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Nigeria achieves 91.45% aviation safety rating from ICAO
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday acknowledged Nigeria's 91.45 percent aviation safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO. This score, announced by the lead ICAO auditor during a debriefing session at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority headquarters in Abuja, represents the highest the country has recorded in the UN body's Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme USOAP. According to Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Nigeria's Effective Implementation EI score significantly surpasses the West Africa regional average of 61.1 percent and the global average of 70.4 percent. President Tinubu commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for this achievement, viewing the rating as an affirmation of Nigeria's aviation safety standards and an incentive for international investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations. He urged the ministry to implement all ICAO recommendations to further improve the rating. The ICAO, a specialized United Nations agency, assesses member states through its USOAP to ensure effective safety risk management. Nigeria's improved score, which was previously lower in preceding audits, is attributed partly to the five-point agenda of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, which prioritizes strict compliance with safety regulations and enhancing Nigeria's ICAO rating. The Presidency noted that Tinubu's administration
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The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking and other transnational organized crimes by handing over two rescued human trafficking victims to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP. The victims were rescued during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation on July 17, 2026, and subsequently transferred to NAPTIP鈥檚 Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja on July 19, 2026, for rehabilitation, protection, and further investigation. The handover was conducted by the Forward Operating Base, Badagry. Before their transfer to NAPTIP, the rescued individuals underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture, and other administrative procedures at the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, in line with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures for handling victims of trafficking. This operation highlights the Nigerian Navy's expanded maritime security efforts to intercept human trafficking networks and its determination to protect vulnerable persons. The Navy stated it would continue to sustain intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency cooperation to prevent human trafficking, disrupt criminal syndicates, and promote a safe maritime environment.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that President Bola Tinubu's administration is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, expressing confidence that the challenge will soon be resolved. Akpabio made these remarks while receiving members of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, led by its National President, Dr. Lima Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly in Abuja. He cited the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State as evidence of the Federal Government's dedication to addressing security issues. Akpabio urged Nigerians not to rely on social media for information regarding the security situation, stating it does not reflect the true efforts being made. He also discussed women's participation in politics, attributing past challenges to the conduct of some female office holders. The Senate President pledged the National Assembly's support for an upcoming international ladies golf tournament in Abuja. Dr. Ahmed thanked Akpabio and invited him to the tournament, also decorating him as the association's Grand Patron.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is expected to stay in England beyond his current contract, aiming to qualify for a British passport, according to former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana. Awoniyi joined Forest in June 2022 for a club-record 拢17m. Olofinjana, who discovered Awoniyi as a teenager and has guided his career, stated that the striker intends to remain in England long enough to secure British citizenship. Under UK immigration rules, Awoniyi needs five continuous years of living and working in England to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain ILR, which he could apply for in July 2027. After holding ILR for 12 months, he could then apply for British citizenship, potentially obtaining a British passport around July 2028, provided immigration rules do not change. This timeline aligns with his long-term plans at Forest, making a move outside England unlikely before then. Awoniyi has scored 21 goals and provided five assists in 90 league appearances for Forest across four Premier League seasons. He recently participated in the club's training camp in Spain under new manager Oliver Glasner and captained a friendly match against Blackburn Rovers, where he also scored.