Spotlights
Fresh Crisis Hits Air Peace As Pilot Tested Positive for Alcohol, Drug
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has indicted an Air Peace pilot and a Co-pilot for taking hard drugs and alcohol, as reported by The PUNCH.
The accident investigators tested the crew positive for the substances after the aircraft they flew was involved in a runway excursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.
This was contained in a preliminary report signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, and made available to The PUNCH on Friday.
It will be recalled that an Air Peace aircraft, on a Sunday morning of 13th July, had a runway excursion after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The aircraft veered off the runway without any damage.
A runway excursion is when an aircraft veers off the side of or overruns the end of the runway during takeoff or landing.
Excursions are most often caused by miscommunication, mistakes, faulty gear, and potholes on runways, among others. But with the discovery, pilots’ intoxication has been added to the list of causes.
According to the NSIB report, the pilots who were flying an Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft were involved in a serious incident while carrying 103 passengers.
The NSIB said, “The aircraft, operating as a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 103 persons on board, landed long on Runway 21 after an unstabilised final approach. The aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold and came to a final stop 209 metres into the clearway.
“All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.”
According to the report, the domestic flight, which took off from Lagos, experienced an unstabilised final approach before landing long on Runway 21.
The NSIB revealed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and eventually came to a stop at 209 metres into the clearway.
While all on board disembarked safely, the incident raised immediate safety concerns.
The preliminary reports say toxicological test results conducted on the flight crew turned out positive. The Tests indicated the presence of alcohol in the system of the crew, while another crew member also tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound found in cannabis, colloquially referred to as “India hemp.”
The bureau noted that these toxicology results are being assessed within the scope of human performance and safety management, both critical factors in aviation incident investigations.
Following the development, the NSIB said it had issued immediate safety recommendations to the airline.
The statement further reads, “Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption. A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. These results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation.
“The NSIB has issued immediate safety recommendations for Air Peace Limited to strengthen crew resource management training, particularly in handling unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions, and to reinforce internal procedures for crew fitness-for-duty monitoring before flight dispatch.
“Toxicological test was conducted on the flight crew at Rivers state hospital management, department of medical laboratory, Port Harcourt, on 13th July 2025, and they tested positive for some substances. Toxicological screening conducted post-incident revealed that Captain and first officer tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide, indicating recent alcohol consumption.”
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has officially initiated a five-day warning strike today, triggered by the unmet demands outlined in a recent ultimatum directed at the Federal Government.
The association emphasized that this industrial action was a last resort, as they felt ignored by the government regarding critical issues that affect their livelihoods and, ultimately, patient care.
Resident doctors play a crucial role in Nigeria’s public health system, delivering a significant portion of clinical services in both federal and state hospitals.
Consequently, when this association takes the drastic step of striking, it has severe repercussions for healthcare delivery across the nation, often resulting in a paralysis of services that leaves countless patients stranded and hospitals teetering under the strain of high demand and reduced workforce.
In a message titled “Declaration of strike action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, on Friday, the association confirmed the commencement of the strike.
“Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday).
“All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course,” he said.
Among the grievances are the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
NARD said the decision followed a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, after the expiration of its ultimatum to the government — a 21-day deadline issued in July 2025, later extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10.
The doctors then gave the government a final 24 hours, which expired on Thursday, September 11.
The E-NEC expressed disappointment that, despite these repeated extensions, the Federal Government had still failed to address critical welfare issues, leaving the association with no choice but to proceed with industrial action.
Just two days after ending its nationwide strike, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is raising concerns about possible broken promises made during a peace agreement facilitated by the federal government.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, NUPENG President Comrade Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Comrade Afolabi Olawale claimed that commitments made in a meeting with the State Security Service (SSS), Finance Minister Wale Edun, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) representatives, and a major refinery company are not being followed.
This peace agreement confirmed workers’ rights to organize and set a two-week period to implement these commitments. NUPENG is worried that these important rights are already being ignored, which could lead to more problems in the industry.
The agreement stated: “That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management agreed to the unionisation of employees.
“The process of unionisation shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9th–22nd September, 2025), and it was agreed that the employer will not set up any other union.”
NUPENG, however, alleged that on September 10, directives were issued for truck drivers who had long been members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the union to strip union stickers from their vehicles.
The union said, “Today, Thursday, 11th September, 2025, he instructed them to forcefully drive into the Refinery to load, and Union officials stopped them from entering the Refinery to load because their trucks violated Union loading rules and regulations.
“He flew over them several times with his helicopter and then called the Navy of the Federal Republic to come over ostensibly to crush the Union officials.”
Condemning what it described as “arrogant disregard” for due process, NUPENG warned: “We call on everyone to know that no individual is bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We strongly condemn this blatant lack of respect for the laws of this country.”
While assuring that it has no intention of making life unbearable for Nigerians through fuel distribution disruptions, the union appealed to the federal government to intervene urgently.
The statement added, “We call on the Federal Government not to allow the Navy and other security agents being paid by the resources of this country to be used with impunity against the laws and people of this country.
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“Security agents should not allow an individual to ride roughshod with impunity even while not observing terms of agreement reached in meetings in which security agents facilitated, along with Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
NUPENG said its members nationwide are now on red alert and may resume the suspended strike.
“We are by this statement placing all our members on red alert for the resumption of the suspended nationwide industrial action and calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, all Regional and Global Working people and Civil Society Organisations to rise in support and solidarity.
“His wealth cannot make him above the law. Our Solidarity remains Constant, for the Union makes us Strong!” the statement added.
For every offence, there is a consequence, especially in a country where democracy exists and is being practiced to the satisfaction of the citizens.
Coup plot is a massive offence in today’s democratic world, where many civilians have resisted such practices in many countries in the world. This is the case of the former president and a close ally of the United States President, Donald Trump. Click to continue reading.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced on Thursday to 27 years and three months in prison, just hours after being convicted of plotting a coup to remain in power following his 2022 election defeat.
The ruling delivers a powerful rebuke to one of the world’s most prominent far-right populist leaders.
A panel of five Supreme Court justices voted on both the conviction and the sentence, making Bolsonaro, 70, the first former president in Brazil’s history to be convicted for attacking democracy. The decision also sparked disapproval from the Trump administration in Washington.
“This criminal case is almost a meeting between Brazil and its past, its present and its future,” Justice Carmen Lucia said in her vote to convict, noting Bolsonaro acted “with the purpose of eroding democracy and institutions.”
Four of the five justices found him guilty of five crimes: participating in an armed criminal organization; attempting to violently abolish democracy; organizing a coup; and damaging government property and protected cultural assets.
The former army captain, who has long expressed admiration for Brazil’s 1964–85 military dictatorship, now joins a list of far-right leaders facing legal condemnation this year, including France’s Marine Le Pen and the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte.
The conviction has infuriated Bolsonaro’s ally, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had earlier denounced the case as a “witch hunt.” In retaliation, Trump imposed tariff hikes on Brazil, sanctioned the presiding judge, and revoked visas for most of the high court justices. Reacting to the verdict on Thursday, Trump again praised Bolsonaro, calling it “a terrible thing” and adding: “I think it’s very bad for Brazil.”
From the U.S., Bolsonaro’s son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, told Reuters he expected Trump to impose further sanctions against Brazil and its judiciary. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the criticism, saying on X that the court had “unjustly ruled” and warning: “The United States will respond accordingly.”
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry condemned Rubio’s remarks as a threat that “attacks Brazilian authority and ignores the facts and the compelling evidence in the records.” President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also brushed off the prospect of U.S. sanctions, saying in a local TV interview hours before the verdict that “Brazilian democracy will not be intimidated.”
The decision was not unanimous. Justice Luiz Fux voted to acquit Bolsonaro of all charges, questioning the court’s jurisdiction. His dissent could provide grounds for appeals, potentially delaying the case’s conclusion and pushing it closer to the October 2026 presidential election.
Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest, has repeatedly vowed to run in 2026 despite being barred from holding office. His lawyers called the sentencing “absurdly excessive” and said they would file appeals.
The conviction marks the lowest point in Bolsonaro’s dramatic political rise—from the backbenches of Congress to building a powerful conservative coalition that strained Brazil’s young democratic institutions.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued an updated weather forecast, highlighting the likelihood of thunderstorms and varying intensities of rainfall across various regions of the country from Friday to Sunday.
Released in Abuja on Thursday, this three-day outlook serves as a precautionary alert, indicating potential flooding risks and urging citizens to take necessary safety measures.
Beginning Friday morning, the northern states are expected to experience isolated thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall. Specifically, areas including Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi are likely to feel the impact of these weather conditions.
As the weekend progresses, Saturday will bring a shift in weather patterns. NiMet anticipates a predominantly cloudy sky, interspersed with moments of sunshine throughout the northern region.
However, residents should be prepared for more isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains to develop later in the day, particularly affecting the states of Taraba, Adamawa, southern Borno, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, and Katsina.
By Sunday, the forecast indicates a continuation of cloudy skies coupled with intervals of sunshine over the northern region. There remains a possibility of isolated thunderstorms, during which light rainfall may occur in the morning across parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take appropriate preparations as these weather developments unfold.
The central states are also expected to experience rainfall, with varying intensity throughout the forecast period.
“For the central region, cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals is expected over this region during the morning hours with chances of light rains over Niger, Kogi, and Benue States,” NiMet explained.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory,” the forecast added
For Saturday, thunderstorm with moderate rain is anticipated over most parts of the region in the afternoon/evening hours, while on Sunday, there will be cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine expected over this region, with prospects of thunderstorms with moderate rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Benue States during the afternoon or evening period.
The southern states will see more consistent rainfall throughout the forecast period.
“There are prospects of intermittent moderate rainfall over most parts of the southern region throughout the forecast period.”
“There are prospects of flooding over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States,” NiMet stated
On Saturday, cloudy skies are anticipated over the region with chances of moderate rains over parts of Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours. Later in the day, light to moderate rain is expected over most parts of the region.
By Sunday, cloudy skies are anticipated over the southern region with prospects of moderate rains over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours. In the afternoon/evening periods, moderate rains are anticipated over most parts of the region.
Safety warnings and advice
NiMet issued safety guidelines to reduce risks associated with the predicted heavy rains.
The agency warned that driving under heavy rain should be avoided, and to avoid leaching of nutrients, farmers should refrain from applying fertilizer and pesticides right before the rains.
“They should ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. There is a need to stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” NiMet added.
Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
NiMet urged Nigerians to remain updated on daily forecasts, stressing that “residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng.”
In a significant policy shift, the Federal Government has announced that starting in 2027, only secondary schools staffed by certified teachers will be permitted to serve as accredited centers for public examinations.
This directive was communicated through a memo issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Dr. Alausa emphasized that this new requirement is part of a broader strategy to enhance professionalism and ensure quality assurance within the teaching profession.
By setting this standard, the government aims to elevate educational standards and guarantee that students are evaluated in an environment led by qualified educators.
The minister explained that, starting from 2027, schools whose teachers lack certification from TRCN will be disqualified from conducting national examinations, including WASSCE, NABTEB, NECO, and NBIAS.
“Accordingly, effective from March 2027 for WASSCE, May 2027 for NABTEB, June 2027 for NECO and June 2027 for SAISSCE, any school whose teachers are not duly registered and licensed with the TRCN shall be disqualified from serving as an examination centre,” Alausa said.
He also directed state governments to align with the policy and ensure necessary measures are put in place for compliance in both public and private schools.
The government set a two-year compliance window to allow schools and teachers to meet the new requirements.
“Compliance with this directive shall be monitored, with schools expected to achieve a minimum compliance rate of 75 per cent by 2026 and full compliance of 100 per cent by 2027,” the minister stated.
This means that by 2026, schools will need to demonstrate significant progress, or risk eventual disqualification from accreditation.
To ensure teachers have sufficient opportunity to regularize their qualifications, the government has made provisions for an abridged certification route.
Alausa advised that teachers who are non-education graduates but have at least 12 months of classroom teaching experience should enrol in the National Teachers Institute (NTI).
He explained that the affected teachers could qualify for the abridged professional certification programme offered through the National Teachers Institute (NTI).
The NTI programme consists of professional short courses lasting between three to six months, after which participants can register and obtain licensing from TRCN.
The Minister urged education stakeholders to take the directive seriously and ensure proper awareness campaigns are conducted nationwide.
He stressed that schools must prioritize compliance to avoid disruptions in the accreditation process for public examinations.
He added that teachers and school administrators should give the directive the highest priority and ensure wide sensitisation of stakeholders across the country so as to avoid disruption of accreditation for public examinations.
Excitement has erupted among many Nigerians as President Tinubu’s economic policies begin to deliver promising results.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented stricter controls while maintaining a lower exchange rate at official windows.
However, the limited access and stringent allocation restrictions have compelled numerous importers, businesses, and students seeking to study abroad to resort to the parallel market.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the naira rose to N1,506.08 to a dollar on Wednesday at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). The last time it was that strong was on the 5th of March, 2025, when it closed at N1,500.80/$.
The naira has continued to enjoy rare stability, driven by the various policies of the apex Bank, including maintaining a high interest rate, a move that has lured in foreign capital and made the currency firmer.
Nigeria’s naira has witnessed some turbulence years after the authorities relaxed currency controls, effectively floating the currency to be more determined by market forces. That saw the unit fall by over 70 percent and disrupted business plans of many firms in Africa’s most populous nation.
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But those eras of sharp swings are phasing out as the local currency is expected to continue its rally until the end of the year, with global investment bank JP Morgan forecasting the naira to close 2025 at N1,450 per dollar.
A potential rate cut by the United States Federal Reserve also bodes well for the naira’s long-term stability as global capital finds its way into emerging markets like Nigeria, further bolstering the calmness of the currency.
“A lower US interest rate would diminish the relative attractiveness of US assets, prompting global investors to seek higher returns in emerging markets like Nigeria. Consequently, Nigeria will likely experience increased portfolio inflows, particularly into the fixed-income market,” analysts at FBNQuest Merchant Bank wrote in a note recently.
“Renewed interest by offshore investors could potentially bolster foreign exchange reserves and support the stability of the Naira.”
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