The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • FCCPC seals IE’s office over alleged consumer rights violation

    FCCPC seals IE’s office over alleged consumer rights violation

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday sealed the premises of the Head Office of Ikeja Electric (IE) Plc over what it described as the company’s prolonged refusal to comply with regulatory directives and continued violation of consumer rights.

    The enforcement action, carried out in Lagos, followed IE’s alleged failure to implement a binding decision issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directing the company to unbundle a Maximum Demand (MD) account of a customer into 20 separate non-MD accounts. The order required the company to treat 19 residential units and one service point as separate customer units and provide the appropriate metering and electricity connection.

    But the utility insisted that the delay in complying with the order was not deliberate as it required a process which needed some things to be put in place before execution. For instance, IE explained that upon the site inspection of the premises, it was observed that the hotel structure remains in its original state and has not been converted into a residential building comprising 19 flats as represented by the customer, meaning the premises still operates as a single consolidated facility, with no verifiable physical evidence of residential partitioning or individual dwelling units.

    Besides, the firm explained that the building maintains the same transformer configuration and MD service connection, with no visible low-voltage network topology or internal sub-networking to support connection of 20 separate NMD meters.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    In carrying out the sealing of the IE premises, the Director of Surveillance and Investigation at the FCCPC, Mrs. Bola Adeyinka represented by Assistant Director, Surveillance & investigation, FCCPC, Engineer Idayat Olorungbebe, IE’s non-compliance left the complainant (Providence real estate) without electricity supply for over two and a half years despite fulfilling all financial and procedural obligations requested by the distribution company.

    Adeosun said the prolonged blackout prevented the complainant from putting the 19 residential units to use, resulting in significant hardship a situation the Commission described as a clear violation of consumer rights under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

    She explained that the FCCPC engaged Ikeja Electric on several occasions and issued multiple directives, including an April 2025 compliance instruction and a formal Compliance Notice on October 2, 2025, giving the company seven business days to meet its obligations. Despite these interventions, the company reportedly failed to act.

    Adeosun cited Sections 17, 18, 124, 150, and 155 of the FCCPA as the legal basis for the enforcement exercise, noting that the provisions empower the Commission to issue directives, enforce compliance, and take action including sealing premises where consumer harm persists.

    “The sealing of this facility is a proportionate enforcement measure taken only after repeated engagement and several opportunities for voluntary compliance,” she said. “The seal will remain in place until Ikeja Electric fully complies with the directives issued by both NERC and the FCCPC and submits written proof of compliance.”

    She also stated that the access given to the control wasn’t a free meal as Ikeja Electric would write an undertaking stating that access to the control room would be allowed so as not to lead to service disruption

    She further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment of consumers and unhindered access to essential services, stressing that service providers must meet statutory obligations and respect consumer rights.

    The FCCPC said it will continue to intensify enforcement to safeguard consumers across all sectors.

    The Head, Corporate Communications, IE, Kingsley Okotie, in a telephone interview with The Nation, described the action as regrettable stating  that staff that could have attended to the customer’s situation were also locked out with the sealing of the premises.

    He however assured that the firm would continue to engage with the FCCPC to resolve the matter as soon as possible in the over all interest of all our customers.

    Okotie explained that the the  non-compliance issue being referred to is receiving utmost attention by the company to amicably resolve.

    In a correspondence to FCCPC on October 14, 2025, a copy of which was sighted by The Nation, IE had assured of its “commitment to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and fair business practices as enshrined under the FCCPA, the Electricity Act 2023, and relevant NERC Regulations.

    Okotie disclosed that the utility had following the NERC Ikeja Forum’s, the firm visited the said location for assessment and in view of implementing the ruling regarding unbundling of the existing Maximum Demand (MD) account and provision of 20 Non-Maximum Demand (NMD) prepaid meters.

    “We reiterate that our commitment to full compliance with the Forum’s Decision and we happily invite the FCCPC to carry out a joint inspection of the property to independently ascertain the facts stated above and to confirm the readiness of the property to be served as expected of Ikeja Electric. We are also available for a meeting with the FCCPC to provide further information.

    “We reiterate that we remain fully committed to complying with the Forum’s decision within the limits of technical feasibility. We are willing to provide the Complainant with guidance and technical support on the process of procuring the 20 NMD meters at the customer’s cost, in line with the Forum’s directive. We will also continue to engage with the customer pending confirmation of the property’s configuration and readiness for connection as multiple residential units,” he said.

  • Tinubu: $1tr Economy depends on productivity, innovation, others

    Tinubu: $1tr Economy depends on productivity, innovation, others

    • Fed Govt showcases impact of 3MTT digital skills programme

    President Bola Tinubu yesterday declared that Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy hinges squarely on boosting productivity, deepening innovation and developing a workforce equipped with skills that meet global standards.

    Speaking at the 3MTT Nigeria National Impact Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President said the path to national prosperity lies not in chance but in deliberate investment in human capital.

    Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, noted that in a world reshaped by rapid technological change, the nations that lead are those that strategically develop the skills of their young people.

    Nigeria, he stressed, must therefore continue to treat human capital as its most valuable resource under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He maintained that digital skills now power growth across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and public service, making programmes like the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative essential to the administration’s economic transformation blueprint.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    According to him: “a strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise and positions Nigeria to participate competitively in the global marketplace. More importantly, it shifts our role in the world from passive consumers of technology to active creators and exporters of talent.”

    The President hailed the 3MTT programme as proof of what focus and disciplined execution can achieve.

    From more than 1.8 million applications drawn from every local government area to new startups and job opportunities emerging nationwide, he said the initiative has moved from concept to measurable impact across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Opportunity is no longer limited to major cities,” he added, noting that the programme is restoring confidence among young Nigerians that they can compete and thrive in the global digital economy.

    Tinubu commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for stewarding the programme and acknowledged key private-sector and development partners, including IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union, for giving the initiative depth and credibility.

    While applauding the progress so far, the President said Nigeria must stay committed to the larger vision of transforming digital and technical skills nationwide.

    This, he emphasised, will require continued collaboration among government, industry and development partners.

    “To the young Nigerians gathered here, and to the millions you represent across every community in our nation, we believe in your capacity and your future. Through initiatives like 3MTT, we are building genuine platforms for progress, not ceremonial commitments”, he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed that the Nigeria of the future must be powered by skilled hands and driven by innovative minds ready to work, create and lead, adding that the government is determined to lay a strong foundation for a digital workforce that will propel the country’s next chapter of growth and shared prosperity.

    The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani in his remarks said about 135,000 Nigerians have been trained within the past two years with some of them having opportunities to secure well paid jobs in tech companies, while others have had opportunities to travel to China, UK and other countries for further studies.

    Dr Tijani who praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the 3MTT programme and other digital technology innovation initiatives, said within the first month of the launch of the 3MTT programme, over 1.8 million Nigerian youths signed onto the programme.

    According to Dr Tijani the Commitment of the present administration to digital infrastructures development remains unparalleled as President Tinubu approved deployment of 4,000 telecom infrastructures to rural areas to ensure that 23 million Nigerians in unconnected areas are connected to the Internet.

    The Minister who said by 2030 about 170 million jobs would be available for Nigerians who have tech skills, noted that the digital economy sector would remain vibrant and Nigeria would be in a position to fill vacancies in the sector with the approach adopted by the present administration to bring the youth on board the digital economy sector.

    Dr. Tijani who highlighted the various supports and funding received by the government from the private sector and international institutions such as Google, Microsoft, IHS, Huawei, MTN, UNDP, African Development Bank among others, emphasised that the 3MTT programme is open to all Nigerian youths irrespective of status and class.

    The Minister further said under the programme, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC made available about 1.5 billion naira worth of laptops and other gadgets to beneficiaries, noting that the beneficiaries of the programme secured 15,000 direct jobs from different tech companies after their trainings.

    Dr Tijani who called for increased private sector participation in the 3MTT programme, said the initiative now has community managers in the 36 states of the Federation and one in the FCT, while over 600 facility agents are working across the 774 local government councils of the country.

  • Lawmakers seek 50% cut in airport charges to slash fares

    Lawmakers seek 50% cut in airport charges to slash fares

    House of Representatives members yesterday foreclosed approving any form of government subsidy for airline operators as a way of reducing airfare during the Yuletide.

    But the Green Legislative Chamber urged the Federal Government to cut by 50 per cent the various airport fees, which the operators say account for rising airfare and upward push on operational costs.

    In a resolution following a Motion by Obinna Aguocha (LP, Abia), on the exorbitant rise of airline ticket and the consequential impact on security of lives, the lawmakers sought for the establishment of a transparent assessment mechanism to create a system to determine the true minimum necessary operational costs for airlines throughout the yuletide season.

    Leading the debate on the Motion, Aguocha drew his colleagues’ attention to the exorbitant rising cost of Airline ticket in the country which he claimed currently affects millions of Nigeria families.

    Describing the Christmas season as traditionally a time for reunion, reflection and joy, the lawmaker noted that the rooftop fares under the weight of economic challenges, have made travel increasingly prohibitive.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    Aguocha expressed concern that “the soaring costs of domestic air travel have created a barrier preventing many from returning to their ancestral homes, where shared laughter and family connections are meant to thrive and improve self-worth”.

    He argued: “With the myriad of challenges faced by airline operators, ranging from high JetAl fuel prices to excessive currency fluctuations, I implore this Honourable House to consider the broader implications of their pricing strategies”.

    The lawmaker said the insatiable pursuit of profit should not come at the expense of the cultural bonds that define us as Nigerians, adding that by temporarily reducing fares during this critical period.

    Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) said it was out of place to ask the government to subsidise airfare and coat of operations for airlines, insisting that saying airline operations was a business venture.

    The Edo lawmaker, who said about 90 per cent of Nigerians cannot afford to use the services provided by the airlines, but rely on road and rail infrastructure, added that “rather than subsidise air fare, it will be more ideal to ask government to subsidise road transport for Nigerians.”

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo on Wednesday said competition is what can drive down airfares.

    According to him, the aviation industry is fully deregulated.

  • How UFinMD is solving SME financial fragmentation crisis

    How UFinMD is solving SME financial fragmentation crisis

    Maud Avevor, a Management Consultant with deep expertise in financial systems and instruments developed UFinMD to address the fragmentation that creates blind spots, delays decision-making, and introduces errors at critical moments, in Small and Medium-sized enterprises. The web application unifies financial management into a single, intuitive dashboard that empowers finance teams and business users to consolidate dispersed data and gain real-time insights across accounting, budgeting, and analytics. Rather than fighting the reality that organizations use multiple systems, UFinMD works with that reality by aggregating data from ERPs, general ledgers, banking APIs, CRM and sales systems, HRIS platforms, and spreadsheets into one coherent view.

    She explained that finance teams in SMEs are drowning in disconnected information sources, and the burden of manual consolidation prevents them from executing their mandate, which is analyzing trends, identifying opportunities, and guiding strategic decisions. UFinMD, transforms that sea of data points into clarity. “It is an AI-powered system that handles the grunt work and gives organizations a genuine competitive advantage. Automation is liberating,” Avevor notes.

    In her brief on the detailed functionality of UFinMD, Avevor further explained that the platform tackles fragmentation through intelligent aggregation and visualization. Interactive charts, configurable KPIs, and drill-down widgets make large datasets digestible, allowing finance leaders to quickly spot trends and emerging problems. Customizable views let different team members, controllers, finance managers, and business owners see metrics tailored to their role and responsibilities, ensuring everyone has immediate access to the performance indicators that matter most to them.

    “Where UFinMD truly differentiates itself is through automation and artificial intelligence. Machine learning continuously monitors financial flows to detect anomalies and flag risks, while natural language processing reads financial documents and communications to extract context automatically. Routine tasks that consume categorization, reconciliations, and report generation, are handled by the system, delivering dramatic time savings and eliminating human error from repetitive work.” She further explained.

    After testing, the reviewers praised the platform’s architecture as reflecting enterprise-grade thinking even for growing companies. It is centered as a multi-tenant SaaS platform, UFinMD scales seamlessly while keeping each organization’s data isolated and secure. Role-based access control ensures people see only what their duties permit, and robust audit trails create accountability across the organization. Security, compliance, and auditability are baked into the design from the ground up, data in transit and at rest is encrypted, authentication integrates with identity providers and supports multi-factor options, and built-in compliance trackers help businesses meet regulatory requirements with less manual effort.

    This single source of truth eliminates siloed workflows and the miscommunications that arise when different departments work from different numbers. For SMEs and larger enterprises, UFinMD bridges the critical gap between scattered records and strategic insight. The platform functions as an AI-powered financial co-pilot, translating raw dashboard data into prescriptive actions that guide better decisions faster. What once required days of manual work now takes minutes, freeing finance teams to focus on analysis and strategy rather than data assembly.

  • NASENI launches initiative to groom young innovators in secondary schools, universities

    NASENI launches initiative to groom young innovators in secondary schools, universities

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has unveiled a new  initiative aimed at discovering and empowering young innovators across Nigeria’s universities and secondary schools.

    The programme, known as FutureMakers by NASENI, was formally launched on Thursday in Abuja by the agency’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who described it as a strategic pipeline for raising world-class innovators between the ages of 5 and 16.

    Through NASENI Institutes spread across the country, Halilu said FutureMakers will provide young learners with skills in design thinking, creativity, engineering basics and technology use, mentorship from industry experts and innovators.

    Others, he said, are access to prototyping laboratories and equipment, hackathons, pitch competitions and innovation challenges.

    “We are creating a cycle where a child’s curiosity today becomes Nigeria’s breakthrough tomorrow,” Halilu stated.

    The NASENI boss said FutureMakers is not a standalone programme but a key component of the agency’s long-term strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

    This strategy, he said, aims to build technical confidence early, develop problem-solvers and inventors, prepare young people for STEM fields, entrepreneurship and leadership.

    “This is our way of securing Nigeria’s innovation stability over the next 30 to 50 years,” he said.

    Halilu noted that the world’s leading innovation economies invested in young talent early, citing examples such as the United States’ FIRST Robotics, which has produced top engineers and startup founders, India’s Atal Innovation Mission, which exposes millions of children to innovation labs and design-thinking challenges, the United Kingdom’s TeenTech, a programme that helps young people explore science, engineering and technology

    “These global programmes prove one thing: early exposure creates lifelong innovators,” he added. Today, Nigeria is joining that league through FutureMakers by NASENI.”

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Halilu urged parents, teachers, private sector organisations and development partners to support the programme.

    To parents, he said: “Encourage your children, let creativity lead the way, to teachers, let’s make innovation a daily experience. To the private sector, this is the time to invest, sponsor challenges, fund prototypes, adopt regions.”

    Addressing the students, Halilu reminded them that age is no barrier to creativity. 

    “You are not too young to build something that matters. The world is full of innovators who started exactly where you are today with one idea and the courage to try.

    “By launching FutureMakers, we are planting seeds that will grow into Nigeria’s innovation destiny. This is how nations rise.”

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Senator Francis Ezenwa,  noted that the programme stands out because it targets children and young artisans between the ages of five and 16, introducing them early to design thinking, creative workshops, and prototype development.

    Expressing pride in the initiative, the senator said it reflects NASENI’s commitment to building a Nigeria that not only consumes technology but creates it.

    Senator Ezenwa added that the programme goes beyond offering a platform, as it equips young Nigerians with practical tools to transform ideas into real solutions.

    urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to building a nation where creativity is celebrated and every child is empowered to dream and innovate.

    In his remarks SA to the EVC/CEO of NASENI, Dr. Anas Yazid, said the Future Makers Programme aims to replicate such transformative experiences at scale across Nigeria.

    The programme, he explained, goes far beyond robotics, coding, engineering or design thinking. 

    He noted that years from now, many of them may trace their own success stories back to this very programme.

    Outlining the programme objectives, Head, NASENI Innovation Hub Manager, Rachael Perez-Folayan, noted that the programme will provide prizes worth up to N5m to top winners from each zone, an exclusive study abroad with the EVC of NASENI and scholarships.

    Speaking on the programme structure, she said the programme is is proposed for a three-month period, starting from December 2025 to February 2026. She added that the proposed total number of participants for this first cohort is 60 children selected from all the six geopolitical zones.

    Furthermore, Perez-Folayan, stated that applicants must be 16 years old or younger at the time of application with proof of age such as birth certificate, National Identification Number (NIN) and international passport, which all applicants must be a Nigerian citizen or currently residing in Nigeria.

  • AEPA lauds NUPRC for transparent release of frontier exploration fund to NNPCL

    AEPA lauds NUPRC for transparent release of frontier exploration fund to NNPCL

    • …hails Komolafe’s leadership in strengthening regulatory credibility

    The African Energy Policy Alliance (AEPA) has lauded the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its transparent handling and timely release of the Frontier Exploration Fund (FEF) to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing the action as “a model of regulatory–industry synergy for the rest of the continent.”

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Dr. Randy Amuche, Executive Director of AEPA, said the Commission’s confirmation of the approval and release of over $185 million and N14.9 billion to NNPCL reinforces NUPRC’s reputation under Gbenga Komolafe’s leadership as a regulator committed to accountability, professionalism, and transparent resource governance.

    AEPA further noted that the Commission’s prompt dismissal of claims that it withheld the fund reflects a maturing regulatory culture guided by evidence-based processes.

    “The NUPRC, led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe has once again demonstrated exceptional regulatory discipline. By explaining that the Frontier Exploration Fund is domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and not with the Commission, and that disbursement follows rigorous evaluation of NNPCL’s work programmes, the NUPRC has set a continental benchmark for transparency,” the statement reads.

    Dr Amuche praised the Commission’s decision to contract PwC to independently evaluate NNPC’s claims before approving payments, saying it reflects a commitment to financial integrity and best-practice oversight.

    “From the initial release of N14.9 billion and $45 million, to the final tranche of $140 million approved on November 27, the NUPRC demonstrated procedural discipline that boosts investor confidence. Such diligence is precisely what Africa needs as countries seek to unlock frontier basins from Uganda to Namibia,” he said.

    AEPA also applauded the seamless coordination between the NUPRC and the NNPC, describing the relationship as a model of how regulators and national oil companies should collaborate to drive national and continental energy security.

    “What we are witnessing between the NUPRC and NNPC is a productive, functional relationship rooted in mutual respect for institutional mandates. The regulator demands evidence; the national oil company meets the requirements; and both work together toward expanding exploration in frontier basins,” Dr Amuche observed.

    He urged other African nations reforming their petroleum governance structures to study Nigeria’s approach, noting that credible, transparent regulatory practices remain central to improving global investor perception of Africa’s energy markets.

    “For Africa to compete and grow, we need institutions that are predictable, professional, and transparent. The NUPRC’s handling of the Frontier Exploration Fund is a strong demonstration of how regulatory integrity strengthens the entire energy ecosystem,” he said.

    AEPA also encouraged stakeholders to rely on verified information and avoid “unsubstantiated claims” that undermine trust in public institutions.

    The continental organisation reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen exploration funding, deepen frontier basin development, and expand domestic reserves in line with global energy transition realities.

    “Nigeria is setting the pace. Properly supervised frontier exploration, as currently driven by the NUPRC under Engr. Gbenga Komolafe is essential not just for national growth but for Africa’s collective energy future,” he added.

  • It’s turbulent but not dangerous, by Captain Evarest Nnaji

    It’s turbulent but not dangerous, by Captain Evarest Nnaji

    As we mark International Civil Aviation Day, it is important to reinforce the fact that aviation remains the most reliable, effective, efficient, and safest mode of transportation in the world. Air turbulence may feel uncomfortable, but it is a normal part of flight, one for which aircraft are designed and pilots are expertly trained.

    Air Turbulence remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of air travel. For many passengers, any sudden movement in flight can trigger anxiety. Yet, within the aviation industry, Air turbulence is well-studied, well-managed, and, contrary to public perception, rarely a threat to the safety of an aircraft.

    What causes air turbulence?

    Air turbulence is caused by rough air pockets encountered during a flight. Rough air pockets are derived from air with poor molecules. When an air pocket contains rich air molecules, the sky is clear and devoid of clouds. Clouds form when atmospheric conditions in a section of the sky collect or attract interference components in the form of moisture, mist, fog, smog, steam, dew, condensation, convection, haze, vapour, etc.

    The introduction of any or more of these elements into the atmosphere reduces the molecules in the air and creates visible air pockets known as clouds.  Clouds, when formed by the earlier mentioned interference components, then have poor air molecules which, in turn, will not be strong enough to warrant the smooth flow of rich air over an aircraft’s airfoils (wings), thereby causing turbulence.

    When clouds form, they contour into different shapes and structures, giving them divergent patterns. Different clouds are named after their shapes and strengths, such as Stratus, Stratocumulus, Cumulonimbus, Nimbostratus, Altostratus, Altocumulus, Cirrus, Cirrostratus, etc.

    A more troublesome source of air turbulence in flight is thunderstorms.

    A thunderstorm is a weather system that includes lightning, thunder, heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail. It can form from large towering cumulonimbus clouds, and can also form rapidly over an adiabatic temperature change rate in rising unstable air.

    There are four main types of thunderstorms: light, moderate, severe, and extreme thunderstorms.

    Severe and extreme thunderstorms appear scary and worrisome, but aircraft do not fly through them. Pilots and air traffic controllers avoid them using Radar, Weather reports, and Satellite data.

    There is also the Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) that can form at any altitude, high or low. CAT has no visible pattern. Therefore, pilots can run into CAT without adequate preparation or forewarning, causing sudden jolting turbulence in flight. But the industry has developed a mechanism known as PIREP, which enables the first pilot to encounter CAT to make a certain immediate pattern of report, letting other aircraft on the route or in the region to prepare for it.

    Aircraft design capability:

    Modern aircraft are structurally designed to handle very well all forms of possible air turbulence.

    Each aircraft model’s wing-structure, at the design stage, underwent a bench test usually stronger than anything such aircraft can ever encounter in real bad weather flight conditions before certification by the FAA and or EASA for commercial production and use. This certification is a requirement without which such a model will never fly in America or European airspace, and by extension, the world over.

    So, your aircraft may shake, dip, rock, and rattle in flight, but it will never fall out of the sky due to air turbulence. In addition, pilots are trained to navigate air turbulence safely.

    How do passengers handle air turbulence?

    Realistically, the main danger passengers can encounter in air turbulence is the sudden jolts that can cause people to fall or hit their heads on cabin consoles.

    Another danger can result in movement within the cabin, which can move the Centre of Gravity (CG) limit of the aircraft, depending on the size of the aircraft and the amount of movement. Such movements can affect a pilot’s control input and judgment, causing the aircraft not to respond the way the pilot had mastered it.

    But all this can be completely avoided by simply ensuring you are seated with your seatbelt fastened. So, stay calm, keep your seatbelt fastened, the aircraft is built to withstand it, is the rule of thumb. So next time your flight encounters turbulence or a rough patch of air, remember:

    It may be turbulent, but it is not dangerous.

    Captain Evarest Nnaji is both FAA (USA) and NCAA (Nigeria) licensed pilot, and the Group Chairman of OAS Helicopters, a leading conglomerate in Nigeria’s oil and gas aviation sector, as well as an astute businessman and philanthropist.

  • Yobe, NAMA sign agreement to begin commercial operations at Damaturu Cargo Airport

    Yobe, NAMA sign agreement to begin commercial operations at Damaturu Cargo Airport

    The Yobe State Government has signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to enable full commercial operations at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA) in Damaturu.

    The agreement, signed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, had NAMA’s Managing Director, Mr. Farouq Ahmed Umar, signing on behalf of the agency, while the Honourable Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Muhammad Muhammad Bara, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, FCVSN, signed for the state government.

    The Nation gathered that the SLA will allow NAMA to deliver essential services at the airport, including Air Traffic Control, Communication Services, Navigation and Surveillance Systems, Aeronautical Information Services, and Search and Rescue Coordination Support.

    Governor Mai Mala Buni described the development as a “major leap” toward opening Yobe to global aviation, trade, and investment. 

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the 2026 Hajj pilgrims depart from the airport, which would mark the first international passenger movement from MBICA.

    He praised the Ministry of Transport and Energy, NAMA, and technical partners for their efforts, noting that the airport will stimulate economic activity, generate jobs, and enhance infrastructural development across the state.

    Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Hon. Mohammed Bara, said the ministry is working closely with NAMA and federal aviation agencies to fast-track certification and readiness for commercial flights.

    However, Permanent Secretary Dr. Mustapha Geidam stated that there is no definite date yet for the commencement of commercial passenger flights.

    “Though there is no definite date now for the airport to start full operation, you can see that all the efforts we are making are to speed up the commencement of commercial activities. I want to assure you that it will soon start,” Dr. Mustapha said.

  • Optimus AI Labs eyes financial sector enterprise AI solutions

    Optimus AI Labs eyes financial sector enterprise AI solutions

    An indigenous technology company, Optimus AI Labs, is strengthening its push into enterprise artificial intelligence (AI), with focus on improving customer support and service delivery across the country’s financial services industry.

    Speaking with a group of media execs in Lagos, its Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Lanre Basamta, said Optimus AI Labs has spent the past two years developing AI-driven tools tailored to the needs of banks, fintechs, microfinance institutions, and other financial service providers.

    He said the company’s mission is to deploy AI in ways that improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and build greater trust in Nigeria’s increasingly digital financial ecosystem.

    At the core of the company’s current pipeline is an AI-powered support system designed to address one of the sector’s most frustrating pain points: long customer-service wait times.

    He said: “Today, customers struggle to reach their banks when issues arise. Some wait 40 to 50 minutes to speak with an agent. Banks like Access Bank and OPay have tens of millions of users—no number of human agents can keep up with that volume.”

    According to Basamta, Optimus AI Labs’ support system uses natural language interaction to respond to customer queries, resolve issues in real time, and escalate unresolved complaints. The platform also analyses customer behaviour and needs, allowing it to recommend relevant financial products—a functionality he described as a “digital salesperson” that can help financial institutions increase revenue while improving customer experience.

    He added that although Optimus AI Labs initially built solutions for small businesses such as schools, the company soon realised that the financial sector provided a much larger opportunity to deploy AI at scale.

    “The financial sector presents the biggest opportunity for AI to deliver value at scale,” he said.

    Basamta noted that the system was also built with regulatory concerns in mind, especially around fraud resolution.

    Read Also: Tinubu unveils new security, economic blueprint to harness Nigeria’s marine wealth

    With the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rules requiring financial institutions to resolve fraud-related cases within 14 days, he said the AI-powered support platform would help institutions to meet these obligations by offering faster, more structured responses.

    He said the platform can immediately engage affected customers, provide step-by-step issue processing, and escalate cases that demand human intervention—reducing delays that often frustrate users.

    Beyond its work in the Nigerian financial sector, Optimus AI Labs says it has begun building an international footprint. Basamta cited ongoing engagements with Canadian partners, including the development of a digital learning environment for a major dental group in the country.

    He said these international projects demonstrate that Nigerian-built AI solutions can compete globally and contribute to the country’s growing reputation as a hub for digital innovation.

    Reflecting on the company’s recent move into an office space previously occupied by fintech lender Kuda, Basamta said the relocation is symbolic of the trajectory the company hopes to follow as it scales its operations.

    He noted that the expansion reflects both growing demand for enterprise AI solutions and Optimus AI Labs’ ambition to play a more prominent role in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

    Basamta thanked the company’s partners and supporters, saying the progress made so far shows that “big things can emerge from small beginnings when powered by AI’s transformative capabilities.”

  • Abia, NDPHC begin 7.5MVA injection substation construction

    Abia, NDPHC begin 7.5MVA injection substation construction

    The Abia State government, in partnership with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has commenced the construction of a 7.5MVA, 33/11kV Injection Substation in Umuahia.

    The state governor, Governor Alex Otti, at the groundbreaking ceremony, described the project as a transformative initiative that will significantly boost power supply and enhance distribution reliability across the state, noting that the new infrastructure marks the beginning of a broader effort to modernise Abia’s power network.

    The project is being executed by NDPHC under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). Its scope includes the construction of a 1km 33kV line, 1.2km of 11kV line, installation of two 300kVA distribution substations, and the provision of 2km of low-tension line.

    Otti commended the Federal Government and NDPHC for prioritising Abia in this strategic intervention. He also applauded President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in the power sector, which he said have expanded the national electricity framework to encourage stronger state participation, private sector investment, and global partnerships.

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    The governor further revealed that the state government has budgeted for an additional 7.5MVA Injection Substation in the 2026 fiscal year, which will raise the combined capacity in the Ogurube Layout area of Umuahia to 15MVA once completed.

    NDPHC Managing Director/CEO, Jennifer Adighije, an engineer, who was represented at the event by Executive Director, Networks, Bello Babayo Bello, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding access to reliable and sustainable electricity nationwide.

    She said the Umuahia project reflects NDPHC’s mandate to empower communities and drive economic development.

    When completed, the substation is expected to strengthen electricity supply, support small businesses, promote industrial development, and ultimately improve the quality of life for residents of Umuahia and surrounding communities.