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Enugu Air to connect Nigeria to the world – Mbah
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has declared that Enugu Air, the newly launched state-owned airline, will serve as a strategic hub to connect countries beyond its base in the state capital.
The Governor made this ambitious announcement during the inauguration of the airline’s maiden flight at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Monday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah emphasised that Enugu Air is not just a domestic airline but part of a broader vision to position Enugu as a central aviation gateway to the South-East and a bridge between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
“Our goal is to make Enugu a connecting hub for travellers across Africa and internationally. Enugu Air will not only facilitate domestic travel but also serve as a critical link that connects countries to our base here in Enugu, boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth,” Mbah said.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who officially flagged off the maiden flight, praised the initiative as a trailblazing move that reflects the power of sub-national vision.
Accompanied by top officials from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority, the Minister commended the Enugu State Government for investing in critical infrastructure that promotes economic integration and positions Nigeria as an emerging aviation hub.
He said, “This launch is more than symbolic. It shows how a state government can lead with vision and build the kind of infrastructure that connects Nigeria internally and externally.”
The airline, which will be operated by Xejet, begins with domestic routes, but the Governor plans to rapidly expand to regional and international destinations.
The PUNCH gathered that the airline’s operations are backed by a public-private partnership aimed at delivering safety, quality service, and long-term viability.
Although details of the partnership were still shrouded in secrecy at the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Aviation reaffirmed its support for the venture, promising a regulatory environment that meets global standards and encourages innovation in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has approved the commencement of domestic flight of the airline through a temporary partnership with XEJET, pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate process.
The regulatory nod aligns with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda, which prioritises the growth of indigenous airlines, as well as the Director-General of Civil Aviation’s commitment to enhancing ease of doing business and deepening sectoral reforms.
In a statement issued by Achimugu, he said, “Enugu Air has designated XEJET as its operational partner pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate process.
“XEJET has completed a full variation process to integrate the EMB 170 aircraft into its Operations Specifications, following NCAA’s rigorous five-phase certification procedure.
“As such, XEJET is duly authorised to operate scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air under current NCAA guidelines.”
During this interim phase, passengers can book Enugu Air flights through the XEJET platform, which can be accessed via a redirect on Enugu Air’s official website.
Reaffirming its commitment to the aviation sector, the NCAA noted, “The NCAA remains committed to enabling a supportive regulatory environment for indigenous carriers, ensuring fair competition, and upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and consumer protection in Nigeria’s air transport industry.”
Enugu Air was launched by Governor Peter Mbah in July 2025 as part of a broader state-driven transport strategy aimed at positioning Enugu as a regional aviation hub. Starting with three Embraer aircraft on the Enugu–Abuja–Lagos “golden triangle,” the carrier intends to spur job creation, boost tourism, and improve connectivity for the diaspora and business community.
Governor Mbah said it would offer “simpler, more dignified access to home” and become “a giant leap for Enugu State; a gold standard for government and private partnership.”
Recognising that obtaining an AOC can take up to two years, Governor Mbah partnered with XEJET to accelerate launching operations.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo urged the state government and residents to run Enugu Air professionally, warning against political interference, bureaucracy, and the culture of free tickets.
He also promised to support the growth of the airline by facilitating the acquisition of additional aircraft.
Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, described the collaboration between XE Jet and Enugu Air as a seamless way for the state to enter the aviation sector.
He noted that the airline’s launch aligns with the NCAA’s dedication to promoting ease of doing business while upholding strict regulatory standards.
Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Dutse, Jigawa State.
They are demanding that INEC formally recognise the party’s national leadership led by David Mark.
The protest comes amid growing political tension in the state, as internal party disputes and defections intensify ahead of party primaries and the next general elections.
According to reports, the protesters marched to the INEC office in the state capital without incident and submitted a petition to the commission.
Speaking after the protest, the Jigawa ADC Youth Leader, Manniru Aminu, accused INEC of overstepping its authority and said the commission cannot determine legal disputes involving court rulings.
“INEC does not have the constitutional power to interpret court rulings. That responsibility lies with the judiciary,” he said.
The group also claimed that INEC is not acting neutrally in handling internal party issues, which they described as a threat to democratic fairness.
They insisted that the leadership of the ADC under David Mark remains the only legitimate and constitutionally recognised structure of the party.
The protesters demanded that INEC immediately restore the Mark-led leadership on its official records and website.
They also called for a public apology from the commission and urged that those responsible for the alleged bias be held accountable.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Fatima Zuntu as the director-general and chief executive officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
In a statement on Monday, Chris Ugwuegbulam, head of information and public relations at the office of the secretary to the government of the federation, said the appointment takes effect from April 16.
Ugwuegbulam said Zuntu will serve an initial term of four years, in line with section 5 of the National Biosafety Management Agency Act, 2015.
He said Zuntu is a public health professional and policy strategist with experience in implementing national programmes.
Ugwuegbulam said the president has tasked the new NBMA boss to deploy her expertise towards advancing the agency’s mandate.
Zuntu’s appointment comes amid ongoing scrutiny over leadership qualifications at the biosafety agency.
In December 2025, a non-governmental organisation filed a freedom of information (FOI) request seeking to verify the academic and professional credentials of Bello Bwari, the former NBMA director-general.
The group raised concerns that Bwari, a lawyer by training, may not have met the statutory requirements for the role, noting that section 5 of the NBMA Act stipulates that the agency’s head must possess at least a master’s degree in biological sciences or a related field.
The NGO’s request, submitted to the federal ministry of environment, asked the government to disclose documents relating to Bwari’s qualifications and the process leading to his appointment.
The organisation criticised the lack of transparency, warning that such issues could undermine public confidence in biosafety regulation and scientific governance in Nigeria.
The group said the outcome of the FOI request could set a precedent for accountability in regulatory agencies, particularly those overseeing public health, environmental protection, and biotechnology.
The Labour Party has released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral subcommittees ahead of its forthcoming nationwide congresses scheduled across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, the party announced the constitution of the committees to oversee the conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses.
According to the party, the ward congresses are scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026, while local government congresses will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026. The state congresses are fixed for Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The subcommittees, which the party said are composed of “experienced and respected party members”, have been mandated to ensure smooth conduct of the exercises in their respective states.
The appointed chairmen are, “Hon. Iheanacho Obioma (Abia); Francis Kim (Adamawa); Ekong Philip Solomon (Akwa Ibom); Chief Tony Asuoha (Anambra); Malam Mustapha Adamu (Bauchi); Beredugo Ebimonyo (Bayelsa); Chief John A. A. Ochoga (Benue); Comrade Buratai (Borno); Urom P. Iyang (Cross River); Hon. Chuks Onitsha (Delta); Chief Mitchell Nwabueze (Ebonyi); Comrade Dr. Saliu Edogiawerie (Edo); Comrade Usman Mohammed (Niger); Owolabi Ezekiel (Ogun); Charles Afolabi (Ondo); Balogun Ibrahim (Osun); Babatunde Yusuf (Oyo); Fakorede Matthew (Ekiti); Dr. David Ogba (Enugu); Comrade Adoga S. Knaabayi (Gombe); Hon. Chinagorom Nwankpa (Imo); Comrade Mustapha Garba (Jigawa); Dr. Emmanuel Barau (Kaduna); Comrade Kabiru Said (Kano); Pastor Ishaku Izang (Plateau); Hon. Amaobi Ogah (Rivers); Professor Muhamuda Muhammad (Sokoto); Barrister Jesse Williams (Taraba); Mukhtar Hassan (Yobe); Haila Ayuba Baja (Zamfara); Comrade Ismail Bello (Katsina); Comrade Muh’d H. Birnin (Kebbi); Hon. Samuel Ajare (Kogi); Bodunde David Adebayo (Kwara); Chukwuemeka Ogbanna (Lagos); Comrade Dr. Muttaqa Yushau (Nasarawa); and Comrade Rose Uba-Anarah (Federal Capital Territory).”
In her message to the subcommittee members, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Nenadi Usman, urged them to discharge their duties with fairness, transparency, and integrity, stressing the importance of the party’s core values.
She said they must remain guided by the principles of “equal opportunity and social justice”, adding that the credibility of the party must be upheld throughout the congress process.
The party also reaffirmed that its National Convention will hold on Tuesday, 28th April 2026, in Umuahia, Abia State, expressing confidence that all arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise.
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