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FG To Reopen Nigerian Airspace to International Flights in Weeks

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Emirates Airline

Buhari Plans to Reopen Nigerian Airspace to International Flights

The Federal Government has said it would reopen the nation’s airspace to international flights in few weeks.

Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

The Airspace was closed in March to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. However, with economies gradually reopening despite lack of a viable vaccine for the ravaging coronavirus, President Muhammadu Buhari led administration has decided to join other global nations and reopen the Nigerian airspace to international flight operations.

This was after Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace announced it would be letting go 70 pilots due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the airline financial position.

Also, earlier this week Bristow Helicopter announced it would let go about 100 pilots and engineers as it can no longer support them financially. This series of sacks in the aviation sector likely prompted the Federal Government to reconsider its position on airspace lockdown.

Sirika said, “So we really want to open. But we can’t open alone, for within the space where we operate we’ve got all kinds of people there in the airports.

“We’ve got immigration, police, Customs, civil defense, port health, etc, and so the PTF has set up a technical committee to come up with a date when everybody will be happy to start.

The minister added, “So we will open as soon as all of us are happy to open. And I want to adopt what the coordinator has said; it will be in weeks rather than in months.

Sirika, however, urged Nigerians not to blame officials for the current situation in the aviation sector.

He said, “On the question about the reopening of the airports, I will like to use this medium to reiterate and to be consistent with what we’ve been saying. I want people to understand that this is not purely an aviation function.

“It also has to do with our health and is so huge that it made Mr. President in his wisdom to set up the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. This is in the interest of the nation.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Nigeria’s Paper Import Bill Hits $3 Billion Annually, Reveals FAE Limited MD

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Funlayo Okeowo, the Managing Director of FAE Limited, a prominent paper manufacturing firm, has disclosed that Nigeria’s annual expenditure on paper imports stands at $3 billion.

Okeowo made this revelation during a recent press conference held in Lagos to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary.

Addressing reporters, Okeowo explained the crucial role of manufacturing in driving economic growth and underscored the challenges faced by the sector, particularly concerning operational costs.

She highlighted that a significant portion of manufacturers’ profits, up to 80%, is being consumed by diesel expenses, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to remain profitable.

Expressing concern over the financial strain faced by manufacturers, Okeowo called upon the government to take decisive action to alleviate the burdens faced by the industry.

She emphasized the need for policies and interventions aimed at reducing operational costs and fostering a conducive environment for manufacturing growth.

In addition to addressing the pressing issues surrounding manufacturing, Okeowo also unveiled plans for the establishment of ‘World Envelopes Day,’ an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the significance of envelopes in various aspects of human communication and expression.

The initiative, set to be celebrated annually on April 16th, reflects FAE Limited’s commitment to promoting the cultural and practical importance of envelopes in society.

As part of the company’s anniversary celebrations, FAE Limited will host a special roundtable event featuring key stakeholders from diverse sectors to discuss the past, present, and future of the paper manufacturing industry in Nigeria.

This event is expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations for driving

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Economist Intelligence Unit Warns Indigenous Oil Companies of Investment Gap

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Oil

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has issued a cautionary note to indigenous oil companies eyeing the acquisition of assets from divesting international oil companies, warning them of potential investment challenges.

In its latest Country Report on Nigeria, the EIU underscored that local companies may not match the financial prowess of multinational firms, historically significant players in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Citing concerns over Nigeria’s business environment, characterized by corruption, insecurity, and infrastructure deficits, the EIU projected a possible net withdrawal of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, following a similar trend observed in the previous year.

The report pointed to multinational corporations scaling back or exiting Nigeria altogether, exacerbating the economic landscape’s challenges.

Foreign oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, have announced plans to divest their onshore oil assets, signaling a shift toward offshore operations.

This trend aligns with the broader industry shift and poses significant implications for indigenous players.

While government officials like the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, view these divestments as opportunities for local capacity development, concerns remain over indigenous firms’ ability to fill the investment void left by departing multinationals.

The EIU emphasized the positive potential for local participation in the sector’s indigenization, but cautioned that indigenous companies might struggle to match outgoing multinationals’ investment capabilities.

This warning underscores the imperative for strategic planning and support mechanisms to ensure indigenous firms can navigate the evolving landscape and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s oil industry sustainability.

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Heirs Technology Appoints Obong Idiong as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Obong-Idiong

Heirs Technology, the latest subsidiary of investment powerhouse Heirs Holdings, has announced the appointment of Obong Idiong as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

This move marks a significant step in the company’s mission to spearhead Africa’s digital transformation through innovative and locally tailored solutions.

Idiong, who previously served as the Managing Director/CEO at Africa Prudential Plc, brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to his new role.

During his tenure at Africa Prudential Plc, he led the digital transformation of its registrar services, positioning the company as a technology-driven organization.

His track record of success and expertise in the technology sector make him well-suited to lead Heirs Technology into a new era of growth and innovation.

In his statement following the appointment, Idiong expressed pride in bringing Heirs Holdings’ core values and business approach to the tech sector.

He highlighted the company’s commitment to excellence, execution, and enterprise, aiming to bridge the gap in the technology ecosystem by delivering local relevance to a global market and offering cutting-edge solutions to enhance competitiveness.

Also, Dr. Fumbi Chima has been appointed as the Chair of Heirs Technology. With her extensive experience in technology leadership roles across global organizations, including Adidas, Fox Network Group, and Walmart, Chima brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her new role.

She expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to unlock Africa’s potential through Heirs Technology, confident that the company will make a meaningful impact on the continent’s digital landscape.

Heirs Technology’s strategic appointments underscore its commitment to driving Africa’s digital agenda forward and positioning the continent as a leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

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