The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed that Ethiopian Airlines has paid the sanction fee imposed on it earlier this year for violations related to consumer protection.   The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, announced this via his official X (Twitter) account on Monday.   According to him, the payment means that all three international airlines sanctioned by the Authority in 2025 have now fully complied with the penalties imposed.   The NCAA has consistently emphasized the importance of airlines adhering to consumer protection regulations, especially regarding ticket refunds, flight delays or cancellations, and service quality.

Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has announced plans to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and a National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) to strengthen Kenya’s economic resilience and attract long-term investments.   Speaking at a business forum in Nairobi on Monday, Ruto said the funds would be managed transparently to support key sectors such as transport, energy, and housing while safeguarding future generations’ interests.   “This is about building sustainable prosperity. Kenya must save and invest strategically to avoid over-reliance on debt,” the president stated.   The Sovereign Wealth Fund will focus on managing surplus revenues from natural resources and state assets, while the Infrastructure Fund will prioritize large-scale public works and partnerships with private investors.   Economic analysts say the initiative could enhance fiscal stability and reduce borrowing pressures if managed effectively and independently.   The government is expected to present the legislative framework for both funds to Parliament before the end of the year.

Dodoma, Tanzania – The high-profile treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Freeman Mbowe opened on Monday, just weeks before the country’s general elections, sparking concerns over political repression and the fairness of the upcoming vote.   Mbowe, the chairman of the Chadema party, faces charges of plotting to overthrow the government — allegations his supporters describe as politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.   Court proceedings began amid tight security in Dodoma, with party members and human rights observers in attendance. Chadema officials accused the government of weaponizing the judiciary to weaken opposition momentum ahead of the polls.   The government, however, insists that the case is based on “credible security intelligence” and not linked to political activity.   International observers and advocacy groups, including Amnesty International and the East African Human Rights Network, have called for transparency and due process, warning that the trial could undermine confidence in Tanzania’s democratic institutions.

Antananarivo, Madagascar – Anti-government demonstrations have erupted once again across several cities in Madagascar, as citizens express growing frustration over economic hardship, corruption, and alleged authoritarian governance.   Protesters took to the streets in the capital, Antananarivo, and other key cities such as Toamasina, Fianarantsoa, and Mahajanga, calling for the resignation of top government officials and demanding immediate reforms to address inflation and unemployment.   Security forces were deployed to disperse the demonstrators, with reports of clashes and several arrests. Civil society groups and opposition leaders have condemned what they describe as the government’s “heavy-handed response” to peaceful protests.   The renewed unrest follows months of mounting tension between President Andry Rajoelina’s administration and opposition groups, who accuse the government of failing to deliver on promises of development and transparency.   International observers have urged restraint on both sides and called for dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Lagos, Nigeria – The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of building collapses in Lagos State, attributing most incidents to substandard and fraudulent soil test reports.   According to the Guild, many developers ignore proper geotechnical investigations, relying instead on cheap, inadequate, or falsified soil test results, which compromise the structural integrity of buildings.   Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, the President of BCPG, Mr. Sulaimon Yusuf, said that over 80% of recent collapses could have been prevented if accurate soil tests were conducted before construction began.   “Some laboratory operators collect samples without visiting the site, while others simply copy old reports. This malpractice is endangering lives and undermining public confidence in the construction industry,” Yusuf stated.   He called on the Lagos State Government and relevant professional bodies to tighten monitoring and enforce stricter penalties for violations. The Guild also urged developers to engage certified geotechnical engineers and adhere to the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) guidelines.   The BCPG further warned that unless urgent reforms are made, Lagos could continue to witness frequent building failures, especially during the rainy season when weak foundations are most vulnerable.

Lagos, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has concluded his 10-day working visit to Lagos State and returned to Abuja on Sunday afternoon.   The President, who arrived in Lagos on September 25, engaged in a series of official and private activities, including meetings with key stakeholders in the economy, infrastructure inspections, and consultations with political and business leaders.   During his stay, Tinubu also hosted several dignitaries and emphasized his administration’s commitment to reviving Nigeria’s economy, boosting job creation, and accelerating infrastructural development across the nation.   Before his departure, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the President for his continuous support toward Lagos and for recognizing the state’s central role in Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.   The President was received in Abuja by top government officials and aides upon arrival.

Kano, Nigeria – The broadcasting community in Nigeria is mourning the death of Aliyu Getso, a veteran journalist and broadcaster, who passed away in Kano State on Sunday.   Family sources confirmed that Getso died after a brief illness and was buried later in the day according to Islamic rites.   Aliyu Getso was a household name in Northern Nigeria’s media landscape, known for his decades-long contribution to radio and television broadcasting. He worked with several major media houses and played a key role in shaping public communication and journalism in the region.   Colleagues and admirers have taken to social media to pay tribute, describing him as “a voice of truth, integrity, and professionalism.”   “Aliyu Getso was more than a broadcaster; he was a mentor and a beacon of inspiration for young journalists,” said Malam Ibrahim Garba, a media executive in Kano.     Getso’s passing marks the end of an era for the northern broadcasting scene, where his calm delivery and rich command of Hausa earned him a loyal following among listeners.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to publish detailed reports on how they have utilized funds saved from the removal of fuel subsidy.   In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP urged the governors and the FCT Minister to “immediately account for and disclose spending details of the allocations meant to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.”   According to the rights group, the failure to transparently manage the subsidy savings could undermine public trust and worsen poverty across the country.   “Many Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship. It is imperative that state governments and the FCT administration show accountability and ensure that the funds are used to improve access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities,” the statement read.       SERAP further threatened to take legal action if the authorities failed to provide the requested information within seven days, in line with the Freedom of Information Act.   Economic analysts have also called on state governments to prioritize investments that directly address rising inflation, unemployment, and the cost of living crisis since the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023.

Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria – Grief-stricken residents of the Mozum community in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene following a tragic boat mishap that claimed multiple lives on the River Niger.   The incident, which occurred on Monday, reportedly involved dozens of passengers returning from a local market when the overloaded boat capsized due to strong currents and poor visibility.   Local sources said more than 20 people were feared dead, while several others remained missing as rescue operations continued on Tuesday. Community members lamented the lack of safety measures, life jackets, and rescue equipment in the area despite repeated tragedies on the river.   Speaking on behalf of the victims’ families, community leader Alhaji Isah Bassa called on the federal and state governments to provide immediate relief support and establish safer transport alternatives.   We are calling on President Tinubu and Governor Ododo to come to our aid. Every year, we lose our people on this river. We need life jackets, rescue patrols, and a modern ferry system,” he said.       Emergency officials from the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed that efforts were underway to recover missing persons and provide assistance to survivors.   Authorities have urged boat operators to adhere to safety regulations, including avoiding night travel and overloading vessels.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Tuesday commenced a nationwide strike, forcing the shutdown of critical regulatory and operational offices, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).   The oil workers’ union said the strike became inevitable after the federal government allegedly failed to address long-standing issues related to welfare, safety, and funding of operations in the petroleum sector.   PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, noted that the shutdown would continue until authorities show concrete commitment to meeting the union’s demands. He stressed that members are frustrated by poor working conditions and policy inconsistencies undermining the oil and gas industry.   The industrial action has already sparked concerns of fuel supply disruptions nationwide, as depots, regulatory offices, and administrative centers remain closed.   Energy analysts warn that the strike, if prolonged, could worsen Nigeria’s energy challenges, impact revenue inflows, and stall reforms aimed at stabilizing the oil and gas sector.

Abuja, Nigeria – Industry experts have raised alarm over Nigeria’s continued losses running into billions of naira due to persistent crude oil theft and systemic wastage across the oil and gas sector.   Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on Tuesday, energy analysts noted that the country loses an estimated 200,000–400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft, illegal refining, and pipeline vandalism.   The experts warned that these losses not only weaken Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings but also undermine efforts to stabilize the naira and fund national development projects.   Dr. Akin Okonkwo, an oil sector governance specialist, said the scale of theft has become “a national security and economic emergency” that requires coordinated intervention between government, security agencies, and industry players.   He added that wastage from outdated infrastructure, poorly monitored pipelines, and inefficiencies in refining operations has further compounded the problem.   The forum urged the federal government to adopt advanced surveillance technologies, enforce stronger accountability in oil operations, and boost community engagement to curb sabotage.

Kano, Nigeria – The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the final fare for the 2026 Hajj exercise has been fixed at ₦8.2 million per pilgrim. The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Muhammad Abba Dambatta, disclosed the development on Tuesday, stating that the figure was reached after consultations with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). According to him, the fare covers airfare, accommodation, feeding, and other essential services for pilgrims during the holy journey to Saudi Arabia. He urged intending pilgrims who had earlier made deposits to complete their payments promptly to secure their slots. Dambatta emphasized that the Kano government remains committed to ensuring transparency and providing adequate support to pilgrims before and during the exercise. The board further advised all registered pilgrims to attend scheduled orientation exercises, designed to prepare them spiritually and physically for the journey.