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NAMA Protests Customs Raid On Offices

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15 years ago

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The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has described the invasion of its office at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) as a violation of the cooperation that exists among government agencies.

Saying that it is unacceptable, NAMA argued “we are not a private entity that would want to evade duties. We are a government-owned entity that is guided by the financial regulations of government on procedures that should be followed, which we were already going through before the invasion”.

Spokesman of the agency, Supo Atobatele said the action of holding officials of NAMA hostage was embarrassing and uncivilised, questioning rationale behind the invasion of another government agency like theirs, when they know there are procedures to be followed in settling bills between government and inter-ministerial departments.

Officials of the Nigerian Customs Service at the Murtala Mohammed Airport command had last week, invaded the premises of NAMA, claiming they were sent by their comptroller, Mr. Adewole, over N19 million import duties due on the importation by NAMA.

The amount was for some World Geodetic Survey (WGS 84) equipment meant for preparation of the country’s movement from the terrestrial navigation to satellite based navigation.

The armed customs men allegedly harassed NAMA officials and they eventually got hold of one of general managers of the agency, Mr. M.K. Jimoh, whom they held for several minutes before he was released following the intervention of the management, who explained that the process for payment of the duties was in progress.

Meanwhile, IRS Airlines is set to begin daily flight operations to Port Harcourt and Sokoto, which would bring to nine the number of destinations the airline serves.

Other routes include Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Maiduguri, Yola and Gombe, said its Managing Director, Mr. Yemi Dada.

Mr. Dada noted that it is in line with their new slogan “now you can go places”, adding that the airline would operate flights to more routes as the fleet size increases and some of the planned routes include flights to Uyo, Owerri, Asaba, Enugu and Benin.

He said passengers can log onto its online www.flyirsairlines.com to book and pay online with an interswitch verve, explaining that MasterCard, visa, e-transact cards on passengers can hold their bookings for 14 hours and pay into designated Zenith Bank branches, with an IRS Airlines teller and get a reference code.

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Togo Govt Scraps It’s Visa Requirements For All African Countries

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4 weeks ago

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May 27, 2026

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The Togolese government has scrapped visa requirements for nationals of all African countries, effective May 18, 2026, meaning Nigerians with  valid passports can now enter the country without applying for  visa in advance.
African travellers can now stay in Togo visa-free for up to 30 days counting from May 18, 2026.
Visitors must still complete an online pre-arrival registration before entering the country.
The announcement came via the official X handle of Togo’s Ministry of Security, signed by the ministry’s head, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.
Under the new policy, eligible African travellers can stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa, with the government describing the move as a commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.
Government based the decision within a wider Pan-African agenda, stating that it reaffirms Togo’s attachment to “Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and community and African commitments, relating to mobility and regional integration.”
Togo also positioned the move as part of an agenda of “openness, modernisation, and attractiveness” aimed at making the country “a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchanges at the heart of Africa.”
There is, however, one step travellers cannot skip. Before arrival, visitors must register on the Togolese government’s official travel portal at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before reaching the border.
Nigerians can now travel to Togo without applying for a visa in advance.
The registration generates a travel slip that must be presented at entry points across land, air, and sea. The government has been clear that this pre-arrival formality remains mandatory regardless of the visa exemption.
Beyond the registration requirement, standard entry conditions still apply. Security checks, immigration screening, and public health requirements remain in place, and the waiver does not protect travellers who overstay or enter irregularly.
All border agencies have been directed to implement the new policy immediately.
Togo’s decision is part of a broader continental shift. Across Africa, more governments are moving to ease intra-African travel in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of freer movement of people and goods.
Togo is now among the more accessible West African destinations for Nigerian travellers, a short trip that previously required advance visa processing and now requires nothing more than a passport and a quick online registration the day before you fly.
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Egypt Flight Moves To Prevent Explosion —- Diverts London Flight To Rome 

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4 weeks ago

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May 27, 2026

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An EasyJet flight from Egypt to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger was found with a power bank in checked luggage.
The airline said the diversion was made as a safety precaution due to regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries.
Passengers landed safely in Rome and were provided accommodation and refreshments after the delay.
The aircraft, operating flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton, made an unscheduled landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport last Tuesday evening as a precautionary safety measure.
According to the airline, the decision to divert was taken after a passenger informed cabin crew that the portable charger was inside luggage stored in the aircraft’s hold.
Although no fire or malfunction was reported, lithium-ion batteries found in power banks are considered a significant safety risk on aircraft due to the possibility of overheating or catching fire.
Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at approximately 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea before suddenly changing course and heading towards Rome, where it landed safely about 20 minutes later.
Passengers reportedly disembarked without incident, while the flight was rescheduled for the following day.
In a statement, EasyJet apologised for the disruption and said the diversion was carried out in accordance with aviation safety regulations.
“The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that hotel accommodation, meals, and refreshments were provided for affected travellers.
“EasyJet’s policies state that power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be stored in checked luggage.
The airline also prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights.
The incident comes as airlines around the world continue tightening restrictions on portable chargers and lithium battery devices amid growing concerns over onboard fire hazards linked to overheating batteries.
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Delta At 20: Delta Airline Expands Travel Access Ahead 2026 World Cup

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4 weeks ago

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May 27, 2026

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Delta Air Lines has announced a range of travel solutions aimed at easing the journey for Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States and North America.
The announcement was made during an event in Accra marking the airline’s 20th anniversary in Ghana, as company officials highlighted plans to work closely with local travel agencies to ensure that fans can access tickets and travel packages well in advance for the global tournament.
According to Delta’s Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales, Rob LeBel, the airline is introducing flexible options tailored to different travel needs.
These include individual ticket purchases, discounted group packages for parties of ten or more, and charter services for larger groups.
He explained that the collaboration with travel agencies would also focus on educating customers about the best ways to secure flights during the expected surge in demand.
To expand travel routes, Delta is leveraging its partnership with European carrier KLM, offering passengers alternative connections through Europe when direct routes are fully booked.
The airline believes the upcoming tournament presents a major opportunity to strengthen travel ties between Ghana and North America, particularly as interest among football fans continues to grow.
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