The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the best global air transport and facilitation protocols and standards. Keyamo stated this at the ongoing 2025 International Civil Aviation Organisation Conference in Doha, Qatar. The minister, who was joined by other global aviation experts and chiefs, including the Minister of Transport of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla; President of the ICAO Council, Salvatore Sciacchitano; and other dignitaries, recalled different feats achieved by Nigeria, especially under the present administration. While reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding dedication to the objectives of ICAO, he stated that since Nigeria joined the ICAO Council in 1962, the country had played an active role, particularly across the African continent. He further emphasised Nigeria’s ratification of key international air law instruments such as the Montreal Protocol and relevant amendments to the Chicago Convention. He hailed Qatar and ICAO for convening the gathering that reinforces the members’ collective commitment to advancing global air transport facilitation. Keyamo said, “Nigeria has been recognised as the leading African nation in compliance with global aviation standards, a feat driven by our robust regulatory framework and the professionalism of our aviation workforce.” Some of the achievements he referenced include the endorsement of the Cape Town Convention and associated Practice Direction on deregistration and export requests of leased aircraft in September 2024, which led to Nigeria’s Aviation Working Group Compliance Index rising from 49.5 per cent to 70.5 per cent. He also mentioned that the signing of the Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorisation in December 2024 would further raise Nigeria’s compliance index to 75.5 per cent, earning the country a place in the ‘High’ category and removing it from the AWG watchlist. This development, according to Keyamo, has boosted aircraft accessibility and strengthened international investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector. He added, “The global aviation leaders were the deployment of e-Gates at Nigeria’s international airports to facilitate seamless passenger clearance for holders of biometric passports, enhance data collection, and support national security operations.” The minister also commended Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism on capacity-building programmes focused on leveraging AP/PNR data for improved national security and law enforcement. “As we gather here to chart the future of global air travel, Nigeria stands ready to support and align with innovative technologies and policies that promote seamless, secure, and efficient aviation operations,” Keyamo stated.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed the deep bond between himself and President Bola Tinubu with a heartfelt phone call to mark the latter’s birthday. In a telephone conversation on Friday, Buhari joined Tinubu’s family and the nation in celebrating the President’s special day. He expressed his prayers and best wishes, asking for long life, good health, and a successful administration for Tinubu as he leads the country. “When we pray for our leaders, we are praying for ourselves and the nation. We owe this to ourselves and the nation,” a statement by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to Buhari, on Saturday, quoted the former President as saying to Tinubu. Buhari added that his family and himself remain indebted to Tinubu and the other leaders of the party for the invaluable contributions they made towards the formation of All Progressives Congress, catapulting him to the presidency for two terms after failed attempts in the past, and helping to produce another APC administration with the Asiwaju himself at its head. “No doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without bringing into mention, and a recognition of the varied and numerous roles of President Tinubu as an entrepreneur, a party stalwart, a staunch activist, party organizer, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju. “When Nigerians handed the baton of leadership to the APC in 2015, it was a mandate to lay the foundation for a new Nigeria where the poor get opportunities for a better future and I am glad that the vision is not lost. It was a victory of all those who wish the country’s good”, the statement added. He also used the opportunity to wish the president, his family, and the nation a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and a happy and joyful Sallah (Eid).

Uefa has opened an investigation into allegations of indecent conduct by four Real Madrid players during their Champions League last-16 win against Atletico Madrid. Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Dani Ceballos allegedly made gestures towards the home fans after Real Madrid beat their city rivals on penalties to book their place in the quarter-finals. TV pictures showed German defender Rudiger appearing to make a throat-slitting motion, apparently towards the crowd after the shootout victory, while Mbappe was shown seemingly making a crotch-grabbing gesture. Spanish media said, external Atletico reported the actions to Uefa last week. The players could be at risk of suspension but there is no guarantee the case will be heard before their quarter-final with Arsenal. The first leg for that tie is at Emirates Stadium on 8 April and the return leg a week later. In a statement, Uefa said: "[An] ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct" made by the four Real Madrid players. "Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."

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