Business

We’re Ready For Nigeria-Ghana Flight — United Nigeria Airlines

Published

11 months ago

November 9, 2025

United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), says it is fully prepared to commence its inaugural regional flight operations — a direct, non-stop service from Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, to Accra, Ghana — on Monday, November 10, 2025.

The chairman of UNA, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, after inspection disclosed this while briefing journalists after the preparatory tour of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, ahead of the scheduled inaugural flight.

It was gathered that UNA’s Flight NUA 0590 will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10:35 a.m., and arrive at the Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

The airline said the Accra flight underscores its vision of fostering stronger regional integration, enhancing trade and tourism and promoting cultural exchange across West Africa, marking UNA’s first international operation since the airline began commercial flights in February 2021.

The UNA chairman expressed satisfaction with the modalities on ground and assured Nigerians and all passengers of their safety and convenience using the airline, adding with announcement for the maiden flight to Ghana, other operators have slashed their fares by 50%.

“So far, I can see that the team is almost ready, the tools are here, the technology has been tested and it seems to be working, it’s working very well from my observation and also I’ve seen the synergy between all the teams that are integral part of this process.

“We know all the details from the profiling, from the checking, the boarding pass issues, the immigration, and then the final checking, and then getting to the ramp. It is good. I am happy that we’ve come to this stage so far, and this is exactly in line with the vision, the expansion programme of United Nigerian Airlines.

“We’ve just conducted a mock exercise today, but I also know that starting with Ghana itself, a regional flight is testing the map for us, because we’re preparing also to expand to other regional, intercontinental and eventually across within Africa, across the world, across the Atlantic, and then we told you what’s going on,” Okonkwo said.

He said the Nigeria- Ghana direct flight is not just about offering services but giving alternatives and options to Nigerians, noting that before UNA announcement, there was only one airline operating the route on a direct flight.

“By just mere announcing that United Nigerian Airlines will be starting, they’ve cut their fare by 50%. And I think that’s probably the only news Nigerians want to hear, of course. So, having Nigeria Airlines active, envisioning within the continent flights and international, can only be a great benefit to our travellers.

“It will also save capital flights because, apart from Air Peace that is surely doing us proud in those areas, it can only take us much. There is still a lot of room for other airlines to participate because, despite all that, there are a whole lot of other foreign airlines that do come in and go out of here with passenger full.

“We’re only assuring Nigerians that the standard they’re getting from Nigerian operators is nothing less. If anything, it should be more. In terms of safety, we are regulated three times more than any other regulatory agency in the world, I can tell you. Typically, for instance, our pilots and cabin crew are captains,” he said.

The former All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant for Anambra State said the aircraft going to Ghana was named after the country’s former president, Jerry Rawlings, to mark five years of his memorial.

“So we are flying into Ghana with an aircraft dedicated to his memory. And the family in Ghana are very excited. And they will be on ground to welcome us and offer the aircraft. So this is not just flying. This is uniting people, but in terms of diplomacy, relationship and economic development,”he said.

Okonkwo, disclosed that the airline has a lot of aircrafts on ground and within the next 10 days, it will be receiving additional two aircrafts to boost UNA services.

While lamenting the taxes in the Nigeria’s aviation sector the UNA chairman said: “it is huge. The passenger tax here in this airport is $100. In Ghana, it’s $60. I do not see the reason why ours is higher.

“Nigeria is probably one of the most taxed countries in aviation. Even beyond the passenger tax. There are so many deductions that you have to make on these tickets. And perhaps, these are still high-cost air tickets.”

He called on the federal government to look into the issues of taxes and other challenges affecting the aviation sector which is critical to the economic development of the country.

“The way out is for government to hear our cry and do something about it. It’s in their hands. This is just a matter of we remove this, we remove this, we reduce this. It must be done. And it must be done quickly. Because we don’t have any other support from the government.

“On top of that, government should support the private initiative. We want to access funding, not grant, not free, but a single window, which is available to so many sectors. This is a very critical sector. This is an enabler, it’s a catalyst. And it must have to be together.

“Without aviation services, we cannot achieve any economic development because logistics, movement of people is very critical. We are working on a trillion-dollar economy. This trillion-dollar economy must be flying on one aircraft or another. If people don’t fly, we cannot achieve it. So this must have to come from the backstage of the government interest to number one,” Okonkwo added.

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Business

Four Nigerians among Forbes Africa’s 15 icons for 2026, see full list

Published

51 minutes ago

October 12, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Four Nigerians, Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy, have been named among 15 personalities featured on Forbes Africa’s inaugural Icons list for 2026.

PUNCH Online on Saturday reported that the list, published in the magazine’s October-November anniversary edition, recognises individuals whose ideas, innovations and voices have influenced Africa’s past, present and future.

The selection marks the 15th anniversary of Forbes Africa, which said it chose personalities whose work had made a lasting impact beyond their industries and national borders.

The four Nigerians represent business, international economic leadership, media and music.

Dangote, president of Dangote Group, is recognised for his role in African industry and private enterprise.

Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization and a former Nigerian finance minister, represents Africa’s presence in international economic leadership.

Abudu, founder and chief executive of EbonyLife Group, is recognised for her contribution to African media and entertainment, while Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, represents the international reach of Nigerian music.

The other personalities on the list are South African businessman Adrian Gore, CAF president and businessman Patrice Motsepe, Zimbabwean entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Also featured are Nobel Prize-winning novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah, Ethiopian athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie, former Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba, South African businessman Johann Rupert, Kenyan-Mexican actor Lupita Nyong’o, South African comedian Trevor Noah and Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo.

The 15 personalities represent sectors including business, public service, literature, sport, music and entertainment.

According to Forbes Africa’s methodology, the selection was based on factors including global recognition, legacy, measurable economic, social or cultural influence, and contributions to Africa’s growth narrative over the years.

The magazine said its editorial team consulted established figures, experts and professionals in the respective industries to gather insights on the honourees’ impact and legacy.

The list is presented in no particular order, the release noted.

Full list of Forbes Africa Icons 2026

– Mo Abudu — Nigerian-British media entrepreneur and founder-chief executive of EbonyLife Group.

– Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — Nigerian economist and director-general of the World Trade Organization.

– Adrian Gore — South African businessman and founder-chief executive of Discovery Group.

– Patrice Motsepe — South African businessman and president of the Confederation of African Football.

– Strive Masiyiwa — Zimbabwean entrepreneur and founder and executive chairman of Econet Global and Cassava Technologies.

– Ellen Johnson Sirleaf — Former president of Liberia.

– Aliko Dangote — Nigerian industrialist and president of Dangote Group.

– Burna Boy — Nigerian singer and songwriter.

– Abdulrazak Gurnah — Zanzibar-born novelist and Nobel laureate in Literature.

– Haile Gebrselassie — Ethiopian athletics legend and businessman.

– Didier Drogba — Former Ivorian footballer.

– Johann Rupert — South African businessman and chairman of Compagnie Financière Richemont.

– Lupita Nyong’o — Kenyan-Mexican actor.

– Trevor Noah — South African comedian, writer, producer and former host of The Daily Show.

– Angélique Kidjo — Beninese musician and actor.

Forbes Africa said the list celebrates individuals whose contributions have helped shape the continent’s development and standing on the global stage.

Source: punchng.com

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Business

Lagos e-hailing drivers begin indefinite strike over fares

Published

2 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have begun an indefinite strike over concerns about fare structures, commissions, deductions and welfare.

The drivers, under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, announced the industrial action in a notice seen by PUNCH Metro on Saturday, saying it would commence on Monday and continue until further notice or satisfactory progress was made in addressing their grievances.

AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, said the strike followed persistent concerns over operational policies, drivers’ welfare, safety, security and the sustainability of their operations.

“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” the union said.

It added that the decision to embark on the strike was informed by the need to address challenges affecting drivers’ earnings and working conditions.

To cushion the impact of the industrial action, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to grant temporary relief from daily remittance obligations and related operational targets for the duration of the strike.

“During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise.

“We, therefore, appeal to fleet partners to refrain from imposing penalties, sanctions or adverse measures solely on the basis of a driver’s participation in the action, as drivers are not expected to operate during this period,” the notice read.

The union said its task force would be deployed across all local government areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the strike.

It warned that drivers found operating in violation of its directives could face sanctions under its internal disciplinary measures.

AUATON, however, urged fleet owners, managers and affected drivers to maintain open communication and resolve operational concerns through constructive engagement during the strike.

Highlighting the potential benefits of addressing its demands, the union said improved earnings, welfare and operating conditions could help boost driver retention, reduce turnover and improve commitment among drivers.

“Meaningful improvements in driver earnings, welfare and operating conditions may contribute to improved driver retention and reduced turnover, better driver commitment and engagement, more sustainable vehicle utilisation and reduced operational disputes between drivers and fleet partners,” it said.

The union added that better earnings could also improve vehicle maintenance and promote stability in the app-based transportation sector.

It stressed that its objective was not to disrupt businesses unnecessarily but to advocate better operating conditions for drivers and other stakeholders.

The notice was signed by the Lagos State Chairman of AUATON, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners for understanding and cooperation.

The union reiterated its commitment to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the issues prompting the industrial action.

Source: punchng.com

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Business

Tinubu reveals that World Bank report affirms reform gains

Published

3 hours ago

October 12, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday welcomed the World Bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update, saying its findings, including that the poverty rate has stabilised for the first time since 2019, confirm that his economic reforms are working.

In a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the October 2026 edition of the report, titled ‘Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Reshaped State Priorities,’ showed that the reforms were delivering results and putting the economy on a firmer footing for sustained growth.

He noted the bank’s expectation that poverty will decline gradually as gross domestic product grows faster than the population.

According to the report, the economy grew 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, up from 3.9 per cent in the first half of 2025, despite the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

The bank projected growth to average at least 4.4 per cent between 2026 and 2028.

On prices, it said inflation fell from 27.6 per cent in January 2025 to 15.2 per cent in December 2025.

Higher global fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict have since slowed the decline, but the bank said it expects inflation to ease to about 12 per cent by 2028.

The report also said the current account surplus rose to $12bn, or 7.0 per cent of GDP, in the first half of 2026, from $8.6bn a year earlier.

Gross external reserves increased from $45.5bn at the end of 2025 to $53.8bn at the end of August 2026.

The bank credited the reforms since 2023 with raising federation revenues by 69 per cent in real terms between 2023 and 2025, with states the largest beneficiaries.

It said states used the extra resources to increase capital spending by 151 per cent in real terms over the same period, most of it going to roads and other transport, agriculture, energy and housing.

Twenty-nine of 33 states shifted spending towards economic infrastructure, while real social spending per person rose in all but one state, the report said.

It also found that internally generated revenue grew in real terms in 31 of 35 states; 21 states reduced their debt-to-GDP ratio between 2021 and 2025; and Nigeria’s overall public debt is expected to fall from 40.0 per cent of GDP in 2025 to 38.1 per cent in 2026.

Tinubu said the findings confirmed that “the difficult but necessary decisions to remove the petrol subsidy, unify the foreign exchange market and strengthen fiscal discipline have raised revenues, stabilised the economy and created fiscal space for every tier of government to invest in its people.”

“The dividends of reform are becoming visible,” he said, adding, “But more work remains to ensure they fully translate into better living standards for every household, starting with lower food prices and decent jobs for our young people.”

He said his administration would “stay the course of reform and redouble its focus on inclusive growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Tinubu promised to keep expanding targeted cash transfers, which he said had already reached more than 10 million households.

He also pledged to accelerate the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas, raise agricultural productivity, and improve access to affordable healthcare and quality education “so that the prosperity being created is shared by all.

President Tinubu urged state governments to use their higher revenues “more prudently” and to prioritise projects that improve living standards and the health and education of residents.

He commended the Economic Management Team, led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, as well as state governors and other stakeholders, for their cooperation in implementing the reforms.

He said, “I assure Nigerians that the best is yet to come under the Renewed Hope Agenda 2.0, which will accelerate the delivery of shared prosperity for all Nigerians.

Source: punchng.com

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