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Arumemi-Ikhide, Arik Air Chairman Seeks Aviation Industry Overhaul

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Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, chairman, Arik Air
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Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, chairman, Arik Air has called on the Federal Government to overhaul the aviation industry by swiftly address the wrath currently being witnessed due to systemic corruption.

He made the call during a press briefing to mark the airline’s 7th anniversary, adding that the Federal Government should especially beam it’s searchlight on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over corruption and systemic deficiency.

Arumemi-Ikhide alleged as unimaginable that in Nigeria lately, AOCs were being issued to “airlines” through phone calls by NCAA without physical examination and documentation of applicants.

As for the FAAN, the Arik Air boss, as reported by Nigeriancommercial Aviationnews, said that the Authority was fond of heaping frivolous and unverifiable bills on its customers which had often led to fractions, adding that issues like this had earlier been reported to the Senate.

Apart from this, Arik Air chairman said it was only in Nigeria that an Airport Authority funded by tax payers money would brazenly discriminate against Nigerian registered airlines in favour of foreign airlines in the allocation of check-in counters and aircraft parking slots.

Specifically, he said if checks were carried out at the departure lounge of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, one would discover that foreign airlines were allocated much more check- in counters than those allocated to Nigerian registered airlines thereby making passengers facilitation of Nigerian carriers difficult and choking.

Sir Arumemi-Ikhide noted that if Nigerian aviation was to thrive, priority must be given to Nigerian registered airlines in all ramifications so as to regain the country’s pride by encouraging Nigerian travellers including public officials to patronise Nigerian registered airlines.

He said: “It is high time we do away with our colonial mentality, patronise our own services and regain our pride. As at now, we have no pride and the agencies of government such as FAAN contributed a lot in demeaning Nigeria through its discriminatory tendencies in favour of foreign carriers”.

In reaction to the recent alleged corruption involving NCAA and the Minister of Aviation, he said this was part of the wrath he was talking about, adding “We now know what they spent the money we paid on, instead of using the money to improve on the industry’s infrastructures and safety”.

Earlier in the day, the airline unveiled its newly acquired Airbus A330-200 aircraft aimed at boosting its international operations.

Nicknamed -Our Lady of Grace- the aircraft offer a two class configuration with 30 Premier Business Class seats and 187 Economy Class seats.

The aircraft is fitted with the same on-board product with its A340-500 providing the latest in comfort and style and a consistent product experience on its long-haul fleet.

The Premier Business Class product is carefully tailored to meet the discerning business traveller’s needs. Passengers will have individual secluded booth areas that contain flat beds featuring an in-built massage system complete with a hand held 3.5” LCD screen unit controlling seat and lighting functions. The very latest in-flight entertainment can be enjoyed on a large 17 inch widescreen monitor installed on the front wall of the booth.


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General News

NRS Extends Saturday Tax Office Operations Nationwide Ahead of Rev360 Rollout

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The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has announced the extension of weekend tax office operations across the country as part of preparations for the rollout of the Rev360 Phase I Tax Administration System.

In a public notice issued in Abuja on May 7, the Service stated that all Emerging, Medium, Large, and Government Business Offices nationwide will now open on Saturdays from May 8 to June 27, 2026.

According to the notice, the offices will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The NRS explained that the initiative is aimed at providing additional taxpayer support and improving service delivery during the implementation of the new tax administration platform for Medium and Emerging Taxpayer segments.

The Service noted that the extended Saturday operations are designed to assist taxpayers requiring guidance with the new system, facilitate seamless compliance during the June peak Companies Income Tax filing period, and improve access to tax services outside regular weekday hours.

It encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative to resolve tax-related matters, seek necessary guidance, and ensure timely compliance with their tax obligations.

“The NRS remains dedicated to delivering efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused services,” the statement read.

The notice was signed by Zacch Adedeji, PhD, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service. “You say Transformation, We say Rev360.”


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NCS, Gowon University Partner on Research, Development

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Yakubu Gowon University have moved to formalise a strategic alliance aimed at advancing national security research, border management studies, and student welfare.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a visit by the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the headquarters of the agency yesterday in Abuja.

Adeniyi noted that the collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between paramilitary operations and academic research. “I have a long institutional history with this university,” CGC Adeniyi remarked.

He noting that previous attempts to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were interrupted by leadership transitions and that the Service is now committed to a phased implementation of support, focusing on projects with the highest impact on the learning environment.

Adeniyi said “For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps.

“Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students.”

He also stressed the importance of the university in relation to its status of the nation’s capital u University. He pledged to support the institution in meeting the demands of its 40,000-strong student population.

Responding, Professor Fawehinmi highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a critical hub for the partnership.

He suggested that the centre could provide the NCS with specialised research into national security and executive training for officers.

“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” the Vice Chancellor noted, adding that as the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, the institution carries enormous responsibilities.


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CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

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Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has highlighted potential benefits for Nigeria such as increased production flexibility, expanded market share, and improved revenue prospects following the United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

However, the Institute cautioned that these opportunities come with significant risks, including exposure to price volatility, reduced protection from coordinated supply management, intensified competition, and mounting fiscal pressures.

In a statement signed by Victor Olannye, registrar/chief executive officer, described the development as a major shift in global oil governance, with far-reaching implications for market stability and international energy dynamics.

Olannye noted that the move could trigger increased oil price volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions, and disruptions across global energy supply chains.

He urged corporate organisations, public institutions, financial bodies, and risk professionals to reassess their risk frameworks and strengthen resilience in response to evolving global realities.

He identified key risks to include a potential weakening of OPEC cohesion, oil price instability, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic volatility, and the possibility of further exits by member states.

In line with its mandate to promote sound risk management and support national development, the Institute advised corporate organisations to implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify their business portfolios.

Financial institutions and investors were also urged to reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure practices.

CRMI further called on government and policymakers to reinforce fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote the transition to renewable energy.

Individual risk professionals were encouraged to upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics while developing expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.

The Institute emphasised the need for stakeholders to reposition proactively to navigate the evolving geo-economic landscape. It also projected possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased reliance on market-driven pricing mechanisms, and an acceleration of global energy transition efforts.

 


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