's commitment to meeting growing travel demand while providing customers with greater flexibility, more convenient departure times, and seamless travel options across its domestic network. Under the revised summer schedule, passengers will benefit from increased frequencies on several high-demand routes, including: Lagos – Abuja: Up to 7 daily flights Lagos – Owerri: Up to 4 daily flights Lagos – Asaba: Up to 3 daily flights Lagos – Benin: Up to 2 daily flights Lagos – Warri: Up to 2 daily flights Lagos – Enugu: Up to 2 daily flights A...

 Guinea-Bissau signs MoU with United Nigeria Airlines to launch national carrier One of Nigeria's leading Commercial Airline operators, United Nigeria Airlines, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to establish a national airline for the African country named AIR BISSAU.  The agreement, signed  at the capital Bissau, marks the beginning of what both parties have described as a pivotal partnership that would improve Guinea-Bissau's connectivity with the rest of the continent and the world. The MoU was signed on behalf of the Government of Guinea-Bissau by Dr. Florentino Mendes Pereira, Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, and on behalf of United Nigeria Airlines by Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the Executive Chairman of the airline.  Guinea-Bissau, a West African country, has for decades, relied on regional carriers and charter services to link its citizens and businesses to other countries but...

UNITED NIGERIA AIRLINES WELCOMES NEW BOEING 737-800 ...... HONOURS OBI OF ONITSHA ,CHINUA  ACHEBE IN HISTORIC UNVEILING United Nigeria Airlines continues its strategic expansion with the arrival of its newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, bearing registration numbers 5N-CFC and 5N-CFB. The aircraft are named in honour of two disting isuished figures: His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Obi of Onitsha), a revered traditional ruler and custodian of cultural heritage, and the late Professor Chinua Achebe, Africa’s literary giant whose works reshaped global narratives. The dual dedication positions them as flying symbols of legacy, culture, and national pride.  This milestone strengthens United Nigeria Airlines growing fleet and reinforces its position within Nigeria and Africa's evolving aviation landscape. Beyond a routine delivery, the aircraft brings capacity, enhanced comfort, and improved reliability, meeting rising demand for a more seamless and premium travel exp...

 Air Peace ,Fed Govt  deliver hope  .....Evacuates 262 Nigerians from South Africa  Continuing the enduring legacy of nationalism and corporate citizenship, Air Peace Limited, West and Central Africa's largest airline, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, on Thursday, 11 June, 2026 successfully evacuated and repatriated 262 Nigerians from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country. The special evacuation flight, operated by Air Peace from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, was conducted with the airline's luxurious Boeing 777 aircraft, bearing with mark 5N-BVE.  The flight touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 10:25 a.m. and subsequently docked at the FAAN Cargo Terminal, where scenes of relief, gratitude and emotion unfolded as the returnees stepped onto Nigerian soil. The arrival was witnessed by several dignitaries, in...

 16 United Nigeria Airlines, ValueJet engineers to commence Boeing 737NG training June 16 Boeing has commenced its first tranche of advanced technical training program in Lagos for Nigerian airline engineers as part of its continued commitment to strengthen aviation safety, operational readiness and workforce development across Africa.  The training, taking place from June 16 to July 29, will instruct 16 engineers from Nigerian carriers, United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet. Upon completion, the trainees will receive EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) theoretical training certificates.  A second tranche of training will take place later this year.   The program stems from a 2024 memorandum of understanding between Boeing and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to advance the country’s aviation sector through technical collaboration and capacity building.  The curriculum provides participants with a detailed understandi...