FAAN MD projects strong Export Growth as Nigeria-UK Trade hits £8.1bn

Nigeria’s export potential to the United Kingdom is set for significant growth as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) highlighted rising trade volumes and new market opportunities within the aviation sector.

Speaking at a forum hosted by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku, represented by the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas, highlighted encouraging trade figures and policy support driving the aviation corridor.

According to him in a statement issued by FAAN's Spokesman, Henry Agbebire, Nigeria-UK trade reached £8.1 billion, recording an 11.4 per cent year-on-year increase, while UK imports from Nigeria stood at £2.4 billion. He noted that even a modest 1–5 per cent increase in exports could generate an additional $25–125 million in revenue.

Thomas also pointed to the United Kingdom’s decision to grant duty-free or reduced tariffs on over 3,000 Nigerian products as a major opportunity for exporters, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and emerging sectors.

He further emphasized strong government backing for aviation reforms, citing recent engagements led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, which have helped restore investor confidence and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

FAAN, he said, is already advancing infrastructure upgrades, digital cargo systems, and incentives to attract more cargo airlines, positioning Nigeria to capture a larger share of the global air freight market.

“With the right systems in place, Nigeria is well-positioned to scale exports, deepen trade with the UK, and become a leading air cargo hub in Africa,” Thomas said.

Credit FAAN PR

Tinubu praises Nigeria’s ICAO Aviation Safety Rating

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s impressive 91.45 per cent aviation safety rating by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga in Abuja.

ICAO is the United Nations Agency responsible for coordinating principles and standards for international air navigation and air transport safety.

Through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, the organisation assesses countries’ ability to manage aviation safety risks effectively.

According to the Presidency, Nigeria recorded a 91.45 per cent Effective Implementation score during a recent audit debriefing at the headquarters of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

The score is Nigeria’s highest ever since the audit programme began in 1999.

It also places Nigeria above the West African regional average of 61.1 per cent and the global average of 70.4 per cent.

The Presidency said the development would significantly boost investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s international aviation credibility.

Tinubu said his administration had prioritised infrastructure and transportation as key enablers of economic growth.

He added that the aviation sector remained central to plans to position Nigeria as a regional hub that meets global standards and best practices.

The president commended the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for the achievement.

He said the rating affirmed Nigeria’s aviation safety standards and made the country more attractive for investment in infrastructure, maintenance facilities and airline operations.

Tinubu also urged the ministry to review and implement all recommendations made by ICAO auditors.

He said this would help Nigeria sustain the rating and improve further.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier outlined safety compliance as a top priority under the ministry’s reform agenda.

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It's Payback Time as NCC directs Operators to compensate Subscribers for Poor Network

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says telecom operators will compensate subscribers for poor network quality through airtime credits under a strengthened regulatory enforcement framework nationwide.

The measure is part of renewed efforts to improve service delivery, protect consumers, and hold operators accountable for persistent lapses in network performance across the country.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, disclosed this during a media breakfast meeting on Thursday, outlining the commission’s latest compliance and enforcement strategies.

Maida said the compensation directive followed verified failures by operators to meet established minimum quality of service standards in several locations.

“It is not a refund from the regulator but a compliance obligation placed on service providers,” he said, stressing operators must bear full responsibility.

He explained that the framework relies on detailed monitoring at local government level, enabling the commission to pinpoint exact areas and periods of poor service.

This granular approach, he said, allowsy regulators to move beyond general complaints and focus on measurable, location-specific service deficiencies affecting subscribers.

According to him, the compensation specifically covers service failures recorded between November 2025 and January 2026 across multiple network providers.

“Eligible subscribers will receive airtime credits with notifications explaining the cause and value of the compensation,” he said.

He added that notifications would improve transparency and help users understand why compensation was applied to their accounts.

Maida noted the commission has significantly strengthened its monitoring systems to capture real-time, location-specific service performance data.

“These systems ensure enforcement reflects actual user experience rather than generalised industry averages,” he said, highlighting improved regulatory precision.

He added that operators are required to implement the compensation directly, while the NCC provides oversight to ensure compliance.

“Independent checks will confirm that affected subscribers are properly credited,” he said, noting sanctions for non-compliance may follow.

Maida said the initiative formed part of broader reforms aimed at improving accountability and service standards within the telecommunications sector.

“Operators failing to meet obligations will face stricter enforcement measures,” he warned, signalling tougher regulatory action ahead.

He stressed that improving service quality required both sustained infrastructure investment and stronger operational discipline by network providers.

“Service providers must maintain performance standards consistently across all regions, including underserved and rural areas,” he said.

Maida reiterated the NCC’s commitment to balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability and long-term sector growth.

“Operators must take responsibility for the quality of experience delivered to subscribers,” he said, urging greater corporate accountability.

He added that the commission remained committed to ensuring Nigerians received value for money spent on telecom services nationwide.

“Persistent poor service quality is no longer acceptable under current regulatory direction,” he said, emphasising zero tolerance for continued lapses.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline