馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian government considers debt waiver for airlines amid fuel crisis
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria is planning to waive debts owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies to alleviate the impact of the ongoing Jet A1 fuel crisis. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced this after a meeting with the President. The President will consider a "generous discount" on debts owed to agencies like NAMA, FAAN, and NCAA. Additionally, the President intends to establish a committee to address the multiple levies, taxes, and fees on domestic tickets to provide relief to Nigerians. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, highlighted that the crisis stems from an disproportionate 300% increase in Jet A1 fuel prices in Nigeria, which he states is not aligned with global crude oil price increases. Onyema also mentioned the high cost of acquiring funding for airlines in Nigeria, which stands at 30 to 35 percent compared to three percent globally, leading to airlines accumulating debt. Airline Operators of Nigeria had previously threatened to suspend operations nationwide due to the soaring cost of Jet A1, which increased from approximately N900 per litre to over N3,300 per litre within weeks. This planned shutdown was temporarily suspended following appeals from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
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 ReadMrs. Olabisi Joseph, President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation NSSF, has been elected Continental President for Africa of the International School Sport Federation ISF. Her election took place during the 2026 ISF General Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia, where 79 votes were cast by 82 attending countries. This marks a historic moment as she is the first African woman and the first woman in ISF history to hold a continental leadership position. The NSSF, through its Secretary-General Ijeoma Olopade, congratulated Joseph and pledged full support for her tenure, emphasizing her role in advancing school sports for African children. Joseph previously made history in 2019 as the first female president of the NSSF, winning unopposed, and was re-elected for a second term in 2024.
Nigeria's U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, have arrived in Ivory Coast for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, where they will defend their title. The team landed in Abidjan on Monday and then traveled by road to Yamoussoukro, the host city, where they are currently camped at the Trio Corridor Hotel. Their campaign begins on Monday against Ghana鈥檚 Black Satellites at the Lyc茅e Scientifique. This match is a rematch of the 2024 final in Lom茅, which Nigeria won 2-1. Coached by Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles will also play against Togo鈥檚 Sparrow Hawks on Thursday and conclude their Group B fixtures on Sunday, August 2, against Burkina Faso鈥檚 Young Stallions. The team aims to successfully retain the WAFU B crown as part of their preparations for upcoming continental assignments.
Travel disruptions caused by a cancelled flight from the United States delayed the arrival of Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun and forward Gift Monday at Nigeria's training camp in Casablanca. The Nigeria Football Federation had to purchase new tickets for the players after their initial flight was cancelled due to technical reasons. Despite this setback, the Super Falcons' camp grew to 23 players with the Tuesday afternoon arrival of forward Folashade Ijamilusi from China. Ijamilusi, who plays for Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, scored twice in the previous Women's Africa Cup of Nations, including Nigeria's equalizer in their 3-2 comeback victory against Morocco in the final. Abiodun and Gift Monday are expected to complete coach Justine Madugu's 25-player squad for the tournament. The 10-time African champions are preparing at the La Noria Club in Casablanca before moving to Rabat for their Group C matches against Malawi, Zambia, and Egypt. Nigeria, as defending champions, will begin their title defense against Malawi on Tuesday, July 28, followed by matches against Zambia on Saturday, August 1, and Egypt four days later. This tournament also serves as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists automatically qualifying and one additional team securing a spot through intercontinental play-offs.