Author: Opalim Lifted

Tension is rising across Nigeria’s aviation and travel industry as the United States prepares to enforce new visa restrictions on Nigerian nationals from 1 January 2026 — a move experts say could sharply reduce passenger traffic on Nigeria–US routes. The measures, which affect both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, have already unsettled intending travellers. Airlines and travel operators warn that fewer approvals and longer processing timelines will weaken demand for transatlantic flights, placing pressure on route viability. Currently, only two US carriers operate direct scheduled flights into Nigeria — United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Together, they run 17 weekly flights…

Supporters of Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), say they are weighing a defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to improve his chances of winning the presidency. Speaking after a strategic meeting in Rogo Local Government Area, Abdullahi Rogo, director general of the protocol directorate at the Kano Government House, said the move was agreed by leaders and supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the area. The meeting, chaired by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore, brought together the council chairman, councillors and party stakeholders.…

The national grid collapsed on Monday afternoon, with power supply across most of the country dropping to near zero, according to distribution load figures released at 3:12 pm on December 29, 2025. Data from the Distribution Companies (DisCos) showed that only two operators received electricity at the time of the collapse. Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company recorded a load of 30 megawatts (MW), while Abuja Electricity Distribution Company received 20 MW. All other DisCos were allocated zero megawatts. Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola DisCos all recorded 0 MW, indicating a widespread outage across major cities…

Nigeria’s financial markets remain steady and resilient despite recent US air strikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists in Sokoto, the minister of finance, Wale Edun, has said. The reassurance follows reports of explosions in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states on December 25, linked to a targeted joint security operation between Nigeria and the United States. In a statement on Sunday, Edun said both domestic and international debt markets are stable and functioning efficiently, crediting prudent fiscal management and sustained reforms. “Our financial markets remain resilient. Domestic and international debt markets are stable and functioning efficiently, supported by prudent fiscal…

Bayo Ojulari, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, says the company has completed the main line to the Ajaokuta-Kano-Kaduna (AKK) gas pipeline. Ojulari spoke on Sunday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. He said the company has been able to successfully complete the “welding of the main line of the AKK gas pipeline”. “You remember sometime in summer, we were able to cross the River Niger which has been a struggle for many years,” Ojulari said. “By completing this main line, what that means is that we can begin to make all…

Allen Onyema, Air Peace chief executive officer (CEO), says the new tax laws have brought back charges that the 2020 tax laws removed. In an interview with Arise News on Sunday, Onyema said the taxes include customs duties on imported aircraft, aircraft parts, and engines, as well as VAT on tickets. He said they will further burden airlines with additional costs. “There is VAT now on the importation of aircraft. So if you buy an aircraft of $80 million, you are supposed to pay 7.5 percent of $80 million,” he said. “Do the mathematics. From money borrowed from the bank,…

Allen Onyema, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, has cautioned that Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector faces a serious financial strain as recently enacted tax provisions risk pushing ticket prices beyond ₦1 million and forcing airlines to suspend operations. Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Sunday, Onyema said urgent action is needed to prevent a potential collapse of the industry, which could have ripple effects on passengers, banks and the wider economy. “The Nigerian airlines are heavily overburdened by taxes, levies, and all manner of charges. Just take a ticket of about 350,000. What comes to the…

Amad Diallo scored his second goal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as holders Ivory Coast drew with Cameroon in an enthralling clash between the tournament heavyweights in Marrakech. In a much-anticipated early showdown between two potential challengers for the title, Junior Tchamadeu struck a deflected equaliser less than six minutes after Amad had exquisitely curled the Elephants in front as part of a result which ensures both sides remain a point clear of Mozambique at the top of Group F and also eliminates Gabon. Manchester United forward Amad, who scored the only goal in his country’s opening…

The family of late Nollywood actress, director and producer Allwell Ademola has confirmed that she was 49 years old at the time of her death, correcting earlier reports that placed her age at 43. In an official statement released on Sunday and signed by Adeboyega Adebayo on behalf of the Ademola family, the actress was said to have passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025. “With heavy hearts and total submission to the will of God, we announce the passing of our beloved sister, mother, and aunt, Princess Allwell Ademola, who departed this life on Saturday, the 27th day of…

Allen Onyema, Air Peace chief executive officer (CEO), says Nigerians are paying the cheapest domestic airfares in the world. Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Sunday, Onyema noted that a short flight in the United States, such as Atlanta to Charleston, can cost over $400 for a one-hour journey. He explained that Nigerian airlines face far higher costs due to expensive financing, lack of nearby maintenance facilities, and high costs of ferrying aircraft and engines, even though aviation costs are in dollars worldwide. “Do one way, you will get $399 for two weeks time, maybe in the morning.…