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Flight Resumption: Nigeria bars Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, others
“We used the ‘foreign carrier operator permit’ which is the requirement by our laws, guidelines by COVID-19 PTF and other
guidelines including restrictions that came from other countries which will affect our own operations here at home.
Modupe ASUDO with Agency reports
LAGOS-Ahead of the resumption of international flights, the Nigerian government has released the list of international airlines denied approval to operate in the country.
“Air France, KLM, Etihad, Rwandair, Lufthansa, TAAG Angola Airlines, Air Namibia, and Royal Air Maroc are airlines denied entrance into the country,” the aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, said.
Nigeria had in August vowed to implement a reciprocity clause by banning flights and airlines from countries that put similar bans on flights from Nigeria as nations open their airspace amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Sirika, while speaking at the bi-weekly Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 briefing, on Thursday, said only approved airlines will be allowed into the country’s airspace.
President Muhammad Buhari had in March ordered the suspension of international flights to curb the influx of imported cases of the COVID-19 virus in the country.
While local flights were also suspended, they resumed about five weeks ago as the country joined the rest of the world to battle the pandemic.
Nigeria recorded its first case of COVID-19 in an Italian who arrived in the country late February.
Since then, over 54,000 infections have been recorded leading to over 1,000 deaths.
Approved airlines
Mr Sirika also said some airlines have been given approvals to operate within the COVID-19 protocols. https://tpc.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html
These airlines include: Middle-East, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair, Air Peace, Virgin Atlantic, Asky, Africa World Airways (AWA), Air Cote-d’Ivoire, Kenya Airways, Emirate, and Turkish airlines.
He further explained the criteria used in approving and denying operation of the airlines.
“We used the ‘foreign carrier operator permit’ which is the requirement by our laws, guidelines by COVID-19 PTF and other guidelines including restrictions that came from other countries which will affect our own operations here at home.
“Airfrance and Lufthansa were not approved. The reason is that Swiss visa owners are not allowed entry and the same reason for KLM,” he said.
The minister also hinted that passengers who fail to present a valid COVID-19 test or refuse to go for a repeat test may be placed on a travel watch list for six months.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.
In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.
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The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.
To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.
“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”
TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.
Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.
Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.
“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.
The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.
“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”
Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has expressed her admiration for Donald Trump, claiming that the entire world wishes for a leader like him.
The actress made this statement while celebrating Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Edochie shared her unwavering support for Trump, despite facing criticism for her stance. She revealed that she is often referred to as “Mama Trump” by detractors but remains unfazed by their remarks.
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“January 20, 2025, marks a historic milestone as Trump takes oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. As you begin your new term, I wish you immense wisdom to tackle the challenges facing our nation,” Edochie wrote.
Describing Trump as an angel, she added, “After all, the entire universe wishes they had an Angel like Donald Trump to be their president.”
The actress also expressed her desire to see a leader in Nigeria who embodies Trump’s qualities, stating, “I do wish a man in the likeness of Trump be sworn into the Nigerian Executive Offices one day.”
Edochie’s comments have sparked discussions online, with many applauding her loyalty while others remain critical of her views.
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