News

FG May Restrict British Airways From Lagos Airport

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2024

The Federal Government may be forced to restrict British Airways from Nigeria’s premier airport, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos over a slot issue in the United Kingdom.

The UK slot system has forced Nigeria’s airline Air Peace to fly to Gatwick Airport instead of Heathrow, the UK number one airport.

Thung Khe Pass, White Stone Slope, Hoa Binh, Flycam – Nếm TV

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, disclosed on Friday that the ministry had written to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to allow Air Peace fly to Heathrow Airport in London in line with the reciprocity principle in the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

Daily Trust reports that Air Peace commenced direct flight to the UK Gatwick Airport in March this year after a long battle with the authorities in a bid to get a slot at Heathrow.

However speaking at the 28th Annual Conference of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos, Keyamo said it was unfair to allow British Airways unfettered access to MMIA, the country’s busiest airport while the same privilege was not accorded to Nigerian airline in UK in line with the BASA.

Keyamo said that the ministry was awaiting a response from the ministry in the UK.

He insisted that countries must abide by the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) arrangement that Nigeria reached with their governments, saying that failure to do this might lead to a reactive action from the Nigerian Government.

He said, “We have already written to the United Kingdom to give Nigerian carriers, especially Air Peace Heathrow Airport, which is a tier one airport, just as we have British Airways, using our Lagos airport. We may as well give BA Ilorin to operate to. When we asked for Heathrow Airport, you’re telling us to go to a slot committee. Who does that? Air Peace I can tell you is on its way to Heathrow away from Gatwick.

“The local operators are struggling to cover their routes locally, not to talk of our international routes; Air France is coming here 10 times a week, we are not going to Paris, Lufthansa is coming here, we are not going to Frankfurt, Delta and United from America are all coming here, but we are not reciprocating. Even, South African Airways is coming here, we are not going there.

“We only managed to have Air Peace in London and to Gatwick, but we are pushing for them to take us to Heathrow. You can’t tell us you have a slot committee. Your airport operator should know that you have an existing relationship and they should respect it.

“For connectivity, people prefer Heathrow. That is an airport you can have an airline to codeshare with so that there can be connectivity.”

The minister also invited investors around the world to take advantage of the huge investment opportunities in the aviation industry especially the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility.

He said: “For us, we are looking at various issues; MROs. People are already talking to us, we don’t want to let the cat out of the bag. Very soon we are going to advertise to call for partnership in the project.

“For our banks, financial institutions, financers, and others, don’t say foreigners are coming to take your business, it’s a big business. If we bring them in, we will take all the aircraft in West and Central Africa and even a part of Southern Africa if we can get the MRO into Nigeria.

“The Arabs, Chinese, Europeans and Americans; they all want to invest and they are talking to us. And something about MRO is that you can’t invest it in an independent environment, but an existing airport. You will need a runway for an aircraft to land. So, you need to talk to us to give you land within our international airports.”

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

11 minutes ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.

News

Christmas: Edo Deputy Gov Preaches Unity, Hope

Published

25 minutes ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has called on residents of the state to embrace unity, love, and renewed hope as Christians celebrate Christmas.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa emphasised that Christmas represents values that unite people, regardless of tribe, religion, or politics, promoting compassion, generosity, and peace.

He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless reminder of the values of peace, sacrifice, and compassion, which he said are critical to societal growth and harmonious coexistence.

He urged Edo people to take advantage of the festive season to strengthen communal ties, extend goodwill to the less privileged, and recommit themselves to the collective development of the state.

The deputy governor further said that Christmas underscores the importance of shared humanity and collective responsibility in building a prosperous society.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of hope and shared humanity.

“As a people, we must continue to stand together, support one another, and work collectively for a more prosperous Edo State,” Idahosa said.

He reassured residents of the state of the firm commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to enthrone good governance, inclusive development, and people-oriented policies aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of all Edo citizens.

Idahosa also appealed to residents to celebrate the season responsibly and sustain peace and harmony before, during, and after the festivities.

He wished Christians a joyous Christmas celebration and prayed for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Edo State.

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.