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JUST IN: Aero Contractors Puts Operations On Hold Over Economic Crisis

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Nigeria’s oldest airline, Aero Contractors, has temporarily suspended operations over economic crisis.

It was earlier reported that airlines in Nigeria have been lamenting the skyrocketing price and scarcity of aviation fuel, Jet A1, with many of them threatening to shut down.

In the statement announcing the suspension, the airline said the suspension of operation would take effect on July 20.

However, the statement said the temporary halting of operations “does not in any way affect the maintenance activities of the Approved Maintenance Organisation otherwise known as AeroMRO, the Approved Training Organisation also known as Aero Training School, the Helicopter and Charter Services operations.”

“This decision was carefully considered and taken due to the fact that most of our aircrafts are currently undergoing Maintenance, resulting in our inability to offer a seamless and efficient service to our esteemed customers.”

“We are working to bring these aircrafts back to service in the next few weeks, so we can continue to offer our passengers the safe, efficient, and reliable services that Aero Contractors is known for, which is the hallmark of Aero Contractors Company of Nig. Ltd.

“The past few months have been very challenging for the Aviation Industry and the airline operators in particular. With the high cost of maintenance, skyrocketing fuel prices, inflation, and forex scarcity resulting in high foreign exchange rates. These are among the major components of airline operations.

“In the meantime, we are working assiduously to return to service as quickly as possible, and do assure our esteemed customers and stakeholders of our determination, that our short absence will not create any major void in the market, as we are coordinating with our business partners to ensure minimum discomfort to ticket holders.

“As members of Spring Alliance (a commercial alliance with member airlines providing mutual support in the area of operations), we are liaising with our partner airlines to minimise the impact on our esteemed customers.

“Our customer service team will be working to help affected esteemed customers reach their destinations.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our esteemed customers and promise to return to service as soon as possible. “We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding at this time.”

BIG STORY

NCC Unveils Initiative To Combat Fraud, Spam Messaging

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The Nigerian Communications Commission has unveiled a draft regulatory framework aimed at addressing fraud, spam, and other challenges in the “Application-to-Person” messaging sector.

The telecom regulator made this announcement in a statement on Friday.

The proposed framework was introduced during a virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, a key step towards enhancing the sector’s integrity and ensuring a fair, transparent environment for all parties involved.

The draft framework, presented by the acting Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, seeks to regulate the A2P messaging space.

A2P messaging, used for notifications such as bank alerts, promotional campaigns, and government updates, has become a vital communication tool in Nigeria.

However, the sector faces significant challenges, including consumer protection concerns, fraud, and data privacy issues, as well as an unequal distribution of value within the ecosystem.

“The international A2P messaging space in Nigeria faces gaps that have led to issues such as fraud, spam, and data privacy concerns. These challenges threaten the sustainable growth of this communication tool,” the NCC said.

The regulator emphasised its commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring a secure, transparent environment for businesses, consumers, and service providers.

The proposed framework aims to address these challenges by protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and holding service providers accountable.

“This forum marks a pivotal step towards addressing these challenges,” the NCC said. “We are here to engage with all stakeholders—operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to refine the framework and ensure it meets the needs of the entire ecosystem.”

The NCC stressed the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in creating an effective regulatory environment.

The commission’s efforts are focused on promoting a sustainable A2P messaging ecosystem that enables business innovation, enhances communication efficiency, and supports Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.

Stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback and contribute ideas during the forum to help shape the final framework.

The NCC reiterated its commitment to creating a regulatory environment that supports innovation while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders in the A2P messaging sector.

For further updates, the NCC urged stakeholders to remain engaged throughout the regulatory process, stressing the importance of cooperation in shaping the future of A2P messaging in Nigeria.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Oil Marketers Reduce Petrol Price By 11.8% To N939.50 Per Litre

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Oil marketers sourcing “Premium Motor Spirit”, “PMS”, also known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery have reduced the price by 11.8 percent to N939.50 per litre, down from N1,060 per litre.

As of Thursday, December 19, petrol was still being sold at N1,060 per litre in Lagos and surrounding areas.

However, by Friday, MRS, a leading marketer, along with others, had adjusted their prices, now selling at N939.50 per litre.

It’s worth noting that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had earlier lowered the ex-pump price of petrol to N899.50 per litre, down from N970 per litre.

According to the refinery, this price reduction is intended to offer much-needed relief to Nigerians ahead of the holiday season.

Anthony Chiejina, the Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Group, made this announcement.

“To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on “PMS” (“petrol”). From today, our petrol will be available at N899.50 per litre at our truck loading gantry or SPM,” Chiejina said.

‘‘Furthermore, for every litre purchased on a cash basis, consumers will have the opportunity to buy another litre on credit, backed by a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank.”

 

More to come…

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BIG STORY

EFCC Allocates N18bn For Allowances, N5bn For Travels In Proposed 2025 Budget

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to allocate N18 billion for allowances in 2025.

This figure is part of the proposed 2025 budget currently under consideration and awaiting approval by the national assembly.

As per the appropriation bill, the EFCC’s total budget for 2025 stands at approximately N62.2 billion.

This budget includes personnel costs (N38.6 billion), overheads (N20.9 billion), and capital expenditure (N2.2 billion).

Within the allowance budget, N1.7 billion is designated for “non-regular allowances,” while “regular allowances” are set at N16.7 billion.

Other proposed expenditures for the EFCC include welfare packages (N1.4 billion), fuel and lubricants (N2 billion), financial charges (N1.2 billion), construction and provision of office buildings (N1.1 billion), and maintenance services (N2.1 billion).

The EFCC also plans to allocate N4.9 billion for “local travel and transport,” with “international travel and transport” expected to cost N1.7 billion.

The proposed budget includes N800 million for the purchase of fixed assets.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu unveiled the N49.7 trillion 2025 “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Rebuilding Prosperity.”

In his address to the national assembly, Tinubu stated that it was time “we rewrite Nigeria’s narrative together.”

The primary focus of next year’s budget will be the defence, infrastructure, health, and education sectors.

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