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Nigeria Air: Three Years After Unveiling, FG Yet To Establish National Carrier

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The Federal Government is still holding discussions for the establishment of a national carrier for Nigeria, three years after it unveiled the branding and livery for the proposed airline, named Nigeria Air.

Officials of the Federal Ministry of Aviation stated on Friday that plans to get the airline up and running were still in place, as the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, tweeted last Thursday that discussions for the project were held at the United States Embassy in Abuja.

This came as Nigerians condemned the continued delay on the part of the Federal Government in establishing the national airline.

In July 2018, the Federal Government unveiled the branding and livery for the new airline, Nigeria Air, and stated that the carrier would be inaugurated at the end of that year.

Sirika unveiled the carrier at a press conference during the Farnborough Air Show in London that year.

“I am very pleased to tell you that we are finally on track to launching a new national flag carrier for our country, Nigeria Air. We are all fully committed to fulfilling the campaign promise made by our President, Muhammadu Buhari, in 2015. We are aiming to launch Nigeria Air by the end of this year,” the minister had stated.

He had stated that the government had obtained the Certificate of Compliance from the Nigerian Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and would go into investor search.

“I am confident that we will have a well-run national flag carrier that is a global player, compliant with international safety standards and one which has the customer at its heart,” the minister had stated.

But about three years down the line, no national carrier has been inaugurated, as against the initial plan to inaugurate the airline before the end of 2018.

Rather, the minister tweeted that discussions were still ongoing for the proposed airline.

Speaking via his official Twitter handle on Thursday, the minister said, “Was invited to break my fast at the USA (United States of America) Embassy.

“We took the opportunity to discuss investments and opportunities in the aviation sector, including national carrier. The partnership looks promising. USA is the only country we have open skies with. Thanks, Ambassador Mary and the team.”

Also, senior officials of the aviation ministry stated on Friday that the government had not jettisoned the plan to float a national carrier for the country.

“The plan is still in place and the processes for the establishment are still being pursued despite the delay since it was unveiled,” an official who pleaded not to be named, as he was not authorized to speak on the matter, stated.

The source added, “The government has been reaching out to investors and concerned stakeholders on this project and the minister is still passionate about it.”

But Nigerians took to Twitter to express their disappointments over the delay that had greeted the commencement of the project since it was unveiled about three years ago.

Replying to the minister’s tweet, a Twitter user, Aliyu Abubakar, said, “You’ve been talking about this national carrier from your first ministerial debate during the 8th Assembly. I just pray it will be a dream come true for Nigerians before you vacate your office.”

But another user, Lioness, replied, “A dead dream.”

Also, Olayimika-Mobalarinwa tweeted in pidgin, as he said, “Imagine, this country don really suffer o. Old man still talking about national carrier. How many years remain for una to leave us alone sef.”

Yusuf Bello Saleh wondered if the airline would be established, as he said, “Sir when (will) our national carrier (be ready)? The one that Mr.@MBuhari launched some years back in London.”

Also, another Twitter user, I.am.mahmoud, told the minister that the current government had limited time to actualize the national carrier dream.

“Two years to go without a national carrier,” he stated.

Commenting on the development, an aviation security consultant and Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, Group Capt. John Ojikutu, said concerns about the prolonged delay in the establishment of a national carrier were justifiable.

He said, “The issue of national carrier started even before the current minister came into office. It actually started with Nigerian Airways which we virtually killed. We killed it because we turned the national carrier into a government carrier.

“So I’ve been saying that the way the minister is handling this now might turn the national carrier into a government carrier again and it will die the way Nigerian Airways died. It can even die prematurely.

“I advised the minister that for you to set up a national carrier fast enough, everybody’s hands must be in it. We need a technical partner. Emirates is being run by a British, the CEO is a Briton. We need a technical partner and technical investor.”

Ojikutu stressed that to halt the prolonged delay, the technical partner and technical investor should not have more than 40 percent stake in the proposed airline.

“Then Nigerian creditors, those who are credit-worthy and can manage money properly such as Dangote, Soludo and others who know how to manage money, should put in their money in it,” he stated.

Ojukutu added, “Nigerian investors who are credible with money can take 10 percent, while the federal and state governments can take 10 percent and the remaining should be given to the Nigerian public.

“That is when you will have a true national carrier and the government will not be able to handle it the way it managed the defunct Nigerian Airways. If this is done, within three to six months the national carrier will be established and this delay will cease.”

But an aviation sector analyst and member of the renowned Aviation Round Table, Olumide Ohunayo, kicked against the continued push by the government to establish a national carrier.

He said, “I’m trying to understand why the government should proceed with the national carrier project. If you look at what has happened during this period of COVID-19, we have had more applications and three or four airlines are already coming on board.

“And about 25 others are processing their applications. Again, AMCON, an agency of government that is handling Aero and Arik, has decided to start a new carrier. Probably they are going to shut the two for the new carrier to have some life.”

He added, “So if a government agency is having a carrier, why will the Federal Government again have another carrier? I don’t think we should proceed with it. The Federal Executive Council in their wisdom had in the past asked that everything should be put on hold.”

He expressed concern that billions of naira were being mapped out for an airline that had not yet come into existence, whereas many carriers currently in operation were struggling to survive.

Ohunayo urged the government to channel the funds being mapped out for the national carrier to improve infrastructure at airports.

 

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Adron Homes Launches Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025 With Discounts, Flexible Payments, And December Rewards

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Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

Promo Rewards by Category:

• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration

• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses.

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UBA Hosts Global Leaders At UNGA 2025, Launches Whitepaper On Unlocking Africa’s Potential

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Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to make a bold statement on the global stage as it will be gathering world leaders, policymakers, and investors and other private sector players at the forthcoming 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

This year’s gathering at the UNGA, which is the 80th Edition, will be held between September 15th and September 25th, and as always, UBA Group has mapped out series of engaging activities to spotlight Africa’s opportunities and foster high-level dialogue with global leaders towards boosting the continent’s potential.

A key part of the event, will be the UBA’s unveiling of a ground-breaking whitepaper that presents actionable strategies for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential, as part of the bank’s mission to drive sustainable growth across the continent.

The whitepaper, a first-of-its-kind initiative by a leading African financial institution at UNGA, titled ‘Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth’, will highlight opportunities in trade, infrastructure, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth.

By providing a roadmap for collaboration between Africa and the global community, UBA aims to position the continent not just as a beneficiary of investment, but as a critical driver of future global prosperity.

Apart from the Whitepaper launch, other activities of the group will include the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) Roundtable to be hosted by UBA America, as well as the annual UBA Reception.

The reception will convene world leaders, policymakers, and influential business executives who will be involved in critical dialogues on investment and development across the continent.

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, emphasized the strategic importance of these dialogues, explained that over the past few years, UBA has become an active leader in conversations and activities that will drive tangible investments to the continent.

“These conversations are fundamentally different from previous discussions because they will be followed by feasible and actionable decisions. UBA will actively work to implement these outcomes for the benefit of the continent, as committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability,” Elumelu noted.

Continuing, he said, “’The United Nations General Assembly is the largest and most official gathering of world leaders, and we cannot let such an opportunity pass without major African players like UBA taking centre stage to bring these leaders together and showcase Africa’s potential.”

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who remarked on the upcoming event, especially the whitepaper’s significance, emphasized the need for more private organizations and players to demonstrate their commitment to the continent’s development through concrete action and proven capabilities.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

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Iyan Olodo: The City Pulse Lounge Revives Authentic Yoruba Dining In Ikeja

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The City Pulse Lounge, a branch of The City Pulse, has introduced its flagship dish Iyan Olodo in Ikeja—a freshly pounded yam served in the traditional manner with pure palm wine in calabash style.

The experience is designed as more than just food; it’s a return to cultural roots. At the lounge, guests can hear yam being pounded live (unless it’s a pre-order), and the atmosphere is steeped in Yoruba tradition. On weekends, the venue hosts live performances featuring Juju, Fuji, Gospel, and other cultural arts, turning dining into a celebration.

“Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, popularly known as Ayo Mojoyin, founder of The City Pulse Lounge, said he created Iyan Olodo ‘to bring back the memories of our forefathers in the villages’.” He explained that, as a journalist-turned-hospitality entrepreneur, he wanted to preserve Yoruba culture by replicating how elders used to eat yam with fresh palm wine.

The new dish has already drawn several A-list personalities. Patrons include Chief Bestman Nze (President of Team Nigeria), celebrity journalist Otunba Femi Davies (founder of Metronews Nigeria), realtor Otunba Olayinka Ogundipe (‘Ultra’), and broadcaster Adebisi Adewusi (DebisiKonga). Videos featuring these influencers enjoying Iyan Olodo are being shared, fuelling its cultural buzz.

Menu prices include Iyan with Fish / Bokoto / Ogufe at ₦4,000; Iyan with Assorted & Ponmo Ijebu at ₦5,500; Iyan with Fresh Fish is priced at ₦10,000. Pure, natural palm wine (not mixed) costs ₦2,000 per bottle. Eat-in only; takeaway or delivery incurs extra packaging/dispatch fees.

Iyan Olodo is served daily from 1:30pm to 8:00pm, with pre-orders allowed for earlier or later service. The lounge is located at The City Pulse Lounge, inside Lagos Television, Plot 1 Lateef Jakande, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja.

The City Pulse Lounge plans to expand Iyan Olodo soon to Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory, with those plans already underway.

For Nigeria’s Independence Day, a special Iyan Olodo promotion will run from October 1-5, 2025. Official details are expected to be announced on September 25.

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