The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Bauchi approves monthly stipends for Imams, Pastors

    Bauchi approves monthly stipends for Imams, Pastors

    The Bauchi State Economic Council has approved the payment of monthly stipends to Imams and Pastors across the state.

    Governor Bala Mohammed presided over the council meeting which was held on Friday, with top officials from the finance and revenue sectors in attendance.

    Briefing journalists, the Head of Civil Service, Barri. Mohammed Sani Umar, said the approval covers Imams of Juma’at mosques and clerics of various Christian denominations, adding that the payments will be made without discrimination.

    He said the government is working out the financial implications to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.

    Read Also: 2027 Guber: Can Senator Buba Shehu win Bauchi?

    Umar also disclosed that the council approved the commencement of salary payments to newly appointed Emirs and District Heads, noting that adequate cash flow has been provided.

    Meanwhile, the Governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna, said the council reviewed the state’s salary administration and uncovered over 3,000 ghost workers.

    He said the payroll audit, carried out with Onyx Investment Advisory Limited, saved the state more than ₦4.16 billion.

    Haruna added that the state government took over salary payments in August 2024, after which complaints over salary issues ceased.

  • INEC to begin second phase of CVR in Ondo

    INEC to begin second phase of CVR in Ondo

    • …as first phase records over 35,000 new registers 

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Ondo State will commence on Monday as part of efforts to capture more eligible voters ahead of future elections.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Akure.

    Mrs Babalola said the first phase of the exercise, which was held between August 25 and December 10, 2025, recorded a total of 35,040 registrations across the state.

    She explained that the new phase was designed to improve access to registration, particularly for residents in hard-to-reach areas and communities located far from existing registration centres.

    According to her, INEC has approved the rotation of the Voter Enrolment Device (VED) across all the 203 Registration Areas spread across the 18 local government areas of the state to ensure wider coverage.

    “The rotation of the devices will last for 50 days, from February 2 to April 10, 2026, excluding weekends and public holidays,” she said.

    Read Also: INEC to begin second phase of CVR in Ondo

    The REC added that a detailed schedule of the movement of the devices had been prepared and made available at all INEC local government offices to guide prospective registrants.

    Providing a breakdown of the first phase, Babalola noted that the exercise produced 18,311 fresh registrations, including 177 persons with disabilities. 

    She added that 9,501 voters applied for transfers, while 2,399 requests were made for corrections of personal details.

    She called on all eligible residents who are yet to register, especially those in remote and underserved communities, to take advantage of the exercise.

    Babalola, however, advised members of the public to contact INEC offices or designated help lines for further information and clarification regarding the registration process.

  • Senate sets March 17 for passage of N58.472trn appropriation bill

    Senate sets March 17 for passage of N58.472trn appropriation bill

    • …unveils tight review timetable

    The Senate has scheduled March 17, 2026, for the final consideration and passage of the N58.472 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill, unveiling an accelerated legislative timetable to ensure the timely approval of the national budget.

    The decision was reached in Abuja on Friday during a special session of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which also outlined a rigorous review schedule for standing committees to scrutinise the budget estimates.

    According to the timetable, budget defence sessions by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) at the committee level will run from February 2 to February 13.

    To promote transparency and public engagement, the committee has fixed a public hearing on the budget proposal for Monday, February 9, 2026. 

    At the session, Professor Wasiu Adeoye of the University of Lagos is expected to present an analysis of the macroeconomic projections and fiscal assumptions underpinning the budget.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), said the structured timeline is aimed at ensuring a comprehensive yet efficient review process that would enable the National Assembly to pass the budget early in the year.

    Read Also: Senate takes steps to fast-track Electoral Act 2022 amendment

    He disclosed that February 16 to 23 has been designated for the submission of reports on budget defence by chairmen of standing committees. 

    The Appropriations Committee will thereafter harmonise the submissions and present a consolidated report to the Senate on March 17.

    As part of the review framework, the committee has also scheduled an interactive session with key Federal Government economic managers for Thursday, March 5, 2026.

    Expected to attend are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Olawale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.

    Adeola told committee members that the Senate leadership had initially pushed for passage of the budget by March 12, but agreed to grant an additional one week to allow for more meticulous scrutiny.

    According to him, hard copies of the 2026 budget estimates have been printed and distributed to chairmen and members of the various standing committees to facilitate detailed examination of the proposals.

    The timetable was formally adopted by the committee following a motion moved by Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and seconded by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North).

    With the schedule now in place, the Senate is set to commence a multi-layered review process involving committee-level defences, public input and high-level engagement with top government economic officials, all aimed at delivering a frontloaded and implementable 2026 budget.

  • Customs hands over seized arms, ammunition to centre, generates N44.06b in January

    Customs hands over seized arms, ammunition to centre, generates N44.06b in January

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port and Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Command, has handed over seized arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), reaffirming its commitment to border security, trade facilitation and inter-agency collaboration.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony in Lagos, yesterday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, said the exercise underscored Customs’ zero-tolerance for smuggling and its resolve to ensure that only legitimate trade thrives within Nigeria’s borders.

    Anani noted that the handover was carried out with the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, under whose leadership the seizures were made.

    The items handed over included five pistols of different makes, one Crossman Pump Master rifle, 132 Remington live cartridges, 51 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, four 9mm magazines, 40 rounds of assorted 9mm and blank/hollow ammunition, as well as 118 empty 9mm shells.

    According to the PTML Customs boss, the arms and ammunition were uncovered on 25 different occasions during the examination of imported vehicles between 2022 and 2025, describing the seizures as the outcome of sustained vigilance and collaboration with sister security agencies operating at the port.

    He stressed that the PTML Command remains a “no-go area for unlawful trade under any guise,” adding that the Command is firmly committed to the implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention, a World Customs Organisation instrument aimed at balancing trade facilitation with effective regulatory control.

    Comptroller Anani also highlighted the impact of the Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation Project, noting that the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, has significantly enhanced productivity at the Command. He disclosed that PTML would soon receive cargo scanners, which would further strengthen its capacity to detect concealments such as arms and ammunition.

    On revenue performance, the Area Controller announced that with two days left to the end of January 2026, the Command had generated ₦44.06 billion, surpassing the ₦40.50 billion recorded in January 2025 by ₦3.56 billion, representing an 8.8 per cent increase.

    Read Also: Customs, NDLEA intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

    He commended compliant stakeholders for their continued cooperation, describing them as key partners in the Command’s success.

    “On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, I hereby formally hand over these seizures to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons for appropriate action,” Comptroller Anani said.

     The seized arms were handed over to CP Mustapha Abiodun Alamutu (RTD), the South west Zonal coordinator, National Centre for the control of small arms and light weapons.

    Officials of NCCSALW.  Also present at the event were management of PTML, heads of sister agencies and Customs officers.

  • FRSC nabs 34 for traffic violations in Kebbi 

    FRSC nabs 34 for traffic violations in Kebbi 

     The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kebbi says it has apprehended 34 road traffic offenders in a special night patrol conducted to enforce traffic regulations and enhance safety on major roads.

    The Deputy Corps Commander of the FRSC, Musa Galadima, said in Birnin Kebbi on Friday that the operation led to the arrest of 34 vehicles for various traffic offences.

    He explained that those apprehended comprised 24 motorcycles, seven vehicles and three tricycles, all booked for offences ranging from route violations to driving without functional lights.

    Read Also: FRSC caution motorists on hazy weather, poor visibility

    Galadima said the exercise was part of the corps’ statutory mandate to ensure sanity and safety on the roads, noting that the special intervention became necessary due to the rising cases of traffic violations in the state.

    “Many lives have been lost and several others have sustained varying degrees of injuries as a result of these violations.

    “This informed our decision to embark on a special night patrol to nip the situation in the bud,” he said.

    Galadima commended Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi for his sustained logistical support to the FRSC, particularly the immediate removal of roadside obstructions and pavements upon assumption of office.

    The DCC also appealed to the general public, especially motorists and other road users, to cooperate with the corps in its efforts to ensure safer roads and reduce road traffic crashes across the state.

    (NAN)

  • IGP vows to strengthen border security

    IGP vows to strengthen border security

    • …House committee on border security pledges support

    The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to strengthening Nigeria’s border security framework through strategic collaboration with the legislature.

    Egbetokun gave the assurance while hosting members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Border Security during a working visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    The visit is aimed at enhancing synergy between the legislative and executive arms in addressing border-related security challenges.

    The delegation, led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Isah Mohammed Anka, included Hon. David Agada, Hon. Davidson Akinlayo Kolawole, Hon. Paul Gowon, Hon. Saba Ahmed Adamu, and the Clerk of the Committee, Mrs. Jemila Umar.

    Egbetokun who was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazhi, expressed appreciation for the Committee’s proactive engagement, noting that national security remains a shared responsibility requiring coordinated strategies, institutional cooperation, and a unified national vision.

    Read Also: Ex-IGP Okiro endorses Tinubu for second term, praises president’s leadership courage

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Honorable Anka reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening border security and pledged full support to making meaningful contributions especially in areas of deployment of modern technology, improved welfare for border personnel, and specialized training programmes for officers of the Border Patrol Force.

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Border Patrol Force, AIG Nemi Iwoh, commended the Committee’s leadership for their support.

    He also stated that speedy implementation of the resolutions reached during the engagement would significantly strengthen the nation’s border security architecture.

    Hundeyin said, “The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and welcomes sustained collaboration with the National Assembly and other stakeholders toward lasting security outcomes.”

  • Shettima commissions Tudun Biri resettlement scheme

    Shettima commissions Tudun Biri resettlement scheme

    • …Project fulfils Tinubu’s pledge to victims of drone mishap
    • …133 housing units, school, facilities delivered under RSPIC

    The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Friday commissioned the Tudun Biri Resettlement Scheme in Kaduna State, marking the fulfilment of a pledge by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rebuild the community affected by a military drone mishap nearly two years ago.

    The scheme, located in Tudun Biri community of Igabi Local Government Area, comprises 133 completed housing units, educational facilities and other modern infrastructure, delivered under the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC).

    Vice President Shettima recalled that he visited the community in December 2023 following the incident and assured residents that President Tinubu had directed the immediate commencement of a resettlement programme.

    In July 2024, he returned to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the rebuilding effort.

    Speaking at the commissioning in Kaduna State, the Vice President described the project as another promise fulfilled by the Tinubu administration, anchored on the belief that governance must serve the people, heal divisions and strengthen national stability.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “today stands as a living demonstration of that principle.

    “The commissioning of the Tudun Biri Resettlement Scheme is an assurance of our collective belief that fairness is the glue that holds a nation together, and that compassion is not a weakness of the state, but its moral strength,” he said.

    According to him, justice in governance is reflected in deliberate actions to protect vulnerable citizens, heal broken communities and ensure that no Nigerian is rendered invisible by misfortune.

    He stressed that the project underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to respond decisively to humanitarian crises and internal displacement.

    “The Tudun Biri Resettlement Scheme is a vehicle for hope for families whose lives were disrupted. It is a practical assurance that the Nigerian state does not abandon its citizens in times of adversity,” Shettima said, adding that it represents a shift towards solutions that restore stability, rebuild livelihoods and promote lasting peace.

    Read Also: VP Shettima, bankers urge shift from aid to investment

    The Vice President explained that the scheme was implemented under RSPIC, a Federal Government initiative designed to deliver durable recovery and resettlement interventions, noting that similar projects are ongoing in Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina and Benue states.

    He commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, for what he described as a constructive partnership and inclusive approach to governance, stressing that the success of such initiatives depends on collaboration among federal and state authorities, host communities and development partners.

    Governor Sani, in his remarks, thanked President Tinubu for demonstrating compassion, leadership and decisive intervention, and praised Vice President Shettima for overseeing the restoration of Tudun Biri.

    He said the project reflects a commitment to placing the dignity of citizens at the centre of governance.

    The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Zubaida Umar, described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring dignity, stability and opportunity to communities affected by humanitarian crises.

    She said the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises people-centred recovery, national security and inclusive development.

    Umar explained that while the original design provided for 143 housing units, 10 units were converted into a school facility to meet the educational needs of children in the settlement, resulting in 133 completed homes alongside education infrastructure.

    Responding on behalf of beneficiaries, Mrs Aisha Haruna and Mr Solomon John expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their sustained efforts to bring relief and restoration to Tudun Biri and other communities affected by humanitarian crises across the country.

  • NNPCL unveils gas master plan

    NNPCL unveils gas master plan

     As part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s gas sector as the engine room of national industrialisation, energy security, and sustainable economic growth, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially unveiled its Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026, tagged NGMP 2026.

    The unveiling, held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja yesterday marks a strategic inflection point in Nigeria’s energy transition journey, underscoring government’s resolve to translate the nation’s vast gas endowment into tangible economic value, infrastructure expansion, and global competitiveness, in alignment with its long-term development aspirations.

    Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the Gas Master Plan as a deliberate pivot from policy articulation to disciplined execution, anchored on commercial viability and integrated sector-wide coordination.

    NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh made this known in a press statement.

    The statement quoted the minister as saying, “Today’s launch is not merely the unveiling of a document; it represents a deliberate shift towards a more integrated, commercially driven, and execution-focused gas sector, aligned with Nigeria’s development aspirations. Nigeria is fundamentally a gas Nation. With one of the largest proven gas reserves in Africa, our challenge has never been potential, but translation: translating resources into reliable supply, infrastructure into value, and policy into measurable outcomes for our economy and our people. The Gas Master Plan speaks directly to this challenge.”

    Ekpo further noted that the Plan’s strong focus on supply reliability, infrastructure expansion, domestic and export market flexibility, and strategic partnerships aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, positioning natural gas as the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security, industrialisation, and just energy transition.

    In his address, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the NNPC Gas Master Plan 2026 as a bold, effective execution-anchored roadmap designed to unlock Nigeria’s immense gas potential and elevate the country into a globally competitive gas hub.

    Ojulari noted that with about 210 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves and an upside potential of up to 600 Tcf, Nigeria possesses one of the most consequential hydrocarbon basins in the world; one reinforced by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Federal Government’s gas-centric energy transition agenda.

    Read Also: ‘NNPC’s Abuja IPP vital to 8,500Mw target’

    “The Plan is structured not just to deliver – but to exceed- the Presidential mandate of increasing national gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, while catalysing over 60 billion dollars in new investments across the oil and gas value chain by 2030.”

    He explained that the Plan prioritises cost optimisation, operational excellence, and systematic advancement of resources from 3P to bankable 2P reserves, while strengthening gas supply to power generation, CNG, LPG, Mini-LNG, and critical industrial off-takers.

    Reaffirming his personal commitment as Chief Sponsor of the initiative, the NNPC Ltd GCEO stressed that the Company has adopted a more collaborative, investor-centric approach in shaping the NGMP 2026, with strong alignment to industry stakeholders, partners, and investors.

    In a goodwill message at the occasion, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers’ Group (IPPG) and CEO of Aradel Holdings, Mr. Adegbite Falade, said: “This is giving a shot in the arm to the economy which will bridge the gap between intent and reality. Gas thrives on the value chain, from upstream to offtakers. As IPPG members, we reiterate our commitment and support to this initiative.”

    Also lending his voice to the initiative, the Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and MD of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, thanked the NNPC Ltd for the ambition behind the NNPC GMP, stressing that his organisation supports the core operating principles of the Plan.

    The Gas Master Plan 2026 is expected to serve as the definitive framework for coordinated gas sector development, execution discipline, and value creation over the next decade.

    The Gas Master Plan 2026 is an offshoot of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan (NGMP) 2008, which is a strategic framework aimed at maximizing the economic benefits from the country’s abundant gas resources. Another significant dimension to the NGMP 2026 is the utmost attention to full alignment with the Nigerian Decade of Gas Programme.

  • Alaafin commissions Ile Oodua, reaffirms Oyo palace as symbol of Yoruba identity

    Alaafin commissions Ile Oodua, reaffirms Oyo palace as symbol of Yoruba identity

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has described the Oyo Palace as more than a cultural and historical landmark, calling it a living museum that preserves Yoruba heritage and promotes unity among the people.

    In a message delivered on Friday at the commissioning of the Oodua House within the Palace, the monarch, represented by Prince Kabir Owoade, said the Palace offers a unique window into the rich history and traditions of the Yoruba.

    Oba Owoade reaffirmed Oyo’s status as the Seat of Yorubaland and the Home of Yoruba heritage, underscoring its enduring role in safeguarding the cultural identity and legacy of the Yoruba people.

    He said, “The establishment of Ile Oodua inside the ancient palace grounds acts as a heritage carved in stone, reinforcing the connection between the Alaafin and the progenitor of the Yoruba race.

     “The Alaafin’s palace, a symbol of Yoruba heritage and authority, has transitioned from a royal residence to a significant cultural and historical landmark. While it retains its traditional essence, the Palace has also adapted to the changing times, reflecting its enduring significance and the challenges of modernisation. The Palace remains one of Nigeria’s most important historical structures.

    “The Alaafin’s palace is thus a deserving location for the establishment of the Oduduwa House due to its historical status as the epicenter of the Oyo Empire, its role as the custodian of Yoruba political, cultural, and military legacy, and its direct, unbroken lineage to Oduduwa through Oranmiyan.

    Read Also: Alaafin’s wife installs community head, seeks peace among residents

    “The Alaafin dynasty traces its roots directly to Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa and the founder of the Oyo Empire. Oranmiyan is a foundational figure in Yoruba history, making the Palace the seat of the Oranmiyan lineage, and the Progenitor of Yoruba kings.”

    While lauding the facilitator of the project, who is also the Asiwaju Awo of Oyo Kingdom and the Chairman, Isese Worshipping Committee, Chief Onifade Olanipekun, for his unalloyed commitment to the progress and development of his country home and the Oyo traditional monarchy, Alaafin stressed the need for collaborative efforts towards the sustenance of peace and the much-needed progress in Yorubaland.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Olanipekun, who described the Alaafin’s Palace as the heart of Yoruba civilization, said it is recognized as a living museum and where many of the most significant historical, political, and traditional events of the Yoruba people have been preserved for centuries.

    Chief Olanipekun pointed out that the Oduduwa house will not only serve as a central hub for Yoruba heritage but strengthens the Alaafin’s role as a unifying force across Yorubaland.

    “Historically, the Oyo Empire was the most powerful state in Yoruba history, and the Alaafin served as the paramount ruler. The Palace represents the centralized authority that once unified a vast area, making it a fitting home for a monument to Oduduwa, the father of many Yoruba monarchs

    “The establishment of the new Ile Oduduwa house within the ancient palace grounds acts as a bold declaration of the Alaafin’s Oduduwa roots, ensuring that the legacy of Oranmiyan is visibly upheld in the centre of Oyo’s royal, administrative, and cultural life.

    “The palace is not just a building but a Citadel of the Yoruba race that embodies the strength, unity, and heritage of the Yoruba people, making it a deserving location to honour Oduduwa.”

    The Asiwaju Awo further asserted that building a house for Oduduwa in the Alaafin’s Palace is imperative because it serves as the cornerstone of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual continuity, and political unity, adding that Oduduwa is revered as the progenitor of the Yoruba race, the founder of their civilization, and the source of all crowned kings (Obas).

    Members of the Isese Worshipping Committee, led by its Chairman Chief Olanipekun, later paid a courtesy visit to the Alaafin for the offering of New Year prayers.

  • NCAA gives airlines 7-day ultimatum to integrate special needs features on ticket reservations

    NCAA gives airlines 7-day ultimatum to integrate special needs features on ticket reservations

     The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all domestic airlines operating in Nigeria to include a mandatory special needs/assistance request feature on their ticket reservation systems.

    The directive, according to the NCAA, is to ensure full compliance with provisions for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and passengers with disabilities.

    The agency, while stating that airlines are to comply within seven days of receipt of the directive, warned that non-compliance may attract regulatory enforcement in line with applicable aviation regulations.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Michael Achimugu, on behalf of the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo.

    The statement reads, “The Authority recalls its earlier correspondence with reference No. NCAA/CPD/585/1/22 dated 13 April 2022, which directed all domestic airlines to conspicuously place on their online ticket reservation platforms a mandatory field, box, or column through which passengers may request assistance or give advance notice of special needs before ticket purchase.

    Read Also: NCAA certifies Kano, Port Harcourt International Airports

    “This requirement is further reinforced by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023, Part 19.12.3.1, which mandates that during reservation, airlines, travel agents, and tour operators shall provide travellers the opportunity to request assistance at the point of booking across all ticket sales channels, including online platforms and telephone reservations;

    “Mandatorily include on ticket portals a designated field or column through which persons with disabilities or their assistants may request special needs assistance while booking or purchasing flight tickets; and

    “Actively enquire whether any passenger within a booking party may require assistance at the airport and/or during flight operations”.

    The statement added, “In view of the foregoing, the NCAA has directed all affected airlines to conspicuously integrate a mandatory special needs assistance request option into their ticket reservation systems, ensuring that passengers are able to request such assistance before completing the ticket purchase process.

    “Airlines are required to comply within seven days of receipt of this directive. Non-compliance may attract regulatory enforcement in line with applicable aviation regulations.”

    The Agency pledged its commitment to ensuring inclusive, accessible, and safe air travel for all passengers.