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)
Timini Egbuson Reignites Dating Rumours with Bimbo Ademoye at Lagos Event
Nollywood stars fuel speculation after public appearance and resurfaced interview; fans question ‘just friends’ claims
Nollywood stars fuel speculation after public appearance and resurfaced interview; fans question ‘just friends’ claims
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has once again sparked relationship rumours with fellow star Bimbo Ademoye following their joint appearance at a corporate event in Lagos over the weekend. The development comes after a resurfaced interview where Egbuson suggested he would consider dating Ademoye if she were single, renewing longstanding speculation about the nature of their relationship.
The two actors, both known for their roles in popular films such as The Kujus, Breaded Life, Big Love, Reel Love, Kamsi, and Love Is Yellow, were seen arriving hand-in-hand at the Lafarge Africa rebranding ceremony in Lagos. They spent much of the event together, smiling and chatting closely. Ademoye later posted photos from the outing on social media with the caption, “I got a parking lot and my favourite TV guy,” drawing further attention from fans.
Public interest in Egbuson and Ademoye’s relationship has grown since August 2024, when Egbuson posted a video of the pair in bed together and joked about a “big announcement,” hinting at a possible child and naming ceremony. In February this year, Ademoye herself added to the speculation by jokingly telling Egbuson that she would only marry him if his film Love and New Notes crossed ₦500 million at the box office, and that they could only have children if it reached ₦1 billion.
The speculation intensified when a fan commented on Ademoye’s recent post from the Lafarge event, saying, “If you guys don’t get married, I will cry.” Ademoye replied, “You will not cry in Jesus name,” which did not confirm or deny any relationship but kept fans guessing. The appearance of both actors together at high-profile events and repeated playful exchanges have made many Nigerians question whether they are simply leveraging attention for publicity or if there is more to their friendship.
As at press time, neither Egbuson nor Ademoye has officially confirmed any romantic involvement. However, their consistent public teasing continues to generate widespread discussion online. Industry observers say this ongoing narrative keeps both stars firmly in the spotlight, with fans waiting to see whether their off-screen chemistry will ever translate into an official relationship.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/timini-bimbo-every-time-they-sparked-dating-rumours-2026062412384908558
Nigeria News (Standard)
BOA MD Partners Women Affairs Ministry to Unlock ₦1.7trn Agriculture Potential for 30 Million Women Farmers
Ayodeji Sotinrin leads Bank of Agriculture team to Abuja, urges targeted financing for women to drive $1 trillion economy goal
Ayodeji Sotinrin leads Bank of Agriculture team to Abuja, urges targeted financing for women to drive $1 trillion economy goal
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ayodeji Oludare Sotinrin, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s over 30 million women farmers as part of efforts to build the nation’s projected $1 trillion economy. Sotinrin made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by the BOA management team to the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Sotinrin stated that women account for nearly half of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce, stressing their critical role in national food security and poverty reduction. He emphasised that empowering women through access to finance and support services is key to unlocking opportunities across the agricultural value chain. The meeting signalled a new partnership between BOA and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs aimed at providing targeted loans and investment products specifically designed for women farmers.
The BOA chief explained that supporting women in agriculture would not only enhance household incomes but also contribute significantly to achieving government’s economic diversification agenda. He noted that with proper financing, women can expand production, adopt modern farming techniques, and participate more actively in agribusiness ventures. “Our engagement with the Ministry is geared towards removing barriers for female farmers so they can contribute fully to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Sotinrin said.
Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely given current challenges around food inflation and rising unemployment. She assured the BOA management of her ministry’s readiness to collaborate on projects that will boost capacity-building, land access, and market linkages for women across all six geopolitical zones.
The two agencies are expected to develop joint programmes targeting improved financial inclusion for rural women farmers in the coming months. Stakeholders say such interventions could help drive Nigeria closer to its $1 trillion economy target while addressing long-standing gender gaps within the agriculture sector.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NCC Approves 9mobile’s Rebranding to T2 in Lagos as Subscriber Base Drops by 21 Million
New owner LH Telecommunications pledges $3bn investment after network shrinks from 23.5 million to 2.4 million users
New owner LH Telecommunications pledges $3bn investment after network shrinks from 23.5 million to 2.4 million users
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the rebranding of 9mobile to T2, following a dramatic fall in the telecom operator’s subscriber base from 23.5 million in 2015 to just 2.4 million as at June 2025. The announcement was made during an official event at the Marriott Hotel, Lagos, on August 8, where the company unveiled its new identity and outlined a four-year recovery plan.
Etisalat Nigeria, which launched operations in 2008 with strong backing from UAE-based Etisalat Group, grew rapidly to become a key player in the telecoms sector, attracting millions of young Nigerians with flexible data plans and innovative marketing. However, after securing a $1.2 billion loan from a consortium of Nigerian banks in 2013 for network expansion, the company struggled to service its debt by 2017 due to naira devaluation and rising operational costs during Nigeria’s recession.
As the naira weakened against the dollar, Etisalat’s repayment obligations soared beyond sustainable levels, leading its UAE parent company to withdraw and demand an end to use of the ‘Etisalat’ brand. This forced a hurried rebrand to ‘9mobile’ in July 2017 under NCC and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) supervision. Despite these interventions, network quality declined sharply after technical partners exited and promised investments failed to materialise. By end of 2024, the subscriber base had plummeted by over twenty million as MTN, Airtel and Globacom consolidated their dominance.
LH Telecommunications Limited, led by Thomas Etuh, acquired a controlling stake of 95.5% in July 2024 with regulatory approval from NCC. The company announced a $3 billion investment plan and entered a roaming partnership with MTN aimed at reviving network coverage and quality nationwide. At the rebranding event themed “Tech Meets Tenacity”, Chief Executive Officer Obafemi Banigbe acknowledged past challenges: “We have endured as a business… but like Nigeria, we always bounce back stronger,” he said.
Industry observers say T2’s comeback will depend on timely capital injection and improved service delivery as competition intensifies in Nigeria’s telecoms sector. The operator is targeting network modernisation over four years but faces scepticism after previous failed acquisition attempts and prolonged underinvestment. The NCC has reiterated its commitment to protecting subscribers’ interests during this transition.
Timini Egbuson Reignites Dating Rumours with Bimbo Ademoye at Lagos Event
BOA MD Partners Women Affairs Ministry to Unlock ₦1.7trn Agriculture Potential for 30 Million Women Farmers
Ụlọ Akụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Mmezi Isi Ego, Mana Ụmụ Obodo Ka Na-enweta Ego Ọrụ Nfe
NCC Approves 9mobile’s Rebranding to T2 in Lagos as Subscriber Base Drops by 21 Million
UN Commission Alleges Israel Targets Palestinian Children in Gaza Since 2023
Lagos Shop Sparks Debate as Silicone Breast Prostheses Sell for ₦115,000
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Infantino Reveals How FIFA’s Hydration Breaks Stopped Coaches From Cheating in Major Tournaments
Ogun Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Abducted Victim and Recover ₦2.2m
Actor Akin Olaiya’s Former Partner Breaks Silence on Split in Lagos
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
