By David Torough, Abuja

The Federal Government has unveiled a set of emergency and long-term measures aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s aviation sector, as President Bola Tinubu simultaneously reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening aviation ties with the United Kingdom.

At the heart of the government’s immediate intervention is a planned waiver of debts owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies, a move designed to cushion the impact of the ongoing Jet A1 fuel crisis that has pushed operators to the brink.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development after a high-level meeting with airline operators in Abuja.

He said the decision followed direct engagement with the President, who expressed concern over the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices and the financial strain on local carriers.

According to the minister, the President has approved the consideration of significant debt relief for airlines, covering obligations to key aviation agencies. He added that details of the discount would be determined by the President, who also commended operators for resisting fare increases despite mounting costs.

Beyond debt relief, the government is also set to review the multiple taxes, levies, and charges imposed on domestic air travel. A special committee will be constituted to recommend reductions aimed at lowering ticket prices and easing the burden on passengers.

The intervention comes amid a severe fuel crisis that saw Jet A1 prices surge from about N900 per litre in February to over N3,300 within weeks—a more than 300 per cent increase. Airline operators had warned that the spike was unsustainable and threatened to shut down operations nationwide before suspending the plan following government appeals.

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, attributed the crisis to disproportionate fuel pricing and warned that airlines were operating at a loss. He said operators were forced to choose between maintaining safety standards and sustaining operations, describing the situation as untenable.

While welcoming the government’s intervention, Onyema called for a total waiver of airline debts and a temporary suspension of further payments until global fuel supply conditions improve. He also raised concerns about the high cost of financing in Nigeria, noting that local airlines face interest rates as high as 35 per cent compared to about 3 per cent globally.

He urged the government to strengthen funding for the Bank of Industry to enable access to single-digit loans, describing it as a more sustainable solution to the sector’s long-term challenges.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu used a separate engagement at the Presidential Villa to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to deepening aviation and economic relations with the United Kingdom.

Receiving a delegation from British Airways and the British High Commission, the President highlighted the historic ties between both countries, describing their 90-year aviation relationship as a milestone worth celebrating.

He noted that Nigeria is undergoing broad reforms in its aviation and economic sectors aimed at meeting global standards and enhancing international partnerships. He also pointed to efforts by his administration to resolve longstanding financial obligations to foreign airlines, improving confidence in the operating environment.

The President emphasised the importance of aviation in driving trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections, pledging continued support for policies that encourage growth and collaboration.

British Airways officials, in their remarks, described Nigeria as a key and longstanding market, commending recent improvements in the regulatory and financial landscape.

The dual developments—domestic intervention and international engagement—underscore the administration’s strategy to both stabilise the local aviation industry and position Nigeria as a stronger player in global air transport.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, denied alleged division within the Association along Northern and Southern lines, as well as the diversion of funds purportedly meant for the relief of persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria.

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In a statement issued by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,CAN, in Abuja.

The CAN President called it ‘false, malicious and deeply defarmatory’ and this is not acceptable.

Okoh stated that the allegations are entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading.

According to Okoh, “For the avoidance of doubt, CAN has neither received nor managed any such relief funds as alleged, and no funds have been diverted under any circumstance.

The narrative being promoted is a fabrication, calculated to misinform the public, erode trust, and bring the Church into disrepute.

“CAN remains one united and indivisible body. There is no split, no secession, and no division within our structure. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and should be disregarded.

“CAN continues to work in unity with Christian leaders across all regions of Nigeria, with a steadfast commitment to peace, accountability, and the welfare of all believers, especially those affected by insecurity.

“We are deeply troubled that these baseless claims were publicly propagated by Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministry, Ilorin, without evidence and without regard for the potential consequences on national cohesion and the unity of the Church.

“We also note, with concern, the unwarranted references to respected Christian leaders; Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Pastor William Kumuyi, in a manner capable of misleading the faithful and inflaming unnecessary tensions”.

The CAN President therefore warned, “Let it be unequivocally stated: CAN will not tolerate the spread of falsehoods or any attempt to malign the Church.

“Accordingly, we issue a firm and final caution to Rev. Isaac Omolehin and any other individuals or groups who misuse their platforms to disseminate unverified or defamatory claims: desist immediately. Failure to do so will compel the Association to take all necessary steps, including legal action, to protect its integrity and that of the Christian community”.

Okoh therefore urged the public, the media, and the international community to disregard these false claims and rely only on verified information from official CAN channels.

He also reiterates the CAN’s steadfast in commitment to truth, unity, accountability, and service to all Nigerians.

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By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, has strongly condemned the arrest and continued detention of one of its members, Samuel Irabor, by the police.

Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, the branch chairman, Terna Yaji, described the action as unlawful and unjust.

Yaji explained that Irabor was allegedly detained over his involvement in garnishee proceedings linked to a local government account, stressing that such professional duties should not attract harassment.

He insisted that the police must either promptly charge Irabor to court or grant him bail without delay.

The NBA warned that any failure to follow due process would be seen as a deliberate violation of Irabor’s fundamental human rights and could result in legal action against the authorities.

Yaji further emphasized that the association would firmly resist any unconstitutional treatment of its members, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting legal practitioners.