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Nigeria losing 300 hectares of forest daily -NPS

Nigeria is losing about 300 hectares of forest daily, while more than 4,000 illegal miners have been displaced from Gashaka-Gumti National Park following security operations, the National Park Service (NPS) has disclosed.

The Conservator-General of the service, Ibrahim Goni, raised the concerns in Abuja while receiving members of the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN), warning that deforestation, illegal mining, logging, wildlife trafficking and insecurity were threatening conservation efforts across the country.

Goni said the continued destruction of forests could worsen desertification and accelerate environmental degradation, stressing the need for urgent and sustained intervention to protect the country’s forest resources.

He disclosed that the NPS, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, had shut down two illegal mining sites in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, which straddles Taraba and Adamawa states.

According to him, the operation led to the closure of extensive mining pits and the displacement of more than 4,000 illegal miners from the protected area.

However, the Conservator-General said security operations alone would not permanently address illegal mining, noting that affected communities needed alternative sources of livelihood to reduce their dependence on activities that damage protected areas.

He also expressed concern over illegal mining in Oyo State, saying the service was working with the Ministry of Solid Minerals to tackle the problem.

In Rivers State, Goni disclosed that about 17 miners had been arrested as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.

He explained that illegal activities in forests around national parks often complicated security operations, as individuals driven out of protected areas could relocate to neighbouring forests and continue their activities.

Goni, therefore, called for sustained collaboration among security agencies and relevant government institutions to ensure effective protection of forests and national parks.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security operatives for their contributions to safeguarding vulnerable conservation areas.

On wildlife trafficking, the NPS chief said Nigeria was frequently implicated in international smuggling networks because traffickers used the country as a transit route for wildlife specimens destined for overseas markets.

He said wildlife products were transported from neighbouring countries, including Chad, Niger and Cameroon, through Nigeria before being shipped to other destinations, particularly through the country’s seaports.

To strengthen enforcement, Goni disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service, NPS, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Nigeria Police Force had established an inter-agency committee to combat wildlife trafficking.

He said the committee had conducted raids that resulted in the seizure of live animals, carcasses and other wildlife specimens.

The Conservator-General urged environmental journalists to work closely with law enforcement agencies to expose trafficking networks, raise public awareness and promote accountability in wildlife conservation.

Goni also highlighted the expansion of Nigeria’s national park system as part of efforts to restore degraded vegetation, conserve wildlife and strengthen the country’s response to climate change.

He said Nigeria now had 17 national parks, although only 13 were operational, compared with seven before the establishment of 10 additional parks under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the expansion was aimed at encouraging vegetation regeneration in areas previously designated as forest or game reserves while advancing the country’s environmental and climate objectives.

He called on journalists to give greater attention to environmental challenges, including deforestation, illegal hunting, pollution, flooding and erosion, noting that consistent reporting could stimulate public engagement and prompt government action.

The NPS chief further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Environment had deployed flood-warning equipment in some parts of the country to alert communities to impending floods and enable residents of vulnerable areas to move to safer locations.

He also urged journalists to educate the public on Ebola prevention and the links between wildlife and the transmission of certain infectious diseases.

Goni pledged that the service would support professional training and conference participation for environmental correspondents, subject to available budgetary provisions.

Taking medicines without medical advice? 10 common drugs you should not misuse

Medicines are meant to treat illness, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. But when they are taken without proper advice, used for too long or taken in higher doses than recommended, they can cause serious problems.

In Nigeria, it is not uncommon for people to keep medicines at home and use them whenever a familiar symptom returns. A person may take an antibiotic for a fever, continue a painkiller for weeks because the pain has not gone away, or use a steroid cream repeatedly because it worked on a previous skin problem.

The fact that a medicine is commonly used does not mean it is harmless.

Some medicines can damage the liver or kidneys when misused. Others can cause stomach bleeding, nerve problems, serious infections or dependence. Antibiotics can also contribute to antimicrobial resistance when they are taken unnecessarily.

In this article, Tribune Online explores 10 common medicines that should not be taken casually or used beyond recommended instructions.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is one of the most widely used medicines for pain and fever. It is generally safe when taken at the recommended dose, but taking too much can cause severe liver damage and, in serious cases, liver failure or death.

One problem is that people may unknowingly take paracetamol from more than one medicine. Some cough, cold and flu preparations also contain paracetamol, so taking them together with additional paracetamol tablets can result in an overdose.

People should therefore check the active ingredients of medicines before combining them. A person who thinks they have taken more paracetamol than recommended should seek medical help promptly, even if they feel well. Symptoms of overdose may not appear immediately.

Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for pain and inflammation.

It can be effective, but taking high doses or using it for a prolonged period can increase the risk of serious side effects, including stomach ulcers and bleeding. NSAIDs can also cause kidney problems in some people.

People with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, certain heart conditions or other risk factors may need to avoid diclofenac or use it only under medical supervision. It is also not advisable to combine diclofenac with other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

Using more painkillers because the original dose is no longer relieving the pain may simply mask an underlying condition while increasing the risk of harm.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is another popular painkiller used for headaches, toothache, body pains and inflammation. Although it is available without prescription in many places, it can cause problems when taken inappropriately. High doses or prolonged use can increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding and kidney problems.

The risk may be greater in people who already have kidney disease, stomach problems or certain other medical conditions. Taking ibuprofen together with another NSAID can also increase the risk of side effects. People should therefore check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining pain medicines.

Omeprazole

Omeprazole reduces stomach acid and is commonly used for heartburn, acid reflux and some stomach conditions. Because it is effective, some people continue taking it for months or years without reviewing whether they still need it. Long-term proton pump inhibitor use has been associated with low magnesium levels in some patients. Severe low magnesium can cause muscle spasms, seizures and abnormal heart rhythms.

Long-term use has also been linked in some studies and regulatory reviews with bone fracture risk, although the risk appears to be much less of a concern when over-the-counter treatment is used as directed for short periods. People who have been taking omeprazole for a long time should discuss continued use with a healthcare professional rather than stopping or continuing it indefinitely on their own.

Metronidazole

Metronidazole is used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections. It is not a general-purpose medicine for every stomach upset, diarrhoea or infection. One reason it should not be taken casually is that prolonged use has been associated with peripheral neuropathy, which can cause numbness, tingling, burning sensations or weakness.

Unnecessary antibiotic use can also contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making some infections harder to treat in the future. People should not keep leftover metronidazole and use it whenever they develop diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort. The cause of such symptoms needs to be established before treatment is chosen.

Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. These medicines can cause serious adverse effects, including tendinitis and tendon rupture. They have also been associated with peripheral neuropathy, which may cause pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness. In some cases, these effects can be long-lasting or irreversible.

The risk of tendon problems is particularly important in older people and in people taking corticosteroids, among other risk groups. Ciprofloxacin should therefore not be treated as an ordinary medicine for every infection. Antibiotics should be selected according to the suspected or confirmed infection and professional medical advice.

Betamethasone

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used in different forms to control inflammation and certain skin conditions. The problem begins when people use steroid medicines without knowing what is causing their symptoms. A steroid may reduce redness, itching or swelling while allowing an underlying infection to continue.

Repeated or prolonged use can also cause other steroid-related problems, depending on the strength, formulation, amount used and part of the body treated.This is particularly important with steroid creams.

A person may see an itchy skin rash improve temporarily and assume the condition has been cured, when the steroid has only suppressed the inflammation. Steroids should therefore be used for the condition they are intended to treat and for the duration recommended by a healthcare professional.

Clonazepam

Clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It may be prescribed for conditions including certain seizure disorders, panic disorder and muscle spasms.

It can cause drowsiness and, when used for longer periods, the body can become dependent on it.

People who have taken clonazepam for more than a few weeks may need a gradual reduction in dose rather than stopping suddenly. So longer use of clonazepam is capable of causing addiction.

Stopping it abruptly after prolonged use can cause withdrawal symptoms. Clonazepam can also interact with other medicines that cause drowsiness, including some strong painkillers. Alcohol can further increase its sedative effects. It should never be borrowed from another person or used simply because someone feels anxious or is having difficulty sleeping.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic and is useful for certain bacterial infections.

However, it does not treat viral illnesses such as most common colds and many cases of flu. Taking it whenever someone has a fever, cough or sore throat is therefore not a safe approach.

Unnecessary antibiotic use exposes the person to possible side effects without providing a benefit. It also contributes to antimicrobial resistance, which occurs when bacteria become less responsive to medicines used against them.

Another problem is keeping unfinished antibiotics and using them later for a different illness. The correct antibiotic, dose and duration depend on the infection and the individual patient.

Steroid tablets

Prednisolone and similar corticosteroids can be very useful in treating inflammation, allergic reactions and several other medical conditions.

But they are powerful medicines and should not be taken casually.

Prolonged or repeated steroid use can affect the body’s normal immune and hormonal functions. It can also make a person more vulnerable to infections and cause other complications depending on the dose and duration of treatment.

Another important issue is stopping suddenly after prolonged treatment. Some people need their dose reduced gradually under medical supervision rather than stopping abruptly.

Steroids should therefore be taken only for an appropriate medical reason and according to the prescribed instructions.

37 years on: How NCC moved from Alaba raids to online disruption as the piracy fight goes digital

The Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) has evolved over the years in its fight against copyright infringement. For much of its 37 years the Commission fought pirates in physical confrontations chasing them through markets from Alaba in Lagos to Eweka in Onitsha and seizing cassettes DVDs CDs and pirated books. As technology advanced and pirates went digital the Commission evolved too.

The Copyright Act of 1988 created the Commission to protect creators and fight piracy. For decades that meant physical enforcement in Lagos Onitsha Kano and Aba and success was measured in trucks: trucks raiding Alaba Market and trucks seizing pirated VCDs.

Thirty-seven years later NCC Director-General Dr John Asein says the metric has changed.

‘We used to measure our success by how many times we visited Alaba’ he said. ‘Now we measure our success by how many people online complain that their business has been disrupted. Piracy that they were enjoying is now being made a thing of the past.’

That shift reflects an institution that has grown from a law-enforcement body into what it now calls ‘the engine room for Nigeria’s creative economy.’

From markets to the internet

Piracy moved online and so did the NCC.

‘The last few years have been remarkable’ Asein said. ‘We found that more pirates are now online. And we have found that we can disrupt many online activities. Some of them have even come to us to complain that it’s now costing them more to operate.’

The Commission points to two landmark cases. The first is NetNiger which after a three-year investigation led to a prosecution at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The second is MovieBox which was using a .ng domain.

‘We worked closely with NIRA and were able to bring down the .ng domain’ Asein explained. ‘MovieBox became an embarrassment to Nigeria. We’ve done so much now to disrupt the whole MovieBox operations.’

He added a caution: ‘I won’t say we are there yet. But once you get hold of technology and have the right support from the right owners you can match these illicit activities online.’

At a recent event in Lagos international rights owners commended Nigeria for its online enforcement. Asein credited the current administration saying that under the Renewed Hope Agenda rights holders are seeing renewed hope because their rights are better protected.

From stopping piracy to paying creators

By the 2010s Nigeria’s cultural exports had raised the stakes with Afrobeats on global charts and Nollywood on Netflix. The question was no longer only ‘How do we stop piracy?’ but also ‘How do creators get paid?’

Asein said the Commission responded by creating the e-Copyright portal strengthening its oversight of collective management organisations (CMOs) and expanding digital takedowns. The CMOs include the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) the Musical Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG).

The law that changed everything

Asein described the Copyright Act 2022 as ‘the most significant reform in the 37-year history of the Commission.’

‘It criminalises camcording recognises rights in digital transmissions and provides a safe harbour framework’ he said. ‘A songwriter can now clearly license her work for TikTok and if it’s used without permission there are real penalties.’

The biggest breakthrough he said came with money.

‘For the first time since the Copyright Act was passed in 1988 we were able to send ?1.2 billion to each of the three CMOs: music film and literary’ he said. ‘This administration deserves commendation for unlocking that. Authors are now benefiting not just from books sold but from inflows we unlocked.’

He said the Commission is pushing the CMOs to be ‘transparent accountable and ensure good governance so that royalties actually trickle down to the right owners.’

Since 2022 the NCC has rolled out new regulations and is training judges and Ministry of Justice legal advisers nationwide. Two to three more regulations are expected before the end of 2026.

Building for 2030 and beyond

At 37 Asein says the focus must be on mindset and money.

‘We are fighting a mindset. People think if it’s online it’s free. Our job is to show that free for the user often means broke for the creator.’

He said the Commission is building a national database of works and working with banks to accept copyright as collateral.

‘My vision is simple. I want a filmmaker in Jos or a musician in Port Harcourt to walk into a bank and say ‘Here is my IP. Finance my next project” he said.

He is optimistic about the next decade. ‘The world is moving into an AI-driven economy. I want to see Nigerians at the forefront. Nigerian music has now become a global brand. I say our Afrobeats is what reggae was in the 70s. By 2030 and beyond every person in this world will be looking for Afrobeats to sing.’

Honouring past leaders

The anniversary also gave the Asein-led administration an opportunity to honour past Directors-General and retired directors as part of efforts to strengthen the system. The Commission also announced that awards would be institutionalised in the names of past Directors-General.

‘It’s not about one person’ Asein said. ‘We are one family. Whether you are a present DG or retired you must believe you still have a stake. We should not treat ourselves as statistics. We are human beings.’

He concluded: ‘As we mark 37 years let it be clear. We didn’t just come to police creativity. We came to make sure creativity pays.’

Justice Ministry pledges support

The Commission’s parent ministry the Federal Ministry of Justice assured it of support at all times. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi who was represented by Mr Patrick Oyor Director of Legal Drafting in the ministry said the support was necessary for a flourishing creative and knowledge economy.

‘The Federal Ministry of Justice under whose supervision the Commission operates will continue to support efforts to strengthen copyright administration and enforcement and to promote an enabling legal and regulatory environment in which Nigeria’s creative and knowledge economy can flourish’ he said. ‘As the economic significance of creativity innovation and intellectual property continue to grow the work of the Commission will become even more important to our national development.’

He added: ‘As the Commission looks to the future it must continue to build on the foundations established by successive leaderships while responding effectively to a rapidly changing copyright environment. Digital technologies streaming platforms artificial intelligence and new models of creating distributing and exploiting creative works are creating both opportunities and challenges for copyright administration. These developments demand strong institutions forward-looking laws and policies effective enforcement innovative regulation and sustained engagement with creators investors and users of copyright works.

‘In meeting these challenges the experience and institutional wisdom of those who have served before remain valuable resources.’

He encouraged the Commission to maintain appropriate channels to continue drawing on the knowledge and experience of its former leaders and senior officers.

The minister said the ceremony was about gratitude and legacy. ‘It is about recognising those who served preserving institutional memory and reminding those still in service that their own contributions will in time become part of the history upon which future generations will build.’

He also stressed that public service is a fundamental service to the nation and that its true measure lies not merely in the number of years spent in office.

Stakeholders pledge support

Mr Tosin Akeredolu Acting Executive Director of REPRONIG pledged the society’s continued support for the legacies left by the honourees and expressed hope that they would remain available whenever their experience was needed.

The President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Dr Usman Akanbi pledged the association’s support for the NCC in protecting the copyright and intellectual property of Nigerian writers. He said the Commission had helped establish a coalition to better protect writers’ intellectual property. He congratulated those who had led the coalition and noted that the partnership between the Federal Government through the NCC and stakeholders had given writers greater priority in copyright protection.

The Deputy President of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) Alhaji Isiaq Ajibola expressed excitement over the recognition of the former Directors-General and retired directors. He said copyright is not merely legal terminology to publishers but a fundamental basis of their work and the knowledge economy. He commended the NCC for its recent collaboration with the NPA particularly in tackling piracy and congratulated the honourees on their immense contributions to the Commission.

Weak infra spending to keep cement demand flat

An umbrella group of cement manufacturers in the Philippines expects cement demand to finish the year flat, as construction activity across public and private projects remains sluggish.

Reinier Dizon, president of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (Cemap), said cement demand from January to September was down 2 to 3 percent from the same period last year.

But the group is banking on a pickup in construction activity in the fourth quarter to help demand recover and at least match last year’s estimated 34 million metric tons (MT), equivalent to about 85 million bags.

‘Perhaps that’s not a bad thing considering what we’ve gone through this year,’ Dizon told reporters on the sidelines of a business summit organized by the Federation of Philippine Industries, where he also serves as president.

‘(We have) an inflationary environment and government spending has been rather muted this year,’ he added.

That subdued outlook comes as government infrastructure spending remains weak amid heightened scrutiny of public works projects following the flood control fiasco, which erupted more than a year ago.

In July, infrastructure and other capital outlays slipped 4 percent to P89.6 billion. The slowdown was more pronounced in the first seven months, with spending plunging 36 percent to P457 billion from P713.5 billion a year earlier.

Private construction activity has also shown signs of weakness, with approved building permits falling 31 percent to 10,968 in August, the lowest level in more than six years.

Still, Cemap hopes the resumption of government infrastructure projects, particularly those put on hold following the flood control controversy, could provide a much-needed lift to cement demand.

‘Hopefully, what will be the game changer for Q4 will be the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) side,’ Dizon said.

Another potential boost could come from El Niño, as drier conditions generally favor construction activity. Dizon, however, acknowledged that the weather phenomenon could still be ‘tricky’ as it could also bring episodes of heavy rainfall.

Production surplus

This year, Dizon expects cement imports to decline by about 30 percent, largely due to the imposition of safeguard duties of P349 per MT on shipments from China and Indonesia after they exceeded exemption thresholds.

Cement imports could reach around 4 million MT this year, based on Cemap estimates.

Even with imports projected to decline, Dizon emphasized that the Philippines still has more cement production capacity than domestic demand can absorb.

The country currently has the capacity to produce approximately 52 million MT of cement annually, compared with demand of just 34 million MT last year.

That leaves roughly 18 million MT in excess annual production capacity, even before accounting for imported cement.

With existing capacity already far exceeding domestic requirements, Dizon sees little immediate incentive for manufacturers to commit to additional capacity-expanding investments.

He also cited rising energy costs and the weakening peso as additional challenges facing the industry.rements, Dizon sees little immediate incentive for manufacturers to commit to additional capacity-expanding investments.

Bread prices rise as bakers cite skyrocketing wheat, fuel costs

Bread manufacturers across Uganda, operating under the Uganda Bakers Association, have made an urgent appeal to the government to intervene and curb the escalating cost of production, specifically highlighting the soaring prices of wheat and diesel.

The manufacturers have also called on consumers to bear with them following a decision to increase bread prices nationwide.

Addressing journalists at a press conference hosted at Ntake Bakery in Nalukolongo, industry leaders explained that the price of crucial raw materials, particularly wheat flour, alongside diesel required for machinery and distribution fleets, has surged dramatically in recent months.

The association’s leadership noted that these rising operational expenses left them with no alternative but to adjust wholesale and retail bread rates to keep their businesses viable.

Canon Dr Gaster Lule Ntake, the chairperson of the Uganda Bakers Association, stated that manufacturers had absorbed the surging costs for as long as possible to cushion ordinary Ugandans from additional financial strain. He noted that despite their efforts to hold rates steady, the pressure on production margins eventually became unsustainable, forcing a modest upward adjustment across standard loaf sizes.

Under the updated pricing structure, a one-kilogram loaf of bread previously sold to retailers at Shs 5,000 at the factory level has increased to Shs 5,500. Consequently, end consumers purchasing the one-kilogram loaf from retail shops are now expected to pay between Shs 6,000 and Shs 6,500. A half-kilogram loaf, which previously left the factory floor at Shs 2,500, now costs Shs 3,000 wholesale, with retail prices projected to range between Shs 3,300 and Shs 3,500.

In light of these adjustments, Dr Ntake urged retailers and shop owners across the country not to exploit the situational rate changes by imposing excessive profit mark-ups on everyday consumers. He emphasized that the baking sector relies heavily on diesel fuel both to power heavy bakery equipment and to transport finished goods to retail outlets nationwide, making fuel price surges particularly damaging to the supply chain.

Adding to the sector’s grievances, Isaac Njoroge of Jonisa Bakers Limited, a member of the association, highlighted the industry’s deep reliance on global markets. He explained that roughly 80 percent of all raw materials used in commercial bread production in Uganda are imported, leaving local bakers highly exposed to international supply chain disruptions and foreign exchange volatility. He pointed out that the strength of the US dollar against the local currency has drastically increased the cost of importing essential inputs like wheat flour and baking additives.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing prices downward as soon as global wheat prices stabilize, exchange rates calm, and local fuel costs subside. In the interim, the bakers continue to petition relevant government ministries to consider targeted tax relief or policy interventions on key agricultural inputs and energy to protect both local manufacturing and consumer purchasing power.

Airport concession: Babalakin applauds Tinubu for resolving 19-year dispute

President Bola Tinubu has received commendation from the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr Wale Babalakin, following the recent settlement agreement resolving the more than 18-year impasse surrounding Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), which he described as a victory for Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing ceremony involving the Federal Government, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited, Dr Babalakin commended the president for his intervention through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN.

‘This is not a win for us alone; it is a win for Nigerians,’ he said, expressing appreciation to the president, the minister and Nigerians, who have followed the dispute over the years.

He noted that the resolution sends a positive signal to investors that longstanding disputes between government and private enterprises can be resolved through dialogue and constructive engagement. Prolonged uncertainty, he observed, can discourage long-term investment, making the settlement an important step towards strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s investment environment.

The agreement also creates an opportunity to advance key development projects at MMA2, particularly the Hotel and Conference Center, and the commencement of regional flight operations.

Completing the Hotel and Conference Centre will enhance the airport environment and provide accommodation and conference facilities for business travelers, corporate organisations and other airport users. The project also has the potential to generate employment across construction, engineering, hospitality, facility management and related services.

The commencement of regional operations, alongside the planned apron expansion, would create opportunities for skilled employment and commercial growth.

The settlement also addresses outstanding issues arising from the parties’ longstanding commercial relationship, including matters relating to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), which remained under FAAN’s control and operation. The agreement incorporates reciprocal concessions and revised obligations, providing a framework for the parties to move forward.

Acknowledging the responsibility to translate the resolution into tangible results, the Chairman assured stakeholders that Bi-Courtney would fulfil its obligations under the agreement and work constructively with the relevant parties.

‘We will not disappoint the President, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, FAAN or Nigerians,’ he assured.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for facilitating the resolution, emphasising that the agreement marks an opportunity for renewed cooperation, infrastructure delivery and the realisation of MMA2’s full potential.

Air Peace: 12 years after

When Air Peace commenced operations in 2014, the airline entered a highly demanding market characterised by high operating costs, foreign exchange volatility, inadequate aviation infrastructure, expensive aircraft maintenance and the persistent challenge of keeping an airline commercially viable in Nigeria.

Twelve years after its entry into Nigeria’s aviation industry, Air Peace has evolved from a modest domestic airline into one of the most prominent players in the country’s air transport sector. Its journey reflects the possibilities of indigenous enterprise, the challenges of sustained growth and the importance of private investment in developing Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Before it came on board, many had different opinions about the viability of indigenous carriers. However, Air Peace has demonstrated that an indigenous airline can survive beyond the decade-long threshold that some industry observers consider difficult to cross in Nigeria’s challenging operating environment. Many airlines that previously operated in the country were unable to sustain their businesses over the long term.

With Air Peace, that jinx has been broken, as the carrier has continued its operations and expansion beyond the first decade, which many had considered a critical survival threshold. Such longevity represents a significant milestone, although its long-term success will ultimately depend on its ability to sustain growth, operational efficiency and financial stability.

Over the years, the airline has expanded its fleet, increased its domestic network and introduced services linking Nigeria with selected destinations across Africa and beyond. As of today, Air Peace operates international services from Nigeria to several African countries, including Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Togo and Cameroon. Beyond Africa, Air Peace has equally made inroads into other markets, including the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, India, Antigua and Barbuda, and Barbados, among others.

Its development has strengthened the visibility of Nigerian-owned airlines in a sector where international carriers have traditionally maintained a significant presence.

For many Nigerians, Air Peace has become a familiar name in domestic air travel. Its growth has increased the scale at which a privately owned Nigerian airline can participate in passenger transportation and contribute to the development of the country’s aviation ecosystem.

Its story, therefore, deserves to be examined beyond the immediate controversies that sometimes surround airline operations. It is a story of business growth, national enterprise, employment generation and the responsibility that comes with becoming a major operator in a strategic sector of the economy.

However, 12 years after its establishment, the question is no longer simply whether Air Peace has grown. The more important question is whether its operational systems can consistently match the scale of the business it has built.

One of the principal concerns surrounding Air Peace is the recurring issue of flight delays and cancellations. These disruptions have generated passenger complaints and raised questions about schedule reliability, communication and the management of operational challenges.

These operational interdependencies can become particularly challenging when an airline operates a large number of daily flights across a wide geographical area. A delay affecting one flight can disrupt subsequent services scheduled to be operated by the same aircraft. Crew duty limitations, maintenance requirements, adverse weather and airport-related constraints can further complicate efforts to restore schedules.

Beyond its operational footprint, Air Peace’s contribution to employment generation deserves attention. The airline’s growth has created opportunities for Nigerians in different professional and technical fields, including pilots, cabin crew, aircraft engineers, operations personnel, customer-service representatives, administrative staff and other support functions.

Equally significant is the principle of inclusion in employment. The airline’s founder/Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema, has been publicly associated with a philosophy of national integration that emphasises bringing Nigerians from different ethnic and regional backgrounds into a common enterprise. Such an approach deserves recognition where it is reflected in employment practices and professional opportunities across the country.

Its next milestone should not be measured solely by the number of aircraft it operates, the destinations it serves or the volume of passengers it carries. It should also be measured by the confidence passengers have in its schedules, the professionalism of its workforce, the quality of its customer service and its capacity to deliver consistently on its promises.

The real test of Air Peace’s next chapter is whether it can convert its impressive growth into sustained operational excellence. If it succeeds, the airline will not only consolidate its position as a leading indigenous carrier but also strengthen the case for Nigerian enterprise as a viable force in a challenging global industry.

Twelve years after its establishment, Air Peace has moved beyond the question of whether an indigenous airline can survive in Nigeria. The more consequential question now is how effectively it can sustain its growth, improve its operational performance and fulfil the expectations that accompany its position as one of the country’s largest airlines.

Red alert up anew over Visayas grid

Visayan consumers may face brownouts on Thursday as the grid operator has again issued a red alert for the Visayas grid due to persistently tight energy supply from outages at some coal plants and limited imports from Mindanao.

In an advisory, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said the red alert would be in effect from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A yellow alert would also be up over the grid from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

As of 8 a.m., the available capacity was 2,408 megawatts (MW), while the peak capacity was 2,555 MW.

A yellow alert indicates that available power reserves are thinning, meaning any unexpected plant outage could trigger service interruptions. A red alert indicates that the supply cannot meet the demand, raising the risk of rotational brownouts unless we manage consumption effectively

CEOs Network Africa opens nominations for 2026 awards gala night

A pan-African leadership and networking platform CEOs Network Africa (CNA) has opened nominations for the 2026 CEOs Network Africa Awards and Gala Night.

The event is scheduled for 6 December 2026 at the Banquet Hall Presidential Villa State House Aso Rock Abuja in partnership with the SSA to the President on Arts Culture and Creative Economy.

Held under the theme ‘The Refiners of the Future’ the 2026 edition will bring together distinguished entrepreneurs business leaders investors policymakers innovators creatives and emerging changemakers shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s future.

The theme recognises individuals who refine systems advance ideas transform industries and create opportunities that will shape Africa’s next chapter of growth.

Speaking on the theme Alli-Bob Cinwon Founder of CEOs Network Africa said: ‘The future is shaped by those willing to refine what exists reimagine what is possible and create what comes next.

‘The Refiners of the Future are building stronger institutions creating opportunities challenging conventional thinking and turning ambition into meaningful progress.’

The event is being held in partnership with the SSA to the President on Arts Culture and Creative Economy as part of a broader effort to strengthen engagement between young entrepreneurs the private sector and government.

Speaking on the partnership Ayomide Adeagbo the SSA to the President on Arts Culture and Creative Economy the Host and Headline Partner said: ‘Across Nigeria and Africa a new generation of leaders is redefining progress.

‘They are transforming industries creating opportunities influencing culture and opening doors for others. This year we are bringing these voices together to recognise the work shaping what comes next.’

The 2026 CEOs Network Africa Awards will recognise outstanding contributions across a wide range of sectors including business finance technology and innovation agriculture real estate creativity media governance social impact education sports and other areas contributing to Africa’s development.

The Awards Committee will be chaired by Ms. Pearl Ohanele. Commenting on the significance of the awards the committee chair said: ‘The Refiners of the Future are those with the courage to improve what exists while imagining what does not yet exist. Recognising them is about drawing attention to the ideas and actions shaping the future we want to build.’

The 2026 CEOs Network Africa Awards and Gala Night will be an evening of recognition connection and high-level conversation bringing together influential voices from government business investment civil society and the creative and technology ecosystems.

FG approves King Amachree Airport, sets 11 conditions

The Federal Government has approved the development of the proposed King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, subject to the fulfilment of 11 conditions set by the aviation regulatory authorities.

The approval was conveyed in a letter signed by Engr. P. T. Vembe, Director of the Aerodrome Development Department of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on behalf of the minister. It was addressed to Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, Executive Director of Royal Fouche Services Limited, the company that sought the approval.

The letter, with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.101/C.1/1/88 and dated October 26, 2026, followed an earlier application dated June 25, 2026, with reference number RF/MOA/NG/001, as well as a site inspection and assessment conducted by the Ministerial Technical Team from September 2 to 4, 2026.

The approval letter read: ‘I am directed to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister for the development of the proposed King Amachree Airport at Elem Ifoko, Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State, at the geographical coordinates of Latitude 4°23’21.7″ N and Longitude 7°00’52.2″E.’

It added: ‘This approval is subject to the fulfilment of the following requirements,’ beginning with the ‘preparation and submission of a comprehensive Airport Master Plan detailing the proposed development, phasing, facilities and associated infrastructure.’

The ministry also requested ‘a detailed engineering assessment of the canal traversing the proposed airport site to determine the most suitable solution, whether through diversion or realignment of the canal, or the construction of an appropriate bridge or other suitable crossing structure.’

Another condition requires ‘detailed hydrological, hydraulic and drainage studies to assess and address flooding risks, tidal influences, seasonal water movements and stormwater management requirements at the proposed airport site.’

The developer is also required to conduct a ‘comprehensive geotechnical investigation to assess the site’s subsurface conditions, soil-bearing capacity, groundwater characteristics and overall suitability for the proposed aerodrome infrastructure.’

The ministry further stipulated the provision of a ‘suitable, reliable, all-weather road access to the proposed airport to support construction, airport operations, emergency response and passenger and cargo movement.’

Other conditions include strict compliance with all applicable Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) requirements and environmental laws, including conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as well as paying all applicable statutory fees.

The developer must also provide a detailed topographical and obstacle survey referenced to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84), alongside a formal wind rose analysis and meteorological assessment conducted in consultation with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

In response to the approval, Princewill assured the aviation authorities that Royal Fouche Services Limited would strictly adhere to due process.

He said: ‘We are making remarkable progress even by the best standards and I’m not at all surprised when you look at all of the people involved. From the President to the Minister to the NCAA all the way to the Amanyanabo of the Source, Amanyanabus of Ifoko, Fouchee and Elem Ifoko and the Royal Fouchee team we have assembled.

‘To us a day is 24 hours of opportunity for us to make a difference and we assure the Kalabari people that we will make them proud,’ he said.

Princewill further pledged that the pace of work would not come at the expense of regulatory compliance.

‘Speed however, will not be an excuse for circumventing process. We will carry every stakeholder along and make sure all reasonable voices are heard. The airport is just the tip of the iceberg. Our plans are far bigger than a single project.’