General News
Arik Air Calls for More Police to Tighten Airports Security
Arik Air, West and Central Africa largest carrier, has called on the Federal Government to deploy armed policemen at the nation’s airports to tighten security in view of the growing terror threats in the country and in the world.
The airline made this known at the weekend when the new Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Dorothy Gimba paid a courtesy visit to Arik Air headquarters in Lagos.
Captain Ado Sanusi, deputy managing director, who spoke on behalf the airline said to further tighten security at the terminal buildings and the airside, there was need to have armed police officers at these areas, especially at this time when insurgency is threatening peace in the world, forcing various countries to restructure their security system, including airport security.
Sanusi also said that the presence of armed police officials is necessary in order to checkmate disruptive passengers who overreact when flights are rescheduled or cancelled, adding that cancellation and flight rescheduling are a trend in international air travel, which passengers should be familiar with.
He assured the new Commissioner of Police that Arik would continue to support the activities of the Command and gladly respond when called upon to assist.
“In view of the new security situation in the world, there is need to have armed policemen at the terminal buildings and at the airside of the airport. This will help to tighten security at the airport and to also complement what the Aviation Security (AVSEC) is doing. This has become very important because of the new security threats in the world and even in the country.
“Arik will continue to support the police and whenever we are called upon we will respond. Police can partner with us in order to fortify security in our operations,” Sanusi said.
The Commissioner of Police, Gimba expressed appreciation for the support Arik Air has given the Command, saying that the police would continue to expect such support from the airline.
She observed that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is the hub of aviation in the country and therefore record the highest activities in all the airports, adding that she was fast learning the ropes about the sector.
“I came to make myself known because when you come to a place you ought to make yourself known to the community in which you are to take charge of and policing the airport is not particularly funny. For me, it is not a familiar terrain. One needs to pay attention, especially to emerging crimes and security threats all over the world,” Gimba said.
She commended Arik Air for the sophisticated security equipment acquired by the airline, sniffer dogs and detection devices which she said the Command would work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to see how they could be utilised.
“I will study the environment and look at the areas where police presence is needed. Before you can make changes you must understand the system. We commend Arik Air for the operational vehicle it provided us recently, but like Oliver Twist we ask for more support from you. We, on the other hand will also strengthen security in your operations,” the Commissioner of Police said.
NBA Africa, the local affiliate of the NBA basketball brand in the US, has announced the second edition of Triple-Double: NBA Africa Start-up Accelerator, which aims to promote the continent’s technology ecosystem and the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The NBA Africa Startup Accelerator will strengthen Africa’s technology ecosystem by providing mentorship and investment to the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs.
The organisation announced the initiative would once again be administered by ALX Ventures, a technological incubator that equips the continent’s innovators in technology with the knowledge and tools they need to develop and scale their enterprises.
Furthermore, NBA Africa named ServiceNow, an AI platform for business transformation whose Now Assist and AI agents help organisations in delivering ‘faster and smarter experiences’ at scale, as an official program partner.
The organisation stated that startups can apply to participate at tripledoubleaccelerator.nba.com until Friday, August 29, following which the applications will be filtered down to a top 10 list.
The shortlisted startups will then participate in a 10-week mentorship program, where they will be paired with mentors from NBA Africa, ServiceNow, and ALX leadership, as well as other corporate stakeholders, who will advise the companies on product development, business growth, and go-to-market strategy.
The finalists will next present their technologies to international industry professionals at the program’s second Demo Day in December, when the top five prize-winning companies will be chosen to receive financial assistance and mentorship.
“Last year’s inaugural Triple-Double Accelerator program showed how much talent, passion and creativity there is among African entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the continent’s rapidly growing sport and entertainment industries,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “We look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions and to helping another round of promising startups take the next step in their development.”
Last year, almost 700 early-stage African entrepreneurs applied to the program.
Ten finalists were then chosen to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at the program’s first Demo Day, which took place at the NBA headquarters in New York City.
Four prize-winning companies – Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya), and UBR VR (Egypt) – were awarded financial support and mentorship.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is transitioning to its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, meant to ease trade processes, after over a decade under the Fast Track Scheme.
The service is racing to meet international best practices under the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, and contained in Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The programme, the Service said, is expected to reward “trusted traders” who meet specified “compliance, financial, and security criteria.”
Approved operators will benefit from “pre-arrival clearance, minimal inspection, expedited release, and possible mutual recognition with other customs administrations.”
“The scheme is also designed to build trust, ensure cargo integrity, and enhance the predictability and transparency of Nigeria’s import-export operations,” the Service said.
The current Fast Track Scheme, implemented by the Service in 2013 under a more limited eligibility model and was upgraded to an online-based model called Fast Track 2.0, introduced in 2023. The scheme will be officially decommissioned on 31 December 2025.
“All beneficiaries currently enrolled in the Fast Track Scheme are mandated to initiate their migration to the AEO Compliance Programme by submitting their applications through the dedicated portal,” Customs said, adding that only companies approved under the AEO Programme will continue to enjoy trade facilitation privileges previously accorded under the Fast Track scheme.
“AEOs may include manufacturers, importers, exporters, brokers, carriers, consolidators, intermediaries, ports, airports, terminal operators, integrated operators, warehouses, distributors and freight forwarders,” The Service wrote in a handbook.
It requires that an applicant for AEO certification must be an Economic Operator in the international supply chain.
It also added that “The applying entity must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with a registration period of at least 5 years for AEO Security and Safety (AEO-S) and a minimum of 3 years for AEO Customs Simplification (AEO-C).”
The company must hold a valid Tax Clearance Certificate, with a minimum coverage of 5 years for AEO Security and Safety (c) and at least three years for AEO Customs Simplification (AEO-C).
The company must also provide an audited financial report for a minimum of five years for AEO Security and Safety (AEO-S) and at least three years for AEO Customs Simplification (AEO-C).
Relevant operational licences must also be provided alongside other relevant regulatory certifications (ISO certifications, SON, NAFDAC, etc.).
AEO-S applicants must also require ISO 28001–an international standard that defines the requirements of the Supply Chain Security Management System and provides a management model for organisations seeking to implement it.
National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kwara has cautioned the public on fake N1000 notes circulating in the state.
Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare, state director of NOA, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ilorin.
Dare emphasised the need for vigilance among residents and business owners in the state.
According to him, there is confirmed intelligence reports of syndicates flooding the area with counterfeit currency with batch numbers 364232 and 898248.
Dare said the counterfeit notes can be identified by their blurred portraits, watermarks, and irregular security features.
He urged the public to be cautious when handling large sums of money.
“The syndicates behind this crime exploit peak commercial hours in major local markets to carry out transactions with counterfeit notes.
“They target unsuspecting POS operators and merchants by defrauding them of their hard-earned money.
“NOA Kwara Directorate is committed to sensitising the public on the dangers of fake currency and the importance of verifying the authenticity of banknotes.
“The agency is working tirelessly to ensure that residents of Kwara are protected from financial scams,” he said.
While describing the crime as unpatriotic and capable of distorting the Nigerian economy, Dare said NOA would work closely with security agencies to bring the culprits to book.
The director advised residents to report any suspicious transactions or individuals to the authorities immediately.
“Together, we can build a safer and more secure financial environment for all residents of Kwara.
“By working together, the NOA and the public can prevent the circulation of fake currency and protect the financial interests of Kwara residents,” he said.
Report Reveals Over Half of Security Experts Overwhelmed Managing Cybersecurity Tools from Multiple Vendors
PalmPay Partners FG to Drive Data Protection Awareness
NBA Africa Urges Entrepreneurs to Apply for Funding
IFC Strengthens Support for Africa’s Creative Economy with Investment in Filmmakers Market
MTN & Ultima Studios Kick Off Hunt for Nigeria’s Next Afrobeats Icon
General News3 days agoNOA Warns of Fake N1000 Notes in Circulation, How to Identify Them
Telecom3 days agoMTN @ First-ever CED, Pledges to Address Subscribers’ Concerns
E-Financial3 days agoWest Africa Emerging as Crypto Adoption Epicentre- SEC Boss
Telecom2 days agoNCC to Sanction Operators over Regulatory Violations
General News3 days agoNCC, IHS Towers Lead Others To NITRA-ALTON CNII & Telecom Sustainability Conference 2025
Telecom3 days agoAirtel Nigeria Raises Infrastructure Spending to $39m
General News2 days agoCustoms Ditches Fast Track Scheme for Authorised Economic Operator
Broadcasting3 days agoGovernment of Ghana Slams MultiChoice, Insists on DStv Price Cut