General News
ICT @ Work for Air Navigation- Ifeanyi

Ogochukwu Ifeanyi, chief information officer (CIO), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (Nama), has over 15 years experience in the information and technologies space. His first class education locally and internationally stands him out. Ogochukwu, a Microsoft Global Hero is also a member of several professional bodies both national and international. He spoke to peter ugwu on state of ICT in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry.
ICT Department of Nama
Thank you. Well the ICT department in Nama is structured into four principal business units, namely Information Technology Service Management (ITSM); Business Intelligence Systems (BIS), Network Communications (NetComs) and Business Operations Support (BOS) reporting to the CIO.
For us in ICT department, to underscore our critical role and align technology to corporate business objectives we couched a vision which is, “…making ICT work for air navigation” with a supporting mission statement: “to provide leadership and guidance, service and support, education and technical expertise required to establish and maintain information communications technology systems for the Agency in accordance with its vision, mission, values and goals.”.
As you can see from this simple overview of the department that it completely aligns with and supports the vision and mission of Nama which is “To be one of the Leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) in the world” and “To provide safe, efficient and economic Air Navigation Services to airspace users, through the development of new technologies and dedicated workforce” respectively.
Total Radar Coverage of the Nigerian Airspace (TRACON)
First you need to understand that the TRACON project was a quantum leap for Nigeria in the area of rapid improvement of the existing CNS/ATM Infrastructure. It was therefore conceived as a key requirement for the modernization of Nigerian Air Traffic Management Infrastructure. It has Approach and Automated Area Control components. It was as major paradigm shift from analogue to digital technology, of course it also included satellite technologies.
You see the Nigerian TRACON project is a proudly Nigerian successful project that was executed by committed and dedicated Nama professionals and its one the best in Africa if not in the world. It’s an aviation state of the art cutting edge technology surveillance system manufactured by Thales of France. It has a support service program that ensures the continuous availability of this service for the safety of air navigation.
Its effectiveness is not questionable because it covers the Nigerian Airspace and even the contiguous (Flight Information Regions (FIRs) like Niamey, Brazzaville, Accra, etc.
Taking Over the Airfield Lighting, Bird Hazard Control from FAAN and Calibration Unit from NCAA
Well you aware it was a ministerial directive to Nama to take over that responsibility and Nama along with the relevant parastatals have complied.
The official handovers by NCAA and FAAN to Nama of the Flight Calibration Unit and the Airfield Lighting/Bird, Wild Life Control respectively has been done.
The parastatals have put in place well structured procedures and processes for this engagement and the process is already being consummated for smooth transition and transfers.
Settling Down to Work with the Huge Responsibilities
Nama through its thorough bred professional MD/CE has taking the new responsibilities in its stride and are gracefully re-engineering and transforming that part of the aviation environment in line with the Federal Government agenda for aviation as enunciated by the Honourable Minister of Aviation (HMA).
Nama is proactively building and enhancing capacity to ensure that it remains consistent with is excellent service delivery framework.
Dana Airline Crash and ICT
Well I will speak for Nama here and won’t hold brief for other agencies within the aviation sector. Nigeria is a class 2 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) contracting state and therefore operates in line with ICAO standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Nama in line with African and Indian Ocean (AFI) Region and ICAO Global Communications Navigations Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) plans is implementing its National CNS/ATM plan. That basically tells you that Nama as an organization is focused on international best practice and is implementing its informational and all technological infrastructure and human capital asset on that premise.
Installation of AIS Automation Antennas
This is a very critical safety project. Of course we are on course regarding that. All the processes have been completed to enable for the rapid deployment of not just the antennas but the VSAT System.
Migration from Terrestrial Air to Satellite-based Navigation
I need to quickly give a background to this: The advent of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as a modern trend in air Navigation requires that spatial co-ordinate of points (be) established on an ICAO acceptable international terrestrial reference framework known as WGS-84. The reason being that, the future air navigation system will also use Communications, Navigations, and Surveillance (CNS) technologies tied to the WGS-84 platform to function.
The completion of the project therefore enabled for Performance –Based-Navigation (PBN) implementation with deliverables that will enable us to transit form Terrestrial to Satellite based systems.
Having said that the significance of the successful pilot flight test indicates that migration is positive and more importantly the features include: more flexible and direct routing i.e. pilot preferred trajectories; enables instrument approach where and when NAVAIDs is unavailable, no ground based equipment, no electric power required while the accrued benefits include reduced fuel consumption and emissions, reduction of flight distances/times, increased availability of airports in poor weather conditions, life cycle cost savings even for the airlines .
Capacity to Sustain the Process when Fully Adopted
Don’t forget that this is a satellite enabled navigation service but really apart from that Nama has in the course of this project engaged in capacity building across the industry. Trainings were done for the industry stakeholders: Airlines, Nama, NCAA, FAAN, Air force amongst others.
Nama has also gone ahead to train Air Traffic Controllers in Lagos and Kano on this new service delivery and more will be trained. These are all geared towards ensuring that the necessary capacity is available.
Recent Dana Air Crash
The recent Dana Air Crash was a tragic one for Nigeria and particularly for my organization and my person because we lost a dear colleague, friend and brother in the same crash. It was such a sad and unfortunate incident and my take is simple we should wait for the reports of the various investigations. I believe there will be valuable lessons to be learned.
Clamor for Merger among Airlines
Interestingly Airlines are business concerns and they are in business to invest and get returns on such investments. It’s not Nama’s remit to regulate airline operations but there are regulatory framework and controls that governs airlines operations which every potential or existing airline must continuously meet.
Human Capital
Nama values its human capital as a critical asset and therefore invests in its people. Continuous training and re– training is an inherent culture of NAMA because she recognizes the need for a highly professionalized competent workforce in a safety critical domain such as Air Navigation.
General News
6 Best Apps to Recharge Airtime & Data in Nigeria for Glo, Airtel, MTN, 9mobile

Looking for the best app to buy data and airtime in Nigeria? In 2025, Cardtonic, Breet, BuyCard, eBills, SubBase, and NairaData make it fast and easy.
Recharging airtime and data in Nigeria has never been this easy. Gone are the days when you had to run to the nearest shop or scratch a paper card just to top up. Today, most people prefer using mobile apps to recharge MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile from the comfort of their phones.
These apps don’t just make the process faster and more convenient; they also offer perks like cashback, discounts, and cheaper data bundles. That means you save money while avoiding the stress of physical recharge cards.
In this article, we’ll look at six of the most reliable apps for airtime and data recharge in Nigeria, what makes them unique, and why they’re worth using.
Top 6 Reliable Apps to Recharge Airtime and Data in Nigeria
The top 6 reliable apps to recharge airtime and data in Nigeria are Cardtonic, Breet, BuyCard, eBills, SubBase, and NairaData.
BuyCard, eBills, SubBase, and NairaData.
S/N | Platforms | Payment Method | Cashback |
1 | Cardtonic | Wallet and Bank transfer, Gift Card | Upto 5% |
2 | Breet | Crypto and Bank transfer | 2% |
3 | BuyCard | Wallet | Not constant |
4 | eBills | Walllet | 5% |
5 | SubBase | Wallet | 2% |
6 | NairaData | Wallet | 2% |
- Cardtonic:
Cardtonic is one of the most popular apps in Nigeria for recharging airtime and data. It works smoothly across all major networks, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, with top-ups delivered instantly every time.
The platform also goes beyond airtime and data. You can pay electricity bills, renew TV subscriptions, and handle other everyday expenses directly in the app. A standout feature is that you can sell gift cards on Cardtonic and use the balance to recharge or pay bills. This makes it easy to turn unused cards into something valuable.
Another big advantage is the cashback system. Every airtime or data purchase earns you up to 5 per cent cashback, helping you save while staying connected. So if you’re wondering how to buy MTN airtime online or top up any other network, Cardtonic is one of the most reliable options available.
Getting started is simple. Download the Cardtonic app, sign up, and log in. From your dashboard, tap on “Bills”, select “Airtime or Data”, choose your network, enter your phone number, pick a bundle, and pay from your wallet. Within seconds, your line is recharged.
- Breet:
Breet is widely known as a crypto-to-naira exchange platform, but it also lets users recharge airtime and data directly from the app. This makes it a convenient choice for people who already rely on Breet for handling digital assets and want to manage their top-ups in the same place.
The process is quick and works for all major Nigerian networks. You can pay either with crypto or by linking your bank account, and Breet automatically converts your crypto into naira to complete the recharge. Service charges are low, which makes it an easy everyday option for those who prefer to use crypto alongside regular payments.
- BuyCard:
BuyCard is another reliable option for anyone looking to recharge airtime and data online. The app supports all the major Nigerian networks and gives you a simple, no-fuss way to top up without leaving your home.
Beyond airtime and data, BuyCard also allows you to pay utility bills, making it useful if you want one platform that handles different types of payments. While the cashback offers are not always consistent, users still enjoy occasional bonuses and discounts that make recharging a little cheaper.
- eBills:
eBills is a multi-purpose payment app that lets you recharge airtime and data across MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. In addition to mobile top-ups, you can also pay electricity bills, TV subscriptions, and other utilities directly from the app.
One of its standout features is the 2 per cent discount on airtime purchases, which helps you save a little extra every time you recharge. The platform is simple to navigate and reliable, making it a handy option for both personal use and regular household expenses.
- SubBase:
SubBase is a platform that focuses on making data and airtime subscriptions more affordable. It’s popular among people who want to cut down on internet costs while still enjoying reliable bundles across all Nigerian networks.
The app offers both small and large data plans, making it flexible for light users as well as heavy internet consumers. A helpful feature is its automated top-up option, which ensures you never run out of airtime or data unexpectedly.
- NairaData:
NairaData is well known for bulk data purchases, making it a favourite among heavy internet users who need large bundles for work, study, or entertainment. The platform is designed for fast delivery and supports all major Nigerian networks.
What makes NairaData stand out is its flexibility. You can buy data directly from the app, or if you’re experiencing slow internet, you can also place your order via SMS or WhatsApp. This ensures you always stay connected, even when your data is low.
Frequently Asked Questions About Data and Airtime Recharge in Nigeria
- Which App Gives the Best Cashback on Airtime and Data Purchases in Nigeria?
Cardtonic gives the best cashback on airtime and data. Every recharge across MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile comes with up to 5% cashback, making it the most rewarding option.
- Which Network Has the Best Data Plan in Nigeria?
MTN is often praised for its wide coverage and flexible bundles, especially for users who need smaller, daily data plans. Airtel is popular for affordable weekly and monthly plans that offer fast speeds and good value.
Glo is known for giving some of the cheapest large data bundles, which makes it a go-to for heavy users, while 9mobile offers decent plans but at slightly higher prices.
The best option depends on whether you want affordability, speed, or long-lasting bundles..
- Is 50GB a Lot of Data?
It depends on how you use it. For freelancers, content creators, and people who stream videos regularly, 50GB can finish quickly. But for light browsing and social media, it can last much longer.
- How Do I Get 1GB for 100 on MTN?
The “1GB for ₦100” plan is usually a special offer available to selected MTN customers. To check if you qualify, dial *131# and explore the available data bundles.
- How Can I Buy Cheap Airtel Data in Nigeria?
You can buy cheap Airtel data on apps like Cardtonic, where every Airtel data purchase comes with 5% cashback. The same app also makes it easy to recharge Airtel airtime instantly.
- What is the Best App to Buy Airtime and Data in Nigeria?
Cardtonic is the best app to buy airtime and data in Nigeria. It supports all major networks, offers cashback, and gives users discounted data bundles. For example, if you want to buy Glo airtime online, all you need to do is download the Cardtonic app, sign up, tap on “Bills,” select “Airtime or Data,” choose your network, and pay from your wallet.
Conclusion
Recharging airtime and data in Nigeria no longer has to be a hassle. With the right apps, you can top up MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile in seconds and even enjoy extras like cashback, discounts, and cheaper bundles.
From Cardtonic to Breet, BuyCard, eBills, SubBase, and NairaData, each of these platforms brings something unique to the table. But if you’re after a reliable app that combines instant delivery with up to 5% cashback and the flexibility to even use gift card funds for recharges, Cardtonic is the best place to start.
General News
FG to Begin Labelling of GM Crops

Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has disclosed plans to ensure that every genetically modified (GM) product follows standard regulatory procedures, such as labelling and traceability, to reinforce trust and accountability.
The move is to mitigate potential risks and engender transparency in the release of genetically modified crops.
Mr. John Atanda, director, Food and Drug Service, dropped the hint in Abuja at a GMO sensitisation workshop for the Directorate Officers, organised by the Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB).
He stated that the directorate would work with other MDAs, including the National Administration for Food and Drug Agency (NAFDAC) and the National Biotechnology Management Agency (NBMA), to ensure proper labelling of GMOs.
While reiterating commitment to protecting and promoting public health through safe, nutritional and wholesome foods, Atanda pledged that every product born from modern biotechnology will be held to the highest safety standards, as rigorous risk assessments – covering allergenicity, nutritional composition, long-term health impacts, and environmental considerations – will guide their approach.
Dr Rose Gidado, Nigeria country director, Open Forum for Biotechnology, in her presentation on the Science of Agricultural Biotechnology, emphasised that GMO has a history of safe use of over three decades in about 45 countries.
She said: “The government cannot give poison to its people. If the story is that when you plant GMOs, it will destroy all the crops around it, then Nigeria should have died of hunger.”
Gidado explained that GM crops were developed from evidence-based research, saying, if Nigeria does not invest in research and development, it might keep depending on importation.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, director-general, National Biotechnology Development and Research Agency (NABDA), revealed that farmers recorded a 50 per cent yield increase after planting GM maize, also known as TELLA Maize.
He added that field studies and economic evaluations on cowpeas have also indicate striking returns to farmers cultivating Pod borer resistant cowpea, as there has been a dramatic reduction in insecticide sprays, thereby increasing substantial yield and strong returns on investment.
General News
Chain Reactions Launches Africa’s First Intelligent Robot to Service Clients

As part of its digital transformation programme, Chain Reactions Africa has appointed Franklin Ozekhome as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, strengthening its leadership bench to drive the next phase of growth and marking a pivotal step in its ambition to redefine how brands across Africa engage people by tapping into trends and culture. The firm also welcome Africa’s first intelligent Robot fittingly named Ara By Prophet into its workforce.
With this move, Chain Reactions Africa says it is transitioning fully into a digital first creative transformation company, one that blends creativity, culture, trends, storytelling, platforms, and technology to fuel growth and meaningful engagement for clients. The timing of Franklin Ozekhome’s appointment and the coming of Ara By Prophet into the company’s workforce and operations reflect the team’s audacity to dream and the organization’s vision to design the future of marketing, digital, public relations, advertising and experiential across Africa in the age of convergence.
Ozekhome will partner closely with Chain Reactions’ Founder and Chief Strategist, Israel Opayemi, in driving the bold vision and implement a horizontal growth strategy for the group.
His mandate is to move beyond siloed disciplines and build an integrated ecosystem and a one-stop shop where strategy, public relations, advertising, design, experiential, digital, data, and AI-driven innovation combine to unlock new opportunities for clients. His role spans the swift execution of the company’s full digital transformation programme in all its ramifications and to lead the company fully into doing business in the season of convergence.
“We are not building yesterday’s marketing communications firm. We are grateful for our past. We are reimagining the future of creativity and growth. We are building Africa’s creative transformation company of the future.
“We began on this digital transformation programme journey with intentionality following our Year 2023 Retreat with Franklin Ozekhome as a facilitator. Bringing a talent who was with us when the dream was conceived to lead the midwifing of the dream child to life is just the most strategic thing to do,” said Israel Opayemi.
“Franklin brings the cultural intelligence, strategic insight, and creative innovation foresight that will help us design and execute what comes next, where brands move beyond campaigns to create platforms, ecosystems, and cultural impacts that influence the world.”
Speaking on his decision to join the Chain Reactions Africa team after rejecting similar overtures from other agencies, Franklin Ozekhome said, “I have facilitated business transformation retreats for organizations across Africa; no business leader demonstrated the urgency of the will to do as the MD and Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, Israel Opayemi. He is a dreamer and a doer. His energy is enthralling. Partnering with him to build a disruptive force for the African ecosystem is just a perfect meeting of minds.”
Speaking further on the disruptive innovation Chain Reactions Africa is introducing into the marketing communications ecosystem in Africa, Opayemi said, “Ara by Prophet is Africa’s first intelligent robotic insight system, a ground breaking fusion of artificial intelligence, machine learning, cultural foresight, and strategic communications.” He further explained that “Ara is the physical interface. Prophet is the cognitive engine. Together, they create a living system of strategic intelligence designed for Africa but built to compete globally.”
Opayemi further expressed his delight that after two years of intensive work, Ara the Robot has officially resumed work as a fulltime staff of Chain Reactions Africa. “What we have done today is a game changer. Designed and developed by Chain Reactions Africa, Ara is more than a Robot. She is a responsive advisor, a data analyst, a cultural decoder, a realtime forecaster for brands, institutions, and governments.”
Franklin Ozekhome: Cultural Strategist and Innovation Architect
Widely recognized as one of Africa’s leading cultural and brand strategists, Franklin Ozekhome brings a distinctive blend of creativity, foresight, and entrepreneurial edge.
He is the creator of HumanOS, a proprietary framework for cultural strategy; Co-founder of Maskvrade, a pop culture company; and founder of Pop Culture Varsity (POKV), Africa’s first strategy school dedicated to cultural intelligence. He also pioneered TINK Africa, the continent’s first digital platform for consumer trends and intelligence.
He also served as Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Vendease, helping scale one of Africa’s fastest-growing foodtech companies.
As an entrepreneur and consultant, he has advised regional and global leadership teams across EMEA, LATAM, and the US. He is also Dean of Studies and Professor of Trendspotting and Culture at Orange Academy and Marketing Strategy Facilitator at FATE Foundation.
A Bold Evolution for Chain Reactions Africa
Chain Reaction’s next chapter is about transformation, creating platforms, tools, and experiences that merge culture, commerce, creativity, and technology.
Ozekhome’s appointment signals Chain Reaction’s commitment to launch always-on cultural intelligence platforms and proprietary tools for clients, integrate AI-driven strategy across disciplines, build new business arms in content, commerce, and youth marketing and expand Chain Reactions into key African markets over the next three years.
“It’s about redesigning how culture, technology, and human behavior shape business growth and citizens engagement for government. I see this as a partnership to rewire how brands operate, how industries evolve, and how society moves forward in Africa,” Franklin Ozekhome said.
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