News
$1.36bn under threat as local, foreign airlines battle over BASA equity
There is another twist to the demand of foreign airlines operating in Nigeria for their $600 million trapped in the country’s foreign exchange sourcing difficulties.
The foreign airlines collect Naira for their tickets from customers and exchange same for foreign currencies for their operations. But recently they said the they have been unable to get the exchange executed through the official foreign exchange market due to scarcity of foreign exchange resources.
However, the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, is now saying that the money is not trapped, advising the foreign airlines to go to the parallel market to exchange their Naira revenue.
AON maintained that the foreign airlines’ demand is not legitimate, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, should not be dragged into their plight, adding that there is also the option of Investors and Exchange Foreign Exchange, I&E FX window where they can access forex.
The AON noted that local airlines have the capacity and the aircraft to fly passengers from Nigeria to other countries but are being denied the opportunity by other countries.
But stakeholders also argued that 80 per cent of commercial aviation earnings come from foreign airline operations and that domestic airlines need to move their operations to international territories where they can earn huge income.
Also, an African aviation management consultancy and operational service provider based in London, Dre aviation, lamented that it is absurd forcing any member of the international aviation community to the parallel market (also known as black market) to source forex for repatriation of their profits.
BASA challenges
Meanwhile, finding indicates that with the over 95 Bi-Lateral Air Service Agreements, BASAs, with countries around the world, the country is only able to reciprocate six per cent since inception, whereas, 27 countries fly into Nigeria.
BASA is a bilateral aviation safety agreement that facilitates the technical assessment process of two signatory countries.
According to the Principal Managing Partner, Avaero, Sindy Foster, “Nigeria has signed over 95 Bilateral BASAs with countries around the world. Currently, 27 airlines fly in Nigeria. However, only Air Peace flies internationally to eight countries, with two new routes coming soon.
“For the first two years of operation the national carrier will be competing with the domestic airlines, so will not be doing anything towards implementation of BASA agreements.”
Violation of BASA
Reacting to the foreign airlines’ demand, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, noted that the Nigerian government has not in any way violated its BASA with the airlines.
He noted that the CBN does not regulate how much airlines sell their tickets, adding that, “They have also given a public notice that there is a scarcity of forex, and companies can go source their funds from the parallel market.
“There are many parallel markets, we do source from I& E windows, the only difference is when you have to buy from CBN, it could be coming at about N450 to $1 and in I&A window, you can negotiate and it could be sold at N650 to $1.
“If we the local operators can do that, what has anybody done to offend the BASA agreement when you are asked to go source from other places? Their money is not confiscated, nobody says they should not repatriate, but it is just simply going to other places. Why are these airlines not doing this?
“I am happy they are calling for meetings, but I hope the agenda would include how much they are selling their tickets because their ticket prices are in foreign currencies and converted to Naira.
“As long as their ticket for instance is $5,000 and the value Nigerians are paying for it is N2.5 million, which is about N450 to $1, then I have a legitimate case to say we are bound by this rate. But since they are free to fix their ticket price at a rate that would enable their business to move on, you cannot sell at the rate of N700 or N800 and come back to say you want to transmit your money at N450.
“When we talk about this, it looks like they have not been getting their money, last two weeks, there was a huge chunk of money that was made available for Emirates airlines in particular, We the AON kicked against it because we have a lot of invoices lined up in different banks.
“This forex issue is affecting everybody. Today, manufacturers go to the bank to put in an invoice of $1 million and at the end of the day they might be lucky to get $50,000.
“In a situation like this, these airlines could have a more creative way of spending their money, if there are bills they are paying in foreign currency they could negotiate with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, or other authority to give them a waiver so that they can use Naira to pay for these bills.
“If they want $400 million as at today, they can talk to about two or three banks in their country who will get them an I & E window of N700 and this will be over, if we the local operators can do that, why can’t they?
“We are watching, if CBN can give them the said amount, we will be happy because we know the money is there. We will also put up our bills which are also landing. They should also give us local operators as foreign airlines cannot be given preferential rates.”
$1.36bn under threat as local, foreign airlines battle over BASA equity
.
There is another twist to the demand of foreign airlines operating in Nigeria for their $600 million trapped in the country’s foreign exchange sourcing difficulties.
The foreign airlines collect Naira for their tickets from customers and exchange same for foreign currencies for their operations. But recently they said the they have been unable to get the exchange executed through the official foreign exchange market due to scarcity of foreign exchange resources.
However, the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, is now saying that the money is not trapped, advising the foreign airlines to go to the parallel market to exchange their Naira revenue.
AON maintained that the foreign airlines’ demand is not legitimate, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, should not be dragged into their plight, adding that there is also the option of Investors and Exchange Foreign Exchange, I&E FX window where they can access forex.
The AON noted that local airlines have the capacity and the aircraft to fly passengers from Nigeria to other countries but are being denied the opportunity by other countries.
But stakeholders also argued that 80 per cent of commercial aviation earnings come from foreign airline operations and that domestic airlines need to move their operations to international territories where they can earn huge income.
Also, an African aviation management consultancy and operational service provider based in London, Dre aviation, lamented that it is absurd forcing any member of the international aviation community to the parallel market (also known as black market) to source forex for repatriation of their profits.
BASA challenges
Meanwhile, finding indicates that with the over 95 Bi-Lateral Air Service Agreements, BASAs, with countries around the world, the country is only able to reciprocate six per cent since inception, whereas, 27 countries fly into Nigeria.
BASA is a bilateral aviation safety agreement that facilitates the technical assessment process of two signatory countries.
According to the Principal Managing Partner, Avaero, Sindy Foster, “Nigeria has signed over 95 Bilateral BASAs with countries around the world. Currently, 27 airlines fly in Nigeria. However, only Air Peace flies internationally to eight countries, with two new routes coming soon.
“For the first two years of operation the national carrier will be competing with the domestic airlines, so will not be doing anything towards implementation of BASA agreements.”
Violation of BASA
Reacting to the foreign airlines’ demand, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, noted that the Nigerian government has not in any way violated its BASA with the airlines.
He noted that the CBN does not regulate how much airlines sell their tickets, adding that, “They have also given a public notice that there is a scarcity of forex, and companies can go source their funds from the parallel market.
“There are many parallel markets, we do source from I& E windows, the only difference is when you have to buy from CBN, it could be coming at about N450 to $1 and in I&A window, you can negotiate and it could be sold at N650 to $1.
“If we the local operators can do that, what has anybody done to offend the BASA agreement when you are asked to go source from other places? Their money is not confiscated, nobody says they should not repatriate, but it is just simply going to other places. Why are these airlines not doing this?
“I am happy they are calling for meetings, but I hope the agenda would include how much they are selling their tickets because their ticket prices are in foreign currencies and converted to Naira.
“As long as their ticket for instance is $5,000 and the value Nigerians are paying for it is N2.5 million, which is about N450 to $1, then I have a legitimate case to say we are bound by this rate. But since they are free to fix their ticket price at a rate that would enable their business to move on, you cannot sell at the rate of N700 or N800 and come back to say you want to transmit your money at N450.
“When we talk about this, it looks like they have not been getting their money, last two weeks, there was a huge chunk of money that was made available for Emirates airlines in particular, We the AON kicked against it because we have a lot of invoices lined up in different banks.
“This forex issue is affecting everybody. Today, manufacturers go to the bank to put in an invoice of $1 million and at the end of the day they might be lucky to get $50,000.
“In a situation like this, these airlines could have a more creative way of spending their money, if there are bills they are paying in foreign currency they could negotiate with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, or other authority to give them a waiver so that they can use Naira to pay for these bills.
“If they want $400 million as at today, they can talk to about two or three banks in their country who will get them an I & E window of N700 and this will be over, if we the local operators can do that, why can’t they?
“We are watching, if CBN can give them the said amount, we will be happy because we know the money is there. We will also put up our bills which are also landing. They should also give us local operators as foreign airlines cannot be given preferential rates.”
…as SSDO calls for improved youth policy implementation
By Chinedu Adonu
Stakeholders have urged Nigerian youths to unite and take active roles in political leadership in line with the youth policy framework aimed at shaping the future of the nation.
They also cautioned youths against engaging in praise-singing for politicians or allowing themselves to be used as political thugs against fellow youths for token benefits.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement on the Enugu State Youth Policy Implementation Framework organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), with support from ActionAid Nigeria and the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).
Speaking during the engagement, the Head of Programme at SSDO, Udochukwu Egwim, said the programme was designed to deepen understanding and improve implementation of the Enugu State Youth Policy, which was domesticated into state law in 2025.
He clarified that the exercise was not intended to review the policy, which remains valid until 2029, but to help ministries, departments, agencies, and young people understand their responsibilities and the provisions of the policy.
According to him, the programme, supported by ActionAid Nigeria and DANIDA, was timely as preparations for the 2027 budget cycle would soon commence.
“We want MDAs to align their projects and budgets with the youth policy and ensure young people are considered in decision-making,” he said.
Egwim lamented the absence of effective reporting structures to monitor implementation of the policy since it came into effect, noting that local governments and ministries were expected to submit reports on youth-related programmes to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“The issue is not the absence of the document, but the implementation structure. We cannot accurately assess progress because reporting mechanisms have not been fully operationalised,” he stated.
He added that the engagement would also focus on strengthening coordination, accountability, and funding mechanisms needed to drive effective implementation of the policy.
Also speaking, the President of the Enugu State Youth Parliament, Chibuike Okechi, described the programme as an important platform for uniting youths across the state and enabling them to make submissions on challenges affecting them in their various communities.
“I believe that at the end of this programme, youths will gain valuable insights that will help unite us towards achieving a common goal,” he said.
A Director in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Ezezuo Chidimma, expressed satisfaction that Enugu State now has its own youth policy similar to the National Youth Policy.
“Before now, we relied on the national policy to implement youth programmes, but today we are using the Enugu State policy, which will make implementation easier and more effective,” she stated.
Peter Obi Praises Air Peace London Experience, Commends Complimentary SIMPLAA Ride Service
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has applauded Air Peace for delivering what he described as a seamless and impressive travel experience on its London route.
Speaking upon arriving in London aboard Air Peace, Obi commended the airline’s service delivery and encouraged Nigerians to support the indigenous carrier. “Since the inception of Air Peace’s London flights, each one of these experiences with Air Peace have been very smooth and very exciting, and I believe that we should all patronize Air Peace,” he said.
Obi also highlighted the airline’s complimentary drop-off ride service in partnership with SIMPLAA, noting that the added convenience further enhanced the travel experience.
“The whole experience of having even the complimentary drop-off ride makes it even more fascinating,” he added.
The complimentary ride service, introduced as part of Air Peace’s customer experience offering for its London route, is designed to provide seamless transportation for Business Class and First Class passengers upon arrival, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to comfort, convenience, and world-class service.
Since commencing its Lagos-London operations, Air Peace has continued to position itself as a strong player in international aviation, offering competitive fares and enhanced passenger-focused services while promoting national pride in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
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