Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has dismissed reports claiming that a lengthy concession period had been agreed upon for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the minister described the report as “utterly baseless and untrue.”

Keyamo clarified that while the federal government is exploring concession options and has received proposals from interested companies, no final decision has been made regarding the Enugu airport.

The development comes amid heightened attention on the airport, following Air Peace’s recent suspension of flight operations due to infrastructural issues. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) subsequently closed the airport to commence emergency rehabilitation of the runway.

Moshood added that several airports across the country are currently operating at a loss and require monthly subsidies from the government, a situation that underscores the need to consider concession arrangements.

The National Assembly has extended the resumption date for plenary sessions by one week, shifting it from Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Monday.

According to the statement, the extension is to allow lawmakers participate in the Workers’ Day celebration and attend to other constituency engagements.

“I am directed to inform Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, and the general public that the two Houses of the National Assembly have extended the date for the resumption of plenary sessions from Tuesday, 29th April 2025, to Tuesday, 6th May 2025,” the statement read.

It added that the new resumption date should be noted by all concerned, and expressed regret over any inconvenience caused.

The National Assembly had earlier been scheduled to reconvene after recess on April 29.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria today following official visits to France and the United Kingdom.

The announcement was made on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, via a post on his X handle.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today,” Onanuga stated.

President Tinubu departed Nigeria on April 2 for a short working visit to Paris, France. According to earlier statements from the Presidency, the trip was intended for the President to assess the midterm performance of his administration and evaluate key milestones.

During the visit, the President was also expected to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary. Onanuga noted that the trip served as a period of reflection to inform future plans aimed at deepening reforms and accelerating national development.

Despite being abroad, the Presidency maintained that the President remained actively engaged in governance. Onanuga previously stated that President Tinubu would return in “about a fortnight.”

Amid criticism over the President’s extended absence, especially in light of ongoing security challenges in the country, the Presidency on April 17 reiterated that President Tinubu was still overseeing affairs of state from abroad.

“His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks,” the Presidency said, adding that the President would return to Abuja following the conclusion of the Easter holiday.

The Presidency also acknowledged the concerns of Nigerians and assured the public of the President’s continued dedication to his responsibilities.

In the wake of conflicting reports surrounding a heated exchange between Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed, fresh accounts are emerging that cast doubt on the narrative being pushed by loyalists of the Bauchi State governor.

According to a credible source present at the meeting—who spoke under condition of anonymity—claims that the Minister was physically assaulted are “entirely fabricated and implausible.” The source stated, “You know that’s not true. The Minister is an athlete and is more physically fit. If it came to a fight, it’s impossible for him to be slapped without a corresponding action. So it’s totally untrue and impossible. It is just the machinations of traducers loyal to the government.”

Eyewitness accounts indicate that tensions began when members of Governor Bala Mohammed’s entourage reportedly made snide remarks directed at the Foreign Minister. Matters escalated when Governor Mohammed allegedly insulted the Minister’s father—a respected elder statesman of both the First and Second Republics.

This provocation led Minister Tuggar to confront the governor directly, challenging him to repeat the insult and warning that such disrespect would not go unanswered. The confrontation reportedly caused the Governor to retreat, at which point the Deputy Governor attempted to intervene. Tuggar firmly warned him off, signaling that the matter did not concern him.

Contrary to reports circulated by supporters of the Governor, no physical altercation took place, and suggestions that the Minister was humiliated are categorically false. The incident occurred in the presence of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who, recognizing the rising tension, asked former Governor Adamu Mu’azu to step in and calm the situation.

Observers see the spread of misinformation as a coordinated attempt to discredit Minister Tuggar, a diplomat known for his measured temperament and national service. Those familiar with the dynamics say the campaign of falsehood reflects growing unease within certain political circles over the Minister’s rising profile.

As facts continue to emerge, the incident underscores the deepening rivalries within the political elite and the importance of verifying narratives before accepting them as truth.

Residents of Lagos experienced sharp fluctuations in food prices in April 2025, with increases in the cost of essential items reflecting the broader inflationary pressures across Nigeria.

According to the latest Nairametrics Food Price Survey conducted across four major markets—Mile 12, Mushin, Daleko, and Oyingbo—prices of key staples such as frozen fish, pepper, and tomatoes surged by over 100%, compounding the strain on household budgets.

In contrast, the survey recorded price declines in both local and foreign rice varieties, offering slight relief to consumers. However, the overall market landscape remained volatile, with several items registering double-digit price hikes.

The report attributes the rising food costs to multiple factors, including disruptions in supply chains, increased transportation expenses, adverse weather affecting harvests, and insecurity in major food-producing regions.

The April 2025 snapshot of the Lagos food market underscored a climate of extremes, as residents navigated unpredictable price movements across critical commodities.

source: Nairametrics

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has embarked on a working visit to Niamey, the capital of the Niger Republic, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and its northern neighbour.

Tuggar was received by his Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Sangaré. The visit was confirmed in a statement posted on Thursday via the minister’s official X handle.

“Rebuilding trust and fostering regional stability remain central to Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts,” the minister said.

He noted that the visit aimed to renew bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and energy. Tuggar also disclosed that discussions covered shared concerns including migration management, the fight against desertification, and the revitalisation of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC).

“Nigeria and Niger remain united in their commitment to advancing regional peace and development,” he added.

Relations between Nigeria and Niger have been tense since the July 2023 military coup in Niger. Following the coup, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, imposed strict sanctions on Niger and demanded a return to constitutional rule, including threats of military intervention.

These actions led to a deterioration in diplomatic ties, including border closures and the suspension of joint initiatives.

Tensions escalated further last month when the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso introduced a 0.5% import duty on goods from ECOWAS member states, deepening the rift within the region.

The Leader of the Army Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team in Anambra State, Brigadier General Chima Ekeator, has revealed that only 200 youths from the South-East have registered for the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise.

Ekeator made the disclosure during a sensitisation programme held for youth leaders and President-Generals of various communities in the state.

He expressed concern over the low turnout from the region compared to other parts of the country, where no fewer than 4,000 applicants have registered per state.

“This sensitisation is necessary because, according to records, only 200 persons have registered from the South-East, while in other states, not less than 4,000 persons have registered,” Ekeator said.

He urged youth leaders and community heads to return to their respective communities and mobilise more young people to participate in the exercise.

“Increased youth participation will enhance the representation of the South-East in the force, ensuring that the region’s quota is fully utilised,” he added.