Broadcasting
Aero Contractors Says Its Diligently Paying Redundancy Benefits to NAAPE Members
Contrary to the assertions in the media, which suggests that the company has neglected its responsibility to settle outstanding redundancy benefits, Aero Contractors has diligently worked to address and resolve the issue.
Aero Contractors acknowledges with concern the report attributed to National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) officials, protesting the failure of the company to pay off some of its workers who have been separated from the company for seven years; March 2017.
Management is indeed disappointed and surprised with the NAAPE that having called for a meeting regarding payment of outstanding benefits to a number of former employees, they decided to go public through the media before the meeting.
A few clarifications need to be made to put things in context and clarify issues. The company has successfully disbursed redundancy payments to at least 95% of affected staff. Admittedly, we still have outstanding financial commitment to a few affected staff. However, plans are under way to defray these and we have been engaging with affected staff to carry them along in all the company has been doing and going through.
For the avoidance of doubt out of a total number of 237 staff affected by the redundancy, 225 have been paid off representing 94.94% of those affected.
Nonetheless, we still have a total of 12 outstanding staff that are yet to be paid. This represents about 5.06% of the original population. Of this number 3 are ATSSSAN members and 9 belong to NAAPE. Efforts are being made in the near future to pay the outstanding to the staff.
Aero Management empathizes with the discomfort and strain this experience has put on the affected individuals as well as the whole company. We ask for more understanding as we work towards resolving all outstanding issues.
We believe it is important to situate the whole experience within the operational context that Aero Contractors in particular and the industry in general has had to operate over the period in question.
The operating environment within the aviation industry has been overwhelmingly challenging, with the company enduring significant challenges including two instances of cessation of operations for extended periods. The first was in August 31, 2016 to late December 2016 and the second was in July 20th, 2022 to December 4th, 2022. After about a 5 months shut down we have assiduously worked on defraying outstanding payments and commitments, not only to affected personnel but to ensure the viability of operations and to continue as a going concern.
This is in spite of additional challenges posed by escalating cost of operations, particularly the substantial cost the fuel component of our operational costs which has severely constrained our finances and affecting allocations to various expense headings, including terminal benefits owed to former employees.
Be that as it may, as the figures show, management has been relentless in ensuring a vast majority of affected persons are settled. We assure you that Aero Contractors remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to all stakeholders. We continue to actively work to resolve all outstanding issues and ensure that affected individuals receive their rightful entitlements.
Since the return of the company in December 2022 to operations, we have ensured a call back of all employees and reintegrated them to be in a position to contribute to building the organisation they love back to the stature for which it has always been known. It is an onerous task that we (former and current staff), owe the company and the heritage we have laboured for over the years. We shall succeed.
We appreciate your understanding. Our commitment to operating with integrity and accountability remains unwavering, and Aero Contractors remains steadfast in its dedication to the well-being of its employees, past and present.
Mr. Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, took centre stage at the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) annual end-of-year meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recounting the company’s remarkable growth and reaffirming free IT training for journalists.
Tim Akano, New Horizons Chief Executive Officer, in a group photograph with NITRA Members
Speaking directly to IT media members at the company’s training facility in Lagos, Akano acknowledged the critical role journalists played in supporting New Horizons during its formative years two decades ago.
He detailed how the firm evolved from a handful of staff to one of Africa’s leading ICT skills training organisations, now employing about 500 staff across multiple training centres nationwide.
Akano Spotlights Youth Training, University Partnerships
Akano highlighted that New Horizons has trained over 500,000 youths, particularly tertiary institution students, equipping them with practical IT skills essential for Nigeria’s digital economy.
He announced recent partnerships with universities, including a new agreement with Afe Babalola University, to scale hands-on training programmes for students.
“This growth would not have been possible without the media’s support in documenting our journey,” Akano stated, pledging continued free IT skills training for media members to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Reciprocal Support Defines Long-Standing Partnership
The venue hosting the NITRA meeting underscored Akano’s generosity; NITRA Secretary Chidiebere Nwankwo secured the free facility after contacting him—a gesture consistent with New Horizons hosting multiple association events and training IT journalists since its inception 20 years ago.
Participants shared personal testimonies of Akano’s support, including veteran journalist Aaron Ukodie, whose daughter—an Accounting graduate from the University of Johannesburg—received NYSC placement and IT scholarship at New Horizons.
The Guardian’s Yemi Adeyemi recounted Akano accommodating his editor’s child for mandatory IT training after other firms declined.
Members praised Akano’s commitment to human capital development as evidence of deep appreciation for the media community that chronicled New Horizons’ success over two decades.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.
NIMC
Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.
NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.
Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]
The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.
MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.
MultiChoice
The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.
According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.
MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.
Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.
Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.
Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.
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