Travel News

The Trump administration said Thursday that it’s reviewing all the more than 55 million people with U.S. visas for potential deportable violations.

The State Department says visas that allow people to stay in the United States are revoked any time if there are “indicators of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organization.”

Two domestic carriers, Air Peace Airlines and United Nigeria Airlines, have fixed their yuletide economy airfare at N350,000.

This will affect trips from Lagos and Abuja to South East (Owerri, Enugu and Anambra) airports and South South (Port Harcourt and Asaba) airports.

The cost of inbound ticket from these airports to Abuja or Lagos is also N350,500.

The air fares are already conspicuously displayed on their websites.

For Air Peace, the fare of N350,500 starts from December 1, 2025 and stretches to the end of the month and up to January 30, 2026, while for United Nigeria the N350,500 fare starts from the second week of December (December 11 precisely), and stretches to the end of December as well.

However, for United Nigeria, one-way economy ticket from January 1, 2026 for Abuja to Asaba, and also for Abuja to Anambra, Port Harcourt and Owerri, drops to N150,000.

The fares charged by both Air Peace and United Nigeria to the northern part of the country for the yuletide are relatively low.

Air Peace one-way economy ticket for Lagos to Kano, for instance, is in the range of N106,900, though it is quite high 350,500 on a couple of the days.

For United Nigeria, the air fare for Lagos to Kano is almost flat at N220,499.

Air Peace does not have daily flight from Lagos to Yola. But it will charge N350.500 as its airfare for the davs it will fly the destination.

 By : Ameh Ochojila, Abuja 

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation at the grassroots level.

Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, National Boundary Commission (NBC), Efe Ovuakporie, in a statement on Friday, said the agreement was signed on August 18, 2025.

The MoU, according to the statement, was signed under the framework of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation, the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Initiatives, and the Nigeria–Benin Cross-Border Cooperation Agreement.

The statement explained that it formalises cooperation between Chairmen of Nigeria’s Border Local Government Areas and Mayors of Communes in Benin Republic, alongside traditional rulers on both sides of the border.

The primary objective of the agreement, it said, is to enhance the resilience of border communities against the rising threats of cross-border crimes.

“It also seeks to revive historic socio-cultural linkages disrupted by colonial-era demarcations, foster peaceful coexistence, and promote good neighbourliness among border populations.

“The MoU will further provide a platform to accelerate the ongoing delimitation and demarcation of the Nigeria-Benin boundary. By empowering local leaders and traditional institutions to engage actively in the process, the agreement is expected to ease tensions, resolve disputes amicably, and promote stability along the frontier,” the statement further explained.

The commission said beyond peace and security, the MoU highlights the economic and developmental role of border communities. Nigeria’s delegation to the signing ceremony was led by the Director-General of the NBC, Adamu Adaji, and included senior officials from the commission, the Federal Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice, and the Chairmen of Border Local Government Areas from the six affected states of Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos. The Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou also provided diplomatic support.

Adaji described the MoU as “a grassroots-driven instrument that aligns with continental and regional frameworks while providing practical solutions to the everyday realities of border dwellers.”

He added: “What we have signed today is not just a document. It is a pledge to our people that we will work together, across borders, to build safer, stronger, and more prosperous communities.”

He emphasised Nigeria’s determination to ensure that the agreement moves beyond paper commitments into concrete action that directly benefits communities.

Chairman of Baruten Local Council of Kwara State, Idris Mohammed, who represented Nigeria’s border local government leaders, hailed the agreement as a timely response to longstanding community concerns.

He said: “Our people have lived with insecurity, disrupted trade, and cultural isolation for too long. This MoU is a message of hope that their challenges are now at the centre of bilateral cooperation.”

From the Beninese side, the Mayor of Malanville Commune, Mr. Joseph Ahoyo, reaffirmed the importance of involving local actors in cross-border governance.

“National agreements are important, but without grassroots participation, implementation often stalls.

“This MoU is unique because it empowers communes and traditional authorities to play an active role in shaping the future of our shared border,” he observed.

The signing of this MoU signals a renewed chapter in Nigeria-Benin relations. By bridging national policies with local realities, the agreement strengthens bilateral cooperation while serving as a model of community-driven cross-border governance for West Africa.

Stark warnings have surfaced since the U.K.’s tax crackdown on the wealthy that an exodus of the mega-rich is underway. Hard data has yet to back up the trend.

At the heart of the potential flight are changes to the British tax system, from capital gains and inheritance tax to extra stamp duty rates. In particular, the abolition of the so-called non-dom regime, which allowed wealthy foreigners to avoid paying tax on earnings outside the U.K. and to elude inheritance duties on their global assets, courted much controversy.

The fear is that an exodus of wealthy people will translate into lower economic growth and diminish the UK’s attractiveness as a place to live, invest, and do business. 

“We know that the top 1% and the top 0.01% pay a very high proportion of taxes in this country, so the tax base starts to shrink. The second thing is, you lose the benefit of the money that they spend in the economy. That’s not just about people that they employ, but it’s also about things like philanthropy,” said Jenkins, who is now the CEO of 10x Banking. 

“What we really need most of all in this country, is people to start and grow businesses. And that means we have to be an attractive location for capital for starting businesses,” he added.

There are even warnings that the Labour party risks taking Britain back to the challenges of the 1970s, notably under then Finance Minister Denis Healey. At the time, a high-tax and anti-business environment pushed tens of thousands of people out of the country in the “Brain Drain.”

Adding to the uncertainty is whether the current Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will introduce further changes to taxes in the upcoming Autumn budget, such as a potential wealth duty.

However, claims of a mass exodus of wealthy non-doms in response to tax rises may be overblown. Initial tax data suggests the number leaving of people the country is in line — or below — official forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility, which forecast that 25% of non-doms with trusts and 12% of those with trusts would flee the U.K. over 2025-26 in response to the abolition of the tax status.

This casts shadow over a widely cited report published in association with Henley & Partners, a British investment migration consultancy, which claimed that 16,500 millionaires would quit the country in 2025. Critics have previously questioned the study for depending heavily on data from LinkedIn, which is not reliable in finding someone’s tax residence.

By Anozie Egole

The Nigeria Customs Service has made significant seizures of undeclared cash at various airports across the country between January and July 2025, totalling $2.209m. The interceptions were made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.

An analysis of various reports obtained from the service showed that in March, the NCS intercepted $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in Saudi Riyals at the Kano airport from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia.

The undeclared funds were concealed in packs of palm dates. The suspect was arrested, and the funds were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, resulting in a court conviction and forfeiture to the Federal Government.

Other notable interceptions include the one in Abuja Airport, which was $193,000 in undeclared cash hidden in a carton of yoghurt from an inbound passenger arriving from Jeddah in March.

At the Lagos airport, $578,000 in falsely declared cash was intercepted from an inbound passenger arriving from South Africa in March. The passenger declared $279,000 but had an additional $299,000 concealed in multiple packages.

At the Kano airport, foreign currencies totaling approximately N653.99m, including $420,900, 3,946,500 West African CFA francs, 224,000 Central African CFA francs, and €5,825, were intercepted from a suspect arriving from Saudi Arabia in July. Also at the Lagos Airport, an outbound passenger was intercepted with $29,000, but only declared $6,000, violating currency declaration requirements.

Reacting to the development, a chieftain of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Pius Ujubuonu, attributed the surge in undeclared cash seizures to fiscal policy issues.

“It’s a fiscal policy issue. Anywhere you have high rates of circumvention, there is something that does not add up there,” he said. Ujubuonu advised the government to review its fiscal policy to encourage people to declare their cash.

Deputy National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Dr. Segun Musa, expressed concern that the campaign against undeclared cash is not enough.

“We need to do more rigorous campaigns to make the general public aware of the rules,” he said. Musa urged the government to conduct thorough investigations into the funds to determine appropriate punishments.

The Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated the importance of declaring cash when traveling. Travelers are required to declare any cash exceeding $10,000 or equivalent in other currencies. The service has also provided forms at airline counters for passengers to make lawful declarations.

By Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

President Bola Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília. Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, and also Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations. The statement further noted that, “It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure. He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

Fears are mounting over multi-billion-dollar losses as tourists abandon the USA. Its tourism and aviation sectors are reportedly seeing a sharp decline in travel from Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, impacting visitor spending.

According to figures from the National Travel and Tourism Office, inbound visits from overseas markets, excluding Canada and Mexico, dropped by 3.4% year on year in June, with 2.8 million travellers recorded in the month. That is just 80% of the numbers seen before the pandemic, in June 2019. It has been attributed to a combination of factors, including geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, and a diminished perception of the country among international travellers, reports ITIJ.

The trend has been witnessed throughout the year, with a sharp drop in inbound travel in March 2025, according to international arrivals data from the US Department of Commerce.

UK arrivals were down nearly 15% year on year in March, Germany plunged more than 28%, and other key markets, such as Spain, Colombia, Ireland, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, saw double-digit drops between 24% and 33%.

Fears around border crossings also play a part, according to Travel and Tour World. Carriers connecting the US have seen many travellers either delay trips or reroute itineraries due to visa restrictions and increasingly strict border inspection procedures.

Customs and Border Protection officers have the authority to examine phones when determining whether travellers can enter the country, and passengers have reported being denied entry due to this.

In March, a French scientist who had been critical of Donald Trump was refused entry after his phone was searched.

In May, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) forecast the US would be the only country to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025, among the 184 economies it analysed with Oxford Economics.

It forecast this would have a huge impact on the US economy, and that international visitor spending could reduce by $12.5 billion this year, down from $181 billion in 2024.

While aviation and tourism industries are hard hit, the WTTC said it represents a direct blow to the US economy overall, impacting communities, jobs, and businesses.

"While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the US government is putting up the 'closed' sign," warned Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC.

By Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

A direct flight service between Lagos and São Paulo, Brazil, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has been officially announced by the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

President Bola Tinubu made the announcement following his state visit to Brazil, where he signed several bilateral agreements to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

This was made known through a statement issued on Tuesday and posted on his X handle by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, saying that the deal was revealed during a joint press conference held by both leaders after an expanded two-hour bilateral meeting in Brasília, the capital of Brazil.

President da Silva described the new flight service as a critical step in fostering stronger people-to-people and economic connections between the two nations.

He added, “Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies. We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and São Paulo.”

It will be recalled that Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Filhos, signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement earlier on Monday.

The Punch also reports that the deal is expected to facilitate smoother travel and bolster trade and tourism between Africa’s most populous nation and South America’s largest economy.

During the state visit, in addition to the aviation agreement, other key memoranda of understanding were signed. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, signed an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation.

The two foreign ministers also endorsed a memorandum on political consultations designed to foster deeper collaboration on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, signed a memorandum of understanding with Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos.

He said, “The agreement covers cooperation in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, energy, space development, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems.

“To deepen economic ties in agriculture and trade, the Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development, Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MoU on trade and investment promotion. The agreement is aimed at harmonising efforts to expand agricultural financing, foster investment, and launch joint development projects.”

By Ben Ezeamalu

Summary

• Lagos warns rising seas pose significant climate threat to coastal areas
• Environmentalists blame government projects for worsening coastal erosion in Lagos
• Commonwealth's 'Living Lands Charter' criticised for lacking enforcement mechanisms

LAGOS, NIGERIA, Aug 27 (Reuters) - One morning in June, an ocean surge swept through the village of Apakin, one of Lagos' last indigenous coastal communities, washing away fishing boats, nets and graves. It was only the latest event in the settlement of roughly 3,000 people that is losing homes and livelihoods to rising seas.
Despite pledges of support from Commonwealth leaders, worsening ocean surges have left the centuries-old community feeling powerless, with residents fearing their ancestral land could soon be lost to the sea, according to local chief Abimbola Iyowun.

Hello Everyone, The UK government has officially announced significant updates to driving licence regulations that will directly impact drivers aged 55 and above. Starting from 1 September 2025, these new rules aim to improve road safety, modernise the licensing process, and ensure that older drivers remain fit to drive. For millions of UK motorists, these changes bring both opportunities and responsibilities.

In this article, we break down all the major updates, why the changes are happening, how they will affect over-55 drivers, and what steps you should take before the deadline.

Why are these changes being introduced?

The Department for Transport (DfT) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have been reviewing licensing standards for years. With an ageing population and increasing road traffic, safety concerns have been rising. According to government statistics, while older drivers are generally safer, age-related health conditions can sometimes increase the risk of accidents.

To tackle these concerns and streamline the licensing process, the UK Government is introducing stricter medical checks and renewal requirements for drivers over 55.

What are the key changes coming in September 2025?

Here are the main points announced by the government:

• Mandatory Medical Declarations at 55: All drivers will now need to submit a health declaration when they reach 55, regardless of when their current licence expires.

• Renewal Every 5 Years: Drivers over 55 will need to renew their driving licence every five years instead of every ten. This ensures health and eyesight checks remain up to date.

• Stricter Vision Standards: New eyesight standards will be implemented, and drivers must provide proof of passing an approved vision test.

• Online Health Updates: A new digital portal will allow drivers to update medical conditions directly with the DVLA quickly and easily.

• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the new regulations may result in penalties or suspension of your licence.

How will this affect over-55 drivers?

For many drivers, the new rules will not cause significant disruption. However, you should be aware of the added administrative steps:

• You’ll need to plan ahead for renewals every five years.

• If you develop certain health conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or vision impairment, you must report them promptly.

• You may face additional tests if a medical condition affects your driving ability.

While some critics have raised concerns about age discrimination, the government insists that the rules are about safety rather than age.

What about insurance and driving tests?

There are no changes to insurance premiums directly linked to the new rules, but insurance companies may take note of any health declarations. If your health condition affects your ability to drive, your insurer must be informed.

There are no additional driving tests required under the new system unless a medical condition calls for a fitness-to-drive assessment.

Government’s reasoning behind the rule change

The government highlighted three key reasons for introducing the changes:

1. Improving Road Safety – With over 4 million drivers in the UK aged over 55, the risk of medical-related accidents is growing.

2. Better Monitoring of Health Conditions – Regular check-ins ensure drivers remain safe and capable.

3. Digital Modernisation – Moving the process online will reduce paperwork and improve DVLA efficiency.

According to a recent UK Government press release, these measures are part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety for all age groups. You can read more about the government’s safety initiatives on the official UK Government website.

How to renew your driving licence under the new rules

From 1 September 2025, the renewal process for over-55s will work as follows:

1. Receive a renewal notice from the DVLA around 90 days before expiry.

2. Complete the online renewal application at the DVLA website.

3. Submit a medical declaration and, if required, proof of an eyesight test.

4. Pay the renewal fee.

5. Wait for your updated licence to arrive by post.

If you prefer not to use online services, you can still renew by post using a D1 form from your local Post Office.

How to prepare before September 2025

Here are some practical tips to ensure you are ready for the new rules:

• Check your eyesight now: Book an eye test well in advance.

• Update your medical records: Ensure your GP has your latest health information.

• Renew early if needed: If your licence is expiring close to September 2025, consider renewing early to avoid last-minute delays.

• Use online DVLA services: Familiarise yourself with the online renewal portal to save time.

Public reaction and expert opinions

Public response to the announcement has been mixed. Some drivers over 55 welcome the changes, acknowledging the importance of road safety. Others see it as unnecessary bureaucracy.

Road safety experts largely support the move. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has emphasised that periodic health assessments are beneficial for older drivers and can prevent accidents.

Will there be financial support for low-income drivers?

The government has hinted at possible fee reductions or waivers for low-income drivers. While no official support scheme has been announced yet, this could be confirmed closer to September 2025. Keeping an eye on the DVLA’s website for updates is recommended.

What happens if you fail the eyesight or health checks?

If you do not meet the required standards, the DVLA may request further assessments. In some cases, a restricted licence (for example, for automatic cars only) may be issued. In extreme cases, the licence could be revoked until you can meet the health criteria.

Conclusion

The new driving licence rules for over-55s from 1 September 2025 mark a significant shift in UK road safety policy. While there will be more administrative steps, these changes aim to protect all road users and adapt to the realities of an ageing population. Preparing early and understanding your obligations will make the transition smooth.

For more detailed updates and the official government guidelines, you can visit the UK Government’s driving and transport section.

FAQs on New Driving Licence Rules for Over-55s

1. Who will the new rules apply to?
All UK drivers aged 55 and above will need to follow the new renewal and medical declaration requirements.

2. When do the new rules take effect?
They take effect on 1 September 2025.

3. Will I need to retake my driving test?
No, unless the DVLA requests a special fitness-to-drive assessment due to a medical condition.

4. How often will I need to renew my licence after age 55?
Every five years instead of every ten.

5. What happens if I don’t meet the medical standards?
The DVLA may restrict or revoke your licence depending on the severity of the condition.

6. Will this affect my car insurance?
Not directly, but you must inform your insurer of any health conditions that could affect your driving.

7. Can I still renew my licence by post?
Yes, the DVLA will continue to offer postal renewals alongside online services.