IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Flight operations across Nigerian airports face major disruptions as workers of the Nigeria Meteorology Agency (NiMet) begin an indefinite nationwide strike on Wednesday.

The strike, led by key aviation unions, stems from NiMet’s failure to implement agreements on improved remuneration. A partial agreement reached on January 28, 2025, remains largely unfulfilled, unions said.

NiMet’s role in issuing essential weather clearances means flights cannot legally take off or land without its input. This raises the risk of a nationwide grounding of air travel.

Aero Contractors MD Ado Sanusi confirmed that weather reports are mandatory for flight operations but couldn’t confirm whether flights would hold on Wednesday.

Passengers at major airports including Abuja and Lagos are anxious, calling on the government to intervene urgently.

As of press time, aviation authorities have not issued an official response. 

Eight Nigerian banks spent a total of N4.61 trillion on personnel and operating expenses in 2024, marking a 107.8% jump from N2.2 trillion in 2023.

Data from annual financial reports submitted to the Nigerian Exchange show sharp cost increases across the board:

- Access Holdings led with N960.8bn in operating expenses, up 106.3%; personnel costs rose 127.5% to N381.4bn.  

- UBA spent N682.9bn, up 83.2%.  

- First HoldCo recorded N568.3bn in expenses, up 66.4%.  

- Zenith Bank spent N586.6bn, a 101.1% increase.  

- GTCO expenses rose 56.2% to N259.6bn, with salaries up 89.3%. 

- Fidelity Bank spent N242.7bn, up 79.3%.  

- Wema Bank and FCMB posted 68.9% and 47.8% increases respectively.

The spike reflects mounting cost pressures in the sector amid inflation and naira devaluation. 

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the immediate detention of officers accused of extorting ₦5.2 million from a traveler en route from Ado-Ekiti to Akure.

Acting on a directive from Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the officers have been moved to NSCDC headquarters in Abuja for investigation.

The extortion case went viral on social media, prompting swift disciplinary action. Audi condemned the act as unprofessional and vowed strict sanctions if the officers are found guilty.

A disciplinary committee has been set up, with Audi reaffirming the Corps’ zero tolerance for misconduct and urging public cooperation. 

Traffic disruptions hit parts of Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday following incidents involving fallen trees and streetlights, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

Three streetlights collapsed on **Osborne Road, but with minimal impact on traffic. However, a fallen tree completely blocked Bourdillon Road inward Alexandra roundabout, forcing traffic diversion.

Another tree fell on Alexandra Road inward Parkview Estate, obstructing 50% of the road.

LASTMA officers are clearing the debris, with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency also deployed. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously.

The Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation following the alleged suicide of an inspector, Maxwell Zubu, in the Eagle Island area of Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Zubu, reportedly assigned as a security detail to a former chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

The case has been reported to the Eagle Island Police Post under the Azikiwe Division, while the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) has taken over the probe.

Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of death. 

Police in Adamawa State have arrested a man, Face Samuel, for impersonating a Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) and defrauding job seekers.

Samuel, a resident of Army Barracks Road in Yola-North, was nabbed on April 22 following credible intelligence. He allegedly posed as a VIO and collected ₦350,000 from multiple victims with false promises of employment at the state Ministry of Transportation.

Victims identified include Blessing Kefas, Abel Samuel, Evlyne Amos, and Friday Adamu. Samuel reportedly confessed to the crime and said the VIO uniform used was provided by an unknown individual, now under investigation.

Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, urged the public to report similar cases, assuring that a full investigation is ongoing to identify more victims and accomplices.