Olisa Metu, Abike-Dabiri, Muiz Banire, Nnamdi Mbaeri, Hadiza Bala Usman, Make List Of Renewed Hope Ambassadors Directors

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April 18, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Leaving no stone unturned to propel President Bola Tinubu to a second term Victor in 2027, the Director-General of the President’s Renewed Hope Ambassadors, RHA, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has appointed 16 Directors to head its different Directorates.

The RHA is the body in the forefront of the President’s reelection bid. It is the outfit, in addition to the All Progressives Congress, APC, structure, and other quasi organizations, driving President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection.

The new appointments, approved by Governor Uzodinma, who is, also, the Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum, include Olisa Metu, a former National Publicity Secretary of the embattled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Muiz Banire, SAN, Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri and Hadiza Bala-Usman, Presidential Adviser.

They are incharge of Organisation and Mobilisation, Diaspora, Monitoring Compliance and Legal, Administration, Research and Innovation, respectively.

The full list of the 16 new Directors appointed for RHA, in efforts to strengthen its operational effectiveness, as released

in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Tunde Rahman, is :

*Dr Mustapha Abdullahi (Youth), *Chief Olisa Metuh (Organisation and Mobilisation), *Tunde Rahman (Media and Publicity)

*Sunday Dare (Digital and New Media).

*Mele Kolo Geidam (Finance).

*Muiz Banire, SAN (Monitoring, Compliance and Legal).

*Bisoye Coker-Odusote (Technology and Data).

*Abubakar Rabiu Abubakar (Support Groups).

*Ibrahim Garba (Intelligence) *Senator Sani Musa (Special Duties).

*Hon. Simon Karu (Planning)

*Dr Halima Suleiman Zakari (Welfare)

*Dr Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri (Administration). *Bilikisu Muhammed Kaika (Women Affairs)

*Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Diaspora). *Hadiza Bala Usman (Research and Innovation).

According to the statement, the

appointments take effect as part of ongoing efforts to position the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for broader national engagement.

ADC Asks Newly Elected State Executive Councils To Wait Till Inauguration

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Ayodele Oni

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April 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

To allow seamless hand over to new executives and prevent crisis, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has given time lag to the old and incoming executive members of the party from the ward to state levels.

There has been crisis especially in some states as newly elected members of the executives are trying to wrestle power from those in saddle before.

ADC leadership explained that tenure of all newly elected State Executives and other party officers shall not commence until the expiration of the tenure of the current executives and their formal inauguration by the Party on May 12, 2026, or on any later date that might be officially communicated.

A statement to this effect issue Friday night by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Malam Bolaji Abduallahi, said “For the avoidance of doubt, all existing executives remain the duly recognised officers of the Party until the completion of this constitutional transition process.”

Accordingly, he added all newly elected executives, particularly at the state level, are advised to take note and desist from any action, representation, or conduct that may contravene this clear constitutional directive or create confusion within the Party structure.”

The National Publicity Secretary added that the “ADC remains committed to orderliness, discipline, and strict adherence to its constitution and democratic process.

PDP Demands INEC Withdraws Anyanwu As National Secretary, Cites Judicial Affirmation Of Expulsion

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 18, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has officially written to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to demand the immediate withdrawal of recognition for Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Party over the affirmation of his expulsion by the Court.

This is as the party warned that it will not hesitate to initiate contempt charges should the electoral body continue to ignore a valid subsisting Court order.

The Source reports that the PDP, on the strength of the reports and recommendations of a National Disciplinary Committee, NDC, had suspended Anyanwu, and others over alleged gross anti-party activities.

The PDP later upgraded the disciplinary action ,by expelling Anyanwu during its November 14 and 15, 2025 National Convention in Ibadan the Oyo State Capital.

According to the petition addressed to the INEC, the PDP faction drew attention to a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court judgment of January 12, 2026, which affirmed Anyanwu’s suspension and expulsion from the PDP.

The PDP emphasized that the disciplinary action was sequel to the reports and recommendations of the National Disciplinary Committee NDC of March 10, 2025.

The party said that the Committee which was headed by Chief Tom Ikimi had recommended Anyanwu and others for suspension over alleged anti-party activities and misconduct.

However, Anyanwu, according to the PDP, later challenged both the NDC reports and recommendations, and his expulsion at an FCT High Court in a suit marked CV/1050/2025 ( Senator Samuel Anyanwu vs. Amb Iliya Damangun &8 others). The Court dismissed the motion on notice over lack of jurisdiction.

In the petition signed by its legal team led by Abdulaziz Ibrahim SAN, the Turaki-led PDP argued that the implication of the expulsion, and its judicial affirmation is that Anyanwu has long seized to be a member of the party and, therefore, can no longer act on behalf of the party in any capacity whatsoever.

The Party further noted that Senator Anyanwu, very much aware of the implications of the judicial affirmation of his suspension and expulsion, only decided to file an appeal just a few days ago ,after almost three months of the court’s verdict.

“Anyanwu being fully aware of the import of the judgment against him only filed a notice of just a few days ago against the decision affirming his expulsion which does not amount to a stay.

“By implication, the judgment of the Court dismissing his case challenging his expulsion is subsisting ,and remain in force and the commission has the constitutional obligation to enforce, comply and implement the judgment even without prompting”, the PDP stated

The PDP warned that the continued recognition of Anyanwu by the INEC after the Court’s ruling, affirming his suspension and expulsion is a slap on the sanctity of the Judiciary and rule of law.

Our Office Has No Link With Renewed Hope Agenda Says INEC

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 18, 2026

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Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman — Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has debunked claims that its office is hosting the Renewed Hope Agenda signage, banners and other materials.

However, the electoral umpire admitted the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, shares the same perimeter fence with the building hosting the Renewed Hope Agenda Movement in Port Harcourt.

The source reports that the social media space has been awash in the last couple of days with reports that a significant number of materials linked to the Movement dedicated to promotion of the policies and political interests of President Bola Tinubu were spotted at some strategic points at the INEC’s Rivers state Headquarters, a development which some people have perceived as part of the alleged dalliance between the electoral body and the, All Progressive Congress, APC-led Federal Government.

Instructively, the development came amidst widespread allegations of partisanship and bias against Professor Joash Amupitan, the electoral umpire’s Chairman, stemming from his past pro-Tinubu online tweets.

It is also coming at a time when the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, clamouring for the resignation of Amupitan over his alleged partisan interpretation of a Court of Appeal verdict on the leadership tussle within the party, leading to the shocking withdrawal of recognition for the Senator David Mark-led faction of opposition Coalition.

In a statement on Friday, April 17, 2026, from its Rivers State Administrative Secretary, Dr Angela Ebhodaghe, INEC described the reports of the massive presence of the Renewed Hope Agenda signage and materials in its office as false and misleading.

The electoral body expressed regret that people are confusing the INEC with the RSIEC that is sharing fence with the Movement’s office in the state.

“Our attention has been drawn to a report circulating on the social media alleging that the picture of a building hosting the signpost ,and banner of the Renewed Hope Agenda Movement is INEC Rivers State’s office.

“This is both false and misleading ,and the Commission categorically rejects these claims.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the said building does not belong to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Rivers State, nor does our office have such signage on any part of its premises.

“It is clear the generators of the false information confused the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, which shares a fence with the said building with our office.

“The spread of false information is harmful to national unity and public trust. We, therefore, urge members of the public to verify claims through credible and official channels before sharing or publishing”, INEC stated.

Gumi Curses Those Behind Banditry, Calls For New Approach To Arrest Situation

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Ayodele Oni

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April 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi has rained curses on those he believes are responsible for terrorism in Nigeria.

Gumi, described as one of the sympathisers of bandits, condemned the rising wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, invoking divine punishment on those responsible for the crisis while calling for a new approach to tackle insecurity.

Gumi made the remarks in reaction to the abduction of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, whose ordeal has drawn widespread attention after a video of him being subjected to inhuman treatment in captivity surfaced online.

The Cleric, in a Facebook post, pointed out that those behind kidnappings and the wider insecurity in the country had “lost their humanity.”

He also criticised what he described as the over-reliance on military force in dealing with armed groups.

John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, was reportedly abducted by gunmen while travelling to Kaduna. His captors are said to be demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.

A video showing Arum in captivity has gone viral on social media, sparking public anger and concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping across the country.

In the footage, the student appeared distressed, highlighting the harsh conditions under which victims are often held.

The video has renewed calls for urgent action to address insecurity, especially on major highways and in northern Nigeria.

Reacting to the incident, Gumi issued a strong warning and curse against those he believes are responsible for the situation.

“May Allah destroy any person who helped in creating this situation or participated in any form, or neglected his or her duty in saving the situation, or is even happy about it,” he said.

The cleric stressed that the threat posed by kidnappers and other armed groups is real and can affect anyone.

“The danger is real and anybody can be a victim tomorrow,” he warned.

He urged Nigerians to avoid what he described as unnecessary arguments, emotional reactions, and conspiracy theories, and instead focus on finding practical solutions to the crisis.

A major part of Gumi’s message was his call for a shift from purely military solutions, often referred to as “kinetic” approaches, insisting that violence alone cannot solve the problem and may even make it worse.

According to him, security experts have suggested that only about 25 per cent of counter-insurgency efforts should involve the use of force, while the remaining 75 per cent should focus on non-violent strategies.

These include dialogue, mediation, and efforts to change the mindset of those involved in criminal activities.

“Violence only hardens them; in fact, it is what created them in the first place,” Gumi asserted.

He added that attempts to introduce empathy and proper religious teachings to armed groups could help reduce violence, although he admitted that such efforts have not always succeeded.

Gumi also criticised what he described as the slow response of government institutions to the growing security challenges.

He warned that delays in action have allowed criminal groups to gain strength and influence.

According to him, the lack of timely and effective intervention has created a situation where non-state actors now have the power to threaten and blackmail communities.

The cleric stated that Nigeria’s security system has focused too much on military action, while neglecting other important tools that could help address the root causes of insecurity.

How Inmate Of Yobe Correctional Centre Escaped

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Ayodele Oni

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April 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Yobe State Command of Nigeria Correctional Service, (NCoS) has intensified a manhunt for an inmate that escaped while being conveyed from Potiskum to Damaturu, the State capital.

The inmate reportedly escaped following a road accident involving a correctional transport van along the Potiskum–Damaturu highway.

A vehicle operated by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Yobe State Command, was conveying inmates from the Potiskum Medium Security Custodial Centre to the state capital, Damaturu.

According to official report, the vehicle was involved in a crash which caused confusion and panic at the scene.

Amid rescue efforts by officials and bystanders, one of the inmates, identified as Dahiru Mohammed, seized the moment to escape.

Authorities say he slipped away unnoticed during the chaotic aftermath, taking advantage of the disarray as emergency responders worked to assist the injured.

The spokesperson for the NCoS in Yobe State, Abdullahi Adamu, confirmed the development in a statement, describing the escape as a serious breach and assured the public that efforts were underway to apprehend the fugitive.

Dahiru Mohammed is described as a 30-year-old male from Askiwari village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State.

He had been in custody since November 29, 2024, and is registered under inmate number J/1539/24.

Authorities have issued a strong warning to residents across Yobe State and neighboring communities to remain vigilant.

Dahiru Mohammed is considered dangerous, and members of the public are advised not to attempt to confront or engage him under any circumstances.

The Correctional Service emphasized that harboring or assisting an escaped inmate is a serious criminal offense under Nigerian law, punishable by severe penalties.

Gov. Makinde Douses Tense Political Situation In Oyo, Rallies Feuding Parties

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Ayodele Oni

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April 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The tense political situation in Oyo state ignited by allegations of planned impeachment of Governor Seyi Makinde seems to have abated

Parties involved in the rumoured impeachment plot have sheathed their swords, following the intervention of Governor Makinde.

The Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja, wife of the former Governor of the state, Florence Ajimobi and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, were reportedly all involved in the alleged mobilization for the impeachment.

As this was ongoing, members of the State House of Assembly rallied to remove the Speaker following his alleged involvement in the Governor’s removal plot.

Governor Makinde’s intervention came during a meeting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus of the assembly at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, after lawmakers were said to have earlier met to finalize plans for the Speaker’s removal.

Speaker Ogundoyin was billed for impeachment last Thursday, but escaped, following the intervention of the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, after the rumoured plan to impeach the governor.

Sources at the meeting with the governor revealed that the members had heated arguments, while some of them believed that the Speaker had dragged the Assembly in the mud and should be relieved of the post.

However, after the members present at the meeting presented their positions, with some of them expressing disappointment at Ogundoyin, the governor was said to have calmed them and pleaded on his behalf.

The Source noted that much consideration was given to the interest of the State and that of the ruling party in shelving the idea of impeaching the Speaker.

However, Makinde’s intervention appears to have drawn a firm line that has now put an end to the crisis as he directed all members of the Assembly to close ranks with the existing House leadership under the Speaker.

The Governor reportedly emphasised the need for unity, discipline, and stability within both the legislature and the party.

The directive, it was gathered, effectively shut down any ongoing moves toward impeachment, with lawmakers said to have agreed to abide by the governor’s position.

The source said, “It (the impeachment saga) has been resolved in the interest of the state, yes, the Speaker was advised to step aside, but with the intervention of the governor, we have to take so many things into consideration and shelve the idea.

“We are going into election period and the state is more important than any person, so that idea was put aside in the interest of the state and for unity and peace in the house because we would not want the opposition to take advantage of the situation on ground.

“The governor has invited him to meet with some Ibadan leaders to plead for him.”

Amaechi: “How I Was Chased Out Of PDP And APC” – Rotimi Amaechi

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 17, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A former Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that he was forced out of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, in 2014, by former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience. He also said he was chased out of the All Progressives Congress, APC to which he defected when he left the PDP.

Responding to a question on his peripatetic political antecedents spanning three parties in less than a decade on a Channels Television Interview, Amaechi stated that he moved when it was obvious that he was no longer wanted in his previous political nests. He disclosed that the structures of the Party were taken away from him and given to another. What he did not say, however, was that he was already working against both the Presidency and the Party by the time he said he was forced out of the Party.

The source reports that Amaechi one of the prominent progenitors of the new-look opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, exited the Peoples Democratic party PDP, ahead of the 2015 general elections to join forces with the All Progressive Congress APC.

He was to later serve as the Director-General of the Buhari/Osibanjo Presidential Campaign Organization in 2015.

However, he was, also, to quit the APC almost immediately after losing the Party’s presidential ticket to President Bola Tinubu at the 2022 National Convention of the party in Abuja.

He resurfaced after a lull in July 2025, for the midwifing of the ADC, together with others including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar , Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, former Attorney General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami , former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and others.

“I was literally chased out of the PDP. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife chased me out and handed over the structure of the party to other people.

“My offence was that as the Chairman of the Governors Forum, I chose to move with the Governors.

“Yes, I left PDP, but the entire country knew what happened. I was chased out of the PDP. Or do you want me to remind you that I was chased out of PDP.

“President Goodluck Jonathan with his wife took over the political structure in Rivers state and chased me out”, Amaechi stated.

The ADC’s Presidential hopeful noted that a similar scenario played out in the APC where some people felt uncomfortable with his presence after the party’s presidential primaries.

“The same happened. I was chased out of APC. Thereafter, I joined ADC. In all, the major issue was that I disagreed with some of the policies pursued by political actors. And I left after we could not resolve them”, he added.

According to him, before leaving the PDP, he held several trouble-shooting meetings with former President Jonathan.

“In the same vein,the first day they said President Tinubu won the primary, I told him that I don’t agree with him,” Amaechi stated.

Amaechi explained that he finds it difficult to remain silent in the face of injustice, adding that he will rather quit than compromise certain principles.

Insecurity: Anglican Diocece Urges Nigerians To Consider Self Defence, Backs Int. Collaboration

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Ayodele Oni

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April 17, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Anglican Diocese of Ado Ekiti, Church of Nigeria, has welcomed international collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s security capacity.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the third Session of its 20th Synod alongside its 60th anniversary celebrations held in Ado Ekiti.

The communiqué signed by the President of the Synod, His Lordship, The Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatubosun, and the Secretary, The Ven. Emmanuel Feranmi Ojo, expressed concern over insecurity, particularly violent attacks and kidnappings, urging the government to strengthen its response to criminal activities.

The Synod advised Nigerians to consider lawful means of self-defence in the light of prevailing security challenges, while also calling on the President to intensify efforts against banditry, especially in Northern Nigeria.

The Synod commended the Federal Government’s anti-corruption efforts but urged greater transparency and fairness, stressing the need for proper reinvestment of funds saved from fuel subsidy removal to ease the economic burden on citizens.

The Church further urged government at all levels to prioritize job creation, promote industrialization, and shift the economy from consumption to production, stressing that tackling unemployment would significantly improve both security and economic stability

Addressing Nigeria’s electoral process, the Synod underscored the importance of electronic transmission of results in ensuring credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls and called on anti-corruption agencies to tackle vote-buying, stressing the need for electoral bodies and security agencies to act impartially.

On the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election in June 2026, the Synod appealed for peaceful conduct and a level playing field for all political actors, encouraging citizens to participate responsibly.

Concluding, the Synod called on Nigerians to remain patriotic, uphold moral values, and work collectively towards national unity and development.

The Synod emphasized its theme, “Children Are the Heritage of God” (Psalm 127:3), describing it as timely in the face of increasing moral challenges affecting young people.

Participants stressed that raising Godly children remains both a spiritual and societal duty, highlighting discipline, intentional Christian teaching, and mentorship as key approaches.

FG Calls For Restraint As Airline Operators Threaten Increase In Fare

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Ayodele Oni

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April 17, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has reacted to threats by Airline Operators to increase airfare over rising cost of aviation fuel.

The federal government appealed to the airline operators to exercise restraint with respect to any proposed increase in airfares or suspension of air operations.

In a letter addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, it said it was aware of the “sudden hike” in Jet A1 fuel from ₦900 per liter as at February 28, 2026, to ₦3,300 per liter as of April 16, 2026, representing a 300 per cent increase.

The Government stated that while the prevailing cost mounts pressure on private air operations, any immediate upward adjustment in ticket prices would impose significant hardship on the travelling public, potentially depress demand, and limit accessibility to air transport for a broad segment of Nigerians.

“Secondly, I appeal for the reconsideration of any planned suspension of flight operations. Such action would have far-reaching adverse implications for the national economy, disrupt critical mobility and logistics networks, erode public confidence, and undermine the progress recorded under the ongoing reforms within the aviation sector,” Kayamo said in the letter.

He, however, disclosed that a high-level emergency stakeholders’ meeting had been scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Abuja, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities with a view to achieving a prompt, practical, and sustainable resolution.

The Minister noted that the venue and time would be communicated in due course.

While commending the resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment of air operator in sustaining air transport services under evidently difficult conditions, he reiterated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu accords the aviation sector the highest strategic importance.

“In line with the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, the sector remains a critical national asset essential to trade facilitation, national security, employment generation, and overall economic integration.

“You will also acknowledge that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated unprecedented reforms in the sector aimed at supporting the growth and sustenance of the businesses of local operators.

“I wish to formally assure you that the concerns raised by your members have received the full attention of the Federal Government, and we shall take immediate steps to address the issues,” the minister added.

Airline operators had warned that airlines across the country might suspend operations from April 20, 2026, over what they described as an “astronomical and unsustainable” rise in the price of Jet A1 fuel.

In a letter dated April 14, 2026, to major energies marketers, the operators, under the AON, said the cost of aviation fuel has surged from ₦900 per litre as of February 28 to ₦3,300 per litre — an increase of over 300 per cent within weeks.

According to the body, the spike is “artificial” and far exceeds global trends, noting that international crude oil prices have risen by only about 30 per cent within the same period.

“Airline revenues are insufficient to cover the cost of fuel alone,” the letter stated, adding that the situation has deteriorated to the point where continued operations are no longer viable.

The group warned that the actions of fuel marketers are “decimating the aviation industry” and pose broader risks to Nigeria’s economy, safety, and national security.

The AON revealed that the impact of the price surge is already being felt across the sector, disclosing that one airline had grounded all operations since March 13, 2026, due to the rising cost of fuel.