Nigeria News (Standard)
Airline Operators of Nigeria Calls for Review of Aviation Taxes, Urges Economic Boycott of South Africa
Aviation body says high levies hinder growth, seeks government intervention after strained Nigeria–South Africa trade ties
Aviation body says high levies hinder growth, seeks government intervention after strained Nigeria–South Africa trade ties
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called on the federal government to urgently review multiple aviation taxes and charges that it says are stifling the sector’s growth, while also advocating an economic boycott of South African businesses in response to perceived unfair treatment. The AON made this appeal in Lagos on Wednesday, highlighting concerns over rising costs and what it described as unfavourable bilateral relations with South Africa.
According to the AON, domestic airlines are grappling with numerous levies, taxes and statutory fees imposed by regulatory agencies, which they argue are driving up operational costs and making air travel less affordable for Nigerians. The group said these charges have become a major obstacle for indigenous carriers trying to compete both locally and internationally.
The call for a boycott of South African interests follows recent tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over trade and diplomatic issues. The AON warned that continued patronage of South African businesses by Nigerians undermines local industry, especially given what it described as South Africa’s restrictive policies towards Nigerian airlines and investments.
In a statement made available after its meeting, the association urged the federal government to initiate policy reforms that would harmonise aviation taxes and ensure a more conducive environment for operators. The group also appealed for reciprocal actions in Nigeria’s dealings with countries that impose barriers on Nigerian businesses. “We can no longer fold our hands while Nigerian airlines suffer under the weight of excessive charges and lack of reciprocity,” the AON said.
It is expected that the Ministry of Aviation will engage stakeholders on possible tax reforms in coming weeks. Industry observers say a review of levies could lower fares for travellers and boost competitiveness among Nigerian airlines. The government has not issued an official response as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Atiku Abubakar Criticises Court’s Bail Conditions for El-Rufai in Abuja Detention Case
PDP chieftain warns that stringent bail terms threaten constitutional rights as former Kaduna Governor remains in custody
PDP chieftain warns that stringent bail terms threaten constitutional rights as former Kaduna Governor remains in custody
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the bail conditions imposed on former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, by the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a statement released on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the court’s refusal to review what he described as ‘stringent’ bail conditions was a threat to fundamental rights and justice.
El-Rufai remains in detention after failing to meet the bail terms set by the court, prompting concerns from political stakeholders and legal observers about due process. The court’s decision not to ease the bail requirements has sparked debate within legal and political circles about how such measures align with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
Atiku argued that while courts have the discretion to set bail conditions, these powers must be exercised judiciously and not used as a tool for indirect punishment before trial. He stated that excessive or impossible-to-meet conditions undermine the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution. “The law is settled that an accused person remains innocent until proven guilty,” Atiku noted in his statement.
The PDP stalwart further emphasised that procedural detention resulting from harsh bail terms amounts to punishment before conviction and called on judicial authorities to uphold fairness and reasonableness in their decisions. No immediate response was available from government prosecutors or officials regarding Atiku’s comments.
Legal practitioners have echoed similar concerns, warning that restrictive bail practices could erode public confidence in the justice system. Observers expect increased scrutiny on court procedures as human rights advocates press for reforms. The outcome of El-Rufai’s case is likely to influence future debates on bail administration and judicial discretion across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanwo-Olu Says Women’s Inclusion Key to Engineering Sector Growth in Lagos
Lagos governor highlights urgent need for gender balance, calls for greater participation of women in technical fields
Lagos governor highlights urgent need for gender balance, calls for greater participation of women in technical fields
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasised the critical role of women in shaping the future of engineering and technology across Lagos State. Speaking on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at an official event in Lagos, the governor stressed that increased female representation is essential for sustainable development and innovation in the sector.
Sanwo-Olu stated that women’s contributions to engineering remain underrepresented despite their proven capacity to drive progress. He urged both public and private stakeholders to prioritise policies that support equal opportunities for women in technical professions, noting that no society can achieve meaningful advancement while neglecting half its population.
The call comes as Lagos continues its push to position itself as a leading hub for science and technology within Nigeria and West Africa. With a growing demand for skilled engineers and innovators, experts say addressing gender disparity could unlock new solutions for infrastructure, power, and digital transformation challenges facing the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “Women are vital partners in building our economy. We must create more enabling environments where young girls and women can pursue careers in engineering without barriers.” He noted that efforts are underway within the state’s education system to encourage more female students to take up STEM subjects at secondary and tertiary levels.
While advocacy groups have welcomed the governor’s remarks, they also called for concrete implementation measures such as mentorship schemes and scholarship programmes tailored to aspiring female engineers. The administration has pledged continued engagement with industry leaders to ensure lasting progress towards gender equity in Lagos’ engineering workforce.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NADF Launches Blended Finance Framework in Lagos to Boost Private Sector Agricultural Lending
New initiative seeks to de-risk agribusiness investments as officials say government funding alone cannot transform sector
New initiative seeks to de-risk agribusiness investments as officials say government funding alone cannot transform sector
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) on Tuesday unveiled a blended finance framework aimed at increasing private sector lending to agriculture in Nigeria. The announcement was made during a workshop for fund managers held in Lagos, as the agency moved to attract more private capital into the nation’s critical agriculture sector.
The event, organised by NADF in partnership with Convergence Blended Finance, brought together stakeholders from across the financial industry. NADF said the framework is designed to reduce risks associated with agricultural investments and open up new opportunities for financiers within Nigeria’s financial system.
Speaking at the launch, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF—represented by the Fund’s General Manager for Partnerships and Investor Relations, Nasir Ingawa—stressed that transforming Nigerian agriculture would require resources beyond what government alone can provide. “Agriculture is central to Nigeria’s food security, job creation, industrial growth, export potential and prosperity,” Ibrahim said. He added that more engagement from private investors is necessary to realise these goals.
The blended finance approach combines public and private funds to support agribusinesses, helping mitigate risks that traditionally discourage banks and investors from committing long-term capital. This move comes as farmers and processors continue to face challenges accessing affordable credit for expansion and modernisation.
Industry experts at the workshop welcomed the new framework but cautioned that sustained policy support and clear regulatory guidelines will be vital for success. NADF said it will continue stakeholder engagement sessions nationwide as it seeks to expand access to financing across all segments of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Atiku Abubakar Criticises Court’s Bail Conditions for El-Rufai in Abuja Detention Case
Sanwo-Olu Says Women’s Inclusion Key to Engineering Sector Growth in Lagos
NADF Launches Blended Finance Framework in Lagos to Boost Private Sector Agricultural Lending
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