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Airlines Warn Of Flight Disruptions Over Ticket Charge Dispute

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has cautioned aviation unions against disrupting flight operations over allegations of unremitted Ticket Service Charges (TSC) owed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), warning that such actions would negatively affect passengers and the aviation industry.

The warning follows a fresh seven-day ultimatum issued by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), directing airline operators to settle outstanding five per cent ticket service charges payable to aviation agencies.

The unions argued that the continued non-remittance of the charges has deprived aviation agencies of critical revenue needed to maintain airspace safety and improve workers’ welfare.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, the AON dismissed the unions’ claims, insisting it has no direct transactional relationship with them regarding the disputed charges.

According to the association, the unions have been misinformed and should obtain accurate information from the appropriate authorities before taking actions that could inconvenience the travelling public.

“The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has taken note of threats by certain aviation unions to disrupt flight operations over allegations of “unremitted Ticket Service Charges (TSC) owed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)”.

“We would not ordinarily dignify this with a response, but the numerous calls from anxious passengers demanding to know the fate of their travel plans leave us no choice. It is therefore on their behalf that we speak.

“We want to clearly state that the AON has no transactional relationship whatsoever with these unions on this matter. To the best of our knowledge, they do not speak for, nor on behalf of, the NCAA.”

“Those behind these threats have been misinformed, and we urge them to seek facts from the appropriate quarters before taking any action capable of inflicting needless hardship on the traveling public.”

The association further stated that domestic airlines are already grappling with severe financial pressures that threaten their sustainability.

According to AON, the rising cost of aviation fuel and multiple regulatory charges have pushed many operators to the edge.

It noted that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also acknowledged that Nigeria has one of the highest aviation charges globally, a situation the association says is placing enormous strain on airline operations.

“The cost of aviation fuel and the multiple charges they pay have pushed them to a breaking point.

“The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has confirmed what AON has repeatedly said, which is that Nigeria has one of the most expensive aviation charges globally. This is suffocating the industry and is not the time for distractions dressed up as agitation.

“We have direct engagement Channels with NCAA on anything pertaining to our relationship and issues as the industry regulator, as it is the industry standard world over, and that engagement continues in good faith”.

The AON warned that any attempt to disrupt flight operations would have serious consequences, stressing that those responsible would be held accountable.

“We state without ambiguity that any individual or group that disrupts airline operations or endanger the safety of the flying public based on this particular threat will be held responsible for the consequences.

“We therefore call on appropriate authorities to please take note.

“AON members, as patriotic Nigerians and legitimate Investors in Nigeria’s economy and contributors to the economic development of Nigeria under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, remain fully committed to the safety and seamless travel experience of all Nigerians, and we will not be distracted by threats, misinformation, or manufactured crises.”

Kano Assembly Approves Bill To Regulate Private School Fee Increases

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Kano State House of Assembly has passed the Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing new measures to strengthen the regulation and administration of private and voluntary educational institutions across the state.

The bill was approved during Monday’s plenary after lawmakers considered and adopted the report of the House Committee on Education, which held public hearings and consulted relevant stakeholders before presenting its recommendations.

Speaking after the bill’s passage, the Speaker of the House, Ismail Falgore, praised lawmakers for their commitment throughout the legislative process, describing the amendment as a major milestone in improving the management of private and voluntary schools in Kano State.

The amended legislation establishes the office of an Executive Secretary to enhance the administration and efficiency of the board overseeing private educational institutions.

One of the key provisions of the bill requires private and voluntary schools to obtain official approval before increasing tuition or any other school fees.

The legislation is intended to shield parents and guardians from arbitrary fee hikes by private schools, ensuring that any proposed increase undergoes proper regulatory scrutiny.

The amendment follows extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultations conducted by the House Committee on Education before the bill received final approval from the Assembly.

Ukraine Drone Strikes Kill Five Near Moscow As Russia Launches Fresh Attacks

By
Favour Enyosa
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At least five people have been killed and 10 others injured after a Ukrainian drone strike hit a warehouse in Russia’s Moscow region overnight, according to local authorities.

Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said the attack targeted an industrial site in Novoselki, Chekhov, about 69 kilometres (43 miles) south of the Kremlin, sparking a fire at a warehouse. While officials did not identify the facility, Ukraine has recently intensified strikes on warehouses operated by Wildberries, often referred to as the “Russian Amazon.”

Kyiv maintains that the warehouses are being used to support Russian military logistics, a claim Moscow has consistently denied.

Authorities also reported overnight attacks on Wildberries facilities in Russia’s St Petersburg and Tver regions.

Governor Vorobyov said seven of the injured victims were in moderate condition, while one remained in critical condition.

Ukrainian media identified the Moscow region warehouse as a Wildberries facility. Although the company has not publicly commented on the Moscow incident, it confirmed that one of its warehouses in St Petersburg was struck.

Meanwhile, Russia launched fresh attacks across several parts of Ukraine, leaving at least four people dead and several others injured.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said an 89-year-old woman was killed in an overnight strike on the southern port city of Mykolaiv. Seven others, including two girls aged two and 12, were injured.

In Sumy, a Russian strike on a residential area claimed the lives of a woman and two girls, aged five and 10, while four additional people sustained injuries.

Russian attacks also wounded two people in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, while a food warehouse was set ablaze in Dnipro, according to emergency officials.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 320 Ukrainian drones overnight.

The latest escalation comes a day after a drone struck a crowded beach in Russia’s Krasnodar region, killing seven people and injuring 58, according to Russian authorities.

Verified footage reviewed by the BBC showed a drone crashing and exploding near tourists on the beach. Some Ukrainian Telegram channels claimed the drone crashed after its signal was disrupted by electronic warfare, while Russian media quoted witnesses as saying gunfire preceded the explosion, suggesting air defence systems may have attempted to shoot it down.

The regional governor accused Ukraine of carrying out “a deliberate strike on civilians.” Ukraine has not commented on the allegation.

Both Russia and Ukraine continue to deny deliberately targeting civilians during the ongoing conflict.

Senate Gives NNPCL, CBN, NDDC 72-Hour Ultimatum Over Audit Query Absence

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a final 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and several other government agencies to appear before it over their failure to respond to audit queries.

The decision was reached during the committee’s meeting on Monday after representatives of the invited agencies failed to honour the invitations or provide any official explanation for their absence.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, said the invitations formed part of the committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities and ongoing efforts to clear pending audit matters.

“We wanted to reduce the volume of work to enhance our oversight. The letters and invitations were issued, but our guests have not arrived,” he said.

Reacting to the agencies’ absence, committee member Senator Babangida Hussaini described the development as a display of disrespect towards the National Assembly.

“The committee has powers, and it is most disrespectful to the National Assembly for any agency to fail to appear to respond to audit queries. This committee needs to take drastic action. The Senate is being taken for granted, and that must stop forthwith,” he said.

Senator Patrick Ndubueze also advocated sanctions against the defaulting agencies, insisting they should not be granted another opportunity after ignoring the invitations without offering any explanation.

“The proper consequences should be laid down and carried out. They don’t deserve a second chance. If they can’t attend to this important arm of government after invitations were sent and no explanations were given, they don’t deserve another chance,” he stated.

After deliberations, the committee resolved to give the affected agencies one final opportunity, directing them to appear before it within 72 hours on August 6. Lawmakers warned that failure to comply could lead to further legislative action.

DA Takes Land Expropriation Law To Court, Testing Coalition With ANC

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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South Africa’s Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the country’s governing coalition, filed a court challenge on Monday against the land expropriation law that prompted President Donald Trump to cut U.S. aid to the country last year.

The legal action has strained relations with the African National Congress, the coalition’s dominant party, just months before South Africa holds municipal elections in November.

The Expropriation Act permits the state to seize land in the public interest, in some instances without compensation, as part of a broader push to address the lingering effects of apartheid-era land dispossession. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the law in January 2025 after years of contentious debate, though no land has been expropriated under it so far.

The DA, a pro-business party with a predominantly white support base, argues the law hands government officials “vague and sweeping powers” that will discourage investment. The ANC, by contrast, describes the legislation as a landmark step toward correcting racial imbalances in land ownership, noting that white South Africans still hold most private farmland despite being a minority.

Political analyst Sandile Swana described the court battle as a kind of “shadowboxing match,” allowing the two coalition partners to publicly clash over land reform without endangering their broader alliance.

South Africa’s government has dismissed Trump’s criticism of the law, maintaining that the Expropriation Act mirrors legislation already in place in numerous other countries.

The DA’s challenge will be heard alongside two separate lawsuits brought by Afrikaner advocacy groups — descendants of mostly Dutch settlers whom Trump has offered refuge in the U.S. — who claim the law discriminates against them, an allegation South Africa firmly denies.

The ANC and DA formed their coalition in 2024 after an election left the ANC without a parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid ended in 1994. The partnership has been strained at times but has held together since.

Nigeria Approves $4.5bn NNPC Refinancing Deal

By
Favour Enyosa
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Nigeria’s National Economic Council gave the green light on Monday to refinance NNPC Limited’s $3.3 billion oil-backed pre-export finance facility through a new $4.5 billion deal, with the presidency saying the move is designed to boost the country’s external reserves and free up funding for infrastructure.

The arrangement, named “Project Gazelle 2,” will refinance around $1.5 billion still outstanding from the original 2023 facility while opening up an additional $3 billion in liquidity, according to a presidency statement.

The refinancing arrives as Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies, works to bolster its foreign reserves and fund key fiscal priorities amid ongoing pressure on the naira and President Bola Tinubu’s push to attract foreign investment through economic reforms.

Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele told the NEC that the new facility carries more favorable terms than the original deal, with pledged crude oil volumes reduced by 12.5% — dropping to roughly 78,750 barrels per day from 90,000 bpd. That reduction, he said, would free up resources for strategic national priorities and strengthen Nigeria’s overall financing structure.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the NEC, said the government’s policies would ultimately be judged by their effect on food prices, healthcare, education, and household welfare, the presidency statement added.

One Prospect To Watch At Every Premier League Club This Season

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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With the new Premier League campaign fast approaching Arsenal host newly promoted Coventry City on August 21, here’s a breakout youngster from each of the 20 clubs who could make their mark in 2026-27.

Arsenal — Max Dowman. The 16-year-old became the youngest goal-scorer in Premier League history against Everton in March and made his first league start on the final day of last season. After six league appearances, he’s set for a bigger role under Mikel Arteta this term, having already scored in a pre-season friendly against Girona.

Aston Villa — George Hemmings. The 19-year-old midfielder, regarded as the standout of Villa’s recent academy graduates, made his debut at Arsenal last season and went on to make four first-team appearances under Unai Emery. A strong pre-season, including a goal against Real Sociedad, has boosted expectations.

Bournemouth — Veljko Milosavljevic. The Serbia international centre-back became Bournemouth’s youngest-ever Premier League starter last September and featured seven times as the Cherries won four of those matches. A knee injury has kept the 19-year-old sidelined since January, but he’ll be looking to rebuild momentum after his £13m move from Red Star Belgrade.

Brentford — Kaye Furo. Signed from Club Brugge for £8m in January, the Belgian striker had already faced Arsenal in the Champions League before his move. He made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in a 3-0 win over West Ham in May, and manager Keith Andrews has spoken highly of his potential.

Brighton — Zadok Yohanna. The Nigerian winger, 19, joined for £21.5m from Swedish club AIK Stockholm after netting five goals and four assists in 18 appearances there. He reportedly beat Chelsea and Newcastle to the signing, with former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall calling it a smart piece of business.

Chelsea — Dastan Satpaev. The 17-year-old Kazakhstan striker has impressed new manager Xabi Alonso and opened the scoring against Western Sydney Wanderers in pre-season. Already capped nine times for his country, he’s viewed as the Blues’ most likely academy product to break through this season.

Coventry City — Kai Andrews. The 19-year-old Wales international midfielder made his Coventry debut at 17 and returns after loan spells at Motherwell and Hibernian, where he scored his first senior goal against Celtic in February. He’ll be pushing for game time under Frank Lampard.

Crystal Palace — Joel Drakes-Thomas. The 17-year-old right wing-back shone during Palace’s Conference League-winning run, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player after standout performances against KuPS and Leeds. He signed his first professional deal in July.

Everton — Harrison Armstrong. A boyhood Everton player, the 19-year-old midfielder established himself in the first team last season, making 16 top-flight appearances after loan spells at Derby and Preston. He was named the club’s young player of the season and has drawn praise from manager David Moyes.

Fulham — Jonah Kusi-Asare. The Swedish forward completed a permanent £5m move from Bayern Munich this summer after a productive loan spell at Craven Cottage. With top scorer Raul Jimenez having left for Wolves, the 19-year-old is expected to take on a bigger attacking role.

Hull City — Calvin Okike. The 18-year-old Nigerian defender signed his first professional deal this summer following a loan spell at Hartlepool United, where he scored on his senior debut. Named academy player of the year, he’s featured in pre-season friendlies against Turkish sides Konyaspor and Caykur Rizespor.

Ipswich Town — Luca Fletcher. The 19-year-old striker joined permanently after a successful loan from Manchester City, where he reached back-to-back FA Youth Cup finals. He’s yet to make a senior appearance but has impressed new boss Gary O’Neil in training.

Leeds United — Alfie Cresswell. The 19-year-old midfielder, following in the footsteps of his father Richard and brother Charlie, captains Leeds’ under-21s and was included in the club’s US tour squad, featuring against Wrexham and Sunderland.

Liverpool — Trey Nyoni. The 19-year-old midfielder has stood out in pre-season and could see more minutes under new manager Andoni Iraola, who has praised his composure on the ball.

Manchester City — Ryan McAidoo. The 18-year-old winger scored on his FA Cup debut last season and caught the eye against Inter Milan in pre-season, drawing praise from manager Enzo Maresca. City will decide whether to keep him in the first-team fold or send him out on loan.

Manchester United — Shea Lacey. The forward featured on the fringes late last season and has been one of United’s standout pre-season performers, notably unsettling Atletico Madrid’s defense in a friendly in Stockholm.

Newcastle United — Sam Alabi. The 17-year-old midfielder signed his first professional contract in July and is targeting a senior debut this season, having recovered from a shin injury that ended his campaign early last term.

Nottingham Forest — Azae Bonnick. A rising academy talent, the midfielder scored 39 goals and provided 14 assists playing above his age group last season and has already earned an England Under-15s call-up.

Sunderland — Chris Rigg. The 19-year-old midfielder is closing in on 100 first-team appearances and played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion, including the Play-Off final win at Wembley. He made 11 Premier League starts last season and is now a regular for England Under-19s.

Tottenham Hotspur — Luca Williams-Barnett. The 17-year-old forward, praised by manager Roberto de Zerbi, has impressed across Spurs’ pre-season friendlies and confidently converted a Panenka penalty in a shootout win over Sydney FC.

Premier League Enters Record-Breaking Season With Nine New Managers

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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The 2026-27 Premier League season hasn’t kicked off yet, but it’s already made history: nine clubs will start the campaign under new permanent managers, the highest number ever recorded for an opening weekend in the competition.

The overhaul spans nearly half the league. Liverpool brought in Andoni Iraola after sacking Arne Slot, while Manchester City turned to Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola’s departure after a trophy-filled spell. Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso once Liam Rosenior’s troubled tenure ended, Bournemouth hired Marco Rose after Iraola’s contract expired, and Nottingham Forest brought in Oliver Glasner following Vitor Pereira’s exit.

Crystal Palace named Pierre Sage after Glasner’s departure, Fulham appointed Alvaro Arbeloa once Marco Silva’s deal ran out, and Ipswich Town handed the reins to Gary O’Neil after Kieran McKenna stepped down. Newcastle United rounded out the list, expected to confirm Matthias Jaissle as Eddie Howe’s successor.

The previous record of eight new managers was set in 2016-17 — a summer that saw Guardiola arrive at City and Antonio Conte take over at Chelsea, going on to win the title in his debut season.

A new era begins. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, in charge since December 2019, is now the league’s longest-serving manager despite fewer than seven years at the helm. For the first time since 1985-86, the division starts without Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, or Guardiola in a dugout — a group that combined for 26 of the league’s 34 titles and shaped the sport across generations.

Testing the “new manager bounce.” Opening weekend features three fixtures pitting newly appointed managers against each other — Fulham vs Chelsea, Manchester City vs Bournemouth, and Newcastle vs Liverpool — while Iraola’s first six matches in charge of Liverpool will all come against sides led by new permanent bosses.

No guarantees. History suggests fresh appointments don’t always deliver results. Last season alone saw 11 managerial changes across the league, with Forest cycling

Labour Gives Federal Government August 11 Deadline To Pay Wage Arrears, Implement 40% Allowance

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side, has issued the Federal Government an August 11 deadline to resolve outstanding welfare issues affecting federal workers, warning that further delays could trigger industrial unrest.

The council called on the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to urgently convene a meeting to address the non-payment of two months’ wage awards and the delayed implementation of the approved 40 per cent peculiar allowance for eligible federal public servants.

In a letter signed by the council’s National Secretary, Gbenga Olowoyo, on behalf of the National Chairman, Benjamin Yanto, the union expressed disappointment that two previous letters sent to the ministry on the matter had gone unanswered.

According to the union, the proposed meeting is intended to find a peaceful resolution to the outstanding welfare issues before tensions escalate.

“The national leadership expects that this meeting will help to address the above-stated outstanding issues to prevent palpable disquiet and the brewing industrial crisis,” the council stated.

The JNPSNC said its demands focus on two unresolved matters: the implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the payment of wage awards for March and April 2026.

The union recalled that the NSIWC approved the allowance through a circular signed by its Executive Chairman, Eyo Nta, with effect from May 1, 2026. However, it noted that the directive has yet to be implemented across the federal public service.

It also maintained that the wage awards for March and April should have been paid alongside workers’ salaries for those months.

According to the council, its first letter requesting payment of the outstanding wage awards was sent on May 5, 2026, while a follow-up letter dated July 9 sought both implementation of the peculiar allowance and payment of the outstanding arrears.

“To the surprise of the national leadership, none of the letters was responded to, let alone addressing the sensitive issues raised therein,” the letter added.

The union alleged that the prolonged silence from the Finance Ministry had heightened concerns among workers and accused the ministry of failing to direct the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to implement the approved payments.

“It is informative to add that the entire public servants have viewed the silence of the Minister of Finance since his resumption as minister as a surreptitious and clandestine way of compromising the necessary essence of directing the Accountant General of the Federation to effect the full payment of the two months’ outstanding wage award and the implementation of the circular on the 40 per cent peculiar allowance effective May 1, 2026,” the council stated.

The JNPSNC warned that its latest appeal was a proactive effort to prevent industrial action if the unresolved issues remain unattended.

“This request should be seen as a proactive approach from the national leadership to avert drastic actions from workers due to your insensitive silence to our two previous letters,” it said.

The council explained that the Federal Government introduced the temporary monthly wage award after the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023 as part of an agreement with organised labour pending the implementation of a new national minimum wage.

Although the government paid the wage award for several months, labour unions have continued to demand settlement of the outstanding payments for March and April 2026, alongside full implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

CBN Injects ₦3.43bn As Cash Circulation Hits ₦5.73tn

By
Favour Enyosa
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0

Nigeria’s currency in circulation increased to ₦5.73 trillion in 2025 after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) released 3.43 billion newly printed naira notes into the economy to meet rising cash demand, according to the apex bank’s latest Annual Report.

The report revealed that currency in circulation (CIC) rose by ₦290 billion, up from ₦5.44 trillion recorded in 2024.

According to the CBN, the new currency notes were printed by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPM) Plc alongside foreign security printing firms.

Of the 3.43 billion notes produced during the year, the NSPM supplied 1.23 billion, while foreign printers delivered 2.20 billion, accounting for the larger share of total production.

To satisfy increasing demand for physical cash, the CBN approved the printing of 5.70 billion notes across different denominations in 2025, compared to 4.73 billion approved in 2024, representing a 20.5 per cent increase.

Under the production plan, the NSPM was assigned 2.0 billion notes, representing 35 per cent of the approved volume, while foreign security printers were responsible for the remaining 65 per cent.

Despite the increased printing programme, the report showed that not all approved orders had been completed by the end of the year.

It disclosed that a supplementary order for 1.50 billion notes, awarded to foreign printers in November 2025, was still being processed as of December 31, 2025.

The report also revealed that the NSPM had yet to deliver 760.76 million notes, representing about 38 per cent of its allocated production target.

The CBN attributed the rise in currency circulation to increased economic activities and stronger demand for cash transactions across the country.

According to the report, the growing need for cash required a corresponding increase in currency production to ensure sufficient supply and support the nation’s payment system.

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