The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has described the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as a world-class facility capable of handling large aircraft, including the Boeing 777. Onyema made the remarks on Saturday after arriving at the airport aboard a Boeing 737, marking the first time such an aircraft had landed at the new facility. Speaking to journalists after his arrival, Onyema commended the airport’s infrastructure, including its runway, apron, and terminal, which he described as “highly functional” and “aesthetically pleasing.” According to him, the airport is not only ready for domestic operations but also equipped to handle international flights. “This is one of the best airports in the world,” Onyema stated. “The pilot was communicating with me during the landing and confirmed that this is one of the best runways he has ever seen. A Boeing 777 can land here without any issues. I am confident that in no time, Ekiti pilgrims and other travelers will start flying from here.” Onyema highlighted the facility’s potential to serve as a hub for major aviation activities in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance for economic and social development in Ekiti State and beyond. The successful landing of the Boeing 737 was hailed as a significant milestone by AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd), Technical Adviser to the Governor on Airport Projects. Makinde noted that the event demonstrated the airport’s capability to handle large aircraft seamlessly. “This airport is not just operational; it is built to global standards,” Makinde said. “The infrastructure here is solid and ready to support both cargo and passenger flights.” Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, described the project as transformative, underscoring its potential to boost economic growth through improved connectivity and agricultural exports. He credited Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for prioritizing infrastructure development aimed at positioning Ekiti as an economic hub. The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport is expected to play a key role in facilitating trade and tourism while enhancing access to global markets for agricultural products from the region.
Starlink becomes Nigeria’s second-largest ISP, displacing FiberOne
Elon Musk’s Starlink has achieved a significant milestone in Nigeria, emerging as the country’s second-largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) by subscriber count as of Q3 2024. According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Starlink now boasts 65,564 active customers, surpassing FiberOne, which fell to third place with 33,010 subscribers. This growth is remarkable for a service that launched in January 2023. Starlink added 41,667 new users in the first nine months of 2024, a sharp increase from its December 2023 total of 23,897 subscribers. Spectranet remains the market leader with 105,441 active users but has seen a decline from its previous total of 113,869 at the end of 2023. Starlink’s satellite-based internet service is particularly appealing in areas where traditional ISPs struggle to provide reliable connectivity. Its ability to deliver high-speed internet even in remote regions has made it a popular choice despite higher costs. The service also benefits from its independence from ground infrastructure, making it less vulnerable to disruptions like cable cuts. However, affordability remains a challenge. Starlink’s hardware costs around ₦440,000 (down from ₦800,000), and its monthly subscription fee recently increased to ₦75,000. Despite this, demand remains strong, with Starlink temporarily halting new orders in major cities like Lagos and Abuja due to capacity constraints. While traditional ISPs like Spectranet and FiberOne face declining customer bases, Starlink’s rapid growth signals a shift in Nigeria’s internet landscape. The NCC reports that only 124 of the country’s 241 licensed ISPs currently have active customers, totaling about 307,946 users—far fewer than the 132.4 million internet subscriptions held by mobile network operators like MTN and Airtel.
Warri-Itakpe train service resumes operations after two-day suspension
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has resumed passenger operations on the Warri-Itakpe Train Service after a two-day suspension caused by a technical glitch. The service, which connects Warri in Delta State to Itakpe in Kogi State, was halted on Thursday and Friday, February 20 and 21, 2025, to allow for essential maintenance aimed at ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency. In a statement released by the NRC, the management explained that the suspension was a proactive measure to address technical issues and prevent further disruptions. Normal operations resumed on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The corporation also apologized for any inconvenience caused during the downtime. The decision to suspend operations followed an incident on Tuesday, February 18, when a technical fault stranded passengers overnight at the Ajaokuta Train Station. The train had stopped around 6:00 PM and only resumed its journey the next morning. In response to the incident, the NRC announced a full refund for affected passengers and directed its ticket concessionaire to notify them about reimbursement procedures. The Warri-Itakpe Train Service is a vital transportation link for communities in Delta and Kogi states, facilitating both passenger movement and commercial activities. However, this latest disruption is not an isolated case. In July 2024, several coaches derailed near Ujevwu in Delta State, while other incidents, such as derailments and locomotive failures, have been reported on other NRC-operated lines. For instance, a train derailed on the Abuja-Kaduna route at Jeremy Station in May 2024. Despite these setbacks, the NRC remains committed to enhancing its services to ensure safer and more reliable train operations nationwide.
EFCC arraigns 17 Chinese nationals over alleged cryptocurrency fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 17 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before two Federal High Court judges in Lagos on charges of alleged cryptocurrency fraud, cyber-terrorism, and identity theft. The arraignment took place on Friday, February 21, 2025. The accused individuals, Mao Bu Yi, Li Xiang Long, Dai Li, Yu Hai Qing, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi, Hao Tao Kun, Liu Chuang, Zhao Xiao Liang, Ziao Zi Cheng, Zhang San Feng, Li Zhong Chan, Chen Gui Ping, Su Jan Fu, Su Zong Gen, Wang Jie (also known as Xu Zhong Xiang), and Zeng Zerong, were brought before Justice Musa Kakaki and Justice Daniel Osiagor. They are among 792 suspects arrested during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted on December 10, 2024. According to the EFCC’s statement on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, the defendants face multiple charges ranging from cybercrime to possession of documents containing false pretenses. Specific allegations include using computer systems to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structures and employing Nigerian youths to carry out identity theft and other fraudulent activities. One of the charges against Mao Bu Yi reads:“That you, Mao Bu Yi and Genting International Co. Ltd., in December 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully accessed a computer system to destabilize and destroy the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).” Similarly, Wang Jie is accused of organizing schemes to destabilize Nigeria by recruiting locals for fraudulent activities. All defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Justice Kakaki adjourned the trial for Mao Bu Yi and Zeng Zerong to March 20, 2025. Meanwhile, Justice Osiagor set June 11, 2025, as the trial date for the remaining defendants. Both judges ordered that all suspects be remanded in a correctional facility pending their court appearances. In a related development on Thursday, February 20, 2025, the EFCC also arraigned another group of 18 Chinese nationals before Justice Osiagor. These individuals face similar charges stemming from their alleged involvement in cybercrimes during the “Eagle Flush Operation.” The “Eagle Flush Operation” was a large-scale crackdown by the EFCC targeting cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud schemes. The operation led to the arrest of hundreds of suspects accused of exploiting digital platforms to defraud victims globally. The EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting all individuals involved in cyber-related crimes as part of its broader efforts to combat financial fraud in Nigeria. The trials are expected to shed more light on the scope of these alleged crimes and their impact on Nigeria’s economy.
FG introduces electronic visa application system, cancels visa-on-arrival amid security reforms
The Nigerian government has announced plans to discontinue its visa-on-arrival program. Introduced in 2020 to facilitate easier entry for business travelers and tourists, the policy allowed eligible visitors to obtain visas at entry points. However, citing security concerns and inefficiencies, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stated that the system will be replaced with stricter measures. Starting between March 1 and April 1, 2025, Nigeria will introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) system designed to streamline applications and enhance security through real-time background checks with Interpol and other global agencies. Additionally, visitors will be required to pre-fill landing and exit cards linked to global databases for better migration management6. The e-Visa platform aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles by allowing applicants to submit documents online securely. This move aligns with international best practices in immigration management while bolstering national security by ensuring that all entries are thoroughly vetted before arrival
NITDA collaborates with Flutterwave and Alami on digital economy initiatives
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, and Alami, a prominent player in empowering young entrepreneurs and SMEs. This strategic partnership aims to bridge the digital divide by promoting fintech innovation, enhancing digital literacy, and creating an environment where businesses can leverage secure financial solutions. The collaboration aligns with NITDA’s commitment to implementing the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital era. By strengthening public-private partnerships through digital payment infrastructure and technology financing, this initiative seeks to empower Nigerian businesses with seamless financial solutions. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s digital economy goals. “Flutterwave’s innovative fintech solutions align perfectly with our vision for a thriving digital economy,” he noted. Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, expressed confidence that their collaboration will help SMEs scale confidently using secure payment technologies. This partnership is part of broader efforts by NITDA to reform Nigeria’s economy through inclusive growth by leveraging digital literacy and cultivating tech talent. It underscores NITDA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable digital future for all Nigerians.