General News
ICAO Says Nigeria Maintains Global Safety Standard in Aviation
In its 2013 Safety Report, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) listed Nigeria as having global safety standard.
ICAO listed the Nigeira as one of the 14 countries in Africa that have effective Safety Implementation above the global average of 61%.
The rating is contained in the ICAO 2013 Safety Report based on the reports of its auditors which investigated level of compliance by individual country across the world, especially its over 200 member States.
ICAO stated in the report that in an effort to establish and implement an effective safety oversight system that reflects the shared responsibility of the State and the broader aviation community, each ICAO Member State should address all of the eight Critical Elements (CEs).
These eight categories address the entire spectrum of a State’s civil aviation oversight activities.
Meanwhile, other countries in Africa ranked along with Nigeria are: CapeVerde, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, SouthAfrica, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.
Some other countries also listed from other continents include: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Estonia, CzeckRepublic, Denmark, United Sates of America, United Kingdom, North Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, Thailand, Russian Federation, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Spain, Turkey, Venezuela, Italy, Japan, Malaysia ,Romania, Malta, Greece and India.
The eight Critical Elements areas expected of States to address are: Legislation, Organisation, Licensing, Operations, Airworthiness, Accident, Investigation, Air Navigation Services and Aerodrome.
To standardize the conduct of its audits under the USOAP, ICAO has established audit protocol questionnaires.
The protocol questions are based on the Chicago Convention, SARPs established in the safety-related Annexes to the Convention, as well as associated ICAO guidance material including, but not limited to, the ICAO Safety Oversight Manual (Doc 9734—The Establishment and Management of a State’s Safety Oversight System) and Safety Management Manual (Doc 9859—Safety Management Manual, 3rd ed).
Each audit protocol is a comprehensive checklist covering all areas of a State’s safety oversight system subject to the USOAP audit process. Using the audit protocol as a guideline, auditors are then able to determine a State’s capability for safety oversight.
On its “Focus On Africa”, the ICAO Safety Report 2013 noted that Traffic growth projections in Africa are promising as forecasts indicate an annual growth rate for international traffic of 6.1 per cent over the five-year period from 2010–2015.
A solid strategic planning process for safe and efficient operations, both nationally and regionally, is necessary to accommodate the expected traffic growth. Such a process will benefit from measurable targets and involve the active participation of States, international and regional organizations, industry partners, development banks and investors.
It stated that African community has shown its leadership towards this end especially during the Ministerial Conference on Aviation Safety in Africa held in Abuja in July 2012, where specific measurable targets were adopted, including the resolution of Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs) as a matter of urgency and a progressive increase of the effective implementation of applicable ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) identified by the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) to no less than 60 per cent.
To attain the agreed safety targets and achieve long-lasting improvements, the cooperation of all stakeholders will be required.
Some efforts in this regard being implemented by ICAO in coordination with aviation safety partners are the Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan), the development of tailored ICAO Plans of Action for States with SSCs or serious safety deficiencies, and the Cooperative Inspectorate Scheme for the African and Indian Ocean Region (AFI-CIS).
These efforts have already shown tangible results in this region. Following the validation of corrective actions or mitigating measures implemented, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan and Zambia have successfully resolved the SSCs identified. Mauritania and Sudan have met the target of 60 per cent of effective implementation of safety-related SARPs and significant improvements were also noted by the USOAP in Benin and Madagascar.
ICAO assured member States that it will continue to provide assistance and coordinate the efforts of the international aviation community to support States willing to improve their safety oversight capabilities.
General News
NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

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

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.
General News
Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Bank
Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.
He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.
According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.
“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.
“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”
Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”
He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.
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