🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
President Tinubu to determine airline debt relief percentage amid rising fuel costs
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced that President Bola Tinubu will decide the percentage of debt relief for airlines, not a full write-off. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of increasing aviation fuel costs on operators and passengers. Airline operators had previously expressed concerns over a 300% surge in aviation fuel prices, threatening to cease operations if no action was taken. While some airline officials stated they do not owe the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria or the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, they are seeking government intervention to alleviate fuel price effects and requesting the removal of a five percent ticket surcharge collected by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Keyamo also disclosed that President Tinubu is considering broader reforms to reduce multiple taxes and charges on domestic air travel, with a proposal for a committee to address this issue. The President plans to meet directly with airline operators to discuss wider industry challenges, including access to capital. However, Capt Samuel Caulcrick, a former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, described the proposed intervention as inadequate, suggesting it offers only temporary relief and does not address fundamental issues like access to affordable financing, which he believes is crucial for the industry's long-term sustainability.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Abdulrahman Mohammed, head coach of Maktown Flyers, Nigeria's representative in the Basketball Africa League, expressed confidence in his team as they prepare for their debut. The Maktown Flyers will start their Sahara Conference campaign against JCA Kings on Saturday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex. Mohammed, a former assistant coach with Rivers Hoopers, acknowledged his players' limited BAL experience but believes their desire to succeed can overcome this. He highlighted the team's focus on building chemistry among players from diverse backgrounds during their short preparation period. Drawing on his experience as a former international player and coach for Nigeria's D'Tigers, Mohammed has emphasized mental toughness and pride in representing their team on a continental platform. This season, national league champions from seven countries automatically qualified for the BAL, with five other teams qualifying through Road to BAL tournaments. Each conference will feature a 15-game group phase, with eight teams advancing to the playoffs in Kigali.
The Nigeria Football Federation NFF has reportedly contacted Newcastle striker William Osula regarding a potential invitation to the Super Eagles. Osula, born in Denmark to a Nigerian father and Danish mother, has represented Denmark at the U-21 level and was recently called up to their national team, though he has not yet made his senior debut. Danish journalist Farzam Abolhosseini stated that the NFF reached out to Osula through his backroom staff, aiming to secure his commitment to Nigeria. This development occurs as Osula is in strong goal-scoring form for Newcastle United in the English Premier League, having scored three goals in his last four games, including against Manchester United and Bournemouth. Denmark coach Brian Riemer has praised Osula's speed and pressing abilities. Both Nigeria and Denmark did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The NFF has upcoming fixtures, including the Unity Cup and international friendlies, but Osula's participation in the Unity Cup would depend on his decision, as it does not fall within the FIFA international window. Neither the NFF nor the Denmark Football Federation has commented on the player's status.
Eleven-year-old golfer Toluwalashe Balogun emerged as the overall ladies' winner at the Golf for Peace tournament held at Ikoyi Club 1938. Balogun achieved a net score of 66 in the 18-hole tournament. Abiodun Adesina secured the overall men's title with a net score of 70. The fifth edition of the tournament, initiated by Kemi Olowoyo-Otegbade, aims to promote friendly competition, diplomatic dialogue, and social impact through sports. Olowoyo-Otegbade highlighted that Balogun's win amplifies the tournament's message of golf as an inclusive sport for all ages. Chairman of the planning committee, Abimbola Ajinibi, noted the event's non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity by fostering peaceful problem-solving. Balogun herself emphasized participation over pressure, stating, "I just keep my eyes on the ball, stay calm without pressure and believe that the next hole will always be better than the last." Her father, Afolabi Balogun, who is also the Captain of the Ikoyi Club Golf Section, reflected on golf's ability to provide peace of mind. The tournament saw 120 players from various clubs participate, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, along with his transport counterpart, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, officially opened the event. Ogunlende underscored sports' role in fostering connection, understanding, and collective progress towards a more inclusive and peaceful society.
Must ReadSevilla striker Akor Adams has called for an immediate and decisive reset in Nigerian football, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to transition from regret to responsibility following the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adams stressed that the conversation must move beyond disappointment to urgent action, warning that another missed World Cup in 2030 would significantly impact the country's football identity. He stated that rebuilding cannot be postponed and described preparation as a continuous process that must begin immediately, both on and off the pitch. Nigeria's absence from the next World Cup marks a second consecutive failure to reach the tournament. Adams believes this legacy places a clear obligation on the current generation to respond with urgency and accountability. The 24-year-old also highlighted that responsibility extends to administrators and decision-makers, noting that meaningful progress depends on alignment between the technical crew, the squad, and the Nigeria Football Federation. Despite the setback, Adams sees the upcoming Unity Cup in London, where the Super Eagles will face Jamaica, India, and Zimbabwe, as an opportunity to restore confidence and set a new direction for the team.