Saudi Arabia has unveiled two digital innovation aimed at transforming its immigration and border control processes. The new Self-Deportation Platform and Smart Track system were introduced on November 8, by Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba, Acting Director General of Passports, at the Digital Government Forum held in Riyadh. The Self-Deportation Platform enables individuals residing illegally in Saudi Arabia to complete their deportation formalities online, eliminating the need for physical visits to immigration offices.Users will be able to submit necessary documentation, verify their identities digitally, and obtain exit authorizations through a fully automated system once technical and security tests are finalized. Officials described this as a major humanitarian and administrative reform that streamlines cumbersome paper-based process, reduces congestion at offices, and promotes quicker, more transparent departures.The Smart Track system uses AI-powered cameras and algorithms to verify passenger identities at airports in real time. The technology aims to replace traditional passport control checkpoints, reducing queues and wait times at busy entry points, also capable of processing up to 35 travelers simultaneously. According to Saudi Jawazat officials, the system integrates directly with national security databases to ensure seamless identity verification and enhanced border security, with full implementation expected after the integration with existing infrastructure.Other innovations include the use of Digital Twin technology, which successfully monitored crowd movement and wait times during the 2024 Hajj season. This tool will assist airports in optimizing passenger flow and improving traveler satisfaction through data-driven insights.
UBA reports 3.2 million transaction complaints in 2024, refunds ₦2.3 billion to customers
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) disclosed receiving 3,210,708 complaints related to unsuccessful transactions in 2024, marking a 66.3% increase from 1,930,518 complaints reported in 2023. Data from UBA’s 2024 Sustainability Report, released via the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) today, November 7, 2025, also revealed that the bank resolved 75% of these cases, amounting to 2,090,122 complaints.The report shows the strategy of UBA to maintain an accessible complaints management platform to address customer grievances efficiently. Despite the high volume of complaints, the total amount claimed by customers for refunds or reimbursements stood at ₦262.8 billion, which, following complaint resolutions, decreased to ₦188 billion.UBA refunded ₦2.3 billion in 2024, compared to ₦450 million reimbursed in 2023. However, unresolved complaints increased from 107,000 in 2023 to over 1.1 million in 2024. Of these, 218 cases were escalated to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for intervention, while 1,120,907 remained pending with UBA.The bank explained its complaints resolution workflow, which aligns with CBN’s regulatory timelines, particularly the mandate that failed “on-us” ATM transactions be resolved instantly and “not-on-us” transactions within 48 hours. Complaints can be lodged through multiple channels including branches, calls, emails, live chat, and social media, and are tracked through a complaint management platform. According to UBA, complaints are reviewed and resolved at first contact if possible; otherwise, cases are escalated internally. Customers receive notifications at every stage and have the option to dispute resolution or escalate the matter for further investigation compliant with CBN guidelines.Key Performance Indicators are in place to periodically review and improve complaint handling efficiency, which also informs process improvements across the bank’s platforms and products.
DStv offers South African customers 3-days of free premium channels to celebrate 30 years
MultiChoice, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, is giving all active South African DStv decoder customers free access to its Premium channels from November 7 to 9, 2025. This “Open Time Weekend” allows subscribers to enjoy top-tier content including movies, documentaries, live sports, and reality shows, regardless of their current subscription level.MultiChoice’s CEO of SA Pay-TV, Byron du Plessis, stated; For three decades, DStv has been a significant part of South Africans’ lives, and this weekend is our way of expressing gratitude. DStv aims to remind subscribers of the value and diversity offered within its ecosystem, by temporarily unlocking the Premium tier. The goal of the company is to attract former customers and encourage upgrades from lower-tier packages by showcasing the benefits of premium programming.
LagRide launches air-conditioned minibus service, plans to recruit 1,000 drivers in Lagos
LagRide, an e-mobility company backed by the Lagos State Government, has officially launched its new air-conditioned minibus service, LagRide Omni, aimed at transforming public transportation in Lagos. The service, introduced today, offers an affordable, clean, and comfortable alternative to the traditional Korope minibuses used by Lagosians.The LagRide Omni targets offices, churches, schools, and large groups, providing a safer and more efficient ride experience. Unlike the conventional Korope minibuses that carry up to seven passengers and make frequent stops, the Omni accommodates six passengers per trip, runs private, direct rides with no intermediate stops, and all vehicles are fully air-conditioned and GPS-enabled. Mobility is one of the greatest drivers of opportunity. By making modern transport affordable and accessible to every segment of society, LagRide is helping to build a more connected Lagos where movement creates meaning and community thrives – Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of LagRide The company also seeks to hire 1,000 manual drivers to support the Omni fleet. All drivers will undergo professional training and certification at the LagRide Academy, a collaboration among LagRide, the Lagos State Government, LASTMA, and other transport safety stakeholders, in order to ensure high standards of customer service and safety. With the Lagride Omni, one person can make a single booking, and everyone joins the same ride. From offices to churches and community events, this is how Lagos will move together safely, conveniently, and in comfort. We are creating opportunities for Lagosians to earn a sustainable income while providing a better commuting experience for everyone – Jubril Arogundade, acting Managing Director This launch follows LagRide’s recent announcement of adding 100 electric cars and aiming to recruit 10,000 drivers through a bank-backed leasing scheme. The introduction of LagRide Omni is a step towards modernizing Lagos often a congested transport system with technology-driven, customer-friendly solutions.
Women dominate Nigeria’s e-hailing market, making up 70% of users, new Bolt report
A recent report by Bolt, in partnership with Ipsos, reveals that women constitute 70% of the e-hailing passenger base in Nigeria, showing the existing gender disparity in ride-hailing service usage across the country. The “Ride Hailing Safety Perception Report,” published in November 2025, indicates that only 30% of the e-hailing users in Nigeria are men. Among female users, the largest age group (39%) falls between 25 and 34 years, followed by 36% aged 35 to 44. Younger women aged 18 to 24 represent 18%, while those over 45 make up just 6%. In terms of usage frequency, 47% of all users reported taking rides several times per week, 12% said they use e-hailing daily, and 26% use it a few times a month. Only 14% reported rarely using the services. Ride-hailing adoption in Nigeria is driven by a young, urban, and digitally active population, with women representing the majority of users – the report states. The study also found that 81% of Nigerian passengers perceive ride-hailing as safer than alternative transport options. A majority of 96% choose ride-hailing when public transport feels unsafe, especially during late-night travel, in unfamiliar locations, or after drinking alcohol. 94% have booked rides for family or friends to ensure safe arrivals. About two-thirds (66%) believe ride-hailing reduces drunk driving by providing a dependable alternative. Key safety features identified by users as confidence boosters include real-time GPS tracking (62%), driver verification (58%), and trip sharing (49%). These elements contribute to the visibility, accountability, and traceability within the ride-hailing ecosystem. The survey encompassed major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, evaluating various safety dimensions from driver trust to vehicle conditions and situational risks. Bolt Nigeria General Manager Osi Oguah emphasized; The importance of the findings Safety is at the core of everything we do at Bolt. This research gives us valuable insight into how Nigerians experience and perceive safety when using ride-hailing. We’ll continue to invest in technology, partnerships, and awareness to ensure every ride on Bolt is not only affordable and reliable but also safe
Nigerian lawmakers engage crypto industry ahead of proposed Virtual Asset Law
The House of Representatives’ ad hoc Committee on Cryptocurrency recently met with key stakeholders from the crypto industry to discuss a proposed Virtual Asset Law aimed at regulating digital assets.The meeting brought together representatives including Senator Ihenyen, executive chair of the Virtual Assets Service Providers Association of Nigeria (VASPA), who urged lawmakers to end the era of fear surrounding crypto and adopt a unified legal framework for responsible innovation and adoption.Despite the Investment and Securities Act of 2025 recognizing digital assets as securities, tensions remain. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) still treats crypto with caution, limiting direct engagement with digital asset providers. This, combined with overlapping regulatory mandates among the CBN, SEC, and National Security Adviser (NSA), has created confusion and limited growth for startups.Senator Ihenyen stressed that the CBN cautious approach, though well-intentioned, fails to inspire confidence and that the ongoing web restrictions by the NSA contradict efforts to develop the sector and may violate various financial regulations.The proposed Virtual Asset Law aims to resolve these issues with key recommendations, which includes; If enacted, the law would transform Nigeria’s crypto landscape by integrating digital assets into the formal capital market system with clearer compliance and consumer protections.Lawmakers showed genuine engagement in understanding operators’ perspectives, and the committee is expected to continue consultations before drafting legislation, aiming for a harmonized legal framework with cross-agency support.