N igeria’s government is considering a new plan that would let journalists join military teams on specific operations, with the aim of deepening public insight into the country’s security situation and opening up the work of the armed forces. Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) announced the proposal on Thursday at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja. He spoke through his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, based on details reported by Vanguard Newspaper . According to Musa, the idea is built on stronger partnership between the press and security agencies. He noted that in today’s conflicts, narratives and information carry as much weight as weapons on the battlefield. Journalists, he said, now serve as vital actors in national security, not just watchers from the sidelines. “More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilizers of government,” he stated. The Defence Ministry is already working ...

  T he federal government has approved four to five international routes for United Nigeria Airlines, including New York, Canada and Dubai, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo announced Thursday in Lagos, according to a report by The Sun Nigeria. Speaking at the unveiling of two new Boeing 737-800NG jets, Keyamo said the decision is part of a plan to shift control of Nigeria’s outbound air traffic to Nigerian airlines. He noted that foreign carriers currently carry 90 to 95 per cent of passengers flying out of the country. “Our market belongs to us,” he said. “Under our air agreements, Nigeria has equal rights on those routes. So I must help our airlines claim half of that share.” Keyamo said the routes were cleared early so United Nigeria can grow into them as its fleet expands. The two new aircraft, he added, will also cut delays and cancellations on domestic flights. He linked the move to reforms under President Bola Tinubu, including the creation of a Nigerian aircraft leasing c...