General News
Illegal Firm Carries out Ground Handling Operations at Lagos Airport
An unregistered ground handling company, Menzies Aviation yesterday carried out ground handling operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos without regulatory approval.
Investigation by our correspondent indicated that the ground handling company was still undergoing certification processes with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), before it carried out the alleged illegal ground handling operations.
An NCAA source said the ground handling agent handled Air Cote d’Ivoire at Lagos Airport.
The flight departed from Abidjan.
Investigations revealed that the ground handling company has its headquarters in Dublin, Scotland, but has its base in Accra, Ghana.
In a swift reaction, spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, in a telephone interview confirmed the development, .
He said the NCAA has commenced investigations on the issue.
The unregistered company used the license of Precision Aviation Handling Company Ltd (PAHCOL), which was issued certification by the regulatory body some few years ago, but could not commence operations due to lack of equipment.
Besides, it was gathered that Menzies Aviation used the ground handling equipment of Arik Air to carry out ground handling operations on the West African carrier. Arik Air is not licensed to do ground handling for another airline, but has the right to handle some of its operations.
The source said: “The handling company came in without an operating license and they rendered handling services to Air Cote d’Ivoire today (Tuesday). It indicates that our airports are porous to the extent that an unregistered ground handling company will operate in our airport. They borrowed Arik Air equipment to commence handling meanwhile Arik Air is not a ground handling company. How did their staff get to the ramp?
“The company used PACHOL license, which NCAA has already told them that it is not transferable. NCAA actually told them to do the proper thing that if they want to come into Nigeria, they should go and register while the agency carries out security checks on them. They know that if they use PACHOL name to operate, the company cannot attract foreign and big airlines. So, they claimed to be Menzies to clients in order to attract airlines.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) did not give them apron pass; they now went to use Arik equipment to get to the apron area to commence operations. They are using PACHOL licence and Arik equipment to deceive clients and FAAN.”
A security source said such act was a breach of security standards and should attract severe sanctions from the regulatory agency.
The security source said before any company could carry out operations at the airport, it ought to go through security checks, which he said the company had violated with commencement of operations without due approval.
Adurogboye said the regulatory agency was investigating the issue and confirmed that the agency had been reported to the management.
He said: “The matter has been reported to us. I have been able to confirm that and NCAA is looking at all angles on the matter. We will look at the aspect of registration. Do they have the appropriate clearance to do what they did?
“We know they applied to NCAA for ground handling business, but what we are looking at is whether they were certified to start operating. We are investigating their operations.”
General News
Nigeria Recovers $52.88m in Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke
Federal government has received $52.88m recovered Galactica assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke from the USA.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi disclosed this at the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America in Abuja on Friday, January 10.
While speaking at the ceremony, Fagbemi explained that $50m of the recovered assets will be deployed through the World Bank to the development of the rural electrification project and the remaining $2m will be deployed to the International Institute of Justice to expand the Justice system and also counter corruption.
Speaking further, Fagbemi noted that the asset return marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law
He said the event is also a significant effort by President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of corruption.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills called for the monitoring and effectively utilizing the recovered assets by the Ministry of Justice to benefit Nigerians.
Diezani served as Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
TikTok has officially announced plans to cease its operations in the United States by January 19, 2025.
“Absent such relief, the Act will take effect on January 19, 2025,” TikTok said in a Dec. 9 legal filing. “That would shut down TikTok—one of the Nation’s most popular speech platforms for its more than 170 million domestic monthly users on the eve of a presidential inauguration.”
Last year, President Joe Biden signed into law, a legislation to remove TikTok from U.S. app stores and prohibit internet providers across the nation from allowing access to the platform if ByteDance cannot sell to an American company by Jan. 19.
The legislation was put in place amid concerns of China possibly using TikTok to spy on U.S. residents.
In response, TikTok filed an emergency motion for an injunction to stop the ban from taking effect, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and will generate “substantial losses,” per legal documents.
The Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments on Jan. 10 over whether or not the law should be upheld.
Meanwhile, several entrepreneurs have launched a bid to purchase TikTok, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary.
“This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s U.S. assets,” he wrote in a Jan. 6 message on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users.”
O’Leary continued, “It’s about empowering creators and small businesses. And it’s about building a platform that prioritizes PEOPLE over algorithms. TikTok has immense potential, not just as a tool for creators but as a driver of meaningful economic and social impact.”
However, O’Leary said he’ll likely need an assist from President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn into office on Jan. 20.
“Trump will be who we have to work with to close the deal in the months ahead,” he explained during a Jan. 6 appearance on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum, per The Wrap. “So, I wanted to let him know—as well as others in his cabinet—that we’re doing this, and we’re going to need their help.”
With the start of a new year, many of us set ambitious goals to improve our health and manage our weight. While resolutions often fade, QNET’s LifeQode BELITE 123 stands as a proven, reliable companion on the journey to sustainable health.
A well-established product trusted by thousands worldwide, BELITE 123 offers a holistic and science-backed approach to weight management that goes beyond quick fixes to support lasting well-being.
Irfan Aziz from Kuwait is one of many who have experienced life-changing results with BELITE 123. “After years of struggling with my weight, BELITE 123 made all the difference.
“I initially lost 2 kg, which kept me motivated; now I’ve shed 12.4 kg in total! But it’s not just about the weight—my mental clarity, sleep quality, and overall emotional balance have improved significantly,” Irfan shares. “BELITE 123 takes the ‘T’ out of Can’t!”
A Proven Formula for New Year Success
With its three-step system, BELITE 123 has become a cornerstone of health for individuals looking to stay fit and energized, even during festive seasons and indulgent celebrations. Each component is meticulously designed to support the body’s natural processes:
• BELITE 01 (Green Tea & Kaffir Lime): Boosts metabolism and helps regulate blood pressure.
• BELITE 02 (African Mango): Reduces appetite and supports cholesterol management, with studies showing a 27.3% reduction in LDL.
• BELITE 03 (Peppermint & Cinnamon): Detoxifies, improves digestion, and promotes restful sleep.
This effective system allows users to embrace healthier habits without sacrificing enjoyment. Whether it’s savoring holiday treats or maintaining daily routines, BELITE 123 supports a balanced lifestyle year-round.
A Long-Term Commitment to Wellness
Trevor Kuna, QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, underscores the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to health. “Weight management isn’t just a resolution; it’s a lifestyle.
“BELITE 123 is built to help people achieve their health goals by integrating seamlessly into daily life.
“It’s not about quick fixes but creating long-lasting habits that lead to better health and greater vitality.”
Kuna emphasizes that the secret to BELITE 123’s success lies in its holistic approach. “Our product doesn’t just target weight loss; it addresses overall well-being, which is key to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life,” he adds.
Easy to Follow, Backed by Science
The BELITE 123 system is simple to incorporate into even the busiest lifestyles:
1. BELITE 01: Drink after breakfast to jumpstart your metabolism.
2. BELITE 02: Take before lunch to curb appetite and support fat burning.
3. BELITE 03: Drink after dinner to cleanse and detoxify overnight.
With natural ingredients sourced from Asia, Africa, and Europe, BELITE 123 combines ancient wisdom with modern science to deliver sustainable results.
Its global following is a testament to its effectiveness and the trust it has earned over the years.
Renew Your Commitment to Health This Year
As we step into 2025, BELITE 123 offers a trusted solution for anyone looking to take charge of their health. It’s more than just a product; it’s a partner on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Let BELITE 123 help you turn your resolutions into reality—and sustain them throughout the year.
Cybersecurity Firm Warns of Phishing Threats Targeting Telegram Premium
Nigeria Recovers $52.88m in Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke
TikTok Announces Plans to Cease Operations in the U.S. by January 19, 2025
Transform Your Health with QNET’s BELITE 123: The Ultimate Weight Management Solution
Nigeria Has World’s Most Affordable Data Costs – GSMA
MTN Nigeria Renews Spectrum Lease Agreement with NTEL
NERC Discloses $5.7 Million Debt Owed by International Customers for Q3 2024 Electricity Supply
A beginner’s guide to Temu: Your ultimate shopping companion
Corporate Blackmail, My Story as a Case Study, by Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman Zinox Group
CBN, SEC Approve FCMB Group’s N147bn Rights Offer
E-Financial2 days agoSEC to Strengthen Borrowing Framework for Governments, Corporates
Telecom2 days agoBismarck, Economist Claims Planned Tariff Hike by Telcos Will Reduce Inflation
E-Business2 days agoKaspersky Reviews Main Business Headache Related to IT Security
General News1 day agoNigeria Recovers $52.88m in Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke
General News1 day agoTransform Your Health with QNET’s BELITE 123: The Ultimate Weight Management Solution
E-Business2 days agoFG to Add Iris Biometrics to Digital ID for more Inclusion
E-Business1 day agoCybersecurity Firm Warns of Phishing Threats Targeting Telegram Premium
News2 days agoNBS Website Still Down More than 3 Weeks after Cyber Attack