News
Stop airport officials from begging travellers, Senator tells Keyamo
A mild drama played out in Abuja on Monday when Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) called on the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to caution officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other uniformed personnel at airports against begging air travellers for money.
The lawmaker described the conduct of some airport officials as a national embarrassment, saying it undermines Nigeria’s image before visiting foreigners.
Izunaso made the remarks at an event themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World,” where Nigeria is preparing to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, attracting participants from 126 countries.
He said, “Honourable minister, a lot has been said about what you are doing at the airport. When you arrive at the airport now, you just carry your bag and you move in. Good work! That is fantastic.
“But you also have to look at the personnel including the customs, immigration and all the people that work at the airports. You will always hear scream, ‘Your boys are here, Sir!’ or ‘We are greeting you, Sir!’ You know, this does not depict a very good image of our country.
“So, please tell them there will be no “Your boys or girls are here!” We know they are doing their work. But there is a way they will be looking at you that will make you know they are actually looking for something more than that their work.”
According to the senator, such unprofessional behavior, including excessive greetings and subtle demands for “tips,” gives foreigners a wrong impression about Nigeria.
He added, “For us in Nigeria, we know the meaning of ‘Your boys are here.’ Please tell them there will be no ‘Your boys or girls are here!’. There is a way they will be looking at you that makes you know they are asking for something more than their work.
“You may even hear them say “Oga, you are welcome” three times in a row to be sure you are hearing them. So, these are some of the areas I would like you to look at because people are coming in from outside the country.
“Apart from that, I must pay a very special tribute to the Minister of Information and National Orientation. I love the concerns he has shown to the NIPR. Nobody has done that before.”
However, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, quickly countered the senator’s remarks, saying the aviation sector has undergone significant reforms in recent years.
“I want to confirm that I returned from South Africa and came back through the international airport. I want to confirm that there is a lot of improvement.
“Nobody said ‘Your boys are here’ to me. So, I think that Nigeria is changing,” Neliaku stated, assuring foreign delegates that the country’s image is improving.
Backing Neliaku’s position, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended Keyamo’s leadership.
He said, “I want to appreciate the Minister of Aviation, the man under whose tenure the entry and exit point of our airports have really transformed.
“I think that what we are seeing in the Ministry of Aviation is truly unprecedented. Thank you for making us proud. Mr Festus Keyamo.”
Also responding, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, noted that technological upgrades at airports have enhanced efficiency and reduced human contact.
“I’m happy that the Minister of Aviation is here. We’ve taken judicial notice of the remarkable transformation that has happened in our airports. When you get to any of our points of entries now, all you need to do is to scan your passports, open your eyes to the sunglasses and it captures all your details and the door opens for you if you are a legitimate traveller.
“If you have some problem, they will ask you to come behind and sort yourself out. This is what happens everywhere in the world. So we are already setting standards. We are taking on international best practice to ensure that Nigeria compares with anywhere in the world,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, Keyamo pledged to ensure that all visitors arriving for the World Public Relations Forum in 2026 are received warmly.
He said, “I want to promise you that we are going to be ready at our entry point, which is actually the image of the country. So we are going to be your first point of contact.
“We are going to be ready at the airport to ensure that all of those who are invited to Nigeria receive a very good welcoming atmosphere when they arrive at the country.
“Also, we are in the process of setting up a VVIP department at the airport, all our international airports, for our very, very important guests coming into the country. And I’m sure the public relations professionals who are coming into the country at the end will enjoy this fully.”
The forum, slated to hold at the Eagle Square in November 2026, is expected to be Nigeria’s largest global public relations event, drawing top communication professionals, diplomats, and government officials from across the world.
Business
Aliko Dangote Reacts to Reports that Donald Trump Is Unhappy With the Launch Of Dangote Refinery (Video)
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Refinery, has denied claims that U.S. President Donald Trump is displeased with the launch of the $20 billion refinery.
There were claims on social media suggesting that Trump’s recent threat to attack certain locations in Nigeria could be linked to Africa’s largest refinery.
Trump had threatened to strike terrorists targeting Christians at various locations in Nigeria, which led to the spread of various propaganda and social media reactions.
Addressing the press, Dangote said that the USA has been a major supplier of crude to the refinery, adding that the talk about Trump being angry over its establishment “does not hold water.”
“The US has been one of our major suppliers of crude, which is why when someone says Trump is not happy with our refinery, it’s not true,” he said.
“Trump is more than happy with our refinery, because on average for a year, we do not buy more than 100 million barrels from the US.”
Dangote also said Nigerians now have the option of buying high-quality, locally refined petrol at a cheaper price or opting for blended imported fuel at a higher cost.
Dangote stated that fuel importers could continue to incur losses while Nigerians enjoy more affordable petrol prices.
According to him, the availability of locally refined petrol gives consumers a clear choice between quality fuel sold at a lower rate and blended premium motor spirit (PMS) sold at higher prices by importers.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSR-Ew5glpI/?igsh=MWxwYWJxcXhoYm51MQ==
News
Abia Unveils State-Owned Electric Bus Transport Scheme
The Abia State Government has announced plans to roll out a state-owned electric bus transport scheme, marking a major step toward modern, clean and efficient public transportation in the state.
The initiative, part of the government’s broader urban renewal and green mobility agenda, is designed to ease traffic congestion, reduce transportation costs for residents, and cut carbon emissions. The electric buses will operate on key routes across major cities, including Umuahia and Aba, offering commuters a safer, quieter and more comfortable travel experience.
Governor Alex Otti has emphasized that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and improved quality of life for Abia residents. According to the government, a number of electric buses have already been procured, while supporting infrastructure such as charging stations and modern bus terminals is being developed to ensure smooth operations.
Beyond environmental benefits, the scheme is expected to create jobs, improve urban mobility, and set a new standard for public transportation management in the state. Officials say the buses will be professionally managed under a state-owned structure to ensure efficiency, affordability and long-term sustainability.
With this move, Abia State joins a growing number of forward-looking governments embracing clean energy solutions, reinforcing its position as a state committed to innovation, environmental responsibility and people centred governance.
News
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF ENFORCEMENT OF TINTED GLASS PERMIT
The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court. This decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.
It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles. Nonetheless, in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, the Force suspended enforcement to allow motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure.
Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes. In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws. He adds that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to keep Nigeria secure.
Meanwhile, motorists who require the Tinted Glass Permit are encouraged to apply through the approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.
CSP FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
15th December, 2025
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