The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to commence international operations at the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo with the airlift of Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj. Akinmade said the Gateway International Airport, “built to high engineering standards,” was gradually moving towards full operations, with ongoing activities to launch international passenger services. “The governor also mandated the Consultant on Aviation Matters and Accountable Manager of Gateway International Airport, Capt. “The intention is for Hajj operations to take place at Gateway International Airport this year,” he said. He said the Gateway International Airport is among the 17 airports across the country designated for Hajj operations.

Domestic airlines operating in the country are facing mounting financial pressure following a sharp increase in the price of Jet-A1, also known as aviation fuel, the Airline Operators of Nigeria has said. Aviation fuel remains the largest cost component in airline operations, accounting for about 30 to 35 per cent of total operating expenses. He noted that developments in the global oil market, particularly the recent release of reserve crude oil, could influence fuel prices in the coming weeks. Okonkwo also urged the Federal Government to explore engagement with the Dangote Refinery as part of efforts to stabilise aviation fuel supply locally. According to him, if the spike persists, some airlines may struggle to continue absorbing the losses associated with the rising cost of aviation fuel.

Major political, security and social developments dominated Saturday’s headlines as President Bola Tinubu overruled Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo and ordered the relocation of the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau to the Presidency. Also making headlines, a cleric, Agbala Gabriel, is battling allegations of fraud and sexual misconduct, claims that have stirred intense debate on social media. Here are the top stories:Tinubu overrules Keyamo, moves safety investigation bureau to PresidencyPresident Bola Tinubu has reportedly directed that the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau be moved to the Presidency, overriding the earlier position of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. The incident, which went viral on social media, has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger anti-bullying measures in schools. Findings by Saturday PUNCH showed that residents in Kano State, Kaduna State, Sokoto State, Enugu State, Benue State, Oyo State, Akwa Ibom State, Taraba State, Lagos State, and Ogun State have been battling prolonged blackouts in recent weeks.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled attempted terrorist attacks on Azir Bridge and Banki in Borno State. It added that the troops launched coordinated attacks which disrupted the terrorists’ assault formations and forced them into disarray. The operation was further supported by air strikes from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which played a significant role in repelling the attackers. “The engagements were further reinforced by effective close air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which contributed significantly to the successful defeat of the attackers,” the statement added. Operation Hadin Kai reassured the public that troops of the Joint Task Force remain committed to defeating terrorist threats in the North-East and restoring peace to the region.

Similarly, the coastal supply price was adjusted upward from N1,378,548 per metric tonne to N1,512,648 per metric tonne. The regulator said Dangote produced an average of 36 million litres per day, and the country was consuming over 50 million litres per day. “In their own report, they said Dangote supplied about 36 million litres per day, while the country’s consumption was about 56 million litres per day. However, the commencement of operations at the Dangote refinery, widely regarded as Africa’s largest refinery, has significantly altered the dynamics of the downstream sector. The Dangote refinery is the only plant producing petrol currently in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has urged media executives to extend the same level of scrutiny they apply to his administration to states and local governments, which, he argued, now enjoy greater financial autonomy under his reformed federalism. The President made the appeal on Friday night while hosting media proprietors and executives at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. Tinubu thanked media proprietors for their relentless criticism, which he said challenged him to perform better despite the harsh commentary during his early days in office. Tinubu also acknowledged the challenging operating environment for media organisations, particularly regarding funding sources during difficult economic times. Tinubu commended media proprietors for innovations introduced during challenging periods and pledged continued patriotic dedication to improving Nigeria.

An Ibadan, Oyo State-based cleric, Kayode Amusan, aka Agbala Gabriel, has been accused of sexual misconduct and mishandling of donations raised for sick individuals. For years, the cleric cultivated an image online as a compassionate pastor whose ministry frequently rallied support for the sick and vulnerable. “Agbala Gabriel initially denied the pregnancy, but after pressure, he later accepted responsibility and rented a house for the lady and the twins,” she added. We see men of God like Pastor Adeboye, and other famous pastors being dragged on social media every day. This is just how they do on social media, making false allegations.”

North Korea fired about 10 unidentified ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Saturday, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said, days after Pyongyang warned of “terrible consequences” over South Korea-US military drills. Pyongyang recently dashed hopes of a diplomatic thaw with South Korea, Washington’s security ally, describing its latest peace efforts as a “clumsy, deceptive farce”. Japan’s defence ministry also confirmed the launch, saying on its official X account that “what is possibly a ballistic missile was launched from North Korea”. Terrible consequencesLast month, Pyongyang’s leader Kim said North Korea had “absolutely no business dealing with South Korea, its most hostile entity, and will permanently exclude South Korea from the category of compatriots”. Earlier this week, Kim Yo Jong, a powerful confidante of her brother Kim Jong Un, said the joint drills “may cause unimaginably terrible consequences”.

President Bola Tinubu has overridden the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, by moving the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to the Presidency. The presidential aide cited accident investigation bodies such as the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States, which reports directly to the highest level of government. This structure ensures independence, credibility and efficiency in accident investigation processes. “The proposed repositioning of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to report to the Presidency will allow the necessary enforcement of safety regulations across all transportation sectors and remove it from the current limited sectoral ministerial oversight. “I recommend that the National Assembly and its relevant stakeholders should please retain the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau within the Federal Ministry of Aviation,” Kana told the committee.

The decisions were reached after reviewing complaints against all 21 doctors, examining counter-affidavits, and considering oral depositions on oath. According to the doctor, the panel accused him and others of violating Rule 49(c), which he argued was incorrectly interpreted. The patient was not my private patient. “I do not collect fees from colleagues, and I do not work in any public hospital in Lagos. She further accused the panel of unfairly indicting the doctors in order to give the impression that action was being taken.

The Labour Force Survey for February was released Friday, and comes after January’s report showed the unemployment rate was 6.5 per cent. The net job loss total of 84,000 is the final amount left over after calculating all jobs lost in the month minus the number of jobs added. Story continues below advertisementThe first two months of the year have seen a total of 109,000 jobs lost, including the 25,000 shed in January. This includes wholesale and retail trade, which Statistics Canada says has trended down since October 2025, with a total of 52,000 jobs lost. 2:23 Business Matters: Canadian economy loses 25,000 jobs in JanuaryTwenty-eight thousand jobs were eliminated in goods-producing industries, including construction and manufacturing sectors.

“Yes, it is true,” the official said when asked about the upward price review. A refinery source explained that the decision was largely driven by rising global crude prices, which directly affect refining costs. “The revision reflects the surge in global crude oil prices. PUNCH Online reports that global oil prices have risen sharply in recent hours following escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Iran and Israel. The rally reflects a growing “war premium” in global oil prices as traders factor in the risk of supply disruptions in the Middle East.

“Because of the heat and fasting, people now depend on neighbours who have solar power to buy ice blocks or cold water,” he said. According to her, the area hardly enjoys power supply even when other areas in the capital city used to have steady power supply. “Before now, our area had not been enjoying power supply, we only have power for like two hours hours in two or three days. Saturday PUNCH observes that social media is awash with content created by Nigerians to express frustration over the poor power supply. “We are currently experiencing a reduction in power supply due to gas supply constraints affecting power generation,” the company said.

A Royal Marine who killed a man with a single punch after he felt "disrespected" by him has been jailed. Commando Joseph Jones pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of chef Cemal Yilmaz following an incident in Church Street in Exmouth, Devon, on 13 December. Manchester-born Yilmaz, who was 29, died three days later. Jones, who was based at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison during a hearing at Exeter Crown Court. During sentencing, the court heard Wolverhampton-native Jones had punched Yilmaz when he became irritated after he said the 22-year-old was from Birmingham.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has revealed that at least 23 components of the aircraft sustained damage following an abnormal engine event mid-flight. According to the report, the engine inlet cowling was missing and the number six fan blade of the engine was broken with the root still attached. The report noted that the remaining 23 fan blades were chipped and damaged, while both the inboard and outboard engine cowling covers were folded upward, exposing the engine accessories. “While climbing through FL 260 to FL 270, the flight crew heard a loud bang and grinding noise, followed by vibrations from the No. The bureau also confirmed that communication between the flight crew and air traffic controllers remained effective throughout the emergency.