Hike in Airfares: Reps seek reduction of 50% in airport charges and auxiliary taxes

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation has been asked to intervene in the exorbitant cost of domestic air tickets by effecting a fifty percent reduction in airport charges and auxiliary taxes.

The House of Representatives which passed the resolution at Thursday's plenary is hoping that this will translate to a significant reduction in airfares to enable Nigerians take advantage of air travel during the Yuletide.

Adopting a motion by Representative Obinna Aguocha, the House called for a transparent assessment mechanism by the Ministry of Aviation to determine the actual operational costs for airlines during the Yuletide.

The House also drew attention to the plight of retirees and contributors under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Pension Fund Limited, who are facing delayed payment of their pension and gratuities, while calling for action.

The government has absolutely no power to fix prices for private enterprises, including the aviation industry.”

~ Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation says

Government cannot regulate airfare prices for private enterprises,” Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo says as domestic airfares climb to ₦1 million

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, has stated that the government has no authority to fix prices for private enterprises, including the aviation sector. Speaking on Arise TV, Keyamo said, “The government has absolutely no power to fix prices for private enterprises, including the aviation industry.”

He explained that the recent hike in airfare ticket prices is beyond government control because the aviation industry has been fully deregulated. Keyamo emphasized that with deregulation, airlines now independently set their fares, and the government cannot interfere in pricing decisions.

He urged the public to understand that ticket costs are determined by market forces and operational considerations within the aviation industry. In conclusion, the Minister reiterated that while the government can support the sector through policies and infrastructure, it has no mandate to control ticket prices, leaving fare adjustments at the discretion of airline operators.

Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport Begins Operations as United Nigeria Airlines Launches First Direct Flight

Ekiti State has commenced commercial operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport following a N49.7 billion investment by successive administrations. United Nigeria Airlines operated the inaugural direct flight from Abuja, carrying dignitaries and marking the beginning of passenger services. Governor Biodun Oyebanji revealed that N14 billion was spent between 2019 and 2022, while his administration invested an additional N34 billion to complete crucial infrastructure, including the terminal, control tower, drainage systems, and Instrument Landing System.
The governor praised the contributions of former governors and Aare Afe Babalola, who donated $1.6 million worth of navigational equipment. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo described the milestone as a boost for regional trade and job creation. In a related development, Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport is also preparing to receive its first commercial flight after securing regulatory approval.

The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive upgrade of navigational and communication systems across airports nationwide, aimed at strengthening air safety, modernising infrastructure, and improving the passenger experience.

~ Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity

West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026.

The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel.

For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries.

The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter.

The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty.

To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market.

The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

The U.S. has agreed to fast track Nigeria’s pending arms requests. Hopefully, this means the NAF will receive its 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters earlier than the projected 2028 delivery date, which is an excessively long wait, as well as the Nigerian Army’s Aviation Corps 12 MD-530F Cayuse Warrior Plus scout/attack helicopters. Both acquisitions are worth nearly $2 billion.

Senate summons aviation minister over surge in domestic airfares

The Senate has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and key stakeholders in the sector for an urgent interaction following public outcry over the sudden rise in domestic airfares.

The resolution came during plenary today December 9 after Buhari Abdulfatai raised a motion on the floor of the Senate, warning that the soaring prices pose a serious threat to mobility and could trigger nationwide travel disruption in the coming days.

Leading the debate, Senator Buhari from Oyo state noted that Nigerians have continuously decried the rise in cost of domestic flights.

He revealed that a one-way ticket from Abuja to Lagos now costs between N400,000 and N600,000, an amount many citizens can no longer afford.

The lawmaker argued that the situation is especially distressing given the increasing difficulty and insecurity on major highways.

“We need to invite stakeholders of our airline agencies to interact and interrogate the issues. Immediate steps must be taken before the festive period,” he said

Other senators echoed similar concerns.

Senator Orji Kalu however attempted to justify the airlines’ fare increases by pointing to rising operational costs and the soaring price of spare parts, an explanation that was met with rousing disapproval from several lawmakers.

The lawmakers unanimously agreed to summon the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, airline operators, regulators and other industry stakeholders to given reasons for the increase in fares and how it can be reduced.

BREAKING NEWS: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to clarify reports regarding the diversion of a NAF C-130 aircraft during its ferry mission to Portugal on 8 December 2025. Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols. NAF crew is safe and have received cordial treatment from the host authorities.

Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force

Burkina Faso Detains 11 Nigerian Officers, Impounds Air Force Aircraft Over Unauthorized Entry

Burkina Faso’s military government has confirmed the detention of 11 Nigerian military personnel and the seizure of a Nigerian Air Force cargo aircraft after it entered the country’s airspace without approval and made an emergency landing.

In a statement issued late Monday, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) said the C-130 aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force was forced to land on December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso due to an in-flight emergency while flying over Burkinabe territory without clearance. The AES comprises Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, all currently under military rule. Authorities disclosed that the aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were later identified as Nigerian military officers.

The 11 individuals are presently being held by Burkinabe authorities. The regional bloc strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of its airspace and national sovereignty. An investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unauthorized entry. In response, the AES announced that the armed forces of its three member states have been placed on maximum alert.

The bloc further stated that air defense and anti-aircraft systems across the confederation have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates its airspace. The alliance described the incident as an unfriendly act carried out in breach of international aviation laws and warned that strict measures are now in place to safeguard its territorial integrity and civilian population.

Uganda Airlines Launches Cheaper Nigeria Flights to Compete With Air Peace, Arik and Others

Uganda Airlines has officially commenced flight operations in Nigeria, beginning with Lagos and expanding to Abuja and Kano, promising cheaper fares and faster connectivity between West and East Africa. The airline’s inaugural flight landed at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport two decades after Nigeria and Uganda signed their BASA agreement.

With three weekly flights now approved, the Ugandan carrier reduces travel time between both countries from 10 hours to just three and a half. Aviation stakeholders say the entry of Uganda Airlines will boost competition, lower ticket prices, and provide easier connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation also confirmed new route approvals as the country continues attracting more foreign airlines despite industry challenges.

Air Peace CEO Warns New 2026 Tax Law Will Cripple Nigerian Airline

Air Peace Chairman and AON leader, Allen Onyema, has warned that the proposed tax law scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, will devastate Nigeria’s aviation industry if implemented. Speaking at the 100 years of Aviation celebration in Abuja, Onyema said the sector—already struggling—would “crumble” under the new tax regime and urged the National Assembly and President Tinubu to intervene.
He praised the current administration’s support for the aviation sector but stressed that multiple taxes remain a major burden on airlines. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also honoured industry veterans at the event, acknowledging past contributions and pledging continued reforms.

FAAN Accused of Systemic Discrimination as 2016/2017 Aviation Officers Protest Reversed Seniority, Stagnation

Hundreds of Nigerian Aviation Security and Firefighting officers recruited in 2016/2017 have accused the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) of systemic discrimination, certificate suppression, reversed seniority, and abuse of office. In a petition to the Aviation Union, the officers allege that while their higher qualifications were ignored for nearly eight years, junior officers recruited between 2019 and 2023 were upgraded, backdated, and placed above them in rank and salary. They also cite harassment, intimidation, and unprofessional HR practices, demanding a full review, restoration of seniority, backdated promotions, and an independent investigation.

Nigeria’s Presidential Jet Quietly Delisted From US Broker’s Website, Government Silent on Status

Nigeria’s Boeing 737-700 Business Jet, previously listed for sale by US aviation brokerage JetHQ, has been removed from the company’s website, raising fresh questions about the fate of the presidential aircraft. JetHQ confirmed the delisting but directed inquiries to the Nigerian government, which has yet to provide clarification. The jet was initially put up for sale in July 2025 under President Bola Tinubu’s cost-cutting plan, but months later remained unsold. The aircraft, purchased in 2005 for $43 million and valued today at around $56 million depending on configuration, underwent major refurbishment in 2024. With no official explanation following the removal, the jet’s status remains uncertain, fueling speculation over the government’s next steps.


#Nigeriapresidentialjet

#Boeing_737-700_BBJ

#JetHQlisting

PBAT's Aviation Masterstroke: The MRO Deal That Puts Nigeria on the Global Map

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has just pulled off one of the most transformative moves in Nigeria’s aviation history, a strategic partnership with global aerospace giant Boeing and the UK’s prestigious Cranfield University to establish a world-class Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) hub right here in Nigeria.

This is not just another government announcement. It’s a structural shift that changes how the world views Nigeria’s aviation capacity.

1. Billions Saved, Billions Earned

Right now, Nigerian airlines spend billions of naira every year flying their aircraft abroad for routine maintenance. With this facility in Nigeria, that money stays in the economy, and foreign airlines may even start coming to us for servicing.
This means massive savings, fresh revenue streams, and a stronger naira over time.

2. Thousands of High-Value Jobs

MROs are labour-intensive and highly technical. From aeronautical engineers to technicians and software specialists to safety experts, this hub will create thousands of well-paid, specialised jobs for Nigerians. President Tinubu isn’t just creating jobs; he’s creating global-standard careers.

3. Skills That Match Global Standards

Partnering with Cranfield University, one of the world’s leading aviation and aerospace institutions, means Nigerian professionals will receive elite training. For the first time, Nigeria will train and export aviation talent at the level of Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

4. A Boost for Local Airlines

Air Peace, Ibom Air, Azman, Overland all Nigerian airlines will finally have affordable, quick-turnaround maintenance at home. This translates to cheaper operations, fewer grounded aircraft, better safety, and more flights for Nigerians.

5. Nigeria Becomes Africa’s Aviation Powerhouse

Only a few African countries have credible MRO facilities. With Boeing and Cranfield backing this project, Nigeria leapfrogs into continental leadership, attracting investment, partnerships, and global aviation traffic.

6. Proof of President Tinubu’s Economic Diplomacy Working

This partnership didn’t fall from the sky; it’s a direct result of Tinubu’s aggressive economic diplomacy, restoring investor confidence, strengthening international ties, and positioning Nigeria as a serious business destination again.

In simple terms:
This MRO project is a high-impact, high-value, globally recognised move that boosts jobs, strengthens airlines, saves foreign exchange, and establishes Nigeria as the aviation hub Africa has been waiting for, all under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s watch.

Tinubu Sends 32-Person Ambassadorial List to Senate — Omokri, Fani-Kayode, Ugwuanyi, Mahmood Yakubu Included

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the names of 32 diplomatic nominees to the Senate of Nigeria for confirmation, significantly expanding the country’s next batch of envoys. 

The list features a mix of high-profile former public servants and career diplomats. Among the most notable are:
• Reno Omokri — ex-presidential aide; 
• Femi Fani-Kayode — former aviation minister; 
• Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi — former Governor of Enugu State; 
• Mahmood Yakubu — immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); 

Others on the list include former governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Lagos State deputy-governor Femi Pedro, former first ladies and former lawmakers, along with a substantial number of career-diplomat nominees. 

In his letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu urged that the 15 career-ambassador and 17 non-career-ambassador nominees be “considered and confirmed expeditiously.” 

Once confirmed and posted, many of these ambassadors are expected to serve in strategically important countries — including China, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and various multilateral missions such as the United Nations and African Union. 
#Tinubu #NigeriaDiplomacy #AmbassadorNominees #Omokri #FaniKayode #MahmoodYakubu #Ugwuanyi

Nigeria’s Fuel Demand Hits 56.7 Million Litres Daily, Dangote Refinery Leads Local Supply

Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption surged to 56.74 million litres in October 2025, the highest in a year, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Of this, 27.6 million litres were imported, while local refineries, led by Dangote Refinery, supplied 17.08 million litres. The data highlights Nigeria’s continued reliance on petroleum products, with diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG also showing significant daily usage. NMDPRA noted that verified consumption data is crucial for energy sector transformation, import reduction, and economic stability.
emand #PMSConsumption #DangoteRefinery

Global Grounding of 6,000 Airbus Jets After Solar Radiation Fault Exposes Flight-Control Vulnerability


A newly discovered software flaw has forced the grounding of nearly 6,000 Airbus A320-family aircraft worldwide after investigators found that bursts of solar radiation can corrupt altitude-calculation systems in “fly-by-wire” controls. The issue surfaced after an October incident involving a sudden altitude loss on a U.S.–Mexico flight. While most affected planes can be fixed with a three-hour software patch, about 900 older jets require full computer replacements, causing extended disruptions. Regulators, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, have issued emergency directives as airlines worldwide face cancellations and delays while implementing the required fixes.


#AviationSafety #AirbusA320 #SolarRadiation

VDM, Mr Jollof in hot water as NCAA demands details of aircraft fight.

Social media sensation, Martins Otse aka Verydarkman, and comedian, Freedom Atsepoyi aka Mr Jollof, could be in hot water with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

This comes after a video of the two men exchanging blows during a flight went viral on Monday morning.

VDM and Jollof have been involved in a heated exchange on social media in the past after the critic dragged the comedian’s wife into their drama, alleging that she sleeps with Yahoo boys.

But following the physical altercation on the flight, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, has now taken to X to demand details of the incident.

Achimugu quoted one of the clips and wrote: “If you are kind enough to provide the name of the airline in whose aircraft this incident occurred, and the date, it would help investigations.”

VDM and Jollof could be hit with sanctions like fines and flight bans if found guilty.

Chidoka Slams Wike Over Verbal Clash With Soldier, Calls It “Grave Error in Judgment”

According to a report by Vanguard News on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has strongly criticised FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for verbally attacking a military officer during a confrontation in Gaduwa District, Abuja, describing the act as a serious lapse in judgment and a breach of protocol.

In a viral video making rounds online, Wike was seen engaging in a heated exchange with a uniformed officer, accusing him of illegally protecting a disputed plot of land allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff — even calling the officer a fool.

Reacting through a statement titled “Minister Wike: Power, Process, and the Rule of Law,” Chidoka said the minister’s outburst was disrespectful to the Nigerian state and undermined the authority of uniformed officers, who represent the President and national sovereignty.

“Every law enforcement officer embodies the authority of the Nigerian state. To insult one is to insult the nation itself,” Chidoka asserted.

He stressed that Wike’s direct involvement in the confrontation was a constitutional misstep, noting that in a democracy, power must be exercised through institutions, not through personal showdowns.

According to Chidoka, if the officers were acting outside their mandate, the proper step would have been a formal communication to the Minister of Defence, not public humiliation.

He further warned that public disputes between ministers and uniformed officers weaken discipline within the military and blur the lines of command and respect.

“A minister’s power lies in process, not in display,” Chidoka said, urging Wike to apologise for his language and uphold the dignity of his office.


Chidoka also faulted the DSS personnel attached to Wike for failing to de-escalate the tension, insisting their duty was to protect the minister — not to fuel the confrontation.

He concluded that the incident should serve as a lesson in restraint and governance, reminding public officials that true authority is exercised through due process, not personal confrontation.