Nigeria Extends Deadline for Private Jet Owners to Verify Import Duties Compliance

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the deadline for private jet owners to complete the mandatory verification process regarding unpaid import duties. Initially scheduled to conclude on October 14, 2024, the deadline has now been moved to November 14, 2024, allowing an additional month for compliance.

This extension was confirmed in a statement by Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The verification aims to recover unpaid import duties for private aircraft that were allegedly brought into the country illegally. Failure to comply could result in sanctions, including grounding of the aircraft.

It was previously reported that the government had plans to ground over 60 private jets due to the unpaid import duties, which amount to billions of naira. The NCS enforcement of these regulations was expected to begin on October 14, 2024. However, the new extension provides an opportunity for aircraft owners to regularize their payments and meet the legal requirements without facing immediate penalties.

In a press release, the NCS emphasized its commitment to promoting transparency in the aviation sector. The agency is actively working to recover outstanding duties and ensure that all aircraft operators comply with the law. The NCS statement reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform the general public, particularly operators of privately-owned aircraft, that the verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported private aircraft has been extended by one month, from Monday, 14th October 2024, to Thursday, 14th November 2024.”

The extension is aimed at providing a final window for jet owners who have expressed their willingness to regularize their import status. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, reiterated the importance of compliance and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of stakeholders. He also stressed that failure to meet the new deadline would lead to enforcement actions and possible penalties.

The NCS urges all private jet operators to take advantage of this extension to ensure they are in full compliance before the November 14 deadline.

TCN Clarifies Partial National Grid Collapse, Begins Power Restoration

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the national grid collapse on Monday, October 14, 2024, was only partial. The incident, which occurred around 6:48 PM, led to a significant power outage across the country, with zero load allocation reported to all eleven Electricity Distribution Companies.

The TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, explained that the Akwa Ibom Generating Station was “islanded” to continue supplying power to certain areas, preventing a total system collapse. Power was maintained through substations in Eket, Ekim, Uyo, and Itu. Mbah confirmed that system recovery efforts were underway and had already made significant progress.

Electricity distribution companies, including Enugu, Abuja, and Eko, also confirmed the grid collapse, but as of the time of the report, power had been restored in some parts of the country.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Exchange Rate Hits N1700 on October 15, 2024

On October 15, 2024, the dollar to naira exchange rate in the black market (also known as the parallel market) reached N1696 for buying and N1700 for selling, according to reports from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in Lagos.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains that it does not recognize the black market for foreign exchange transactions and encourages individuals to seek forex services through official banking channels.

Meanwhile, the official CBN exchange rate for the dollar stood at N1625 for buying and N1626 for selling.

In related news, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is preparing for discussions with Dangote Petroleum Refinery regarding petrol pricing. IPMAN anticipates a potential drop in petrol prices as competition within the downstream sector increases with marketers gaining direct access to lifting petrol from local refineries, including Dangote’s state-of-the-art facility.

FG Completes Upgrade of Maiduguri Airport, International Operations Set for January 2025

The Federal Government has successfully upgraded Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, with international operations scheduled to commence on January 1, 2025. This was confirmed in a statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, Director of Press for the Minister of Aviation.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, emphasized the strategic importance of the airport in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, as a commercial link to the Middle East. The upgrade is expected to boost the region’s economic potential.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum welcomed the development, praising the Federal Government’s efforts in enhancing the aviation sector. He also called for the establishment of a national air carrier to benefit Nigerians.

Presidency Urges MDAs to Honor NASS Invitations for Renewed Hope Agenda Success

The presidency has called on heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize invitations from the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for cooperation between the executive and legislative branches. This appeal comes after the Senate Committee on Ethics warned of issuing arrest warrants for officials who ignore its requests.

Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, highlighted that such collaboration is key to achieving the goals of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on efficient governance and delivering democracy dividends to Nigerians.

Lado acknowledged that scheduling conflicts may arise but stressed the importance of MDAs demonstrating accountability by engaging with Senate committees. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to facilitating cooperation for responsible governance.

President Tinubu Welcomes Super Eagles Home After Libya Ordeal, Calls for CAF Investigation

President Bola Tinubu has warmly welcomed the Super Eagles back to Nigeria following their difficult experience in Libya. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the unsportsmanlike and inhumane treatment the team endured at a Libyan airport.

The President praised the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the team’s safe return. He also urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to investigate the incident and take appropriate action against those responsible.

Tinubu lauded the resilience of the players and called for united efforts in preventing similar occurrences in the future.

Libyan Football Federation President Resigns Amid Super Eagles Controversy

Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, the President of the Libyan Football Federation, has stepped down from his position following a routine General Assembly meeting. Al-Shalmani announced his resignation on Sunday, citing his unwillingness to be associated with the ongoing challenges in Libyan sports.

In his statement, he expressed dissatisfaction with the state of sports in Libya, saying, “I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports.” Despite the difficulties, he thanked members of the General Assembly and highlighted his achievements in international and African sports bodies.

This resignation comes in the wake of a growing controversy surrounding the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who were stranded at Libya’s Al Abraq International Airport for over 16 hours ahead of their African Cup of Nations qualifier. Libyan authorities have attributed the delay to logistical and air traffic issues, denying any malicious intent.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have returned to Kano, Nigeria, following the ordeal, casting uncertainty on the scheduled qualifier match.

Super Eagles Return to Nigeria After Challenging Libya Experience

The Super Eagles have safely landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State following a difficult journey in Libya ahead of their 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

According to reports, the team departed Nigeria on Sunday, only for their flight to be diverted to a remote Libyan airport. This detour led to a three-hour road journey to reach their destination. Additionally, the team faced a 13-hour delay at the airport without essential supplies like food, water, or rest.

Photos of the stranded team went viral, sparking outrage from Nigerian authorities. The team has now arrived in Nigeria after their flight was finally cleared for departure.

More updates to follow…

Super Eagles Withdrawn from AFCON Qualifier After 12-Hour Ordeal at Libyan Airport

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, following a 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport. The Nigerian team has been stranded at the small Libyan airport since Sunday, with no assistance from the Libyan Football Federation.

The Super Eagles’ chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a facility typically reserved for hajj operations, instead of landing at Benghazi as planned. The team was left without transportation or support, stranded in harsh conditions for over 12 hours.

In a statement released on Monday, the NFF detailed the team’s experience, noting that they were unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away. The NFF expressed frustration at the unsafe and chaotic situation, supporting the players’ decision not to play the match.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities, describing it as “disgraceful.” In a series of tweets, Troost-Ekong revealed that the team was kept in an abandoned airport with no food, drink, or communication. He accused the Libyan hosts of playing “mind games” by diverting the plane and rescinding their approved landing at Benghazi.

Troost-Ekong also shared the difficulties faced by the Tunisian pilot, who was denied accommodation for his crew under government orders, forcing them to sleep on the plane.

The NFF is currently arranging for the team’s return to Nigeria, effectively pulling the Super Eagles from the fixture.

PAJUD Slams EFCC’s ‘Gestapo-Style’ Harassment of Yahaya Bello

The Progressives Action for Justice, Unity, and Democracy (PAJUD) has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its alleged harassment and persecution of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The group stated its displeasure on how In a shocking display of brazen power and vindictiveness, the EFCC has resorted to using arbitrary court injunctions and Gestapo-style tactics to hound and persecute the former governor.

In a statement to newsmen on Monday, PAJUD Convener, Comrade Musa Abdullahi, described the EFCC’s actions as unethical and scandalous, citing the agency’s blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law. It noted that despite Bello’s willingness to cooperate with the EFCC, the agency has continued to employ desperate tactics to discredit and harm him.

The group claims that EFCC Chairman, Olukayode Olanipekun, has a personal vendetta against Bello, stemming from the former governor’s refusal to secretly visit him through a special entrance gate. This perceived slight they say, has allegedly led to the EFCC’s sustained victimization of Bello, with the agency determined to secure a guilty verdict by any means necessary.

PAJUD criticized the EFCC’s handling of the case, stating that it undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and due process.
The group expressed concern over the EFCC’s direction under Olukayode’s leadership, highlighting the agency’s past successes and its former reputation as a role model for anti-corruption activists.

The statement also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, citing Bello’s contributions to his 2023 presidential election victory. PAJUD emphasized that the EFCC’s actions are not only a disservice to Bello but also an embarrassment to the Tinubu administration.
Furthermore, PAJUD questioned the EFCC’s motives, suggesting that the agency is pursuing a politically motivated agenda. The group demanded that Olukayode recuse himself from the case, citing his apparent bias and lack of impartiality.

The group however called on the EFCC to allow Bello his day in court, rather than resorting to portfolio injunctions and other underhanded tactics. The group emphasized that Bello, as a bonafide citizen of Nigeria and a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, deserves the same rights and protections afforded to all citizens.

“The EFCC’s actions against Bello are a blowback to the anti-graft campaign and an embarrassment to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. We will not allow further breaches of Bello’s rights. The EFCC must redeem and restore its lost glory as a role model for anti-corruption activists.”

In conclusion, PAJUD reiterated its commitment to justice, unity, and democracy, and vowed to continue monitoring the EFCC’s actions in the Bello case. The group urged Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from the EFCC, ensuring that the agency upholds the principles of fairness and due process in all its dealings.