The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has accused Qatar Airways of mistreating Nigerian flyers and flouting consumer protection rules. The regulatory body warns the airline will face strict sanctions if such actions continue. The aviation watchdog disclosed the matter in a statement by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection at NCAA, on Friday via his official X account. The latest event involves a Nigerian traveler who was accused by a Qatar Airways cabin attendant of inappropriate conduct during boarding in Lagos for a flight routed through Doha to the United States. Instead of addressing the allegation locally, claims surfaced only after the passenger arrived in Doha, where he was detained for about 18 hours, fined, and consented to signing documentation written exclusively in Arabic. The airline subsequently denied him passage, compelling him to purchase a new ticket, causing huge financial and reputational damage. Achimugu condemned the airline’s disregard for Nigerian laws under Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, stating the behavior will no longer be tolerated. He said that while boarding, a female crew member alleged that a male passenger travelling with his wife touched her improperly. The complaint was only made upon reaching Doha, leading to his arrest and extended detention. He added that the airline’s selective respect for regulations, in contrast to adherence in Europe and other regions, is unacceptable. The NCAA emphasized its dual role in safeguarding both airlines and passengers, with Director-General Captain Chris Najomo firm enforcing consumer rights and imposing heavy fines on erring carriers. The authority also revealed that Qatar Airways’ country manager neglected to attend a summoned meeting, sending junior staffers instead. The airline has reportedly ignored NCAA’s investigative notices and failed to resolve escalated customer grievances. Achimugu reaffirmed Nigeria’s rules must be upheld just like international standards, warning that falsifying information or ignoring regulatory orders constitutes a breach of law. The Nigerian bilateral air service agreements (BASAs) demand compliance, he stressed. Furthermore, Royal Air Maroc and Saudi Air have been similarly warned and face penalties if they disregard guidelines.
Lagride eyes 70% share of Lagos e-hailing market with electric vehicle expansion
Lagride, the e-hailing firm supported by Lagos State, announced plans to capture at least 70% of the local ride-hailing market by boosting its fleet with 100 new electric vehicles (EVs). The main purpose for this addition is to deploy over 3,000 EVs across the next three years, aligning with Lagos’ drive toward greener, more efficient transportation. The company aims to gain ground against rivals such as Uber, Bolt, and InDrive through this expansion. The newly acquired vehicles offer a range of 333 kilometers, enough to comfortably cover a round trip between Lagos and Ibadan without recharging. Lagride’s PR and Communications Lead, Ifeanyi Abraham, stated that the goal of the company is to transform the state’s mobility industry towards modern urban transit hubs like Dubai. He added that the vehicles were carefully selected to meet Lagos’ heavy transport demands, supported by dependable charging infrastructure for longer journeys. Riders will soon be able to choose between petrol and electric vehicles through an updated mobile app. Meanwhile, Lagride’s Executive Director, Adeniyi Saliu, revealed that the company’s growth will create thousands of new jobs in driver training, vehicle upkeep, and fleet management. Drivers will benefit from flexible ownership options spanning 18 months to four years, aimed at enhancing earnings and livelihoods. The company targets growing its fleet to 5,000 vehicles in three years, with more than 3,000 being electric, in order slash petrol dependence, cut running costs, and boost driver income. Last year, Lagos State entered a joint venture with CIG Motors Company Limited to procure 5,000 new vehicles for the Lagride fleet, including 1,000 electric cars. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described this project as part of his administration’s scheme to modernize public transportation with an integrated, sustainable system that replaces outdated vehicles.
Airtel Africa’s AI-powered system slashes spam SMS in Nigeria by 84%
Nigeria has experienced a dramatic 84 percent reduction in unsolicited text messages following the rollout of Airtel Africa’s advanced AI-driven spam detection platform. The free Spam Alert service, launched in March 2025, is helping millions stay safe from phishing and scamming texts in real time. Over the past six months, the campaign has flagged more than 205 million fraudulent messages across 13 African markets, with Nigeria recording the steepest decline. Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia also reported high volumes of intercepted spam texts. Instead of relying on traditional filtering, this pioneering program uses artificial intelligence to analyze each incoming SMS through over 250 criteria including sender identification, link patterns, messaging frequency, and regional oddities. Suspicious messages are quickly tagged with a “SPAM Alert” prefix, alerting subscribers without requiring additional apps or disrupting privacy, as message content is neither stored nor examined. Airtel’s CEO, Sunil Taldar, praised the project as a vital step toward securing Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem. He added that as smartphones use surges, Airtel’s innovative solution provides frontline protection against scams that target mobile money users and everyday consumers. Between March and May alone, Airtel Nigeria reported intercepting over 9.6 million dubious texts on its network, most originating from outside Airtel’s direct users. The detection tool operates in less than two milliseconds, delivering near-instant warnings across its markets, which presently include Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, and others. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) strongly supports this technological upgrade, emphasizing the importance of proactive collaboration in combating increasingly online threats. Dr. Aminu Maida, the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, noted, that this AI-based solution offers a crucial security layer in a landscape where spam and fraud continue to evolve.
SoftPro Mixer debuts in Kigali: Connecting Africa’s tech builders, innovators, and founders
Kigali, Rwanda, 30th August, 2025 – SoftPro Mixer, Africa’s premium networking hangout for tech professionals, innovators, and founders, successfully hosted its Kigali edition on 30th August 2025. The event brought together a vibrant community of software developers, designers, product leaders, and talent recruiters for an evening of collaboration, learning, and connection. The Kigali Mixer featured panel section, meet & Greet and networking sessions, and community conversations that explored the future of Africa’s tech ecosystem, collaboration across borders, and the role of local builders in shaping global innovation. Attendees enjoyed a relaxed, interactive atmosphere with food, drinks, and engaging discussions. Our mission with SoftPro Mixer is to create spaces where tech builders don’t just talk about innovation, but find partners, collaborators, and opportunities to bring their ideas to life. Hosting the event in Kigali was important because Rwanda is becoming a central hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Africa – said Young Ukpong , Founder of SoftPro Mixer & WAYLC Hub The event also provided a platform for startups and talent to connect with potential partners and opportunities, bridging the gap between local communities and global networks. Following the success of the Kigali edition, SoftPro Mixer will continue to expand across African cities and globally, building stronger communities for software professionals and innovators. For media inquiries, partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities for upcoming events, please contact: Media Contact: Founder, SoftPro Mixer Email: westafricanleaders@gmail.com WhatsApp: 09093928911 Call : 07036800080
MultiChoice secures approval to transfer spectrum licence to Canal+ in $3.17 billion takeover
MultiChoice Nigeria has received official clearance to hand over Orbicom’s electronic communications and radio frequency spectrum licences to Canal+. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) on August 28, 2025, approved the transfer, with the announcement made public on September 18. Orbicom, MultiChoice’s signal distribution arm, had applied to shift control of its Electronic Communications Service (I-ECS), Individual Electronic Communications Network Services (I-ECNS), and Radio Frequency Spectrum licences to Canal+ back in November 2024. The licences enable the holder to build and operate electronic communication networks, provide services via owned or third-party infrastructures, and utilize specific radio frequencies within designated areas. Icasa conducted a thorough review focusing on consumer interests, sector competition, and compliance with ownership regulations involving Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs), who are set to hold 40% of Canal+’s shares. This milestone clears a major hurdle in Canal+’s planned R55 billion (approx. $3.17 billion) acquisition of MultiChoice, which currently owns a 45.2% stake. To align with local Empowerment rules, MultiChoice is restructuring by creating LicenceCo, a separate entity that will be majority-owned by HDPs and employees. This move ensures adherence to the 30% Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) ownership requirement and includes a special dividend payment of R1.375 billion to HDP shareholders.
NIS launches central passport hub producing 5,000 passports daily
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a centralised passport personalisation centre in Abuja that can produce up to 5,000 passports daily, improving the processing capacity from the previous average of 250-300. During a visit to the new facility at the NIS headquarters, Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo hailed the establishment as a transformative step in Nigerian passport processing. For the first time since Nigeria’s independence, the issuance of travel documents is being managed through a single, centralised hub, enabling streamlined production and distribution. The advanced centre, developed in collaboration with IRISMAT Technologies Limited, uses cutting-edge machines capable of producing up to 1,000 passports per hour. This upgrade shortens waiting times drastically, with applicants now able to receive their passports within four to five hours, compared to the previous timeframes. The revamped system marks the reduction in processing backlogs that had plagued the service, including over 204,000 pending applications when the current administration took office. The automated design guarantees consistent and efficient handling, ensuring that taxpayers receive better value. This development promotes conformity with international standards, enhancing the credibility and security of Nigerian passports globally. While this technology-driven transformation promises unparalleled convenience and reliability in passport processing, it comes with revised fees. Daily Tech Nigeria reported that from September 1, 2025, the cost for a 32-page passport with 5-year validity doubled to ₦100,000, and a 64-page 10-year passport now costs ₦200,000. Despite the price increase, this development is expected to enhance service quality and benefit Nigerians both at home and abroad.