General News

IATA Advocates Deeper Industry, Governments partnership on Smarter Regulation

Published

11 years ago

June 8, 2015

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The International Air Transport Industry (IATA) advocated for an even deeper partnership with governments based on global standards in the critical areas of safety, infrastructure, security, regulation, and environment.

“Aviation is built on partnerships and the relationship with governments is key. Airlines and governments are well-aligned on safety. But in other areas of government responsibility—infrastructure, security, regulation, and environment—there are opportunities for a deeper partnership,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

The call came in Tyler’s Report on the Air Transport Industry to the 71st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, which is being held in Miami.

This year some 3.5 billion people and 55 million tonnes of cargo will travel safety by air over a global network of 51,000 routes.

Airlines directly employ 2.5 million people and support another 56 million jobs in the industry’s value chain. Its role as a catalyst of economic growth is evident as some $6 trillion of goods find their way to global markets via air transport.

“For nations, connectivity is much more than a competitive advantage. It is an economic necessity. And aviation’s intangible benefits make it a force for good in the world. So there is a tremendous common interest with governments to support safe, efficient, and sustainable global connectivity that only air transport can provide,” said Tyler.

Safety: It is a tragic paradox that in 2014 aviation recorded its safest year ever (with one jet hull loss for every 4.4 million flights) yet it remained constantly in recent world headlines over safety issues.

Working with governments through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), significant progress was made with issues raised as a result of the MH 370 and MH 17 tragedies.

A 15-minute position reporting standard is being developed and governments are working together to share security information more effectively.

“We will not be satisfied until the outrage of MH 17 is fully addressed in a global convention to control the design, manufacture, sale and deployment of weapons with anti-aircraft capability,” said Tyler.

The findings of the full investigation on the Germanwings 9525 tragedy will see “regulators and industry looking at the balance needed to monitor the mental health of crew in an environment aligned with the non-punitive Just Culture that drives safety forward,” said Tyler.

Tyler warned against a rush to judgment or regulation in the immediate aftermath of accidents, even in an age where news is unbridled and ubiquitous. “We must not allow anything to undermine the well-established accident investigation standards and processes, which lead to findings that improve safety,” said Tyler.

Infrastructure: Aviation can only deliver its significant social and economic benefits if it has adequate, cost-efficient infrastructure capacity to meet growing demand.

“We seek to work in partnership with governments based on the global principles that they have agreed through ICAO. Transparency and consultation will ensure that what is built matches business needs at a price that is affordable and mutually beneficial,” said Tyler.

Tyler noted several critical infrastructure challenges where more alignment is needed, including finding a solution to expand airport capacity in the Southeast of the UK, addressing the high cost of fuel in Brazil and Africa, keeping costs at Hong Kong International Airport competitive as it funds construction of a third runway, and improving efficiency in Chinese air traffic management.

Tyler expressed the industry’s longstanding frustration at the slow pace of progress on the Single European Sky (SES). “The initiative languishes. States are paralyzed by self-interested national organizations, which show no regard for the impact of their inefficiency on economies or consumers,” said Tyler.

Tyler noted industry support for initiatives to reform the funding of the air traffic management organization in the United States. “There is finally a growing recognition that funding such an essential service as air navigation should not be held hostage to a game of political brinkmanship in the setting of the national budget. The discussion about the corporatization of air traffic management is a welcome development,” Tyler added.

Security and Facilitation: The aviation industry and governments are partners in aviation security. “We have a common interest in keeping our passengers, crew, and cargo secure with efficient and respectful processes built around global standards. While there has been tremendous progress over the last few years, our customers still see security and border controls as big pain points in their journeys,” said Tyler.

“We must join forces to encourage governments to align on a risk-based approach, adopt global best practices, recognize equivalent measures by other governments, stop wasteful and paper-based processes, and make full use of available technology,” said IATA DG.

Three key areas were identified for urgent action by governments:

Known traveler programs: Linking these programs across borders;

Advance Passenger Information: Harmonizing requirements around ICAO standards and aligning processes to eliminate redundant paper documentation and reduce queuing times and

Cargo security: Driving efficiency through harmonized processes facilitated by global standards created through cooperation between IATA, ICAO and the World Customs Organization

Regulation: IATA advocates for Smarter Regulation aligned with global standards. “Our message is that regulation needs to be Smarter. To start, the benefits of any regulation must outweigh its costs. It should be consistent with global standards, proportional, well-targeted, fair, and clear about what is expected. These common sense principles are best achieved through a process of rigorous consultation that includes a focus on keeping the compliance burden to a minimum,” said Tyler.

Tyler noted four priority areas where progress is critical:

Ratification of the Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99): Some 112 countries have signed MC99, which establishes a globally harmonized liability regime and is a pre-requisite for countries to accept electronic documentation critical for the modernization of cargo processes (e-freight).

Thailand, Indonesia, and Russia are among the key countries that IATA is urging to ratify the convention;

Consumer Protection: “Governments appear to be losing faith in a basic principle of commerce—that businesses become successful by pleasing customers. Many regulators are adopting passenger rights regimes—some of which come close to dictating product design and marketing.

Worse, there is no international coordination. When things go wrong, passenger need clarity, not confusion,” said Tyler. IATA urges governments to align consumer protection initiatives with principles being developed through ICAO.

New Distribution Capability (NDC): In light of imminent innovation in the distribution of air travel products as a result of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) approval of the NDC foundational standard, Tyler called on the DOT to abandon provisions in its Consumer Rule Three that would force airlines to display some ancillary products through third party distribution channels not necessarily of an airline’s choosing. “It would be a step backwards when we are set for a giant leap forwards on transparency,” said Tyler.

And, Tyler urged governments and industry to stay focused on global solutions to manage aviation’s carbon footprint in the run-up to the ICAO Assembly next year.

“We’ve always understood that our common interests and those of the environment are best served by a united industry position and a global approach. We are at the forefront of industries addressing climate change with clear targets to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5% annually to 2020, to cap net emissions with carbon-neutral growth from 2020, and to cut net emissions in half by 2050 compared with 2005,” said Tyler.

These goals are being pursued with a four-pillar strategy based on improved technology, more efficient operations, better infrastructure, and an effective, global market-based measure.

Two priorities were identified:

Sustainable Aviation Biofuels: Airlines are making significant investments. However, supply is limited and prices are not economical. “Progress on biofuels is being held back because governments have not adopted a policy framework to incentivize production. That’s needed for prices to fall to commercially viable levels,” he said.

Market-based Measure: The airline industry is calling on governments to agree on a global mandatory carbon offset scheme that would help manage aviation’s carbon footprint in line with Smarter Regulation principles.

“There is considerable interest from governments in the mandatory carbon offset approach. It would be the easiest type of scheme to implement. It could be administered on a cost-effective basis. And it has the scope to allow for the different political interests at play to be taken into consideration,” said Tyler.

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General News

AfriStakes Unveils Platform to Connect SMEs with Investors

Published

18 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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AfriStakes has launched a new capital platform in Nigeria aimed at linking African small- and medium-scale enterprises with a broad range of investors in a move to address persistent funding gaps across the continent.

In a statement, the firm said the platform would improve capital allocation by bridging the disconnect between available funds, investment-ready businesses, and viable opportunities.

The launch comes as many African businesses continue to face funding constraints despite the availability of capital within the financial system.

AfriStakes said structural barriers have limited access to funding, even as capital remains concentrated in traditional instruments such as fixed deposits, equities, and managed funds.

The platform enables businesses and investors to connect directly by creating profiles, listing funding needs, and identifying suitable investment partners.

According to the company, businesses can upload key documents and showcase their funding requirements, while investors can outline their interests and financial capacity.

Founder of AfriStakes, Henry Adebisi, said the initiative was designed to tackle inefficiencies on both sides of the investment market.

“In Africa, businesses suffer from low access to capital while investors suffer from low access to investable opportunities. With AfriStakes, we ensure businesses are properly prepared and positioned for investment, while investors gain the clarity and confidence needed to deploy capital effectively,” Adebisi said.

The company noted that a major challenge for many SMEs is not a lack of value but poor investment readiness, which affects their ability to attract funding.

AfriStakes said it addresses this gap by providing a structured framework that helps businesses present financial information, develop investment narratives, and prepare realistic projections.

The platform also offers support services such as due diligence, deal structuring, and preparation of investor-facing materials.

It added that the platform would facilitate capital inflow from local and international investors, including individuals, angel investors, diaspora investors, entrepreneurs, and institutional players.

Adebisi said the platform would promote efficient capital flow into businesses driving economic growth across Africa.

“Our vision is to build a system where capital flows more efficiently into real businesses that drive economic change. By positioning both businesses and investors for success, we enable stronger investment decisions and more impactful economic outcomes,” he said.

AfriStakes said it supports multiple funding pathways, including debt financing, equity investment, partnerships, and acquisitions.

The company added that the platform would promote transparency, inclusivity, and structured investment processes across the African business landscape, adding that the initiative positions AfriStakes as a key player in addressing the continent’s financing challenges by creating a bridge between capital and opportunity.

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LG MoodUP™ Refrigerator Adds Expression and Innovation to the Kitchen

Published

18 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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The modern kitchen is no longer just a place to cook, rather where families gather, conversations happen, and lifestyles are expressed. Today’s homeowners want appliances that don’t just work efficiently but also reflect their personality and enhance their living experience.

This is exactly where the LG MoodUP™ Refrigerator stands out. Designed to combine innovative technology, customizable design, and smart entertainment, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator transforms the kitchen into a vibrant, expressive, and connected space.

A Refrigerator That Matches Your Mood and Lifestyle

Traditional refrigerators focus solely on storage and cooling. The LG MoodUP Refrigerator takes a bold step further by redefining what a kitchen appliance can be.

At the heart of this innovation are colour‑changing LED door panels that allow users to personalise their refrigerator’s appearance. With just a few taps via a smartphone app, you can effortlessly change the colors of the refrigerator doors to match your mood, décor, or occasion.

Whether you prefer calm neutral tones, vibrant colours for entertaining guests, or subtle lighting for a relaxed evening at home, the LG MoodUP adapts seamlessly.

Customizable LED Panels: Design Meets Technology

One of the most striking features of the LG MoodUP Refrigerator is its customizable LED door panels. These panels offer multiple colour options and lighting combinations, helping you create a kitchen that truly reflects your personality.

Why This Matters for Modern Homes

Enhance kitchen aesthetics without renovations
Allows you to refresh your space instantly
Creates a dynamic, stylish focal point in the kitchen
Ideal for design‑conscious homeowners and young professionals

In Nigerian homes where kitchens are increasingly becoming open, social spaces, this feature adds a unique blend of style and innovation.

Built-In Bluetooth Speaker: Entertainment at the Heart of Your Home

The LG MoodUP Refrigerator goes beyond design by introducing entertainment into the kitchen. With a built‑in Bluetooth speaker, users can connect their smartphones directly to the refrigerator.

This allows you to:

Play music while cooking
Listen to podcasts or radio shows
Enjoy audio while hosting family or friends
Make daily kitchen routines more enjoyable

From meal prep to weekend gatherings, the kitchen becomes a more social and engaging environment.

Smart Technology for Smarter Living

LG is known globally for pioneering smart home solutions, and the MoodUP Refrigerator reflects this commitment. Using LG’s intuitive app interface – LG ThinQ, users can control lighting, sounds, and certain settings directly from their smartphones.

This smart connectivity ensures:

Easy customization
Seamless user control
A modern, connected kitchen experience

For tech‑savvy Nigerian consumers looking to integrate smart appliances into their homes, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator fits perfectly into today’s digital lifestyle.

Designed for Style, Comfort and Everyday Use

Beyond its innovative features, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator remains a high‑performance refrigerator built for daily use. It delivers reliable cooling performance, efficient food preservation, and durable construction expected from LG appliances.

Key lifestyle benefits include:

Elegant, premium design
Reliable cooling efficiency
Smart functionality without complexity
A blend of practicality and visual appeal

This makes it ideal for homes that value both performance and style.

Why LG Continues to Lead in Home Innovation

LG’s approach to product development focuses on understanding how people live today and how technology can improve everyday moments. The MoodUP Refrigerator is a strong example of this philosophy, demonstrating that appliances can be both functional and expressive.

Rather than blending into the background, the LG MoodUP stands out as a lifestyle statement; one that reflects individuality, creativity, and modern living.

For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen experience and embrace the future of smart living, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator delivers a bold and refreshing approach where your kitchen truly matches your mood.

For more information, kindly visit https://www.lg.com/africa/refrigerators/lg-gr-a24fdmmb

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General News

Nigeria’s Human Capital Key to Global Competitiveness – NITDA DG

Published

18 hours ago

April 18, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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Kashifu Inuwa, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has emphasized the critical role of Nigeria’s human capital in driving national development and positioning the country for global competitiveness.

Nigeria’s Human Capital Key to Global Competitiveness - NITDA DG

The DG of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, alongside the Executive Secretary of the Almajiri Commission, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, with management team of both organisations in a group photograph at the end of the visit held at NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja

Speaking while receiving a delegation from the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children’s Education at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Inuwa noted that Nigeria’s youthful and rapidly expanding population presents a unique opportunity at a time when many countries are facing ageing populations and declining workforces.

He explained that the global demand for technical talent is projected to significantly outstrip supply by 2030, creating a window for Nigeria to emerge as a major contributor to the global workforce.

According to him, “with the right investments in education and digital skills, Nigeria can transform its demographic advantage into a powerful engine for economic growth and global relevance.”

The NITDA boss stressed that the country has the potential to become a global talent hub and a net exporter of skilled professionals.

Reframing migration narratives, he described Nigerians in the diaspora as valuable national assets who contribute through remittances and knowledge transfer, noting that diaspora inflows remain one of Nigeria’s most stable sources of foreign exchange.

Drawing comparisons with India, Inuwa highlighted how sustained investments in human capital have enabled the Asian nation to produce top executives in leading global technology firms. He attributed this success to a deliberate system of talent development and global placement.

Addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school population, he said equipping millions of underserved individuals with digital skills could unlock vast economic opportunities and help bridge the global talent gap.

Central to this ambition, he said, is NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Framework, which targets achieving 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030.

The framework focuses on six key areas: device and software operation, information and data literacy, digital content creation, digital marketing, online safety, and problem-solving.

Inuwa further explained that digital skills could transform critical sectors such as agriculture and commerce.

Farmers, he said, can leverage digital tools and smartphones to improve productivity through data-driven decisions, while small-scale traders can expand their reach and boost income using online platforms.

On implementation, he unveiled the “Digital Literacy for All” initiative, which targets students, workers, and participants in the informal sector.

He also disclosed ongoing partnerships with global organisations aimed at training civil servants and strengthening institutional capacity.

The NITDA DG reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with the Almajiri Commission to establish digital learning centres, develop training programmes in indigenous languages, and deploy instructors to Almajiri schools across the country.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Muhammad Sani Idris, commended NITDA’s efforts in promoting digital literacy, describing them as crucial to bridging Nigeria’s education gap.

He expressed concern over the growing number of out-of-school children, noting that the traditional Almajiri system—originally designed for Qur’anic education—has been weakened by years of neglect and socio-economic pressures.

According to him, many children are sent far from home without adequate care, exposing them to exploitation and insecurity.

Idris called for coordinated action among government, communities, and development partners to address the crisis, highlighting the trans-border nature of the Almajiri system and the need for strategic collaboration.

He also expressed optimism about deepening partnerships with NITDA to leverage digital innovation in expanding access to education and creating better opportunities for millions of Nigerian children.

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