At a ceremony held at the Government House, the governor presented contract award letters to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Gamji Nigeria Limited, the firms selected to execute the project.

The airport project, located in Zariagi area of Lokoja, is part of the administration’s broader strategy to stimulate economic growth, enhance transportation networks, and attract both local and foreign investment.

Speaking at the event, Ododo described the initiative as a strategic investment that will improve connectivity and position Kogi State as a hub for trade and commerce.

The development is expected to open up the state to greater business opportunities while strengthening its role in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

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According to statement released by Henry Agbebire, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, via the agency’s official X account, that, the suspects were apprehended today after a distress alert reported the presence of suspicious individuals behind the airport perimeter, close to the Eleyewo community in Akure.

The alert prompted an immediate response from security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits.

During the search operation, some individuals reportedly attempted to flee the area. However, four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team.

FAAN said the suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation and investigation.

The authority commended the swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including the Amotekun Corps and community vigilantes, whose combined efforts led to the successful arrest.

FAAN also noted that the incident underscores the need to strengthen security around airport perimeters across the country.

It added that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the installation of modern perimeter fencing and other security infrastructure at airports nationwide.

According to the agency, work on the project has already commenced in phases to ensure airports under FAAN’s management are better protected against unlawful access and other security threats.

FAAN reassured travellers and host communities of its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of airport facilities across Nigeria.

The post FAAN: Four Suspected Bandits Arrested Near Akure Airport appeared first on Business Today NG.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the directive on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja, and presided over by the President. Pls

According to Keyamo, the cashless policy — introduced to curb corruption and enhance transparency in revenue collection — instead led to severe congestion, particularly at the Lagos and Abuja airports.

“The idea behind introducing a cashless system was to eliminate corruption at the airports,” the minister said. “However, its implementation created significant gridlock, and Nigerians have suffered delays as a result.”

He explained that President Tinubu directed an immediate return to the previous payment arrangement pending improvements to the system.

“Mr President has directed that we suspend the current system because it is causing congestion. He said we should revert to the status quo while we perfect the platform properly,” Keyamo stated.

The President also instructed that the review of the electronic payment platform be carried out urgently, with greater private sector engagement to ensure a seamless process that does not disrupt passenger movement.

“The President said we should work with the private sector to develop a more efficient electronic system that can collect revenue without causing delays,” the minister added.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had commenced implementation of the cashless policy on March 1, barring cash payments at airport toll gates and requiring motorists to use prepaid access cards or electronic payment channels.

However, the rollout resulted in long queues at toll points, with some passengers reportedly missing flights due to extended waiting times.

Keyamo assured that consultations with FAAN and other stakeholders would continue to ensure a smoother and more efficient payment system going forward.

The post Tinubu Halts FAAN Cashless Toll System Amid Passenger Delays appeared first on Business Today NG.

The agreement was formalized by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Cameroon’s Transport Minister, Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibehe, and is designed to strengthen joint operations, communication, and coordination between the two countries’ Rescue Coordination Centres.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing safety, regional integration, and the protection of citizens’ lives.

The post Bilateral Deal: Nigeria, Cameroon Strengthen Aviation Safety with New Rescue Pact appeared first on Business Today NG.

The authority said the temporary congestion recorded at the access gates of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday, March 1, 2026, was largely due to last-minute card registrations by motorists despite prior notices and publicity ahead of the rollout.

FAAN expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining the process in line with the Federal Government’s cashless policy directive.

 FAAN on its x handle acknowledges the traffic build-up experienced at the access gates on sunday march 1st. 

The authority says despite the wide publicity, notices, and repeated announcements issued ahead of the commencement date, a significant number of motorists opted to register for their go cashless cards at the gates on sunday which created pressure on the toll lanes and resulted in temporary gridlock. 

FAAN remains deeply empathetic to the inconvenience experienced. 

To ease the situation the authority has deployed additional personnel to the access gates, increased registration points to fast-track first-time card issuance, and enhanced on-ground coordination to improve traffic flow.

 FAAN therefore appeals for patience, understanding, and cooperation of all motorists adding that they are working diligently to stabilise and streamline the process.

The post FAAN Acknowledges Delays, Promises Smoother Access Under New Cashless Regime appeared first on Business Today NG.

According to the agency, emergency response teams have largely contained the blaze, with coordinated firefighting, rescue, and safety operations preventing further spread and ensuring the protection of lives and critical infrastructure.

A total of six (6) casualties — comprising three males and three females — were recorded, all of whom are in stable condition. One affected individual has been transferred to the FAAN Headquarters Hospital for further medical evaluation and remains stable.

As an additional safety precaution, the sixth floor of the affected facility has been completely evacuated to support ongoing emergency operations and risk mitigation.

Preliminary findings from the Fire Service indicate that the fire originated from the server room on the first floor of Terminal 1. The fire within the departure hall is now largely under control, while responders continue close monitoring to prevent any spread to adjoining sections of the terminal.

In line with established safety protocols, the airspace remains temporarily closed. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is actively working to establish a temporary Control Tower to enable the safe and timely restoration of airport operations as soon as practicable.

FAAN confirms that all emergency procedures were promptly activated and continues to collaborate with relevant emergency and support agencies to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and operational integrity.

Further verified updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.

The post MMIA Fire Update: All Trapped Victims Rescued as MMIA Terminal 1 Fire Contained appeared first on Business Today NG.

FAAN has also mobilized additional support from the Lagos State Government, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and other emergency response agencies to reinforce containment efforts.

Authorities have confirmed that no casualties have been recorded at this time. Passengers and members of the public are strongly advised to avoid the affected area until further notice.

FAAN assured that verified updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The post Fire Breaks Out at Terminal 1 of MMIA Lagos appeared first on Business Today NG.

In a statement issued in Lagos by its Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, FAAN said the move aligns with Federal Government directives mandating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue physical cash collections.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the transition to a fully cashless system is aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, revenue assurance, and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s airports.

She clarified that payment gateway provider Paystack will only process transactions, while all funds will go directly into designated Federal Government accounts.

Kuku explained that the policy is in line with a Treasury Circular issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of broader public finance reforms. According to her, the initiative will reduce revenue leakages, improve transaction traceability, and enhance service delivery across airport facilities.

Aviation unions — NUATE, ATSSSAN and ANAP — had earlier sought clarification on the policy during a meeting with FAAN management. At the end of the engagement, union leaders expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided and pledged support for the seamless implementation of the cashless system nationwide.

The post FAAN Implements Nationwide Cashless Payments Across All Airports from Feb. 28 appeared first on Business Today NG.

The management described the media report as misleading and sensational, emphasizing that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Brazil signals intent for future cooperation—not an immediate flight launch.

Speaking on Friday in Lagos, the airline dismissed the report as deceptive, malicious, and misleading, noting that it falsely accused both Air Peace and the current administration over the proposed Lagos–São Paulo direct route.

Air Peace described claims of a “scam” as false, sensational, and dishonest, stressing that at no time did the airline or the Federal Government of Nigeria defraud Nigerians in Brazil or elsewhere in relation to the route.

According to the airline, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is not equivalent to a flight launch. Rather, it is a statement of intent between governments to strengthen bilateral cooperation. An MoU does not involve ticket sales, flight schedules, or a guarantee of immediate commencement of operations.

“In aviation practice, several mandatory processes must be completed after an MoU before any flight can operate,” the airline explained. “No Nigerian was stranded by Air Peace. No tickets were sold, no booking platform was opened, and no flight date was announced. It is therefore illogical to claim that passengers were stranded by a flight that was never placed on sale. What occurred was self-imposed expectation, not deception.”

Air Peace further stated that international long-haul operations require multiple regulatory and operational approvals that cannot be accelerated by publicity or political goodwill. These include implementation frameworks under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), approval from Brazil’s civil aviation authority (ANAC), slot allocations at São Paulo airports, safety, insurance and ETOPS certifications, as well as aircraft deployment planning and route economics.

Addressing concerns about capacity, the airline confirmed that it has the necessary equipment to operate the route. Air Peace currently has four Boeing 777-200/300 aircraft in its fleet, with two deployed on the London Heathrow and London Gatwick routes, while the remaining two are on standby for other long-haul destinations, including São Paulo, pending completion of all regulatory and commercial processes.

“Until these requirements are fully met, no responsible airline would announce ticket sales or commence operations,” the airline stated.

Air Peace also clarified that no commencement date has been fixed and described claims blaming the airline for the high cost of connecting international flights as baseless.

The airline therefore regarded the report as a deliberate act of blackmail against both Air Peace and the Federal Government of Nigeria. It emphasized that no flight was sold, no Nigerian was abandoned, no scam occurred, and that an MoU is not a boarding pass.

Air Peace reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism, adding that the Lagos–São Paulo route would be formally announced once all regulatory and commercial conditions are fully satisfied.

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