The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to all international airlines operating in Nigeria, declaring that any carrier found bringing passengers into the country without a valid visa, landing card, or exit documentation will face sanctions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, focused on the implementation of Nigeria’s new E-Visa, Landing, and Exit Card system.

“Nigeria is not a dumping ground. No foreign national will be allowed into the country without proper documentation,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
“While the E-Visa system improves accessibility, national security will not be compromised.”

The minister emphasized the non-negotiable responsibility of airlines to verify passenger visa status prior to departure, likening the policy to global practices in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Since its launch on May 1, 2025, the E-Visa system has:

• Received 5,814 applications

• Approved 5,671

• Rejected 66

• Queried 62

The minister explained that the digital visa and exit card platform, complete with a barcode for seamless verification, was introduced to enhance border security, support economic growth, and simplify investor and tourist entry into Nigeria.

In his address, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, lauded the E-Visa as a milestone aligned with global best practices.

“It reflects our commitment to ICAO’s Annex 9 standards on facilitation, offering faster processing times and streamlined border control,” Najomo said.

He reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration among the Ministry of Interior, the NCAA, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure the system’s success.

NIS Controller General, Kemi Nandap, also highlighted the innovation’s impact and stressed the need for continued coordination between stakeholders.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that the aviation sector now contributes approximately $1.7 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), highlighting a major milestone in the industry’s transformation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the launch of the book “100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria” in Lagos, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, emphasized that the achievement underscores the critical role of market-driven reforms and private sector participation in reshaping Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

“Nigeria has emerged as a testament to the efficacy of market-driven solutions. Our aviation sector now contributes approximately $1.7 billion to our GDP,” Kuku noted.

She credited the transformation to a pivotal shift following the decline of the state-run Nigeria Airways, which was plagued by operational inefficiencies. The transition to private-sector-driven operations ushered in new investment, professionalism, and competition — a move that revitalized the sector.

Notable private airlines like Air Peace and Arik Air have been instrumental in driving this resurgence, connecting Nigerian cities and integrating the country into the global aviation map.

Kuku revealed that:

• 39 certified airline operators are currently active.

• Nigeria operates 31 airports nationwide.

• The country has over 2,100 licensed pilots and a vast aviation workforce.

• In the past year, over 16 million domestic passengers and 3.5 million international passengers traveled through Nigerian airports.

While the figures are impressive, she acknowledged persistent challenges in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and financing, emphasizing that these should be seen as opportunities for investment and innovation.

“Each challenge facing our aviation sector represents a potential investment awaiting realisation. The next chapter in Nigerian aviation will be written by those who see our skies as highways to prosperity,” she added.

Regarding the commemorative book authored by veteran aviation journalist Mr. Wole Shadare, Kuku praised it as an important documentation of the sector’s history and a guidepost for future development.

The Lagos State Police Command has successfully apprehended a 39-year-old escapee, Kabiru Oyedun, who fled from the Ilesa Correctional Centre in Osun State during a recent prison break.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oyedun was captured on Tuesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the Ayobo area of Lagos State, following days of coordinated intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest, attributing it to the Command’s sustained commitment to proactive and intelligence-led policing.

“Kabiru Oyedun was trailed and arrested by operatives of the Command attached to Ayobo Division, thanks to the preventive security measures implemented across Lagos,” SP Hundeyin stated.

The suspect is believed to be one of several inmates who escaped the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, through a section of the facility’s perimeter wall reportedly compromised by heavy rainfall.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an ongoing nationwide manhunt for escapees and previously announced a ₦5 million reward for credible information leading to their recapture.

“To encourage public assistance, the NCoS is offering ₦5 million to anyone who provides actionable information resulting in the arrest of any of the escapees,” a spokesperson for the Service said.

Oyedun is scheduled to be handed over to the appropriate correctional authorities for return to Osun State to continue serving his sentence.

Authorities urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity via established emergency lines or the nearest police station.