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Aviation Minister Keyamo Reaffirms Nigeria’s Backing for SAATM, AfCFTA at Lomé Summit

Federal government pledges stronger air transport policies to boost trade and integration across Africa at Togo convention

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Federal government pledges stronger air transport policies to boost trade and integration across Africa at Togo convention

Nigeria has renewed its commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promising deeper cooperation to drive economic growth and regional integration through improved aviation links. This assurance came from Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the ongoing African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Republic of Togo, on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Keyamo said government is determined to work with other African countries and aviation bodies to promote policies that will strengthen air transport infrastructure, attract investment, and enable seamless movement of goods and people across the continent. His Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, conveyed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Nigeria’s renewed focus on implementing SAATM and AfCFTA comes as African leaders push for greater intra-African trade and economic integration. Enhanced air connectivity is widely seen as critical to unlocking new markets, facilitating business travel, and improving logistics for goods between member states. With Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy by GDP (according to World Bank data), stakeholders say its leadership in aviation reforms could set a benchmark for the region.

“Nigeria remains committed to working closely with our African partners towards policies that will open up our skies and foster economic opportunities,” Keyamo said via his adviser. He emphasised that robust partnerships are needed to address infrastructure gaps, encourage private sector investment, and harmonise regulations for mutual benefit across Africa.

The convention in Lomé brings together policymakers, airline executives, investors and regulators from across Africa to discuss strategies for overcoming persistent challenges in air transport. As implementation of SAATM and AfCFTA continues to gain momentum, industry observers expect further announcements on regulatory harmonisation and bilateral agreements in coming months.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/aviation-business/african-aviation-convention-nigeria-reaffirms-commitment-to-saatm-afcfta/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Court-Ordered Deregistration of ADC in Abuja Threatens Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ambitions

Legal move against African Democratic Congress raises concerns for PDP stalwart Atiku Abubakar’s coalition strategies

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June 15, 2026

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Legal move against African Democratic Congress raises concerns for PDP stalwart Atiku Abubakar’s coalition strategies

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that may directly affect the political calculations of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The ruling, delivered on Monday, comes amid rising tensions over party alliances in Nigeria’s opposition ranks.

The court’s decision to remove ADC from the list of registered parties follows a petition challenging its compliance with electoral regulations. The judgment, which took effect immediately, leaves many ADC members and their supporters uncertain about their next political moves as preparations for the next general elections intensify.

Observers note that Atiku, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has previously relied on support from smaller parties like ADC to strengthen his presidential bid through coalition arrangements. With ADC now out of the political equation, analysts say Atiku and other PDP strategists may have to revisit their approach to building a broad-based opposition front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

As at press time, neither Atiku nor national leaders of PDP had issued an official reaction to the court order. However, some party insiders who spoke anonymously described the development as “a setback for inclusive opposition politics.” Efforts to reach ADC officials for comment were unsuccessful.

Political analysts warn that this deregistration could trigger more aggrieved defections and complicate power-sharing talks among opposition groups. With electoral timelines fast approaching, stakeholders are watching closely to see how major opposition figures will respond and whether new alliances can be forged in time for the 2027 contest.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887966-court-ordered-deregistration-of-adc-threatens-atikus-2027-presidential-bid.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Abuja Court Rejects Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq’s Bid to Overturn Arrest Warrant

Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister faces continued EFCC probe as judge upholds arrest order issued in graft case

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35 minutes ago

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June 15, 2026

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Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister faces continued EFCC probe as judge upholds arrest order issued in graft case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the application by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, seeking to set aside the arrest warrant issued against her. The ruling was delivered on Monday, reaffirming the court’s earlier directive for her arrest in connection with an ongoing corruption investigation.

The court had previously granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a warrant to apprehend Umar-Farouq after she failed to honour several invitations regarding alleged financial misconduct during her tenure. On Monday, her legal team argued that due process was not followed in issuing the warrant and requested its reversal, but the presiding judge ruled that the application lacked merit.

Umar-Farouq served as Minister under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, overseeing major social intervention programmes. The EFCC’s probe centres on allegations of misappropriation of funds earmarked for vulnerable Nigerians, a matter that has attracted significant public attention given the scale of government social spending in recent years.

While Umar-Farouq’s counsel maintained that their client was willing to cooperate with investigators, the EFCC argued that repeated non-appearance had hampered progress in the case. The agency has intensified efforts to bring former officials to account, reflecting growing pressure from civil society groups demanding transparency in public office.

With the court’s decision standing, law enforcement agencies are expected to enforce the arrest warrant unless an appeal is filed and granted. This development signals a toughening stance by anti-graft bodies on high-profile cases involving former government officials.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887956-court-dismisses-ex-minister-sadiya-umar-farouqs-request-to-void-arrest-warrant.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

British Council Launches Production Phase of Film Lab Africa in Lagos After Major Matchmaking Event

Programme brings together writers, producers and mentors as accelerator initiative enters key stage in Nigeria’s creative sector

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45 minutes ago

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June 15, 2026

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Programme brings together writers, producers and mentors as accelerator initiative enters key stage in Nigeria’s creative sector

The British Council has officially moved Film Lab Africa Phase Two into its production phase, following a major matchmaking event held at the council’s Lagos office on 8 May 2026. The event brought together selected writers, creative producers, mentors and stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and accelerate project development within Nigeria’s dynamic film industry.

According to the organisers, the matchmaking session was designed to pair emerging talents with experienced industry figures, thereby creating new opportunities for cross-disciplinary partnerships. Attendees engaged in one-on-one sessions, group discussions and networking activities aimed at strengthening connections within the sector. The transition into the production phase marks a significant milestone for the accelerator programme, which has focused on capacity-building and talent development since its inception.

Film Lab Africa is part of a broader British Council initiative to support the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy by nurturing homegrown talent and providing access to resources and mentorship. Industry observers say the programme comes at a crucial time as Nollywood continues to expand its global reach while grappling with challenges such as funding gaps, technical capacity and distribution hurdles.

Representatives of the British Council stated that moving into production will allow participants to bring their concepts to life under professional guidance. The council noted that the matchmaking event was well-received by both local and international stakeholders, who praised its focus on practical skills development. No opposition response was provided as at press time.

With production now underway, participants are expected to begin principal photography on their projects in coming weeks. Organisers say they hope this phase will lead to increased visibility for Nigerian filmmakers and contribute positively to the nation’s reputation as a creative powerhouse in Africa.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/film/film-lab-africa-phase-two-moves-into-production-following-successful-matchmaking-event/

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