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FG Aviation Agencies Merger Plans Continues Amidst Protests

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Osita Chidoka,  Minister of Aviation
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Following the setting up of technical committee for the implementation of White Paper on the merge of some aviation agencies, it goes to show the Federal Government is resolute on the matter.

The Federal Government has despite  the outcries of stakeholders and especially the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) gone ahead to set machineries in motion to merge Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to one amorphous agency to be known as Federal Civil Aviation Authority(FCAA).

To this end, and in consonance with an earlier memo dated 14,July,2014, SGF/12/S.II/C.9/42 by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim the Ministerial Technical Implementation Committee have reportedly submitted its report on the white paper to the office of the SGF in the presidency, according to a report by NigerianCommercial Aviationnews.

The report also contained that before now, various professionals, trade associations and labour unions have vehemently opposed the merger of the three agencies on the basis that it would draw the industry to pre-1999 era when there was no difference between industry regulator and service  provider as laid down ICAO.

However, the safety concerns expressed the due to the amorphous entity then tagged FCAA, the government listen to voice of reason and set in motion the review of Civil Aviation Act by constitution of members of review committee which led the promulgation of the Civil Aviation Act,2006 and separation of the regulator from service provider.

This eventually led to the establishment the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority as an autonomous regulator of the industry; the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria as against the previous Nigerian Airports Authority(NAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and NIMET-all three service providers.

NAMA as navigation service provider, FAAN-airport development/management and NIMET, weather forecast services.

To this end, ICAO member States of which Nigeria belong at a conference in Montreal, Canada between 15-20, September, 2008 on theSeparation of Air Navigation Services (ANS) Provision from Regulation Oversight summarised as followed : ” Autonomy for the air navigation services provider, and its separation from the regulatory oversight function is well established in ICAO guidance material.

It is evidenced that greater financial and operational autonomy for the ANSP HAS encouraged a business approach to service delivery and an improved of service.

Separation of ANS provision from the regulatory oversight function enhances ATM performance and instils public confidence in the ANSP and the services it provides.

Separation of provision from regulation is consistent with principles of good governance ; the regulatory oversight function must be seen as independent and transparent. While this guidance material is only supplemental to standards and recommended practices (SARP’s), it is of significance to ICAO’s strategic objectives of Safety and Efficiency “.

Following the above, the National Union of Air Transport Employees in April this year  noted in a memo to the presidency that the above stated objective of ICAO ” Is currently the role Nigerian Airspace Management Agency plays and which she has played to the admiration of world bodies and international stakeholders and which has earned her international awards”. The same also applies to NIMET which the Nigerian government set up through an Act No 9 of June 19, 2003 as a semi-autonomous agency.

NUATE in the said memo noted:” Our Union most patriotically request therefore that the pronounced merger of these agencies should therefore be stepped down immediately to avoid further further embarrassment.

In a similar vein the Aviation Round Table, a non-governmental industry watcher following the announcement of the planned merger in its white paper on the Steve Orosanye report advised government against going ahead with “This ridiculous  recommendation” as regards the three aviation agencies.

Despite all the explicit explanations and the ICAO stand on the separation of service

providers from the regulatory agency, the federal government through a memo to dated 14, July,2014 was bent on prosecuting the merging of the agencies by asking the Ministry of Aviation to set up technical committee for the implementation of the merger.

 


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Nigeria Police suspends tinted glass permit enforcement over court injunction

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Nigeria Police Force has suspended nationwide enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy, hours before its scheduled rollout, in compliance with a Delta State High Court order.

Nigeria Police suspends tinted glass permit enforcement over court injunction

Tinted glass permit

The policy, set for January 2, 2026, aimed to curb vehicle-related crimes but faced legal challenge from a private citizen against the Inspector-General of Police, the force, and Delta Police Commissioner.

An ex parte injunction issued in December 2025 restrained enforcement pending suit determination, prompting the hold announced by spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin on January 1.

Police entered appearance, filed preliminary objections, and sought injunction vacation; hearing adjourned to January 20, 2026.

The Nigerian Bar Association condemned initial police plans as “executive recklessness,” accusing disregard for rule of law, while police insisted no permanent bar existed on statutory duties.

IGP Kayode Egbetokun reiterated adherence to law while prioritising public safety via intelligence-led strategies during proceedings.


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NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

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Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.

According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.

The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.

Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.

He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.

Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.

In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.


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T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

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T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.

NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.

Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”

The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.

Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.


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