The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Epinmi Teachers’ College Class ’78 celebrates

    Epinmi Teachers’ College Class ’78 celebrates

    The ancient town of Epinmi Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, was a beehive of memorable activities recently when it hosted members of Epinmi Teacher’s College Class of 1978.

    The occasion, which marked the anniversary of their official admission as teachers-in-training on September 6, 1975, was a showcase of culture, colour and fanfare that resonated throughout the town and the larger Akoko area.

    The anniversary celebration, which took place in their old school hall, which has now metamorphosed into Unity Secondary School, Epinmi Akoko, attracted dignitaries from far and wide. The dignitaries included traditional ruler of the town, the Gbirimojo of Epinmi, Oba Ayodele Idris, Mr. Femi Akerele, Principal of Unity Secondary School, Epinmi, Venerable B. O. Orungbemi of the African Church, Epinmi and the Chief Imam of the town, Alhaji Rasaq Ahmed.

    Others present at the occasion were representatives of the 1976 set, which included Chief Augustus Leramo and Prof. Mathew Ayen of Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, as well as those who came to represent 1980 set of African Church Teachers Training College (ACTTC). This group included Elder R. Olaleye and Dr Kolade Folawumi Mufutau, Secretary Akoko North East LG Ikare Akoko, Ondo State.

    In his keynote address at the occasion, Elder Benjamin Olukayode Adewumi, National President of Epinmi Class of ‘78, noted that the celebration was aimed at bringing back memories of their college days and appreciate the discipline that the moral and academic teachings instilled in them in the College, played in their lives and careers.

    While observing that many of his co-celebrants are now septuagenarians and had retired from active service, he called for wisdom in navigating their old age. Specifically, the National President advised them to rest more, exercise moderately, and eat wisely in order to live healthy and longer life

    Also, Elder Adewumi revealed that the celebration would be used as a template to organise a befitting Golden Jubilee anniversary of their graduation from the college later in 2028.

    Also speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Jimoh Akadiri, Chairman of the Planning and Implementing Committee of the event, remarked that the well-attended and coordinated ceremony is a testimony of their disciplined background as trained teachers. Thanking the celebrants for their generous donations which made the event memorable and colourful, he appreciated his committee members for their cooperation and selfless service towards the hosting of the what he called ‘Landmark’ celebration.

    Earlier in the day, the old students, paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of the town, the Gbirimojo of Epinmi, Oba Ayodele Idris. Expressing great joy at the visit, the monarch said that the celebrants had not only shown gratitude to God Almighty for keeping them alive since their admission into African Church Teachers College, Epinmi, in 1976, they have equally demonstrated they they have not forgotten the source of their careers.

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    In his own remarks, Mr Femi Akerele, Principal of Unity Secondary Schoo which now houses their old school and venue of the anniversary celebration, congratulated the old students for witnessing the 50 years of their entry into the college and thanked them for deeming it fit to plan to give back to the institution that contributed to their success in life.

    Members of the Epinmi Class of ’78 comprise retired head teachers, principals, university dons, chartered professionals, an ex-university registrar as well as former Directors of education and political heavyweights.The event of the day, which was coordinated Dr. Michael Sunday Ayeerun, a university don and one of the celebrants, featured dance, poems, jokes and reminiscences.

    African Church Teachers Training College, Epinmi-Akoko, now a Unity Secondary School, was one of the foremost teachers training colleges in the south-western Nigeria from 1950s to 1980s.

  • Experts call for emotional support for couples struggling with failed IVF

    Experts call for emotional support for couples struggling with failed IVF

    Nigeria’s growing reliance on in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) as a pathway to parenthood has come under renewed scrutiny, as fertility advocates, psychologists and medical experts warn that the emotional trauma of failed IVF cycles is being dangerously neglected within the country’s reproductive healthcare system. This urgent concern dominated discussions at a fertility awareness programme organised by the Fertility Awareness Advocacy Initiative (FAAI) in Lagos, where stakeholders insisted that mental health support must become a standard component of fertility treatment rather than an optional add-on provided at the margins.

    The hybrid forum—held both virtually and physically with technical support from Nordica Fertility Centre—brought together couples who had lived through the rollercoaster of successful and failed cycles, alongside psychologists and fertility specialists. Through tearful testimonies and clinical analyses, the gathering exposed the human cost behind Nigeria’s booming but largely commercialised assisted reproduction industry.

    While IVF has become a beacon of hope for many facing infertility—a condition affecting millions across the country—experts at the event stressed that treatment failure remains widespread, poorly discussed and deeply stigmatised. Vice President of FAAI, Mrs. Vivian Patrick, described IVF as “a journey of hope built on emotional, physical and financial sacrifice,” noting that many couples are left “psychologically wounded” when cycles fail to result in pregnancy. “Infertility treatment drains couples emotionally and financially. Many are walking around with invisible wounds from failed cycles, miscarriages and dashed expectations,” she said. “That is why FAAI exists—to create warmth, provide strength and remind couples they are not alone.”

    Patrick explained that FAAI itself is made up of individuals and couples who have walked both sides of the IVF journey, from joyous success to heart-breaking failure. She stressed that cultural myths, late presentation at medical facilities, high treatment costs and persistent social stigma significantly worsen the emotional suffering of Nigerian couples. According to her, the burden of IVF failure is compounded by late health-seeking behaviour, limited access to specialist clinics and the ever-present fear of public ridicule—forcing many into silence.

    She illustrated this with a recent experience involving a man who had endured multiple failed cycles and attended an FAAI event “exhausted, discouraged and almost unwilling to come.” But when he unexpectedly won a free IVF cycle during a raffle draw, “the whole hall erupted,” Patrick said, noting that the moment rekindled hope not just for the beneficiary, but for every couple present. Patrick also took aim at persistent cultural myths surrounding IVF-conceived children. “There is nothing wrong with IVF children. My son was born through IVF. He is intelligent, healthy and full of life. Nigerians must move away from dangerous beliefs that stigmatise harmless medical science,” she added.

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    Clinical psychologist, Mr. Pillot Gbolahan, broadened the discussion by framing IVF failure as a form of bereavement. “Couples are not just losing a pregnancy; they are losing hope, identity and sometimes dignity,” he said. “In Nigeria, where childbirth determines social value, this loss is even more brutal.” He cited global studies showing that about half of individuals undergoing fertility treatment experience significant emotional distress. Depression affects between 15 and 24 per cent, while anxiety levels climb as high as 28 per cent. “These are not statistics,” he said. “These are real people battling shame, isolation and fear that their lineage may end with them.”

    Gbolahan warned that untreated psychological trauma often spills into marital conflict, emotional withdrawal and communication breakdowns. Beyond emotional strain, he explained that chronic stress produces biological consequences that can reduce IVF success rates. The most psychologically demanding period, he said, is the ten to fourteen-day wait after embryo transfer. “People monitor every sensation in their body, time moves slowly, and anxiety becomes torture,” he noted.

    Fertility counsellor, Mrs. Precious Balogun, argued forcefully that counselling should be formally integrated into Nigeria’s fertility treatment protocols, rather than offered informally or at the discretion of clinics. “IVF failure is grief,” she declared. “The absence of a baby does not mean the absence of loss. Yet couples are expected to return to normal life without space to process that grief.” Balogun described the intense social pressure many Nigerian couples face—unsolicited advice, traditional myths, intrusive questions and family interference—all of which worsen emotional wounds. She added that many women remain frightened even after achieving a positive pregnancy test, traumatised by previous losses. “Counselling helps couples process trauma, rebuild communication and prepare emotionally whether the next cycle succeeds or fails,” she said, calling for greater involvement of men in the emotional dimensions of treatment. “Men are expected to be strong, but they carry their own fears about sperm quality, financial pressure and family expectations. IVF is not a woman’s journey; it is a partnership.”

    Offering medical insight, a fertility specialist at Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Dr. Victor Ajayi, explained that IVF failure does not always indicate poor medical care. He noted that some women respond better to frozen embryo transfers than fresh cycles, especially when hormone levels fluctuate. Conditions such as endometriosis, he added, significantly reduce implantation success. “Even when embryos appear ‘perfect,’ implantation may fail due to genetic abnormalities, poor uterine receptivity or factors beyond current scientific control,” he said. “IVF is not magic. It is a complex interaction of biology, timing and chance. Even in the world’s best centres, IVF cycles fail.” Ajayi stressed that many couples, in desperation, sell properties or travel abroad in search of success. “When it fails, it breaks more than the cycle,” he said. “It breaks people.”

    Medical Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, urged Nigerians to exercise caution and critical thinking when choosing IVF centres. “Patients must conduct due diligence,” he said. “Don’t rely on rumours or social media. Ask questions, demand written explanations and understand side effects. Your life should not be controlled by ignorance.” He insisted that experience, integrity and transparency are essential indicators of a credible clinic.

    Beyond personal pain, the forum spotlighted wider systemic gaps: weak regulation, high costs, poor mental-health integration and widespread misinformation. Stakeholders warned that unless urgent reforms are implemented, IVF in Nigeria risks evolving into a purely commercial enterprise stripped of humane, patient-centred care. FAAI and experts called for mandatory psychological counselling in IVF treatment, stronger regulatory oversight of fertility centres, robust public education to dismantle stigma and community-based peer support for couples grappling with repeated failures.

    The event concluded on a symbolic note when five participants—one chosen through a live electronic draw—won access to a free IVF cycle, injecting a rare moment of celebration into a room that had been shaped by heavy stories of loss. Yet, for many at the gathering, the deeper victory was the willingness to finally break the silence around IVF failure. “IVF failure is not the end,” Patrick said. “But healing must come before hope can grow again.” As Nigeria witnesses rising demand for assisted reproduction, experts insist that the future of fertility care must be built not only on science, but on compassion, mental wellness and honest public dialogue.

  • Funding gaps threaten women’s health, demographic stability

    Funding gaps threaten women’s health, demographic stability

    The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has raised the alarm over a looming family planning commodity crisis in Nigeria, warning that the country risks severe health and demographic consequences if urgent action is not taken. The warning comes after the Federal Government failed to release any budgetary allocations for contraceptive procurement in 2025. Ms. Amina Mohammed, Programme Delivery Lead and Francophone Liaison at AHBN, sounded the alert in Abuja during the sidelines of the 9th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHeJ). She described the funding gaps as a “grave threat” to women’s health and a potential destabiliser of Nigeria’s demographic trajectory.

    Mohammed noted that the complete absence of federal budget releases for family planning marked a sharp departure from previous years. She also highlighted Nigeria’s repeated failure to meet its annual $4 million commitment to the UNFPA Basket Fund, which supports pooled procurement systems for contraceptives, further weakening supply chains. Drawing on a presentation titled “Nigeria’s Family Planning Commodities: Pills, Policies and Promises,” Mohammed underscored the real-world consequences of chronic underfunding. “In 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 800,000 unintended pregnancies, 300,000 unsafe abortions, and more than 10,000 preventable maternal deaths due to poor access to contraceptives,” she said. “The nation also missed over $200 million in potential health savings.”

    She explained that inconsistent funding patterns have disrupted supply forecasting, undermined procurement cycles, and triggered widespread stockouts across the country. Between 2022 and 2023, Nigeria reportedly lost $1.5 million annually under the UNFPA Supplies Match Fund, and in 2024, it failed to secure a second tranche of $6 million in commodities due to unmet commitments. According to Mohammed, UNFPA projects a $27 million shortfall for 2025. The national health budget allocated only $4 million for family planning activities — a figure far below the resources required to meet demand.

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    Despite the grim outlook, Mohammed highlighted emerging opportunities. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency plans to procure $6 million worth of commodities for nationwide distribution. Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Health has voted $4 million for 2025 and 2026, while the Presidential Medical Relief Fund has set aside six billion naira for family planning commodities. She also acknowledged critical donor contributions, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s $25 million support to Lagos State and UNFPA’s potential to unlock an additional $2 million in supplies. Yet, she stressed, these interventions are insufficient to close the widening funding gap and address the urgent needs of women nationwide.

    Mohammed warned that failure to resolve the crisis would have far-reaching consequences. “A continued shortage of family planning commodities will strain the health system, increase child poverty, fuel unsafe abortions, and worsen unintended pregnancies,” she said, “ultimately weakening Nigeria’s economic and demographic prospects.” She called on the media to play a critical role in driving accountability. By highlighting bottlenecks, scrutinising funding releases, and amplifying evidence-based insights, journalists can help policymakers prioritise investments in family planning, safeguarding both public health and Nigeria’s broader development agenda.

  • Staying Safe During Harmattan Season

    Staying Safe During Harmattan Season

    The Harmattan has arrived. That dusty, dry wind sweeping across Nigeria from the Sahara deserts brings more than a picturesque glow to our mornings and evenings. Its arrival is felt in the scratch of dry throats, the haze in the air, and the crispness that makes jackets suddenly fashionable. But beneath the poetic scenery, harmattan is a season that challenges our health in subtle, insidious ways. For anyone who thinks it’s just a chilly wind, think again: this is a period when small neglects can blossom into serious illnesses. Staying safe is about more than adding a sweater to your wardrobe; it’s about mindful living, prevention, and proactive care.

    Harmattan’s defining traits are its dryness, low humidity, and the haze of fine dust particles. These characteristics may sound harmless, but they directly impact respiratory health. For children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or bronchitis, inhaling dust-laden air can trigger flare-ups. Even healthy adults can experience dry sinuses, irritated eyes, and a scratchy throat if they remain exposed without protection. The first and most crucial line of defence is awareness. Start by monitoring air quality advisories, especially in urban areas where dust can combine with pollution, creating a cocktail that is particularly harsh on the lungs.

    Hydration is your frontline ally. The dryness in the air strips moisture from the body, leaving skin and mucous membranes parched. Doctors recommend increasing water intake, but hydration extends beyond sipping plain water. Herbal teas, broths, and natural fruit juices not only replenish fluids but provide essential vitamins that bolster immunity. For children, offering water frequently throughout the day—rather than waiting for them to feel thirsty—can prevent dehydration, which in Harmattan often sneaks up silently.

    Skin care is equally vital. Harmattan is notorious for cracking lips, rough hands, and itchy, flaky skin. A liberal application of petroleum jelly, shea butter, or rich moisturizers throughout the day can prevent painful fissures and secondary infections. Do not underestimate the power of lip balm; dry, cracked lips are not only uncomfortable but a portal for bacteria. For sensitive skin, gentle exfoliation once a week can remove dry patches, allowing moisturizers to penetrate effectively.

    The wind also affects our eyes. Conjunctivitis spikes during Harmattan, particularly among school-aged children. Eye irritation from dust particles can lead to redness, watering, and even bacterial infections if left unchecked. Simple protective measures, such as wearing sunglasses when outdoors and avoiding rubbing your eyes with unclean hands, are highly effective. Eye drops, preferably preservative-free, can lubricate the eyes, while frequent handwashing reduces the chance of transferring pathogens from hands to eyes.

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    Respiratory care deserves special attention. Beyond the ordinary cold and cough, Harmattan can exacerbate chronic conditions. Medical experts advise keeping homes clean, using air purifiers where possible, and reducing exposure to outdoor dust, especially during peak wind hours, typically early morning and late afternoon. Masks are no longer just for pandemics; a well-fitted dust mask or even a scarf covering the nose and mouth can filter out harmful particles when commuting or working outside.

    Nutrition, often overlooked in seasonal safety, plays a pivotal role. Harmattan can weaken immunity, making the body susceptible to infections. Incorporating vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges, guava, and mango, alongside zinc-packed foods such as legumes, eggs, and nuts, strengthens your body’s defences. Warm soups and porridges not only provide comfort in the chilly air but help maintain internal warmth and energy, particularly for children and the elderly.

    Sleep hygiene is another key aspect. The early sunsets and cool evenings might encourage extended night activities, but irregular sleep can weaken immunity. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest. For children, ensure bedtime routines remain consistent despite the season’s distractions. Using a humidifier in bedrooms, or placing bowls of water near sleeping areas, can counteract indoor dryness and prevent nasal irritation and throat discomfort.

    The risk of viral infections, including influenza and the common cold, rises during Harmattan. Crowded markets, buses, and classrooms are breeding grounds. Preventive strategies like regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with visibly sick individuals, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces reduce transmission. Seasonal influenza vaccination is a strong protective measure, particularly for high-risk groups. Remember, the body’s defence is only as strong as its weakest link, and during Harmattan, that link is often exposure and dryness combined.

    Children require extra vigilance. Their playful activities outdoors often make them unaware of health risks. Teaching them to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, ensuring they wear scarves or masks during dusty conditions, and monitoring hydration levels can prevent common Harmattan illnesses. For parents, preparing emergency kits with moisturizers, nasal drops, and basic cough and cold medication is a proactive step that reduces panic when symptoms appear.

    Harmattan also influences mental health, a factor often ignored. Shorter days, hazy skies, and the isolation of indoor confinement can contribute to fatigue, low mood, and irritability. Simple routines, exposure to sunlight during morning hours, staying physically active, and maintaining social connections combat this subtle seasonal depression. Mindfulness practices, meditation, or even journaling can stabilise emotional well-being while the wind sculpts its dusty patterns outside.

    Exercise should not be abandoned, but timing is crucial. Avoid peak dust periods, and if jogging or exercising outdoors, use a mask or choose indoor alternatives. Gentle stretching and yoga can maintain fitness without exposing the lungs to harmful particles. For rural communities, early mornings are often less dusty and safer for outdoor activities, while urban dwellers might prefer late evenings. Lastly, Harmattan is a season for observation and proactive care. Those with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or skin conditions should consult healthcare providers before the peak of the season. Awareness campaigns, local government advisories, and media alerts provide timely guidance that can prevent emergencies. Communities should encourage proper sanitation, safe water consumption, and collaborative monitoring of vulnerable populations.

    Harmattan may paint the landscape in its misty orange hue, and the brisk wind may be invigorating, but its hidden threats demand respect. Staying safe is not merely about reacting to symptoms—it is about a holistic approach: hydration, skin care, respiratory protection, nutrition, sleep, and emotional wellness. By adopting these strategies, Nigerians can enjoy the season’s beauty while minimising its health hazards. Remember, Harmattan is a marathon, not a sprint. Prepare wisely, protect your body, and let the season’s chill be a companion, not a threat.

  • NPHCDA unveils reforms to strengthen PHCs, reach 2.1m zero-dose children

    NPHCDA unveils reforms to strengthen PHCs, reach 2.1m zero-dose children

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has unveiled a series of reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, expanding immunisation coverage, and reaching the country’s estimated 2.1 million zero-dose children. Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, outlined the measures during the NPHCDA’s quarterly media briefing in Abuja, where he emphasised renewed commitment to reducing preventable maternal and new-born deaths and ensuring that primary health centres (PHCs) operate at full capacity.

    Aina said the agency’s broader goal is to ensure that at least 17,600 of Nigeria’s more than 30,000 PHCs become fully functional and capable of delivering essential maternal, new-born and child health services. “These centres must be equipped, staffed, and capable of delivering essential services, especially for women and children,” he said. Achieving this, he noted, requires tackling persistent operational and funding bottlenecks. To address these challenges, the Federal Government has expanded the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which now allows PHCs to receive quarterly funds directly. Low-volume centres will receive N600,000 per quarter, while high-volume facilities will receive N800,000. Aina added that, beginning January 2026, a full list of beneficiary PHCs will be published to strengthen transparency and reassure Nigerians that funds are reaching the right facilities.

    Aina identified zero-dose children—those who have not received a single vaccine by their first birthday—as a major concern and a critical priority area for the agency. To tackle this, the NPHCDA introduced the Identify, Enumerate, Vaccinate (IEV) strategy, which targets underserved and hard-to-reach communities. Between July 2024 and October 2025, he said, more than 500,000 zero-dose children were reached through intensified house-to-house mobilisation and targeted immunisation campaigns.

    The agency has also expanded integrated campaigns that deliver multiple interventions at once—such as polio, measles, HPV and malaria prevention—in order to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Aina disclosed that the NPHCDA is rolling out digital health records, real-time PHC dashboards, multilingual e-learning platforms in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, as well as an electronic financial management system designed to strengthen accountability for health spending at facility level. “So far, more than 70,000 frontline health workers have been trained, and 27,000 community-based workers recruited, with states signing MOUs to absorb them permanently,” he said.

    During the briefing, Aina addressed broader issues affecting Nigeria’s health outcomes, including maternal mortality, immunisation gaps, ongoing diphtheria outbreaks, challenges with hard-to-reach populations, and the need for transparency in health financing. Responding to recent claims that Nigeria recorded 20,000 maternal and new-born deaths in 2025, Aina said he was unsure of the data source but acknowledged the severity of preventable deaths across the country. “What I can agree with is that we’ve had too many unjustified deaths,” he said. “That is why the President prioritised reducing maternal and new-born mortality under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.”

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    He explained that direct PHC funding, an expanded health workforce, increased home visits and the rollout of the Management of At-Risk Mothers and Infants (MAMI) intervention all target the leading drivers of maternal and child mortality, including vaccine-preventable diseases. He added that PHC services are being broadened to include mental health care and interventions for non-communicable diseases.

    Addressing Nigeria’s diphtheria situation—8,000 cases and 800 deaths recorded so far—Aina pointed to the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which showed Penta-3 vaccine coverage at just 53 per cent. “If 53 per cent received the vaccine, 47 per cent did not. They are susceptible, which explains ongoing outbreaks,” he said. While the Federal Government procures vaccines, Aina stressed that state and local governments are responsible for service delivery, urging the media to hold subnational governments accountable for performance.

    Hard-to-reach locations, he explained, include riverine, mountainous, remote, poorly connected, and insecurity-prone areas. “These areas often overlap with zero-dose communities and maternal mortality hotspots,” he noted. Under the IEV framework, the agency has identified 7.4 million residents across priority states who require special outreach strategies. On the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, Aina said the framework had improved unified planning, budgeting and coordination among federal, state and partner agencies, reducing duplication and resource waste. He also provided updates on the BHCPF, revealing that 8,309 PHCs currently benefit from the fund. After ongoing verification, 13,512 facilities will be added by year-end, while another 5,212 are undergoing clearance for qualification.

    Revitalising PHCs, he said, involves assessing building integrity, staffing, equipment, power supply, water availability and consistent supply of essential medicines. “If you equip a centre without health workers, it will be abandoned. If you put equipment in a building without a door, it will be looted,” he said. The agency has introduced monthly facility monitoring by performance and financial management officers, supported by a digital financial management app and an MOU with security and anti-corruption agencies. Facilities must now account for previous disbursements before receiving new funds.

    Providing an update on the HPV vaccination campaign, Aina announced that more than 15 million girls aged 9–14 had been vaccinated, surpassing the initial target of 13 million. The programme continues as new age cohorts become eligible. Citing NDHS findings, he said 172 LGAs across 33 states account for more than half of maternal deaths, making targeted interventions essential. He also noted that the MAMI intervention had expanded to nearly all states.

    On the issue of zero-dose children, Aina stressed: “These are not ghosts. They are children. We know where they are, we know their mothers, and we are removing barriers one by one.” He reaffirmed the NPHCDA’s commitment to rebuilding Nigeria’s primary healthcare architecture, improving immunisation uptake, scaling digital tools and strengthening accountability at all levels. Transparency, community trust and media collaboration, he said, remain central to the country’s ongoing health transformation agenda.

  • Only competition can drive down airfares, says Keyamo

    Only competition can drive down airfares, says Keyamo

    • ‘Govt can’t fix ticket prices in deregulated sector’

    More aircraft and stronger competition among domestic airlines will bring airfares down in the months ahead, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said yesterday.

    Keyamo spoke against the backdrop of public outcry against the high cost of domestic air travel.

    The minister assured air travellers that ongoing reforms are already attracting cheaper aircraft leases and expanding fleet capacity nationwide.

    Responding to reporters’ inquisition at the State House in Abuja after yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister explained that as airlines acquire more planes on cheaper terms, market competition, not government regulation, will ultimately drive ticket prices lower in what is a fully deregulated aviation sector.

    According to him, the Federal Government has no legal authority to fix airfares.

    Keyamo recalled that deregulation dates back to the Ibrahim Babangida era, when private carriers were first granted the freedom to operate and determine their pricing based on market dynamics.

    “The government has absolutely no power to fix prices for private enterprises. That is what deregulation means. But that does not mean we are leaving the airlines without engagement,” Keyamo said.

    The minister stated that the Senate invited him to shed light on rising airfares, but he could not attend due to his presentations at the FEC.

    He explained that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and domestic airlines were directed to appear before lawmakers in his absence.

    He listed key cost drivers frequently raised by operators, including limited access to aircraft, unfavourable lease conditions, lack of local maintenance facilities, and the persistent need to source large volumes of foreign exchange to conduct mandatory C-checks abroad.

    Keyamo stressed that for the first time in nearly two decades, a major international lessor returned to Nigeria and granted a cheaper dry lease to a local operator, an outcome he attributed to the reforms under the Tinubu administration.

    The reforms, the minister said, include new practice directions for the implementation of the Cape Town Convention to protect lessors’ rights.

    “With cheaper dry leases coming in, more airlines will have access to aircraft. More aircraft automatically means stronger competition. And competition is what brings prices down in any free economy,” Keyamo said.

    The minister urged Nigerians to begin to feel the impact within a few months to a year.

    Baring his mind on the issue of multiple taxes and charges, recently flagged by ECOWAS, Keyamo noted that aviation taxes fall under federal revenue authorities, not his ministry.

    “I cannot wake up one morning and abolish taxes. These revenues go into the Federation Account. The Finance Minister, the tax authorities, and other stakeholders must all be at the table,” he said.

    The minister said the concerns that operators have raised about many issues in the sector had been forwarded to the relevant economic authorities.

    According to him, while the government will continue supporting the industry, it must also sustain the revenues necessary to maintain national aviation infrastructure.

  • CJN, Etomi: rule of law, strong institutions key to development

    CJN, Etomi: rule of law, strong institutions key to development

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has emphasised the crucial role of the law in maintaining political stability, fostering economic confidence, and upholding freedoms and responsibilities.

    She spoke at the 2025 Fellows’ Lecture and 19th Conferment of the Institute’s Honorary Fellowships by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) on December 2 in Abuja.

    The theme was: “Law, politics and economic development: Nigeria at crossroads.”

    The CJN stressed that, amidst Nigeria’s current socioeconomic challenges, the rule of law is paramount, particularly for the judiciary in fulfilling its vital role.

    Guest lecturer, Mr. George Etomi, highlighted Nigeria’s governance struggles, citing institutional weaknesses, electoral distrust, and public disillusionment.

    According to him, Nigeria’s low ranking in the Rule of Law Index indicates a need for enhanced adherence to legal principles.

    Addressing issues in key sectors such as oil and gas, telecommunications, and banking, he emphasised the importance of good governance for national development.

    Etomi proposed strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and fostering accountability as crucial steps to address governance deficiencies.

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    NIALS Director General, Prof. Abdulqadir Abikan, reiterated the institute’s dedication to excellence and societal impact.

    He highlighted the significance of the Fellows’ Lecture in driving scholarly discussions and promoting intellectual capacity within Nigeria’s legal system.

    The Honorary Fellowship was bestowed upon four distinguished jurists and legal scholars, including two former ministers of justice Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi (SAN) and Mr. Muhammed Bello Adoke (SAN).

    Other recipients were the immediate-past Director General of the Institute, Prof. Muhammed Twafiq Ladan, and Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN).

    They were recognised for their academic achievements, professional integrity, and service to the legal community and the nation.

    Responding on behalf of the awardees, Prof. Ladan thanked NIALS for the honour and pledged continued support for research and scholarly work at the institute.

    He expressed gratitude to Prof. Abikan for sustaining the Fellows lecture.

  • Court restrains firm from selling aircraft

    Court restrains firm from selling aircraft

    Justice Mohammed Madugu of the Federal High Court  in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining Galactic Aviation Limited and two others from selling an Embraer EMB-145LR aircraft identified as 5N-BZM.

    He granted the order after hearing an ex-parte application filed by the claimant – Reekers Engineering and Construction Limited.

    The claimant had, through its counsel, Azeez Taiwo Hassan (SAN), filed and argued the motion exparte in a suit marked FCT/HC/BW/CV/391/2025.

    The claimant instituted the suit against Galactic Aviation Limited, Abdullahi Ahmed, NG Eagle Airline Limited and the  Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development as first to fourth respondents respectively.

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    Ruling, Justice Magudu granted the application restrained the first to third defendants – Galactic Aviation Limited, Mr. Abdullahi Ahmed, and NG Eagle Airline Limited – from putting up for sale or selling the aircraft with Manufacturer Serial Number 14500842 and engine serial numbers ESN 25606 and ESN 25831.

    The court noted that the aircraft had allegedly not been fully paid for by the first and second defendants.

    Justice Madugu also ordered the defendants to show cause within seven days why key prayers in the claimant’s motion ex parte should not be granted.

    The court adjourned to December 16

  • Court orders bank to pay ex–deputy gov N1.07b

    Court orders bank to pay ex–deputy gov N1.07b

    The National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja has ordered a first generation bank to pay a total of N1.07 billion to the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba, being satisfaction of a judgment debt owed by the state government.

    During the trial of the case, Femi Falana (SAN), represented the ex-deputy governor,  while Paul Daudu, (SAN), appeared for the Kogi State Government.

    Apart from the order for payment, the industrial court chided the respondents counsel, Daudu, for acting unprofessionally.

    The court observed: “I will not conclude this ruling without making some comments regarding the JD application. I have observed that same was brought malafide for the fact that it seeks to set this court in collision with the express orders of the Court of Appeal and the provisions of section 243 (3) of the CFRN.

    “This conduct I must say is most unprofessional and does portray the bar in good light. Consequently, cost of N1million only is awarded against the judgment debtor counsel, in favour of the judgment creditors.

    “On the whole, the objection lacks merit, same is hereby dismissed.”

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    Justice R. B. Haastrup made the Order Absolute on November 27 after holding that the bank failed to provide credible evidence to prove that the funds in a Kogi State Government account it holds were sourced from the World Bank or jointly owned by 19 northern states, as claimed.

    Achuba, represented by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), had urged the court to make the earlier garnishee order nisi absolute, following the bank’s admission that it held sufficient funds in the Kogi State ACRESAL Noida designated account (a dollar account) to satisfy the judgment.

    The bank, however, through its counsel, argued that the funds were World Bank–supported monies for environmental projects across northern states and therefore could not be used to settle the judgment debt.

    Justice Haastrup disagreed, holding that the bank supplied no documentary evidence to back its claims.

    The court stated that since the bank had already revealed the existence of sufficient funds in the relevant account, and no proof showed the money was restricted or jointly owned, the law required the court not to deprive a successful litigant of the fruits of his judgment.

    The court therefore ordered the bank to immediately pay: N1,070,860,138 being the outstanding judgment sum; N2 million, the cost awarded by the Court of Appeal; and N1 million as costs of the garnishee proceedings.

    The total payment is to be made into Achuba’s Access Bank account as provided in the order.

    Justice Haastrup also discharged all other banks initially joined as garnishees, including Zenith Bank, First Bank, GTBank, Access Bank, Polaris Bank, and others.

  • Loan dispute: Court refers Dandis, BOI to mediation

    Loan dispute: Court refers Dandis, BOI to mediation

    The Lagos State High Court has adjourned the case between Dandis Global Resources Limited and the Bank of Industry (BOI) to February 18, 2026 to allow both parties explore the possibility of settling the matter through mediation.

    Dandis Global Resources Limited had filed the suit over an alleged failure by BOI to disburse approved loan facilities intended for the establishment of its chicken processing factory in Ibadan.

    According to the Statement of Claim, the company applied for a N75 million facility in 2018 but alleged that BOI delayed the process for years before eventually approving reduced sums in 2022 and 2023, namely a term loan of N30.3 million and working capital of N15.6 million.

    The claimant stated that despite paying all required fees and submitting disbursement requests for equipment, including a cold room, blast freezer, feed mill and generator, the bank allegedly refused to release any part of the loan.

    The company said it had already imported some machinery in reliance on the expected funding, while rising inflation and recent fiscal policies led to sharp increases in equipment costs, worsening its financial burden.

    Dandis Global claims the bank’s actions amounted to a fundamental breach of contract, preventing it from commencing operations at its agro-processing plant.

    The aggrieved Claimant had sued the Defendant seeking several reliefs over a disputed loan application. The Claimant is seeking the following reliefs; (I) A declaration that the Defendant committed breach of the 2023 Loan Agreement for failure to disburse the approved credit facilities; (ii) General damages of N225 million and (iii) Aggravated and Exemplary damages of N100 million.

    At the resumption of proceedings, counsel to the claimant, Jide Bodede, informed the court that the plaintiff was open to resolving the dispute amicably.

    He requested that the case be referred to mediation, noting that such a step could help both parties reach a settlement without proceeding to full trial.

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    “Our humble request this morning is for the matter to be referred to mediation. We believe that parties can explore an amicable settlement of this matter. If it is not possible, we will return to the court for trial,” Bodede said.

    In response, E.O. Okunade, counsel to the defendant, confirmed that the Bank of Industry expressed no objection to reference of the case to mediation. He added that the defendants were equally interested in an expedited reconciliation of the matter.

    “We are not opposed to exploring mediation to expedite the reconciliation of this matter,” he said.

    Justice Elizabeth Alakija, after hearing both counsel, directed that the matter be referred to mediation and adjourned the case to February 18, 2026, for a report of settlement and further proceedings.