Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Hands Over Enugu Airport Operations to Private Firm
Move marks major shift in aviation sector as authorities seek improved efficiency and service delivery at Akanu Ibiam International Airport
Move marks major shift in aviation sector as authorities seek improved efficiency and service delivery at Akanu Ibiam International Airport
The Federal Government has officially transferred management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to a private operator, marking a significant development in the South-East’s aviation landscape. The handover took place on Thursday, 25 June 2026, as part of government’s broader strategy to boost operational standards and infrastructure at major airports nationwide.
According to officials, the decision to concession the Enugu airport is aimed at ensuring better maintenance, enhanced passenger experience and increased revenue generation for the federal purse. The new private operator, whose identity was not disclosed at the event, is expected to take over daily management, with responsibilities covering passenger services, facility upgrades and compliance with international safety standards.
The move comes amidst longstanding calls from industry stakeholders for reforms in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Many have argued that public ownership has led to inadequate funding and poor maintenance of airport facilities. By involving private partners in airport administration, government aims to mirror successes recorded in Lagos and Abuja, where similar concessions have led to improved services.
A senior official at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who spoke during the handover ceremony in Enugu, said: “This partnership is designed to bring world-class standards to Akanu Ibiam International Airport and ensure it meets the needs of travellers from the South-East and beyond.”
While some local transport unions expressed cautious optimism about the transition, they urged government and the new operator to prioritise job security for existing staff. Aviation experts say the success of this concession will depend on clear regulatory oversight and sustained investment in airport infrastructure.
With this development, government is expected to monitor performance metrics closely as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s status as a regional aviation hub. Further announcements regarding timelines for planned upgrades and changes to passenger procedures are anticipated in coming weeks.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NITDA, Meta Launch Joint Initiative to Boost Online Safety for Nigerian Youths
Collaboration aims to address rising digital threats as online activity surges among young Nigerians nationwide
Collaboration aims to address rising digital threats as online activity surges among young Nigerians nationwide
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered a partnership with global technology giant Meta to enhance online safety for youths across Nigeria. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, 25 June, and is expected to focus on equipping young Nigerians with the skills and resources needed to navigate digital spaces securely.
Details of the collaboration were announced during a briefing in Abuja, where both NITDA and Meta representatives highlighted their commitment to tackling issues such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and data privacy breaches that affect youths on social media platforms. The agencies plan to roll out educational campaigns and digital literacy programmes targeting secondary schools and youth-led organisations in all six geopolitical zones.
This development comes amid growing concerns about the exposure of Nigerian youths to harmful content and online scams. With the increasing use of smartphones and social networking apps, incidents of cyber-related threats have surged nationwide. NITDA’s partnership with Meta is seen as a timely intervention to build resilience among the country’s large youth population, which constitutes over half of Nigeria’s estimated 220 million people.
According to officials at the event, the joint initiative will leverage Meta’s expertise in platform safety tools while NITDA will coordinate local outreach and policy advocacy. “We are committed to working closely with partners like Meta to ensure our young people can participate safely in the digital economy,” a NITDA spokesperson said at the briefing. Meta representatives emphasised their readiness to support local initiatives that promote safe online engagement.
The programme is expected to commence pilot activities within selected schools next quarter before expanding nationwide. Stakeholders have welcomed the move as a step towards empowering youths with critical knowledge for responsible internet use.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Police Dismiss Bomb Attack Fears, Blame Vehicle Incident on Mechanical Fault
Command says forensic probe found no evidence of explosives or sabotage; reassures residents on public safety
Command says forensic probe found no evidence of explosives or sabotage; reassures residents on public safety
The Lagos State Police Command has ruled out any bomb attack or criminal use of explosives in the recent vehicle-related explosion incident in Lagos, attributing the cause to mechanical failure. The announcement was made in a statement issued late Tuesday by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, and signed by SP Abimbola Adebisi.
According to the police, a thorough investigation including forensic and technical examinations revealed that the incident was not linked to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), terrorist activity, or any form of sabotage. The authorities said their findings showed no traces of explosives at the scene, putting to rest initial concerns raised by members of the public following reports of an explosion involving a vehicle within Lagos metropolis.
This development comes amid heightened security awareness in Lagos State and across the South-West region, where residents have expressed anxiety over similar incidents in recent months. The Command’s swift response and transparent communication were aimed at preventing misinformation and public panic.
“The investigation conclusively established that the incident was not caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), terrorist activity, sabotage or any form of criminal use of explosives,” the police statement said. The Command further explained that all available evidence pointed to mechanical failure as the sole reason for the explosion.
While assuring Lagosians of their safety, the police advised members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate tension. The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across all local government areas in Lagos State, urging residents to promptly report suspicious activities through official channels.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanusi Urges ECOWAS to Reconcile With Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Amid Regional Tensions
Former Emir of Kano calls for renewed dialogue as West African bloc faces strain from member states’ withdrawals
Former Emir of Kano calls for renewed dialogue as West African bloc faces strain from member states’ withdrawals
Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to seek reconciliation with Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso following recent tensions in the region. Sanusi made this appeal on Thursday, urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and regional unity amid the ongoing diplomatic rifts.
The former Central Bank Governor emphasised the need for ECOWAS to engage constructively with the three Sahel countries after their decision to withdraw from the bloc earlier this year. Sanusi stated that mending relations was critical for regional stability, particularly given the security and economic challenges confronting West Africa.
Relations between Nigeria and its neighbours have been under strain since military-led governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced their exit from ECOWAS. The three countries cited concerns over sanctions imposed by the bloc and accused ECOWAS of interfering in their domestic affairs. This development has raised concerns among stakeholders about the future of regional cooperation, especially regarding trade and joint security initiatives.
Sanusi urged ECOWAS leadership to adopt a diplomatic approach by opening channels of communication with Niamey, Bamako and Ouagadougou. He stressed that rebuilding trust was essential to achieving shared development goals. “Dialogue remains the best option for resolving disputes within our region,” Sanusi said during his remarks.
The withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS has prompted fears over increased insecurity along Nigeria’s northern borders and disruptions in cross-border commerce. Analysts say that a fractured bloc could undermine collective efforts against terrorism and hamper economic integration plans. Observers are watching closely to see how ECOWAS will respond in the coming weeks as mediation efforts continue.
NITDA, Meta Launch Joint Initiative to Boost Online Safety for Nigerian Youths
Lagos Police Dismiss Bomb Attack Fears, Blame Vehicle Incident on Mechanical Fault
Federal Government Hands Over Enugu Airport Operations to Private Firm
Sanusi Urges ECOWAS to Reconcile With Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Amid Regional Tensions
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Lagos Police Rule Out Terrorism, Bomb Attack in Thursday Explosion
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