Nigeria achieves 91.4% aviation safety score in latest ICAO audit
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigeria's aviation sector has achieved a 91.4% safety score in the latest audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization. This marks a significant improvement from the 70% score recorded in the previous audit in 2023, which was considered low. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the results during a meeting in Abuja, highlighting it as the highest score in Nigeria's history since 1960. Keyamo attributed this success to the deliberate policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support given to the aviation industry, as well as the initiatives implemented by the ministry and its agencies. A central committee, led by the Minister, was established to address the previous low scores. The improved rating is expected to positively impact the international standing of Nigerian airlines and reflects enhanced safety standards and oversight within the industry.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadFour men were sentenced to death on June 3, 2026, for their involvement in the St. Francis Catholic Church massacre in Owo, an attack linked to Al-Shabaab, an international terror network. This verdict highlights the escalating security challenges in Nigeria's South-West, which has seen a rise in banditry and kidnappings. The article notes that the region, once battling local criminal elements, is now a theater for global terror franchises. The 2022 Owo church attack resulted in the deaths of 41 worshippers, leaving a lasting impact on survivors and the community. The author points out that Nigeria has faced a growing existential threat since 2009, with Boko Haram's influence spreading and northern bandits establishing routes through the Kwara corridor into the Middle Belt and South-West. Recent events in Ogbomoso, including the abduction of 46 students and teachers and the beheading of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, further illustrate this crisis. The Ogbomoso bandits' demands have shifted from financial to political, including a N1 billion ransom, the release of high-profile terrorists, and amendments to Oyo State laws, which the author describes as "legislative kidnapping." The article criticizes the government's response, citing a lack of control over the narrative and the use of advanced technology by criminals to evade surveillance. It also highlights internal issues, such as a local government vice-chairman allegedly staging her own kidnapping and students facil
Must ReadRecent events in Nigeria have raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process and government financial transparency. A breach of INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration Portal by an aide to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who published sensitive voter information, is currently under investigation by the DSS and INEC. This incident, coupled with INEC's historical issues and its chairman Joash Amupitan's perceived lack of independence, fuels public distrust. The recent signing of the Electoral Act 2026 Amendment, which allows manual result transmission in cases of communication failure, has been criticized by opposition parties as a loophole for manipulation. Furthermore, President Tinubu's extension of the 2025 budget implementation deadline and the delayed publication of the 2026 Appropriation Act, revealing a N9.09tn discrepancy, point to potential institutional decay and lack of accountability. Allegations of APC governors diverting N800bn in FAAC funds for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, which SERAP has petitioned INEC to investigate without apparent action, further compound these concerns. These issues, alongside historical patterns of political manipulation, suggest a challenging path for Nigeria's democratic processes.
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams has dismissed reports linking him with a summer exit from Sevilla, stating he is happy at the Spanish club and not focused on transfer speculation. The 26-year-old, currently with the Nigerian squad, addressed rumors suggesting he might leave Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán this summer. Marseille has been identified as a serious suitor, reportedly preparing an offer around €18m, though Sevilla values him closer to €25m and is not in a hurry to sell. Adams told Footy-Africa that he has not heard anything about a transfer and that rumors are part of football, but he is focused on his contract with Sevilla after a difficult but ultimately successful season. Adams arrived at Sevilla from Montpellier in January and, after a challenging start, finished the 2025/26 campaign with 10 goals and three assists in 32 appearances, playing a key role in keeping Sevilla in La Liga. This performance has attracted interest from clubs in England, Saudi Arabia, and France. Marseille sees Adams as a priority signing for their summer rebuild, leveraging his previous experience in French football. La Liga’s financial regulations require Sevilla to generate revenue from player sales before registering new signings, which could influence future decisions. For now, Adams remains focused on his international duties, and Sevilla shows no urgency to move him.
Must ReadFormer Super Eagles and Luton Town defender Efe Sodje has voiced his disappointment regarding Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sodje, who played for Nigeria in the 2002 World Cup, stated that a squad of Nigeria's quality should have been at the tournament. Nigeria missed the Mundial after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a playoff penalty shootout, having finished second in Group C of the CAF qualifiers behind South Africa. This marks their second consecutive World Cup absence, following their failure to qualify for the 2022 edition. An appeal by the Nigeria Football Federation NFF alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players was dismissed. Sodje attributed the failure not only to the players but also to structural issues within the football setup, mentioning that "decisions and structure play a big role." The NFF has faced criticism over unpaid salaries and bonuses, which are believed to have impacted team stability. Since then, Nigeria finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and won the 2026 Unity Cup. The Super Eagles are now focused on the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, where they are in Group L with co-hosts Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau, with the campaign starting in September.