This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Ejike Ndiulo, head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace, on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to Ndiulo, the decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports, critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
He said without these reports from the control tower, flight safety could not be guaranteed.
“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service.
“We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling,” he said.
The staff of NiMET on Tuesday commenced an indefinite strike over the condition of service and other demands.
News
Coalition Protests Suspension of SSB Tax, Calls for Cut in Insulin Tariffs
National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition (NASR) has criticised the suspension of the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax and has also demanded a reduction in insulin tariffs.
Science Nigeria reported that the coalition claims that these decisions have severe repercussions for public health and pose a direct threat to individuals with diabetes.
Addressing stakeholders at a meeting in Abuja on Monday, the NASR Coalition, which has been advocating for health-focused policies, including the N10 per litre excise tax in the 2021 Finance Act, urged the government to reinstate the SSB tax and lower insulin tariffs.
Dr. Adamu Umar, president of the Nigeria Cancer Society (NCS) and co-chairman of the NASR Coalition, emphasised the necessity of these measures for improving the health of Nigerians and reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Umar stated, “SSB consumption is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cancers, and heart diseases. It is, therefore, pertinent to have proactive measures in place to curtail the harmful effects of these products”.
Expressing concern about the temporary suspension of the SSB tax, the coalition called for increased taxation on sugary beverages, aligning with global best practices. Additionally, they urged the government to provide subsidies for insulin and remove tariffs, ensuring a better quality of life for Nigerians.
“We demand that taxes on insulin be removed, and revenue from sugary drinks taxes can be used to subsidise insulin treatments for patients,” said Umar, highlighting the potential benefits of pro-health taxes like the SSB tax in promoting a healthier population.
Mr. Bernard Enyia, national secretary of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over the suspension of the SSB tax.
He emphasised the urgent need to reinstate the deduction in sugar taxes for the sake of those already living with diabetes.
Ms. Funmi Adefila-Osiegbu, member of the coalition and executive director of Bundies Care Support Initiative, stressed the importance of reducing the burden on Nigerians in accessing healthcare. She advocated for the restoration of the SSB tax to contribute to health financing, directing generated revenue from sweetened beverage taxes to healthcare.
According to Science Nigeria, health experts and individuals affected by diabetes joined the coalition in expressing their outrage over the policy changes.
Dr. Sarah Thompson emphasised that obesity and related diseases are major public health concerns requiring immediate attention. Suspending the SSB tax, according to her, sends the wrong message and undermines efforts to combat these health issues.
A diabetes patient and coalition member, highlighted the life-saving nature of insulin for those with diabetes.
He emphasised the need for affordable insulin and called on policymakers to prioritise public health over short-term economic considerations.
The coalition’s stance reflects a growing sentiment among health experts and affected individuals who believe that reinstating the SSB tax and reducing insulin tariffs are critical steps in tackling the rising rates of obesity and associated health complications in Nigeria.
A federal high court in Abuja has granted permission to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and detain six Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) promoters over allegations of investment fraud to the tune of over one billion dollars.
Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, gave the order following an ex parte application moved by Fadila Yusuf, counsel to the EFCC.
In the application by the EFCC, the six suspects are Adefowora Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.
The commission sought an order of the court for a warrant of arrest of the defendants.
They also prayed the court for “an order remanding the defendants in the custody of the complainant/applicant pending the conclusion of investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution”.
Yusuf said that the defendants are at large and a warrant of arrest is required to arrest the defendants for proper investigation and prosecution of this case.
In the affidavit in support of the motion, the EFCC said preliminary investigation into the intel revealed that the defendants “using their company ST Technologies International Limited, promoted another company Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) by making adverts and lured unsuspecting members of the public to invest crypto cryptocurrencies on the CBEX investment platform”.
The EFCC said the defendants promised an unrealistic return on investment of up to 100 percent.
“The victims were made to convert their digital assets into a stablecoin of USDT for onward deposit into the suspects’ crypto wallet,” Yusuf said.
“The victims were initially given full access to the platform to monitor their investment.
“Following the deposits valued at over $1 billion by the victims, the CBEX investment platform became inaccessible to them, and they could no longer withdraw from the investment made.
“The victims later discovered that the said scheme is a scam.
“During the course of investigation, it was discovered that the said ST Technologies International Limited, though registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment purposes.
“It was also discovered during the investigation that the defendants had moved out of their last known address in Lagos and Ogun states.”
The anti-graft agency said obtaining a warrant of arrest was necessary in order to place the defendants on a watch list, enabling authorities to trace and apprehend the suspects to face the charges brought against them.
Nwite granted the request for a warrant of arrest and remand, adding that the order was necessary to enable the commission to apprehend the defendants and conclude its investigation.
“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant,” Nwite said.
“I have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto, along with the written address.
“I am of the view and I so hold that the application is meritorious.
“Consequently, the application is granted as prayed.”
Earlier in April, reports emerged that CBEX users could no longer withdraw their funds.
On Monday, angry investors stormed and looted the office of Smart Treasure (ST Team), an affiliate of CBEX, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The EFCC recently confirmed receiving multiple complaints about the platform.
Dele Oyewale, the commission spokesperson, assured affected investors that efforts were underway to recover their funds.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is pleased to announce the inaugural meeting of the Startup Consultative Forum, scheduled for Monday April 28, 2025 This milestone event marks a significant step in deepening stakeholder engagement within Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem.
The Forum will serve as an interactive platform for startup founders, innovators, ecosystem enablers, and intermediaries to actively shape national policies that foster growth, attract investment, and drive digital innovation.
Convened under the framework of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to making startups not just stakeholders but key contributors in building an enabling environment for innovation.
The meeting will emphasize collaborative dialogue, with a primary focus on nominating and selecting representatives for the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Startup Council)—Nigeria’s highest advisory body for the startup ecosystem. Decisions from this Forum will lay the foundation for inclusive policy development, amplifying the voices of Nigeria’s tech and innovation community.
NITDA invites all Labelled Startups, Verified Entrepreneurial and Innovation Support Organisations, Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, and other relevant stakeholders to join the Forum and actively participate in the nomination and voting process.
Join us in shaping the future of digital innovation in Nigeria. Together, we can build a thriving ecosystem that supports and celebrates the pioneering spirit of Nigerian startups.
EFCC Secures Arrest Warrant for Six CBEX Promoters
FBI Sends Team to Nigeria to Track Down ‘Sextortion’ Scammers
Report Suspected Illegal Investment Schemes to SEC
Fintechs Add $18m to New Tax Initiative
ALX Nigeria Launches 2025 Ventures Incubator, Premieres Pan-African “Do Hard Things” Finale
Telecom3 days agoNigeria Hits 1 Terabit Internet Traffic Milestone
E-Financial3 days agoFCMB Capital Markets Leads ₦11.85bn GLNG Bond for LNG Plant Expansion
General News3 days agoFG to Introduce New Tax Credit Scheme to Replace Pioneer Status Incentive
Telecom3 days agoMTN Nigeria Faces Class Action Lawsuit over Alleged Data Mismanagement
News3 days agoIMF Downgrades Nigeria’s Economic Growth Forecast Amid Oil Price Decline
News3 days agoNITDA Fixes Date for Inaugural Meeting of the Startup Consultative Forum
E-Financial2 days agoUnion Bank’s Edu360 Initiative Scores Big for Nigerian Football Development
Telecom3 days agoMart Networks Unveils Invinsense 6.0: AI-Powered Cybersecurity Revolution in Africa