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No More Vanity Projects! Keyamo Urges State Govs to Hand Over Non-Functional Airports
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged state governors to privatise or commercialise airports that are not economically viable, stressing the need for smarter utilisation of infrastructure investments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Keyamo explained that the primary role of airports is to serve as social and economic infrastructure, rather than to generate immediate profits. “Airport construction should be viewed initially as a driver of development, with commercial benefits coming later,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the proliferation of airport projects across Nigeria, many of which remain underutilised or unprofitable. Reports indicate that at least 12 states have completed airport projects, while several others are still under construction, with a combined investment of around ₦369.4 billion.
Some of the airports already built include: Asaba Airport; Bayelsa International Airport in Yenagoa; Ogun Cargo Airport; Ekiti Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti; Anambra Cargo Airport in Umuleri; Wachakal Airport in Yobe; Gombe Airport; Dutse International Airport in Jigawa; Kebbi Airport; Jalingo Airport in Taraba; Nasarawa Airport; Cross River International Cargo Airport; and Zamfara Airport.
Ongoing airport projects include: the MKO Abiola International Airport in Osun; Abia Airport; Lekki/Epe Airport in Lagos; and Auchi Airport in Edo.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, recently disclosed that only three of the 22 airports under FAAN’s management are profitable, with the rest surviving through cross-subsidisation.
In response, Keyamo advised state governments to explore alternative commercial opportunities within airport environments, particularly by concessioning non-aeronautical facilities—such as shopping malls, restaurants, and recreational spaces—to private investors.
“They should consider commercialising or privatising these airports,” Keyamo said. “The non-aeronautical parts can generate revenue to sustain the airport. A concession model would bring in investors and keep the facility running.”
He emphasised that airports are long-term investments, often laying the groundwork for broader regional development. “An airport isn’t necessarily a profit-making enterprise from the start. It signals readiness for economic growth. Without an airport, for instance, a potential hotel investor may be discouraged from establishing a presence in that area,” he added.
Citing examples from the UK and Europe, the minister pointed out that even remote regions maintain small airports or landing strips, which eventually contribute to economic transformation over decades.
“Expecting returns within five to ten years is unrealistic,” he said. “Some airports in London have existed for over a century. They were built to support gradual development, and that should be the mindset here too.”
Keyamo concluded by saying that with strategic planning and time, even struggling airports could become profitable and serve as catalysts for regional growth. “As long as the airport has a functional runway and terminal building, the economic benefits will eventually come,” he said
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How I Deposited Billions In Cash For Emefiele, Witness Reveals
In the ongoing ₦7.8 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, a prosecution witness has provided testimony regarding massive cash deposits made on his behalf.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Key points from the testimony of the third prosecution witness, Richard Agulu, a former Zenith Bank employee, include:
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Cash Deposits: Agulu testified that he deposited billions of naira in cash on behalf of the former CBN chief, with the funds delivered to him by Emefiele’s former personal assistant, Eric Ocheme.
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Account Handling: According to the witness, the money was either deposited into accounts for Kelvito Integrated Services and Ifeabigo Integrated Services or placed in the bank’s vault, following instructions allegedly relayed through Ocheme.
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Banking Procedures: Despite the large sums, Agulu maintained that he followed standard banking procedures, noting that some clients were granted verbal waivers by senior officials to deposit large amounts of cash.
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Refusal to Name Officials: When asked to identify the senior bank officials who provided these verbal waivers, Agulu declined to provide names to avoid getting anyone in trouble.
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Additional Transactions: Agulu also testified that he supervised a transfer of ₦1.6 billion to MG Properties Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on eight counts, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and unlawful possession of properties allegedly linked to proceeds of crime; Emefiele has entered a plea of not guilty. Eric Ocheme, who was named in the charges, is reported to be at large. Justice Yusuf Halilu has adjourned the trial for continuation on November 3, 4, and 5, 2026.
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“From Political Firebrand To Top Diplomat: Fani-Kayode’s Strategic Southern African Move!”
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has officially received his Letters of Credence for his role as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Fani-Kayode announced the news on Tuesday, noting that the appointment followed the approval of the required agrément.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Letters of Credence were presented to him on behalf of President Bola Tinubu by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. Fani-Kayode stated that he is preparing to report to Pretoria to present his letters to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and begin his diplomatic duties. Reflecting on his appointment, the former minister—who served in the aviation sector two decades ago—expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him and requested prayers for his success in this new role.
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“I’ll Kill For Her!” Kunle Fawole Drops Shocking Bombshell About Ex-Flame Yvonne Jegede!.
Nollywood actor Kunle Abounce Fawole recently opened up about his relationship with his ex-wife, Yvonne Jegede, in an interview with Chude Jideonwu. While confirming that he no longer holds romantic feelings for her, Fawole emphasized that he maintains a deep sense of responsibility and respect for her as the mother of his son. He expressed a desire to avoid enmity, noting that he would never turn his back on someone he once cared for, and firmly declared his willingness to protect her from harm at all costs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a candid conversation with Chude Jideonwu, Kunle Abounce Fawole reflected on his past marriage to Yvonne Jegede. When asked about his current feelings, the actor clarified that while the romantic spark is gone, his protective instincts remain strong. Fawole shared that he prefers to take the blame for past relationship struggles to avoid bitterness, stating that he refuses to harbor grudges. Ultimately, he underscored his commitment to her safety, asserting that he would go to extreme lengths—even potentially resorting to violence—to defend the mother of his child.
Option 3: Short & Punchy
Kunle Abounce Fawole has made it clear that while his romantic chapter with ex-wife Yvonne Jegede is closed, his dedication to her protection is unwavering. During a recent interview, the actor revealed he has no room for bitterness toward past partners. Though he no longer loves her romantically, he stressed that his status as the father of her son drives him to act as her fiercest defender, even going so far as to say he would “kill” for her if she were ever threatened.
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