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A high-level meeting convened by the Federal Government to address the rising cost and supply challenges of Jet A1 fuel has ended without a resolution. The closed-door session, hosted by the Ministries of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Petroleum Resources, alongside oil marketers and the Airline Operators of Nigeria, lasted over two hours. The Minister of Aviation described the talks as frank and necessary, noting that they were aimed at tackling persistent concerns over the pricing and availability of aviation fuel. Despite extensive deliberations, the meeting did not yield an immediate outcome. The Minister said further engagements with key stakeholders would continue within the next 48 to 72 hours in a bid to find a lasting solution. He acknowledged the mounting pressure on airlines, warning that sustaining operations at current Jet A1 prices could lead to higher airfares for passengers. As part of interim measures, the Federal Government announced a 30 per cent discount on debts owed by airlines to aviation agencies, following approval by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking for the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Allen Onyema attributed the surge in aviation fuel costs to global oil market tensions, particularly involving the United States and Iran, as well as ongoing supply constraints faced by operators.

President Bola Tinubu welcomes Nigeria’s impressive 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The ICAO is a United Nations agency that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation. It fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. Through the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), ICAO assesses countries to ensure they manage safety risks effectively, ensuring that no country is left behind and directly influencing international confidence in that nation’s airspace. Nigeria, as an ICAO member state, is obligated to comply with applicable international standards and to establish and implement these safety-critical oversight elements. Since the inception of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme in 1999, Nigeria has undergone four USOAP safety audits conducted by ICAO auditors, with results measured through Effective Implementation (E.I.) scores. During a recent debriefing by the ICAO audit team at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the lead auditor announced that Nigeria had recorded an impressive 91.45% Effective Implementation (EI) score – the highest ever for Nigeria. The regional average of West Africa is 61.1%, and the global average is 70.4%. Nigeria is thus well positioned above the regional and global ratings, which, in turn, significantly boost investor confidence and strengthen international aviation credibility. Upon the assumption of office, President Tinubu redefined the priority areas of his administration to include enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, and to establish the air transport sector as a major driver for economic prosperity by building a safe, secured and efficient aviation industry focused on making Nigeria a hub that meets international standards and best practices beyond even the African continent. To align with this priority area, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, outlined a five-point agenda to grow the Nigerian aviation value chain. Importantly, the first point on that agenda is to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and the continuous upward movement of Nigeria’s ICAO rating. The President commends the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for the feat, stating that the rating affirms the nation’s aviation safety standards and makes it a more attractive destination for investment in aviation infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and airline operations. President Tinubu urges the Ministry not to relent but to review and implement every recommendation that the ICAO auditors made during this mission to ensure that Nigeria not only maintains, but goes even further on the rating.

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Rector/Chief Executive, Dr. Danjuma Ismaila, received on behalf of NCAT the 6th consecutive year ICAO Platinum Level Status in aviation capacity training. The award was presented at the ongoing ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) holding in Morocco. The GISS is an ICAO flagship event which focuses on helping countries implement aviation standards and policies. It also brings together regulators, industry, and service providers to enhance industry capacity building and offer technical assistance where needed among ICAO member states. Another key goal is to close gaps in aviation safety, security, sustainability, and air navigation. This enables member states to continue to meet and maintain global requirements. NCAT has consistently occupied a frontline position among ICAO member states.

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, has graduated sixteen (16) participants of the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel Preparatory Licensing Course (ATSEP-57). The graduation ceremony was declared open by the Dean, School of Aeronautical Telecommunication Engineering (ATE), Engr. Edward Yor, who congratulated the participants and commended them for their commitment, dedication, and perseverance throughout the training programme. Engr. Yor described the graduation as a testament to their hard work and urged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the College. The Course Coordinator, Mr. O.T. Chiwetalu, presented the course appraisal. In his remarks, he disclosed that the programme ran from 19th January 2026 to 10th April 2026, covering 52 modules. Participants also completed their On-the-Job Training (OJT) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). Of the sixteen graduates, two are staff members of NCAT. Mr. Chiwetalu expressed appreciation to the Management of NCAT for providing the necessary equipment and support that ensured the smooth conduct of the course. The Deputy Rector (Administration), Engr. John Ali, who represented the Rector at the event, formally declared the ATSEP-57 participants graduates of NCAT. He congratulated them on the milestone and charged them to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, upholding the standards of the aviation industry. The graduation ceremony was attended by the College Librarian, Dr. Mamman Salisu Jibia; the Dean, Student Affairs, Engr. (Mrs.) Mu’azu; Deputy Registrar (Academic), Mr. Imoh Effiong; Staff, Family and Friends.

Ibom Air has announced the appointment of Capt. Banjana Bailor as its new Director of Flight Operations. A statement by the group manager, Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette in Uyo on Tuesday, said Bailor brings over 40 years of aviation experience and more than 20,000 flying hours to his new role. According to the statement, he joins Ibom Air with “a distinguished career spanning line flying, flight crew training, and operational management. “His expertise includes airline operations, safety management systems, and pilot leadership, positioning him as a key asset in the airline’s continued pursuit of operational excellence.” Prior to his appointment, Bailor served in senior operational roles where he played a pivotal role in developing flight crew standards, enhancing safety culture, and implementing procedures aligned with global best practices. Commenting on the appointment, the CEO of Ibom Air Mr. George Uriesi,  said, “We are pleased to welcome Captain Banjana Bailor to the Ibom Air team. “His wealth of experience, technical competence and unwavering commitment to safety makes him the ideal fit to lead our flight operations as we continue to expand our network and uphold our reputation for scheduled reliability. We look forward to the impact he will bring to the team.” The statement added that Bailor holds an Airline Transport Pilot License and has extensive operational experience on a wide range of aircraft, including the BAC 1-11 turbojet, DC-9, Saab SF-340 turboprop, CL-65 (CRJ-200 to CRJ-900), and the Boeing 737 NG. He is also an FAA-licensed Airplane and Powerplant-rated Mechanic. He is an alumnus of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Technical College (NCAT), Zaria, and the Texas State Technical College, Waco, Texas, USA, where he earned an Associate degree in Applied Sciences with a major in Aircraft Maintenance Technology. “With this appointment, Ibom Air continues to strengthen its leadership team, reaffirming its commitment to be a world-class African Regional Airline”, the statement added.