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  • Rivers Assembly endorses Tinubu for second term

    Rivers Assembly endorses Tinubu for second term

    Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged him to run for a second term in office.

    In a display of appreciation to Tinubu and expression of confidence in his administration during a special plenary, the lawmakers highlighted the president’s fatherly roles to all.

    The motion, which was signed by the 26 members of the House, was moved by the House Leader Major Jack.

    Jack stressed that the President had demonstrated his love for Rivers people by appointing notable indigenes of the state into positions of trust in his government.

    Debating the motion, members took turns to reel out plethora of ongoing federal projects in the state and the federal appointments given to their constituents.

    They applauded Tinubu’s economic policies saying his bold reforms had attracted more funds to the state and local government levels.

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    Commenting on the motion, Speaker Martin Amaewhule described President Tinubu as a compassionate father of the nation.

    He acknowledged the President’s commitment to turning around the fortune of the country; adding that the economic dividends of his policies remained visible for all to see.

    Amaewhule said the visit of prominent Rivers people to the President and the way and manner Tinubu fulfilled   his promises including the appointment of 39 sons and daughters of the state into positions of trust at the federal level.

    When Mr. Speaker put the motion into vote, the House voted in the affirmative resolving to pass a vote of confidence in the President for his purposeful leadership.

    Commending the president for his love for Rivers through his numerous appointments and projects, the lawmakers conveyed the  support and loyalty of the House to the President through his FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    They urged all members to immediately commence sensitisation and mobilisation of constituents for the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).

  • An appeal to President Bola Tinubu

    An appeal to President Bola Tinubu

    • By LaBode Obanor

    Your Excellency, Nigeria stands at a fragile and consequential moment in its history. Across every region of our country, tension, distrust, and insecurity have reached deeply troubling levels. The nation is confronted with violent extremism, ethnic tension,etc.   Amid all these,  the continued detention and recent sentencing of      Mr. Nnamdi Kanu have become a symbol of division that threatens to deepen the national fault lines we can no longer afford to ignore.

    This is written with a sincere commitment to the unity and stability of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I respectfully urge you to consider granting a presidential pardon to Mr. Kanu, as a strategic national decision grounded in history, security considerations, and the urgent need for reconciliation.

    Nigeria has faced similar moments in the past where bold acts of forgiveness and reconciliation helped prevent further conflict. Allow me to cite some historical precedents for this act of presidential gesture. On May 18, 1982, President Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari pardoned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. After the Biafran conflict, while Ojukwu was in exile, President Shehu Shagari extended a pardon that allowed Ojukwu to return home and reintegrate into national life. That decision helped calm tensions at a time when the Southeast could have descended into prolonged rebellion.

    During the early years of the Fourth Republic, presidential pardon and clemency were used to lower political tensions and reintegrate aggrieved actors into the democratic process. On March 4, 1999, the transitional military government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar ordered the release of Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya, who had been imprisoned under General Sani Abacha’s regime for an alleged coup plot. This move was widely seen as a significant gesture of national reconciliation and a step towards ending the cycle of political imprisonment that characterised military rule.

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    Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Obasanjo’s former deputy during his first military rule, implicated in a coup plot and died in prison under the Abacha regime, was granted a posthumous pardon by President Obasanjo. This was intended to honour his memory and reconcile with his political allies and the broader northern political elite.

    In November 2002, on the first anniversary of his presidency, Obasanjo also announced a pardon for 80 former soldiers who had fought for the secessionist state of Biafra during the Civil War. These soldiers had been dismissed from the Nigerian armed forces and stripped of their benefits. The clemency converted their dismissals into formal retirements, making them eligible for pensions and wiping out the stigma, which was a significant step toward healing historical civil war grievances and fostering national unity.

    In June 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua declared an unconditional amnesty for the Niger Delta militants. Through that gesture, a region that had become ungovernable experienced a dramatic reduction in violence. The alternative was endless combat. Instead, a political solution delivered national economic and security benefits.

    Your Excellency, sir, these examples demonstrate that Nigeria has never relied on force alone to achieve peace when political grievances are involved. The pardon power has historically been used to pull the country back from the brink. Today’s situation calls for a similar statesmanlike intervention.

    The Southeast remains deeply unsettled. For many in the region, the incarceration of Mr. Kanu is not viewed as a legal matter alone but as a political symbol of marginalisation. Whether or not this perception is accurate, it is real, and it is fueling heightened anxiety, increased mistrust of the federal government, growing sympathy for separatist narratives, sporadic violence, and shutdowns that damage the local economy. A pardon in this present situation does not validate past actions. It acknowledges that the country needs healing more than it needs escalation. It signals to millions of citizens in the Southeast that the concerns of their region matter to the federal government.

    Your Excellency, unity cannot be enforced with force alone. Sometimes unity is advanced through magnanimity.

    Across the world, separatist and ideological movements gain momentum when their leaders are seen as martyrs or victims of oppression. This dynamic is already visible in parts of the Southeast. The continued imprisonment of Mr. Kanu strengthens the emotional and symbolic power far more than it weakens the movement. A pardon removes the mystique and places the burden of leadership back on the civilian population and regional elders. It is easier to negotiate peace with a free man than with a symbol turned into a grievance. As long as Mr. Kanu remains imprisoned, genuine dialogue with Southeast leaders, youth groups, and civil society is stalled. A pardon opens the door to (1) structured dialogue, (2) a regional reconciliation process, (3) a peace pathway that restores normalcy to communities, and (4) stabilising the economic and security situation.                                                                                                                                

    Your Excellency’s administration has repeatedly committed to national unity, security, and economic recovery. A pardon, issued in the spirit of reconciliation, would be one of the most powerful steps toward rebuilding trust across regions. Such an act would not weaken the state. It would strengthen it. It would demonstrate that Nigeria is mature enough to rise above division and that leadership is defined by wisdom and restraint rather than force alone.

    Should the government choose a conditional pardon, it may include reasonable and enforceable terms such as a commitment to non-violence, a prohibition on any form of incitement, participation in peace-building dialogues, and cooperation with federal peace initiatives. These conditions ensure accountability while still advancing reconciliation.

    Finally, sir, the question before the nation is simple: will Nigeria gain more from punishment or from peace? A pardon at this moment would not erase the past. Instead, it would chart a new course for the future, demonstrate national maturity, de-escalate tension, and deny extremists the fuel they seek. And most importantly, it would bring the Southeast and the rest of Nigeria one step closer to the unity we so desperately need.

    The country is at a crossroads. A gesture of reconciliation from the highest office in the land may be the difference between further fragmentation and renewed nationhood. With utmost respect, I urge Your Excellency to consider granting a presidential pardon to Mr. Nnamdi Kanu as a bold step towards healing, stability, and a more united Nigeria.

    .Obanor is President, League for Social Justice

  • ‘Tinubu’s reforms okay’

    ‘Tinubu’s reforms okay’

    A political support group, Sunshine Grassroots Network (SGN) in Ondo State, has said the far-reaching economic reforms and stabilisation efforts being undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure him a second term.

    The group, representing members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), who recently integrated into the All Progressives Congress (APC), said it was committed to mobilising support for President Tinubu ahead of 2027 general election.

    Speaking yesterday at its group’s secretariat in Akure, the Director-General of SGN, Dayo Awude, said President Tinubu’s “tough but necessary” economic decisions had begun to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth despite the current hardships faced by citizens.

    Awude listed key reforms -including fuel subsidy removal, elimination of policy inconsistencies and stabilisation of the external reserves – as steps that were correcting long-standing structural defects and restoring economic discipline.

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    Describing the previous fuel subsidy regime as a “cesspool of corruption,” Awude said it had drained national resources and enabled a few privileged individuals to siphon the country’s wealth.

    “Despite the hydra-headed challenges confronting our country, we believe it is essential to keep our people informed of the successes we have achieved and the strides we are making as people and as a country.

    “To leap into a steady future, we need to know where we were coming from. Prior to the Tinubu administration, we were faced with the cesspool of corruption called petroleum subsidy, a platform through which our patrimony was siphoned by the privileged few; persistent economic instability; inflation due to inconsistent monetary policies; decay of critical infrastructure, among others,” he said.

    Awude, however, added that the reforms had begun yielding results, noting that Nigeria’s external reserves rose to $43.197 billion as of October 31, 2025.

    The SGN DG cited recent assessments by World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Lamido Sanusi, both of whom said the Nigerian economy was stabilising and on a path to recovery.

    He said the duo’s endorsement reflected growing confidence in the Tinubu administration’s fiscal direction.

    Awude also highlighted President Tinubu’s “unprecedented attention” to Ondo State, referencing the appointment of two ministers from the state.

    He lauded the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for ongoing reforms in passport issuance, border security and airport modernisation, including the new e-gate installations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

    The group also commended President Tinubu for the ongoing federal road projects in the state, including: Akure–Ondo–Ore dualisation, Akure–Ado-Ekiti dual carriageway, Ilesa–Akure–Benin road and Lagos–Calabar coastal highway (expected to pass through Ondo), saying the projects reflected the state’s growing strategic importance under the current administration.

    Acknowledging the recent spike in insecurity, Awude expressed optimism about Tinubu’s measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency on terrorism and moves to amend laws to enable state policing.

    He called for expedited recruitment into the Army and Police to bolster national security.

    Awude reiterated that the SGN’s mandate was to enlighten Nigerians on the gains of the Renewed Hope agenda and mobilise grassroots support for the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.

    “Together, we will work towards a brighter future for our country and all our citizens,” he said.

  • Tinubu’s economic reforms yield positive indicators, says Presidency

    Tinubu’s economic reforms yield positive indicators, says Presidency

    The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has said key economic indicators have turned decisively positive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The presidential aide described the administration’s performance as evidence that its reforms are “a blessing to Nigeria”.

    Onanuga stated this in a post on his X handle, @aonanuga1956, while reacting to a data snapshot published by analytics firm, Statisense, which highlighted year-on-year improvements in inflation, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, exchange-rate stability, and external reserves.

    Citing figures sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the report showed that headline inflation fell sharply from 34.80 per cent to 16.05 per cent, while food inflation declined from 39.84 per cent to 13.12 per cent within the same period.

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    The data also indicated a marginal rise in real GDP growth, moving from 3.86 per cent to 3.98 per cent, signalling steady improvement in economic activities despite global and domestic pressures.

    On the foreign exchange market, the naira posted gains, appreciating from N1,661.12 to N1,445.39 per U.S. dollar.

    Nigeria’s foreign reserves similarly increased from $40.22 billion to $44.67 billion as at November 28.

    Reacting to the encouraging figures, Onanuga wrote: “The pointers are all flashing green, indicating that the Tinubu administration has been a blessing to Nigeria.”

  • Opposition forces fueling insecurity to discredit Tinubu ahead of 2027— Adeyeye

    Opposition forces fueling insecurity to discredit Tinubu ahead of 2027— Adeyeye

    • …warns youths against advocating for military rule

    The Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, has alleged that certain opposition elements are deliberately instigating insecurity across the country to discredit the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    Delivering the 2nd Faculty of Administration Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, titled Mentorship: A Tool for Fostering Progressive Democracy, Senator Adeyeye cautioned Nigerian youths against promoting the idea of a military takeover.

    He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would overcome the nation’s security challenges, citing recently introduced security emergency programmes.

    According to him, “The insecurity in this country is being sponsored and orchestrated by some group of people who want to destroy Tinubu’s government and who are probably afraid of the president winning the 2027 election convincingly.

    “But I can assure you that President Bola Tinubu is taking the situation seriously, and the whole situation will backfire on them. The president has rolled out a very serious security emergency programme which will solve this issue.”

    Speaking further, he warned young Nigerians enamoured by military leaders such as Ibrahim Traoré to desist from advocating for military rule. He stressed that the country has endured the harsh consequences of military regimes in the past, noting that “the worst democracy is better than the best dictatorship.”

    Senator Adeyeye added that, despite the challenges currently facing Nigeria, the administration has recorded modest achievements that deserve recognition.

    “No doubt we face many challenges. The challenges of insecurity, unemployment and underemployment, inflation, youth restiveness, poverty, and erosion of confidence in the judiciary, however, we have recorded modest achievements for which we can be very proud,” Adeyeye noted.

    He advocated for more town and gown interface, which he said would allow experts and professionals to mentor students to be well prepared for leadership in the future.

    Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Simeon Bamire, urged southwest governors to build legacy projects that will bear the name of their states in the school.

    Bamire said, “I want to appreciate our distinguished guest lecturer. OAU is located within the cradle of civilization, Ile-Ife, and all that you see about OAU had to do with the thought of our forefathers then.”

  • Tinubu swears in five perm secs, NPC chairman ahead of FEC meeting

    Tinubu swears in five perm secs, NPC chairman ahead of FEC meeting

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday swore in five newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, the chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), and two commissioners.

    The brief ceremony, which was held in the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, preceded the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, saw the President administering the oath of office to the appointees in two batches.

    The first batch, including the five permanent secretaries, was Alhaji Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim from the North Central; Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama; Dr. Abdul Sule Usman Garba representing the North West; Dr. Ishiyaku Musa Mohammed from the North East; and Dr. Ukaire Binyerem Chigbowu from Abia State, representing the South East.

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    President Tinubu also swore in the new Chairman of the National Population Commission, Aminu Yusuf, alongside two commissioners of the agency, including Dr Betara Tonga from Yobe State.

    The Council thereafter observed a minute of silence in honour of former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Uche Ogwu, who died at the age of 79.

    Ogwu, a seasoned diplomat, served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    The FEC meeting, which went into full session immediately after the swearing-in, had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; as well as ministers and presidential advisers.

  • Insecurity: Group hails Tinubu’s order on police VIP security withdrawal

    Insecurity: Group hails Tinubu’s order on police VIP security withdrawal

    The Afenifere Renewal Group-USA (ARG-USA) has lamented the growing state of insecurity in Nigeria, including mass kidnappings, attacks on schools, and violence against worshippers.

    These increasing daily attacks, according to a statement signed by Lanre Balogun, Coordinator, Afenifere Renewal Group, USA Chapter, are distressing.

    The group noted that it was shattered following the mass abduction of hundreds of school children, their teachers, along with the violence unleashed on Christian worshippers in Kwara State.

    Balogun said, “These atrocious acts are a clear indictment of our current security architecture and the perpetual fragility of lives and the safety of communities across the country.

    “While we are happy to hear that many victims of the attack in Kogi and some of the abducted pupils have been released, the relief is brief and bittersweet.

    “This is because so many others have lost their lives to senseless attacks, and millions of Nigerians still live every moment in pain, fear, and uncertainty. This situation is simply troubling and unacceptable.

    “The ARG-USA chapter wants to be very clear: the top priority of any responsible government is to protect its citizens’ lives and properties.

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    “We call upon the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately redirect its focus to tackling insecurity in Nigeria

    “The recent directive by the President to withdraw police officers from VIP security and approve the recruitment of 30,000 new officers is a commendable and necessary step towards augmenting national security manpower and prioritizing public safety over privileged protection.

    “The president must also take it a step further by leveraging on its overwhelming political majority across all legislative and executive branches to urgently pass and implement state police legislation. 

    “We urge the government not to adopt a defensive stance or hostility toward the United States regarding the growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation. Instead, the administration should use the increased international attention as an opportunity to collaborate more deeply and strategically with the United States and the greater international community to defeat terrorism and banditry.

    “We warn, however, that any form of collaboration must be based on complete honesty and transparency. Our government must be truthful and direct about the current state of insecurity, the capacity of our military forces, and systemic issues.

    “Only by being honest about our challenges and capabilities can the United States and other willing international partners provide appropriate and accurate assistance—whether through intelligence, specialized counter-terrorism training and support, technology, or focused anti-corruption efforts in the security sector.”

  • RNI: N/Delta youths hail Tinubu for appointing Okowa as South-South coordinator

    RNI: N/Delta youths hail Tinubu for appointing Okowa as South-South coordinator

    The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders (CNDYS) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent appointment of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the South-South Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

    The Convener of the coalition, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, in a statement on Wednesday, congratulated Senator Okowa on the fitting appointment.

    He described the appointment as “a clear reflection of Senator Okowa’s distinguished leadership qualities, administrative maturity, and enduring commitment to the socio-economic upliftment of the South-South people.”

    He noted that the RNI requires a leader with deep understanding of the region’s realities, saying that Okowa’s experience and calm, inclusive style of governance made him a fitting choice to drive programmes that will positively touch the lives of communities, especially the youths.

    Apostle Kenepadei stated that CNDYS as a body dedicated to promoting youths advancement, peace-building, and equitable opportunities across the Niger Delta believed that this appointment presents a strategic opening for enhanced regional development and strengthened engagement between government structures and grassroots communities.

    The Coalition’s Convener expressed confidence that under Senator Okowa’s coordination, the RHI would expand empowerment initiatives, deepen social welfare interventions, and promote sustainable development across the South-South region.

    “Once again, the Coalition thanks Mr. President for this appointment and extends warm congratulations to His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, and wishes him a successful, impactful tenure in this national assignment,” Kenepadei stated.

  • Tinubu launches 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem

    Tinubu launches 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem

    • President, Akpabio, Wike donate N320m

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem appeal fund with donations totalling N320 million in support of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, injured veterans, and serving troops battling insecurity across the country.

    The event, held at the State House, Abuja, brought together top government officials, military chiefs, and members of the diplomatic corps, marking the formal kickoff of nationwide activities ahead of the Remembrance Day, commemorated annually on January 15.

    President Tinubu said the annual observance remains a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women of the armed forces “in the defence of peace, unity and territorial integrity”.

    He added: “As a grateful nation, we must continue to honour the fallen, support the wounded, and care for all who answer the call to serve. Remembrance Day is a reminder of the cost of peace and the enduring importance of national unity.”

    The President showered praises on serving troops confronting terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.

    He described their resilience as “a source of national pride”.

    President Tinubu noted that the Armed Forces had demonstrated “exceptional courage across multiple theatres of operation,” restoring normalcy to many communities and contributing significantly to national stability.

    Under his administration, the President said, improved collaboration among security agencies has yielded major gains, including the surrender of tens of thousands of insurgents, neutralisation of high-profile terrorist leaders, and the rescue of numerous captives.

    In the maritime domain, the President added, oil theft, piracy and illegal fishing have been curbed through enhanced platforms and new capabilities for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

    He announced that the Ministry of Defence is developing a comprehensive programme that would deploy the expertise of retired military personnel to reclaim ungoverned spaces nationwide.

    President Tinubu said the initiative aims to strengthen security, revive local economies, and prevent the resurgence of violence in previously affected communities.

    Read Also: Tinubu launches 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem

    “This year marks a new chapter in our remembrance activities,” the President said, announcing the introduction of a ‘Thank a Soldier’ digital platform with a QR code to enable Nigerians at home and abroad to send messages of appreciation to troops.

    The initiative is designed to promote youth engagement and digital participation in national service.

    Urging Nigerians to wear the 2026 emblem with pride, President Tinubu said it symbolises sacrifice, honour, and national gratitude.

    The President also appealed to citizens to reject divisive rhetoric, embrace respect and tolerance, and safeguard Nigeria’s diversity as a national asset.

    “As President and Commander-in-Chief, I remain committed to equipping and motivating our military. Security is a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.

    President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to welfare improvements for military and security personnel, citing enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, strengthened healthcare, expanded health insurance coverage, and biometric-based pension verification systems.

    In support of the appeal fund, President Tinubu donated N200 million.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio followed with a N100 million donation after being decorated with the emblem by the Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Mrs. Grace Morenike Henry.

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, contributed N20 million.

    Also present at the emblem launch were: Vice President Kashim Shettima; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmed Lawan.

    Others are: the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Wahidi Shaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke; the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed; the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi; and heads of paramilitary agencies.

  • Tinubu projects 25.7m passenger traffic by 2029

    Tinubu projects 25.7m passenger traffic by 2029

    President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria’s  air passenger traffic would rise to 25.7 million by 2029.

    He also stated that, according to projections by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the annual revenue of the aviation sector is expected to reach $2.58 billion.

    The President stated that plans are underway to commence aircraft component manufacturing in Nigeria as part of a broad initiative to position the country as the aviation hub of West and Central Africa.

    The President disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at the Nigerian International Air Show where he was represented by the Secretary General of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume.

    On some of the milestones and plans for the sector, Tinubu said: “Nigeria handled 15.89 million passengers in 2023, and projections by the NCAA show this will rise to 25.7 million by 2029, with annual revenue expected to reach $2.58 billion.

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    “The Federal Government is investing heavily in modernisation. Six major airports and multiple runways are undergoing upgrades, including a ₦712 billion refurbishment of Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport”.

    Tinubu also revealed that Nigeria has signed agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University for the establishment of sophisticated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

    “We have signed agreements with Boeing and Cranfield University to establish state-of-the-art MRO facilities, reducing the $200 million annual capital flight for overseas maintenance. Aero Contractors and XEJet are leading this transformation with new hubs in Lagos and Abuja.”

    He further cited recent gains in international connectivity, including the resumption of Air Peace’s Lagos–London service, the signing of new Bilateral Air Services Agreements, and the return of Emirates and Uganda Airlines to the Nigerian market.

    He added that Aviation now contributes 2.5 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, supported by 20 airports, 23 domestic airlines, and thousands of skilled professionals.

    In terms of compliance and global standards, he said Nigeria now ranks first in Africa for compliance with international aviation standards, which has improved its Cape Town Convention score from 49.5 per cent to 75.5 per cent

    He added that it has enabled domestic airlines to access low-cost aircraft financing.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the event as a bold declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead, innovate, and compete on the global stage.

    He added that the show was a platform for discovery, investment, and collaboration.

    Keyamo.said: “The airshow is anchored on the vision of President Tinubu for a modern, safe, secure, globally competitive aviation industry; one that drives economic growth, strengthens national security, supports tourism, and positions Nigeria as Africa’s aviation hub.

    “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aviation has emerged as one of the fastest-advancing sectors, with transformative milestones that are reshaping Nigeria’s status as a regional powerhouse.

    He also said the show was a platform for young Nigerians to see what is possible and be inspired by aerospace engineering, aviation technology, defence systems, drones, and the limitless universe of opportunities within the sector”.