Airlines operating in Nigeria have issued a stern warning of an indefinite shutdown of flights if ongoing disruptions by aviation unions are not urgently resolved.

Industry operators cited repeated industrial actions, including strikes and work-to-rule tactics by union members, as severely impacting flight schedules, passenger movements, and operational costs. The threatened action could ground both domestic and international flights across major airports, including Lagos and Abuja.

Airline representatives stated that prolonged union-related interruptions have already caused significant financial losses and eroded passenger confidence. They called on the federal government and relevant labour authorities to intervene immediately to prevent a total collapse of commercial air travel.

No specific deadline for the proposed shutdown has been publicly announced, but stakeholders described the situation as “critical.” Passengers have been advised to monitor airline communications closely for any developments.

Authorities and union leaders have yet to issue detailed responses. Further updates are expected as talks continue.

Since Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, the country will mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The citizens are expecting the details of the anniversary events by the Federal Government, through the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

• South African police

The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) says Olatunde Olaleye, a 40-year-old father of two, has been shot dead in the country.

According to NAN, NUSA said Olaleye,‌‌⁠⁠‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌⁠‍‍‌ an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti, was killed on September 21 while working at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi, Pretoria.

Smart Nwobi, NUSA president-general, in a statement on Thursday, said Olaleye was a husband and father of two children, adding that his death has left his family devastated.

He said the union is concerned by reports that Olaleye was allegedly shot by a South African national following an argument over whether a drinking glass should be taken outside the bar.

According to him, there were also reports that the suspect returned to the premises to threaten the bar’s management, with a promise that members of his crew would return.

Nwobi called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We cannot continue to lose Nigerians under circumstances that leave families devastated and communities traumatised,” he said.