NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Pension remittance defaulters to be blacklisted from Nov. 30 – PenCom
Economy/Business

Pension remittance defaulters to be blacklisted from Nov. 30 – PenCom

135 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has warned that organisations failing to comply with pension remittance obligations will be blacklisted starting Nov. 10.

 

 

 

The Director-General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, issued the warning during the commission’s second-quarter media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.

 

 

 

Oloworaran noted that this was to reinforce PenCom’s adoption of its zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with the Pension Reform Act of 2014.

 

 

 

She said, “Moving on, it is now zero tolerance for non-compliance with the pension reform act of 2014. Effective immediately, PenCom has launched an uncompromising compliance drive to ensure the pension reform act is complied with by every operator.

 

 

 

“Every organisation, public, private, big or small, must comply with pension remittance obligations. No exceptions, no delays.

 

 

 

“All Pension Fund Administrators and Custodians have been directed to ensure every vendor, service provider and counterparty have a valid Pension Clearance Certificate (PCC) that evidences that they have been up to date and compliant with pension contribution.

 

 

 

“By November 30 this year, any entity without a PCC will be blacklisted and cut off from pension business with all PenCom regulated entities.

 

 

 

“This directive also extend to banks, investment counterparty, parent companies and shareholders of licensed pension funds administrators and custodians.

 

 

 

“All pension fund affiliated entities must enforce the pension clearance certificate requirements across their operators and across all ecosystem and submit our compliance attestations.

 

 

 

“We are drawing the red line, pension compliance is no longer optional, it is existential. Only those who value the future of their employees can participate in this ecosystem and the reward that it offers.”

 

 

 

Oloworaran noted that the commission was seriously committed to rejigging the pension industry to achieve a more robust and inclusive system that supports sustainable economic development.

 

 

 

She said earlier in May, PenCom convened an inaugural pension industry leadership retreat with the theme, ‘Sustainable Retirement: A Strategic Blueprint for Economic Development and Inclusion’.

 

 

 

She explained that four clear pillars emerged from the strategy session.

 

 

 

“First, was infrastructure financing. Long-term pension funds should drive real economic growth and pension fund contributors and retirees deserve real returns.

 

 

 

“This means investment only in the risk, transparent and brand capable products, no shortcuts and no excuses,” she said.

 

 

 

Oloworaran listed the second pillar as legislative partnership, noting that the commission was establishing a Pension Legislature Working Group.

 

 

 

She said that the group would work with lawmakers to institutionalise needed reforms and strengthen the legal framework governing the pension sector.

 

 

 

“The third pillar was the diversification of pension assets. We are revising the investment regulations to open up access to a broader range of alternative asset classes.

 

 

 

“This will be done with full regard for transparency and reinforced risk management,” she said.

 

 

 

The PenCom boss said the fourth pillar focused on revolutionising the micro pensions scheme, which had now been rebranded as the Personal Pension Plan.

 

 

 

“This plan has been re-engineered for scale, technology enablement, and deep penetration into the informal sector.

 

 

 

“We are resetting the industry’s strategic compass,” Oloworaran said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Pension Fund Assets rise to N23.33trn in Q1 2025 — PenCom  
Economy/Business

Pension Fund Assets rise to N23.33trn in Q1 2025 — PenCom  

122 total views today

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

National Pension Commission (PenCom) says the total assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) rose to N23.33 trillion as at March 31.

 

 

 

Mr Saleem Abdulrahman, Director of Surveillance, PenCom, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos.

 

 

 

Abdulrahman said that the figure represented an increase of N820 billion when compared with the N22.51 trillion recorded as of Dec. 31, 2024.

 

 

 

He attributed the growth in pension assets to additional contributions from Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders and investment income, including gains from the appreciation of equity prices and interest income on fixed-income securities.

 

 

 

Breaking down the pension assets, he said the Retirement Savings Account Funds I–VI accounted for N17.90 trillion or 76.73 per cent of the total pension assets.

 

 

 

He said Existing Schemes accounted for N2.77 trillion or 11.87 per cent while Closed Pension Funds accounted for N2.66 trillion or 11.40 per cent.

 

 

 

“The Pension Fund Assets were mainly invested in Federal Government Securities which accounted for 62.09 per cent of the total Pension Assets as at March 31.

 

 

 

“This is followed by domestic ordinary shares with 11.02 per cent and money market instruments which accounted for 8.91 per cent.

 

 

 

“The Industry portfolio reported annualised year to date performance of 19.29 per cent as at 31 March 2025.

 

 

 

“The commission in collaboration with Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) is organising a workshop on Investment in Alternative Assets, for Chairpersons of the Board Investment Strategy and Risk Management Committees of PFAs.

 

 

 

“The workshop is part of the strategic initiative of the commisison to promote a diversified and safer pension fund investment portfolio in order to enhance the performance of the pension portfolios,” he said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NSE unveils mobile app to boost coordination, national development
General News

NSE unveils mobile app to boost coordination, national development

176 total views today

 

 

 

By Angela Atabo

 

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has launched a mobile app to help coordinate its members’ activities, support national development, and tackle the problem of unqualified practitioners in the profession.

 

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), launched the app on Thursday in Abuja and commended NSE for the innovation, calling it a milestone in local content development.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the app is designed to enable NSE members to access information, register for projects, and participate in community impact initiatives in support of national development.

 

Inuwa, represented by Mr Salisu Kaka, Director, E-Government and Digital Economy Department at NITDA, said the app would support engineers in delivering on their mandate while also contributing to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

 

He urged the NSE not to limit the innovation to internal use but to share its benefits widely to address broader national challenges.

 

“This innovation aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s digital public infrastructure agenda, a framework aimed at unifying digital service delivery across government institutions for more efficient public services and economic growth.

 

“These digital public goods are technologies developed to solve societal problems. What NSE has done qualifies as such and, with collaboration, it can be adapted and exported to other sectors,” he said.

 

Inuwa noted that the engineering profession is fundamentally about problem-solving, and many of the challenges engineers address are common across sectors and locations.

 

He expressed optimism that, with slight modifications, the app could also be used to tackle similar issues in other industries.

Speaking at the event, NSE President and Chairman-in-Council, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, said the app would improve coordination within the Society by keeping members informed of activities at both the national and branch levels.

 

Oguntala explained that the platform would also promote greater member involvement in social impact initiatives.

 

“Members will now be able to register for community-impact projects and training programmes directly through the app,” she said.

 

She added that the app would serve as a practical tool in the fight against quackery in the engineering profession.

 

“If someone approaches me for a job, I can quickly log into the app to confirm whether the person is a registered NSE member.

 

“If not, the person is also unlikely to be registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). This will help us to curb the activities of quacks in the profession.

 

“Eventually, we plan to develop a system that allows even non-members to verify registered engineers before awarding jobs,” she said.

 

Oguntala described the mobile application as a contribution to national development, saying it reflects the society’s embrace of digital transformation and its alignment with the digital agenda of the current administration. (NAN)

 

Edited by Tosin Kolade

National security: Forum urges FG to recruit forest guards
General News

National security: Forum urges FG to recruit forest guards

219 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kazeem Akande

 

The National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF) has urged the Federal Government to recruit Forest Guards to address the security crisis, particularly in Benue.

 

 

 

Mr Oladotun Hassan, the forum’s National Leader, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, urging concrete reforms from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 

 

 

He said it was time to overhaul Nigeria’s security framework and prioritise Forest Guard recruitment, increased intelligence funding, and better coordination among security agencies.

 

 

 

Hassan stressed the need to modernise military equipment and improve synergy among the armed forces, police, and intelligence services.

 

 

 

He called for improved welfare packages for security personnel to prevent corruption and ensure morale remains high in tackling insecurity.

 

 

 

According to him, the government must provide scholarships, free healthcare, and competitive salaries to match what is obtainable in the U.S. army.

 

 

 

Hassan also demanded swift justice for those behind the Benue massacre, including any public officials or security personnel found to be complicit.

 

 

 

He urged the Federal Government to begin genuine dialogue and reconciliation efforts to address the root causes of violence in Benue and other parts of Nigeria.

 

 

 

He said President Tinubu should resolve the herder-farmer conflicts and land disputes through the Nigeria Inter-Ethnic Nationalities Peace Commission.

 

 

 

The forum also urged the government to enhance regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the illegal flow of arms across Nigeria’s borders.

 

 

 

Hassan decried the killings in the Yelwata community of Benue, where scores of people were killed.

 

 

 

He asked the President to assess the situation critically and respond decisively to the crisis in Benue and other affected states.

 

 

 

Hassan called for immediate recruitment of able-bodied youths from vulnerable communities into Forest Guard units.

 

 

 

He also recommended creating a National Joint Regional Security Task Force Network Agency to complement existing security efforts.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu has directed the Benue and Nasarawa governments to set up a peace committee.

 

 

 

The President gave the directive during a town hall meeting with Benue stakeholders as part of efforts to end the recurring violence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Faluyi urges Registrars to uphold academic integrity
Education

Faluyi urges Registrars to uphold academic integrity

229 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Milicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The immediate past Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mrs Olubunmi Faluyi, has urged university registrars to uphold academic integrity and not compromise educational standards.

 

 

 

Faluyi made this call during her presentation at the Trinity University Registry Lecture Series held on Thursday at the City Campus in Yaba.

 

 

 

The event, with the theme ‘Responding to the Dynamics of Change in University Governance: The Strategic Role of the Registrar’, addressed contemporary issues in academic administration.

 

 

 

She noted that maintaining academic integrity is crucial in enhancing education quality and tackling challenges like plagiarism and fraudulent academic institutions.

 

 

 

Faluyi stressed the need for vigilance regarding academic practices, especially concerning institutions both locally and internationally.

 

 

 

She encouraged registrars to develop sustainable strategies that would strengthen university administrative frameworks in line with global best practices.

 

 

 

“Registrars must align with global standards to enhance their institutions’ administrative capacity and respond effectively to emerging governance demands,” she said.

 

 

 

Faluyi highlighted the evolving landscape of university governance, citing policy shifts, technological change, and rising stakeholder expectations.

 

 

 

“The Registry must act as custodian of institutional memory, anchor of regulatory compliance, and enabler of governance reforms,” she added.

 

 

 

She said the Registry’s strategic role ensures continuity, stability, and responsiveness during institutional transformations.

 

 

 

Looking ahead, she described the Registry not merely as an administrative arm but as a key player in shaping university governance.

 

 

 

“Its contribution to a culture of excellence, integrity and responsiveness will be vital in meeting future challenges,” she said.

 

 

 

In his remarks, Trinity University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Clement Kolawole, said the lecture would enrich the institution’s academic and administrative culture.

 

 

 

Kolawole urged government to revisit the policy excluding private universities from benefiting from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

 

 

 

He described the exclusion as a major challenge, noting that private universities also play significant roles in the education sector.

 

 

 

He called on policymakers to review the fund’s eligibility criteria to include private institutions and promote inclusive development.

 

 

 

“Our students are Nigerians, and their parents are taxpayers like those in public universities.

 

 

 

“Including private universities in TETFund would boost infrastructure and research, and ensure fairer resource distribution,” he noted.

 

 

 

He added that this would help raise the quality of education and enhance graduates’ global competitiveness.

 

 

 

In his opening remarks, the institution’s Registrar, Mr David Oyejide, said the event was designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and professional engagement.

 

 

 

He described the lecture as an annual initiative to promote collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and adapt to emerging academic trends.

 

 

 

He added that the event will support professional development and continuous learning among registry staff.

 

 

 

“This initiative reflects our commitment to professionalism, one of our university’s core values,” Oyejide said.

 

 

 

He stressed the vital role administrators play in university growth and policy implementation.

 

 

 

Oyejide described the Registry as the backbone of the institution, ensuring smooth operations and safeguarding academic records.

 

 

 

He said the lecture’s theme was chosen to reflect the evolving responsibilities of registrars in governance reform.

 

 

 

The event was attended by registrars from institutions including UNILAG, YABATECH, and Redeemer’s University. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

WAPA charges Lagos youth on innovation
General News

WAPA charges Lagos youth on innovation

118 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

Mrs Bolaji Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has urged young people to embrace creativity and innovation to thrive in their careers.

 

 

 

She gave this charge on Wednesday during a programme organised by the Ministry to mark the 2025 World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) in Lagos.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WCID, celebrated globally on April 21, raises awareness of creativity’s key role in human development.

 

 

 

Dada emphasised that thinking outside the box fosters a resilient and progressive society, urging youth to apply creativity and innovation in all aspects of life.

 

 

 

She noted that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration continues to invest in skills acquisition and vocational training for women and young people.

 

 

 

“In today’s fast-changing world, creativity is essential — from business to technology — the strength of ideas and original thinking cannot be overstated,” she said.

 

 

 

She described this year’s WCID theme, ‘Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress,’ as both timely and uplifting for the Ministry’s ongoing mission.

 

 

 

The Ministry, she said, aims to empower and transform lives through skill-building, education, and innovation across the state.

 

 

 

“Our skills acquisition centres have become innovation hubs, nurturing ordinary people into exceptional talents,” she added.

 

 

 

Dada called on the private sector, NGOs, and development partners to collaborate with the Ministry to expand platforms for creativity to flourish.

 

 

 

She praised the instructors at the skills centres for their dedication to passing on valuable knowledge and practical skills to their students.

 

 

 

She also encouraged those who showcased their crafts during the training to remain committed and continue honing their skills.

 

 

 

“We are proud to display the remarkable talents of our students in trades like fashion, catering, carpentry, beadwork, and digital technology.

 

 

 

“These young artisans and creatives represent the future we envision — one driven by innovation, inclusion, and economic empowerment.

 

 

 

“We must understand that innovation grows where support, mentorship, and investment are present.

 

 

 

“Let’s equip our youth with tools, opportunities, and confidence to imagine, create, and achieve great things,” she said.

 

 

 

Also speaking, Mrs Joy Ikpea, the resource person at the event, urged youth to distinguish themselves through creativity and innovative approaches.

 

 

 

She described innovation as the country’s “new crude oil” and encouraged young people to tap into its potential to succeed.

 

 

 

“What sets you apart in a crowd doing the same job is your creativity and uniqueness.

 

 

 

“The world isn’t waiting for excuses — it wants to see what you’re doing differently,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Victor Adeoti / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Ernest Shonekan Centre, NBA-SBL partner for legal reforms
General News

Ernest Shonekan Centre, NBA-SBL partner for legal reforms

123 total views today

 

 

By Adebola Adegoke

 

The Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development (ESC) and the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

 

 

 

The agreement aims to strengthen legal and economic reforms in Nigeria for improved competitiveness and inclusive business growth.

 

 

 

At Thursday’s ceremony in Lagos, both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to a responsive legal environment that boosts investment and economic development.

 

 

 

Mr Kyari Bukar, Chairman of ESC, said the agreement formalises nearly ten years of collaboration between both organisations.

 

 

 

He stated they had consistently shared expertise, held discussions, and launched initiatives to enhance Nigeria’s business landscape.

 

 

 

“This is not merely ceremonial; it solidifies a strategic alliance for legislative, judicial, and regulatory reform supporting economic transformation,” Bukar said.

 

 

 

He described the ESC as a platform for legal reform and economic progress, focused on evidence-based policy, institutional capacity, and regulatory modernisation.

 

 

 

Bukar added that the partnership reflects a shared belief that strong legal frameworks are vital for a competitive economy.

 

 

 

He cited the joint production of an Economic Impact Assessment Report which led to the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER).

 

 

 

That initiative, he said, enabled major reforms like the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Arbitration and Mediation Act.

 

 

 

He added that the collaboration requires courage, consistency, and commitment—qualities shared by both organisations.

 

 

 

Mrs Ozofu Ogiemudia, Chair of NBA-SBL, highlighted the need for sound legal and regulatory systems to attract investment and promote innovation.

 

 

 

She said the agreement marks a major step in creating a better business climate and fostering sustainable economic growth.

 

 

 

“Our country’s progress has long been obstructed by legislative and judicial bottlenecks.

 

 

 

“With this partnership, we begin to tackle those issues directly and systematically,” Ogiemudia added.

 

 

 

She explained the MoU provides a framework for joint advocacy, policy research, and capacity building to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions.

 

 

 

According to her, the alliance will push for better business practices, transparency, and accountability across sectors.

 

 

 

“It includes engaging regulators, identifying legislative gaps, and providing timely insights to policymakers,” she said.

 

 

 

Dr Uchenna Ogbonna, ESC’s Executive Director, noted that the collaboration will ensure legal and business reforms attract foreign investment.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ESC was set up by the NESG in 2023 to promote reforms that improve Nigeria’s business environment.

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NIFST intensifies food safety awareness in Lagos market
General News

NIFST intensifies food safety awareness in Lagos market

152 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Lagos Chapter, has intensified efforts to promote food safety awareness among market vendors and consumers in Lagos State.

 

The state Chairman of NIFST, Mrs Kikelomo Amoreoluwa, made this known at a food safety awareness programme organised by the institute at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin.

 

She said the initiative was part of their ongoing celebration of the World Food Safety Day, observed globally on June 7.

 

Amoreoluwa highlighted the institute’s commitment to educating the public about the dangers of unsafe food practices.

 

“This programme is aimed at interacting with everyone in the food value chain, from aggregators to street food vendors.

 

“This market visit is the third event in our series of awareness programmes, following radio appearances and a webinar designed to reach a broader audience across Nigeria,” she said.

 

She stressed the need to sensitise both market vendors, aggregators and consumers that if food was not safe, then it was no longer food, but poison to the body.

 

Citing instances, she said some sharp practices that could lead to food contamination and illness include the use of harmful chemicals such as sniper on dried products, such as beans and fish to deter insects.

 

She added that some market vendors used detergents to soak cassava.

 

“Another sharp practice is ripening fruits like plantains and bananas with carbide, and washing oranges with soapy water instead of plain water with a little salt or vinegar,” Amoreoluwa said.

 

She further stressed the importance of proper food preservation, citing a tragic case of food poisoning due to inadequately warmed food, leading to a young man’s death.

 

Amoreoluwa also spoke on food fraud, where vendors try to clean and re-sell moldy rice by rinsing it and using oil to make it appear shiny.

 

On government efforts, she noted that more needed to be done in the area of food safety awareness.

 

The chairman urged the government to enhance awareness efforts through collaboration with institutes such as NIFST to support regular advocacy programmes across radio, print, and social media.

 

She also highlighted a new Federal Ministry of Health guideline requiring food handlers to undergo medical tests twice a year to screen for conditions such as hepatitis A and typhoid, which would prevent them from handling food.

 

Also, Mrs Yetunde Popoola, the Street Food Safety Committee Chairman at NIFST, reiterated the purpose of the World Food Safety Awareness Programme at Ojuwoye Market.

 

Popoola stated that the initiative, themed “Food Safety Science in Action”, was aimed at enlightening and sensitising food handlers about the implications of sharp practices.

 

“All that we are doing is to reach the grassroots and let them know that if it is not safe, it is not food,” she said

 

She highlighted that these unsafe practices could harm consumers, including the vendors’ families.

 

Also, a member of NIFST, Olasumbo Olagoke-Komolafe, elaborated on the programme’s objectives, stressing the importance of food hygiene and the need for food vendors to understand the science behind safe food handling.

 

Olagoke-Komolafe highlighted the critical role of proper hand washing, maintaining a clean environment, and storing perishable goods on elevated surfaces rather than on the floor.

 

She also highlighted the dangers of leaving cooked food exposed to flies, and called for more consistent and widespread campaigns beyond just the World Food Safety Day.

 

Mrs Tomilayo Kayode, Head of Inspectorate Environmental and Occupational Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, commended NIFST for the awareness programme.

 

Kayode noted that many market people were unaware of the significance of the World Food Safety Day and the importance of food hygiene.

 

She emphasised that food safety would prevent illnesses and food borne diseases.

 

Kayode disclosed that her unit inspects workplaces and marketplaces, kitchens and food storage facilities regularly and demands medical certificates of fitness from food handlers.

 

Also, Mrs Esther Uwah, Chairman Professional Association of Public Health Nurses, Lagos State Chapter, described the food safety awareness programme as a noble initiative that should be done regularly to address epidemics caused by poor hygiene practices.

 

Uwah expressed concern over the relationship between meat sellers and fruit sellers, especially the risk of cross-contamination from flies and poor food handling practices.

 

She also highlighted the impact of inadequate electricity supply on food safety, noting that temperature fluctuations could cause food spoilage.

 

”There is a need for consistent power supply and affordable food prices to promote safe food handling practices, ”she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Redefining tourism key to Nigeria’s economic growth – Experts
Economy/Business

Redefining tourism key to Nigeria’s economic growth – Experts

172 total views today

 

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Experts have stressed the need to redefine Nigeria’s tourism sector citing its potential to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, boost foreign exchange earnings, and drive long-term socioeconomic development.

They made the call at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Hotel and Tourism Group seminar on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event was: “Redefining Tourism and Hospitality Industry for Sustainable Economic Development.”

 

The Executive Director, West Africa Tourism Organisation, Mr Hassan Zakari, said tourism and hospitality offered a key path to sustainable growth and jobs.

 

Zakari quoted that the sector had the potential to tap into a global market supporting over 41 million jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

 

Zakari said Nigeria had a unique opportunity to reshape tourism by embracing sustainable, technology-driven models and moving beyond outdated approaches.

 

He noted that the country’s hotel revenue was projected to reach $1.67 billion by end of 2025, representing a robust recovery and expansion from pandemic lows.

 

“This figure demonstrate the sector’s remarkable resilience and growth potential, with strong demand fundamentals supporting continued investment despite macroeconomic challenges,” he said.

 

Zakari said key challenges facing the sector included exchange rate volatility, insecurity perceptions, skill gaps and infrastructure deficits.

 

He called for coordinated action from government, private stakeholders, and international partners to unlock its full potential.

 

“With coordinated efforts, the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority expects the sector to surpass $12 billion in annual revenue by 2026, significantly boosting national economic growth,” he said.

 

The President, LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, represented by the Deputy President, LCCI, Mr Leye Kupoluyi, said tourism and hospitality had emerged globally as key economic drivers.

 

He said they contributed to not only to Gross Domestic Product but also to employment, cultural preservation, and foreign exchange earnings.

 

Idahosa, however, noted that in spite of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, vast landscape, and entrepreneurial population, its tourism sector remained under-leveraged.

 

He said Nigeria must begin with a candid assessment of the structural and operational challenges impeding progress to redefine the tourism and hospitality industry.

 

He said the country must have a unified tourism brand or digital strategy to showcase its unique assets, improve infrastructure and shore up its security architecture to boost tourists’ interests.

 

“There should be a global media campaign branded “Destination Nigeria: Safe, Diverse, Beautiful.”

 

“We also call for the enactment of governance reforms by creating a National Tourism Council under the Presidency to harmonise policies and streamline investment approvals, while also introducing a Tourism Investment Promotion Act with fiscal incentives.

 

“Nigeria must embrace technology by supporting tourism-tech startups, offering smart tourism portals, and digital booking systems that enhance traveler experience and collect valuable data for decision-making, ” he said.

 

Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director, Sales and Marketing, Eko Hotels and Suites, said to awaken the huge tourism potential, Nigeria must embrace a new approach rooted in authenticity, driven by innovation, and fortified by strategic collaboration.

 

Gbadebo noted that Nigeria’s story had largely been told by others, often painted with a brush of sensationalism and negativity, meanwhile the nation was bursting with stories of resilience, creativity, and triumph.

 

“We have a globally influential music and

film industry, a fashion scene that sets trends worldwide, and a rich, diverse history that is as compelling as any other civilization on earth and these are the assets we must leverage,” she said.

 

Gbadebo added that young Nigerians must henceforth be empowered to see tourism as a career path that spanned hotel management, culinary arts, digital marketing and policy development.

 

She emphasised the need to work with universities and vocational schools to align curriculum with market realities, ensuring that Nigeria was building the workforce of tomorrow, today.

 

Mrs Abiola Ogunbiyi, Chairperson, Hotel and Tourism Group, represented by Dr Tunde Lawrenson, the group’s Deputy Chairman, said Nigeria must begin to globally noise about its tourism offers and potential.

 

Ogunbiyi noted that the country’s movie industry, Nollywood, was where it was today because of its awareness drive and information about its rewards and possibilities.

 

She also emphasised the need to shore up shortages in tourism infrastructure, saying that a sustainable tourism sector could provide sustainable alternative to the country’s oil dependency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Air Peace gets Heathrow grant, begins Abuja-London flight Oct. 26
Aviation

Air Peace gets Heathrow grant, begins Abuja-London flight Oct. 26

216 total views today

 

 

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

 

 

 

Air Peace Airline has announced the commencement of Abuja to Heathrow Airport in London on Oct. 26 after receiving grant from the British authority.

 

The Chairman of the airline, Dr Allen Onyema, made the announcement at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

 

Onyema disclosed that the grant was as a result of the confidence the international aviation community has in the airline.

 

He also announced that before the end of the year, the airline would add Congo, Garbon and Brazzaville to its schedule.

 

Onyema said that flights from Abuja to London Heathrow would be four times weekly, with Lagos to London Gatwick three times weekly.

 

He also said there would be direct flights to the Caribbean, particularly Antigua in September, and later, to Barbados.

 

The airline boss assured increased fleet capacity of Boeing 777, wide bodied aircraft acquisition as a result of the dry lease financing, among other new aircraft to match the schedules.

 

According to him, the airline has 36 outrightly purchased aircraft and four on wet lease, with new aircraft expected soon.

 

He assured passengers of on-time services, saying “since May 12, we have posted over 85 per cent on-time performance.

 

“For the new Air Peace you are about to see, we assure our passengers of on-time services and we are upgrading our Customer Service.”

 

On flight delays and cancellations, Onyema said 94 per cent were not caused by the airline but external forces.

 

He identified the causes as: weather, infrastructure, bird strikes, inadequate landing equipment, sunset airports, unruly passengers, animal strikes, among others.

 

He explained that “in the last five years, we recorded 100 bird strikes; this year alone, over 30 bird strikes, these strikes will affect other flights scheduled for that day.

 

“We do not cancel for the fun of it, we cancel when necessary”, he said.

 

Onyema noted that the airline has international validations because of its safety measures.

 

He also announced that the airline would restart the China route soon, as well as other regional and international routes.

 

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for ensuring ease of doing business in the industry.

 

He added that “the sector had never had it so good, as Nigeria would soon take delivery of dry lease aircraft as a result of the doggedness of the minister.”

 

He expressed the hope that Nigerians would patronise and support the airline.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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