General News
Pilots, Engineers Ask Airlines to Merge
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.
Nigeria has taken a bold step toward deepening its innovation ecosystem with the official launch of the Start-up Consultative Forum, an initiative designed to accelerate the implementation of the Nigeria Start-up Act (NSA) and strengthen the country’s tech startup ecosystem.
While addressing the forum, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, who was represented by Barrister Emmanuel Edet, the Ag. Director, Regulation and Compliance described the platform as more than just a stakeholder meeting.
“It is a commitment to building a stronger tech ecosystem through collaboration, inclusion, and data-driven governance, marking a new phase in the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act,” he said.
He noted that the Nigeria Startup Act is more than legislation—it is a framework for national development. “Startups are not fringe players. They are central to Nigeria’s economic future,” he asserted.
Inuwa further mentioned that over the past eight months, NITDA has driven key activities under the Act. These include stakeholder workshops across 10 states, roadshows at tech events like Lagos Tech Week, the Omniverse Summit, Moonlight Conference and the Akwa Ibom Tech Week, and awareness campaigns through digital and direct engagement.
The forum, according to Inuwa, will serve as a feedback engine, spotlighting regulatory gaps, guiding policy improvements, and shaping a startup-friendly environment.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA continues to support startups through initiatives like the Startup Portal, tech infrastructure deployment, and digital skill training across the country.
The DG emphasised that for startups to thrive, policies must be inclusive and responsive. “Inclusion is not charity. It is a strategy,” he said, calling for equal representation across gender, region, and sector.
While inaugurating the members if the Conservative Forum on behalf of the Director-General, the Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, Oladejo Olawunmi, ignited the forum with a call to action, envisioning it as a vital nexus for collaborative breakthroughs.
He inspired the members, saying, “We remain deeply committed to nurturing a space where innovation can flourish, and I call upon each of us to embrace the task ahead by shaping ideas into concrete policy and outcomes that leave a lasting impact.”
Earlier, Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), in her opening address called the Forum, a “structured dialogue between those building the future and those enabling it.”
She outlined five key pillars for success: access to funding, capacity building, supportive policy, inclusive innovation, and global competitiveness.
She urged startups to speak boldly, private sector players to offer more than capital, development partners to scale what works, and government to harmonize efforts. “This Forum must be a problem-solving platform, not another talk shop,” she concluded.
With the Startup Consultative Forum now launched, NITDA aims to turn policy into action, ensuring startups are no longer on the sidelines, but at the center of Nigeria’s innovation journey.
The virtual event was attended by private sector players, development agencies, verified Ecosystem Support Organisations (ESOs), angel investors, venture capital firms, and labelled startups from across the country.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) issued a detailed advisory on yesterday, warning Nigerians about the growing threat of Ponzi schemes and unregulated crowdfunding scams, particularly in digital assets, agriculture, and real estate.
These sophisticated scams, often disguised under appealing brand names, promise unrealistically high returns, exploiting vulnerable citizens facing economic hardship between 2022 and 2025.
Digital asset scams, like Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) and Chinmark Group, leverage cryptocurrencies’ anonymity and limited regulation. CBEX, promising 100% returns in 30 days, collapsed with over ₦1.3 trillion in losses, using blockchain to obscure funds.
Chinmark, posing as a conglomerate, defrauded investors of over ₦10 billion via social media and religious endorsements. “We are committed to saving Nigerians from the troubles associated with Ponzi schemes,” the NFIU stated, pledging to pursue major actors.
Agricultural Ponzi schemes, such as Farmforte Ltd and Green Eagles Agribusiness, promise unsustainable farming returns, with one Lagos operator collapsing after processing ₦400 million with 16% monthly return pledges. Red flags include guaranteed high returns, unlicensed operations, and reliance on referrals.
The Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 imposes fines of ₦20 million and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for promoting Ponzi schemes, empowering the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate digital assets. The NFIU urged licensing for Virtual Asset Service Providers, advanced fraud detection, and stronger KYC/AML compliance by financial institutions.
It advised the public to verify platforms with the SEC, question return mechanisms, and report suspicious schemes promptly.
The UK’s Manufacturing Africa programme has formed a strategic partnership with investment firm TLG Capital to enhance funding opportunities for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
L-R: Director, Head of International Affairs, BPI France, Isabelle Bebear; Swedfund Regional Director for West Africa, Kitanha Toure; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter; Co-founder & CEO of TLG Capital, Zain Latif and IFC World Bank Group, Regional Industry Manager, Alexandra Celestin at the signing ceremony today in Lagos.
This collaboration aims to strengthen Nigerian businesses’ eligibility for financing through Africa Growth Impact Fund II (AGIF II), which has raised $75 million towards its $200 million target.
Supported by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), Swedfund, Norfund, and Bpifrance, the fund seeks to channel capital into promising manufacturing businesses across Nigeria.
Manufacturing Africa will assist companies with due diligence, corporate finance, ESG compliance, gender inclusion, and operational improvements, ensuring they meet investment criteria.
One of the first beneficiaries of this initiative is Terra Aqua, an aluminium recycling company in Ogun State. Terra Aqua is set to receive $7.5 million in debt financing from TLG Capital, contingent on meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benchmarks.
If successful, this deal could create 200 direct jobs and 752 indirect jobs, while utilizing a recycling process that consumes 95% less energy than producing primary aluminium.
Since its launch in 2020, Manufacturing Africa has supported 41 investment deals in Nigeria, aiming to secure over $1 billion in foreign direct investment and create 38,000 direct jobs. Across Africa, the programme has facilitated nearly $2.4 billion in investment, leading to 102,000 new jobs.
UK Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter emphasized the importance of a robust manufacturing sector in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
Manufacturing Africa’s Team Leader, Thomas Pascoe, highlighted the development potential in African manufacturing, while TLG Capital Co-Founder, Isha Doshi, underscored AGIF II’s goal of providing flexible, strategic financing tailored to the African business landscape.
This initiative is set to accelerate industrial growth, create jobs, and position Nigerian manufacturers as viable investment opportunities.
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