If you’ve scrolled TikTok in the last six months, you’ve probably seen her without even realizing it. The girl with the flat stare and the slow head shake. The one who doesn’t argue back, doesn’t explain herself, just looks straight into the camera like she’s already moved on. That’s Pepperbody.

Her real name is Mirabel Ehi Akugbe. She’s 19, born in Ikotun, Lagos, and originally from Esan in Edo State. But to millions of TikTok users across Nigeria and beyond, she’s just “Pepperbody” — the face you use when life gets ridiculous and you have nothing left to say.

Her rise wasn’t overnight. Not really. In mid-2025, Mirabel started posting videos on TikTok like thousands of other Nigerian teens. Vlogs from her room. Quick dance snippets. Nothing that stood out. For months, the views trickled in. She kept posting anyway, in May, in June, in August. Her plan to become one of Nigeria’s most recognized TikTokers felt like it was on pause.

Then came October 10, 2025.

That day, she posted a simple video responding to a group of girls who had called her ugly because of her skin color. Some of the comments were harsh. Others were supportive. But what happened next wasn’t in her control. People started reposting it. They stitched it. They added their own captions. Bosses, exes, nosy relatives — suddenly, Pepperbody’s expression was the perfect reaction for every annoying situation you could think of.

Within 72 hours, the video had crossed 2.3 million views. It was on every FYP. It was on Instagram reels. It was on WhatsApp status.

“I didn’t expect it to blow up like that,” she said in a TikTok live last week, still sounding surprised. “I just posted it because it was how I felt at the moment.”

What’s striking isn’t just the numbers. It’s how she handled it. Most creators would have deleted the post or clapped back with a longer explanation. Pepperbody didn’t. She let the internet do what it does and kept creating. That quiet confidence is now her signature. Fans call it “chill but real.”

Since then, she’s leaned into the momentum. Her feed is now a mix of vlogs, Amapiano dance trends, and short skits that feel like they were filmed in 30 seconds but hit a nerve instantly. She’s also started livestreaming more, where her personality comes through even clearer — funny, grounded, and a little bit unbothered.

Her parents weren’t always on board. Like many Nigerian parents, they wanted her to focus on school and keep content creation as a side hobby. “They were worried, naturally,” she admits. “But now they see it’s actually working. They’re proud.”

Today, Pepperbody sits at over 100,000 followers and is being mentioned in the same breath as Jarvis, JoBlaq, and Crispal — names that have become familiar in Nigeria’s fast-growing TikTok creator circle. She’s also been recognized as one of four up-and-coming Nigerian TikTokers to watch in 2026.

The irony isn’t lost on her. The same thing people once mocked — her skin color, her look — is now what made her visible.

“I have to say, it was the perfect way to start off a career,” she says. “Because we were all kids. We didn’t feel like we were working. We were just being ourselves.”

And maybe that’s the reason it stuck. In a space crowded with filters and perfection, Pepperbody showed up as herself. No performance. No apology. Just her.

Now, catapulted into a new kind of spotlight, she’s not slowing down. She talks about acting, about performing in front of crowds, about building something that lasts longer than a viral moment. For now, though, she’s focused on the next video, the next trend, the next time someone decides to use her face to say what they can’t.

“Being on social media is one thing because I joke and meme all day,” she told her supporters in a recent post. “But when I stand here and tell you I’m so thankful, I really mean it. You’re a huge part of this. And I’m not going to cry. But I love you. Stay safe. And thanks, Mom.”

For a girl who started with almost no views, Pepperbody has proven one thing: sometimes, the moment you stop trying to be liked is the moment everyone starts watching.

Marking exactly one year since assuming office, the Vice-Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Prof. Flora Tobolayefa Oluwafemi, has unveiled a comprehensive one-year scorecard detailing a sweeping wave of academic, digital, and infrastructural transformations across the institution. Faced with lean funding, the university administration aggressively engaged critical stakeholders over the past twelve months to navigate major operational bottlenecks, successfully steering the institution toward global competitiveness in maritime education. According to the scorecard, a copy of which was detailed in the university document “VC New-One Year Scorecard”, the university has restored complete academic stability by strictly adhering to its approved calendar, eliminating lecture disruptions, and expanding its academic footprint through the successful National Universities Commission (NUC) resource verification of its new Faculty of Science and Postgraduate School.

A major highlight of Prof. Oluwafemi’s first year is the aggressive tackling of the university’s historical energy and technological deficits. Operating entirely off the national grid, NMU’s power availability was previously limited to just three hours per day, a crisis the administration resolved by overhauling the power unit and deploying solar interventions to double daily electricity to between six and eight hours. Technological capabilities received a similar boost with the installation of high-speed Starlink satellite internet at the administrative block, the launch of solar-powered CCTV cameras at the Warri jetty to monitor maritime traffic, and the creation of an official Institutional Repository to boost global research visibility. Furthermore, over 700 staff and students were trained on research productivity and artificial intelligence tools, backed by a new subscription to the premium EBSCOHOST database.
The scorecard also emphasizes a deep commitment to student welfare and campus logistics. NMU successfully renovated its student hostels upgrading plumbing, electrical systems, and finishing works while distributing 400 new mattresses and commissioning 500-seater lecture hall furniture. For operational logistics, the management oversaw the complete refurbishment of the official Vice-Chancellor and principal officers’ boats to ensure safe maritime transit, alongside a ₦10 million repair of the university bus. Student excellence was also on display globally, with nine graduates recently enlisted in the Chevron-Stoilic seafarers programme and another nine winning the prestigious NLNG-NSML Scholarship.

These rapid advancements were made possible through fortified partnerships with community leaders, corporate entities, and government bodies. The Tompolo Foundation stepped in to provide campus landscaping equipment and an additional Starlink internet system for the medical unit, while proactive management follow-ups in Abuja successfully secured the release and payment of long-delayed Earned Academic Allowances for university staff. Additionally, strategic alliances are being finalized with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, for specialized Certificate of Competency training, and high-level talks have been held with the EFCC to strengthen NMU’s petition regarding unremitted 5% Cabotage fees from NIMASA and the NPA. Looking forward, Prof. Oluwafemi expressed deep gratitude to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Mr. Abdullahi Bardi, noting that as the university breaks ground on newly secured TETFund projects for a state-of-the-art ICT and Conference Centre, sustained government backing remains vital to anchoring Nigeria’s blue economy.

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, enterprises are under increasing pressure to innovate, scale, and stay secure all while managing costs. With technology playing a central role in nearly every business function, the demand for robust and adaptable IT infrastructure has never been higher.

As a result, outsourcing IT has shifted from being a cost-cutting tactic to a strategic decision embraced by forward-thinking companies.

The Shift from Cost to Strategy

Historically, businesses turned to outsourced IT services to reduce overhead. However, the narrative has evolved. Today, enterprises recognize that partnering with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) gives them access to specialized talent, advanced tools, and scalable solutions that directly support growth, agility, and innovation.

Key Drivers Behind the Trend

Access to Specialized Expertise

Modern IT environments include everything from cloud architecture to cybersecurity and compliance. Outsourcing to providers like ensures access to a team of experts who stay current with rapidly changing technologies. This expertise is hard and costly to maintain in-house.

Scalability and Flexibility

������Ƶes fluctuate in size and complexity. Whether expanding to new markets or downsizing, outsourced IT allows for flexibility. Companies can scale services up or down without the challenges of hiring or restructuring internal teams.

Enhanced Cybersecurity

Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever. MSPs offer proactive monitoring, rapid incident response, and industry-specific compliance services. This minimizes risk while allowing in-house teams to focus on core business operations.

Cost Predictability

With fixed monthly pricing models, outsourced IT helps companies control budgets and avoid surprise expenses. It shifts IT from a capital expenditure (CapEx) to an operational expenditure (OpEx), making forecasting easier.

Faster Implementation of New Technologies

In-house teams may lack the experience or bandwidth to roll out new technologies quickly. bring implementation experience, reducing downtime and accelerating digital transformation.

Table: Comparing In-House vs. Outsourced ITReal-World Applications

Startups and SMEs

Smaller businesses benefit immensely from outsourced IT. With limited internal resources, they can tap into enterprise-grade services without massive investment. This levels the playing field against larger competitors.

Growing Enterprises

As companies expand, so do their IT needs. Outsourced providers can rapidly deploy infrastructure, configure networks, and maintain security across multiple locations something in-house teams may struggle to manage.

Compliance-Driven Sectors

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal require strict adherence to data protection regulations. Outsourcing ensures ongoing compliance with industry standards, reducing the risk of penalties.

A Strategic Partnership, Not Just a Vendor

The most successful IT outsourcing relationships go beyond simple service contracts. Providers act as strategic partners understanding a company’s goals, customizing IT solutions, and contributing to long-term growth. This alignment transforms IT from a support function into a driver of innovation.

Considerations Before Outsourcing

Outsourcing IT can offer significant advantages, but it requires careful planning.

• Define Your Goals: Understand what you need whether it’s cybersecurity, cloud management, or end-user support.

• Vet the Provider: Check credentials, client reviews, and service offerings.
• Discuss SLAs: Ensure expectations around uptime, support hours, and response times are clearly outlined.
• Prioritize Communication: Choose a provider with a clear escalation structure and regular reporting practices.

Final Thoughts

In the digital age, outsourcing IT is no longer just about reducing costs it’s about gaining a competitive edge. By leveraging expert support, modern tools, and strategic insights, businesses can adapt faster, scale smarter, and innovate with confidence.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, partnering with a reliable MSP like Network Tactics can position enterprises for sustained success in an increasingly digital world.

By Michael Kolawole

From the first note, “MALO” places itself somewhere between a whisper and a confession. It’s not a show-stopper in the conventional sense (with no percussion or overwhelming vocals), but rather a slow bloom of feeling, carried on the wings of Adedoyin Oseni’s saxophone. I say “wings” intentionally; at times, the sax takes flight. At other moments it hovers, nearly weightless, letting silence do part of the work for the message of love.

One of the most striking features of the track is its intimacy. The production is sparse yet warm, leaving enough space for the sax to speak. You sense his intent: to convey, not to overwhelm. In that space, even the softest inflexion or breath matters. When the sax melody curves upward, you hear almost a sigh; when it descends into a mellow moan, you feel the gravity of what remains unsaid.

In the official video (titled “MALO (Official Saxophone Video)” on YouTube, via Adedoyin Oseni’s channel), the visuals underscore that same sense of tenderness. The cinematography is unflashy but evocative: The first act is set in the woods and two lovers gently sway to Adedoyin Oseni’s whispers of love. The second act is set in the desert and the lovers continue their moment of happiness as Adedoyin continues to serenade them. The third act is at the beach, where the lovers smile as they hug and sway to soulful tunes or Adedoyin’s saxophone. These minimalist settings, with the lovers displaying their happiness, provide vivid imagery for Malo.

At key moments, the video lets the sax silhouette dominate the frame, reminding us that this is, at heart, an instrumental love letter. The union of sight and sound elevates the track: you’re not just hearing “MALO”, you’re seeing its pulse, the true essence of the music.

What I particularly admire is how Oseni balances structure and fluidity. The piece isn’t rigidly bound to verse–chorus conventions; its arc is more organic, like a conversation in motion. There are peaks, where the sax climbs into brighter registers, flirtatious and bold, and valleys, where it retreats into its lower register, murmur-soft, almost confessional. That exceptional tension keeps the listener present: one moment leaning forward, the next, leaning into quiet reflection.

And while the sax is the unmistakable focal point, the supporting elements deserve praise: gentle keyboards, subtle ambient pads, occasional soft percussive accents. They act like underbrush, you may not always notice them, but they give shape to the musical terrain. They cushion the sax’s journey, providing both contrast and resonance.

Lyrically: if “MALO” can be said to have lyrics, they’re implied. The sax acts as a voice. But the emotions are vivid: longing, devotion, a quiet strength, displayed by lovers whose hearts meld as one.

In interviews and promo notes, Oseni describes it as “a love story told through the sax”. That framing is apt: there’s yearning, offering, and a subtle surrender embedded in the phrasing.

That said, for some listeners used to more maximalist sounds, the track might feel too restrained. There are moments where one might wish for a vocal rendition, or for a sharper percussive push to uplift the melody. But I view that as a conscious choice: Oseni opts for space over force, for nuance over volume.

In terms of emotional arc, “MALO” is strongest not in its climactic apex but in its afterglow. After the big moments pass, you’re left in a quieter place, and that’s where the track lingers. In the final stretch, the sax drifts off in near whispers, and the backing instruments fade into silence, reminding you that the true resonance comes in what is left behind.

When placed in the larger scope of Adedoyin Oseni’s work (he’s known for gospel, worship, and sax-driven instrumentals), “MALO” feels like a gentle pivot, not away from his spiritual core, but toward a broader emotional palette. Here, he doesn’t preach or uplift in overt terms; instead, he invites us into an emotional space, letting us inhabit it.

“MALO” is Adedoyin Oseni’s conscious decision to restrain and subtlety. It is a work that rewards patience: you have to lean in, to let the notes breathe. But when you do, it offers a vivid emotional presence. It’s rare to hear a saxophone so intimately integrated with visual storytelling and emotional intent.

If there is one caveat, it’s that “MALO” demands quiet. It is best experienced through good speakers or headphones, in a calm moment. In a bustling setting or among competing distractions, its delicate contours might get lost. But in the right context, it can feel like a whisper in your ear, a secret love song in instrumental form.

A piece of elegant restraint, “MALO” may not shout, but it speaks — and then lingers.

Chinedu Eze

The Controller of Customs in charge of Hajj and Cargo Terminal, Controller M.T. Awe, has commissioned an Advanced Cargo Screening X-ray Machine at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc’s ultra-modern warehouse in a strategic move to enhance trade facilitation and strengthen cargo security at the airport.

SAHCOL explained that the commissioning of this state-of-the-art equipment is aimed at ensuring faster, more efficient, and secure screening of cargo, thereby boosting Nigeria’s drive for seamless trade operations at the terminal.

Speaking during the event, Controller Awe emphasized that the installation of the X-ray machine aligns with Customs’ mandate to simplify processes, promote transparency, and facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding national security.

SAHCOL said the new equipment is expected to significantly reduce processing time, strengthen operational efficiency, and enhance stakeholders’ confidence in Nigeria’s cargo handling system.
��

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Chief of Staff at the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) and the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Responsible Mineral Sourcing Initiative, Mr. Patrick Mulindwa has revealed that the group is partnering relevant agencies like United Arab Emirate to ensure that foreign mining investors go through formal procedures to operate in Africa.

The Chief of Staff made the disclosure during an interview with Newsmen after the 4th African Natural Resource and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) held in Abuja recently.

Mr. Mulindwa stated they are working on addressing and alleviating the concerns that investing in Africa is risky.

He outlined that the priority of the group is to eliminate illegal mining activities on the continent and to ensure that the local mining artisans have access to the global markets with products and pricing.

“We working cleansing the activities of illegal mining activities therefore inculcating genuine mining into the global markets.

“One thing we have as a group is that we are working through our members at a hand carrying gold framework and I know you are aware of the formalization of artisanal mining. It is actually getting them into cooperatives which Nigeria and other countries are doing but above all we wanted them to have access to the global markets.

” The global markets for gold is Dubai and other countries that offtake these products from them so the hand carrying framework we are working on is in partnership with the United Arab Emirate (UAE)and we will like to have formal routes of gold trade into Dubai. Formal routes means that an artisanal miner staying in Nasarawa, Nigeria or anywhere in Africa but can get the prices of gold as it is on the global markets and that is not easy if you’re not working in formalizing these procedure.

“You have heard of some investors who lose money trying to trade in Africa it’s because they’re not formalized. So one of the discussions at this year AFNIS is the formalization of artisans mining that will help them as group to access better market.

According to him the mining sector might not necessarily employ everybody directly but it has the capacity to bring inflow of industrialization and factories.

“We are discussing around empowering young people with industrial skills but also thinking of the evidence from the industries that will come out from there. For instance, with lithium in Nigeria we are likely to get a battery manufacturing factory.

“What you need is to prepare young people with skills that can help them work effectively in a battery manufacturing factory. We want to approach skilling through an initiative called “The TVET 4 Africa Youth, Skills & Industry initiative” which looks at providing a layer of apprenticeship within the existing vacational skills system for certain number of period.

While assessing the journey of AMSG he stressed that a lot of actionable discussions have been on for smooth implementation.

” Yesterday, we visited a lithium plant in Nasarawa state and I want to think that that is an action that came out of a conversation that was held here at AfNIS last year.

Mr. Mulindwa commended the media for their reportage while appealing to various governments to do more of advocacy and sensitization campaigns to draw more investment into the mining sector.

He said ” today Nigeria has the biggest lithium plant in Africa but how many people are aware of it. These will provide jobs opportunities and there are different kinds of batteries including vehicles, cameras, handsets among others.”

Speaking on hitches affecting the mining sector he stressed that accessing capital to grow new industry has become a setback therefore all hands must be on deck to chart a course in the future.

Chinedu Eze

The Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has posted its strong financial performance yet with N28.9 billion as revenue in the 2024 financial year.

The company said it has concluded plans to acquire additional Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to improve and extend its operations to its growing clientele.

These were contained in the 2024 Financial Year Report presented by the board and management of SAHCO at its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held virtually at the weekend.

The report indicated that the N28.9 billion revenue was 74.8 per cent growth when compared to the 2023 financial year period with 16.5 billion. The performance was also 260.3 per cent increase when compared to the 2022 financial performance, which stood at N11.1 billion.

In the 2024 financial year period, SAHCO also had a total gross profit of N16.3 billion when compared to the 2023 period, which was N8.1 billion and besides, the report revealed that SAHCO earned N6.4 billion as operating profit before income tax expenses.

Speaking at the AGM, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the Chairman of SAHCO, noted that the global economy in 2024 experienced modest growth with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimating a global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 3.2 per cent.

Afolabi, however, said that this was driven by the gradual easing of supply chain disruptions and a rebound in consumer demand across major economies and he also said that Nigeria remained one of Africa’s largest aviation markets with rising passenger demand and expanding international routes; but, regretted that operational costs, infrastructure gaps and forex constraints posed major challenges to operators in the Nigerian aviation industry.

Also, the Managing Director, SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, in her speech said that the company had made significant investments in new GSE in the past financial year.

According to her, these acquisitions are crucial to accommodating the increasing operational demands and ensuring that its services remained safe, efficient and environmentally friendly in 2024. She said that the GSE acquired within the period to include towed passenger steps, belt loaders, pallet dollies, forklifts and cargo tractors, among others. 

She added: “As we look ahead to 2025, we remain optimistic about the opportunities that lie before us. Our financial projections for the coming year are built on key assumptions that include an expected increase in the domestic handling rate and a pipeline of new business prospects that we anticipate will further drive our growth.”

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria major carrier, Air Peace Limited has increased its operational capacity with the addition to its fleet first Embraer 190 aircraft.

The aircraft with registration mark, 5N-CEF, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 19:38 on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Speaking with newsmen, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, the airline’s spokesperson, disclosed that the newly acquired aircraft is a 118-seater and the first of its type in the carrier’s growing fleet portfolio.

He revealed that another unit is expected to arrive next month, further reinforcing the airline’s strategic expansion plan to bolster both domestic and regional operations.

“This aircraft type brings a new dimension to our service offerings. It is designed for efficiency, eco-friendly installations, and passenger comfort, such as a 2-2 seating layout, quiet and spacious cabin, making it the ideal fit for many of our routes. It enables us to connect more cities seamlessly and serve underserved destinations with the right capacity,” Efe stated.

He reiterated the airline’s commitment to easing the burden of air travel in Nigeria by continually investing in the right aircraft for its expansive network.

With a fleet of over 30 aircraft, Air Peace has remained at the forefront of West Africa’s aviation space. Since May 12, 2025, the airline said it recorded an average on-time performance of 85 percent across its domestic network, a testament to its operational reliability and service delivery promise and expressed determination to improve its on-time performance to over 95 per cent, an objective that would be enhance by the additional aircraft in its fleet.

Air Peace also said it is optimistic about its growth trajectory, as the airline plans to open new domestic routes, expand regional reach, launch more international destinations, and continue strategic fleet acquisition to meet growing passenger demand.

Chinedu Eze

Although the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has significantly improved the processes of obtaining e-visa and passport renewal in order to encourage investors and others travelling to Nigeria, complaints persist over the difficulties encountered in the processes, a development that is giving intending travellers a serious concern.

For instance, the applicants said it takes too long before the website for e-visa and passport renewal to open, a development travel agents alleged was purposely done to make it absolutely necessary for applicants or their facilitators to require the help of Immigration officials.

Also, there are complaints that despite the digitisation of the passport process by NIS, Nigerians in the Diaspora still face delays and uncertainty in renewing their passports.

A comparison about easy accessibility on Nigeria’s e-visa websites, (evisa.immigration.gov.ng), Kenya’s (kenyaimmigration.org) and Ethiopia (ethiopiaimmigration.org) showed that Ethiopia and Kenyan websites are easier to access than that of Nigeria. 

Response time is quicker in the Kenya and Ethiopia e-visa sites than that of Nigeria, using the same internet wifi access (Fiber One).Also, it was observed that the Nigerian site is loaded with relatively more questions, which makes the process cumbersome and takes longer time to make application. 

������Ƶ spoke to travel consultants and agents who stated the challenges their clients face in using the new e-visa process, which replaced the visa on arrival process, criticised for sundry delays and vulnerability to abuse.

One of the consultants told ������Ƶ that the payment system on the e-visa process has improved compared to visa on arrival, “but the questions are too many,” remarking that if the process is to make it easier for investors and others who want to come to Nigeria, it should be tailored to make it easy for them. 

“I can confirm that the payment system has improved but other protocols have not. For example, there are too many questions. This makes it difficult. I know they harp on security but bandits will not come to your country by air. It will be very easy to identify them; they will come by road and the boundaries are still very porous. So, this should be made as easy as possible,” he said. 

However, a major travel operator and Managing Director of Travel Lab Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Shalom Asuquo, told ������Ƶ that the system is efficient but clumsy, noting that the site should be a ‘one-stop shop’ that would not require opening other sites.

According to her, “It will be ideal if you go to a website and you click on one and solve all your problems. You therefore need not go to currency declaration, citizenship etc.” 

“It is expected that when the applicant puts his country the system will automatically categorise him. If you put US passport, for example, you will automatically be categorised, this will make the process less clumsy,” she further said.

Another travel agent narrated his client’s experience, saying that the site usually locks up and alleged that the lock up is on purpose; to encourage physical interface with Immigration officials. 

“The site locks up, making it inevitable to contact Immigration officials and when you do, you will be charged for ‘service’, which is not small money. Ordinarily the e-visa site is programmed in such a way that you can stay anywhere and open it and fill the applications and finish your transactions without interacting with anyone. But what I have experienced so far is that when the site locks up, you will be forced to look for a helper in Immigration who will now bill you to make things work. To me, they are creating business. They put hiccups on the way in order to create physical interface,” he alleged. 

However, this allegation was dismissed by the Spokesman of Nigeria Immigration Service, AkinsolaAkinlabi, who told ������Ƶ that one of the key advantages of e-visa is that the processing time is fast, “decision/response time is 48 hours or less. Then applicant is able to track the progress of the application via the application portal.” 

“In addition, applicants do not need to visit embassy/consulate to apply, as they can do this from the comfort of their homes/offices. It is also secured with advanced security features/protocols that guides against counterfeiting,” he explained. 

To put an end to passport renewal delays, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), last year, introduced contactless renewal process.

During the inauguration, Minister of Interior, OlubunmiTunji-Ojo, explained that this was to put to an end the complaints of Nigerians abroad, who said that hitherto, the process was filled with bottlenecks, bureaucracy, unnecessary difficulties, long queues, long waiting time and corruption. 

He said, “Sometimes, you have to travel for six hours by flight, you have to cancel a day’s job, and some students have to cancel school for a day just because you need a passport.

“If you look at a place like the UK, for instance, on the queue in London, we have arguably, over 16,000 applicants and the maximum we can take in a day is about 200/300, so how long will it take us to attend to 16,000 people?

“It surprises me when a top person in government calls you, and they say, please, I need a favour. I have someone in need of a passport. That shouldn’t be. So, we just thought that we should be able to create what we call a VAS, Value Added Service.”

But feedbacks from Nigerians abroad indicate that the problem of delays in passport renewal has not been solved despite the modernisation of the process.

“It is still very difficult. You will be given two months before you get the passport after you have been captured. My son living in Canada did capture in May and was asked to expect it on July 15, 2025.  There are a lot of such cases like that. You know Canada is very large, almost like African continent. You will have to travel for long distance to do capture and you will be asked to wait for two months. You know what that entails,” a retired senior servant told ������Ƶ.

A similar experience happened in the United States, where a young Nigerian woman applied for passport renewal in March 2025, but by June 18th she was yet to get it. Her father told ������Ƶ that she wanted to relocate from Miami to New York, but was waiting for the passport which she used her old residential address to apply for.

According to her father, “Now that she wanted to relocate, she has to retain her old home by renewing the rent and also paid for another place in New York where she would relocate to. This is because she did not want to miss it when they would bring the passport to her old residence.”

However, he admitted that US has many options because there are Nigerian passport offices in many cities, including Atlanta, Washington, New York, Los Angeles, “but you know US, anywhere you are staying may be very far to any of these passport offices. So, it will still take you time.”

Chinedu Eze

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has endorsed a client-based solution unveiled by a consortium to resolve challenges associated with travel, in particular re- protection for passengers triggered by operational, weather related and other infractions.

The new solution: “Propel Reprotection System,” is a unique tech – powered platform designed to help Nigerian carriers reprotect passengers when flights disruptions occur.

According to the promoters, Propel Reprotection, happens easily and airlines can make passengers’ transfer to available flights of other partner airlines during crucial period, ensuring no revenue loss as well as elevated passenger satisfaction.

NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Ona Najomo said the new solution, which will boost efficiency in air travel is a product of powerful collaboration between three industry leaders to ensure seamless coordination, funding and operational reliability.

The three industry leaders: Aviation Assist Hub, an aviation operations and support logistics firm, Aviation Technology Solutions (Avitech) – the tech engine powering the Propel platform and Leadway Assurance, financial protection and funding partner designed the platform as the bright future of aviation in Nigeria.

Represented by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Micheal Achimugu he said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are on the threshold of history of what we are able to achieve for which we are gathered here for. It is not a day for flowery words. The Honourable Minister wants flight disruptions reduced to the barest minimum. In this industry, the passenger is the reason every other stakeholder exists. They are entitled, therefore, to better services and in accordance with global best standards.”

Speaking, the Managing Director of Aero Assist Hub, Managing Director of Aero Assist Hub, Mr. Olumide Ojutalayo said the consortium has worked hard d to drive the solution.

He said:” We are a consortium with three organisations. We have Avitech Technology Solutions, experts and industry leaders in aviation sector. We have Leadway Assurance. We basically crafted this solution, working with these two organisations. The idea is to put a final solution to this whole chaotic problem of flight disruption in Nigeria. We are not just coming with an idea; we are also coming with finance.”

Also speaking, Head, Legal Unit of Aero Assist Hub, Funke Junaid said: “It is something that comes as a solution to what has been happening in the industry, regarding delays and cancellations. From a legal perspective concerning the customers rights, for example, because it’s all about the customer basically, what we are doing here, the customers will be deriving their rights from the airlines; because it is actually the airlines and PROPEL, the consortium, that will be entering into a contractual partnership.’

Also speaking, representative of Leadway Assurance, Diana Mulili said the government introduction of the Propel platform will revolutionise air travel in Nigeria.

She said: “This is how we are looking at it. When we approached this problem, we realized that it was a growing problem across the industry, and we needed to create a product that would work to solve the local problem. So, none of our other existing products, travel products, are going to solve for this.

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s Air Peace, has drawn a brand-new arc across the Atlantic with the deployment of a Boeing 777 aircraft, which lifted off from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and, ten unbroken hours later, touched down at Robert L Bradshaw International Airport in Basseterre on Thursday.

This marks the first-ever Nigerian dateline on St. Kitts & Nevis’s arrivals board.

The milestone service, arranged for a Pan-African business conference in the Eastern Caribbean, carried delegations from Nigeria, thereby underscoring the airline’s growing trajectory and strategic foray into the global market.

The St. Kitts & Nevis flight is the airline’s third foray into the Caribbean in five years. On 21 December 2020, the carrier operated an 11-hour flight from Lagos to Montego Bay, establishing the first nonstop link between Nigeria and Jamaica, and showcasing the long-range potential of Air Peace’s then-new triple-seven fleet

The flight relied on one of Air Peace’s two Boeing 777 aircraft, which also sustain the airline’s daily Lagos–London Gatwick schedule launched on 30 March 2024—another historic achievement for a private Nigerian carrier.

Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, has hinted that more long-haul aircraft are on the way. In April 2024, he told Arise TV that the airline is finalising acquisitions that will underpin the Abuja–London route, as well as planned services to Houston and New York.

With the St. Kitts success logged, there is a resounding theme from Air Peace: “Nigeria to the world—no stops, no limits.” The Abuja–St. Kitts flight is more than a one-off achievement; it is another proof-point in Air Peace’s steady bid to transform from a regional champion into a global contender, carried aloft on the wings of Africa’s most populous nation.

Chinedu Eze

The federal government has given the management of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria a marching order to make the college financially viable and independent.

Currently the College gets its funding from government subvention, fees paid by students and a share of Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC), which the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) collects on behalf of all the agencies, except the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

������Ƶ learnt that the fees the school collects from students takes care of the student accommodation, feeding and others and for private pilot licence, the student pays about N23 million in the latest fee review which insiders say it is not enough and may be the lowest in Africa and beyond because other reputable schools like NCAT charge about $50, 000 to $80, 000 while the College charges equivalence of $20, 000.

������Ƶ also learnt that although government provides subvention and also funds the school’s project but the subvention and school fees could not sustain the school but for about 23 per cent share its gets from the TSC and CSC, which augments the other earnings.

The Rector of NCAT, Dr. Danjuma Ismaila, spoke recently about the mandate given to him to make the College financially autonomous.

“This is one of the challenges I am facing here. The mandate given me was to reposition the college in such a way to make it financially independent and boost its revenue and also to increase its impact not only to Nigeria but the whole of Africa. The College has the potential to serve all the training needs of the aviation industry and even attract participants from other African countries and other continents. The aviation industry is a global phenomenon and whatever you have here certified by the NCAA is equally the same thing with what you obtain in other parts of the world because you work based on ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards and recommended practices.

“The standard being certified by the NCAA is the same standard being certified by UK CAA. You can acquire your training or licensing in every part of the world. That means that we have opportunities to serve every part of the world. For instance, if training on ATPL (Air Transport Private Licence) certificate whether you obtain it here is the same thing elsewhere certified by the UK CAA. Our CAA is being certified by the NCAA which is equally ICAO certified. We have opportunity to have participants from all over the world. Some of the courses we run them in collaboration with ICAO.  We generate a lot of foreign exchange into the country. We have the potential to generate foreign exchange to the nation,” he said.

He said the flight simulator, which was installed some time ago, would soon start operations and it is hoped to attract more students and this means more money and more foreign exchange for the school and Nigeria.

“If by the time our flight simulators start operation, we are expecting more participation from Asian countries. Right now, both Nigerian pilots and Asian pilots are queuing in Dubai waiting for the period to go and attend the flight simulator training. We have it here and will soon start operating it here. By then, people will be queuing on our own side because it is scarce globally and this will fetch us a lot of foreign exchange,” the Rector said.

������Ƶ learnt that there is even an upsurge of students already which seem to stretch the existing accommodation but by the time the simulator becomes operational and more people realised that NCAT is a go-to place for aviation training, the upsurge will increase, especially from other African countries and other parts of the world.

“One of the challenges I am facing here is the issue of accommodation. I think previous management of the college did not give that the attention it required or they were not so aggressive in terms of looking for developing critical infrastructure. For me and the Minister of Aviation, we are working day and night to see how we can reposition this college. This is a simple challenge; it is not technical. It is just issue of accommodation, limiting us for our intake. The college has another programme. Right now, we are expecting some Egyptians. They are pleading with us to come and organize a programme for them on June 16. One of our instrument rating wanted to have a training on that. They are controllers from Egypt and wanted to learn. Some two months back, we trained some French speaking countries who wanted to learn aviation English only that we don’t have the right infrastructure that will attract them.

“When we put the right infrastructure, we can attract these foreigners because our own charges are affordable by most of these countries when you compare it with other parts of the world. When you go to US and other places, people are grappling to pay hotel bills because they are in dollars but when they come here, whatever they pay, they realize that this is very cheap even though many of our courses, we charge them in dollars,” the Rector further said.

On investment to improve facilities in the school, Ismaila said there were some infrastructure that were of critical need and would enhance the repositioning of the school. One of these is befitting accommodation.

He said currently, most of the accommodations available are in shambles or in bad shape.So, the school has to provide adequate accommodation by building new hostels, renovating and possibly expanding existing ones and upgrading them to a higher standard to meet international expectations.

“Another one is to have classrooms and also have facilities, especially technical facilities for the different type of courses. Many courses that are being required by aviation professionals globally and locally; we need all of these facilities in place. Some of these facilities also need to be continued to be upgraded. Even if you own the facility, it is not the end of it. We need to continue to upgrade the system, cultivating new developments and new areas and that is why we need a lot of investments. We need to make the facilities truly look international.

“Some of these buildings in the school are as old as 1960s. We need to upgrade them to look modern. A student has a choice especially the one that is used to international arena. When he comes here, he will respect us. We have to modernize our buildings so that it can give us international status. We are in the position of upgrading our classrooms to international standard. We are upgrading our facilities, equipment to accommodate more. Students are complaining bitterly that we cannot satisfy their training needs. We are working on that like the 3D simulator where we can take many people to be trained. Most of them require this training before they can be promoted to certain levels. We are going to have additional participation and when you have additional participation, you will have revenue,” he said.

On the stimulator that will start operation soon, the rector said there were different types of simulators, promising that the school would acquire stimulators for all the popular aircraft types that fly in Nigeria.

“We know that it is not going to be easy. No country tells you that they have all aircraft simulator. Emirates is there, they have selected the ones they want. It is business. You just don’t tie your capital on aircraft that are not popular for use. We are going to select the ones that are very popular in the country that you know that is in high demand and that someone has Dash 8 and you go and bring Dash 8 and at the end of the day, after a month that you did not see anybody patronizing it, that is a waste of resources or tying down your capital,” he added.

All the efforts are geared toward meeting the mandate given to the Rector to generate revenue that will sustain the school, and he is determined to actualise the mandate.

Chinedu Eze

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has urged aviation industry stakeholders to take it as responsibility to make Nigeria youths embrace aviation and develop their career in the sector.

He said this would ensure a sustained supply of skilled manpower into Nigeria’s aviation sector to address the critical challenges of an aging workforce and potential knowledge gaps.

Keyamo was represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Obiageli Orah, during the Grand Finale of the 14th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC, 2025) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar held recently in Lagos.

He emphasised the global regulatory nature of the aviation sector, underscoring the necessity for stakeholders to implement measures that continuously attract high-quality human resources. 

“Programmes such as this are avenues through which we can breed, nurture, and harvest such human resources,” he stated, commending Travel and ������Ƶ News for their significant contributions in this area.

NTEC Founder and National Coordinator, Mr. Ewos Iroro, revealed that the initiative, established in 2009, has successfully encouraged young Nigerians to consider careers in aviation, travel, and tourism while fostering greater awareness and support for air transport. 

He disclosed that NTEC has already produced numerous young talents now actively contributing to various areas in aviation, citing the recent achievement of a past winner, Miss Adeola Peace, who earned her Masters Degree as an Aeronautical Engineer.

Representative of the Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, Olubukola Teriba, who is the Regional Manager Lagos, praised the event’s theme for reflecting the shared concerns of young Nigerians aspiring to join the aviation, tourism, and transport industries. 

Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, echoed these sentiments through Mrs. Obiageli Orah, calling NTEC a crucial “breeding ground where many of our young ones have first encounter with the aviation world.” 

Chinedu Eze

Cross River State government has concluded plans to train about 100 of its indigenes as aviation professionals at the Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) ahead of its unveiling of additional aircraft to its airline, CallyAir.

The State Commissioner for Aviation, Capt. Imah Eno Utum disclosed this when he made a notable visit to Lagos Aviation Academy recently as the institution marked eight years of academic excellence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The Commissioner, who toured the facility and discussed workforce development challenges facing the industry indicated a strong interest in partnering with LAA for this initiative.

“Institutions like LAA are not just responding to the industry’s needs, they are shaping its future,” the Commissioner told journalists. “As we look to grow aviation across Nigeria, the importance of skilled talent and industry-aligned training like what LAA offers cannot be overstated,” the Commissioner said. 

“When we say we’re building professionals, we mean individuals equipped to meet global aviation standards,’’ explained Bolaji Durojaiye, Head of School at Lagos Aviation Academy.We’ve built a system that fuses technical expertise with real-world readiness. That’s how we stay relevant,” he added.

The Academy’s Lagos facility features smart classrooms and simulation tools, with curriculum designed to meet international benchmarks. This infrastructure supports LAA’s role in supplying certified professionals to various segments of Nigeria’s aviation value chain, from airlines and airports to tour operators and logistics providers.

As Nigeria’s aviation sector continues expanding, training institutions like LAA face increasing demand to produce qualified personnel capable of meeting both domestic needs and international standards. With more students from Nigeria and across West Africa seeking globally competitive aviation training, the academy’s eight-year track record positions it as both a beacon of excellence and a trusted launchpad for aviation careers across the region.

Chinedu Eze

In preparation to double its flights to Lagos to 14 every week from July 1, 2025, Africa’s leading carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has announced additional offerings on the route.

The 14 weekly flights from Lagos to Addis Ababa do not just offer more flights, it comes with extra benefits, including more baggage allowance.

“You can also get double-double miles if you fly with us,” said the area manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Mrs. Firiehiwot Mekonnen .

The extra baggage allowance, she explained, is for passengers going to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Dubai.

She said with the extra flights, Nigerian passengers will have increased options out of Lagos with an extra daily flight. The extra flights will offer immediate connection to many African and Asian destinations. With these extra flights, there will be instant connection that reduces the total hours of flight time for passengers.

According to the airline, there will be four evening flights at 10 pm and another 3 at 5.40 am .

The Daily Midday Flight will not change. Only the additional flights will have different times.

Evening departure 10PM from Lagos ET 902 and arrival in Addis at 5:20 am will connect all African destinations, DXB, GRU, TLV, and some other destinations

Morning departure at 5:40 am from Lagos ET904  and arrival in Addis at 1pm will connect perfectly to afternoon departure African countries ,

Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, has successfully concluded the first phase of its 2025 Hajj operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, airlifting over 5,000 pilgrims, thus reinforcing its position as a key player in Nigeria’s religious pilgrimage logistics.

According to the airline, the Phase 1 airlift was concluded on May 24, 2025, with a total of 16 flights conducted and over 5,000 pilgrims airlifted.
The operations began on May 9, 2025, with the airline operating the National Inaugural Hajj Flight from Owerri Airport, Imo State—an event graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Air Peace operated Hajj flights for 15 Nigerian states and the Armed Forces, using strategically located airports to ensure smooth operations and accessibility for pilgrims.

A breakdown of states and their respective departure airports are: Kogi and Benue – Abuja Airport; Borno – Maiduguri Airport; Taraba – Yola Airport; Ekiti and Ondo – Ilorin Airport, Edo and Nigerian Armed Forces – Lagos Airport, Imo – Owerri Airport, Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu and Rivers – Port Harcourt Airport.

Speaking on the completion of Phase One, Air Peace’s Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, expressed satisfaction with the seamless coordination and thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation.

“This first phase was a demonstration of our operational strength and dedication to national service. We are proud of our team’s performance and grateful for the support from all relevant authorities.”

Captain Kamano added that Phase Two of the 2025 Hajj airlift is scheduled to commence on June 13, 2025, and conclude by July 2, 2025, “by the grace of God.”
Also commenting, Air Peace’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, extended deep appreciation to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), aviation and security agencies, and especially the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support.

“We remain committed to excellence and national service. Our successful Hajj operations are a result of collaboration, professionalism, and the confidence placed in us by the Nigerian government and people,” she stated.

The airline said as preparations for phase two commence, it remains resolute in upholding safety, efficiency, and comfort for all pilgrims on this sacred journey.

“The airline’s steady rise since its debut in 2014 has been defined by groundbreaking achievements—operating the largest fleet in Nigeria, launching multiple regional and intercontinental routes including Jeddah, Johannesburg, and London, and consistently championing national interests. Its active participation in the Hajj airlift since 2019 further highlights its role as a dependable partner in both national and spiritual endeavours,” Olajide said.

In order to meet international standards and recommended practices, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has acquired security equipment to further secure the nation’s airports, writes Chinedu Eze

Aviation security experts have posited at different fora that what is key about staying ahead of those who may want to compromise airport security is to always update the security system with state-of-the-art equipment, noting that equipment and trained personnel are very critical in establishing reliable security architecture at airports.

Recently, the former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, warned that the outlaws who may want to invade airports are always planning, devising new ways to erode airport security. He therefore called on concerned authorities to always remain ahead of the curve in order to protect lives and property at the airports.

ICAO Standards

This explained why the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), keep member countries on their toes, insisting that they must maintain high standard of security to earn its approval, hence the regular audit of airport security by the global body.

Over the years, existing security equipment has become obsolete; making international airlines to doubt the efficacy of such equipment. This and other factors prompted the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace development, Festus Keyamo and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, to embark of the transformation of security equipment at the airports, especially the major international airports in the country.

Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, FAAN has engaged in fortifying the security apparatus at the airports by replacing old equipment with the new and also reorganising the security system for more positive results.

Some of the equipment include: state-of-the-art Rapiscan Orion 928DX, a sophisticated screening machine installed at the entrance of the new international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. It is spectrum 4-colour imaging machine, which can exhibit images in the Classic 4-color and the new proprietary Spectrum 4-color (SP4) option providing superior image, allowing improved security by quick and accurate identification of threats and increase in throughput.

The equipmentis designed to detect a wide range of explosives and narcotics respectively in real time during the scanning process by marking a potential threat on the X-ray image. Rapiscan Systems detection algorithms are based on regulatory approved material analysis techniques.

Reinforcing Passenger Protection

FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, (DASS), Albert Igbafe

Afegbe, explained that the equipment has a lot of features that when compared to the old screening machines it replaced, “you realise it is way, way, far better than what we have been using.” 

“I am going to explain the features for you to know what this machine can do. So, the first thing I am going to talk about is the Spectrum 4 colour imaging, the SP4, which this machine has. Trying to compare with the old machine we have is like comparing analogue television with digital crystal clear television we have now. That is what you use to compare this with the old machine. So, the SP4 that I am talking about has the ability to be able to identify potential threats with clear vision.

Visual data is clear and it is fast. As the bag is being screened, it is being scanned, it is constantly taking notes of whenever you have like an illicit substance. It detects fast, quickly.

“You are able to see that with the colour image, you know what you are looking at, which has already been specified on the system. Now, it also has the ability to detect narcotics and explosives, which is rare in all the machines at the same time, real time. It is like having a chemistry inside the system that detects the drugs, the narcotics immediately, picks it immediately, and then gives you that image with the SP4 that I have already explained to you. That is what the system is capable of doing. Simultaneously, at the same time, not like some machines will detect narcotics, they will not detect, but this does that. One of the features of this machine is that it also has the ability to absorb advanced technology, unlike the recent machines. If there is any improved technology, it can be upgraded,” Afegbe explained.

“Most of the equipment that have been installed at the Murtala Muhamemd International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, have the dual-mode auto-set, which enables the Aviation Security (AVSEC) to detect organic materials.

“If the system is programmed, it has this intensive algorithm to detect where you have material. It does that in two different modes, the range mode and the interactive mode. The range mode, you are able to pick it, and then you specify it on the system.

“When someone is traveling with more than what you are supposed to travel, organic material, like an agricultural product you want to travel with, it is able to detect that. You can pick a pixel and then you interact with it. You tell it, okay, fingerprints, wherever you have discovered this thing, and then it does that as quickly as possible. That is what this system does. It has the ability to detect currency, too. When you have more than enough, it detects that, too,” he further said.

E-gate

Afegbe spoke about the installation of E-gates at the Lagos airport and how travellers now undergo biometric verification using facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of modalities. “After the identification process is completed and the passport holder’s identity is verified, a physical barrier such as a gate or turnstile opens to permit passage. If the passport holder’s identification is not verified or if the system malfunctions, then the gate or turnstile does not open 

“So, we are trying to introduce this e-gate method where it will be seamless for passengers when they are travelling, or when they are arriving. This is the e-gate which is under the test run. Here, nobody needs to have physical contact with you. You just take your boarding pass, scan it and it will open. Without the boarding pass, you can’t pass through here. So, it stops this touting and all that,” Afegbe said.

Eliminating Extortion

According to experts, in addition to many advantages, it will help to further reduce interpersonal and physical interaction between airport security officials and passengers, which will put to an end alleged extortion of passengers by officials.

Igbafe said with the completion of the installation of all the screening machines and the monitors, each security agency would have its own monitors and the tables would be put away permanently. 

“The tables (for physical screening of passenger’s bags) you see will be a thing of the past, you will not see any table here. There will be no physical contact, because what we are also doing is that when we fix those monitors and the machines dictate unaccepted objects, the concerned officials will take the passenger and his or her baggage to designated areas for physical checks.

“The designated areas will also have CCTV cameras. This is to ensure the passengers are not being exploited. When the machines dictate something, the Aviation Security (AVSEC) call the relevant agencies such as National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Customs, Quarantine, amongst others to follow up,” Afegbe explained.

Before now security operatives had defended the screening tables at the international airport, Lagos, saying that the physical screening was necessary because the equipment available them was not able to identify some prohibited goods and objects. But with the acquisition of the latest Rapiscan equipment, that argument was not more tenable.

“They complained that the machines we were using before could not detect, what they were looking for. But now, the ones we have now can detect what they are looking for. That is why they are now going to sit by the monitor and be screening the baggage through the monitor. If they suspect that your bag is having contraband, they will take you to a corner for further search,” he said.

Securing the Bags

FAAN has also installed modern equipment for the screening of bags before they are taken to the aircraft. The bag starts its screening journey from the entrance of the terminal to check in desk, where the checked in bag is taken to the central baggage area, where the bag is again thoroughly screened before it is loaded into the aircraft. 

“This is the baggage area, where all items that are going into the plane are finally screened. This is where all the checked in bags come to. And as you can see, these are handling company officers. And they are sorting them according to the airline and according to time. The machines here have been installed to check for the same items that have been seen in front of the terminal. Currency, narcotics, organic material, whatever it is. We are showing all this to just demonstrate to the world that MMIA is extremely secure. Why? The management is investing a lot of resources and putting technology in place to ensure that, first of all, that our passengers are safe and secure.

“Secondly, we maintain our standing with ICAO. This is a CAT 3 airport, so we are doing all this to ensure that we continue to uphold the standard, because this is our premier airport. According to a report recently, this is the airport that generates around 67 to 70 per cent of the revenue of all the airports in the country. So, we take the issues of this airport very, very seriously. As I was telling somebody, within the time that Mrs. Kuku became the Managing Director of FAAN, and today, more than 300 CCTV cameras have been deployed. And we are expanding that network to cover the blind spots. In the near future, there will be very, very few areas not so covered,” said the Special Adviser, Media to the Managing Director of FAAN, Gbenga Olorunponmi.

He also disclosed that the transformation is happening at all the international airports.

Cargo Security Equipment

At the Cargo terminal of Lagos airport, FAAN has also acquired modern security equipment for the screening of cargo taken to various parts of the world in line with ICAO standards. In fact, some airlines insist that the cargo they will airlift must be subjected to stiffer screening process to ensure that no incendiary or other prohibited objects accompany the cargo.

FAAN’s head of security at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc Warehouse, Tunde Olowoyeye, disclosed that the agency installed modern screening equipment for cargo called Rapiscan Itemizer 5X, which uses optimised detection libraries and advanced software algorithms, making it the ideal solution for detecting trace amounts of explosive and narcotic threats.

“So, what we have now is the Itemizer 5X. Unlike the older version we used to have before, this one makes our work a lot easier. Now, like they say, it is ETD (Explosive Trace Detector). It is able to detect any trace of explosive in every shipment that is going outside this place. The safety and the security of all our shipment is now guaranteed.  It has always been guaranteed, but we need to get a better machine that is latest. And that is what the Itemizer 5X is all about. It is able to trace any explosive, making every shipment that is going on board the aircraft safe and good to fly,” he stated.

He also explained that US based carrier, Delta Air Lines had insisted that the agency deployed the latest security equipment for the cargo warehouse, “and FAAN listened and acquired the equipment and installed it. That was after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the US came to audit the cargo terminal and recommended the latest equipment.”

“We needed to upgrade to the latest Itemizer machine. When Delta came, TSA actually came, they said, for now, we should not use those old machines for the cargo until we get the latest ETD machine. And that was what we did. And they have come, they have looked at it, they said they are good to go. And so, we have been using it,” Olowoyeye said.

FAAN in the last two years has brought many changes in many areas of the airport; from upgrading facilities at various airports in the country under its management, to rehabilitating the runways and installing airfield lighting. The changes are prompted by the desire of the management to serve travellers better and make facilitation easy for airlines.

Chinedu Eze

About 15 years ago Nigerian carriers dominated the West and Central African air travel, providing the highest service and connecting all the countries in West Africa, but years later Nigeria began to lose the market to other airlines.

In the past, Nigerian airlines effectively connected Accra and Lagos and later Abuja, and there was regular flight to Banjul, The Gambia, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Niger and even beyond, up to Angola. But a decade ago Nigeria began to lose the market and the major factors, according to industry observers, included service efficiency, competition and high cost of operation.

Some countries like Cote d’Ivoire introduced high charges against fellow African carriers as anti-competition strategy to protect its own airline, Air Cote d’Ivoire, while Ghana opened its airspace to all and sundry, encouraging foreign airlines to operate hub and spoke, which made competition stiff on the route.

Then there is the short lifespan of Nigerian carriers, the airlines like the defunct Bellview, Virgin Nigeria, which operated successfully on the West Coasts, as well as First Nation Airways, have all gone under, except Arik Air, which has however lost its verve. These airlines operated effectively for many years on West and Central African destinations, connecting businessmen and women, policy makers, government officials and international and regional agency officials across the sub-region.

There was also when Nigerian carriers were generating substantial foreign exchange from the West Coast routes, but ������Ƶ gathered that Nigerian airlines are struggling to survive on the routes now and are even recording losses.

Head of Strategy and Development, Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, Lagos, Professor Anthony Kila, told ������Ƶ on Wednesday that Nigerian airlines should review their operations in the West Coast and adopt new approach in tandem with the new market realities before they could make successful operations on the sub-region.

“My views are that for Nigerian carriers to thrive on West African routes, they must understand the market and its people, become more efficient by adopting a lean and customer-centric approach, and engage proactively with policymakers, regulators, and regional partners to foster a supportive aviation ecosystem.

“To remain competitive and potentially take the lead, they must merge operational discipline with strategic vision and collaborative leadership within the region. To be regional leaders, Nigerian airlines need to be able to use Enugu, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Uyo in the south, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and even Sokoto in the north as strategic hubs for the region. They must also be bold and expand aggressively to serve underserved or high-demand West African routes, such as Conakry, Kigali, Monrovia, and Niamey, where competition is low but traffic potential is high. They also need to deliberately create the perception that they are the airline that people want to fly and that other operators want to work with,” Kila said.

Looking at the current situation of the market, travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, told ������Ƶ that Nigerian airlines could dominate the West Coast if they can work together, synergise and build hub and spoke operations, which would entail bringing all their passengers from different destinations to Nigeria by 11 pm and from 1 am take them to their final destinations.

Uko, gave example with Asky Airlines, which does not have domestic operations but all international service and noted that the airline, which started with only two aircraft, has been doing well because it created a hub in Lome and efficiently connect passengers from the hub to other destinations and has become very efficient and dependable in West Africa.

He therefore urged Nigerian carriers to look inwards and learn how to work together to achieve positive results, noting that the sub-region is for Nigerian carriers to dominate if they can work together.

“There has to be an intentionality about this. Air Cote D’Ivoire used high charges to drive out competition but it is struggling now. Asky Airlines complained about the high charges but it is dominating the route; so, high charges cannot discourage a serious operator, but Nigerian airlines have to build capacity by working together in order to achieve positive result,” he said.

Uko also advised Nigerian airlines to cooperate in order to make the most effective use of their operations, noting that some years ago, many Nigerian airlines started Lagos-Accra route and saturated the marked and made it unprofitable, as he predicted. “Some of them had to withdraw from the route. Today, Nigerian airlines are operating Lagos-Banjul route, from Air Peace, Overland Airways to ValueJet; and according to inside source, two more Nigerian airlines are planning to operate to the destination. Analysing the route, industry observers noted that the route may not be able to offer more than 400 seats a day, which would be shared by the Nigerian carriers, Asky Airlines and any other,” he said.

One of the factors adduced to the reason why Nigerian airlines lost the West Coast market was the creation of open sky policy that allows other airlines free entry and free exit in 23 African countries.

Reports indicate that the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which was ratified by the African Union, created open sky for 23 African countries that are already signatories to the policy.

The implication of the policy, it was learnt, is that the airlines of these 23 countries can freely enter and exit these member-countries without hindrance.

It was, however, gathered that while Nigeria allows airlines from the West Coast like African World Airlines (AWA), Air Senegal, Air Cote d’Ivoire and others to operate in the country with minimum charges, other countries over charge Nigerian carriers to discourage them from flying to lucrative destinations such as Accra, Abidjan, Dakar, Freetown and others.

With such strangulating charges and taxes, ������Ƶ learnt that the Nigerian airlines were forced to charge high fares to these routes to offset operation cost, thus making them uncompetitive.

Nigerian operators have suggested that Nigeria should respond to the high charges levelled against Nigerian carriers by these countries by introducing high charges against airlines from these countries.

A Nigerian operator once noted, “The charges are too high. After paying them, you cannot get up to N5,000 from the base fare and you have not counted the cost of operation. Their ground handling charges are so high; the same with navigational charges by ASECNA (airspace services provider) and if you don’t pay in time they seize your aircraft.”

Seeming to have woken up from sleep, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently complained about the high charges in West African and moved to curb the outrageous taxes on air operations in member states.

ECOWAS later announced that it had taken bold steps to address the disturbing high airfares within the sub-region with an ambitious plan to implement a 25 per cent reduction in passenger service and security charges on air travel within the sub-region by January 2026.

ECOWAS may have realised that such high taxes have retarded the growth of air travel in West Africa and inimical to the success of SAATM.

Studies indicated that passengers in the ECOWAS region are burdened with 66 different charges, while airlines face 112 distinct levies. These excessive costs significantly inflate airfares, hindering regional connectivity and economic integration. Based on the development, ECOWAS decided to step in to address the challenges.

The West Coast has remained a huge potential market for Nigerian carriers, but the domestic airlines must have to work together to stem external temptation and also to ensure they do not saturate the market with excessive seats for flight operations.

Chinedu Eze

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has reiterated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s cargo and aviation handling sector by successfully hosting a Cargo Stakeholders engagement.

The event served as a platform for meaningful engagement, collaboration, and strategic dialogue among SAHCO’s key clients in the cargo logistics value chain to promote trade and efficiency in the cargo industry.

The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including clearing agents, exporters, logistics professionals, amongst others. Discussions focused on how to reposition Nigeria’s cargo industry as a central driver of economic diversification and how to support government initiatives for sustainable growth.

In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, who was represented by the Executive Director, Cargo Services, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to partners and stakeholders for their support over the years. She noted that the event was not only a celebration of the sector’s achievements but also a vital opportunity to share insights, identify challenges, and reinforce industry partnerships.

Executive Director of Cargo Services SAHCO, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustained investment in modern equipment and facilities. She highlighted that SAHCO currently operates some of the most advanced Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and warehousing solutions in the country, all designed to support efficient and compliant cargo operations.

Other salient issues discussed at the event, included poor packaging standards of most exportable Nigerian product, how to improve packaging to compete with international markets and how to combat the challenges of the limitations in effective traceability systems to ensure accountability of products from origin to their final destination. Furthermore, lack of formal training amongst clearing agents and freight forwarders was highlighted about how this has promoted inadequate documentation, unethical practices and touting. It was emphasized that to promote efficiency in the cargo industry, there is need to ensure proper certifications are acquired by those who engage in the cargo industry to improve efficiency and industry reliability

Chinedu Eze

The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Obiageli Orah, has been formally inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). 

The induction ceremony took place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as part of the Nigerian Public Relations Week.

FAAN said the induction is a testament to Mrs. Orah’s outstanding achievements in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and consumer advocacy. 

As a key figure at FAAN, she has played a pivotal role in fostering public trust, enhancing customer experiences, and promoting transparent communication between the Authority and the Nigerian public.

Mrs. Orah expressed her gratitude for the honour, saying it underscores her commitment to continuous professional development and fuels her resolve to advance effective public communication and meaningful consumer engagement. 

Chinedu Eze

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has  commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) – a coalition of seven West African countries committed to the advancement of civil aviation in the sub-region.

The operators said this remarkable appointment is a testament to the Minister’s exceptional leadership, bold reforms, and tireless dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector as a beacon of excellence across Africa.

It further affirms Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the future of aviation on the continent and globally.

Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa President and Dr. Allen Onyema, Vice President, AON, noted that since assuming office, Mr. Keyamo has championed far-reaching reforms that have revitalized the aviation industry, from championing a revised regulatory framework for leased aircraft insurance, to ensuring Nigeria’s proactive engagement with the global Aviation Working Group.

His efforts, the association said, have significantly improved investor confidence, aircraft financing options, and ease of doing business for indigenous operators.

“Under his stewardship, Nigerian airlines have achieved new milestones, including the historic Lagos-to-London flight by Air Peace and Nigeria’s strategic participation at the prestigious Aviation Finance Conference in Dublin, both historic feats that have placed the nation firmly on the global aviation map.

“Minister Keyamo’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainable growth is evident in his continuous push for infrastructure investment and his successful advocacy for the Cape Town Convention’s full implementation moves that have enhanced Nigeria’s international aviation standing.

“As we celebrate this milestone, the AON also extends its profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and for consistently demonstrating an exceptional ability to put round pegs in round holes,” it said.

.FG to impose fines on airlines flying passengers without valid visas, says Tunji-Ojo

Chinedu Eze

The federal government has announced that it would no longer push for the establishment of a national carrier; rather, it would now give full support to the growth and expansion of domestic airlines.

It also said that airlines airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa, Landing and Exit cards would be penalised.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who disclosed federal government’s decision not establish a national carrier in Lagos yesterday during the launch of a book: ‘100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects’ written by Wole Shadare, said that government would no longer fund the national carrier project; instead, it would focus on supporting local carriers to thrive.

Keyamo said the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is committed to drafting policies that would support the growth and development of local airlines, citing recent policies that have enabled airlines to access aircraft for their operations, including the revised insurance regulation on leased aircraft and explained that the move was aimed at making aircraft more accessible for acquisition and lease by domestic operators, which would subsequently reduce airfares in Nigeria.

“We have shifted focus to ensure growth and development for local operators through our policies. Air Traffic Controllers have been trained and retrained, and revenue leakages have been addressed to boost earnings,” Keyamo said.

The minister also disclosed that almost all foreign airlines have complied with his directive that they should patronise local caterers for inflight catering.

He promised to build a smart airport and would seek the necessary approvals from the President to make it happen.

Keyamo lamented the state of the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), which has not seen any improvement since 1997. He emphasised the need to pull it down and build a new one.

In her remarks, Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), highlighted the growth of the aviation sector.

She noted that Nigeria currently has 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports nationwide, and over 2,100 licensed pilots.

According to Kuku, the aviation sector contributes approximately $1.7 billion to the country’s GDP, with private airlines connecting cities efficiently and international carriers recognising Nigeria as a critical market.

Kuku emphasised that despite challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies, regulatory frameworks, and financing requirements, there is still substantial potential for growth. She encouraged investors to see these challenges as opportunities.

The author of the launched book, Shadare, described the 25-chapter book as a comprehensive account of the aviation industry’s evolution in Nigeria over the past 100 years. The book aims to aid scholars and researchers in understanding the industry’s history and prospects.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that henceforth sanctions would be imposed on airlines that fly passengers into Nigeria without valid visas.

The minister made the disclosure at a sensitisation programme on the new e-visa policy, which commenced this month, hosted by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Lagos yesterday.

Tunji-Ojo said the decision to sanction the airlines was the outcome of consultations held with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo, and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo.

He said the airlines which frequently bring in passengers into Nigeria without visas cannot do the same in any other country as it is unacceptable anywhere in the world.

The minister also said Nigeria will no longer be a testing ground for practices prohibited in other parts of the world.

“We have issues with the airlines, and we have spoken to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority about it.

“A lot of people come into Nigeria without visas, and airlines pick them up. It is not the right thing to do. You can’t do this in any other country. If I want to travel to the UK and I don’t have a visa, British Airways will not pick me up. They must see my visa. Recently, we had to turn some people back because they didn’t have any visas. With the support of the NCAA, we will start to implement the law. Any airline that picks up passengers who do not have a visa will be fined.

“How can someone come from Europe or Asia without a visa and then come into Nigeria and start making calls to ask how he or she can get a visa? It is not done anywhere. Please, we are pleading with you, you are here to do business, but you must obey Nigeria’s laws. The NCAA should please enforce this regulation. Please, before anyone comes into Nigeria, make sure you see the person’s visa. Do not pick up anyone without a visa, and the NCAA will have to issue a directive to that effect. Unless you are from a visa-free country, you must have a visa before entering Nigeria. Nigeria is not a testing ground where you can do what you can’t do in other countries. The power of enforcement will come into play; you must cite the visa and confirm the person has a valid visa,” Tunji-Ojo said.

On the approval rate of visas, the minister said that the fact that someone applied for a Nigerian visa doesn’t mean the person would get it.

“If you don’t qualify, you won’t get it. This time around, we go and verify any information you input when applying for short stay visas. We go to the hotel and ensure as well. On the approval rate, as of May 22, 2025, we had 5,814 visa applications: 5,617 approved, 66 rejected, and 62 queried. That is for those coming for short stays. We go to the hotel you input to verify if you actually booked. We will create a perfect system,” he said.

The NCAA Director General, Capt. Najomo, speaking at the sensitisation programme, said the introduction of the e-Visa and the associated landing and exit card systems marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing air travel facilitation while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency are maintained.

The Controller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, in her closing remarks expressed appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo, the NCAA D-G, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority and the NIS team.

She called for more inter-agency collaborations to further strengthen the seamless implementation of the e-visa, Landing and Exit cards innovation.

•Aviation minister urges African countries to prioritise infrastructure, investment friendly environment

Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, has been appointed Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) States.

His appointment was announced yesterday during the 4th Meeting of BAG Council of Ministers, held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

In a related development, Keyamo urged BAG member states to prioritise aviation infrastructure development and create conducive environment to attract investments.

Speaking during the 4th Council of Ministers after the 18th Plenary Session of BAG in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo said BAG member states should be prepared to make more concerted efforts for investments in the provision of infrastructure and facilities for safe, secure, environmentally friendly and sustainable civil aviation.

Keyamo attributed his appointment to President Bola Tinubu’s patriotic leadership, saying, “In recognition of our bold and innovative policies in the aviation sector under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a few hours ago, I was appointed as the new Chairman the West Africa Banjul Accord Group (BAG) by the Ministers of Transport/Aviation in the West African States.”

The group is made up of seven West African countries that signed the Banjul Accord on January 29, 2004.

It was founded to promote safe, efficient use and development of civil aviation within the member states, which included Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Keyamo’s appointment reinforced Nigeria’s leading role in improving air travel across West Africa.

Keyamo will take over the chairmanship of the Council of Ministers from the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Republic of Sierra Leone, Alhaji Fandey Turay.

BAG Council of Ministers comprises Ministers of Transport and Aviation from seven West African member states: Nigeria, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

The special session was attended by high-ranking delegates, including Dr. Jose Luis S.A. Nogueira – Minister of Transport, Cabo Verde, Hon. Ebrima Sillah – Minister of Transport, The Gambia, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe – Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ghana.

Others were Hon. Ousmane Gaoual Diallo – Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Guinea, Hon. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler – Minister of Transport, Liberia, and Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay – Minister of Transport and Aviation, Sierra Leone.

As chairman, Keyamo is expected to provide strategic leadership to the council in driving regional cooperation, harmonisation of aviation policies, and the implementation of key initiatives aimed at enhancing air transport safety, efficiency, and development in the BAG region.

The Banjul Accord Group (BAG) was established to foster sub-regional cooperation and collaboration in the development of safe and sustainable civil aviation systems in West Africa, in line with ICAO standards and recommended practices.

The Abuja meeting also featured high-level discussions on shared air transport challenges, capacity building, infrastructure development, and regional air connectivity.

The appointment of Keyamo is expected to usher in a renewed era of dynamism and progress for BAG member states.

The Council of Ministers Meeting, hosted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), witnessed participation of the seven member countries of BAG.

Keyamo pledged Nigeria’s resolve to sustain the support being extended to the sub-region, to attract investment, tourism and continued growth.

He said the recommendations of the 18th Plenary, if implemented, will help improve connectivity within the sub-region.

According to Keyamo, “Outcomes, if approved by this meeting, would provide coordinated solutions and framework to resolving the identified challenges in the area of air connectivity and accelerate the growth and development of air transport in the sub-region.

“It is believed that the successes that will be achieved in the medium-and long-term period as a result of these efforts would be models and examples to be emulated by other regions in Africa.”

The immediate past Chairman of the Banjul Accord Group, who is also the Minister of Transport and Aviation for Sierra Leone, Turay, lauded Nigeria’s role in improving air safety among BAG states and the sub-region.

He reflected on the activities of BAG, Banjul Accord Group Safety Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO), and Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), saying they have made significant positive contributions towards enhancing aviation safety and security in the region.

Turay stated, “The resilience, innovation and unity that characterised our collective efforts have been truly commendable.

“On behalf of His Excellency, the President and the government of Sierra Leone, I wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the implementation of BAG agreement and the sustainable realization of a Single Africa Àir Transport Market (SAATM) within our region.”

Chinedu Eze

It took one week for aviation stakeholders to reconcile with the reality that they have lost one of their own, the late Captain Shehu Usman Iyal, who passed on in Lagos last Thursday.

Captain Iyal was embedded in the aviation industry, where he played many roles and where he made invaluable contributions that gave rise to benchmark achievements and policies that shaped the aviation sector

Captain Iyal was former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation Matters during the tenures of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Umar Musa Yar’adua and Goodluck Jonathan as Presidents of Nigeria.

He was also the Managing Director of Afri-Air International Limited, a fixed base facility and service provider at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Captain Iyal who was born in Zaria, was a 1977 graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He was also an alumnus of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

He was at the Rogers Aviation, Bedford, United Kingdom, where he obtained certification as Assistant Flying Instructor Rating (Procedures) in 1982.

Reacting to his death, former Deputy Secretary of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mohammed Tukur, told ������Ƶ he was shocked about the demise of late Captain Iyal.

“Captain Shehu Usman Iyal was a man of the people. He was simple, easy going and has put in over 40 years serving the aviation industry. He was people oriented and like to help others, no matter which part of the country you came from and which religion you profess. We were together for a very long time. Sometimes we would take a flight together to visit Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, his former boss. I miss him dearly and you need to see the people he was supporting before he died. I do not know how they will manage now,” he said.

Another colleague and friend of the late Captain Iyal, who is the Managing Director, Flight and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan, said, “Captain Shehu Usman Iyal was a very accommodating man. His philosophy was, ‘No need to be tagged a rich man. Better to always have food, shelter, clothes and time to share with friends than to be a rich man.’ Shehu Iyal was a good listener and always willing to advise and offer assistance.

Chinedu Eze

Despite seeming stringent conditions in the new visa regime introduced by some countries on Nigerian passport holders, there are indications that international travel will generate higher revenue in 2025.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), foreign travel generated about N916 billion in 2024. But the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Yinka Folami, said there are indications that airlines will generate more than the 2024 figures in 2025.

Folami told ������Ƶ in a telephone interview in Lagos that the 2025 revenue from international travel will surpass that of last year because available figures so far by the end of April, 2025 has indicated an increase which will further record upsurge at the peak seasons in Summer and December.

According to NANTA President, “Travel is resilient; it is also essential because it is at the heart of connectivity and there is an improvement from the previous year, so revenue this year will be very good and will exceed that of last year.”

Looking at the international travel market, the Managing Director of Finchglow Travels, Ezekiel Ikotun, explained that although some countries like the US, UK and some Schengen nations have introduced stricter visa regime, but such would not constitute significant setback to Nigerians that would wish to travel.

“Nigeria is blessed with amazing people. Very smart, intelligent regardless of the strict measures, Nigerians will still find out ways around it. The more I think the requirement, the more we will meet it. That has been the trend. So, it is not a problem. For Africa and the rest of the world” he said.

The NANTA President and Ikotun also confirmed that Nigerian travellers have increased their African destinations, a new phase triggered by COVID-19, which has as well aided domestic travel in addition to high cost of foreign exchange, which prompted Nigerians to visit local tourist destinations instead of travelling overseas.

On African destinations, Ikotun said, “I travelled last month to Morocco and it was amazing. It is just as if it is another European country. The way they are developing their tourist center. So, the awareness is now there for people to say, instead of saying you want to leave, if it is just for leisure. You can have the same experience in Africa. If you go to Kenya, Nairobi, Mombasa, and other states, they are replicates of every major tourist center in the world. In that country. You won’t even know. If you take a picture there. You won’t know that you are not in Kenya. You will think you are in Oklahoma (USA). Or you are in Doha (Qatar). Or you are in Dubai (United Arab Emirate). Because of the way they have been able to replicate the same experience in their domain. So, the same thing is applicable to us also even in Nigeria. The December Detty December is becoming popular. So, I think Africa is waking up to see how we can develop our space also.

Speaking in the same vein, the Manager of B2B at Finchglow Travels, Abiola Bakare, also noted that Nigerians realised that there are exciting destinations in Africa and many who become disinclined to traveling to Europe, Middle East and the US now chose African destinations, which have more flexible visa rules and relatively less expensive in terms of fares.

Bakare said, “One of the realities after COVID-19 was that we now started appreciating what we have. Immediately, the countries started opening their borders. How did this happen?

African countries were the first to open their borders. Our brothers before believed in travelling to Europe and US. You know, most of us, we understand that trend. I can mention cities in the UK than most African countries. Most of us understand America more than Ghana. So, when African countries started opening their doors, we now started looking at African destinations.

“After the COVID-19, African countries were the ones that opened first and Nigerians travelled to Africa and said, okay, let’s even enjoy Africa. We started traveling within Africa. So, what it has done is that it has rekindled our interest in traveling within Africa. And actually, into the future, for us to sustain passenger traffic, we need to travel. We even need to understand our locality before we understand another man’s locality.”

However, on the down side, Okotun and Bakare observed constricting factors that impede international travel in Nigeria. Ikotun stated that there are many factors that are working against international travel in Nigeria, noting that some foreign airlines negate Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) they signed with Nigeria. This is followed by the high exchange rate, high airfares and the closure of lower-class tickets by airlines.

He also noted that some foreign airlines. about five of them, sell tickets only in dollars in order to forestall the trapped funds experience that made it difficult for foreign airlines to repatriate their revenues.