News
Airlines Conspiring to Take Air Peace Out of Business- CEO
Allen Onyema, chief executive officer of Air Peace , has claiimed that some airlines are conspiring to take his company out of business by underpricing the flight tickets for the Lagos-London route.
Speaking on the Channels TV evening program, Politics Today, Onyema revealed that the significant reduction in international airfares by foreign carriers operating on the route is a deliberate attempt to prematurely remove Air Peace from the market.
The CEO pointed out that before Air Peace entered into the Nigeria-UK route, foreign airlines were charging exorbitant prices, citing business class tickets costing as much as N17 million and economy class reaching N5 million.
However, shortly after Air Peace began operating on the Lagos-London route, foreign airlines drastically reduced their fares, despite no significant change in the exchange rate between the dollar and the Naira.
Onyema expressed his frustration, stating, “The foreign airlines were taking between N15-N17 million for business class, N6 million for premium economy, and N5 million for economy. Then Air Peace came on, charging N4.5 million for business class, and economy class starting from N1.2 million. Now Air Peace did this, everybody has came crashing their prices from N18 million to N5 million. Dollar did not change.”
He further elaborated that foreign airlines are conspiring to cut their fares to levels below their break-even point, with the aim of pushing Air Peace out of the Nigeria-UK route. Onyema warned that if these tactics succeed, Nigerians would face considerably higher fares than the current rates.
Air Peace launched its Lagos-London route on March 30 to provide quality travel experiences and make international trips more affordable for Nigerians.
Since commencing its UK service, Air Peace has offered competitive rates, with economy class fares starting at N1.2 million, significantly lower than the N3-5 million usually charged by foreign carriers. Business class tickets are priced at around N4.5 million, well below the N15-N18 million rates of foreign airlines.
Onyema also disclosed that since the airline began its direct flights from Lagos to London a few weeks ago, Gatwick Airport has allegedly frustrated its operations, aiming to impede its activities in the UK. He cited challenges with ground handling and space allocation at Gatwick Airport as proof of these retaliatory actions.
On the inaugural flight out of London, Onyema claimed that Gatwick Airport management moved Air Peace to a different checking area and assigned a malfunctioning baggage carousel, leading to delays and inconvenience for passengers.
Additionally, the CEO revealed that the boarding gate in the reassigned terminal collapsed on the day of Air Peace’s flight, further compounding the airline’s challenges at the London airport.
Onyema acknowledged the support received from the Federal Government, particularly from Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in launching Air Peace’s Lagos-London route successfully.
However, he called on the government to intervene against foreign airlines that are slashing fares below their break-even points, aiming to force Air Peace out prematurely.
He suggested that the government could assist Air Peace by reducing its operational charges, thereby providing the airline with a better opportunity to compete against foreign carriers backed by their governments.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has revealed plans to commence investigation into the activities of an entity operating under FF Tiffany, allegedly running a fraudulent investment scheme that has defrauded citizens.
A statement by the SEC on Tuesday in Abuja said preliminary information revealed that the scheme, which promised investors unusually high and unrealistic returns, had resulted in the loss of several billions of naira.
The SEC said it viewed the activity as a threat to investor confidence and the overall integrity of the financial system.
The commission assured the public that it was working closely with law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies to bring everyone involved in the unlawful operation to justice.
According to SEC, those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the Investment and Securities Act and regulatory provisions.
SEC reiterated its earlier warnings to the general public to desist from engaging in Ponzi or unregistered investment schemes that promised guaranteed or exaggerated returns.
“These schemes are not registered with the SEC and do not offer investor protection under the law.
“The commission is currently investigating 79 schemes and will make a statement on its findings at the conclusion of the investigation,” the SEC said.
The commission encouraged investors to conduct due diligence and verify the registration status of any investment firm or product by visiting the SEC website or contacting the commission directly through official channels.
SEC said it remained committed to its mandate of protecting investors, ensuring fair practices, and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
The Ogun Tech Hub in Abeokuta, Nigeria received a significant step towards increasing digital access and empowering young people as US Embassy in Nigeria launched the ‘Window on America’ facility.
The newly opened centre will offer free high-speed internet, computer access, and targeted programs to help young Nigerians build essential skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In a post on X (previously Twitter), the US Embassy described the hub as a modern ICT and resource centre meant to promote digital inclusion and provide youths with skills.
“Hello Abeokuta! We’re thrilled to announce the opening of the Ogun Tech Hub Window on America. This dynamic space offers free high-speed internet, computers, and programs to help young people gain tech, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills,” the Embassy wrote.
The facility was established in collaboration with the Ogun State and GFA Technologies, a software solutions provider for startups and SMEs.
The Embassy said the facility is part of its wider network of 29 American hubs across Nigeria, designed to empower youth and broaden access to global knowledge and opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun urged young people to use the ICT industry for self-sufficiency and competitiveness globally.
He lauded the program as a public-private cooperation that connects Nigerian youngsters with global innovations.
The governor said: “The Ogun Tech Hub serves as a collaborative space for technologists, startups, and social entrepreneurs to develop tech-driven solutions for societal challenges. The partnership is aimed at positioning Ogun State as a leading tech hub in Africa, supporting creative problem-solving and commercial innovation.”
With the ‘Window on America’ program fully operational, Ogun State is well-positioned to boost youth empowerment and digital literacy.
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