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NCAA Reports Increase In Passenger Refunds To ₦257m

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NCAA Reports Increase In Passenger Refunds To ₦257m

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reported a significant rise in passenger refunds, which reached ₦257.2 million between January and August 2025.

This marks a sharp increase from ₦108.3 million recorded in the same period in 2024 and ₦32.8 million in 2023, according to data released by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu.

Hotel accommodation refunds under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations also grew to ₦6.08 million by July 2025, supported by verified reports from hotels in Abuja, Asaba, and Lagos.

Achimugu attributed the surge to increased adherence by airlines to the NCAA’s consumer protection framework despite industry challenges.

He described the development as one of the Authority’s proudest achievements in its 25-year history, pledging continued protection of passengers’ rights.

Resident Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike Over Welfare, Certification Downgrade

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Resident Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike Over Welfare, Certification Downgrade

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has embarked on a nationwide strike after the expiration of its ultimatum to the federal government.

NARD president Tope Osundara confirmed the action on Friday, citing unpaid allowances, manpower shortages, and the recent downgrade of membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons.

The doctors are demanding immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and clearance of five months’ outstanding arrears from the consolidated medical salary structure review.

“This is majorly about welfare. We also have issues of shortage of manpower in almost all healthcare centres and facilities across the nation,” Osundara said.

The association warned that the certification downgrade by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria undermines regional standards for specialist training and must be reversed.

Resident doctors, who are considered vital to emergency and specialist healthcare across Nigeria, will remain on strike until their demands are met.

Chelsea’s Delap Ruled Out for Up to Three Months With Hamstring Injury

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Chelsea’s Delap Ruled Out for Up to Three Months With Hamstring Injury

Chelsea striker Liam Delap could be sidelined until December after suffering a hamstring injury, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday.

Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town for £30 million in June, featured in all three of Chelsea’s Premier League games before being forced off during the 2-0 win against Fulham on August 30.

“Liam, I think it’s around 10 to 12 weeks, so a long way to go,” Maresca told reporters.

Chelsea have recalled Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland to provide cover, while Joao Pedro, Tyrique George, and Cole Palmer are also forward options. However, Maresca admitted the injury leaves the squad short in attack ahead of Saturday’s west London derby at Brentford.

Brazilian trio Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, and Andrey Santos only returned to England on Thursday after international duty, while Moises Caicedo arrived late following Ecuador’s win over Argentina, leaving their availability in doubt.

Chelsea sit second in the Premier League after three games, but the club faces off-field scrutiny after being charged by the Football Association with 74 alleged breaches of agent payment rules between 2009 and 2022.

Maresca, who guided Chelsea to UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup success last season, said he remains focused on football.

Dangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Price, To Begin Direct Supply Nationwide

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Dangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Price, To Begin Direct Supply Nationwide

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in petrol prices and will commence direct distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to filling stations across the country from Monday, September 15.

In a statement on Thursday, the company confirmed that the gantry price has been reduced to N820 per litre, with pump prices adjusted in several states. Petrol will retail at N841 per litre in Lagos and other South-West states, while Abuja, Rivers, Delta, Edo, and Kwara will sell at N851 per litre.

The refinery said the rollout will begin with the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Kwara, Delta, Edo, Rivers, and the South-West region before expanding nationwide as more trucks are deployed.

“This transition to CNG-powered transportation is expected to save the Nigerian economy over N1.8 trillion annually. The move is designed to cut fuel distribution costs, reduce pump prices, and ease inflationary pressures,” the statement read.

According to Dangote, the initiative will particularly benefit more than 42 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by reducing energy costs and boosting profitability.

The company disclosed that over N720 billion is being invested into the programme, which will also revitalise dormant filling stations and create new jobs, including opportunities for truck drivers, station managers, and fuel attendants.

Dangote further urged stakeholders—such as petrol station operators, telecommunications firms, and large-scale fuel consumers—to collaborate with the scheme to maximise its nationwide impact.

The refinery also encouraged filling station owners to register for free delivery and other benefits tied to the initiative.

Tinubu Launches RenewHER Women’s Health Initiative To Tackle Maternal Mortality, Empower Women

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Tinubu Launches RenewHER Women’s Health Initiative To Tackle Maternal Mortality, Empower Women

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled RenewHER, a Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative designed to reduce maternal mortality, improve women’s health, and promote empowerment across Nigeria.

The programme was launched on Thursday night at a gala and awards ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President. Tinubu described RenewHER as “the national engine of collaboration among all stakeholders in our campaign for a healthier Nigeria,” stressing that women’s health is critical to national development.

“There is no greater test of a nation’s character than the care it extends to its women. Maternal health is the heartbeat of every family, the compass of social stability, and the truest index of national welfare,” he said.

RenewHER will set up a Presidential focal office on women’s health to coordinate with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the State-Wide Approach Coordination Office, and the Governors’ Spouses Forum. It will also establish an AI-powered National Women’s Health Digital Hub to promote maternal survival, adolescent health, preventive care, and workforce strengthening, while linking healthcare to entrepreneurship.

“Maternal mortality is a shame against which we must all rally. We owe every girl-child not just the eloquent promise of a better tomorrow, but the certainty of a healthier one,” Tinubu added.

First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, pledged the forum’s full support, noting that women’s health and empowerment are central to sustainable development.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, commended Tinubu for prioritising women’s health, while UN Women’s Nigeria Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, described RenewHER as “a bold initiative” and “a turning point” for socio-economic growth.

The event was attended by top government officials, governors’ spouses, diplomats, and development partners.

Air Peace Denies Alcohol Allegations, Says Captain Was Fired for Procedural Lapses

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Air Peace Denies Alcohol Allegations, Says Captain Was Fired for Procedural Lapses

Air Peace has denied reports linking its crew to alcohol use during the July 13, 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport, stressing that it has not received any official report from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

In a statement issued Friday, the airline described the reports as “misleading,” clarifying that neither the company nor the crew had been formally notified of any toxicology results. It added that immediate alcohol tests were conducted within an hour of the incident, with no official communication provided since.

“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency, and compliance. To date, we have never received any official communication from the NSIB on such findings,” the statement read.

The airline explained that the captain of the affected flight was relieved of duties for procedural violations, particularly failure to adhere to go-around protocols and Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles, but not for alcohol use. Meanwhile, the First Officer who called for a go-around was commended and reinstated after clearance by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Air Peace also reiterated its strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol, noting that it already conducts regular crew testing beyond regulatory requirements. It added that if any official confirmation of a positive alcohol test emerges, it will step up monitoring and fitness-for-duty checks.

The NSIB had on Thursday released its preliminary report into the incident involving an Air Peace Boeing 737-524 aircraft, which landed long on Runway 21 after an unstabilised approach. All 103 passengers and crew disembarked safely, but the bureau disclosed that initial toxicological screening showed alcohol in some crew members and THC in a cabin crew member.

Air Peace maintained that until formally notified, the disciplinary action taken remains strictly procedural. It assured the public that safety remains uncompromised across all its operations.

Prince Harry Makes Surprise Visit to Ukraine, Meets Wounded Soldiers

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Prince Harry Makes Surprise Visit to Ukraine, Meets Wounded Soldiers

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Friday to meet Ukrainian soldiers wounded in the war with Russia.

Arriving by overnight train, Harry was welcomed at the capital’s railway station, Ukrainian Railways confirmed. He was accompanied by a team from his Invictus Games Foundation, which supports injured servicemen and women.

“Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrived in Kyiv by train to see first-hand the destruction caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion,” the railway company said.

During his visit, Harry expressed solidarity with Ukraine, saying, “We cannot stop the war but what we can do is do everything we can to help the recovery process.” He is expected to meet Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and about 200 veterans.

His visit coincided with that of Britain’s new Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, who was also in Kyiv on her first official overseas trip since assuming office last week.

Harry, who turns 41 on Monday, had earlier reunited with his father, King Charles III, in Britain for the first time in nearly two years.

Peter Obi Meets Ex-President Jonathan in Abuja Amid 2027 Election Speculations

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Peter Obi Meets Ex-President Jonathan in Abuja Amid 2027 Election Speculations

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.

Obi shared photos of the meeting on his X handle, describing Jonathan as “a dear elder brother, statesman, and leader.” He said their discussions focused on the state of the nation but did not provide further details.

The meeting comes amid calls for Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. Although he has yet to declare his intentions, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition stakeholders are reportedly making moves to bring him and Obi into the race for the party’s ticket.

FG to Distribute 2,000 Tractors for All-Year Farming, Says Minister Kyari

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FG to Distribute 2,000 Tractors for All-Year Farming, Says Minister Kyari

The Federal Government will soon roll out 2,000 tractors to farmers nationwide to boost dry-season and all-year farming, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has announced.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, Kyari explained that the tractors and 9,000 implements commissioned earlier in the year had been delayed by timing, as land preparation for the wet season had already passed. He assured that logistics for distribution had been finalised and the machines would be deployed for immediate use.

“These tractors are not going to be there for show. Very soon we are going to roll them out so that we can face the dry season and all-year farming that Mr. President is encouraging,” he said.

Kyari disclosed that the ministry had put in place a monitored system to track tractor use through geofencing and geolocation to prevent diversion. He noted that tractors would be allocated based on farm size and utilisation, with excess capacity extended to neighbouring farmers.

He further highlighted progress under the Green Imperative Programme, valued at $1 billion, aimed at modernising agriculture, and said Nigeria’s farmer database was being verified in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission. A pilot scheme involving 300,000 farmers will begin in Nasarawa State.

On storage, the minister said government was working with investors to expand silo capacity, stressing that the private sector must drive long-term solutions. He also urged local processing of shea nuts to boost income and create jobs, noting that Nigeria produces 40% of the world’s shea nuts but earns only 1% of the global income.

Kyari assured farmers that tractors would be distributed transparently once applications are processed, with priority also given to farm estates and agricultural institutions for research and development.

Wole Soyinka Reveals He Was Abducted and Robbed in Romania

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Wole Soyinka Reveals He Was Abducted and Robbed in Romania

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has revealed that he was abducted and robbed in Bucharest, Romania, while attending the Sibiu International Theatre Festival.

Recounting the ordeal in an interview, Soyinka said the incident occurred shortly after his arrival at the airport, where he missed the party sent to pick him up. He boarded what appeared to be an official taxi bound for his hotel, but the driver diverted to a deserted area.

According to him, the driver produced a POS machine and coerced him into attempting to enter his bank details. “I was in effect abducted, robbed, and deposited in this strange place,” Soyinka said, adding that the confrontation lasted about 30 minutes as he deliberately entered wrong PINs to buy time.

The 89-year-old playwright described the tense situation as “a battle of wills inside the car,” noting he feared possible violence. Eventually, he made it to his hotel before travelling on to Sibiu for the festival.

The Sibiu International Theatre Festival is one of the world’s largest performing arts gatherings, attracting thousands of artists and audiences globally.

Dangote Refinery Refutes NUPENG Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Jobs and Energy Transition

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Dangote Refinery Refutes NUPENG Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Jobs and Energy Transition

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed allegations by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), reiterating its commitment to job creation, fair labour practices, and Nigeria’s energy transition.

In a statement on Thursday, the refinery said its employees are free to associate with recognised trade unions and rejected claims of coercion. It highlighted its N720 billion compressed natural gas (CNG) truck initiative, which it said would create over 60,000 direct jobs with competitive wages, insurance, housing allowances, and pensions.

Dangote further argued that its presence in the downstream sector has boosted competition rather than stifling it. The company said it has slashed diesel prices by over 30%, stabilised petrol supply, and made fuel cheaper in Nigeria than in neighbouring countries.

The refinery also denied plans to hike fuel prices, insisting it has absorbed costs to maintain stability. Since its commissioning just over a year ago, Dangote said it has helped transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined fuels, supported foreign exchange stability, and created more than 570,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The company stressed that its operations have also enhanced infrastructure and skills development, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s refining hub.

While calling for constructive engagement, Dangote urged NUPENG to avoid actions that could undermine economic recovery, assuring that it remains committed to workers’ welfare and the country’s long-term growth.

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