News
FG Demands Tougher Airline Penalties Over Flight Delays, Cancellations
The Federal Government, through the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, has urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to revisit a draft policy proposing stricter sanctions on airlines for the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations across the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and head of the CRDCU, Hadiza Bala-Usman, made this recommendation during a performance assessment meeting held at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Abuja on Wednesday.
The meeting was part of the ongoing review of the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables.
Details of the meeting were shared in a post on the CRDCU’s X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday.
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Bala-Usman emphasised the need for stronger measures to safeguard passengers from the inconveniences and financial losses caused by frequent flight disruptions.
She highlighted shortcomings in the Ministry’s stakeholder and customer engagement processes, noting that incomplete data on service delivery and complaints resolution hindered an accurate, independent assessment of progress.
In addition to advocating tougher penalties for erring airlines, Bala-Usman recommended revising the current 224-day target for resolving customer complaints, describing it as “unrealistic” and inconsistent with global standards.
The report noted: “She described this as critical given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and the impact on affected passengers.
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“She further recommended revising the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints, stating that it urgently requires recalibration to align with global best practices.”
Bala-Usman also called for a review of the timeline to ensure quicker and more effective dispute resolution for passengers.
In response, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, commended the CRDCU for its diligence and pledged to address the identified challenges.
Keyamo assured that his Ministry would intensify efforts to improve service delivery and uphold the highest standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
(PUNCH)
News
Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru
Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.
Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.
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La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.
The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.
He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.
News
Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.
DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.
A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria
“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.
“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.
“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.
News
N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.
The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.
At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.
Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.
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Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.
“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.
“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.
This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”
“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
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“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”
Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.
Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.
Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.
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