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Pilots, Engineers Ask Airlines to Merge

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Pilots and engineers have advised Nigerian airline operators to consider mergers, acquisition, collaboration (code sharing), and the likes to save the industry from collapse.

Rising from their recent 13th National Delegates Conference, the stakeholders under the auspices of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), berated the operators for the allowing “go-it-alone syndrome” to becloud their senses of judgments, shunning the noble call for merges for a healthy system.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek recalled that at the inception of the present administration, Princess Stella Oduah, minister of Aviation, said that with a view to strengthening operations and enhanced air safety of the nation’s airlines, the federal government was tinkering on a policy that could lead to two or more airlines to merge.

This came, as indications emerged that virtually all the carriers in the country were financially insolvent and heavily indebted to a staggering $5 billion.

Thus, the federal government is likely to raise the stake that would make it difficult to “go it alone’’, and could leave the operators with no other option than to merge as it is being done in Europe, United States and Asia.

It could be recalled that Air France in 2004 merged with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, changing the operating name to Air France-KLM, however they still operate as separate airlines.

In a communiqué signed by Ocheme Aba, general secretary (NAAPE), the group  advised the Nigerian airline operators, “to accept wise counsel and co-operate with each other by way of mergers, acquisition, collaboration (code sharing), and the like, in other to succeed, as against the present go-it-alone syndrome which has failed woefully”.

Mr. Zemedeneh Negatu, a key note speaker at the conference had raised the issue, supporting the formation of about two big carriers from the whole lot of airlines in Nigeria.

According to him, the gesture will enable them (the airline operators) compete with the mega carriers in the global market.

“To do otherwise will only prolong the current miserable state of Nigeria Airlines,” he said.

At the end of the 2-day event, and after extensive deliberations, the conference notes the experience of Ethiopian Airline whereby the involvement of all stakeholders at its conception is given as a principal ingredient for its success story today.

Accordingly, the Conference advises the Federal Government, through minister of Aviation, to involve all stakeholders in important aviation policy decisions, particularly, ongoing processes to foster a National Carrier and the aerotropolis project.

“This is the only way to guarantee success of the ventures. NAAPE therefore makes itself available in this regard.

 However, the delegates note with delight the transformation taking place in the aviation sector and gives kudos to the Hon. Minister of Aviation and her team.

“The Conference commends the Aviation Roadmap, new airport terminals (delivered and to be delivered), the aerotropolis concept, aviation policy review, airside development, etc, and expresses hope that the effort will be sustained.

On the sideline of Unionism, “the Conference”, Aba highlighted, “seriously frowned at those aviation companies including Arik Air, IRS Airlines, Med-view Airlines, Dana Air, Chanchangi Airline, etc that have disallowed their workers from being members of the Union, contrary to the provisions of Labour Law. The Conference is of the view that non-unionization hinders human capacity development and holds back NAAPE’s effort to place Nigerian aviation industry on the global stage”.

“Therefore, the conference mandates the National Administrative Council (NAC) to use all lawful means to ensure that all working Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are fully unionized. It should, however, be clearly stated that the notion which depicts Union as a foe is a misconception. As a matter of fact, NAAPE has been, and remains a worthy partner committed to the progress of aviation companies.

“The Conference mandates the National Administration Council to immediately set the machinery in motion to stamp out all abuses in the expatriate quota regime to ensure that Nigerian Pilots and Engineers are gainfully employed and also to enhance human capacity growth in the sector. The Conference also is of the opinion that the expatriate quota regime should be amended to contain provisions which make it mandatory for any foreigner intending to work in Nigeria to obtain a Labour certificate issued in consultation with the Union, after being satisfied that such foreigner would not usurp the job meant for Nigerians”.

The pilots and engineers also enjoined aviation companies and parastatals to take the issue of corporate governance very seriously as the absence of corporate governance is at the heart of the current poor financial health of organizations in the sector.


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NITDA DG says its Community IT Centres Should be a Catalyst of Change

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Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said that the 18 community IT centre the agency has built in the past two years are meant to be a beacon of calls and catalyst of change in those communities where they are cited.

He sated this at the commissioning/handing over of IT centre at Akesan area in Lagos. He noted that the IT centres, Innovation hubs among others are part of digital literacy programme of the agency.

“This center is designed and build to help Akesan community to be part of the digital economy, because the President is big and loud when it comes to national prosperity and inclusivity.

“Our target is to build more than 1600 across the country. We want every community every Nigerian to be part of this national prosperity and inclusivity when it comes to digital economy.

“Today, we are here to commission it, to ensure and encourage you to put it in a good use, because we call it a community center means that we want everybody to be part of it. We don’t want it to be suited in a school where the school will lock it for only students and the staff.

“That’s why we located it in the community. Schools can be part of it. Our senior citizens can be part of it. Our religious centers also can be part of it to learn.

“We want it to be a beacon of call as well as a catalyst of change in this community. We want to see more information technology gurus coming from Akesan community. So, I want to encourage you to also come with a sustainability model so that the center will be on. It is on because when you invest in this kind of infrastructure, we don’t want to be called when there are small things that we should come and fix it. That’s why we are handing it over to the community so that the community can put it in a good use. The community can find a way to make it self-sustaining,” he said.

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the NITDA Community Centre in Lagos, a space that is more than just a building. It is a strategic extension of our national mission – a bridge between the Federal Government’s digital economy policies and the unmatched energy, ingenuity, and innovation that Lagos represents.

The minister who was represented by Mr. Johnson Bareyei, director, e-governmance in the ministry, added that his ministry is committed to promoting inclusivity through capacity building initiatives like the 3MTT programme.

“We are also developing the National Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill, which is a robust legislative framework that will help guide our everyday engagement online.

“Our work at the Ministry also includes Project BRIDGE, our ambitious effort to improve interconnectivity by deploying 90,000km of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria. This is a critical imperative as we work towards making Nigeria a $1trillion economy powered by innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive growth,” he said.


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NFIU Warns Against Use of BNBEX over False Claims

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Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has dissociated itself from BNBEX’s activities and warned Nigerians against using the online trading platform.

NFIU Warns Against Use of BNBEX over False Claims

BNBEX, a global cryptocurrency trading, with headquarters in Miami, Florida, USA, had claimed that the NFIU is conducting a compliance review of all transactions related to Nigerian users on her platform pursuant to Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation.

However, in a swift reaction,  Sani Tukur, head, strategic communications department, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, said such circular was not issued by the NFIU and bears no connection whatsoever to any of the unit’s current regulatory or compliance initiatives.

According to him, ” the NFIU wishes to inform all financial system stakeholders and the general public that it did not authorise nor author the document recently posted by BNBEX on its website, which falsely claims that the NFIU is conducting a compliance review of all transactions related to Nigerian users on her platform pursuant to Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation.

“The NFIU categorically states the circular was not issued by the NFIU and bears no connection whatsoever to any of the Unit’s current regulatory or compliance initiatives.

“Secondly, the Unit wishes to state that  ‘Nigerian Financial Surveillance Regulation’ referenced in the circular is non-existent and has no basis in Nigerian law or regulatory frameworks.

“It further states that the logo and insignia used in the circular does not belong to  NFIU and is fake.  Additionally, the Unit presently has no office situated at Central Business District, Abuja or any other location outside it’s head office at No. 1 Monrovia Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

“NFIU therefore, strongly dissociates itself from the claims made in the circular and urges members of the public to rely only on official NFIU channels for accurate and legitimate information. Finally, the Unit has no affiliation to the entity known as BNBEX nor validated any of its operations.

“For purposes of clarification or to report suspicious information purporting to be from the NFIU, please contact the Strategic Communications Department at info@nfiu.gov.ng.”

 

 


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NITDA Advocates Strategic Partnership in Research to Unlock Nigeria’s Digital Potential

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Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasized the critical need for robust collaboration among academia, industry, and government.

This call was made during a working visit by a delegation from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, led by Professor Kirk Semple, Director of International Research, to NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

The visit centred on exploring avenues for strategic collaboration under the Research and Innovation Partnership for Entrepreneurship (RIPE) programme, an initiative aimed at leveraging academic research and innovation to spur entrepreneurial development and economic transformation.

Addressing the delegation, Inuwa noted that Nigeria and Africa broadly face a significant research investment gap that continues to hinder the continent’s progress toward building knowledge-based economies. “For us to build a robust and sustainable economy, we need to invest in research. That is where we have a huge gap in Nigeria and Africa at large, we don’t invest in research,” he said.

Using agriculture as a case in point, Inuwa observed that many Nigerian farmers lack access to critical data and digital tools that could revolutionise productivity and resource efficiency. He stressed that research and development (R&D) are foundational to solving such sector-specific challenges and to informing policies and regulations that can accelerate digital transformation.

Inuwa further outlined NITDA’s focus on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), blockchain, robotics, and additive manufacturing, noting that these technologies hold vast potential for solving local problems and creating new economic opportunities.

“The goal is to create a vibrant technology-research ecosystem that unites academia, industry, government, entrepreneurs, and risk capital,” he stated.

He further emphasised the need to align university curricula with real world industry demands, encouraging institutions to develop talent capable of addressing practical challenges through innovation. Inuwa also called for better coordination among stakeholders, warning against the inefficiencies of duplicative efforts.

Inuwa also referenced the eight strategic pillars identified by the Federal Government as drivers of national development. These include Reforming the economy for inclusive and sustainable growth, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, boosting agriculture to achieve food security, unlocking energy and natural resources, enhancing infrastructure and transportation, focusing on education, health, and social investment, accelerating diversification through industrialisation and innovation, Improving governance and service delivery.

To support these priorities, Inuwa further highlighted NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024–2027), which is structured around eight complementary pillars. These include Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, build a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthen Policy Implementation and Legal Framework, Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration, and Cultivate a Vibrant Organisational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA.

“We place a strong emphasis on research because without it, you can not develop effective policies or regulations that drive real change in the ecosystem,” Inuwa added.

The meeting marked a significant step forward in NITDA’s commitment to international collaboration, aligning with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and positioning Nigeria to take a leadership role in the global digital economy through research-led innovation, DG stated.

In his earlier remarks, Professor Kirk Semple highlighted Lancaster University’s global research reputation and its commitment to strategic collaborations that deliver societal value. He described the (RIPE) programme as a vehicle for knowledge mobilisation moving beyond academic theory to practical application.

“Universities today are under pressure to demonstrate value beyond knowledge creation. Strategic partnerships like this with NITDA helps ensure research informed policy, supports innovation, and drives meaningful change in communities,” Semple said.

He also underscored the role of innovation in bridging the gap between academia and society, noting that universities serve as critical hubs for organisations especially those lacking R&D capabilities to access expertise and resources necessary for solving global issues like climate change, public health, and technological inequality.

Professor Semple concluded by affirming the importance of creating diverse, long-term networks that foster cooperation across sectors, emphasizing that the true measure of success lies in sustained impact rather than accolades.

 


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