₦airaland Forum

The federal government is currently finalising negotiations with Aero Alliance Consortium to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu for an 80-year period.

A draft contract, obtained by Daily Sun, reveals the details of this Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement, which makes provisions for airport upgrades, the handling of existing Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff, revenue-sharing, among others.

Clause 5.1 of the 64-page document which was analysed by Daily Sun, addresses the very crucial issue of current FAAN employees at the airport. According to the agreement, all existing airport staff will be transferred to Aero Alliance with their full benefits for an initial period of 24 months. There would be no forced redundancies and afterwards, any member of staff deemed redundant after any restructuring will be reabsorbed by the federal government, which will retain responsibility for their pension and gratuity payments. The concession duration is an initial 80-year term which will commence upon “Effective Date” and an optional 20-year extension based on performance. There are also early termination clauses for non-compliance.

“The concession period (the ‘Concession Term’) shall be eighty (80) years, commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Eightieth (80th) anniversary (subject to any extension in accordance with this Agreement) or, if earlier until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with this Agreement,” the document stated.

Clauses 2.1.4 and 2.2.2 detail the revenue sharing formula between the government and Aero Alliance. A major provision in the agreement mandates that 1% of the net income will be remitted to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). Also, Aero Alliance will have full control over non-aeronautical revenue such as ground handling, cargo fees, rentals, parking, and VIP lounge fees, without the need for government approval, provided they keep to legal limits. However, the concessionaire will need to submit aeronautical tariffs, including landing fees and passenger service charges, for government approval.

The agreement stipulates that the collected tariffs must fund operations and maintenance, debt repayment, capital investments, statutory taxes. Shareholder profits (subject to agreement terms. Clauses 15 and 14.7 says that the concessionaire must submit quarterly financial reports to the grantor and that the grantor has audit rights over revenue and expenses. The Concessionaire must submit quarterly financial reports to the grantor and the grantor has audit rights over revenue and expenses.

Clause 16.7 outlines the cost-sharing procedure for force majeure events. In the case of non-political events like natural disasters, each party bears its own costs and in cases like indirect political events like strikes, civil unrest, the concessionaire covers costs up to insurance claims, while the remaining costs would be split 50/50 with grantor. In the case of political events like expropriation, discriminatory laws, the grantor fully reimburses the concessionaire. Clauses 18 speaks on termination compensation. If the termination is the fault of the grantor default, the grantor must pay outstanding loans, third-party liabilities, equity investment and projected returns.

There are specific upgrades and improvements that the concessionaire must mandatorily carry out which are stated under Clause 2.2. The concessionaire must carry out runway rehabilitation, address existing deficiencies and ensure compliance with ICAO standards. The concessionaire must also carry out terminal expansion, installation of updated navigation/communication technology.

The baggage handling systems must be upgraded to meet IATA standards. The VIP lounges, retail spaces, and car parks, firefighting equipment, lighting, and emergency systems according to the NCAA’s regulations. In clause 8, preventive maintenance is required to avoid service degradation and facilities must meet “optimum” IATA service levels upon transfer back to the grantor. The improvements that could be carried out at the discretion of the concessionaire are commercial real estate projects, choice of tech vendors, optional amenities and marketing/branding initiatives.

If the concessionaire does not carry out runway or terminal Upgrades according to clause 2.2.1.1, the grantor can terminate the contract and seize any asset seizure according to clause 19.5. Where there is no safety system maintenance (Clause , the NCAA can fine the concessionaire according to clause 2.3.

According to clause 18.6, if a there is a change in the law and the new regulations require additional upgrades, 100 percent of the costs would be borne by the concessionaire if it is commercially reasonable or it would be split 50/50 between the grantor and the concessionaire if the impact is substantial.

A five-member team which will include three representatives from the grantor and two from the concessionaire will monitor compliance to ensure the contract is being carried out to the letter. If there is any deadlocked decision, it would be escalate to the ICRC which will enforce a binding resolution within five business days. Clause 13.4 makes provision for quarterly reporting where it is mandated that operational/financial performance data must be submitted including maintenance logs, upgrade progress against KPIs.

The agreement becomes effective when there is a written confirmation from both parties that all conditions are satisfied according to clauses 4.1.1–4.1.2. The Federal Executive Council must approve and the ICRC would have to issue a Certificate of Compliance. The concessionaire must also show proof of financing. If all the conditions are not met aren’t met within 180 days (extendable to 270 days), either party may terminate.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says the Federal Government will launch an e-visa system and digital landing/exit cards to enhance national security.

He disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to Keyamo, the e-visa system will enable applicants to submit visa requests online and upload required documents electronically.

He added that the manual landing and exit cards would be digitalised, requiring visitors to pre-fill their information before travelling to Nigeria.

“What we are doing here today reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates.

“Today is another example of inter-ministerial collaboration. This specifically concerns the introduction of the e-visa system,” he said.

He said further details would be given by Tunji-Ojo and that relevant agencies such as Immigration, NCAA, and FAAN would fully support the initiative.

Keyamo emphasised that there was no objection to the programme, which primarily falls under the Interior Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior stated that the automation system will commence on May 1.

He noted that the e-visa application will be free and is designed to simplify entry into Nigeria while boosting national security.

Tunji-Ojo explained that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will manage landing and exit cards, which travellers must complete online before boarding.

“Coordinating and issuing regulations to airlines is naturally the NCAA’s responsibility,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He revealed that a central visa approval centre already exists at immigration headquarters, with trained officers and integrated global criminal record checks.

“Better background checks will be conducted for travellers entering Nigeria. We aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a transparent visa process.

“Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising security. Both Interior and Aviation ministries have critical roles in this,” he said. (NAN)

Almost 40 international students in the US recently had their visas suddenly taken away.

Experts and advocates say the US government made this decision based on small issues like traffic offences.

People believe this is part of a bigger plan by Donald Trump’s administration to control immigration and how universities handle it.

The decision has shocked many students and left them scared and unsure about what will happen next.

One of the students affected from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is Lisa said she was just a month away from graduation when she got an unexpected email, according to The Guardian UK.

“ISS is writing to inform you that your SEVIS record was terminated,” the email said. SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

At first, Lisa thought the email was fake. But after checking online and reading student forums, she found out she was now “out of status,” just like many other international students.

The reason? A minor traffic issue from the year before. She got two tickets and was fingerprinted when she went to court.

When a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, they usually have only 15 days to leave the US If they stay longer, they risk being deported or banned from coming back.

Other students in schools like Stanford, UCLA, UC San Diego, Ohio State, and the University of Oregon are also affected, says The Guardian UK.

Many of them have similar stories. They got small traffic tickets, went to court, were fingerprinted, and had no idea their visa status would be affected.

Students made a spreadsheet online and shared stories from over 50 universities.

Even though many students did not commit any crimes—some charges were even dropped—they were still labeled as having “criminal records” in their SEVIS termination letters.

Most of the terminations happened on April 4. This happened shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a public statement on March 27.

He said many student visas would be canceled.

“Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas,” Rubio said. He claimed it was for national security.

But immigration lawyers say this kind of large action is not normal.

“Students weren’t given any chance to explain their situation,” said Shenqi Cai, a lawyer from Lashine Law in California.

“They were terminated under one broad directive, seemingly triggered by automated screenings that don’t account for state-by-state differences in legal definitions.”

Cai also said about 90% of the affected students had been fingerprinted before, even though the charges were small or dropped.

“Fingerprinting alone should not equate to a criminal record,” she explained.

The impact on students is serious.

David, a Chinese student working in the U.S. under Optional Practical Training (OPT), lost his job rights overnight. His employer is trying to send him to Canada, but he has just 15 days to leave the U.S., which is very hard.

Another student, Bill, was ticketed for driving with an expired license. His case is still in court. But now he is stuck—he must attend court, but if he stays, he could be detained.

Most schools have only told students to contact immigration lawyers. These lawyers may give discounted help, but the cost is still high.

“The dust of history falls on me, and it becomes a mountain,” said Bill.

As panic grew, more than 300 students joined an emergency Zoom call with a federal immigration lawyer, Brad Banias.

“It’s not a legal move, it’s a political one,” Banias told them. “They’re criminalizing parking tickets.”

Lisa’s future is now unclear. She might not graduate, and her job and graduate school plans are at risk.

“Worst case, I don’t graduate. I go home and start college again. Four more years. And then what?” she said.

This sudden visa crackdown has worried many people. It doesn’t just affect students—it shows that the Trump administration may be increasing its focus on immigration and universities.

“This isn’t just about students,” Banias said. “It’s about the message the government is sending: that no one is safe.”

MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile operator, has announced plans to launch a new streaming platform for mobile and fixed broadband users across the continent, a development that will challenge current market players like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

To bring this to fruition, MTN has entered into a strategic partnership with global video software leader Synamedia.

The collaboration will leverage Synamedia’s cloud-based technology to deliver a mix of live TV and video-on-demand content, offering multiple monetization options, including subscriptions, ad-supported content, and free streaming channels with targeted ads.

Localized content strategy

According to a statement released on Monday by MTN, the platform will feature content tailored to each market’s cultural preferences, languages, and viewing habits.

This localized approach aims to boost engagement and accessibility across MTN’s extensive African footprint.

Commenting on the initiative, MTN’s Group Chief Commercial Officer, Selorm Adadevoh, stated:

“We see a unique opportunity to transform video consumption in Africa with high-quality, accessible, and relevant content. This partnership enables us to leverage cutting-edge technology and deep customer insights to enhance entertainment experiences and drive digital inclusion.”

Technology backbone

The statement indicated that Synamedia would provide the technical infrastructure for content management, personalized recommendations, and scalable delivery.

• The companies emphasized the platform’s reliability and ability to handle Africa’s growing digital demand.

• The two companies noted that the collaboration underscores their shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and enhancing access to quality content across Africa.

• By leveraging innovative technologies and a localised approach, they said the partnership is poised to create a service that brings value to audiences and contributes to the development of the continent’s digital ecosystem.

CEO of Synamedia, Paul Segre, also commented on the initiative, saying:

“Thanks to MTN’s leadership and innovation, smartphone owners across Africa will be able to enjoy innovative linear TV and on-demand video. By taking advantage of the breadth of our integrated, cloud-based portfolio to quickly deploy new services at scale, MTN will be able to create a groundbreaking set of offerings for customers and viewers that will drive new revenues.”

What you should know

• The initiative aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy to accelerate Africa’s digital economy.

• It comes as streaming competition intensifies in Africa, with platforms like Showmax, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video expanding their local content offerings.

• Industry analysts suggest this move could help MTN monetize its vast subscriber base while addressing Africa’s unique connectivity challenges through optimized streaming technology.

• In Nigeria, MTN is the largest telecom operator, accounting for over 50% of the market share as of January 2025, creating a huge market potential customers for the Group’s streaming business.

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has concluded plans to deploy new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered security machines at the screening point of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

Director of Aviation Security Services, DASS, FAAN, Afegbai Igbafe, said as soon as the installation of the screening machines and monitors was concluded, customs tables would be removed.

He spoke to newsmen during an airport at the weekend, saying FAAN would upgrade the machines to include six different monitors, one for each of the six agencies at the airport, to enable officials to sit and monitor baggage directly from their screens.

He said, “The tables you see will be a thing of history; you will not see any table here. There will be no physical contact, because what we are also doing is that when we fix those monitors and the machines dictate unaccepted objects, the concerned officials will take the passenger and his or her baggage to designated areas for physical checks.

“The designated areas will also have CCTV cameras. This is to ensure the passengers are not being exploited. When the machines dictate something, the Aviation Security, AVSEC, calls the relevant agencies, such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Customs, and quarantine, amongst others, to follow up.”

On AVSEC’s collaboration with the NDLEA in terms of drug investigation, he said: “Before we bought the new machines, our machines were not detecting some drugs, but with the new machines, we will start to train some of the security agencies, like the NDLEA, the DSS, the immigration and the quarantine.”

Meanwhile, Head of Department, ICT at MMIA, Chima Oge, said one of the new pieces of equipment, the Orion 927DX machine, would help in expediting the identification of organic materials.

Oge: “It has features that would help with the identification of organic materials accurately and quickly, either in range mode, which highlights the areas based on the range selected by the operator, and/or in interactive mode which provides the operator the option to display the areas based on the value of the pixel.”

However, an aviation security analyst, Group Captain John Ojikutu, retd, faulted the acquisition of the machines.

Ojikutu said, “Would this stop the foreign airlines from stopping their secondary hold-baggage screening? I very much doubt it. The machine can not work alone but is operated by someone. The machine may be TSA approved, but have the foreign airlines discarded secondary screening for their hold-luggage or checked-in luggage and are now relying on the FAAN baggage screening? After the Abdulmutalab exit through the MMA, the TSA bought and gave us a body-screening machine for free. What happened to it after a year is what we were asking ourselves and should be asking ourselves today.”

Let's be real; Lagos is often the first city that comes to mind when people think of Nigeria. Its towering skyline, pulsating energy, and loads of opportunity make it a popular choice for most people looking for a new environment in Kaduna.

Meanwhile, the cost of living, unbearable traffic, and often chaotic pace can easily take a toll on anybody. So we understand if you think life here is too fast-paced for you and want to leave. But the question is, where to?

Lagos offers so many opportunities that it can be difficult to decide where to move. Don't worry; I've got you covered.

Here are five beautiful Nigerian cities you can think of moving to when leaving the country's commercial center.

Abuja

You didn't expect me to start from any other place than the nation's capital, did you? It doubles as the fastest-growing city in the country, so why not? Long known for its stunning landscapes, greenery, and really good roads, Abuja is the place for a quiet and more reserved lifestyle.

Of course, its many attractions are a draw for fun lovers, although the downside here is the cost of living, which is quite similar to what's obtainable in Lagos.

Ibadan

Despite being so close to a fast-paced Lagos, Ibadan is surprisingly quiet. It's the third most populous Nigerian state, but you'll be surprised by its calm demeanor. Not to mention that it is spacious, affordable, and culturally rich. It may be known for its conservative vibe, but it's still a nice place for business people to enjoy their hustle away from the pressure of Lagos.

The cost of living here is also significantly lower than in Lagos, so you'll definitely have better savings. However, you can almost kiss goodbye the nightlife that Lagos is known for.

Port Harcourt

You'd be surprised if the oil-rich giant doesn't make my list, won't you? If you're in oil and gas or the engineering sector, Port Harcourt is still the hotbed of opportunities. It may not be as busy as Lagos, but its strong professional network makes it an exciting option for ambitious people.

Again, the cost of living here can get significantly high, depending on where you're staying, but what do you expect for a city with many opportunities? It has a vibrant nightlife, although you may want to choose a more secure neighborhood when moving here.

Enugu

Let's move a bit to the Eastern part of Nigeria. Often referred to as the Coal City with a class, Enugu offers movers a clean, charming, and surprisingly modern environment. If you're looking for a peaceful and progressive hub, often perfect for creatives and young families, Enugu is the place to move to.

Its clean environment and good road network are what you need to think better. The cost of living is also significantly lower than Lagos's, although there are fewer high-end jobs.

Uyo

If you prioritise a clean city with friendly locals when searching for a place to live, you should definitely visit Uyo. This city, located in the southern part of Nigeria, is fast becoming the favourite option for young professionals looking for a good quality of life without the urban noise.

Although it's not as bustling as most major cities, it still offers enough to keep you occupied on boring days.

Tell us which of these cities catches your fancy and why you'd love to move there.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has assured that corps members who have recently completed their service year will not be left out of the N77,000 monthly allowance recently approved by the Federal Government.

Nafiu gave this assurance on Thursday during the Batch A 2025 Pre-Mobilisation Workshop for heads of corps-producing institutions and key stakeholders in Abuja.

PUNCH Online reports that the Federal Government had, last month, commenced disbursement of the new allowance to serving corps members — nearly eight months after President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law.

Addressing journalists at the event, Nafiu said the government remained committed to its financial obligations to corps members.

“The government is quite conscious of its promise and within the budgetary provision, the government is going to handle that,” Nafiu said.

“Once funds are released to us to offset the arrears, we will pay them. Even our corps members who passed out recently will benefit. Once we receive cash backing for the arrears, we are going to credit them; we have their bank details.

Nigerians should not fret about that because the government is both responsible and responsive to their needs”, he added.

Meanwhile, the Director of Corps Mobilisation, Mohammed Abubakar, raised concerns about the integrity of the mobilisation process, citing instances where tertiary institutions had uploaded names of unqualified individuals for service.

“We have made remarkable progress in recent years, greatly reducing challenges, thanks to innovative approaches and better collaboration. However, we still face serious issues, particularly concerning the fraudulent uploading of unqualified graduates, which we must address,” Abubakar said.

“As we prepare for another batch of NYSC mobilisation, we must confront the pressing issues affecting our corps members. This process is vital for our nation’s growth, but it is fraught with challenges, especially the ongoing problem of dishonest enrollments. We must therefore stay alert and be proactive”, he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, called for reforms in the NYSC scheme, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Olawande stated, “I remember when the scheme was created in 1973. It was for a purpose. Everything since then has changed. We must therefore reform the scheme to meet our changing society,” he said.

“As Nigeria improves, we must continue to improve the scheme to meet demands. We must address the gaps in how the scheme will prepare our graduates for the job market. Let us reshape the process to meet the demands of the labour market.

“Reforming the NYSC mobilisation is not the job of the government alone. It is a collaborative effort. We can build an NYSC that is adaptive, inclusive and will serve our future generations.”

Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju on Friday, claimed that President Bola Tinubu will fund the Obidient movement and former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in 2027.

Adeyanju said Tinubu will also encourage for Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi to ignore coalition from the opposition and run again in 2027.

He made the claims in a series of posts on his Facebook page.

According to Adeyanju: “Tinubu will fund obidients again in 2027. E too sure! And Atiku too. This will be a wonderful strategy, But they will be afraid of a coalition and won’t let it work.

“If na you be president, you go allow coalition? No be coalition remove GEJ?

“The Tinubu guys are good at this game. Obi will be encouraged now to ignore any coalition & run again. I clap for their strategy.”

The activist lawyer also rubbished the former ruling party, PDP, pointing out that the party must die in Wike’s hands for the opposition to be better.

“PDP is a useless party and that is why Wike is still their member and will continue to destroy them from within.

“And if you argue with this assertion, you are also useless. PDP must die in Wike’s hands. PDP must die for the opposition to get better,” he added.

chiiraq802:
Na Shettima dey enjoy this government pass. No stress.... traveling here and there to represent the president...

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, Femi Otedola, chairman of First HoldCo, and four other Nigerians, have been named among the World’s Black Billionaires for 2025 by Forbes Magazine.

In its annual World’s Billionaires list released recently, Forbes said out of 3,028 billionaires around the world, only 23 are Blacks.

“Twenty-three of them are Black—just 0.8% of the list—but they’re a wealthy and impressive bunch,” the report said.

“Overall, these 23 have amassed $96.2 billion in wealth, mainly from the finance, energy, and technology sectors.”

Forbes said out of the 23 billionaires, only six of them are Nigerians.

Here is a list of the Nigerian billionaires in order of Forbes’ ranking.

DANGOTE

Aliko Dangote | $23.9 billion

Based on the magazine’s ranking, Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, topped the list with a net worth of $23.9 billion.

Forbes said the billionaire’s fortune skyrocketed after the Dangote refinery finally began operating in early 2024, boosting businessman’s fortune by $10.5 billion since last year’s list.

MIKE ADENUGA

Mike Adenuga | $6.8 billion net worth

With $6.8 billion net worth, Forbes said Mike Adenuga, the owner of Globacom, a telecommunications firm, is the second Nigerian, ranking fifth on the list.

ABDULSAMAD RABIU

Abdulsamad Rabiu | $5.1 billion net worth

Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, is ranked sixth on the publication’s world Black billionaires list. With $5.1 billion net worth, the billionaire is the third Nigerian on the list.

ADEBAYO OGUNLESI

Adebayo Ogunlesi | $12.5 billion in cash and shares

Another Nigerian on the list is Adebayo Ogunlesi, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), holding a net worth of $2.2 billion.

Forbes said Ogunlesi is the 11th Black billionaire in the world. In October 2024, the entrepreneur sold GIP sold to BlackRock for $12.5 billion in cash and shares.

OTEDOLA

Femi Otedola | $1.5 billion

Following closely in the 12th position, Otedola, chairman of Geregu, boast of a net worth of $1.5 billion.

Forbes said the billionaire “made his first fortune in commodities before selling his shares in Forte Oil to invest in the energy business”.

“Today, he is the chairman and majority owner of Geregu Power, a power generation business whose other investors include the Nigerian government and the State Grid Corporation of China,” the magazine said.

TOPE AWOTONA

The last Nigerian on the World’s Black Billionaires 2025 list is Tope Awotona.

Forbes said Awotona, in 2013, founded Calendly, a scheduling software startup, which private investors valued at $3 billion in 2021.

The media company said Awotona, ranking 14th on the list, has a net worth of $1.4 billion

Niger's military leaders have released more than 50 detainees, including former ministers in the government they toppled in 2023.

Among them are the former ministers of defence, oil and finance, as well as several senior army officers, convicted or accused of plotting previous coups.

Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the 2023 military takeover, was not on the list of those released despite international calls for him to be freed.

When the BBC asked about President Bazoum's continued detention, Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda cited "national security and sovereignty" concerns.

"The question of his release is an internal matter in Niger and only concerns Niger," Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda told the BBC.

Bazoum is accused of undermining national security and high treason.

The release of the others is among the recommendations of a national conference held in February, along with extending the rule of General Abdourahamane Tiani by five years.

The freed ministers and officials were arrested after the July 2023 coup which brought General Tchiani to power, and had been held for alleged conspiracy to undermine state security and authority.

This move could be an attempt by the junta to reconcile the country and gain popular support.

Similar amnesties have been granted by military governments in Burkina Faso and Guinea.

Since seizing power, General Tchiani's administration has strengthened relations with Russia and cut ties with France.

It has also urged the ex-colonial power to withdraw its military bases from the country.

Niger's relations have also soured with its neighbours. Along with Mali and Burkina Faso, where the military has also seized power, it has withdrawn from the West African regional bloc Ecowas.

I have been his fiercest critic but today I have nothing but appreciation for him.

In his tenure he passed the PIA and got two refineries working. Embarked on building the AKK pipeline , OB3 pipeline( most important pipeline ) and NLNG train 7.

In his tenure, NNPC bailed the federation out in 2020 during Covid and also acted as a lifeline when the present administration sorely needed forex to meet its debt obligation.

His administration bore the burden of subsidy and impact of insecurity.

I wish him well in his new endeavors.

However, I believe NNPC needs new direction, vigor and ideas. It is incumbent we get new people with fresh ideas to take the company to a new height.

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called for adequate compensation for those who died in the mob attack on travellers at Uromi, Edo State.

The caucus also asked the President to order a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

Edo Governor Monday Okpebhelo said about 14 persons have been arrested in connection with the mob action on the victims said to be hunters travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano.

In a statement by Kingsley Chinda (Minority Leader), Ali Isa JC (Minority Whip) and Aliyu Sani Madaki. (Dep Minority Leader), the caucus said the action on the travellers was in reprehensible, saying Justice must be done.

The statement reads: “It is with extreme shock and grief that we received the news of the barbaric murder of about 16 Nigerians, mainly northerners, by a gang of lawless anarchists in Edo State in the last couple of days.

“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country.

“As such, we, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, condemn this violent attack on the northern travellers, which culminated in their gruesome deaths.

“”We implore all Nigerians to never to resort to such jungle attacks on their fellow citizens but to always implore the services of lawful authorities whenever they notice any issue of concern.

“We are a nation under the rule of laws, and our law enforcement agencies are always available to partner with every Nigerian to assuage their concerns.

“In the face of this grave incident, which is already setting emotions on edge in parts of the country, we hereby call on the President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the security agencies to investigate this matter and bring all those involved in the killings to book in order to prevent its recurrence. And also adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families.

“We also call on all Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law abiding and allow the federal and state governments to get to the root of this matter in the interest of justice.

“We express our sincere sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims even as we assure them and all Nigerians that we, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, will remain eternally vigilant until justice is done on this matter”.

These range from simple phone settings adjustments to more advanced techniques, such as choosing the cheapest data subscription plans.

Mobile data costs continue to increase as demand for data-intensive activities such as social media, streaming, and gaming rises. As a result, mobile data consumption has increased dramatically, and many users find it challenging to manage their data usage effectively.

Fortunately, there are several strategies for reducing data consumption on mobile phones, with or without unlimited data plans. These range from simple adjustments to phone settings, more advanced techniques, and choosing the cheapest data subscription plans. This article outlines seven effective ways to reduce data consumption on your mobile phone.

1. Turn off Background Data

Many apps run in the background and consume data even when not actively used. To reduce data consumption on your mobile phone, disable background data for such apps when you aren’t using them. To do this, go to your phone’s settings, select “Data usage,” and toggle off “Background data” for these apps.

2. Turn Off Auto-Update

While convenient, automatic updates can use up mobile data, especially if you have many apps. You can disable this feature by going to your phone’s settings, selecting “Apps,” and turning off “Auto-update” for these apps.

3. Limit Streaming Activities

Streaming media over mobile data consumes a substantial amount of data. To reduce data usage and avoid extra costs, store media on your device and download content when connected to Wi-Fi. Most streaming apps also have adjustable resolution settings.

Opt for lower resolutions or download content over Wi-Fi for offline viewing to save data, prevent additional charges, and extend your phone’s battery life. Remember to close or delete video streaming apps when they're not in use.

4. Use Wi-Fi Networks

To reduce mobile data consumption, connect to free Wi-Fi networks in public areas like cafes, restaurants, and offices whenever possible. Additionally, postpone using data-heavy apps like YouTube until you have a Wi-Fi connection.

5. Reduce Data Usage for Social Media

Data-intensive features like pictures and videos can make social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter consume a lot of mobile data. To reduce data usage, consider limiting your time on these apps or adjusting settings such as turning off media auto-download, auto-play videos, and using data-saving modes.

6. Disable Cloud Backups on Mobile Data

Cloud storage apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Google Photos can use up your mobile data by backing up your phone’s data to the cloud. To prevent this, turn off the backup option in these apps when you’re using mobile data.

For example, in Google Drive, you can do this by opening the app, selecting the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines), choosing “Settings,” and enabling “Transfer Files Only Over Wi-Fi.” In Google Photos, open the app, select your profile picture, choose Photos Settings > Backup, select “Mobile Data Usage,” and tap “No Data.”

7. Monitor Your Data Usage

Regularly check your data usage to identify areas for change. For older Android versions, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM card & mobile network > Data usage. For newer Android versions (up to Android 12), go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > App data usage.

You can also download data usage tracker apps, such as My Data Manager, Data Usage Monitor for Android users, and Data Manager for iOS users, to monitor your data consumption.

8. Use Data-Saving Apps

Data-saving browsers like Opera Mini, UC Browser, and Android Data Saver compress data and reduce consumption. Additionally, apps like GlassWire and Data Usage Monitor can track your data usage and help you identify which apps consume the most data.

9. Embrace Offline Accessibility

Enable offline access for apps that support it, such as Google Docs, where you can access and work on your documents offline. This lets you view important content without an internet connection, reducing data usage.

Setting up any of the suggested tips just takes a few minutes, and you’ll be good to go! Doing this now helps keep your mobile data in check, so you don’t get any surprise charges or experience service interruption down the line.

With less than a year until Nigeria’s banking recapitalization deadline, only seven banks have met or are on track to meet the new capital requirements.

BusinessDay data reveals that commercial and non-interest banks must raise at least N2.47 trillion before the March 31, 2026 deadline.

Banks that have met the benchmark

Zenith Bank, Access Holdings, Ecobank Nigeria, and Lotus Bank have successfully met the new capital threshold. Meanwhile, Wema Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and Fidelity Bank are set to reach the mark once they complete their respective rights issues of N149.3 billion, N148.7 billion, and 20 billion private placement shares.

So far, 10 banks have raised or are in the process of raising N2.02 trillion through rights issues, public offers, and private placements.

Further review shows that Access Holdings raised N351 billion in a rights issue programme. Zenith Bank raised N350.46 billion in a hybrid rights issue and public offer. GTCO Holdings raised N209.4 billion in a public offer. Sterling Holdco has raised N103.8 billion from its private placement and rights issue. FCMB raised N144.6 billion in its public offer programme, while Fidelity Bank raised N175.85 billion from its hybrid rights issue and public offer.

Fidelity Bank is also conducting a private placement of 20 billion shares, potentially raising over N380 billion at its current share price of N19.05.

GTCO has yet to announce the second phase of its recapitalization plans. The group must raise at least N153 billion to retain its international banking license, with a rights issue being the most likely approach. Following its N240 billion final dividend payout for FY 2024, analysts posit that the bank is exploring the recapitalization of its earnings.

Smaller banks yet to act

Away from the banks that have commenced the recapitalization process, 14 smaller banks have yet to make any move. These banks, which are tier-2, tier-3, and non-interest banks, need to raise N1.6 trillion to meet the new minimum share capital requirements.

However, despite this lag, analysts note that Nigerian banks are on track to meet the Q1 2026 deadline. According to Fitch, there is a reduced likelihood of a banking sector consolidation.

Samuel Oyekanmi, a Research Associate with Norrenberger noted that the unquoted banks, there will still be attempts at private placements before talks of mergers.

“The tier-2, tier-3 banks that are not quoted, they will not put mergers forward first. They will try to as much as possible raise the monies through private placements,” He noted.

Currently, there is a bit of uncertainty with respect to the smaller banks and some of the older banks, such as Union Bank which has delisted from the stock exchange, as well as Polaris, Keystone, and Unity Banks.

Union Bank needs to raise N51.9 billion to reach the minimum capital requirement. However, the bank, which is also in breach of the 10 percent capital adequacy ratio, has been quite slow with the recapitalization move. Polaris Bank needs to raise N149.6 billion to keep its national banking license, however, no move has been made yet. Keystone Bank, which is now under the control of the Federal Government through the CBN, is under uncertain conditions.

Unity Bank is merging with Providus Bank, securing a N700 billion financial accommodation from the CBN. However, the new entity must raise N142.5 billion to retain its national banking license.

Meanwhile, tier-3 banks—including Globus Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Nova Bank, Titan Trust Bank, Premium Trust Bank, Optimus Bank, and Citibank Nigeria—face uncertainty amid the ongoing recapitalization drive. Foreign-owned banks, such as Standard Chartered Bank and Citibank Nigeria, are in a stronger position, as their parent companies can provide financial support to ensure continued operations.

It is currently unknown if these banks have received board approval to launch their recapitalization plans. However, Fitch notes that M&A activity and license downgrades are highly likely among these tier-3 banks.

Shalommy:
He's in prison. Chaiiii

“I Helped a Nigerian Friend Get a Loan in Canada, But He Ghosted Me Without Paying” – Abroad Life.

She tried to be a brother’s keeper but she ended up with regrets.

Cynthia tried to be a brother’s keeper by offering to co-sign a car loan for a fellow Nigerian in Canada four years ago – that decision has caused her regrets, pain and financial loss since then. In this edition of Abroad Life, she shares how the debtor evaded arrest in Canada and travelled to Nigeria to get married while her credit continues to suffer.

Where do you currently live, and when did you relocate from Nigeria?

I live in Alberta, Canada. I left Nigeria in 2015 but was in Australia before moving to Canada.

Why did you leave Australia for Canada?

I was just curious about Canada. It was my first choice, and when I got the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, it was a better option than Australia, where I had a working visa. Canada was also way cheaper and had what I was looking for.

How long did you live in Australia?

About four and a half years.

Wow. So, how has life been since you moved to Canada?

It’s been good. I came during COVID-19, so there was a lot of uncertainty when I started my journey here. I stayed in a friend’s basement for the first few months before getting my one-bed apartment. I felt very alone in the first few months.

Has that changed?

I’ve been trying to have more fun than I typically allow myself to. I’ve also taken it upon myself to go the extra mile to meet new people. Sometimes, I volunteer and do whatever I can to connect with the community. But I’ve had one experience that scarred me here in Canada.

What happened?

While trying to make new friends and connect with other Nigerians, I met a guy who happened to be Nigerian. We eventually became friendly, but things took a different turn when he needed to buy a car. After he told me about his plans, I saw a Facebook ad for a company that sells cars to people with no credit history or poor credit, which was the category he fell into. I contacted them and told them my friend wanted to buy a car. After starting the conversation with them, I sent him their details. This was 2021, by the way. After he started the conversation with them, they contacted me again and asked if I could help him co-sign so he could take out a loan to buy the car.

Oh… That’s an ask

They also added that I would be taken off the co-sign deal after 6 months. Knowing that I’d be held responsible if the person forfeited his loan, I made him assure me that he wouldn’t give me any reason to regret my decision, which he did. I also confirmed with the company again if they wouldn’t start telling stories when it’s time to drop off from the co-sign deal. They assured me and said they wanted to give me a $1,000 incentive for referring a customer to them.

What happened next?

I collected the referral bonus and gave the guy out of it so he could add it to whatever he had to repay. The car itself was about $20,000 by the way.

I was too trusting and rolled with everything the guy and the car company said. I chose to help because he was Nigerian, and I would like to be helped if I ever found myself in that position. After some time, the agent I spoke to at that company stopped picking up my calls, so I decided to call the company’s direct line. Mind you, this was now almost a year later. The company connected me to someone else who told me that the guy I stood in for would have to reapply for the loan without me and get approved before they could remove me. He reapplied the first time but wasn’t approved.

What went wrong?

I can’t say for sure. For whatever reason, he chose not to reapply after the first one didn’t go through. At this point, this guy and I were no longer in the same city. He was still repaying the loan I co-signed, but sometimes, he wouldn’t pay or be late. The company will always call me first. There was a time when he missed the 30-day payment mark, so my credit got hit, which affected me. I was in a new city at the time, trying to get insurance for my car. They didn’t allow me to pay monthly because that affected my credit. I had to pay a lump sum for one year of insurance, which is a lot of money.

I can’t explain enough how stressed I was by everything happening in that period. Anyway, I tried to call him after that, but he stopped responding. He would respond to some messages and ignore others. He blamed it on poor reception and made other excuses. I kept getting several calls from the car company. My credit kept getting worse. I spoke to some lawyers to see if there was a way I could get myself out of that situation, but there was nothing they could do. I was so frustrated. You know how I mentioned that he was still occasionally responding to messages?

Yes. Did that change?

He stopped. I started wondering if he was dead. The loan was still about $18,000 at this point, but I was no longer hearing from him. He also blocked me on social media. I found his family members on social media and started sending them messages. They didn’t respond, so I dropped the messages in their comments section. That forced him to reach out to me. His sister also sent a message, telling me to stop what I was doing. The guy and I later had a long conversation, and he said he would sell the car and ultimately pay off the loan. Guess what?

What?

He didn’t sell the car; he ghosted again. The lawyer I contacted before suggested arresting him, but we were friends, and I didn’t want to go down that road, so I tried reaching him again. He reached out, too and told me that he lost his brother. I was sad for him at this point, but it felt like another excuse to evade his responsibility. Later, I learned that the guy went to Nigeria to get married. I found his wife on LinkedIn, where she was teaching people how to make money. I reached out to her, and she kept saying he would pay. They all ghosted again after that. I had to start the legal process. I’ve tried to serve him twice, but no luck. I know the guy is no longer at the address he gave me.

That’s insane!

It is. Later, he contacted me again and said he had sold the car. But that didn’t do much because the interest had accumulated, and I was still repaying it out of my pocket. I’ve been on this shit for almost four years, and the loan still isn’t fully paid. That single decision has affected my life badly.

I’m sorry. Is there hope of getting out of this situation soon?

There’s less money to pay now. But the emotional effect is still as daunting as ever; I have grown not to trust people. For example, instead of partnering up with someone else to buy a property for investment, I’d rather do it alone or not. I’m still repaying out of my pocket. But I got a new job, and it pays more.

I’m happy for you. On a scale of one to 10, how happy would you say your life is in Canada?

Funny enough, it’s still a solid seven. My family and friends are supporting me through this, and I love the life I’m building here. My business is also thriving, so that’s a win for me.

Former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Asari Dokubo, has restated his allegiance to President Bola Tinubu as he gave reason, he cannot abandon him.

Dokubo who had been vocal in his agitation against the Tinubu-led administration held an unusual silence since the President’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers.

He would, however, make a sudden U-turn on Tuesday as he admitted cannot part ways with the President who he described as his friend,

Speaking in a now viral video on social media, Dokubo recounted how Tinubu stood by him during his darkest days.

Dokubo maintained he renewed his support for the President, stressing that he can never forget what he did to him no matter what happens.

“When you have a friend, it will be difficult for you to part with your friend because you have to look back at yesterday.

“The memories of yesterday will keep on playing up in your head. I am fixed on a spot because in my darkest of time, Ahmed Bola Tinubu stood with me.

“He stood by me. I can’t forget it so easily no matter what happens.” He said.

In an interview last year October, the Ijaw activist recounted how Tinubu protected him from the fury of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He held that his relationship with Tinubu dated back to Nigeria’s military era and was built on loyalty and trust.

“My relationship with Tinubu is that when I was buried alive by his fellow kinsman, Obasanjo, Tinubu- against all odds-came and stood by me, took care of my family, took care of me, send money to me.

“When I came, sent me on a medical trip, bought me my first car when I came out of prison. I can’t leave such a person.” Dokubo had said in the interview.

“I can't abandon Tinubu, he was there for me in my darkest moment” - Asari Dokubo Makes U-Turn, Leaves Fubara in Cold. 🧎🏻‍♂️‍➡️ pic.twitter.com/Y0P0uh7TaR

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) March 25, 2025

Idris explained that the decision to impose emergency rule was necessary due to the collapse of governance in the state.

The Federal Government has given an update on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

FG assured that the emergency rule will be lifted as soon as normalcy is restored.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, made this known in an interview with The Nation newspaper, stating that President Bola Tinubu is committed to reinstating democratic structures in the state.

“As soon as he assesses that sanity has returned to Rivers State, he will ensure the restoration of all democratic structures in that state,” Idris said.

He emphasized that the president has no ulterior motives regarding the state’s governance, dismissing speculations of a political takeover.

“The president has no intention whatsoever to take over the governance of Rivers State. He has no intention to be or to appoint a governor for Rivers State,” he stated.

Idris explained that the decision to impose emergency rule was necessary due to the collapse of governance in the state, which required urgent intervention.

“The way democracy is designed in this country is that the three arms of government must work together, and one will be checking the other,” he said.

“So, we cannot have just the executive functioning and say we have a functional democracy. We didn’t have that, and therefore, the president had to act.”

The minister reiterated that President Tinubu will not keep emergency rule in place longer than necessary, stressing that the move was taken in line with constitutional provisions to restore order.

The United States government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian travellers about the severe consequences of overstaying their visa, emphasising that violators could face permanent bans from re-entering the country.

The US Mission in Nigeria posted the warning via its X on Monday.

The immigration authorities clarified that consular officers can access an individual’s full immigration history, making it nearly impossible to avoid penalties for past violations.

They further emphasised that travellers are responsible for adhering to the terms of their visa and that ignorance of visa regulations will not be accepted as an excuse.

“If you overstay your US visa, you could face a permanent ban on travelling to the United States. Consular officers have full access to your immigration history and will know about past violations. There is no such thing as an ‘honest mistake’ – it is your responsibility to use your visa correctly,” the US Mission stated.

It is learnt that those who overstay their visa for more than 180 days but less than a year may face a three-year re-entry ban.

If the overstay exceeds one year, the penalty could be a 10-year ban.

Repeat offenders or those with serious violations risk a permanent lifetime ban.

Since the return of Trump as US President, America has become stricter with its immigration policies.

On February 16, 2025, the Federal Government raised serious concerns about the deportation of its nationals from the United States, urging Washington to adhere to international conventions and ensure a dignified repatriation process.

During a meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasised the emotional and financial strain these deportations are placing on Nigerians in the US and their families back home.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that “about 201 Nigerians are currently detained in US immigration centers, with around 85 cleared for deportation,” adding that the government was advocating for a more humane approach to the process.

“With the new US administration in place, we expect commitments to ensure that, if repatriation occurs, it will be done with dignity,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further pointed out that many Nigerians in the US play a crucial role in supporting their families back home through vital remittances, which help sustain their livelihoods and fund their education.

She noted that these deportations, especially for those with no violent criminal history, should not be sudden or traumatic.

“We are asking as a country whether they will be given ample time to handle their assets or will they just be bundled into planes and repatriated?” she questioned.

Northerners have been in Lagos for centuries. Hausas, Fulanis, and other Northern ethnic nationalities have helped develop Lagos for hundreds of years. The biggest public or private sector investor in Lagos, Nigeria, is not the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government, or any International Oil Company.

Aliko Dangote, of mixed Hausa and Fulani origin, is the largest investor in Lagos State bar none, with an investment in excess of $23 billion, or 9% of the entire GDP of Lagos.

Yet, never in the history of Nigeria's creation have Northerners, collectively or individually, claimed that they built Lagos or developed it into what it is today.

They have also, whether collectively or singularly, insulted Lagos State and their hosts, the Lukumi Yoruba people, of being smelly.

Yet, in this record of the ethnic breakdown of the population of Lagos as of 1891 from the colonial office in London, we see that they have been in Lagos before almost every other set of Nigerians except Lukumi Yorubas.

For those interested in this document, it is still available via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London. It is sourced from John Payne's book, Table of Principal Events in Yoruba History, published by A. M. Thomas in 1893.

If we all learn good neighbourliness qualities from our Northern brothers and sisters, Lagos and Nigeria will be even more peaceful, prosperous, and progressive.

Reno Omokri

Ogbodavies:
Just get data 4 naija n forget ur worries