The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled plans to raise tariffs for all service providers across its airports, aiming to strengthen its revenue base.

As part of its modernization efforts, the authority will also eliminate cash payments at all points of service, opting instead for a fully automated and contactless payment system.

FAAN revealed that 92% of its revenue currently comes from aeronautical sources, while just 8% is earned from non-aeronautical activities. This figure contrasts sharply with global trends, where non-aeronautical income makes up over 40% in many developed countries.

The agency described this transition as a vital step toward updating its operational structure and creating a more balanced revenue portfolio.

During the Directorate of Commercial and Development Stakeholders Engagement Forum held on Monday in Lagos, the Director of Commercial and Business Development at FAAN, Adebola Agunbiade, said, “We have to find the means to review our tariff in such a way that it’s not too much on you but it’s also helping us to pay our bills.”

She further assured stakeholders that they would be informed ahead of time before any changes are enforced.

“We have done it already, we will be putting out notices on it, but please rest assured that we will not be getting a review on a tariff that probably has been done too recently,” she added.

“But we are reviewing our tariff, and we will also ensure that we notify you early enough so that you, as businesses, can plan towards it,” she said.

Agunbiade highlighted the need for revising lease agreements, noting, “We’ve had a lot of issues around this, and I think it’s mostly because most times when we give out these agreements, people don’t read them to see what the terms are.”

She explained that FAAN, in collaboration with its legal team, has thoroughly reviewed the agreements.

“We’ve introduced new terms. So, when someone applies for a renewal or a new agreement, they’ll notice that some terms have been updated.

“We’ve done our best to make these terms practical and effective,” Agunbiade added.

The FAAN representative also announced a shift to an automated, contactless payment system, stating, “All payments will soon be made online using our cards. It is an airport card. You tap and go. It is a very seamless and straightforward process that will ease the business and payment structure for all our payment systems.

“We have above-the-line and below-the-line revenue-generating platforms. Last year, we realised N2 billion from below-the-line platforms alone.

Agunbiade underscored the potential for investors, stating, “It is a big opportunity for investors, and people can leverage on this.”

She added that FAAN is focusing on implementing reward systems for its workforce.

FAAN’s Managing Director and CEO, Olubunmi Kuku, raised concerns about the high volume of calls and inquiries from service providers regarding payment renewals and applications.

She stressed the benefits of automation, saying, “Automation makes it easier for you to track your payment. We’re going cashless and contactless payment. So it is easier and faster. People can use these cards for payment points across our terminals.

“We have started the pilots in Lagos, we’re going to be rolling this out across other airports, and of course across all of our different lines.

“There are a lot of investments that have gone into our infrastructure upgrades and automation, specifically.

“We will be using ECR devices for all of the payments at the terminals.

“We’re also upgrading some of our parking and automating the tollgate facilities as well. All in a bid to make sure that there’s visibility, there’s transparency, and of course accountability for the funds that we earn for our passengers to understand that it’s going right back into the businesses.”

Kuku also issued a warning that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would withdraw the licences of Bureau de Change operators and car hire service providers found using their roles at the airport as a cover for touting.

She addressed the ongoing efforts to ease traffic congestion around the Lagos airport by removing tankers stationed along the access roads.

“This is not the scene I want to see. We have received orders to take out those tankers. We will be taking drastic measures.”

Kuku emphasized the need for orderliness, stating, “We cannot just have businesses on the side of the road in a manner that is not organised. We will be taking very drastic actions.”

She further pointed out that many of the tankers parked around the airport do not belong there and pose risks.

“A lot of the tankers there do not operate in our environment. They will have to go. They are a security risk, and the scene is obnoxious for an airport environment,” Kuku stated.

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu brought his tenure to an end as the Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

As a result of this transition, President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone has been appointed as his successor.

Tinubu disclosed this development during the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority held at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

He said, “It has been a profound honour and privilege to lead this esteemed body, and I remain deeply humbled by the trust and support you have extended to me throughout my channel as I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency, President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone.”

“I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and of commitment for the future of West Africa.”

Prior to handing over, Tinubu voiced his concern about the sluggish progress in operationalising the ECOWAS Standby Force. He called on West African leaders to urgently shift from mere planning to concrete action in the joint effort to combat terrorism and transnational crimes.

“I am a little bit worried about the slow pace of its (ECOWAS Standby Force) activation, which is taking longer than desired,” the President said in his opening speech.

President Tinubu advocated for the establishment of a regional standby force and a counter-terrorism centre to combat terrorism in Africa’s most volatile regions in April 2024.

He described the counter-terrorism centre as a hub for intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building across the continent. Tinubu highlighted ransom-taking and illegal mining as “evil branches” fueled by underlying issues like poverty, inequality, and social injustice, which sustain terrorist networks throughout Africa.

“Key to our collective efforts against terrorism is the urgent need for a fully operational Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre,” Tinubu stated at the African High-level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Abuja on April 22, 2024.

Two months later, at the sixth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Ghana, he noted that ECOWAS was seeking alternative funding sources for its $2.6 billion Standby Force. In August 2024, he reiterated the commitment of member states to finance the force, presenting it as a critical response to terrorism in the Sahel.

However, a year later, reflecting on his two-year tenure as ECOWAS chairman since July 2023, Tinubu voiced frustration over the slow progress of the initiative, as security challenges in the Sahel continued to escalate.

He emphasized the critical need to activate the force swiftly due to the rising insecurity throughout the sub-region.

“The ECOWAS Standby Force must move from concept to operational reality. I am a little bit worried about the slow pace of its activation, which is taking longer than desired,” the President said.

He pointed out that the threats facing the region were transnational, fueled by dynamic and dangerous networks that disregarded national borders.

“No single nation can, therefore, address these challenges alone. We must strengthen coordination, amplify political will, and prioritise a collective approach to secure it,” he added.

Tinubu outlined key achievements during his tenure as leader of the regional bloc. He noted that the newly completed ECOWAS Military Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone, would be vital in supplying equipment and logistics to ECOWAS-deployed forces.

“Last February in Addis Ababa, Nigeria signed the Sixth Agreement with the African Union. With the depot’s completion, Nigeria is committing itself to sea-lift and air-lift arrangements with ECOWAS,” he said.

Tinubu expressed optimism that the current diplomatic efforts with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger would eventually result in their reintegration into the regional bloc.

“Under my chairmanship, I deployed all diplomatic means to engage and dialogue with our brothers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. I am confident that before too long, they may return to the family,” he said.

The Nigerian President emphasized the need to enhance economic collaboration, strengthen the private sector, and eliminate trade obstacles to fully harness West Africa’s potential.

“Our intra-regional trade remains low, even as we possess the potential to be an economic powerhouse. We must create the enabling environment, empower the private sector, and create the conditions necessary for innovation to flourish,” he said.

He also advocated for the prompt execution of vital regional infrastructure initiatives, such as the West African Gas Pipeline, West African Power Pool, and Abidjan–Lagos Corridor Highway, describing them as essential for growth and integration.

After taking over leadership, President Bio praised Tinubu for setting a strong foundation in regional engagement, economic revitalization, and peace efforts.

“I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” he said

Recognizing the challenges of the present situation, the Sierra Leonean president observed that West Africa faced a critical juncture, contending with terrorism, illegal arms trafficking, political unrest, and cross-border crime, especially in the Sahel and coastal areas.

“The democratic space is under strain in parts of our region. In some countries, the constitutional order has been disrupted.

“Yet, across West Africa, citizens—especially our youth—are demanding not just elections, but also accountability, transparency, and a fair stake in national life,” he said.

A female suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a crowded fish market in Konduga, Borno State, Nigeria, on June 20, 2025, killing 12 people and injuring 18 others. The attack, which occurred around 9:30 p.m., targeted a food joint within the market, a bustling hub for local traders and residents.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that the bomber infiltrated a civilian crowd before triggering the explosion.

“A suicide bomb attack occurred on Friday, 20th June, 2025, at about 2130hrs, at fish market area in Konduga town, Borno State where a female suicide bomber, who had an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped to her body, infiltrated a crowd of unsuspecting civilians and detonated the device, resulting in the unfortunate loss of lives and multiple injuries,” said ASP Nahum Daso, the state Police Public Relations Officer.

The blast left a grim scene, with the bomber’s body severely dismembered and only her head recovered for identification.

“We were bargaining a fish when we heard a loud sound that later turns out to be a suicide bomb attack. It was a gory sight,” a local source recounted.

Emergency responders, including the Nigeria Police Force, military, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD-CBRN) units, were swiftly deployed to secure the area and prevent further attacks.

The injured were rushed to Maiduguri Specialist Hospital for treatment, while ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full details of the attack. No group has claimed responsibility, but security sources point to Boko Haram, whose 16-year insurgency has killed thousands and displaced over 2 million in Borno.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the attack as a “cowardly” act by “remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents who resort to attacks on soft targets as a diversionary tactic.”

In a statement issued on June 22 by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep anguish and mourned the victims.

“President Tinubu has expressed anguish over the suicide bombing in Konduga, Borno State, at the weekend. The President mourned those who lost their lives, describing the attack as cowardly,” the statement read.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to eliminate the insurgents, stating, “He urged security agencies to double their efforts in routing remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents who resort to attacks on soft targets as a diversionary tactic.”

Tinubu also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate support to survivors and extended condolences to the Borno State government and its people.

The Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, expressed condolences and assured the public of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy.

“The CP urges members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and security conscious, and to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest security agency,” Daso added.

The attack follows a pattern of Boko Haram’s recent tactics, with similar bombings in Gwoza and Kauri in 2024 claiming dozens of lives.

In a separate incident, Tinubu addressed an explosion at a scrap metal factory in Kano State on June 21, which killed five people and injured ten others.

“Meanwhile, the President has sympathised with the families of those killed or injured by an explosion on Saturday morning in Kano,” Onanuga’s statement noted, emphasizing the need for stricter safety protocols.

Tinubu tasked relevant authorities with investigating the incident to prevent future tragedies.

The Konduga bombing underscores the persistent threat of insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast, despite military efforts to curb Boko Haram’s activities.

Residents, shaken by the attack, called for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable communities. As investigations continue, the nation mourns, and Tinubu’s pledge for justice resonates, “We will not rest until peace is restored.”

In what has been described as one of the most significant security breakthroughs in recent Lagos history, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested the state’s most wanted criminal, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso, a 44-year-old notorious hired killer and cult kingpin.

The suspect, who has been on the police radar for over a decade, was captured in a covert operation code-named “Silence, Speed and Surprise” by the Command’s Tactical Squad. He was apprehended at his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State following several failed attempts in the past.

Akinwande has long been a symbol of terror in the Mushin area of Lagos and surrounding communities. He is accused of masterminding numerous high-profile killings, kidnappings, cult-related murders, and armed robberies dating back to 2009. According to the police, his brutal operations have instilled widespread fear and caused untold trauma for many families in the state.

Following his arrest, police operatives raided his residence in Mushin where a shocking cache of weapons and incriminating materials were uncovered. Items recovered include:

• Two (2) AK-47 rifles
• One (1) K2 assault rifle
• One (1) Red Ryder rifle
• Three (3) pump action rifles
• Two (2) locally made single-barrel pistols
• Five (5) magazines
• Fifty-seven (57) live cartridges
• Seventy (70) rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition
• Twenty-seven (27) rounds of 9mm ammunition
• One (1) expended 5.56mm ammunition
• One (1) dagger
• Three (3) walkie-talkies
• Nine (9) international passports belonging to various individuals

Four families have already come forward to identify Akinwande as the perpetrator of the gruesome killings of their loved ones, lending credence to police claims of his extensive and violent criminal history.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, while addressing the press, praised the bravery and coordination of the officers involved in the operation. He described the arrest as “a turning point in the fight against violent crime in Lagos State.”

“The arrest of this dreaded cult leader and the seizure of these weapons sends a clear message—Lagos will not be a safe haven for criminals,” CP Jimoh said. “We are committed to restoring peace and protecting lives. Justice will be served.”

He also revealed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), has been tasked to head a special investigative team to widen the probe and apprehend other accomplices linked to Akinwande’s gang.

The police have assured residents that Akinwande is in custody under tight security and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Lagos Police Command has urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security efforts by reporting suspicious activities promptly.

The Command reiterated its commitment to making Lagos a safer city for all, stating that the fight against crime will remain relentless and uncompromising.

Respected businessman, philanthropist, and political leader, late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, even in death a year on, continues to stir conversations.

His recently unveiled Will has raised debates about inheritance, personal freedom, and the lasting influence of legal documents.

Until his death on July 25, 2024, Chief Iwuanyanwu stood as a well-known figure in Nigeria’s business and political space.

After the passing of his first wife, Lady Eudora Nnenna Ozinyereaku Iwuanyanwu, in 2011, he married a much younger woman, Frances Chinonyerem Enwerem, in 2013. Their union produced a son.

When his Will was read on June 16, 2025, it revealed an equal distribution of his properties among his children and other family members. However, a surprising condition caught public attention. Frances, now 37, was granted ownership of prime properties including the famous “Legacy House” in Owerri, interests in real estate across Imo State, and Magil Furniture, a business once managed by his first wife. But, the document strictly stated that she must remain unmarried to retain these assets.

Choosing to marry again would mean losing all her inheritance.

This provision has raised many questions. When should someone prepare a Will? What does Nigerian law say about such conditions? And how powerful is a Will in shaping life?

When Do You Begin to Write a Will?

Many people assume that Wills are only for the elderly or the sick. This is a common mistake. Every adult who owns land, property, businesses, or investments should consider writing a Will early.

A Will helps prevent family disputes, protects the interests of dependents, and ensures that the writer’s wishes are respected. It can also include personal or moral instructions for the beneficiaries. Life is full of uncertainties, so it is wise to prepare a Will soon after acquiring valuable property, getting married, or starting a family.

A properly written Will brings peace of mind, knowing that the writer’s desires will be carried out as planned.

A Legal Perspective: What Does Nigerian Law Say About Wills and Conditional Bequests?

In Nigeria, the preparation and enforcement of Wills are guided by the Wills Act of 1837 (applicable in some states) and by local Wills Laws in others, such as the Wills Law of Lagos State, Cap W2, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

A testator (the person making the Will) has the right to distribute their property freely and may attach conditions to any gift or bequest. This is known as a “Conditional Bequest.”

According to Section 3 of the Wills Act 1837, a person may give their property to whoever they wish and under any terms they choose, as long as the conditions are not illegal, impossible, or against public policy.

However, if a condition violates constitutional rights, such as the freedom to marry, the affected beneficiary has the right to contest the Will in court.

In general, Nigerian courts respect the freedom of individuals to dispose of their property as they see fit, unless the condition is proven to be unlawful or unjust.

How Powerful Is a Will in Shaping Life?

A Will is a powerful document that can control how wealth, property, and responsibilities are handled after the writer’s death. It determines who receives what, sets conditions for inheritance, and can direct the use of money for education, charity, or business.

The influence of a Will is felt long after the writer is gone. It can shape family decisions, impact personal relationships, and even affect future generations. Without a valid Will, property may be distributed according to state laws, which may not reflect the deceased person’s true wishes. This can lead to conflicts, confusion, and legal battles.

Therefore, a Will is not just a document of wealth transfer. It is a tool that preserves the writer’s voice and intentions, guiding the future actions of those left behind.

Can a Will be contested or appealed in Nigeria?

Yes, under Nigerian law, a Will can be contested in court by interested parties such as family members or dependents. Grounds for contesting a Will include lack of testamentary capacity (where the testator was mentally unfit when the Will was made), undue influence, fraud, forgery, or improper execution that does not comply with legal requirements such as those outlined in Section 4 of the Wills Act 1837.

If a Will is successfully contested, the court may declare it invalid either in whole or in part. In such situations, the deceased’s estate may be distributed based on a previously valid Will or according to the statutory rules of intestacy.

What happens if a Will is ignored or its instructions are disobeyed?

If executors or beneficiaries deliberately ignore or disobey the clear instructions of a valid Will, the court has the power to enforce compliance. Executors can be removed or replaced if they fail to perform their duties as directed. Beneficiaries who unlawfully interfere with the distribution of assets may face legal action, including being ordered to return misappropriated property and pay damages.

Relevant Nigerian cases on Will contest and enforcement

There are cases in Nigerian law that show how courts have handled disputes involving Wills. For example:

In Ilok v. Ilok (2013), the Court of Appeal upheld the validity of a contested Will after finding that the testator had acted of free will and with full mental capacity.

In Adebajo v. Adebajo (1973), the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that while a testator has the freedom to distribute property as they wish, conditions attached to such distribution must not violate public policy.

These cases highlight that while a Will carries strong legal weight, it is not above scrutiny. Courts have the authority to uphold or strike down parts of a Will if proven invalid, unfair, or unlawful.

The details of Chief Iwuanyanwu’s Will have brought the importance of early and clear estate planning to public attention.

Beyond the controversy of specific clauses, this event highlights a simple truth. Every property owner should prepare a valid Will, understand its legal strength, and realize that this document has the power to influence life long after death.

The key question for everyone remains. When will you write your Will, and what legacy will it leave behind?