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The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has disclosed that governments across the world are holding an estimated $774 million in blocked airline funds as of March 2026, the largest amount held by any region globally.

AFRAA raised the alarm at a hybrid media roundtable held at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, with the theme: ‘Resilient African Aviation: Partnerships, Empowerment, Profitability,’ where it called on governments, regional institutions and financing partners to strengthen support for the continent’s airlines.

The association, whose 50 member airlines carry more than 85 per cent of international traffic among African carriers, said the blocked funds were compounding pressure on airlines already operating on the thinnest margins in the world.

According to AFRAA, African carriers are projected to earn a profit margin of just 0.2 per cent in 2026, even as passenger traffic on the continent grows by 21.5 per cent to hit 137.3 million. It said capacity growth continues to outstrip demand growth, squeezing margins despite rising demand.

The association added that taxes, fees and charges account for 35 to 40 per cent of ticket prices in Africa, against roughly 20 per cent globally, further eroding airlines’ earnings.

Its Secretary General, Mr Berthé, said African airlines were being asked to carry the continent’s growth ambitions while absorbing costs that carriers elsewhere do not face.

‘African aviation is ready to deliver on its promise to connect our economies, move our trade, and carry the growth that this continent’s youth and enterprise are already generating. But readiness is not the same as capacity. Our airlines are being asked to carry that promise on some of the thinnest margins in the world, while absorbing costs, blocked funds and shocks that carriers elsewhere simply do not face,’ he said.

He called on governments to release the withheld funds, lower tax burden on air travel, and implement liberalisation commitments already signed, while acknowledging the partnership of Afreximbank, the African Development Bank and the African Union Commission on financing and infrastructure.

AFRAA also cited conflict-driven airspace closures across the Sahel, including a roughly 4,000-kilometre no-fly corridor spanning Niger, Mali, Sudan and Libya, which it said were forcing costly reroutings that add to fuel burn and operating costs.

It further disclosed that Africa receives only 2.0 per cent of global aircraft deliveries, against 35.6 per cent for Asia Pacific and 24.0 per cent for Europe, even though the continent requires an estimated $25 billion to $30 billion in airport and air navigation infrastructure over the next decade.

The association said its six-point response included developing financing solutions for aircraft acquisition with Afreximbank, the African Development Bank and the AU Commission ahead of the July 2027 AU Summit, and advancing the African Airlines Cooperation Framework to close a long-haul capacity gap, with African airlines currently holding just 37.6 per cent of intercontinental capacity.

AFRAA is also pressing governments to convert their Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) commitments into on-the-ground market liberalisation, alongside continued investment in safety, airspace efficiency and local maintenance capacity.

On safety, the association said its capacity-building work with the Flight Safety Foundation contributed to a 35 per cent improvement in Africa’s 2025 accident rate, which fell to 7.86 accidents per million flights from 12.13 in 2024.

Its Free Route Airspace programme, which it said has saved an estimated 5,000 tonnes of fuel annually in West and Central Africa, is being extended to Eastern and Southern Africa. The association is also seeking investment to retain more of the $1.8 billion African airlines currently spend on overseas aircraft maintenance within the continent.

AFRAA was founded in Accra, Ghana, in 1968 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Nigeria’s Flamingos will begin their campaign at the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Girls Championship with a potentially decisive Group B encounter against Ghana’s Black Maidens in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria and Ghana have been drawn alongside Togo and Niger in a competitive four-team group, with the tournament scheduled to begin on September 15.

Beyond regional honours, the competition carries added importance as teams battle for qualification for the 2027 U-17 Girls Africa Cup of Nations.

The Flamingos will head into the tournament hoping to build on Nigeria’s strong tradition in women’s youth football, but their opening fixture against Ghana is expected to provide an early test of their credentials.

Ghana have also traditionally been one of the region’s strongest teams at this level, making the opening encounter important for both sides.

Togo and Niger complete Group B and will also be looking to challenge the two traditional heavyweights for places in the next round.

A positive start against Ghana could put the Flamingos in a strong position as they pursue their immediate objective of progressing from the group and ultimately securing qualification for the continental championship.

Meanwhile, Edo Queens trio of Kemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Destiny Itobore have returned to the Flamingos camp after their triumph with their club in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

My political journey has been one of service, learning, and commitment. I entered politics because I believed I could help improve our people’s lives. Over the years, I have served in various capacities and had the privilege of representing my people in the National Assembly.

Politics has taught me that public office is not about personal enrichment or popularity. It is about making difficult decisions, speaking for your people, and ensuring that government works for the ordinary Nigerian.

Unfortunately, that sometimes happens in politics. A politician can spend years working for his people, but one statement can dominate public discussion for days or even years.

I am not saying politicians should not be held accountable for their words. We must be responsible for what we say. But I believe my political record should not be defined by one controversial phrase or statement. People should look at the totality of my service, my interventions, the bills I supported, and my contribution to national development.

Of course. Anyone who has been in public life for many years and claims to have never made a statement they would have expressed differently is probably not being entirely honest.

There are moments when emotions run high, and politicians speak passionately about issues. With hindsight, you may realise that certain words could have been chosen more carefully. But that does not mean the intention behind every statement was malicious.

My major achievement is the opportunity to represent my people and raise issues that directly affect them. I have been particularly concerned about infrastructure, economic development, employment, security, and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

I have also participated in legislative processes to strengthen our institutions and improve the economy. For me, legislation is not always about what makes headlines. Sometimes, the most important work happens through committee work, oversight, and interventions that the public may never see.

The criticism is justified to an extent. Politicians must be held accountable for their promises. Public office is a contract with the public.

However, there are also institutional limitations. A legislator, for instance, cannot personally deliver every project or fulfil every promise made during an election. But that does not excuse failure. We must continually engage with the executive, secure appropriate budgetary provisions, and exercise oversight to ensure projects are implemented.

I believe the administration should be assessed objectively. There are areas where progress has been made, and others where Nigerians still face serious difficulties. The economy remains a major concern. Nigerians are struggling with the cost of living, food prices, unemployment, and the erosion of purchasing power. The government must therefore do more to ensure that economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

Reforms are sometimes necessary, but the manner in which they are implemented matters greatly. Removing the subsidy without adequate cushioning for the people creates enormous hardship.

If the government wants Nigerians to support difficult reforms, it must demonstrate transparency and ensure that the benefits eventually reach the people. Nigerians cannot continue to make sacrifices indefinitely without seeing corresponding improvements in their lives.

We need to look beyond simply deploying more security personnel. Security requires intelligence, modern equipment, effective coordination, and a motivated security workforce.

We must also address the underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, weak institutions and the proliferation of illegal arms. Most importantly, criminals must know that there will be consequences for their actions.

The National Assembly has a critical responsibility in a democracy. Its functions go beyond making laws. It must provide effective oversight and ensure that government agencies are accountable.

I believe the legislature can do more in this area. Nigerians expect their representatives to speak boldly when policies are hurting the people. Loyalty to a political party should not mean abandoning one’s responsibility to the Nigerian people.

There must be cooperation between the executive and legislature, but cooperation should never mean surrendering legislative independence.

A strong democracy requires checks and balances. The legislature must be able to support good policies while questioning those that are not in the public interest. That is not confrontation; it is democracy.

Representation means more than carrying a title. When people elect you, they expect you to speak when they cannot speak for themselves.

I have always believed that elected representatives must remain connected to their constituents. If the people are suffering and their representative remains silent, then something is wrong.

Nigerians should look beyond political parties and campaign promises. They should examine the candidates’ character, competence, and record.

We should ask, ‘What has this person done before?’ What are their ideas? Can this person be trusted with public resources? Does the person understand the problems facing ordinary Nigerians?

Elections should not be about who gives the biggest gifts during campaigns. They should be about who can provide responsible leadership.

Money has become too influential in our politics, and that is dangerous. When elections become excessively expensive, competent people without financial muscle may be pushed out.

This is one reason we need stronger institutions and enforcement of electoral laws. Political parties must also develop internal democratic structures that give ordinary Nigerians a genuine opportunity to participate.

They should not give up. Politics affects everything around us – education, employment, security, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy. If good people withdraw from politics, they leave the space for others to occupy.

Young Nigerians should become politically conscious, ask questions, participate in elections, and hold elected officials accountable. The future of Nigeria cannot be left entirely to politicians.

The Federal Ministry of Works has dismissed reports alleging structural defects on the Oju-Ore Bridge in Ota, Ogun State, saying the bridge passed required integrity tests and remains structurally sound.

The ministry gave the assurance following an inspection of the ongoing project by a delegation led by the Director of Bridges, Highways and Road Designs, Engr. Musa Saidu, on the directive of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.

The inspection followed concerns raised on social media over the quality and structural integrity of the bridge.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, Saidu said the assessment showed that the project complied with required engineering standards, describing reports of structural failure as unsubstantiated.

‘The bridge has undergone integrity tests and passed. It is structurally stable,’ he said.

He cautioned against relying on photographs or videos posted on social media to determine the structural integrity of major infrastructure projects, stressing that such assessments must be based on scientific and engineering tests.

‘Engineering decisions are based on scientific tests, not assumptions,’ Saidu said.

He said the ministry would not compromise the quality of federal infrastructure projects, adding that the Oju-Ore Bridge was being constructed in line with approved designs and specifications under the supervision of relevant authorities.

Saidu described the quality of work by the contractor, Laralek Construction Company, as satisfactory, noting that some minor finishing works identified during the inspection would be addressed before completion.

He said the movement of heavy-duty vehicles across the bridge was further evidence of its structural capacity, although construction was yet to be completed.

‘The structural stability of the bridge is guaranteed. Heavy trucks are already moving across it, even though construction has not been fully completed,’ he said.

The director urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of undermining confidence in public infrastructure.

He also warned traders and other members of the public against operating or loitering beneath the bridge while construction activities continued, describing the practice as unsafe.

‘Construction sites are restricted areas across the world. People should not be trading or loitering beneath an active bridge project. It poses serious safety risks,’ he said.

The ministry expressed confidence that the contractor had overcome earlier challenges affecting the pace of construction and would complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.

Representing Laralek Construction Company, Mr Tope Ojo said the bridge was being constructed in accordance with approved engineering designs, drawings and government specifications.

He said the major structural components, including the spans, bearings, beams and piers, had been executed according to the approved designs, with some components exceeding minimum design requirements.

‘There is absolutely no cause for alarm. Every integrity test required for the bridge has been conducted, and all results confirmed compliance with engineering standards,’ Ojo said.

He added that the integrity tests were conducted by independent consultants rather than the contractor, with the results subsequently submitted to the relevant authorities.

Ojo also disclosed that officials of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had conducted an on-site technical assessment of the project.

According to him, the assessment covered the critical structural elements of the bridge and confirmed compliance with applicable engineering requirements.

A member of the Oju-Ore Stakeholders Council, Comrade Akomolafe Zubair, welcomed the ministry’s intervention, saying the technical assessment would help restore public confidence in the project.

Zubair said the inspection had reassured residents and motorists who had become concerned by reports circulating on social media.

He appealed to residents of Ota and motorists using the corridor to remain patient as the contractor completes the outstanding works.

He expressed optimism that the bridge would soon be completed and opened to full public use, easing movement along the busy Ota corridor.

The Oju-Ore Bridge project remains under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works, with the contractor expected to complete the remaining works in line with the approved project schedule.

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.

The decision was taken by the joint leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives in response to continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The National Assembly said the action reflected its grave concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens living or travelling abroad.

In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.

It also demanded thorough investigation of reported incidents, the arrest of suspected perpetrators and the prosecution of those found culpable in accordance with the law.

The statement reads in full ‘The Joint Leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives has directed the suspension of all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and the boycott of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.

‘This decision is in response to the continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. It reflects the National Assembly’s grave concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.

‘The National Assembly calls on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further attacks, investigate reported incidents thoroughly, arrest suspected perpetrators and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

‘The suspension and boycott shall remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.’

The directive covers official visits by the National Assembly to South Africa as well as legislative activities and engagements hosted or organised by South African authorities or institutions.

The leadership said the measures would remain in force until further notice, with a review to be undertaken as circumstances warrant.

Benue-born Abuja-based master of ceremonies and comedian, Winston Oketa Onazi, popularly known as Ybits Oketa, has recorded a major milestone in his career after selling out the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, during his comedy show, YBITS: ‘One of a Kind’.

The event, held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, attracted comedy lovers, diplomats, socialites, entertainment personalities and other high-profile guests who filled the venue for an evening of comedy and entertainment.

The sold-out show has continued to generate conversations within Abuja’s entertainment scene, marking another significant moment in Ybits Oketa’s career.

From regular seating sections to premium seats valued at ?1 million, the venue was filled with fans who turned out for the comedian’s headline performance.

Ybits delivered a series of sharp and relatable jokes, combining them with his trademark crowd-work style to keep the audience engaged throughout the evening.

The show also featured performances by comedians including Loudvoice, Shortcut and Bob, and Ovy Godwin, among others, who supported the headline act.

The successful outing further strengthened Ybits Oketa’s profile and the YBITS SHOW brand within Nigeria’s comedy industry.

The comedian is increasingly attracting attention for his ability to draw large audiences and stage major live comedy performances.

AGCOMS International Trading Limited has launched the AGCOMS Academy, an industry-focused institution aimed at developing the skills and human capital needed to support Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation drive.

The Chief Executive Officer of AGCOMS International Trading Limited, Mr. Chijioke Okoli, said the Academy was established to address a critical gap in the country’s agricultural transformation efforts-the shortage of skilled personnel capable of operating, maintaining and managing modern agricultural equipment.

According to him, while considerable attention has been devoted to the acquisition and deployment of tractors and other agricultural machinery, inadequate attention has been paid to developing the human capacity required to make such investments productive.

‘Machines are the easy part. The hard part, the part that decides whether a tractor works a thousand hectares or sits rusting behind a shed, is the person operating it and the business running it,’ Okoli said.

He said the Academy would focus on developing the human capital required to transform investments in agricultural machinery into higher productivity and commercially viable agricultural enterprises.

‘That is the gap I want the Academy to fill: the human capital that turns equipment into productivity, and productivity into profit,’ he added.

AGCOMS, an authorised dealer of agricultural equipment, has built experience in the sector through the sale, servicing and deployment of agricultural machinery.

Okoli disclosed that the company had, prior to the establishment of the Academy, trained more than 380 people across the public and private sectors.

He said the experience demonstrated that the success of agricultural mechanisation depended significantly on the availability of properly trained operators, technicians, managers and entrepreneurs.

‘You do not mechanise a country by shipping in equipment alone. You mechanise it by building the people who make the equipment productive before they arrive,’ he said.

The Academy’s initial programmes will target tractor and machinery operators, technicians, mechanisation-service entrepreneurs and managers responsible for agricultural operations.

Its flagship programme, Mechanisation Enterprise Management, is scheduled to commence in Abuja in November.

The institution is expected to subsequently expand its training portfolio across the agricultural mechanisation value chain, with programmes designed for supervisors, business owners and executives.

Okoli said the Academy would adopt a practical, industry-based training model, drawing on AGCOMS’s experience in operating and servicing agricultural equipment.

‘We teach what we operate,’ he said, stressing that the programmes would be based on practical experience with real equipment, field operations and the commercial realities of running agricultural enterprises.

The launch comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and other stakeholders to expand agricultural mechanisation as part of measures to boost productivity, strengthen food security and modernise Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

AGCOMS has already participated in the training of tractor operators under the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) mechanisation programme, including an initiative to train up to 4,000 operators ahead of the deployment of 2,000 John Deere tractors.

Beyond addressing the immediate shortage of technical personnel, Okoli said the Academy would also seek to change young Nigerians’ perception of agriculture by presenting the sector as a modern, technology-driven and commercially attractive industry.

‘Modern agriculture is a technology business and an entrepreneurial one,’ he said.

He added that the broader objective was to develop a new generation of professionals capable of establishing viable agricultural businesses while improving the productivity and lifespan of mechanisation equipment.

In the long term, Okoli said AGCOMS hoped to develop the Academy into a respected institution whose graduates would contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation sector and eventually extend their expertise to other African markets.

‘We are not trying to be the biggest school. We are trying to be the one that made the sector work,’ he said.