Author: CKN

There are strong indications that domestic airlines in Nigeria may halt operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026, over what operators described as unbearable and unsustainable aviation fuel prices, raising fresh fears of widespread travel disruption across the country.

Industry insiders say the airlines, having engaged both the Federal Government and oil marketers without a breakthrough, may be left with no option but to ground flights by Thursday.

The looming shutdown comes after several complaints by operators, who have watched the price of Jet A1 surge by over 300 per cent compared to February levels, pushing operating costs to the brink.

Passengers, many of whom rely on domestic flights for business and urgent travel, now face uncertainty.

In a bid to avert the crisis, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, convened a meeting with airline operators and fuel marketers in Abuja last week. However, findings indicate that the tripartite talks ended in a deadlock, with operators unwilling to shift their stance unless decisive action is taken.

At the end of the two-day meeting, the minister announced a 30 per cent reduction in aviation-related taxes as part of efforts to ease the burden on airlines. While the gesture was acknowledged, operators insist it falls short of addressing the root problem.

Speaking on the first day of the meeting, Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Allen Onyema, welcomed the government’s intervention but maintained that fuel marketers must account for the sharp rise in prices.

Onyema said, “This government has helped the industry more than anyone since 1999, and the President is even willing to waive 30 per cent of the debts airlines are owing.

“But the truth is that the marketers must be brought to book to explain how they came about the 300 per cent increase when even Dangote is surprised because what he is seǰlling to us is still the cheapest.”

At the end of the second day, Onyema issued a stark warning, giving a seven-day ultimatum from midnight last Thursday for action to be taken. “Since the advent of the US-Iran war, there has been a spike in aviation fuel in Nigeria, which we, the Airline Operators of Nigeria, feel is not proportionate to the hike internationally.

“We expect that in the next 48 hours something drastic should be done because no airline will fly in this country in the next seven days if nothing is done, not because they don’t want to fly, but because fuel may not be available to us at sustainable pricing.”

Providing further insight into the financial strain, Onyema disclosed that fuel prices have skyrocketed from about N900 per litre before the crisis to between N2,700 and N2,900, with some marketers selling as high as N3,500.

“Before the crisis, we were buying fuel at about N900 per litre. Now it has risen to between N2,700 and N2,900, with some selling as high as N3,300 to N3,500,” he said.

According to him, airlines are now operating primarily to service fuel costs. “All the airlines in Nigeria have been flying to pay fuel marketers only, and you don’t want to compromise safety,” he added.

Despite speculations about indebtedness, senior airline officials who spoke in confidence on Sunday, due to the sensitive nature of the matter, insisted that operators are up to date with payments to key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

It was further gathered that in a document, the Airline Operators of Nigeria have formally requested additional relief measures from the government. In the letter dated April 21 and signed by AON President Abdulmunaf Sarina, the group called for the immediate suspension of aviation taxes, fees, and charges for at least six months.

The operators argued that the unprecedented rise in fuel costs threatens not only airline operations but also jobs and the stability of the aviation sector. Among other demands, the AON proposed the introduction of a non-taxable fuel surcharge, a standard practice in international aviation to help airlines manage rising costs.

They also urged the government to direct oil marketers to issue credit notes to airlines affected by what they described as excessive and arbitrary price hikes. In addition, the group called for the establishment of an industry tax reform committee to review existing charges, assess their relevance, and align them with global standards.

As the deadline approaches, uncertainty hangs over Nigeria’s aviation sector. Another airline executive, who spoke anonymously on Sunday because he was not authorised to comment publicly, warned that the shutdown threat remains real. “If nothing is done, no airline will be flying by Thursday,” he said.

For the third time in April, a Nigerian, Ademola Oke, has died after being found unresponsive at his workplace in the United Kingdom.

This is just as the family appealed for public support following his sudden death.

It was learnt on Sunday from a support appeal published by a close family friend, Adejonwo Odutola, on the popular fundraising platform, GoFundMe, that the incident occurred on April 18.

Odutola explained that Ademola had left home that morning in good health and remained in contact with his wife throughout the day, with no indication of any illness.

He said the deceased was later found unresponsive at his workplace by a colleague who arrived for a night shift.

Odutola wrote, “On 18th April, 2026, Ademola, 37 years old, left home in the morning hale and hearty, with no signs of illness. He was in contact with his wife during the day, and they even shared a WhatsApp message at 2:08 pm—everything seemed normal.

“Tragically and without warning, Ademola passed away suddenly while at work. Later in the day, a colleague arriving for their shift at night in the service user’s house found him seated on a sofa, unresponsive.”

He added that emergency services were immediately contacted, but he was confirmed dead at the scene.

According to him, the sudden loss has left Ademola’s 31-year-old wife in shock and grief, now solely responsible for caring for their two young children, aged six and two.

Odutola described the deceased as a loving husband and devoted father, whose death has had a profound impact on his family and loved ones.

He noted that the fundraising effort was initiated to support funeral arrangements and provide financial assistance for the children as the family adjusts to life without him.

The appeal called on Nigerians in the UK and the wider public to support the bereaved family, stressing that every contribution, no matter how small, would be appreciated.

“This cause is deeply important to me because I have seen firsthand the love within this family and the profound impact this loss has had on them. No family should have to endure such heartbreak while also facing financial uncertainty.

“The funds raised will go towards funeral expenses and ongoing support for the children as the family begins to navigate life without their husband and father,” he added.

It also urged those unable to donate to share the appeal and keep the family in their thoughts during the difficult period.

At the time of filing this report, a sum of £4,509 had been raised out of the £8,000 target.

This is the third incident of a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom dying in April.

It was reported on April 20 that barely one week after a Nigerian mother of three died of cancer in the United Kingdom, another Nigerian father of three, identified simply as Herbert, was found dead in his apartment.

An X user identified as ‘The Stress Manager’ had disclosed that Herbert, who lived in Thornaby, died suddenly in his sleep, in what relatives described as a shocking and heartbreaking incident.

 

As the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited continues its search for technical partners to operate the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has once again insisted that the facilities will never work.

Obasanjo spoke during a television interview aired on Saturday night by Sony Irabor Live, which was monitored by our correspondent.

He said, “One of the lessons that I learnt is that PPP (public-private partnership) works. Look, one project that has not been destroyed by the government in Nigeria is the NLNG (Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas), where the private sector has 51 per cent, and the Nigerian government has 49 per cent.

“See what we did with Nigerian railways. See what we did with the national shipping company. See what we are doing now, even with the NNPC. The NNPC has refineries, and I said to people that it will never work. And a man had the audacity to say, ‘Am I a chemical engineer?”

Obasanjo spoke about his failed efforts to woo Shell, a global energy firm, into running the refineries. “Look, when I was there, I called Shell. I said, ‘Look, please, I beg you, come and take 10 per cent equity and run the refinery for us.’ They said no. I said, ‘Okay, if you don’t want to take equity, don’t take equity. Come and run the refineries. They said no,” he stated.

The former president narrated how he invited a top official of Shell for a one-on-one conversation to know why his offers were turned down.

“So, I called him, and I said, ‘Tell me, be honest with me. Why don’t you want to handle this?’ He said first, they want to let me know that they make most of their profits on the upstream, not the downstream.

He said they run their downstream without making a loss, but they don’t make a lot of profit from it. It’s more of a service than a major profit-making. So that’s number one.

“Number two: he said our refineries are too small. This was when I was an elected President. He said our refineries are too small. One is 60,000 barrels, and another is 100,000 barrels. He said refineries at that time were in the range of 250,000 barrels to 300,000 barrels. Number three: he said our refineries are not well-maintained. We call quacks and amateurs to come and maintain our refineries. The refineries are not in good order. He said, ‘Number four, there’s too much corruption around our refineries, and they don’t want to be part of that,” Obansanjo explained.

He recalled that he counted the country lucky then when the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, told him of the willingness to offer $750m to take 51 per cent of two of the facilities.

“Until one day, Aliko (Dangote) came and offered $750m to take two of the refineries; that will be 51 per cent. I said, ‘Wow, God, you are really a God of miracles.’ I told Aliko to bring the money quickly. They brought the money, and they paid,” he said.

However, the Balogun Owu explained further that his successor, the late Umar Yar’adua, reversed the deal after he left office, claiming he was under too much pressure from the NNPC.

He mentioned that only the current NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, has said the truth about the state of the refineries so far.

“When I left office, NNPC went to my successor and convinced him. So I got up. I went to Umar. I said, ‘Look, Umar, maybe you don’t know; this is why we did what we did.’ He said, ‘Well, NNPC came to me.’ I said, ‘But you know that NNPC cannot run this thing. He said he knew. I asked, ‘Then why did you give in? He said because of pressure. And I said, ‘Look, when you sell these refineries, you will not get 200 million (dollars) for them, because you will sell them as scrap.’

“Only the present NNPC head has told the country the truth. But in the meantime, I was told that they have spent about $16bn, which is only $4bn short of what Aliko used to build Africa’s largest refinery,” Obasanjo said.

In November 2025, the NNPC announced a fresh target of June 2026 to finalise the selection of technical partners for the refineries.

Ojulari said that despite the rehabilitation and reopening of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries in 2024 before they were later reclosed, the facilities were operating “well below international standards”, making their products commercially uncompetitive, especially compared to the privately owned Dangote refinery.

Dangote said he built his refinery after the Yar’Adua administration reversed the sale of the NNPC refineries to him and his other associates. He is also of the opinion that the NNPC refineries may never work again.

The NNPC communications office has yet to respond to messages seeking reactions to the former president’s claims.

Primary and secondary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have suspended their strike following fresh financial commitments and assurances by the FCT Administration.

The decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, FCT Wing, held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the FCT Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The strike, which commenced on April 20, 2026, was due to unresolved issues, including failure to release and implement the 2025 ministerial committee report on primary school teachers’ outstanding entitlements, as well as concerns over promotion policies affecting classroom teachers.

In a communiqué jointly signed by its FCT chairman, Comrade Abdullahi M. Shafa, State Secretary, Comrade Margaret F. Jethro, and public secretary, Comrade Ibukun Adekeye, the union acknowledged the intervention of the FCT minister in addressing the concerns raised.

The N5bn monthly funding commitment was approved by the FCT minister, Nyesome Wike, to address teachers’ welfare.

It includes N2bn from the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and an additional N3bn sourced from the 10 per cent IGR allocation to area councils.

The funds are expected to facilitate the immediate implementation of the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and settle other outstanding entitlements owed to primary school teachers.

On the issue of promotion, particularly the use of “vacancy” as a precondition for advancing classroom teachers and the review of the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission, the minister assured the union of further engagement.

According to the communiqué, the minister stated that the matter was not previously brought to attention but pledged to meet with the chairman of the Civil Service Commission to resolve the issue and provide feedback.

Following deliberations, the union announced the immediate suspension of the strike and directed all teachers in primary and secondary schools across the FCT to resume duties from Monday, April 27, 2026.

The union, however, warned that it would reconsider its position if the FCT Administration fails to implement the agreements reached.

It also stressed that no teacher or staff member should face victimisation or punitive action for participating in the strike.

SWEC commended members for their resilience and unity throughout the industrial action, describing their conduct as steadfast.

The union further reaffirmed its commitment to advocating improved working conditions while urging teachers to remain dedicated to their responsibilities in order to enhance the quality of education in the FCT.

FCT Teachers Suspend Strike After N5bn Deal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr George Agbakahi has attributed the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria to what he described as politically sponsored terrorism.

Agbakahi stated that the situation would be better addressed if the Federal Government identified and prosecuted those financing terrorist activities across the country.

He made the remarks during a programme on Arise Television, ‘Prime Time’, monitored in Abuja, weekend.

According to him, insecurity in Nigeria predates the current administration, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant steps to confront the challenge.

“You see, the issue of insecurity in Nigeria didn’t emanate from the current administration. Truly, the President is dealing with insecurity head-on,” Agbakahi said.

He maintained that insecurity has become deeply rooted in the country but argued that the present administration has made considerable investments in strengthening the military.

“The President has done a whole lot to work on insecurity issues. A lot of armaments and equipment have been provided to the Nigerian military, probably more than any other administration since 1999,” he added.

Agbakahi, who is also South East Leader, Tinubu Support Organization, TSO, referenced ongoing security challenges in parts of the North-East, particularly in Borno State and Yobe State, describing them as long-standing issues rather than new developments.

He suggested that some acts of violence may be politically motivated, while also commending the government’s efforts to collaborate with foreign partners to tackle insecurity.

On the broader national response, the APC chieftain stressed that security should not be politicised, urging Nigerians across party, ethnic, and religious lines to unite against the threat.

“Insecurity is not about APC, not about PDP or any other party. We urge all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, political and religious affiliations, to come together and work collectively,” he said.

Agbakahi further supported the Federal Government’s stance against negotiating with terrorists, describing it as a strategic decision to discourage further attacks.

“The President has said several times that he is not going to negotiate with terrorists, which to me is a step in the right direction because negotiating with them will mean they continue what they are doing,” he noted.

He emphasised the importance of improved intelligence gathering and sharing among security agencies, adding that cutting off financial support to terrorist groups remains critical.

“I believe so far the President has empowered the military. Another important thing is for government to find out those sponsoring them—that’s how they get their money. They don’t get their money fundamentally from external countries; they get it from Nigerians,” he said.

“It’s important that we identify and stop the sponsors. Once that line is cut off, it will go a long way in addressing the insecurity situation,” Agbakahi stressed.

The APC Chieftain also weighed in on the significance of the proposed opposition alliance especially the Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwanso collaboration in respect of the 2027 presidential election.

Agbakahi indicated that the Obi-Kwankwaso collaboration was dead on arrival considering that they are more or less regional leaders.

“The question remains who is going to be the presidential candidate and the vice? What will be the role and influence of Atiku (Abubakar) and Amaechi (Chibuike Rotimi) in the political configuration since both Atiku and Amaechi have signified interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election.

“Tinubu overall still has a better chance and he is a more formidable candidate considering his track record of accomplishment and disorganized disposition of the opposition with no agenda and no policy,” he concluded.

Politically sponsored terrorism fueling insecurity in Nigeria – APC chieftain

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, died after being struck during a gunfire exchange between troops and suspected armed robbers in Abuja.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Shagari Estate in Dei-Dei, when troops from the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group responded to a distress call reporting an armed robbery attack in the area.

Upon arrival, the soldiers encountered resistance as the fleeing suspects opened fire, triggering a brief but intense exchange.

The Acting Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Olawuyi Odunola, explained that the confrontation occurred in a volatile and rapidly evolving situation, as troops attempted to repel the attackers and secure the neighbourhood.

“In the course of the engagement, Mr. Jamiu was caught in the crossfire.

“Despite efforts by troops to secure the area and preserve lives, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

“This heartbreaking loss has cast a deep shadow over all personnel of the Guards Brigade.

“Preliminary information indicates that the situation was fluid and highly volatile, as troops worked to repel the attackers and protect residents of the community from harm.”

Odunola confirmed that the remains of the deceased have been transferred to the appropriate civil authorities and deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.

Odunola also disclosed that an investigation to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting has been launched, while assuring that the process will focus on accountability and clarity.

“We remain committed to transparency and accountability and findings will be made available in due course” he said.

The Guards Brigade leadership, alongside officers and soldiers, extended condolences to the victim’s family, the NYSC, and others affected, acknowledging the impact of the incident on both the military and civilian community.

“We share in their grief and stand in solidarity with them during this moment of profound sorrow.

“We will continue to review our operational procedures to further enhance civilian safety, even as our troops confront criminal elements who threaten the peace of our communities” the statement noted.

Corp Member Killed In Army Crossfire With Robbers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The 2026 National Sports Fiesta of the Unity Schools Old Students Association, USOSA, has ended in Enugu, with the Federal Government College, FGC, Enugu emerging champions.

It topped the table with eight gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

FGC Ikot Ekpene Old Students Association finished in second place with seven gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals.

DAILY POST reports that the keenly contested sports fiesta that featured 30 Unity Schools from across the country.

The week-long sports festival, which was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, brought together alumni from federal unity colleges nationwide.

Events featured at the fiesta included football, tug of war, march-past, swimming, lawn tennis, table tennis, snooker, ludo, draughts, badminton, volleyball, basketball, golf, among others.

FGC Ikot Ekpene, one of the strong contenders, battled alongside 29 other schools in its bid to retain the trophy but ultimately settled for second place as FGC Enugu dominated the medals table.

Speaking after the tournament, the President-General of USOSA, Michael Magaji, said the fiesta goes beyond competition, describing sports as a vital tool for national unity and development.

“We are fully aware of the power of sports as a unifying force—one that brings people together and fosters prosperity. This event in Enugu provides us with yet another platform to strengthen our bonds, celebrate our diversity, and demonstrate that we are models of responsible citizenship,” he said.

Magaji noted that while the association remains committed to advancing public education, sports serve as an additional platform to deepen relationships and promote nation-building.

“Through this initiative, we aim to build bridges across the country and reinforce relationships that, in many cases, span 30, 40, or even 50 years,” he added.

He emphasised that USOSA’s interventions are voluntary and aimed at giving back to society, particularly the public education system that shaped its members.

According to him, the association is working to restore the high standards once associated with unity schools.

“These were once centres of excellence, and while standards may have declined over time, our goal is to restore and even surpass those standards, one school at a time,” he said.

Unity Schools: FGC Enugu emerges champion of old students 2026 national sports festival

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join its party and contest the 2027 presidential election.

In a post on X on Sunday, the party said the two politicians have about two weeks to switch over and secure its presidential ticket.

“All we need right now. Just all we need. Two weeks to deadline,” the party wrote.

The post included a photo of Obi and Kwankwaso shaking hands with the caption, Nigeria will be OK.

This comes shortly after supporters of both men launched the “OK Movement” to build support for a possible joint presidential bid ahead of 2027.

The group’s spokesperson, Justin Ijeh, also announced new appointments into its national and state structures.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where both politicians belong, is facing internal leadership problems that could affect its chances in the next election.

On April 22, the Supreme Court reserved judgement in a case between factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.

At the same time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set May 30, 2026, as the deadline for political parties to submit membership lists and nominate candidates.

Opposition parties, including the ADC, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have asked INEC to extend the timeline to the end of July.

They argued that the current schedule is unfair and could put them at a disadvantage.

Join our party – NDC urges Obi, Kwankwaso

Veteran Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has identified internal sabotage as a major challenge confronting the Nigerian movie industry.

According to the actor, the industry is plagued by individuals he described as saboteurs, hindering its growth and progress.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Jim Iyke said that if there were one thing he would change about Nollywood, it would be to eliminate such elements from the industry.

“If there is one thing I would love to change about Nollywood, it would be to purge saboteurs from the industry. The industry is full of saboteurs. They can’t help themselves. They need therapy,” he said.

The actor also reflected on a deeply personal moment in his career, revealing that his proudest achievement came when his son praised his performance and described him as a “genius.”

He said the commendation moved him to tears, adding that he had to excuse himself to the bathroom to process the emotional moment.

Jim Iyke further named Kate Henshaw as the actress he enjoys working with the most.

Jim Iyke Blames ‘Saboteurs’ For Nollywood Challenges is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed support for Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as he intensifies consultations with key stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gbajabiamila affirmed confidence in Hamzat’s capacity to lead the state to greater heights.

“I believe it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves. We have two things. We have an election to win, and we have a state to govern and take it to another level,” he said in a video shared by an X user, Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) on Sunday.

He added, “I have no doubt that you have the capacity to do that. Like I said earlier, you can count on my support.”

Hamzat said his meeting with Gbajabiamila focused on the direction of the state and the work required to move it forward.

“We discussed the direction of our state and the work required to move it forward. It remains our shared responsibility to strengthen Lagos and continue delivering better outcomes for our people. I am focused and clear about the work ahead,” he wrote on X.

Hamzat has been engaging APC power brokers as part of efforts to secure the party’s ticket ahead of the primaries schedule for next month.

Since April 13, he has met with several key party men. They include former deputy governors Femi Pedro and Sarah Adebisi Sosan, as well as former governor and ex-minister Babatunde Fashola. Others are Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, Shakiru Akanni Seriki, Senator Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East, immediate past Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and elder statesman Femi Okunnu, alongside former deputy governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

Within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision making body of the APC, he has engaged with its chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, and other leaders such as Adeseye Ogunlewe and Biodun Ogunleye. He also met with the Lagos APC leadership, including state chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, and held talks with Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on his policy direction.

Gbajabiamila’s backing comes about two weeks after a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, publicly backed Hamzat’s ambition and urged party faithful to rally behind him.

The endorsement, however, drew criticism from an indigenous group, Ibile Parapo, which described the move as provocative and questioned Faleke’s neutrality over his alleged role in an APC screening committee.

Lagos Guber: Gbajabiamila Backs Hamzat is first published on The Whistler Newspaper