US to strike Iran hard, reimpose Hormuz blockade, and levy transit fees
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States would strike Iran "hard" and reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports. This declaration followed a third consecutive night of US military attacks. US Central Command CENTCOM confirmed strikes began at 2045 GMT, aiming to impose costs on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack civilians and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade was set to begin at 2000 GMT on Tuesday, causing oil prices to rise over nine percent. Trump also stated on Truth Social that the US would become "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT" and charge a 20 percent fee on all cargo passing through, while ensuring "fair and open use of the strait" for other countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on X, mocking Trump's proposed toll but suggesting Tehran could charge a lower fee as a "fair guardian." The US has historically opposed Iran's desire to charge tolls in the strait, citing international law. These developments occurred as both sides exchanged attacks on a scale not seen since an April ceasefire. The US military reported hitting dozens of targets, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced strikes on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman. Trump also threatened to destroy Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected undeclared enrichment facility in Iran. Despite declaring the ceasefire over, Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations for a permanent settlement. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated the June
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The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority are in a dispute over the sharing formula for the five percent Ticket Sales Charge. A proposal before the National Assembly seeks to increase NAMA's share, leading to concerns from NCAA labor unions that this could weaken safety oversight. However, industry experts argue that NAMA, responsible for operating Nigeria's aviation infrastructure 24/7, carries a significant operational burden. NAMA's responsibilities include maintaining sophisticated Communication, Navigation and Surveillance technologies, which require substantial capital investment and continuous maintenance, often in remote areas with unreliable electricity. Retired pilot Mohammed Badamosi highlighted NAMA's larger workforce and extensive equipment maintenance across the country, contrasting it with NCAA's smaller regional offices. Currently, NCAA receives about 56 percent of the Ticket Sales Charge, while NAMA receives 23 percent. The Joint Action Committee of the NCAA suggests commercializing or partially privatizing NAMA as a more sustainable funding solution. However, proponents of the bill argue that stronger statutory funding is immediately needed. Former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Group Captain John Ojikutu, called for a rational review of the revenue-sharing formula based on objective parameters like personnel strength, operational spread, and infrastructure ownership, rather than sentiments or
The search for new Vice-Chancellors is intensifying at the University of Ibadan, Lagos State University LASU, the University of Jos, and Abia State University, Uturu. Selection boards are being formed, but the process is already marked by politicking and controversy over eligibility criteria in some institutions. LASU opened applications for its 10th Vice-Chancellor as Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello's tenure concludes. The university faced criticism regarding the required years of professorial experience for applicants, with some academics faulting the advertisement for not specifying at least 10 years. LASU Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu, stated that no law mandates a specific number of years, and "several years" is open to interpretation. The search for the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan began in April, with the incumbent, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, completing his tenure on November 1, 2026. At Abia State University, a search team has been inaugurated, and candidates must be professors of at least five years' standing. The current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe J. Okeudo, will complete his two-year tenure on October 31, 2026. The University of Jos has also begun the process to appoint a successor to Prof. Tanko Ishaya, whose tenure expires on December 1, 2026. Applicants for the University of Jos position must have at least 15 years of uninterrupted teaching and research experience, with 10 years as a distinguished Professor. The National Universities Commission st
Must ReadThe Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination. The Ministry of Education announced the withdrawal of the June 18, 2026, letter that communicated the fee adjustment, stating that broader consultations with stakeholders will precede any final decision. This move follows widespread criticism from students, parents, education stakeholders, and civil society groups, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, directed the suspension, emphasizing the government's commitment to transparent and inclusive policymaking. The ministry acknowledged public concerns, noting that the proposed review, from N27,000 to N50,000, was driven by rising operational costs for conducting credible examinations. However, the government aims to ensure that policies affecting millions of students are carefully considered and socially responsive. The fresh review process will involve extensive consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents' associations, and organized labor. The ministry reaffirmed that student welfare, equitable access to quality education, and responsible policymaking are central to President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda. Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, presidential