Nigeria News (Standard)
Aviation Ground Handlers Suspend Services to Max Air at Lagos Airport Over Alleged ₦1 Billion Debt
Airline operations disrupted as ground handling firms demand settlement of outstanding payments; industry stakeholders call for swift resolution
Airline operations disrupted as ground handling firms demand settlement of outstanding payments; industry stakeholders call for swift resolution
Aviation ground handling companies at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have withdrawn their services from Max Air, one of Nigeria’s leading domestic carriers, over alleged unpaid debts amounting to about ₦1 billion. The suspension took effect on Friday, disrupting flight schedules and affecting passengers booked on Max Air services.
According to industry sources, the decision was reached after several attempts to recover the outstanding payments reportedly failed. The affected services include aircraft ramp handling, baggage processing, and other critical ground support required for flight operations. Passengers were left stranded at the Lagos airport as Max Air flights were unable to depart or arrive as scheduled.
The development highlights ongoing financial challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where rising operational costs and naira volatility have strained airline-ground handler relationships. Ground handling firms play a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficiency at airports nationwide, making the standoff a significant concern for both airline operators and travellers.
While Max Air has not issued an official statement on the matter as at press time, representatives of the ground handlers insisted that normal services would only resume once the airline settles its outstanding obligations. “We have engaged Max Air management severally but there has been no concrete commitment on payment,” a senior official from one of the affected firms said.
Industry observers warn that if unresolved, the impasse could set a precedent for similar actions against other carriers with overdue payments. Stakeholders are urging intervention by regulatory authorities to mediate between airlines and service providers, stressing that prolonged disruptions could erode confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Shifts to Domestic Funding for Nutrition Programmes as Donor Support Drops
Authorities say new model aims to sustain child health initiatives amid declining international aid and rising malnutrition cases
Authorities say new model aims to sustain child health initiatives amid declining international aid and rising malnutrition cases
The federal government has adopted a domestic funding approach for nutrition programmes across Nigeria, moving to address rising malnutrition rates as foreign donor support continues to dwindle. The policy shift was confirmed on Thursday, 18 June, by officials who highlighted the urgent need for sustainable financing given the current decline in external assistance.
According to government sources, the decision follows years of reliance on international partners to bankroll critical nutrition interventions targeting children and vulnerable groups nationwide. With recent reductions in donor contributions, authorities say the country must now rely more heavily on internal resources to sustain these essential services.
The move comes at a time when Nigeria faces persistent challenges with child malnutrition, especially in rural communities and conflict-affected areas. Analysts have warned that the withdrawal of international support could further strain health outcomes if not properly addressed. Officials noted that the new funding model is expected to enhance accountability and ensure better alignment with national priorities.
Although details of the domestic funding mechanism were not fully disclosed, authorities stressed their commitment to maintaining momentum in nutrition programming. “We are putting structures in place so our children do not suffer because of reduced donor support,” an official said during a briefing. No opposition or civil society reactions were immediately available as at press time.
With this development, Nigeria joins other African countries rethinking reliance on foreign aid for critical health sectors. Stakeholders are expected to monitor implementation closely in the coming months, as the government works to mobilise public funds and safeguard gains made in reducing childhood malnutrition.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NAFDAC to Begin Second Phase of Sachet Alcohol Ban Enforcement Nationwide
Agency targets manufacturers and distributors in renewed crackdown as health concerns over alcohol abuse persist
Agency targets manufacturers and distributors in renewed crackdown as health concerns over alcohol abuse persist
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced plans to commence the second phase of enforcement against the production and distribution of sachet alcohol across Nigeria. The move is aimed at intensifying efforts to curb the availability of small-sized alcoholic drinks, which regulators say contribute to rising cases of alcohol misuse, particularly among youths.
The agency revealed on Thursday that it will widen its crackdown to cover more states, focusing on both manufacturers and distributors who continue to flout the ban on sachet and small-bottle alcohol sales. NAFDAC officials stated that enforcement teams will conduct coordinated operations in key markets and production centres in the coming weeks, building on the initial phase launched earlier this year.
The ban on sachet alcohol was first introduced in response to growing public health concerns, as experts linked the affordable packaging format to increased consumption by underage Nigerians. The policy has been a subject of debate among industry stakeholders, with some arguing it threatens jobs in the beverage sector while others support stricter regulation to address social issues tied to excessive drinking.
NAFDAC said it is working closely with security agencies and state task forces to ensure compliance. The agency’s leadership maintains that public health remains its top priority. However, some producers have appealed for phased implementation and more stakeholder engagement, citing economic impact. As at Thursday, there had been no formal response from major industry groups regarding the renewed enforcement drive.
The agency indicated that further updates on compliance rates and sanctions against violators will be released as operations progress. NAFDAC also urged Nigerians to report illegal sales through official channels as it seeks broader public cooperation in enforcing the sachet alcohol ban.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US, Iran Move Towards Ending Hostilities With Secret Talks in Tehran
Diplomatic sources say indirect negotiations aim to de-escalate tensions; regional allies watch developments closely
Diplomatic sources say indirect negotiations aim to de-escalate tensions; regional allies watch developments closely
The United States and Iran have commenced indirect negotiations in Tehran aimed at ending years of hostilities between the two nations, diplomatic sources disclosed on Thursday. The talks, which began this week in the Iranian capital, are part of a renewed push to de-escalate tensions following a series of confrontations in the Gulf region.
According to officials familiar with the development, senior diplomats from both countries are engaging through mediators to discuss a potential roadmap for peace. The discussions are said to focus on issues such as nuclear enrichment limits, prisoner exchanges, and easing economic sanctions imposed on Iran by successive US administrations.
The latest move comes after several months of back-channel contacts between Washington and Tehran, prompted by concerns over regional instability and rising oil prices. Analysts note that the Gulf region has witnessed repeated flare-ups involving Iranian and US forces, raising fears of a wider conflict that could impact global energy supplies and security.
A Western diplomatic source involved in the process stated that while significant differences remain, both sides have expressed willingness to make concessions. “There is a window for progress if all parties remain committed,” the source said. Regional stakeholders including Saudi Arabia and Israel are reportedly monitoring the situation closely but have not issued official statements as at press time.
Observers believe that a successful deal could lead to gradual lifting of sanctions on Iran and improved security cooperation in the Middle East. However, experts caution that previous efforts at rapprochement have faltered due to mutual distrust and domestic opposition within both countries. Further rounds of talks are expected in the coming weeks as negotiators work towards a possible agreement.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888600-inside-iran-us-deal-to-end-the-war.html
Federal Government Shifts to Domestic Funding for Nutrition Programmes as Donor Support Drops
NAFDAC to Begin Second Phase of Sachet Alcohol Ban Enforcement Nationwide
Thierry Henry Accuses Ronaldo of Selfish Play for Denying Bruno Fernandes in Congo Clash
US, Iran Move Towards Ending Hostilities With Secret Talks in Tehran
Tinubu Unveils Blue Economy Action Plan, Targets 5 Million Maritime Jobs by 2035
Enugu Cooking Gas Dealers Lament Drop in Sales as Residents Switch to Charcoal
FirstHoldCo Raises ₦45bn Through Private Placement, Boosts FirstBank Capital Base
Women, Youths Protest Detention of Akwa Ibom Critic in Uyo
Iyabo Obasanjo Returns to PDP, Clinches Ogun Central Senatorial Ticket
Peter Obi Declares Readiness to Sacrifice Life for Nigeria Amid Rising Insecurity
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
