Business
FG vows to sanction airlines bringing passengers into Nigeria without valid visas

The Federal Government has threatened that any airline caught airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa, Landing, and Exit cards would be sanctioned.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this during a stakeholders’ engagement programme on the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing and Exit Cards on Friday in Lagos.
The Minister, who was emphatic on the Federal Government’s resolutions, vehemently said that Nigeria is not a dumping ground and that no foreigner should be allowed entry without a visa.
He added that although Nigeria was making entry more accessible with the introduction of the E-Visa, but the country would not compromise on national security.
He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on the enlightenment and enforcement of its oversight function as a regulator to ensure that airlines adhere to the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.
Tunji-Ojo further tasked airlines on national security, stating that the E-Visa was of national interest to improve border security, tourism, and sustainable economic growth.
He said, “I plead with the NCAA to regulate, that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the NCAA. I can see the DG of the NCAA on seat and that is what is called collaboration.
“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security. Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their Visas, not a proof of payment or their tickets.
“It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada, and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore,” he added.
Speaking on the ease of applying for the E-Visa and Landing and Exit cards, Tunji-Ojo said that it was necessary for the purpose of opening Nigeria’s frontiers to investors.
He disclosed that as of May 22nd, the NIS had received a total of 5,814 applications, approved 5,671, rejected 66, and queried 62 applications since the introduction of E-Visa on May 1.
According to him, the E-Visa process will improve the database of the NIS with information on travelers.
He explained the features of the E-Visa, the Landing and Exit cards with a barcode.
“That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa, you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued” he added.
The Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo in his welcome address said that the introduction of the e-Visa and the associated Landing and Exit card systems was a milestone.
Najomo said that was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing air travel facilitation while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency are maintained.
“The e-Visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – on Facilitation.
“It is, inherently designed to improve the experience of travelers, while strengthening our border control mechanisms.
“The importance of seamless inter-agency collaboration cannot be over-emphasized in a bid to ensure the effective implementation of these systems without compromising safety, security, or service delivery.
“The benefits derived from e-Visa applicants being able to complete visa applications entirely online, with processing time reduced to less than 48 hours, would have a multiplier effect.
It will showcase Nigeria as an investor- and tourist-friendly nation, invariably translating to economic growth.
”The Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap in her closing remarks expressed her appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA D-G, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority, and the NIS team.
She called for more inter-agency collaborations to further strengthen the seamless implementation of the e-visa, Landing, and Exit cards innovation.
Business
Aliko Dangote retires

Foremost entrepreneur and founder of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote has announced his retirement as a Director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective July 25, 2025.
He is relinquishing his position as chairman and retiring from the board so as to focus more attention on the Refinery, Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Government Relations, in order to drive the company’s five-year business trajectory to a superlative height.
The board of Dangote Cement Plc has therefore announced the appointment of Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, an independent non-executive director, as the new Chairman, Board of Directors.

In the same vein, Hajiya Mariya Aliko Dangote was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company while Prof. Dorothy Ufot retired from the Board.
Reputed as Africa’s leading investor, Aliko Dangote leaves giant footprints as he retires from the board.
His vision and tenacity redefined not just a company, but the entire cement industry landscape by becoming Africa’s largest cement producer and largest exporter of cement and clinker in Sub Saharan Africa.
Aliko Dangote’s journey with cement began with a bold dream: to make Nigeria and Africa self-sufficient in cement production.
Through strategic investments in state-of-the-art plants, and a commitment to local content, he not only met that goal but exceeded it.
Dangote Cement Plc has 52.0Mta capacity across African continent with Nigeria accounting for 35.25Mta.
Currently, additional greenfield plants are coming up in Cote Ivoire (3.0Mta) and Itori, Nigeria (6.0 Mta) and on completion this year will push total capacity to 61.0Mta.
Under his visionary leadership, Dangote Cement Plc recorded the highest revenue and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) in the history of the company.
According to the unaudited results for the six months ending 30th June 2025, the group revenue went up by 17.7 percent, from N1,760 billion at the same period in 2024 to N2,071.6 billion, representing the highest revenue in the history of the company.
Group Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) grew by 41.8 percent to N944.900 billion from N666.22 billion.
EBITDA (Nigeria Operations) grew by 82.4 percent to N845.4 billion. Profit before tax went up from N292.96 billion to N730 billion indicating 149 percent increase while profit after tax surged by 174.1 percent to ₦520.5 billion, in contrast to N189.90 billion in the same period at the preceding period.
In the six months, export volumes from Nigeria increased by 18.2 percent, with 18 successful clinker shipments made to Ghana and Cameroon.
Aliko Dangote’s legacy will be counted in the millions of jobs created, the infrastructure built, and the confidence restored in African industrial potential.
He has proven that Africa can produce, compete, and lead on the global stage. It is on record that subsidiaries under Dangote Group paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.
The new Chairman of the Board of the Company, Emmauel Ikazoboh in his acceptance speech, said he is truly honored to accept the role of Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc while pledging to uphold the highest standards of leadership and dedication in this role.
He described the company as a beacon of African enterprise, which has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Over the years, Dangote Cement Plc has not only become the continent’s leading cement producer but has also played a vital role in driving economic growth and development across numerous African nations.
Giving an insight into what his tenure holds for the company, he said, “my vision for Dangote Cement Plc is built upon a foundation of sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and unwavering commitment to our core values.
We will continue to focus on the following key priorities, Operational Excellence, Strategic Expansion, Sustainability, Innovation and Community Engagement.
Part of the strategies he intends to introduce include driving down costs through the implementation of robust cost-reduction strategies to navigate inflationary pressures and enhance competitiveness.
The company he stated will accelerate efforts to adopt alternative fuels and technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Regarding staff welfare, he promised that the company will continue to invest in training and development, fostering a culture of excellence and empowering employees to reach their full potential.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh was previously the Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc., the Pan-African banking group. He started his professional career at Akintola Williams Deloitte.
He first became the Managing Partner for francophone offices in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire and later became the Managing Partner of the Deloitte firm in West and Central Africa until 2009.
In 2010 he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange (SEC) as an Interim Administrator to carry out capital market reforms of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc. (CSCS).
Business
UK Parliament Honors NASENI CEO for Driving Africa’s Industrial Innovation
In his remarks, Halilu emphasised Africa’s readiness to lead in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability.“It is a great honour to receive this award alongside fellow visionaries committed to Africa’s future.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has been honoured with the prestigious African Achievers Award at the 15th edition of the ceremony held at the historic House of Lords, UK Parliament.
The award, presented during an event that brought together royals, global leaders, policymakers, and innovators, recognised Halilu’s outstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s technological infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and industrial growth through his leadership at NASENI.
Hosted by Baroness Sandip Verma, Chancellor of the University of Roehampton and a respected member of the House of Lords, the ceremony was a powerful global showcase of African excellence and transformative leadership, a statement by NASENI’s Director of Information, New Media and Protocol, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said.
Halilu joined a distinguished group of honourees including public officials, business executives, and philanthropists shaping the future of the continent.
In his remarks, Halilu emphasised Africa’s readiness to lead in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability.“It is a great honour to receive this award alongside fellow visionaries committed to Africa’s future.
At NASENI, we are bridging the gap between ambition and access, turning ideas into industries, empowering indigenous solutions, and driving forward Nigeria’s and Africa’s industrial transformation. Africa is not just rising, it is ready,” he said.
Under his leadership, NASENI, the statement said, has been repositioned as Nigeria’s leading technology transfer agency, delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu by enabling local production in critical sectors such as clean energy, agriculture, transportation, and digital infrastructure.
Business
We didn’t shutdown Tummy Tummy noodles factory – NAFDAC
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that the viral recording was not only misleading but also a recycled falsehood.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a formal disclaimer concerning an audio recording circulating on social media.
The audio recording falsely claims the agency shut down the Tummy Tummy noodles manufacturing facility in Anambra State.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that the viral recording was not only misleading but also a recycled falsehood.
According to her, the same audio first appeared in Oct. 2023 and was thoroughly investigated at the time.
“The claims made in the recording are entirely false.
“The Tummy Tummy noodles facility in Anambra State was not sealed,” she stated.
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