News
FG suspends Nigeria Air amid fraud allegations
FG suspends Nigeria Air amid fraud allegations
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has labelled the ‘Nigeria Air’ project, introduced by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, as fraudulent. Keyamo emphasized that the initiative remains suspended due to its deceptive nature and lack of genuine benefit to Nigerians.
During the Ministerial Sectorial update held on Monday in Abuja, Keyamo critiqued the project for being shrouded in secrecy and involving fraudulent activities. He clarified that the supposed national carrier was, in reality, an Ethiopian airline masquerading as a Nigerian entity.
“It was never Air Nigeria; it was Ethiopian trying to fly our flag. It was not Nigeria. It only printed Air Nigeria. It was an Ethiopian airline trying to fly our flag. If it is so, why not allow our local people to fly our flag? Why bring a foreigner to fly our flag?” Keyamo stated.
He further asserted that a genuine national carrier should be entirely Nigerian and should benefit the country fully, rather than allocating 60% of the profits to another nation. “Air Nigeria must be indigenous, must be wholly Nigerian, or must be for the full benefit of Nigerians, not that 60 percent of the profit is given to another country. How does that benefit us? It remains suspended,” he reiterated.
READ ALSO:
- Three burnt to death in Lagos road accident
- Tribunal upholds Diri’s election as Bayelsa gov
- JUST IN: Tribunal upholds Ododo’s election as Kogi Gov
In addition to addressing the suspension of Nigeria Air, Keyamo highlighted initiatives aimed at boosting economic development in the aviation sector. One significant step is the resumption of cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, which had been halted for a considerable period.
“We have agreed that we’re going to resume cargo flights between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. This has been suspended for a long time but now cargo flights are back,” Keyamo announced.
He noted that air cargo trade is a substantial part of global trade, accounting for 35% of the world trade deficit and generating approximately $6 trillion annually, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Keyamo expressed optimism that Nigeria could tap into this lucrative market, enhancing the country’s presence in global trade routes.
As the aviation sector seeks to recover and grow, these measures are expected to bring significant economic benefits, positioning Nigeria more competitively in the global market.
FG suspends Nigeria Air amid fraud allegations
News
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
President Bola Tinubu has been accused of not being forthright about the true state of Nigeria under his administration.
Former Jigawa State Governor and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Sule Lamido, made the accusation while speaking on the BBC Hausa programme Gane Mini Hanya.
Lamido criticized both Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as a lack of transparency in governance.
“Buhari’s and Tinubu’s governments are not being transparent with Nigerians unlike during the time when PDP was in power where everything was transparent and open to all Nigerians,” Lamido said.
READ ALSO:
- Odili: Fubara prevented Wike from turning Rivers to private estate
- Putin apologises over Azerbaijan plane crash reportedly shot down
- 256 terrorists, two logistics suppliers arrested in one week – DHQ
He accused the two administrations of relying on propaganda rather than providing citizens with accurate information.
Lamido also expressed concerns over President Tinubu’s recent loan requests, questioning the logic behind them. “If Nigerians are being told the truth then there is nothing wrong with that, but how would you budget N30tn, generate N50tn and then request loan when you have a surplus of N20tn,” he said, referencing last year’s budget.
He described the situation as “reckless” and “selfish,” adding, “This recklessness and clear-cut selfishness is not done anywhere in the world, but yet you find (some) Nigerians supporting it. Visit social media and see how APC is being criticised, being referred to as calamity, yet you find some protecting it.”
Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido
News
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of its recruitment exercise, assuring Nigerians that the process is entirely free and fair.
The agency has cautioned the public to be vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit unsuspecting applicants during the recruitment period.
Applications are invited for positions in the Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of the Service’s plan to recruit 3,927 officers in 2025.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.
“Our recruitment is entirely free and fair. At no stage do we charge fees. Anyone requesting payment is a scammer,” the agency emphasized, urging applicants to be wary of fraudulent schemes.
READ ALSO:
- Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman, Badenoch named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024
- Heavy security in Ilesa as ex-Osun deputy gov emerges new Owa-Obokun
- Hacker has stolen N180m from my NGO account – VeryDarkMan cries out
The NCS outlined eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), and have no criminal record or ongoing investigations.
Academic qualifications for the three cadres are as follows:
Superintendent Cadre: A university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) along with an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
Inspectorate Cadre: A National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from an accredited institution.
Customs Assistant Cadre: At least an O’Level certificate (WAEC or NECO).
In addition to these qualifications, the NCS stressed that all applicants must be physically and mentally fit, providing evidence of medical fitness from a recognized government hospital.
Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
News
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
President Bola Tinubu on Monday unequivocally responded to critics who described his cabinet as “bloated” by saying he is unprepared to reduce the size of his 48-man cabinet.
“I am not ready to shrink” the size of my cabinet, Tinubu said during a media chat at his Bourdillon residence in the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
“I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” the former Lagos governor said, arguing that “efficiency” has been at the core of his selection of ministers.
The president also said he has no regret removing the petrol subsidy in May 2023, saying Nigeria cannot continue to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries.
READ ALSO:
- Kolawole Erinle: Appeal court affirms sentence for ex-convict over $1.4m fraud
- We’ve forced Lakurawa terrorists back to Mali, says FG
- Petrol: MRS enforces N935 per litre nationwide
“I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing petrol subsidy. We are spending our future, we were just deceiving ourselves, that reform was necessary,” he told reporters.
Tinubu appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, three months after his inauguration. The Senate immediately screened and confirmed the ministers. One of the ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January while another, Simon Lalong, moved to the Senate.
There were calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet as many Nigerians have not been impressed by the performance of some of the ministers, especially in the face of unprecedented inflation, excruciating economic situation and rising insecurity.
In October 2024, Tinubu re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. He also sacked five of his ministers but critics insist that the President’s cabinet remains large, especially with the creation of a Livestock Ministry with a minister.
Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size
-
Auto2 days agoLSM MD extols founder’s qualities after latter posthumous industry award
-
Entertainment2 days agoMultiChoice announces free access to all DSTV channels for 3 days
-
News2 days agoNigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]
-
metro3 days agoJigawa State governor loses son 24 hours after mother’s death
-
metro2 days agoHeavy security in Ilesa as ex-Osun deputy gov emerges new Owa-Obokun
-
metro2 days agoLagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
-
metro2 days agoDangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
-
Africa1 day agoNiger’s president faces fire at home over attack on Nigeria