The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is likely to step in to resolve a long-standing legal dispute involving a multi-billion naira, unfinished four-star airport hotel and International Conference Centre, returning it to Bi-Courtney Aviation Service Limited, the operators of Murtala Muhammed Terminal Two, after nearly two decades in contention.

A private meeting took place last Thursday between the minister, key Bi-Courtney executives, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, at FAAN’s headquarters in Lagos.

Sources familiar with the meeting said the discussions focused on putting an end to the drawn-out conflict that has left the hotel and conference centre locked up.

The dispute began in 2005, when Bi-Courtney started building the hotel and conference facility on land provided by FAAN. The project later came to a halt due to disagreements over the terms of the concession.

In 2013, FAAN reportedly revoked the lease agreements given to Bi-Courtney, citing contract breaches and the firm’s failure to complete the developments within the agreed timeline.

Bi-Courtney responded by obtaining a court injunction stopping FAAN from reclaiming the sites, arguing that the delay was caused by FAAN’s lack of cooperation and support.

The company had previously expressed readiness to complete the hotel project, stating that FAAN’s conduct hindered progress.

Bi-Courtney reportedly stated, We are ready to finish the two projects, but we are completely scared of FAAN because of its antecedents. For example, we spent $2m to buy tiles and another $1.2m to airlift them for the projects, only for FAAN to frustrate us. What is more painful is that an international company that we signed agreements with on the two projects pulled out of Nigeria because of the harsh business environment.

Multiple insiders suggested the minister appeared inclined to authorize a restart of the hotel and conference centre developments. From what I gathered from the meeting, the Federal Government may allow the project to resume.

Efforts to reach the minister for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not reply to messages sent to his phone. Likewise, phone calls and texts to the spokespersons of FAAN and Bi-Courtney, Obiageli Orah and Yinka Olawuyi, respectively, went unanswered.

Aviation analyst John Ojukutu reacted positively to the move, advocating for more comprehensive concessioning in the sector. Government should have no business in the business of aviation. Anyways, if they give him back his property, I will congratulate him, and whenever they release it to him, he should then start counting his 35 years, he said.

The minister’s potential involvement could bring closure to the 19-year impasse and enable work on the hotel and conference centre to resume.

President Bola Tinubu delivered a speech during Thursday’s special federal executive council meeting at the State House in Abuja, held in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Today, we gather in a moment of stillness, surrounded by the absence left behind by a leader whose presence deeply shaped our nation.

We are here to honour a man who once led this chamber, whose voice called for our best efforts, and whose convictions stood strong against the tide of opinion.

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former Head of State and President of Nigeria, has passed away.

He was a soldier during war, a calm figure during peace, and a citizen admired not for seeking praise, but for simply being himself.

But it was in private that his greatest strengths were clearest: he was devoted without show, just without being harsh, kind without being sentimental, reserved without being distant, and honest without deception.

His nature was consistent and his spirit steady. He moved with grace and earned the respect of those who encountered him. That inspiration remains with us.

He showed humility toward his equals, gave respectful kindness to those he led, and offered love and loyalty to those close to him. His life challenged wrong and gave shelter to what was right. His moral character gave deeper meaning to the discipline he held in public life.

Even at the end, he kept the calm dignity that marked his life. He met death with the same quiet acceptance of God’s will. This is the man Nigeria mourns today.

President Buhari lived with rare honour. He stayed upright in his values, untouched by the temptations of power, unmoved by applause, and unfazed by the loneliness that often comes with doing what is right over what is popular.

His courage was unspoken, and his integrity needed no announcement. His loyalty to the country showed in action more than words.

His path reflected that of Nigeria. Born before independence, he chose to defend the nation. In war and peace, he showed careful attention and unwavering commitment, as if he believed protecting Nigeria was his life’s purpose.

From his military years to civil service, he remained consistent. He governed the North-Eastern State, led as Head of State, and later managed the Petroleum Trust Fund with firm discipline and focus on national interests.

Still, his most lasting mark came through democracy. At a time when many doubted that change was possible, Muhammadu Buhari placed his hope in the will of Nigerians.

We stood together. With others from across political backgrounds, regions, and languages, we built a coalition that made history with Nigeria’s first true democratic transfer of power from one party to another.

When he became our party’s first elected President, he led with humility, governed with dignity, and carried the responsibilities of leadership with patience.

Those who knew him closely saw that the presidency did not change him. He remained calm in pressure, firm in challenge, humble in victory, and always cheerful in spirit.

After completing his tenure, he returned to Daura. Not to control from behind the scenes, but to live quietly, just as he always had—trusting others to move the nation forward.

President Buhari was not without flaws—no leader is—but he was a good man, a decent man, an honourable man.

His legacy will be discussed, as all legacies are, but the values he brought to public service, the strength of his character, and his incorruptible standards will be remembered. He lived entirely in service to Nigeria and with devotion to God.

Now he rests. And we must remember him not just with words, but with actions: by showing humility in power, integrity in duty, kindness in leadership, and courage in doing what is right.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a grateful nation laid to rest one of its finest sons. It was a deep honour for me and Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead the funeral procession to Daura and witness his burial, which reflected the dignity he deserved.

I thank the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a fitting State Funeral within 48 hours.

As we mourn, I extend my deepest condolences to Hajia Aisha Buhari, her children, the wider Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and to everyone who knew and loved him.

We thank President Buhari’s family for giving him the strength and support to serve Nigeria for more than five decades.

We remember his contributions, reflect on his impact, and pray for peace upon his soul.

Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President—your duty is complete.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.

President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Nigerian troops, in a wide-scale assault on criminal networks, refused a N13.7m bribe from terrorists in Plateau State, killed two bandits during a firefight, and apprehended suspected arms couriers, including members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, in Borno State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Maj Gen Markus Kangye, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, detailing military activities across Nigeria between July 9 and 16, 2025.

He explained that troops from Operation Safe Haven responded to a call concerning terrorist activity and intercepted a bullet-riddled vehicle along the Jos–Sanga Road.

According to Kangye, the suspects in the vehicle offered N13,742,000 to secure their release.

The troops turned down the bribe, seizing weapons, ammunition, and cash during the operation.

“On 9 July 2025, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along Jos, Sanga Road.

“Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, but they declined.

“Troops arrested the two suspects, recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle and the sum of N13,742,000 from them. Investigation ongoing while recovered items in troops’ custody,” he said.

He stated that troops also executed offensive maneuvers and responded to multiple emergency calls in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East local government areas of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga LGAs in Kaduna State.

Routine patrols led to the capture of seven suspected militias and criminals across Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGs in Plateau, and Wamba and Sanga LGs in Nasarawa and Kaduna States.

Confiscated items included additional weapons, ammo, motorcycles, and illegal drugs.

In another action, troops set up an ambush in Nteng, Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State, acting on solid intelligence about a potential attack, and eliminated two bandits.

“Within the period July 9-16, 2025, troops of Operation Safe Haven conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom and Jos East local government areas of Plateau State, as well as Kaura and Sanga local government areas of Kaduna State.

“While conducting these operations, they contacted extremists and killed some of them, arrested 12 and rescued three kidnapped victims.

“Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them.

“Similarly, troops of Operation Safe Haven, while on routine patrol, arrested seven militias/criminals in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Wamba and Sanga LGs of Nasarawa and Kaduna states, respectively. Items recovered from them were weapons, ammunition and motorcycles as well as illicit drugs.”

Maj Samson Zhakom, spokesman for the Military Special Taskforce, confirmed the Plateau operation, noting that troops engaged the bandits in a gunfight after setting a trap.

Two bandits were killed, and others escaped with potential injuries. Dangerous weapons and ammunition were seized and are now in military custody, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects continue.

Elsewhere, two members of the NURTW were caught in Biu, Borno State, allegedly transporting military gear to terrorists.

Another major logistics handler was captured in Yobe State, while an IPOB levy collector was apprehended in Anambra with N1.5m.

Kangye said the NURTW members, identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were arrested in Liya, Biu LGA of Borno State while accepting a waybill from a truck driver, based on previously gathered intelligence.

“Two members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed were arrested in Liya, Biu LG of Borno State, while receiving waybills from a truck driver, which corresponded with intelligence received earlier on the said consignment.

“The items include 13 pairs of military uniforms and some high-voltage batteries amongst others,” he said.

Kangye added that 65-year-old Shaibu Bulama, another terrorist logistics operator, was detained at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State on July 13, 2025.

“Some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered. They also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs, while the sum of N17,150,000 was also recovered,” he said.

According to him, 16 relatives of terrorists — four adult women and 12 children — surrendered to troops in Bama LGA of Borno State due to intensified military pressure.

“As a result of sustained military operations in the Northeast theatre, 16 family members of terrorists, including four adult females and 12 children, surrendered to troops in Bama LG on July 14, 2025.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the group surrendered from Bakura Jega village,” he added.

Kangye also detailed progress in fighting oil theft, stating that Operation Delta Safe troops arrested 42 suspected oil thieves and recovered large volumes of stolen and illegally refined petroleum products in the past week.

Troops reportedly recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegal AGO, and 1,759 litres of DPK.

In addition, they discovered and destroyed 18 illegal refining ovens, 32 dugout pits, 16 boats, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums, and 19 refining sites.

“Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 13 vehicles.

“Furthermore, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives were also recovered,” he said.

In another development, troops apprehended a feared cult leader named Prince Johnson Ishirim, also called Commander Junior, along with 13 other criminal and kidnapping suspects in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers, as well as Oshimiri, Warri South and Ukwani LGAs in Delta.

Troops also raided a criminal base in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa on July 10, capturing 28 oil thieves and drug dealers.

In the South East, Kangye said troops arrested an IPOB tax collector in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.

The suspect was believed to have been assigned by the separatist group to collect levies from locals.

Troops recovered N1.5m from the apprehended individual.