🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian government to waive airline debts amid aviation fuel crisis
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to waive debts owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies, a measure announced by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo. This intervention follows a high-level meeting in Abuja to address the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel. Keyamo stated that President Tinubu mandated a request for a generous discount on debts owed to agencies like NAMA, FAAN, and NCAA, expressing appreciation to airline operators for not increasing prices despite the challenges. The President will also consider establishing a committee to review and potentially reduce levies, taxes, and fees on domestic tickets, aiming to provide relief to Nigerian travelers. Additionally, a one-on-one meeting between the President and airline operators is planned for broader discussions on access to capital. Allen Onyema, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, attributed the crisis to the disproportionate increase in Jet A1 fuel prices, noting a 300 percent rise in Nigeria compared to a 20 percent global increase after the Hormuz blockade. He emphasized that airlines were "bleeding" and had threatened to shut down due to unsustainable fuel costs, but suspended the action after appeals from the Minister. Onyema called for a total waiver of all debts and a suspension of further payments until the Hormuz situation stabilizes. He also highlighted the high cost of funding acquisition for airlines in Nigeria, urging the government to fund the Bank of Industry
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Brighton & Hove Albion has announced the signing of Nigerian forward Zadok Yohanna from Swedish club AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract, effective until June 2031. The 18-year-old winger joined AIK Stockholm in 2025 from Ikon Allah Academy in Kaduna and quickly advanced to their senior team. Several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, were reportedly interested in Yohanna before Brighton secured his transfer. Yohanna expressed his happiness about joining the Premier League side, stating his desire to make his family proud. He is considered a promising young talent from Nigeria and has reportedly drawn the attention of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Yohanna is expected to further his development within Brighton's youth-focused system as he aims to establish himself in the Premier League and potentially join the Nigerian national team.
Arsenal has initiated contact to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer this summer. The 18-year-old, who has been offered a new contract by PSG, is reportedly open to joining the Premier League champions. Training compensation for Mbemba is expected to be slightly over £150,000 when his current deal concludes at the end of June. Arsenal has presented a development plan to the France youth international, drawing parallels to William Saliba's progression. According to BBC Sport, Mbemba is said to favor a move to Arsenal, impressed by the club's stability and success under manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners are reportedly considering a European loan for the defender until January 2027 to facilitate a work permit for his eventual move to England. While primarily a center-back, Arsenal sees Mbemba as a long-term prospect for the left-back position. Mbemba recently captained PSG's under-19 team to victory in the French Youth Cup and is considered a promising young defensive talent.
Twenty years after the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, a select group of ten players from the 736 participants continue to play professionally in 2026. This group includes iconic figures such as Lionel Messi of Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, and Luka Modric of Croatia, all of whom first appeared on the World Cup stage in 2006 and continue to compete at high levels. Other notable players still active are Sergio Ramos of Spain, Oscar Ustari and Guillermo Ochoa, both goalkeepers, Lukasz Fabianski of Poland, Lukas Podolski of Germany, and Roque Santa Cruz and José Montiel, both from Paraguay. These players have demonstrated remarkable longevity in their careers, with some, like Santa Cruz, still playing at 44 years old, and Ronaldo at 41. While many of their peers have transitioned into other roles within football, these ten individuals defy age by remaining active in the sport.
Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, represented by the Unite Here Local 11 union, have voted to authorize a potential strike during the upcoming World Cup. The union, which includes approximately 2,000 food and beverage workers, is seeking improved pay and assurances that federal immigration agents will not be permitted to enter the venue. A significant 96 percent of voters approved the strike call, granting them the ability to walk off the job at any time. Contract negotiations with stadium food service operator Legends Global and FIFA have reportedly not made substantial progress on economic and workplace safety issues. New talks are scheduled for Monday, ahead of the first World Cup match on US soil at SoFi Stadium on June 12. The union has also demanded that workers be allowed to leave if Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel are present at SoFi during matches and create a reasonable fear for their safety. Workers have also voiced concerns about sharing personal information with FIFA for World Cup accreditation, fearing data could be shared with ICE.