🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria and Saudi Arabia review Bilateral Air Services Agreement to strengthen aviation ties
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have initiated discussions to review their Bilateral Air Services Agreement BASA to enhance aviation cooperation and improve arrangements for the 2026 Hajj operations. Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led a delegation to Riyadh for high-level meetings with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, and the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. The talks focused on updating the existing BASA framework to reflect current global aviation realities and addressing operational issues affecting airlines from both countries, particularly concerning the annual Hajj airlift. Both nations agreed on the necessity to revise the agreement to ensure fairness, efficiency, and mutual benefit. Discussions also revisited the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding, specifically the sharing formula for the annual airlift of pilgrims by designated airlines, aiming to address concerns about equity and efficiency in passenger allocation. The Nigerian delegation also advocated for better slot allocation for Nigerian carriers and improved operational conditions to support seamless Hajj operations. Decisions from these meetings, especially those impacting the 2026 Hajj operations, have been communicated to designated airlines for immediate implementation.
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 ReadUS President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that Iran still possesses "21, 22 percent" of its missiles. This statement follows a week where Tehran reportedly launched numerous missiles towards neighboring countries, despite an ongoing ceasefire. In an interview with NBC News, Trump mentioned that Iran retains capacity, including missiles and drones, estimating their remaining missile stockpile at 21-22 percent. This figure is an increase from the 18 percent he cited in May, contrasting with his previous claims of having fully dismantled Iran's military capabilities. Separately, Iran's military claimed on Friday to have fired "warning missiles" at two US destroyers in the Gulf of Oman, a claim denied by the US military. Earlier in the week, Kuwait reported intercepting 30 ballistic missiles, attributing them to "heinous Iranian aggression."
Award-winning music composer Tolu Obanro, known for his work on films like Gangs of Lagos and Jagun Jagun, discussed his love for football and his journey as a Chelsea supporter. Obanro, who plays for the ECWA football club, maintains his physical fitness through regular training and matches. He revealed that he once aspired to be a professional footballer, nearly joining an U-17 team, but his family prioritized education. Despite a childhood leg injury from playing football, he continued to play throughout his primary school, secondary school, and university years, even playing against Bayelsa United during his National Youth Service Corps. Obanro began supporting Chelsea due to the presence of Didier Drogba and other black players, as well as Hernan Crespo, Arjen Robben, and Joe Cole. He expressed disappointment with Chelsea's recent performance, stating that the club "is breaking hearts" and that he has "given up" on expecting major achievements unless there is greater consistency. If he were to compose a theme for Chelsea, he humorously suggested it would reflect a "cruel world."
The Federal Government plans to create approximately 7,000 direct jobs through an estate-based ranching program, aiming to empower youths and women, boost livestock productivity, and stimulate rural economic development. This initiative, disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development following an engagement with Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, seeks to provide structured opportunities for participation in ranch operations and other livestock-related enterprises. The program is expected to support growth across the dairy, red meat, and leather value chains. Minister Maiha emphasized that this forms part of the government's strategy to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria's livestock industry, particularly in dairy production, meat processing, feed and fodder development, and leather manufacturing. He also highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms for livestock production, especially dairy farming. The dairy industry alone has the capacity to generate billions of dollars, and Maiha called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, and private investors. The ministry is also pursuing the establishment of modern abattoirs in selected states and the Federal Capital Territory, each capable of processing at least 1,000 cattle daily, to enhance meat quality and safety standards. Additionally, efforts are underway to expand pasture cultivation nationwide and establish feed resources closer to production ce
The Peoples Democratic Party is contemplating legal action against the Tanimu Turaki faction for allegedly continuing to present themselves as PDP leaders despite court judgments. Jungudo Mohammed, the party's National Publicity Secretary, stated that petitions have been submitted to security agencies, urging their intervention. However, Ini Ememobong, Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, countered that the issue is legal, not a security matter, and their actions align with court judgments and the PDP Constitution. This dispute follows a Supreme Court decision on April 30 that nullified a national convention supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, which had produced the Turaki-led leadership. Subsequently, the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees reconstituted Turaki and others into an Interim National Working Committee, operating in opposition to the Independent National Electoral Commission-recognized PDP leadership, which is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Mohammed indicated that the party is awaiting guidance from its legal department on further steps, while Ememobong maintained that their leadership is genuine and their actions are lawful.