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NCAA, NAMA clash over review of ticket charge sharing formula

A fierce debate over the allocation of Nigeria’s aviation revenue took centre stage at the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation on Thursday as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) presented opposing arguments on the proposed review of the sharing formula for the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC).

The public hearing, convened by the National Assembly, focused on proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Act that could significantly alter the distribution of the statutory charges collected from airline ticket and cargo sales among aviation agencies.

While the NCAA urged lawmakers to retain and even increase its share of the fund to strengthen safety oversight, NAMA argued that its growing operational responsibilities and ageing infrastructure justify a larger allocation from the existing pool.

Daily Trust reports that the industry has been sharply divided since the National Assembly commenced a move to amend the Act.

Under the existing legislation, the NCAA collects five per cent TSC and shares among aviation agencies.

Under the extant sharing formula, the NCAA retains 56%; NAMA takes 22%; the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) gets 9%, NCAT receives 7% while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) gets 6 %.

But the proposal before the National Assembly seeks to slash the NCAA’s share to 40 per cent while NAMA’s 22% is jerked up to 40 per cent.

NCAA demands restoration of 65% of ticket sales

At the public hearing organised by the House of Representatives yesterday, the NCAA demanded the restoration of its original 65 percent share of the 5 percent ticket sales charge (TSC) and cargo sales charge (CSC).

Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, warned that reducing the agency’s allocation would weaken Nigeria’s aviation safety oversight and place the country at odds with international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Najomo stressed that the NCAA, as the nation’s independent aviation regulator, is responsible for certifying, inspecting and supervising airlines, airports, maintenance organisations, training schools, aviation personnel and the country’s air navigation service provider, NAMA.

According to him, unlike other aviation agencies, the NCAA does not generate significant commercial income because it performs sovereign regulatory functions aimed at ensuring public safety.

He disclosed that the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge accounts for about 83 per cent of the Authority’s funding, while all other regulatory fees contribute only 17 per cent.

‘The NCAA is Nigeria’s State Safety Oversight Authority. Our responsibility is to regulate every aviation service provider in the country in accordance with national laws and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices,’ he said.

Najomo further revealed that Nigeria recently achieved an Effective Implementation score of 91.3 per cent during ICAO’s Coordinated Validation Mission, but recorded its weakest performance-just 50 per cent-in the area of financial resources available to support safety oversight.

He argued that cutting the NCAA’s funding would worsen the very deficiency identified by ICAO and undermine Nigeria’s ability to maintain global aviation safety standards.

The Director-General also cited increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified aviation inspectors due to inadequate funding and poor remuneration, warning that safety oversight could be compromised if the Authority’s financial base is weakened.

He maintained that international best practice requires air navigation service providers such as NAMA to recover most of their operating costs through user charges paid by aircraft operators rather than passenger ticket charges.

According to him, NAMA already has about 16 statutory commercial revenue streams, including en-route navigation charges, terminal navigation charges, calibration fees, consultancy services and telecommunications services.

Others are over-flight and en-route international charges, domestic en-route charges, charges on Class B message charges, terminal navigation charges, sales of aeronautical information, among others.

He noted that these sources account for approximately 75 per cent of NAMA’s total revenue, while the Ticket Sales Charge contributes only about 25 per cent.

NAMA seeks 56%

However, Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, presented a contrasting position, insisting that the current allocation no longer reflects the agency’s enormous operational responsibilities.

He explained that NAMA currently receives only 22 per cent of the statutory five per cent charge, translating to just N11 from every N50 generated through the levy on a N1,000 ticket or cargo sale.

Under the proposed amendment, the agency is seeking an increase to 56 per cent of the existing pool, insisting that the proposal would not raise ticket prices but merely redistribute the current revenue.

Umar said the agency’s operational costs have risen significantly over the years while navigation charges have remained largely unchanged since 2008 despite inflation, exchange rate volatility and increasing costs of maintaining modern air navigation systems.

He noted that NAMA is responsible for air traffic control, surveillance systems, navigation aids, communication infrastructure, aeronautical information services and continuous maintenance of safety-critical facilities across the country.

According to him, the agency also faces the urgent challenge of replacing ageing radar infrastructure under the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) programme and investing in digital airspace management technologies.

The NAMA boss further sought legislative backing for the agency to receive 90 per cent of fees generated from obstacle evaluation and WGS-84 aeronautical surveys, arguing that while the NCAA issues Aviation Height Clearance Certificates, NAMA undertakes the specialised technical assessments that determine whether proposed structures constitute hazards to aircraft operations.

He assured lawmakers that NAMA supports strict accountability measures, including automated revenue collection, quarterly financial disclosures, annual independent audits and transparent procurement processes.

Umar also called for harmonisation of conflicting provisions in the Civil Aviation Act and the NAMA Act regarding the agency’s statutory share of the Ticket Sales Charge.

Ojikutu seeks rational review

Retired Group Captain John Ojikutu in his presentation called for a comprehensive review of the formula.

Ojikutu, a respected aviation security expert and industry analyst, argued that the existing revenue-sharing arrangement among the NCAA, NAMA, NCAT, NSIB and NiMet lacks a rational basis and requires urgent reassessment.

According to him, the allocation of the 5 per cent charges collected from commercial aviation operators should be guided by objective operational realities rather than a fixed percentage formula that does not adequately reflect the responsibilities and resource demands of each agency.

Ojikutu said a more equitable approach should consider key factors such as the number of aeronautical personnel employed by each organisation, the volume and sophistication of equipment deployed, the number of operational locations across the country, hours of operation and other relevant service obligations.

He explained that the charges paid by non-aeronautical operators are designed to support the continuous provision of essential aeronautical safety services required for the smooth operation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

‘These services are not optional. They are mandatory requirements under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations and are also part of Nigeria’s obligations to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for both domestic and international air transportation,’ he noted.

Fed Govt to fix 82km Osogbo/Iwo/Ibadan, 88km Osogbo/Gbongan roads

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday launched the concrete building of 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road and reconstruction of 88-kilometre Osogbo-Gbongan Road.

He described the projects as strategic investments aimed at improving connectivity, boosting economic activities and restoring confidence in public infrastructure.

The President, represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, performed the ceremony at Aje International Market, Osogbo.

He said the projects were part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

Tinubu said the commencement of the projects signified more than the start of road construction, stressing that it represented a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to connect communities, unlock economic opportunities and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.

‘Today, we are not just turning soil, we are turning a page. Flagging off these road projects marks a clear commitment to connect our people, unlock opportunities and restore confidence in public infrastructure,’ he said.

According to him, the roads are critical components of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme designed to enhance connectivity, improve road safety and stimulate socio-economic activities across Osun and Oyo states.

He noted that the roads would enable farmers to transport produce faster, improve access to schools and facilitate movement of people and goods along the corridor.

President Tinubu said the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road, which begins at the Dele Yes Sir Roundabout in Osogbo and passes through Ara, Awo, Ede, Telemu, Iwo, Laagun before terminating in Ibadan, has deteriorated over the years.

He said the project, awarded to Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited at a cost of N114.85 billion, would be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology and completed within 24 months.

Tinubu also announced that the reconstruction of the 44-kilometre dual carriageway between Osogbo and Gbongan, covering a total of 88 kilometres, had been awarded to Trucrete Solutions Limited for N101.81 billion with a completion period of 24 months.

He said the project would involve upgrading the failed single carriageway sections to dual carriageways on rigid concrete pavement, reconstructing already dualised but deteriorated sections, and providing modern road infrastructure.

According to him, the projects will have drainage systems, reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered street lights, CCTV surveillance cameras, tree planting, lay-bys and other safety features.

Tinubu said the projects were approved by the Federal Executive Council to ease the burden on motorists and improve the economic fortunes of communities along the corridors.

He directed the contractors to mobilise fully to their project sites, warning that delays would not be tolerated.

The President said his administration was simultaneously executing major highway projects across the country, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road, the Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin Road, sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Sahara Trade Route.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would enforce quality standards, transparency and value for money in the execution of all infrastructure projects.

‘Every naira must count, every milestone must be met and every community must feel the benefit,’ he said.

Tinubu urged the contractors to see themselves as development partners by delivering quality jobs on schedule and engaging youths in their operations to build local capacity.

He expressed confidence that the projects would be completed successfully and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic transformation.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, Prof David Umahi, in his address, said the Federal Government was making significant progress on road infrastructure projects across the country, citing ongoing rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Highway by CBC Global and the dualisation of the Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin Road by Hitech Construction Company.

He noted that both projects were being executed with rigid concrete pavement technology and had reached various stages of completion, reflecting the administration’s commitment to delivering durable road infrastructure.

Umahi also highlighted steady progress on other flagship highway projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, where the Lagos section has been substantially completed, while work on the Ogun, Akwa Ibom and Cross River sections is advancing at different levels.

He said construction on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway was progressing across several sections, with additional segments being accelerated, while work had also commenced on the Trans-Sahara Trade Route linking Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, with engineering designs underway for other portions.

The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would maintain strict standards of quality, transparency and accountability in the execution of all road projects, stressing that contractors must deliver value for money and complete projects within schedule.

He urged contractors, engineers and government partners at all levels to work collaboratively and involve young Nigerians in project execution, expressing confidence that the ongoing investments would strengthen public trust, improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the country.

Adeleke urges massive turnout

Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday tasked the electorate to come out en masse to participate in the governorship election without fear.

Adeleke made the call while inaugurating the newly constructed Oke-Fia Flyover in Osogbo, the state capital.

According to him, ‘voting remains the most powerful tool for sustaining democracy. Eligible voters should exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and ensure that their votes count.’

Adeleke expressed appreciation to the people of Osun State for their continued support since he assumed office, assuring them that his administration would deliver more developmental projects and people-oriented programmes if re-elected for another term.

‘I thank the good people of Osun State for standing by this administration. Your support has encouraged us to deliver projects that are transforming our state. I urge you to come out in large numbers on election day and exercise your franchise. If given another opportunity, we will do even more for our people,’ the governor said.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, represented by the Asiwaju of Osogboland, Hon. Justice Moshud Adeigbe (Rtd), commended the governor for what he described as the remarkable transformation of Osogbo.

The monarch’s representative said the Oke-Fia Flyover had become another landmark infrastructure that would improve traffic flow and enhance the aesthetic appeal of Osogbo, adding that residents of the ancient town were grateful for the development.

‘We appreciate Governor Adeleke for this magnificent edifice. Osogbo has witnessed significant infrastructural development under this administration, and this project is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of the people,’ he said.

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, also addressed the gathering, urging residents to participate actively in the election by casting their votes peacefully.

‘I want everyone to come out en masse and vote for the candidate of your choice. Stay back and protect your vote, but do so peacefully. Don’t fight anybody. Let your vote speak for you,’ the music star said.

Sri Lanka hit by injuries ahead of Indian Test series

Sri Lanka have been hit badly by injuries to two of their top batsmen ahead of the two-Test series against India, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis both being ruled out.

Nissanka, who underwent surgery in his wrist, is still not 100% fit to be considered for selection. It is learnt that he suffers from pain when he bats for long periods.

Due to his surgery, followed by rehabilitation, Nissanka missed out playing in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL). He is most likely to miss the first Test against India starting on 15 August at Galle.

The new selection committee’s policy is that any player coming back from injury has to prove his fitness by playing in a first-class match. In that aspect, Nissanka has no chance to prove his fitness and make himself available for selection.

The injury to Kusal Mendis is greater than what was expected. Mendis, who was Captain of Colombo Kaps in the LPL, was forced to retire hurt in the second match against Kandy Royals after facing just four balls.

Scans have revealed that he has a Grade 3C hamstring injury, which is going to take some time to heal, which rules him out of the two Tests against India.

In the absence of these two players, the national selectors will be looking to find replacements for them. Mendis keeps wickets in the Tests and bats lower down the order, while Nissanka opens the batting.

With Lahiru Udara having cemented his place as a Test opener, Nishan Madushka has been given an opportunity to come as replacement for Nissanka by being named in the 15-member squad to represent Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) XI in the three-day warm-up match against India starting at the NCC Ground today.

By naming Anjala Bandara as the wicket-keeper in the squad, the selectors are most probably looking at him as a replacement for Kusal Mendis. Both Udara and Madushka can also keep wickets but in a Test match, when they are opening the batting, it is highly unlikely they will be asked to take on that role. Bandara had a very good season with the bat for CCC, scoring a double century in piling up 551 runs (avg. 60.28) with 20 dismissals behind the stumps.

What the selectors are looking at in Test cricket is for a wicket-keeper/batsman and not a batsman/wicket-keeper, which Sri Lanka have in plenty at the moment due to the evolution of T20 cricket.

Fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando are also named in the SLC XI squad. Both players are returning to competitive cricket from injuries and they will need to prove their fitness in this game if they are to put themselves in contention for selection for the Test series.

There are also some interesting choices where the spin bowlers are concerned, with off-spinner Ramesh Mendis still being persisted with and two other uncapped spinners, Kesara Nuwantha (off-spin) and Dilum Sudeera (left-arm spin), being named in the squad.

Ramesh Mendis, who captains Moors SC in the Major League three-day, is renowned more as a batsman than a bowler. In the recently concluded season, he took only 13 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 73.38, while with the bat he accumulated 671 runs at an average of 61.79.

Nuwantha, who plays for Badureliya CC, has shown a lot of control, capturing 5/159 off 50.3 overs when India ‘A’ amassed 543 in the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka ‘A’ at Galle, while Sudeera has been a prolific wicket-taker in domestic cricket, ending last season at the top of the list with 61 wickets at an average of 25.11.

Sri Lanka are hard pressed to find a suitable bowling partner to their prime spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.

The performance of these players will come under the scrutiny of the national selectors over the next three days before they name the squad for the two Tests against India.

The SLC XI squad of 15 captained by Sonal Dinusha comprises:

Nishan Madushka, Ravindu Rashantha, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha (Captain), Anjala Bandara (wicket-keeper), Nipun Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asanka Manoj, Isitha Wijesundara, Ramesh Mendis, Kesara Nuwantha, Dilum Sudeera.

Why Abiodun is Ogun East’s best bet for the Senate

BACKED by a proven record of executive leadership, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s run for the Senate aligns with Ogun East’s push for stronger, result-driven representation at the centre. For the All Progressives Congress (APC), this ticket serves as a compelling strategy to consolidate the gains of the current administration. By putting forward tested executive leadership for the Ogun East Senatorial District, the party reinforces its commitment to high-impact representation while driving electoral success across the state. Ultimately, a win at the polls will create a powerful synergy between the state’s next administration and its voice in Abuja-ensuring Ogun East reaps maximum dividends from federal alignment. Having spent over six years laying a solid foundation for economic growth, industrial transformation, and infrastructure development, Governor Abiodun leaves behind both a strong track record for the party to leverage and a clear blueprint for his successor.

Transitioning to the Senate positions him to use that deep executive clout where it matters most: securing strategic federal backing for Ogun State. Governor Abiodun’s Senate bid is not an abstract political proposition; it is rooted in concrete, visible infrastructure that has redefined the socio-economic landscape of Ogun East. Over his tenure, the administration moved deliberately to unlock the economic potential of the district through transformative capital projects. Chief among these legacy achievements is the landmark Gateway International Airport located at Ilishan-Iperu. Conceived to transform the state into an international logistics and processing hub, the facility boasts a 4,000-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, serving as an immediate catalyst for economic expansion across the region. Beyond opening up Ogun East to global commerce, the surrounding Special Agro-Processing Zone and aviation village are attracting substantial private investment, creating thousands of jobs for local residents, and providing farmers with direct access to international export markets.

Complementing this mega-project is a comprehensive overhaul of the district’s transportation networks. The dualisation of the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway and the construction of the Ijebu Ode-Epe road corridor have restored key commercial links between Ogun East and Lagos State. By drastically reducing travel times, lowering logistics costs, and enhancing safety, these roads have turned once-congested border corridors into vibrant hubs of trade. Furthermore, targeted interventions in grassroots infrastructure-such as the expansion of affordable housing units in Prince Court Estates across Abeokuta, Sagamu and Ijebu Ode, alongside rural electrification and primary health centre upgrades-demonstrate a governance model that balances macroeconomic catalysts with direct community impact. By delivering on these high-stakes commitments, Abiodun has built the political credibility necessary to represent Ogun East at the national level. While the National Assembly is often dominated by procedural debates, effective lawmaking requires practical governance experience. Managing complex budgets, negotiating multi-stakeholder deals, and executing large-scale public works give former executives a distinct edge in legislative chambers.

Governor Abiodun brings this exact pragmatism to the Red Chamber. Former governors in the Senate possess a clear institutional advantage: they understand how federal ministries, departments, and agencies operate, and they know precisely how federal budgetary allocations translate into ground-level implementation. In a legislature where ranking influence and committee leadership dictate resource distribution, sending a former two-term governor ensures Ogun East does not start at the back of the queue. Abiodun’s background positions him to sponsor targeted bills that institutionalise regional economic zones, command budgetary leverage for local projects, and use direct access to executive ministries in Abuja to fast-track the takeover and rehabilitation of federal assets across the state. A recurring challenge for many senatorial districts across Nigeria is the friction-or total disconnect-between state government priorities and federal interventions. When a state’s senator operates in isolation from the governor’s office, the district suffers from duplicated efforts, stalled projects, and missed developmental opportunities.

Abiodun’s transition to the Senate addresses this gap entirely. Working alongside an incoming state administration that shares his developmental blueprint, he can act as an authoritative bridge between Abeokuta and Abuja. This alignment ensures that legislative interventions at the federal level directly support the state’s master plan for industrialisation. Whether negotiating federal grants for industrial clusters, pushing for federal concessions along commercial borders, or securing national backing for energy and power infrastructure, this strategic synergy ensures Ogun East negotiates within the federation from a position of unified strength.

Electoral transitions often bring policy drift, where critical projects started by one administration are abandoned or delayed by the next.

The APC’s strategy in fielding Governor Abiodun for the Senate guarantees continuity-safeguarding the investments made over the past several years while laying a sustainable path forward.

By stepping into the Senate, Abiodun provides a protective umbrella for ongoing state initiatives. His presence at the national level reassures private investors, international partners, and commercial development finance institutions that Ogun State’s economic policies remain stable, predictable, and supported at the highest levels of governance.

For the voters of Ogun East, this means the momentum built around industrialisation, job creation, and infrastructure expansion will not stall-it will accelerate.

Ultimately, the choice facing Ogun East is about maximising influence where national decisions are made.

A senatorial seat should not serve as a retirement posting or a platform for passive observation; it requires an occupant with the network, experience, and authority to deliver clear returns for their constituents.

Governor Dapo Abiodun’s candidacy represents a pragmatic choice to elevate Ogun East’s standing at the National Assembly.

By leveraging a proven record of legacy projects-from the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport to expansive road networks-his transition to the Senate ensures that the district secures maximum dividends from federal alignment.

It is a strategic move that turns past governance achievements into future national clout, positioning Ogun East at the centre of regional and national growth for years to come.

Looking beyond local politics, Ogun East stands at a critical juncture where regional economic potential must be matched by formidable national clout.

The district does not need a political novice who will spend years learning the corridors of power; it requires a leader with immediate access to top-tier federal networks and the strategic insight to convert national policy into local development. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s transition to the Senate is not merely a lateral career step, but a calculated move to position Ogun East at the primary decision-making tables in Abuja.

His track record proves that he views governance through a lens of return on investment-where every policy, road, and capital project must yield tangible economic value for the people.

For the All Progressives Congress and the broader electorate, this candidacy offers a seamless bridge between past performance and future opportunities.

By pairing his executive experience with legislative power, Abiodun guarantees that the momentum built around industrialisation, agricultural expansion, and job creation will not falter.

His presence in the Red Chamber ensures that Ogun East will not only retain its standing as an industrial hub, but will also gain direct leverage during federal budget negotiations, statutory allocation reviews, and key committee assignments. In an environment where federal resource distribution is fiercely competitive, having a tested former governor in your corner is the ultimate competitive advantage.

Ultimately, a vote for Dapo Abiodun is an investment in stability, continuity, and maximum dividends from federal alignment. It elevates Ogun East from a participant in national discourse to a dominant voice shaping regional development across the South West.

By choosing a leader who has already delivered landmark projects like the Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport and key transit corridors, the district secures a representative who does not just make campaign promises, but executes them at scale. As Ogun East prepares for its next chapter, backing Abiodun ensures that the progress of today becomes the foundation for an even more prosperous tomorrow.

IG seeks judicial training partnership for police officers

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has proposed a partnership between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to provide specialised legal and judicial training for officers.

Disu made the proposal during a courtesy visit to the NJI in Abuja, Wednesday, where he was received by the Institute’s Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, and Secretary Olumo Abdulazeez.

According to a statement by police spokesperson CSP Ani Eniedu, Disu said the training would cover criminal justice administration, electronic evidence, cybercrime, digital forensics, human rights, prosecution advocacy and case management, alongside joint seminars and research initiatives.

Adejumo welcomed the proposal and commended Disu for establishing a police outpost at the Institute, calling for stronger collaboration to secure the facility.

Hanif Yusoof urges Sri Lanka to seize ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity from India’s rise

Sri Lanka must fundamentally rethink its economic relationship with India and position itself to benefit from the rapid expansion of one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, President’s Special Envoy for Foreign Investment Hanif Yusoof said yesterday, describing India’s rise as a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ that the country has yet to fully

appreciate.

Delivering a keynote address at the ‘India Calling’ forum, he said the global economic centre of gravity is shifting towards India, with countries around the world seeking closer trade and investment ties to gain access to its expanding consumer market.

‘The world is looking towards India,’ Yusoof said, pointing to recent trade agreements and deeper economic engagement pursued by countries including the UK, New Zealand, the EU, and nations across Asia and the Middle East.

‘They recognise where the economic centre of gravity is moving. India today is one of the world’s greatest economic growth stories,’ he added.

Yusoof opined that Sri Lanka enjoys a unique strategic advantage that few other countries possess. ‘For Sri Lanka, this is not an opportunity on the other side of the world. It is an opportunity on our doorstep,’ he said.

Calling for a significant shift in business thinking, he urged Sri Lankan companies to stop viewing India as an ‘intimidating’ market and instead treat it as a natural extension of their domestic market.

Recalling his own experience of expanding a logistics business into India despite widespread scepticism, Yusoof said many entrepreneurs underestimate the opportunities available across India’s diverse regional markets.

‘Everybody told me India was too big and intimidating. I didn’t listen,’ he said, noting that his company eventually became one of the five largest customs brokerage firms in India.

He stressed that success in India does not require conquering the entire market. ‘For many Sri Lankan companies, the first objective does not mean conquering India. It simply means succeeding in one Indian State, one city, or one consumer segment. That alone can transform the scale of our businesses,’ he explained.

He said Sri Lankan firms constrained by the country’s relatively small domestic market have access to a neighbouring economy of more than 1.4 billion consumers.

Similarly, Yusoof also urged Indian businesses to look beyond Sri Lanka’s market size and instead recognise its strategic location, modern ports, tourism potential, and connectivity to southern India.

He said Sri Lanka could serve as a regional manufacturing, logistics, and services platform for Indian companies seeking to access markets beyond India.

‘Look at Sri Lanka as a platform on which Indian businesses can manufacture, provide services, establish regional operations, and connect with markets beyond India,’ he said.

Although India is already among Sri Lanka’s largest investment partners, he pointed out that the country should be attracting a much larger share of India’s growing overseas investments.

Yusoof said India’s expanding middle class also presents enormous opportunities for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Noting that India is already Sri Lanka’s largest source market, he said millions more Indians are expected to travel overseas as disposable incomes continue to rise.

He questioned why Sri Lanka should not become the preferred weekend and short-haul destination for Indian travellers seeking beaches, wildlife, wellness, shopping, dining, weddings, and entertainment.

‘We do not need to duplicate India’s scale. We need to position ourselves intelligently,’ he said.

He also encouraged greater collaboration in education, culture, sports, and entrepreneurship, arguing that durable economic partnerships are ultimately built on strong people-to-people ties.

Yusoof said Sri Lanka should embrace India’s economic rise as an opportunity rather than a threat.

‘If we get this relationship right, India’s rise does not diminish Sri Lanka’s prospects. India’s rise accelerates Sri Lanka’s own future,’ he said.

Petrol tanker explodes at Abuja petrol station

A petrol-laden tanker exploded on Thursday night while discharging its contents at the AYM Shafa filling station in Garki Area III, Abuja, triggering a major fire that spread to nearby buildings.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred at the point where the tanker was dispensing petrol into the station’s storage tanks, engulfing the filling station in flames and causing panic among residents and motorists in the area.

The fire reportedly affected one of the buildings belonging to the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), located close to the filling station.

‘The tanker exploded while discharging petrol into the filling station. The fire spread very fast and has affected nearby buildings,’ a witness said.

Confirming the incident to Daily Trust last night, the Chief Superintendent of Fire with the FCT Fire Service, Ibrahim Muhammad Tauhid, said firefighters had been deployed to the scene to bring the situation under control.

‘Our men are on the ground fighting the fire. It is a serious incident, and some of the surrounding buildings have been affected,’ he said.

Tauhid also disclosed that a number of people were affected by the incident but said it was too early to confirm the number of casualties or the extent of injuries.

As of the time of filing this report, emergency responders were still battling to extinguish the fire.

Alas Pilipinas swept by Thailand in SEA V Cup Leg 2 opener

Alas Pilipinas Women got swept by first leg champion Thailand, 25-19, 25-17, 25-19, to open their SEA V Cup Leg 2 campaign on Friday night at Chiang Mai Stadium.

Alas couldn’t repeat its gallant stand from last week, when it pushed the Thais to their limits in a five-set match in Hanoi.

Thailand, the most successful volleyball country in the region, made quick work of the Philippines in a lopsided one-hour, 16-minute match.

Leg 1 MVP and Best Outside Spiker Sasipapron Janthawisut led the onslaught with 10 points from eight kills, one block and an ace.

The Philippines took a 12-10 lead in the third set on Alyssa Solomon’s back-to-back kills, but the hosts caught fire and put the match away.

Pimpichaya Kokram also scored 10 points. Chatchu-On Moksri had nine, while Thatdao Nuekjang and Ajcharaporn Kongyot added seven each.

Thailand swept all three games in Leg 1 and is looking to reclaim the Leg 2 crown after losing to Vietnam last year.

Alas has now dropped four straight games since losing its place on the podium after winning four consecutive bronze medals dating back to the 2024 edition.

Niña Ytang led Alas with eight points from six kills and two blocks. Solomon had six, while Erika Santos and Eya Laure added five each.

Bella Belen, the Philippines’ top scorer in the first leg, was held to two points.

Alas faces Vietnam on Saturday at 2 p.m. (Philippine time).

Vietnam, which brought a new lineup, was upset by Indonesia earlier, 25-20, 25-18, 22-25, 25-20, 15-9.

Zambales fishers bring subsidy, fish price concerns to DA chief

Fisherfolk from this province met with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday to discuss production subsidies for fishing communities affected by the southwest monsoon and other concerns facing the province’s fishing trade.

The dialogue, held at the Department of Agriculture (DA) central office in Quezon City, was attended by local fisherfolk associations from Zambales and members of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya)

Among the issues raised were the lack of production subsidies for municipal fishers, who have been unable to fish since June due to rough seas brought by the southwest monsoon or Habagat, and the delayed release of fuel subsidies amid successive oil price hikes.

Roselyn Regalado, president of the Subic-based Samahan ng Cabangaan 3 Fishermen’s Unity, said they personally brought the concerns to Laurel, citing the need for calamity assistance and fuel subsidies for affected fishers.

‘We came to the Department of Agriculture’s central office to personally raise with Secretary Laurel the concerns of small-scale fishers in Zambales,’ Regalado said, adding that while the DA has funds intended for calamity response, affected fishers have yet to receive assistance.

‘We know that the DA has funds allocated for calamity response, but until now, we have yet to feel their impact,’ Regalado said in Filipino.

The fisherfolk groups also sought the DA’s intervention to the alleged intrusion of commercial purse seine fishing vessels into municipal fishing grounds and what they described as the manipulation of prices by fish traders.

Pamalakaya said that prices of skipjack tuna (gulyasan) have dropped to around P70 per kilogram from its usual P200 per kilogram, which the group attributed to the entry of commercial fishing vessels from outside the province and the resulting oversupply of fish in local markets.

‘The DA should look into the widespread presence of commercial fishing vessels from outside Subic, which has further driven down the prices of fish caught by local fishers. This is compounded by systematic underpricing by traders at the fish port. Under this prevailing system at the fish landing site, small fishers are the ones who end up losing,’ Regalado said.

The group urged the DA and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to consider directly procuring fishery products from municipal fishers at reasonable prices and to address the role of middlemen in determining fish prices.

They also asked the DA to look into the impact of maritime restrictions imposed during military exercises, including the Balikatan drills, saying these had affected the livelihood of municipal fishers in parts of Zambales