A building in central Johannesburg, South Africa, gutted by fire, has killed at least 73 people and injured 52 others.

According to the Voice of America, the fire started before morning in a five-story building that homeless people used as an informal community.

The state emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, said search and recovery efforts of victims trapped in the inferno were ongoing.

“I am stunned and devastated by this awful tragedy, not only for Johannesburg but for the whole of South Africa,” said Premier Alan Winde.

Mr Winde added, ” It has saddened us all here in the Western Cape and in our government. My thoughts go out to the relatives of those who lost their lives and to those who were injured.”

The Imo government said it commenced Wednesday distributing 65,000 bags of rice to cushion the effect of the petrol subsidy removal on the people.

In a speech at the launch of the exercise in Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma said the fuel subsidy removal was “one of the most quotient policies of the Federal Government to save the economy from collapse.”

Mr Uzodimma said the federal government’s introduction of physical support to state governments aimed to tackle the challenges of the high cost of living and poverty caused by the policy.

The governor said one of the support measures was the federal government’s N7 billion donation to every state.

“I can confirm that Imo has received its own. The federal government also worked out a programme to distribute food products to the citizenry through the state governments and promised to purchase N4 billion worth of rice at N40,000 per bag,” said Mr Uzodimma.

“Of the N4 billion, N2 billion has been released, while the remaining N2 billion will be sent soon.”

Mr Uzodimma further disclosed that the federal government would also deliver maize worth N1 billion to every state. He said the Imo government procured the rice from local markets to encourage the value chain.

Mr Uzodimma said distributing the 65,000 bags of rice was the first phase of the federal government’s palliatives.

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for the initiative and described him as “a great thinker and economist who knows how to create wealth and rebuild the economy.”

According to him, Mr Tinubu’s policies will help recover the economy, reduce the high exchange rate and create prosperity for the people.

Mr Uzodimma said the federal government would soon release compressed natural gas and electric buses to states.

Mr Uzodimma explained that the Imo government had concluded plans to float a new transport company equipped with new vehicles to reduce the cost of transportation.

Mr Uzodimma warned against partisanship in the distribution of the items.

“This has shown that the federal government is not insensitive to the sufferings of the people and the hardship occasioned by the policy of fuel subsidy removal. There is no point politicising it. The president is committed to recover our economy and bring back Nigeria to its lost glory,” noted the Imo governor.

Mr Uzodimma added, “So, we need to support and we are determined to support him.”

More than 20,000 Ukrainian military personnel have already received training in the United Kingdom, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement.

Apart from training, the UK provided the Ukrainian soldiers with military items as part of the international training Operation Interflex, according to the statement posted on Facebook.

In particular, Ukrainian troops received military uniform and footwear, bulletproof vests and helmets, as well as tactical glasses and gloves, first aid kits, and other types of equipment, it said.

According to the statement, the UK military support for Ukraine has exceeded 2.3 billion pounds (2.9 billion U.S. dollars).

Launched in the summer of 2022, Operation Interflex is a UK-led international training programme for Ukrainian recruits.

The police command in Niger has confirmed the death of a 16-year-old girl, Priscilla Galadima, who was crushed to death by a tanker in Minna.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed this in Minna on Thursday.

He said the deceased was a resident of the Barkin-Sale area, Minna, who was trying to cross the road by Shiroro roundabout when she met her unfortunate death.

“At about 10 a.m. on Wednesday a Mercedes Benz vehicle with Reg. No. SUL 140 AJ driven by one Daniel Joshua, aged 35 years of Morris Minna, was coming from Mandela road heading to Shiroro roundabout.

“But somewhere along the way, he drove recklessly and scratched a Toyota Yaris vehicle with Reg.No. RJA 375 AA driven by one Abubakar Yahaya of Okada Road.

“The Mercedes vehicle reportedly refused to stop while the Toyota vehicle pursued the Benz for it to stop.

“The Benz in the process, hit a pedestrian, Priscilla Galadima, aged 16 years of Barkin-Sale, who was trying to cross the road by Shiroro roundabout,” he said.

Mr Abiodun said the lady was hit to the opposite lane, adding, “unfortunately, an oncoming tanker trailer with Reg.No JMT 576 YR driven by one Ibrahim Lawal of Jembutu Yola, ran over the deceased.”

He said that the deceased was taken to General Hospital Minna, where she was confirmed dead.

Mr Abiodun added that the drivers were arrested and taken to Tudum Wada police division for further investigation, while the corpse was deposited at the Minna General Hospital’s morgue, Minna.

The Academic Staff Union of the University of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Chapter has slammed the Special Intervention Team for its claim that it uncovered academic fraud in the school.

The SIT had alleged that 30 students schooling abroad had graduated from AAU due to the marking of their examination script by lecturers of the university.

The chairman of the ASUU chapter, Dr Cyril Onognosele, described the allegation as an illusion while calling on SIT’s spokesperson, Austin Osakwe to publish names, courses, departments, and years of graduation of the students in question as well as details of the lecturers involved in the alleged academic fraud.

He said the actions of the SIT were demarketing the institution, stating that the SIT was cooking up all these allegations in a bid to extend its tenure that ended in March.

Onognosele said, “In presenting SIT’s progress report to the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Austin Osakue claimed that SIT had uncovered academic fraud in the University.

Further, he alleged that over 30 students schooling overseas had graduated from AAU, Ekpoma due to the marking of their examination answer scripts by lecturers of the University.

“ASUU considers this allegation of academic fraud as an illusion and demands publication of the names, courses, departments, years of graduation of the students in question as well as details of the lecturers involved in the alleged academic fraud.

“Does graduation of students in a university start and end with “marking of scripts”? Among other requirements, for a student to graduate from the University, first, the student must be admitted, registered, take lectures, pass the examination of courses, and get the approval of results/recommendation for graduation from the Department Board of Studies, Faculty Board of Studies and the Senate of the University.

“Why then is the graduation of the students in the alleged academic fraud restricted to “marking of scripts by lecturers”?

Undoubtedly, it is a ploy to give the dog a bad name so as to hang it. For self-serving reasons, a particular member of the SIT who is the de facto chairman of the team is preoccupied with, and committed to blackmailing the academic staff of the University and demarketing the University in order to consign the image of the University to the hall of shame.

“This has serious implications for the academic integrity and credibility of the University in local, national, and global competitiveness, and is unacceptable to ASUU and stakeholders of goodwill for the University.

“Consequently, we insist on a thorough, transparent, and just investigation of the claim of academic fraud in the University widely believed to be in the realm of propaganda and blackmail. We urge the Visitor to the University/Governor of Edo State to direct full investigation into the allegation of academic fraud which is an ‘indictment’ of all relevant organs and authorities of the University and not just the lecturers,” he added.

The ASUU chair said the interim and progress reports by SIT to the Visitor to AAU and the general public are full of misinformation and propaganda and should be investigated to determine the true state of the crisis in the University.

He added, “Edo State Government as a matter of urgency should implement the decisions reached at the stakeholders’ meeting on the crisis in the University held on 16th March, 2023 in order to genuinely resolve the crisis rocking the University.

“Without delay, the problem of selective payment of salaries of staff in the University should be resolved with payment of all outstanding salaries to staff of the University.

“The Union believes that repositioning of a university does not translate to infringement of workers’ rights, denial of wages, and lack of improved welfare of workers.

“The annual increments of staff salaries stopped by the University Administration should be restored. We implore the Visitor to the University, as a matter of urgency, to constitute a governing council for the University to enable the University to function properly,” he added.

The Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft’s patrol team on August 26, 2023, apprehended five Nigerian stowaways trying to exit the country.

They were reportedly arrested onboard a vessel, MSC Martha heading to Spain within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage.

The Commander, NNS Beecroft, Kolawale Oguntuga, while handing the suspects over to the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Naval Base Apapa, Lagos on Wednesday said their arrest was carried out following a tipoff.

Oguntuga gave the names of the stowaways as Effiong Okon, 44; Ayewuni Daniel, 27; Ajagboma Asiko, 29; Adebanjo Ayewumi, 23; and Christian Joseph, 25.

He said, “The Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft’s patrol team executed a commendable operation resulting in the apprehension of five stowaways aboard a vessel -MSC Martha.

“The operation was carried out on August 26, 2023, around 11.50pm following a reliable tip-off.

“Their arrest took place within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage, while they were attempting to clandestinely exit the country via the vessel.”

Oguntuga added that mobile phones, some personal effects and a cash sum of N7,900 were found on them.

“The apprehended stowaways have been handed over to the appropriate authorities and are currently held in custody. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate legal actions are taken,” he said.

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said it was providing temporary shelters in states as part of measures to tackle the impending flood that could hit some frontline states following the recent opening of Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

Lagdo Dam was eventually closed on August 28, 2023, after it was opened on August 14, and spilled massive volumes of water that usually cause flooding in Nigeria annually.

Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River have been identified as some states in Nigeria that could suffer severe flooding if adequate measures are not put in place.

But the government confirmed on Wednesday that most states were taking very proactive steps to counter the impact of the flood that could arise from the release of water from the dam, as well as heavy rainfall in-country.

The Director-General, NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, disclosed this in Abuja while speaking on the side-lines of a national emergency coordination forum organised by the agency to tackle the outcome of the opening of Lagdo Dam.

Asked whether states had activated some of the internally displaced persons camps along the path of River Benue where the water from Lagdo would flow through, Ahmed said,

“That is for the states. We have advised them accordingly.“We met with the governors’ forum and we gave them all the advice that is necessary. And most of the states have been very proactive. So we will probably see a lot of difference this time around.”

When probed further to explain how the states had been proactive, he said, “In the clearing of drainages, water channels, desilting the rivers, among others. These are some of the forms of proactiveness that we see this time around.”

Ahmed further revealed that the Federal Government was also providing temporary shelters to support the state governments.

“We are providing temporary shelters to support the states, but these states have to provide the IDP camps. NEMA does not provide IDP camps to states, rather the state governments do that. We support them.

“If there is any need for additional camps, we give them temporary shelters and tents.”

On whether there was a budget for emergency operations that would arise as a result of the impending flood, he replied, “We don’t have any standing budget for this yet.

“The Lagdo Dam was opened and it had already been closed, so the extent of the damage will not be known immediately. It is after the flood season, that is when we can do an assessment of things that were damaged and know what the budget would be like.”

Veteran Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle, has said that the recognition singer Burna Boy has continued to enjoy is undeserved.

Doyle, in a post on Facebook Wednesday, slammed the Grammy-award-winning artiste, noting that the singer has “done nothing by himself that can be remotely described as great.

“The actor continued saying veteran acts like Sunny Ade, Fela Anikulapo and I.K Dairo, paved the way for the likes of Burna, who need to be “respectful of their diligent and truly pioneering predecessors.

“His post read, “The credit for the feats that appear to be puffing the likes of Burna Boy up have to be properly ascribed to the greats who cleared the thorny paths that have created pathways for his likes to walk through practically effortlessly.

“Burna Boy has not by himself done anything that can be remotely described as great.

“He and his peers are recipients of the labours of heroes past. They need to be humble and respectful of their diligent and truly pioneering predecessors.

“Great artistes like Sunny Ade, Fela Anikulapo, Majek Fashek, I. K. Dairo, and a galaxy of others who paved the way from the 60s, to the 2000s. Greatness and great feats don’t exist in a vacuum.

“Let us not contribute to the creation of an arrogant and obnoxious monster.”

The Nigerian Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism UNOCT have signed Memorandums of Understanding to further strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in the country.

A statement by the Head, of the Strategic Communications Office of the National Security Adviser Zakari Mijinyawa says, the MOUs are in furtherance of Nigeria’s joint efforts with the international community in combating the global menace of terrorism which remains one of the most complex challenges to the peace, security, and stability of nations around the world.

The parties also pledged continued collaboration to identify, collect, and disseminate good practices and lessons learned, and explore new opportunities by promoting dialogue and partnership through the development of capacity-building activities.

The National Coordinator of, the National Counter Terrorism Centre NCTC, Rear Admiral YEM Musa who represented the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, notes that the two Memorandums of Understanding signals a milestone in cementing Nigeria’s partnership with UNOCT towards enhanced collective counter-terrorism efforts.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Office of Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, noted that the MoUs envisaged further cooperation in various areas, including countering terrorist travel, financing of terrorism, border and maritime security, and delivery of counter-terrorism training in Nigeria.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, visited some federal road project sites in Lagos on Tuesday.

He made this known in a Facebook post on Wednesday, where he shared photos from his visit.

In the post, Umahi pledged to “establish enduring legacies within the road sector.

“Roads visited by the minister include Outer – Marina – Bonny Camp Road, Eko Bridge, Apapa – Oworonsoki – Ojota Expressway, Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway Section 1 (Lagos – Shagamu), Benin-Ofosu-Ore-Ajebandele-Shagamu Dual Carriageway, amongst others.

The designer of Nigerian Flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, has died at the age of 87.

His son, Akinkunmi Akinwumi Samuel, announced his demise via his Facebook page on Wednesday.

He wrote, “Life is indeed transient; i can say boldly you live a life with a landmark. Continue to rest on, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R) Great Man has gone.”

Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds by the government when his design was selected as the Nigerian flag.

He has also been honoured with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) Award by President Goodluck Jonathan.

American singer, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, has been declared the honorary mayor of Santa Clara, California ahead of her headline show in the city.

The “Cuff It” singer is set to perform at the city’s Levi’s Stadium as part of her Renaissance World Tour on Wednesday (August 30).

According to reports on Tuesday night from the city council, Beyoncé would take over as mayor of Santa Clara for just one day to coincide with her concert.

The former member of Destiny’s Child was not present at the event. Instead, she had her publicist, Dr. Yvette Noel-Schure, accept the honor and a silver key to the city on her behalf, Independent.co reports on Wednesday.

The Santa Clara spokesperson, Michelle Templeton in a statement, said, “The city of Santa Clara is excited about Beyoncé’s upcoming visit to the world-renowned Levi’s Stadium. Her concerts will certainly bring a great deal of energy and excitement.

She “has had a tremendous cultural impact as one of the most influential pop culture figures” of recent times, according to a proclamation honouring the singer.

Beyoncé broke the record for the most Grammy awards won earlier this year with the aid of her critically acclaimed Renaissance album.

Troops of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, have arrested two suspects over alleged vandalism of railway tracks and causing damages that would cost N10 million to fix.

Deputy commander of the 2 Division Provost Group, Maj. Benjamin Gambo handed the suspects over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday in Ibadan.

He said the division’s troops on patrol around the perimeter fence of the army barracks at Mokola, Ibadan, intercepted a vandal while in the nefarious act.

“He confessed to selling the vandalised items to traders at Gbagi Market, also in Ibadan and led troops to a female buyer of the items who was also arrested.

“The railway authority had been noticing the vandalism since 2021 and had estimated the cost of damage at about N10 million,’’ Mr Gambo said.

He assured the NSCDC of the cooperation and collaboration of the Nigerian Army to rid the society of crime and criminality.

Responding, the NSCDC deputy commandant in Oyo State, Akingbade Ezekiel, who took delivery of the suspects, assured that the corps would conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute the suspects.

Mr Ezekiel said the handing over of the suspects to the NSCDC resulted from the existing synergy between the two security agencies and expressed appreciation of the Nigerian Army for the arrest.

The naira depreciated against the dollar on Tuesday as it exchanged at N775.34 at the Investors and Exporters window.

The naira lost by 0.42 per cent compared to the N772.12 it exchanged for the dollar on Monday.

The open indicative rate closed at N769.66 to the dollar on Tuesday.

A spot exchange rate of N799.90 to the dollar was the highest rate recorded within the day’s trading before it settled at N775.34.

The naira sold for as low as N701 to the dollar within the day’s trading.

A total of $71.32 million was traded at the investors and exporters window on Tuesday.

The United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is partnering the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to spearhead the rapid establishment and activation of testing laboratories in the country.

It said the collaboration with NCDC and other crucial donors had been highly rewarding.McPaul Okoye, U.S. CDC laboratory branch chief in Nigeria, revealed this at a media roundtable on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the collaboration is strengthening Nigeria’s laboratory capacity for testing, bringing together a total of 163 operational laboratories under its network, from only three laboratories before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Okoye said Nigeria’s response to the pandemic achieved a breakthrough with the most rapid expansion in laboratory capacity for COVID-19 testing.

“In 2020, at the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, only three laboratories had the capacity to test for COVID-19 infection. U.S. CDC, in partnership with NCDC and other key donors, facilitated and provided the required technical assistance for the rapid establishment and activation of laboratories with capacity for COVID-19 testing,” stated Mr Okoye.

“As a result of this, Nigeria recorded the most rapid expansion in LAB capacity for COVID-19 testing that resulted in 163 labs with testing capacity.”

Mr Okoye said the support provided by the U.S. CDC extended beyond laboratory establishment.

“It also includes the inauguration of a National Biorepository Centre (NBC) at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL). USCDC has also supported the establishment of a National Biorepository Center (NBC) at the NRL.

The NBC is set up to provide standard storage facilities for biological samples and specimens that are used for research, quality assurance, system validation, product development and for the training of personnel on standard sample management,” Mr Okoye explained.

He disclosed that the NBC was currently accredited by the National Health Research Ethical Committee and currently houses more than one million samples from different national surveys.

Olajumoke Babatunde, public health lab service director of the NCDC, said the centre would further bolster the agency’s capability in its mandate of protecting Nigerians from different diseases.

“This is aligned with Nigeria’s obligations under International Health Regulations(IHR) 2005 and recommendations from Nigeria’s 2023 Joint External Evaluation (JEE),” stated Ms Babatunde.

She said the NCDC’s implementation of its tiered laboratory network was intended to establish an effective network of testing laboratories for diseases of public health importance.

Farah Husain, the programme director of the Division of Global Health Protection U.S. CDC, said CDC Nigeria was the country’s office of the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with a vision of public health excellence for healthy Nigerians.

FCT minister Nyesom Wike, music superstar Innocent Idibia, aka Tuface have been listed among the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’.

They were named among other Africans in the list released by the organisers on Wednesday.

Other Nigerians who made the list are former SGF Boss Mustapha, Tony Elumelu, Mohammed Abdullahi, Imaan Ibrahim, Femi Otedola, Stephen Akintayo, Farouk Khailann and Amina Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations.

Pastor Jerry Eze, Daniel Moses, Mohammed Dewji, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, assistant IGP Aishatu Baju, Gabriel Aduda, Tein Jack-Rich, Tosin Eniolorunda, Oluwatosin Olatujoye and Nollywood star Rita Dominic.

The peace icons are Africans drawn from different backgrounds, who have used their talents, positions and resources to build and promote peace across the continent, said Kingsley Amafibe, the project director for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa.

“The 100 most notable peace icons in Africa come from diverse backgrounds and have different life experiences, but they all share a deep commitment to peace and non-violence.

They have shown us that peace is achievable, and that each person can make a difference in building a better world,” stated Mr Amafibe.

“Through their leadership, activism, and humanitarian work, they have inspired millions of people around the world to join their movement and work towards a more just and peaceful future.”

Mr Amafibe added, “Over the last three decades, our society has been tethering at the brink of global conflict and the pursuit of peace has given rise to some of the most remarkable individuals of our time.”

He hoped that their example will continue to inspire individuals and organisations around the world to work towards a more peaceful and just world for all.

Other recipients are Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Seyi Vodi, Salamatu Muktah Josephine Nwaeze, Ayo Animashaun and Stevens Azaiki.

The Oba Of Benin, Ewuare II, on Tuesday visited former President Muhammadu Buhari at his hometown in Daura, Katsina State.

Buhari’s media aide, Bashir Ahmad, made this known in an X post, late Tuesday.

Sharing photos from the visit, Ahmad wrote, “After Oba of Benin, Ewuare II concluded his visit to His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari in his hometown, Daura, the former Leader offered to respectfully accompany the esteemed traditional leader to the Umar Musa Yar’adua Airport in Katsina to bid him farewell.”

The action of some lawyers during a football match in Abuja, on Monday, has put a question on the ethical conduct of some members of the legal profession.

The 2023 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which kick-started smoothly with a Muslim prayer last Friday, experienced some sore points on Monday, when some lawyers ended up in physical combat during a football match.

The match between the Abuja NBA team and their brothers from the Onitsha bar saw players exchanging blows over the officiating of the match which was said to be in favour of the Abuja NBA.

The action further brought to the fore the doubt if Nigeria could get better, considering the claims of lawyers that the country must move forward, lawyers must take the lead.

It was against this conviction that the leadership of the NBA chose to build this year’s conference theme on, ‘Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building.’

Ironically, the same day the fracas occurred, some lawyers seated at the velodrome, Moshood Abiola Stadium, venue of the conference, were being lectured on Ethics and Professional Conduct of Lawyers, regards anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing.

As at the time of filing this report the NBA leadership and the Public Relations Officer at the national level did not respond to calls as well as text and Whatsapp messages on the issue.

However, the chairman of the Garki Branch, Mr Ezen wobodo, condemned the act, stressing that, “it is not part of our culture”.

He disclosed that disciplinary action had already been meted out to the affected lawyers.

Meanwhile, a report by the Chairman of the NBA Sports Organising Committee, Mr Godwin Madubuko, disclosed that a player and coach had been penalised over the incident.

The report read,”

After the consideration of the incident report of what happened during the semi final match between Abuja and Onitsha Branches on August 28, 2023, the Organising Committee hereby issue the following;

“The Coach of NBA Onitsha is barred from attending the 3rd place match fixed for August 29, 2023.

“The Player wearing Jersey Number 3, Tabai Braye, for the Abuja team is barred from attending or playing for the team during the final of the competition on August 29, 2023.

“The Coach of the NBA ABUJA team is given a touch line ban for the final of the competition fixed for August 29, 2023.

“The investigation of the incident is still ongoing. The Committee will issue the final report after the investigation.”

Late American popstar, Michael Jackson’s sons, Blanket and Prince, made a rare appearance at an event honouring their father.

Prince, 26, and Blanket, 21, attended the 10th anniversary of ‘Michael Jackson ONE’ in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Not long after the show by Cirque du Soleil, the boys, were pictured mingling with guests at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Dailymail reports.

Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50.

The pop sensation died from an  ‘acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication’ at his home in Los Angeles.

Turkish Airlines has announced plans to disrupt its flights scheduled to depart from Nigeria starting September 2 due to the closure of Niger’s airspace.

The airline said the disruption would mainly affect flights going to London and some other unnamed destinations.

It was reported that following the military coup on July 26 that ousted president Mohamed Bazoum, the junta in the West African country, led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, closed its airspace to overflying aircraft.

The closure took effect on the evening of August 6 when several flights were already airborne.

Adjusting to the new change, the airline on Tuesday announced that it was giving its passengers a chance to change their flight to the next available date at no cost or get a full refund if they wish to cancel the trip.

The statement by the airline shared with travel agencies and sighted by our correspondent reads, “Due to the closure of the Niger Airspace, starting 2nd of September there will be schedule changes on tickets departing from Nigeria. Tickets connecting to London and some other destinations will be greatly affected.

“In order not to have your clients stranded and also angry at the airport we advise the following:

“If there’s no availability for the same date, do the availability of a new date -7/+30 days and revalidate or reissue involuntarily due to the schedule change.

“Involuntary refund (full refund) if the new dates are not suitable for your clients.

“If the same date has other flight options, kindly reissue to a later time free of charge.”