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Nigeria Missing as Global Electronic Air Waybill Penetration Reaches 11.2%

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Source:www.iata.org/publications/tracker
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Global electronic Air Waybill (e-AWB) penetration continues to rise and reached 11.2% in November, a 1% higher than October and a 5.6% increase from November 2012.

The 11.2% rate equates to a volume of 172,579 e-AWBs, an increase of roughly 7,000 shipments from the previous month, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA).

However, Nigeria is conspicuously missing in the league of comity that has adopted the system.  

As shown in the latest e-AWB monthly report, North Asia was the region of origin with the highest volume of electronic documents in November (58,982 e-AWBs), followed by Asia Pacific.

However, in terms of penetration, Africa and the Middle East was the leading region with 36.1% in November.

Hong Kong is the country of origin with the highest e-AWB volume, at 54,231 documents in November (a penetration rate of 46%).

Reflections from 2013 and e-AWB’s bright future, IATA said that, looking back over 2013, the reasons behind the slow adoption of e-AWB can be narrowed down to a lack of investment in technology and a challenging legal and regulatory environment.

The future of e-AWB is optimistic due to strong endorsement by several global forwarders, the Association said, adding that a commitment to technology investment and the Single Process from airlines making e-AWB more attractive.

On top of this, the fast adoption of the Multilateral e-AWB Agreement (MeA) is moving the industry towards the 100% paperless vision.

With this hopeful future the e-AWB targets for the next three years are 22% by the end of 2014, 45% by 2015 and 80% by 2016.

While recommending multilateral e-AWB agreement as the way forward, IATA said that by the end of December 2013, 481 freight forwarders and 55 airlines had signed the Multilateral e-AWB Agreement.

The numbers are rising fast and resulting in a smoother and more simplified process. With the increasing numbers of freight forwarders and airlines joining, don’t get left behind!

The first local freight forwarders from India, Bahrain, Denmark and Ireland have joined the MeA at the end of 2013 and the US had 88 new freight forwarders join.

The potential AWB market coverage of parties to the MeA (as of December 2013) was 41% for freight forwarders and 82% for airlines.

 


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NIMC Warns against Using Unauthorised Websites for NIN Changes

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National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has warned Nigerians against modifying their National Identification Number (NIN) data on unauthorised websites.

NIMC Warns against Using Unauthorised Websites for NIN Changes

Dr Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications, NIMC, issued the warning in a statement released on Monday.

Adegoke stated that modifications to NIN data could only be carried out on the official NIMC self-service portal.

He therefore cautioned that attempting to modify NIN data on unauthorised websites could compromise personal information and expose individuals to identity theft.

According to him, using the official NIMC self-service portal ensures that data remains secure and protected.

“By using the self-service portal, individuals can also enjoy the convenience of updating their information from anywhere, at any time.

“NIMC therefore advises Nigerians to use only the official portal for all NIN modification needs and to avoid unauthorised websites to prevent any potential risks,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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FG Partners China to Crack Down on Chinese Nationals in Financial Crimes

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Nigeria and China said this week they will cooperate in efforts to crack down on the increasing number of Chinese nationals taking part in financial crimes in the African country.

FG Partners China to Crack Down on Chinese Nationals in Financial Crimes

The joint effort comes after Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador visited Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, in Abuja.

In a statement posted to the EFCC website, Dunhai expressed regret over the rising trend of Chinese nationals engaged in financial crimes in Nigeria.

He assured Nigerian authorities that the Chinese government is ready to send delegates to work with local law enforcement agencies to address the issue.

At the same time, Dunhai urged authorities to protect the rights of Chinese citizens while investigations are conducted.

Since November, Nigerian authorities have arrested at least 400 Chinese nationals suspected of cybercrime, telecom fraud and illegal mining. Many of them are facing trial.

 

But Nigerian political analyst Chukwudi Odoeme warned that China’s influence over the process could undermine the rule of law.

“The collaboration looks good, but then the relationship between Nigeria and China is something that is suspicious in this particular arrangement,” Odoeme said. “The collaboration may be defeated in the sense that China will have undue influence, and it may even lead to political release of those persons instead of subjecting them through the criminal trial system in Nigeria.”

In the first quarter of last year, Chinese companies provided 23% of Nigeria’s total imports.

Critics argue that Chinese nationals are exploiting trade routes and immigration loopholes to enter Nigeria illegally and engage in criminal activities.

Authorities say many of the arrested Chinese nationals were found to be living in Nigeria without proper documentation.

Public affairs analyst Jaye Gaskia raised concerns about the transparency of the collaboration.

“On what basis are you going into this collaboration? For what purpose?” he asked. “The conversations around trying to develop such collaborative strategies also need to be transparent, so that citizens will be able to interrogate the process to see whether national interest is going to be somehow undermined.

“We have to be careful, and we have to ensure who does the prosecution,” Gaskia said.

“The best-case scenario is for the country not to cede its own sovereignty in terms of how this is going to happen.”

Nigeria’s debt to China exceeds $5 billion — more than the bilateral loans owed to all other countries combined.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is seeking China’s backing to join the grouping of the world’s 20 largest economies, the G20, and secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

But political analyst Rotimi Olawale believes the debt should not influence how Nigeria handles criminal cases.

“I don’t think that the debt we owe China, $5 billion, will affect anything,” Olawale said.

“That’s government-to-government relations. The most important thing is that the case should not be politicized. We must clearly define our rules and uphold our laws.”

Previously, Nigeria’s parliament called for the mass deportation of illegal Chinese migrants.

 

VOA


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QNET’s Push for Women’s Financial Inclusion Gains Traction Amid Global Gender Gap Concerns

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As gender disparities in financial access persist, QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle direct-selling firm, is intensifying efforts to bridge the gap through entrepreneurship. In line with International Women’s Day 2025, QNET is aligning with this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” advocating direct selling as a viable economic lever for women’s financial independence.

Recent findings from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) 2024 report highlight the severity of financial exclusion among women. Despite making up nearly half of the global population, 40% of women worldwide remain unbanked—with a 20% lower likelihood than men to hold bank accounts and 17% less access to formal credit lines. This exclusion, affecting 1.1 billion women, is not just a socio-economic challenge but a barrier to sustainable growth.

For companies like QNET, the case for intervention is compelling. Direct selling—often dismissed in traditional financial inclusion discourse—presents an alternative pathway for women to generate income, build financial resilience, and scale entrepreneurial ventures. Through its platform, QNET provides structured mentorship, training, and business resources designed to help women establish independent enterprises.

Biram Fall, Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “As part of the United Nation’s Social Development Goals, achieving gender equality to empower all women and girls is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

“At QNET, we are committed to accelerating their success by equipping them with business skills, mentorship, and financial opportunities. By offering a flexible and low-barrier platform, we aim to enable women to become entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.”

QNET’s commitment to women’s empowerment is evident through various initiatives, such as its signature financial literacy program, FinGreen, which was launched in Nigeria in 2022 to develop healthy financial habits through education and training in the most vulnerable communities, particularly for youth, women and those stepping into entrepreneurship in emerging economies. The programme is important in achieving the UN SDGs and establishing a stable and healthy economy in developing nations.

Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Nigeria Limited, QNET’s local partner in Nigeria, speaking on the special observance, said, “At QNET, we believe that true empowerment comes from providing women with the right opportunities to succeed. Through our various initiatives, we hope to highlight our commitment to equipping women with the skills and resources they need to achieve economic independence and long-term success – addressing gender disparity in Nigeria and across Africa.”

With a strong focus on financial inclusion and skills development, QNET continues to support women in building sustainable businesses, fostering independence, and driving economic growth. As the world pushes for gender equality, QNET remains steadfast in its commitment to accelerating action and creating a more inclusive future where women thrive as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.


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