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Category: Business

  • Mbah hails 30-year concession of Enugu Airport, says deal will boost regional economy

    Mbah hails 30-year concession of Enugu Airport, says deal will boost regional economy

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has described the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to Aero Alliance Limited as a landmark achievement that will accelerate economic growth, attract investment and strengthen the South-East’s position as a major commercial hub.

    The Federal Government formally handed over the airport to Aero Alliance Limited on Thursday under a 30-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession.

    The handover ceremony, held at the airport’s new terminal, was performed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in the presence of aviation stakeholders, government officials and representatives of the concessionaire.

    Reacting to the development, Mbah described the occasion as a proud moment for Enugu State and the wider South-East region.

    “Today is a proud day for me and for Ndi Enugu,” the governor said in a statement issued on Thursday.

    “The Akanu Ibiam International Airport is more than a gateway to the South-East. It is a catalyst for commerce, connectivity, investment and economic growth.”

    He said the commencement of Aero Alliance Limited’s stewardship of the airport marked a significant milestone after more than two decades of efforts to secure a private concessionaire for the facility.

    According to Mbah, the 30-year concession will unlock greater economic opportunities, improve airport operations and reinforce Enugu’s position as a leading destination for business, tourism and investment.

    “As we continue to build strategic partnerships and invest in critical infrastructure, our focus remains clear: creating a more connected, competitive and prosperous future for our people,” he said.

    Industry analysts say the concession is expected to attract fresh investment, modernise airport infrastructure and improve service delivery, enhancing the airport’s status as an international gateway.

    The development also aligns with the Enugu State Government’s broader aviation strategy, which includes plans to commence direct cargo flight operations between Enugu and Guangzhou, China, later this year to boost trade, exports and regional economic integration.

  • Google’s open-source AI Gemma 4 surpasses 200 million downloads in 2.5 months

    Google’s open-source AI Gemma 4 surpasses 200 million downloads in 2.5 months

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, California (NPA) — Google DeepMind has announced that its Gemma 4 family of open artificial intelligence models has surpassed 200 million downloads just two and a half months after launch, highlighting growing adoption by developers, researchers and startups worldwide.

    The milestone was announced on Thursday by Olivier Lacombe, Google DeepMind’s Product Director and lead for Gemma and Gemini on-device, who described the achievement as a major endorsement of the company’s open AI strategy.

    “Gemma 4 just hit 200 million downloads in only 2.5 months,” Lacombe said.

    He noted that total downloads across the entire Gemma family stood at 100 million when Gemma 3 was launched, indicating a sharp acceleration in adoption following the release of Gemma 4.

    “The community’s acceleration is incredible. Thank you to everyone building with Gemma,” he added.

    Reflecting on the milestone, Lacombe said Google DeepMind created Gemma to make the research behind its Gemini models more accessible to the global open-source community.

    “When we built Gemma, our goal was to bring Google’s Gemini research to the open-science community in an accessible and highly capable package. Seeing this milestone today is both humbling and exhilarating,” he said.

    According to him, developers are deploying Gemma in a wide range of real-world applications, from lightweight AI agents to satellite-based technologies.

    Lacombe reaffirmed Google DeepMind’s commitment to open science and developer choice, describing Gemma 4 as another step in expanding access to advanced AI technologies.

    “At Google DeepMind, our commitment to open science and developer choice remains unwavering. Gemma 4 is just one step in this journey, and we are excited to keep iterating alongside you,” he said.

    He thanked developers, researchers and organisations that have downloaded, fine-tuned and built applications using the models, promising more innovations in the future.

    Gemma is Google’s family of lightweight, open AI models developed by Google DeepMind and built on the technology that powers its Gemini artificial intelligence platform.

  • Mbah hails Enugu DNA Forensics Centre as Africa’s first, boost for justice

    Mbah hails Enugu DNA Forensics Centre as Africa’s first, boost for justice

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has described the newly inaugurated Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI) as the first facility of its kind in Africa, saying it represents a major investment in justice administration, public safety and scientific innovation.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Mbah said the centre would strengthen criminal investigations, improve prosecution, support scientific research and help build a safer society.

    “The safety of our people and the future of our society depend not only on infrastructure, but also on strong institutions, innovation and knowledge,” the governor said.

    “The commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation, the first of its kind in Africa, is a major step in that direction.”

    According to him, the facility will enhance the use of modern forensic science in combating crime while providing advanced training for future forensic experts.

    “It is an investment in justice, security and the kind of future we are building for generations to come,” he added.

    The Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation is located at Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu.

    The facility was established through a partnership involving the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre.

    The centre is designed to provide scientific evidence for criminal investigations, support law enforcement agencies and strengthen Nigeria’s justice system through forensic DNA analysis.

    Its services include crime scene analysis involving fingerprints, footprints, blood, hair and other biological evidence, while also serving as a training and research hub for forensic scientists, medical professionals and students.

    Although located in Enugu, the facility is expected to serve law enforcement agencies and institutions across Nigeria.

    Mbah described the project as one of the most significant investments in the state’s security architecture, noting that it would leave criminals with fewer places to hide.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police also hailed the facility as a landmark initiative that would accelerate the integration of forensic science into Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

    Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, Mbah said every policy and project undertaken by his government was aimed at building a prosperous and globally competitive Enugu State.

    “Brick by brick, we are building the Enugu we will be proud to live in and proud to show the world,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu highlights Nigeria’s youth potential, welcomes Mastercard’s training for 5 million businesses

    JUST IN: Tinubu highlights Nigeria’s youth potential, welcomes Mastercard’s training for 5 million businesses

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured global investors that Nigeria’s youthful, tech‑savvy population remains the nation’s greatest asset, capable of integrating seamlessly into the global economy.

    Receiving Mastercard’s Global Chief Executive Officer, Michael Miebach, at the State House on Tuesday, the President welcomed the company’s proposal to train five million businesses and equip them with digital skills.

    He emphasised that ongoing reforms have repositioned Nigeria’s economy to empower youths and small enterprises, noting that the formalisation of the informal sector will unlock opportunities for investment, employment, and growth.

    Tinubu praised Mastercard’s longstanding presence in Nigeria, describing the firm as a trusted partner in financial management. He highlighted the importance of payment platforms for small and medium‑scale businesses and assured continued government support for initiatives that strengthen inclusivity and digital participation.

    Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele underscored that reforms in credit and payment systems align with Mastercard’s work in Nigeria, pointing to the digitisation of government services and the registration of over 10,000 informal businesses daily. He stressed that Nigeria’s large youth population and fintech ecosystem present vast opportunities for global firms.

    Miebach reaffirmed Mastercard’s commitment, citing the prevention of $200 million in fraud, facilitation of $2 billion in foreign exchange, and support for SMEs.

    He announced plans to empower 40 million small businesses with digital skills through a three‑year programme, alongside the establishment of a Cyber Centre of Excellence to address emerging risks.

    The meeting concluded with both sides pledging deeper collaboration to drive Nigeria’s digital economy, expand financial inclusion, and strengthen resilience in the global market.

  • JUST IN: Air Peace Chairman seeks aviation tax review, warns airlines under pressure

    JUST IN: Air Peace Chairman seeks aviation tax review, warns airlines under pressure

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Chairman and founder of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has called on the Federal Government to review taxes and charges imposed on airlines, warning that the current burden could threaten the sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

    Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, monitored by our correspondent on Tuesday, Onyema said excessive taxation was placing significant pressure on airline operators and could lead to the collapse of more carriers if urgent action was not taken.

    “You don’t use airlines to raise revenue directly for a nation. Airlines generate economic benefits indirectly through tourism, trade and other sectors,” he said.

    Onyema disclosed that airline operators were seeking an audience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss challenges facing the industry and advocate for reforms that would support growth and sustainability.

    According to him, the collapse of any major airline would have far-reaching consequences for the economy, including job losses and increased financial exposure for lending institutions.

    “If any airline goes down, the banks will take the hit,” he said.

    The Air Peace chairman urged the President to establish an aviation tax review committee comprising government officials, technocrats and industry stakeholders to examine existing charges and recommend reforms.

    He particularly criticised the five per cent passenger charge collected by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), describing it as unfair to operators.

    Onyema also addressed criticism over a recent Air Peace flight delay involving Nollywood actress Funke Akindele, explaining that the disruption was caused by a bird strike and safety concerns.

    According to him, the airline prioritises passenger safety above all considerations and would never operate a flight if safety could not be guaranteed.

    “Was there a bird strike? Yes. Did the captain come out to explain the situation to passengers? Yes,” he said.

    He explained that delays in baggage retrieval were subject to airport operational procedures and not solely within the airline’s control.

    Onyema further condemned cyberbullying and the spread of false information against the airline, warning that Air Peace would no longer tolerate deliberate misinformation capable of damaging its reputation.

    “Cyberbullying is a crime. You cannot peddle falsehood against an airline and go scot-free,” he said.

    The Air Peace founder highlighted the airline’s record of assisting Nigerians during emergencies, including evacuation missions and the repatriation of citizens stranded abroad.

    Reflecting on Air Peace’s intervention during xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Onyema said patriotism and national service had always guided his actions.

    “All my life, I have lived for this country. You cannot go to the grave with your money. I do it to encourage Nigerians to love their country,” he said.

    Commenting on recent anti-immigration protests and attacks on African migrants in South Africa, Onyema criticised acts of xenophobia and urged Nigerians to respond through economic competitiveness rather than hostility.

    “The kind of retaliation I want is for Nigeria to become stronger economically and attract investment. That is the best response,” he said.

  • JUST IN: Aiyedatiwa inaugurates committee to revive Olokola Free Trade Zone

    JUST IN: Aiyedatiwa inaugurates committee to revive Olokola Free Trade Zone

    AKURE, Nigeria (NPA) — Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has inaugurated a Technical Committee on the Olokola Free Trade Zone (OKFTZ), charging it to fast-track the revival of the long-delayed project and position the state as a leading destination for industrial investment in Africa.

    The governor said the committee would address critical legal, technical, infrastructural and community-related issues necessary for the reactivation of the project.

    In a statement issued on Monday, Aiyedatiwa described the inauguration as a decisive step towards unlocking the economic potential of the Olokola corridor.

    “For nearly two decades, the enormous potential of the Olokola corridor has remained largely untapped. Yet, our coastline holds immense opportunities for industrial growth, maritime development, investment attraction and job creation,” he said.

    The governor welcomed renewed interest by the Dangote Group in developing what is projected to become Nigeria’s largest industrial and free trade hub at Olokola.

    “With renewed interest from the Dangote Group, our administration is determined to ensure that all legal, technical, infrastructural and community-related issues are addressed with urgency and transparency,” he added.

    Aiyedatiwa said the committee had been given a clear mandate to accelerate processes required for the project’s revival and attract local and international investors to the state.

    According to him, the vision is to develop a world-class industrial ecosystem supported by modern infrastructure, independent energy solutions, efficient logistics and a business-friendly environment.

    He urged members of the committee to discharge their responsibilities with patriotism, diligence and integrity.

    “The future of Olokola is not just about infrastructure; it is about jobs, economic prosperity, industrialisation and sustainable development for generations of Ondo State citizens,” the governor said.

    Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming economic opportunities into tangible development and positioning Ondo State as a premier destination for investment and economic growth.

  • EU unveils €1.1bn transport infrastructure fund to boost connectivity

    EU unveils €1.1bn transport infrastructure fund to boost connectivity

    BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Commission has launched a €1.1 billion call for proposals to modernise and expand transport infrastructure across Europe under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

    The funding package, announced under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), is the final transport infrastructure call under the European Union’s 2021–2027 long-term budget framework.

    According to the Commission, the initiative will support major transport projects aimed at advancing high-speed rail development, strengthening maritime connectivity and improving military mobility across the bloc.

    The programme also prioritises rail transport, the decarbonisation of maritime operations and the removal of bottlenecks affecting military mobility.

    In addition, funding will support the electrification of road freight transport and airport ground operations, deployment of charging infrastructure in ports and the digitalisation of road transport systems.

    The Commission said the programme aligns with the EU’s industrial maritime and ports strategies, as well as its industrial action plan for the automotive sector.

    Ukraine and Moldova have also been included in the funding scheme, reflecting their growing transport integration with the European Union.

    The CEF serves as the EU’s flagship instrument for financing and implementing transport infrastructure projects under the TEN-T policy.

    The Commission said projects selected under the 2026 call would contribute to the development of smarter, more efficient and sustainable transport networks while enhancing interoperability and resilience across Europe.

    Applications for the funding programme will close on October 6, 2026.

    The Commission noted that the investment is expected to strengthen connectivity, support economic growth and accelerate the transition to greener transport systems across the continent.

  • JUST IN: Umahi urges cement manufacturers to cut prices, backs Tinubu’s infrastructure drive

    JUST IN: Umahi urges cement manufacturers to cut prices, backs Tinubu’s infrastructure drive

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has called on cement manufacturers across Nigeria to reduce the price of cement, saying the rising cost of the commodity is increasing pressure on infrastructure projects and triggering demands for contract variations.

    Umahi made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at the unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, in Lagos.

    The minister said the Federal Government would begin engagements with cement manufacturers from July 1 to address concerns over pricing.

    “I want to insist that Lafarge, now HBM, and other cement manufacturers should reduce their prices,” Umahi said.

    “We shall be engaging on this from July 1. Cement manufacturers must reduce their prices because contractors are pressuring us to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It is the manufacturers that should review their costs.”

    According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making significant investments in critical infrastructure nationwide, creating vast opportunities for manufacturers and investors.

    Umahi urged HBM and other industry players to expand production capacity to meet growing demand arising from ongoing infrastructure projects.

    He commended the company for its transition and renewed commitment to the Nigerian market, assuring it of the Federal Government’s support.

    “The market is smaller than what the President is doing. Expand your capacity because opportunities are enormous,” he said.

    The minister also highlighted major infrastructure projects being executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as evidence of the administration’s commitment to national development.

    According to him, the project has attracted international attention because of its scale and quality.

    “When international evaluators visited the project, they acknowledged its quality and significance. The project continues to draw interest from neighbouring countries,” Umahi said.

    He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s vision for the country, describing the administration’s economic and infrastructure agenda as achievable and transformative.

    “I want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership. The President is committed to repositioning this country, and we remain on course to deliver the vision for the benefit of Nigerians,” he added.

  • Brazil grants Air Peace approval for scheduled flight operations across its network

    Brazil grants Air Peace approval for scheduled flight operations across its network

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Air Peace has received approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to operate scheduled passenger and cargo services to and from the South American country, marking a major milestone in the airline’s international expansion drive.

    The approval, contained in ANAC Ordinance No. 19.449/2026, authorises the Nigerian carrier to operate regular air services between Brazil and destinations across its network.

    The development paves the way for direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil by a Nigerian airline, further expanding Air Peace’s growing international footprint.

    The approval adds to the list of global destinations served by the airline as it pursues its long-term ambition of becoming a leading international carrier.

    The latest development comes as Air Peace prepares to launch new regional services from Lagos to Douala in Cameroon, Libreville in Gabon, Bamako in Mali and Conakry in Guinea from August 1, 2026.

    The airline said the new routes form part of its broader strategy to strengthen connectivity across West and Central Africa while promoting trade, tourism, investment and regional integration.

    Under the schedule, the Lagos–Douala–Libreville route will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

    The Lagos–Bamako–Conakry service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

    According to the airline, the additional destinations will further strengthen Lagos’ position as a major aviation hub connecting West and Central Africa to its extensive domestic and international network.

    Passengers travelling from the new destinations will also enjoy onward connections to major Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Owerri, Kano, Asaba, Ibadan, Yola, Maiduguri and Gombe.

    The expansion is also expected to improve access to Air Peace’s international destinations, including London Gatwick in the United Kingdom and Caribbean destinations such as Antigua and Barbados.

    Commenting on the development, the airline said the expansion reflects its commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable air transportation across Africa and beyond.

    “The launch of these new regional services underscores our commitment to connecting Africa through safe, reliable and affordable air transportation.

    “By expanding our footprint across West and Central Africa, we are facilitating commerce, tourism, investment and regional integration,” the airline stated.

    Air Peace noted that the expansion aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), both of which seek to improve connectivity and reduce travel barriers across the continent.

  • INEC under data protection scrutiny, says NDPC

    INEC under data protection scrutiny, says NDPC

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has disclosed that it twice requested the Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over allegations of data breaches.

    The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, made the disclosure during a media briefing in Abuja to mark the commission’s third anniversary.

    Olatunji said the requests were made following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 12, 2023, as part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral database.

    According to him, the commission treats all reported data breaches with urgency and professionalism, irrespective of whether the institutions involved are public or private.

    “There is no breach reported to us that we have not acted on, whether in government or private institutions,” he said.

    “For instance, INEC has been asked twice for its Records of Processing Activities. The matter is sensitive because the country is moving towards another election and it speaks to the credibility of the database.”

    He stressed that the commission was acting promptly because of the importance of maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

    The NDPC boss also revealed that the commission had investigated several organisations, including Meta, TikTok, Temu, Remita and Sterling Bank, insisting that no organisation was exempt from scrutiny.

    According to him, all organisations invited by the commission had cooperated fully with investigations.

    “I cannot remember any organisation that was invited and did not show up. All of them have appeared and engaged with us,” he said.

    Olatunji explained that the NDPC adopts a compliance-driven and developmental approach to regulation rather than focusing solely on sanctions.

    He said the commission evaluates organisations based on factors such as registration status, audit filings, data protection officers, privacy policies and technical safeguards before determining appropriate corrective measures.

    According to him, organisations with substantial compliance records are often directed to address identified gaps within a specified period and may be required to pay remediation fees instead of penalties.

    “The objective is compliance and not punishment. We do not want to stifle innovation or drive away investors,” he said.

    “Our law is a developmental law designed to stimulate sustainable growth.”

    Olatunji further disclosed that the commission’s dispute with Meta was the only case that proceeded to court after the company challenged a $32 million penalty imposed by the NDPC.

    He said the matter was eventually resolved through an out-of-court settlement after both parties agreed on measures to strengthen compliance and support data protection initiatives in Nigeria.

    According to him, the settlement was reached in the interest of the economy and millions of Nigerians who rely on Meta’s platforms for business and communication.

    “What we desire is compliance, not embarrassment or driving companies or investors away from Nigeria,” he said.

    “The agreement reached is a win-win situation that protects Nigerians and ensures responsible handling of personal data.”

    The NDPC commissioner reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to integrity, transparency and stakeholder collaboration in advancing data protection and privacy awareness across the country.