General News
Security, Finance Remain Challenges for Aviation-Oni
Akin Oni is managing director, Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria), a company that has operated in West Africa for more than 50 years, primarily providing crew transport services to offshore drilling rigs and production platforms in the Niger Delta area.
Oni has been in the industry for nearly three decades; having started as an aircraft engineer and then went into the flight line.
He is good manager of men and resources and speaks very passionately about the industry and other issues in this interview with ken nwogbo.
Rebuilding the Aviation Industry from Your Perspective
Specifically, to the industry, things we could not do twenty years, we are beginning to do them now.
We all know the infrastructure challenge; people see it more in buildings, especially passenger terminals, but there are other infrastructural issues within the terminals.
Does the toilet work? Do I have to wait for hours for my bag to go through the process?
They are basic airport infrastructure. Recently, people expressed concern about the runway light.
Again, that is a challenge in being 10-15 years behind in developing the sector.
So, the progress should be to meet the next target and not for the challenge to catch up with the existing problems thereby dilapidating again.
In the context of our own industry which is more in the oil and gas, we have seen improvements made in airports’ comforts in Port Harcourt and in Lagos the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (Faan) is really driving the interest.
And we are not lagging behind in developing the Nigerian airspace.
Last year we spent amount in the region of $7 million developing facilities in Port Harcourt.
We bought a new hanger. And we plan to invest another $4 million in another hanger still in Port Harcourt.
That is because of the level of confidence we have. We are extending our ramp in Port Harcourt; and we are looking for more lands to extend our terminal.
So we are talking to the airport authorities in Port Harcourt to lease more lands. And we are looking forward to build a bigger terminal and bigger facilities to handle the level of work that we see.
There, I see a lot of opportunities.
Thinking Security while Expanding and Growing Market Share
Security remains a huge cost for us. The reason for that is we are scared because of the happenings up North.
And people believe somebody may attempt to do something down side.
So, if you look at our facility in Port Harcourt today, we have tightened up security; we have several baggage scanners and metal detectors.
We don’t have those things before. You don’t just buy two, you have to acquire four.
We had to enroll more people, and security checks at different points before one boards the aircraft.
So, substantial amount of money goes into security on monthly basis. We acknowledge that this is the situation in Nigeria today and the reality in the world generally.
Fortunately, when the late President made that decision (of granting Amnesty to militants), he made a huge change in Nigeria which has not been fully recognized out there.
Without that, today, we probably will not be operating in Port Harcourt neither could companies be in operation in Warri.
It would have been extremely difficult for anybody to get anything done.
Amnesty made a huge difference to Nigeria and it is a pity that nobody sat down to quantify the impact.
The programme made Port Harcourt become the vibrant place it used to be. Although I haven’t seen much in Warri but it will happen.
We certainly feel it; I can go to Port Harcourt, we can move around, previously we couldn’t. They were in the bus and went in-between the accommodation which was heavily fortified.
We have seen that change, but could that have happened without the amnesty, Impossible; you would have been receiving bullets in aircrafts by now.
Level of Nigerian Content Implementation
We want the industry to get to appreciable level of Nigerian content we needed. We are talking about ownership of the assets, what they are beginning to do is that they are building pipes in the industry, plants, but we can more even if it is assembling the Helicopter.
Building an Aircraft in Nigeria
The only way I could see that happen is in sort of joint venture. We are talking about 30 aircrafts to be bought, but we can use that start an assembling plant.
Even if it the very basic aircraft. That way, we set standard for aircraft to be used in Nigeria. If buying the 30 aircraft is true, I would insist that we use the platform to put something on ground here, because we learn in that process.
And the multiplier effects that the people are going to enjoy.
Capacity to Build Aircraft in Nigeria
We don’t have the people. Let’s be frank to ourselves. There are a lot of reports in aviation circles on building maintenance facilitate in Nigeria to work on large aircrafts, but we do not have the people to support that maintenance facility.
I said that because we invested here and with the number of people that we have trained. Every other investor knows how much we spend in this area.
We spend a lot at Zaria training pilots. This year it is $8 million on people going out to attend training and retraining; our pilots are attending course on helicopter taxiing and operation. So, that one side of it and if I look at the number of Nigeria who are involved on that, at the moment we have 18 Nigerians in Zaria undergoing training.
If we open a maintenance hangar today, the only way we can make that work is increasing experts. Yes, we have to start somewhere, but we have to bridge that gap. There have to be aggressive courses to ensure Nigerians are trained in that process.
Crop of Experts in the Era of Nigerian Airways
They are aged. Some who were lucky left the shores of the country, especially those below the age of 60.
By Implication, At a Time Nigeria Stopped Training Pilots
That is the fact. And everybody attests to that fact, because everybody stopped. I went through the training school in 1987.
If you look at the young pilots today, they could not learn from the expertise of the crop of experts then.
Thus, we effectively cut off a large chunk of the society of those who could do the job but cannot afford the cost of bottom-line training.
For us it costs about $250,000 to train a pilot and the Helicopter is more expensive.
And how many families can afford to take a chunk of $150,000 to train a child?
In Nigeria, we have sponsored people to get trained in Zaria and to other parts of the world.
But the then Nigerian Airways pilots, they were trained under the government’s scholarship programme.
How About Losing Pilots to Other Competition
I don’t mind losing expatriate pilots. It is painful. So, if I lose a Nigerian-trained pilot that is almost like a knife in my back. And we lost many to competition, but presently that has been taken care of.
We have seen change, because the grass is not exactly green on the other side. And we did some soul searching, better engaged the people.
I will say in the last six months, we haven’t lost any pilot to the competition. Though we haven’t put our finger on what the major cause is. It is not about pay, however something has changed. They now see the career.
Before now, when we are selecting people for training we make sure we select the right people; people who are in the field not because they need a job but because they love to fly. That is the next level of challenge.
Obviously, there are a lot of negativity about Nigerians and the educational system. Elsewhere, the education system still works because there some qualities you look out for. On failure rate, late year we had to send one person home. He couldn’t just fly, though he is good mentally.
General Safety in the Aviation Industry
Well, people are still skeptical about the system, but how do you measure safety. The fact that somebody had an incident or accident is not necessarily the entire system is not safe.
Nevertheless, when we visit an organization we look at their systems and the people managing the systems; their behaviours; are they jumping down the staircase? Or are they engaging in those things that point at safety cutting in on organization?
On the airline, we don’t have options yet, it is either Aero or Arik Air; others are just coming into business. It is a too wide measure. I think they have improved substantially, because everybody is working, even when I get to the airport I try to watch how things are been done.
Nigerian Pilots to Expatriates
Currently we are ending towards 40 to 50 per cent. We have 10 Nigeria nationals undergoing training in the US.
A batch will come in between May and July, while the next batch will be towards year end.
At the moment we have pruned down the number of people who are going next to 20. We hope to get 15 of that number.
First they will go to Zaria; after that stage they will move to the States where they will be trained on Helicopter services.
In the past we send them direct to the States, but now they go to Zaria they learn the basics.
We are about signing an agreement with an international aviation school where 10 others will be sent for training.
However, we are on track for our future targets to have about 90 per cent of the pilot population as Nigerians.
And with the retention that we have now coupled with a hope that nothing changes in the aviation world, I think we will be on that path.
The next challenge for us is as we are bringing these young people in, how many can the system absorb.
Financing
The financial challenge, it is quite huge. There is a capacity issue with the local banks to lend and there is the credit rate issue.
We are asking that the Nigerian airlines to compete in the global market space where they have to source at rates that are not up to 20 per cent; when a competitions like British Airways obtains credit at the rate of less than five per cent.
There is no way you can compete with that. And their access to funding is wide and open. That is the major challenge we have in Nigeria-financing an airline and aviation operations.
There is no way you will sustain business in aviation with 20 per cent interest rate. It is such that billionaires when they go into airline business they become millionaires.
General News
NIS Deploys Advanced Surveillance Masts, other Critical Infrastructure to Boost Border Security
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said that under the first phase of its e-border solution, surveillance masts equipped with 24-hour thermal and optical monitoring capabilities have been deployed across several border locations, providing surveillance coverage of 10 to 15 kilometres during the day and up to 5 kilometres at night.
The service also assured that it will continue to modernise border security management through the deployment of advanced technology and critical infrastructure.
DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, spokesman for the NIS, who made this known during a news briefing by Spokespersons for security, defence and law enforcement agencies in Abuja, said that the phase two of the e-border solution is expected to expand coverage to additional land border points.
Akinlabi said the Service has also established an Integrated Operating Centre (IOC) to serve as a central hub for real-time intelligence gathering, surveillance, and data harmonisation relating to foreign nationals.
He said the NIS recorded significant operational successes in strengthening border security, combating transnational crime, and enhancing migration management between January and May 2026.
“During the reporting period, the Service intensified enforcement operations against irregular migration and related transnational crimes, resulting in the repatriation of 567 foreign nationals for violations of Nigeria’s immigration laws and regulations.
“In addition, six foreign natio nals were deported, comprising four individuals arrested for their involvement in a visa racketeering syndicate and two others who were deported after completing prison sentences for criminal offences.
“The Service also strengthened efforts to curb identity fraud and abuse of national documentation. Enforcement operations led to the recovery of 47 National Identification Number (NIN) cards from irregular migrants, while 21 stowaways were apprehended at various seaports as they attempted to illegally enter or exit the country through unauthorised means.”
Akinlabi said aside enforcement activities, the Service continued to invest in preventive and community-based initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of irregular migration and cross-border crime.
“In March 2026, the Seme Border Command conducted sensitisation programmes for drivers’ associations, commercial motorcyclists, and community stakeholders to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration practices.
“Similarly, the Idi-Iroko Border Command carried out public awareness campaigns across markets, motor parks, and schools to educate border communities on the dangers and security implications of trans-border crimes.”
Mr. Emmanuel Ovaga, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PufferPay Limited will deliver the keynote paper at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The theme of the Roundtable is: Fintech: Driving the Future of Digital Financial Ecosystem in Nigeria. Mr. Emmanuel Ovaga is a graduate of Computer Engineering from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State.
He is a technology entrepreneur and business leader with a strong track record in building and scaling innovative digital and enterprise solutions across Africa.
As the CEO of PufferPay, he drives the company’s vision to deliver seamless, secure and inclusive payment solutions tailored for emerging markets.
He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Pufferfish Technology Limited, a Pan-African IT and consulting firm specialising in software development, data analytics and systems integration for both public and private sector clients.
Under his leadership, the company has established strategic partnerships with globally recognised technology providers, including industry leaders in enterprise computing and analytics.
Pufferfish Technologies Limited has in a few years of its existence, birthed PufferPay, a fintech payment business created to enhance financial inclusion and payments facilitation in Africa.
PufferPay is created with best-in-class technology for transaction speed and security that guarantees top-range service delivery to its growing customers.
Reacting to the development, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, Prince Cookey said:
“Mr. Emmanuel Ovaga represents the next generation of tech leaders in the fintech space in Nigeria and Africa. His laudable accomplishments as the CEO of PufferPay Limited deserve accolades. He has positioned PufferPay as a leading player in the digital financial ecosystem in Nigeria and emerging corporate tentacles across the continent. Accordingly, stakeholders attending the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 would be looking forward to a robust conversation on the State of the Fintech market today and tomorrow.”
The Special Guests of Honour include Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) while Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) will Chair the event.
The Guest of Honour is Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, President/Chairman of Council, NCRIB.
Distinguished members of the Panel include:
- Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE)
- Mrs. Idu Okeahialam, Group Managing Director/CEO, Royal Exchange Plc
- Mr. Jide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited
- Dr. Obioha Oti, President, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN)
- Mr. Sarafadeen Fasasi, President, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN)
- Chidubem Emelumadu, Ecosystem Lead (Africa), Lisk
The revolutionary success story of Moniepoint, Opay, PalmPay, Flutterwave and others in the digital payment system in Nigeria represents a positive expansion of the financial services sector in the country.
With millions of Nigerians and businesses lacking access to basic financial services, the importance of Fintechs remain sacrosanct in achieving substantial level of Financial Inclusion and expanding the frontiers of the industry.
According to AI Overview, Fintechs in Nigeria have revolutionised the financial landscape by dramatically increasing access to banking services, driving, for example, a 20% increase in financial inclusion and helping to bring the banked population to roughly 63%. These firms have introduced faster, affordable digital payments, lending, and investment services, forcing traditional banks to adopt digital transformation.
On investment, AI Overview stated: “Fintechs in Nigeria dominate the tech landscape, securing 35% of total tech funding ($2 billion total) in 2024, with over 430 companies attracting roughly 36% of all African fintech investment. Despite global challenges, the sector remains highly resilient, driven by high demand, with significant deals including Moniepoint’s $110 million series C.”
In January 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) granted national licences to Moniepoint, Opay etc, giving them the regulatory authority to operate across the 36 States of the Federation. The decision firmly underscores the great strides by Fintechs in driving Financial Inclusion and supporting sustainable economic growth in the country.
The 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 aims to underscore the positive contribution of Fintechs in deepening Financial Inclusion, expanding access to financial services and contributing to economic growth in the country.
Expected participants at the Roundtable include regulators, operators from key sectors of the economy, media and members of the public.
The Bank of Industry (BoI), Nigeria’s foremost Development Finance Institution (DFI), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Belgian Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), setting the stage for deeper economic cooperation, expanded investment flows, and stronger industrial partnerships between Nigeria and Belgium.
The agreement was signed during a high-level breakfast meeting jointly hosted by BoI and the NBCC under the theme, “Scaling Operations, Expanding Capacity, and Accessing Competitive Finance.” The event convened senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, development partners, MSMEs, and private sector stakeholders committed to advancing bilateral trade and industrial development.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Executive Director, Corporate Finance, Sustainability and Investments, Mr. Rotimi Akinde, described the partnership as a strategic milestone in BoI’s drive to expand global collaborations that accelerate Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
“As Nigeria’s leading Development Finance Institution, the Bank of Industry has consistently recognised that sustainable industrial development is built not only on access to finance but also on enduring strategic partnerships.
“This collaboration with the Nigerian Belgian Chamber of Commerce reflects our commitment to creating stronger international business corridors that unlock investment, facilitate technology transfer, support MSMEs, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness,” he said.
Akinde noted that Belgium remains one of Europe’s most dynamic trading and investment destinations, making the partnership an important platform for promoting co-investment opportunities, export development, enterprise growth, and knowledge exchange between businesses in both countries.
The two-year renewable MoU establishes a framework for joint business forums, investment roadshows, trade missions, business matchmaking, enterprise capacity development, and increased promotion of BoI’s financing solutions to Belgian investors and businesses operating in Nigeria.
The collaboration is also expected to improve access to foreign direct investment, expand export-oriented industrial projects, and create stronger commercial linkages between BoI-supported enterprises and the Belgian business community.
Delivering the welcome address, His Excellency Pieter Leenknegt, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Nigeria, commended the growing economic relationship between both countries and expressed optimism that the partnership would create new opportunities for businesses on both sides.
The General Manager of the Nigerian Belgian Chamber of Commerce, Marc Eeckhout, described the agreement as a practical platform for translating business interest into measurable economic outcomes.
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than an institutional partnership; it creates a structured bridge between Belgian innovation and Nigerian enterprise. By working closely with the Bank of Industry, we are opening new pathways for investment, technology exchange, and business collaboration that will enable companies from both countries to scale with confidence while contributing to sustainable industrial development,” he said.
The breakfast dialogue featured presentations on business expansion, industrial financing, and competitiveness, with contributions from industry leaders, including Engr. Vincent Adegbotolu, Managing Director/CEO of DWC Engineering, and Mudiaga Okumagba, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Direct Logistics Plus.
The partnership aligns with BoI’s 2025–2027 Corporate Strategy, which prioritises industrialisation, MSME development, youth and skills, women’s economic empowerment, climate finance, digital transformation, infrastructure, and export promotion. With assets valued at over ₦6.8 trillion, the Bank continues to strengthen strategic international partnerships that support the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda while creating jobs, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Through the collaboration, BoI expects to attract new investment opportunities from the Belgian business ecosystem, increase financing for high-impact industrial projects, strengthen export value chains, and improve the investment readiness of Nigerian enterprises through joint advisory and capacity-building initiatives.
The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to working with global partners to unlock long-term capital, accelerate industrial growth, and position Nigeria as a competitive investment destination within Africa and beyond.
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