Business

EFCC, NTDC To Block Money Laundering Channels

Published

16 years ago

November 20, 2009

The Nigeria Tourism development Corporation (NTDC) and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) have formed a strong alliance to shut down the channels through which hotels in the country are currently used by corrupt officials to facilitate laundering of embezzled funds.

Both agencies promised to emabark on investigations and ensure that hotels deeply involved in facilitating the siphoning of funds to foreign destinations are made to face the wrath of the law as a step to stem the nefarious act.

While planning tougher security measures around the complex, financial transacations of hotels involving large amounts they threatened to decisively deal with perpetrators of all forms of cross-border financial crimes that hide under the pretext of tourism engagement. The two agencies also, last week, agreed not o allow supposed tourists coming into the country or leaving for other destinations the room for maneuvers through possession of hug sums.

Farida Waziri, chairman of EFCC, while receiving Otunba Olusegun Runsewe director of NTDC, noted that Nigeria is richly endowed in tourism and should be developed to a level that it would serve as a veritable alternative source of revenue for the country. She said every effort would be made to frustrate attempts to injure the economy or further tarnish the image of the country by a few elements under the disguise of tourism.

Waziri lamented that the perception on Nigeria’s image abroad was still on the negative side, especially on the issue of scammers. Consequently, she said that the EFCC had recently created a transaction clearing platform (TCP) to tackle the menace of 419 letters emanating from Nigeria.

“The TCP will perform basic due diligence in respect of business proposals received by foreigners from Nigeria and confirm the authencity of such proposals,” she said. “It will also host the authentic names and contact details of Nigeria institutions that scammers always impersonate just as she formally request the NTDC to also furnish the EFCC with its relevant details which will be hosted on the TCP.”

Runsewe, who told his EFCC counterpart that it was necessary to effectively manage “the country’s tourism profile, said “the time has come for us to repair this country from the menace of 419.”

He also intimidated Farida that since NTDC’s similar collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission on the registration of tourism related business, crime rate in that area had reduced drastically.

Business

Abia Approves Feasibility Study For Proposed Azumini Seaport Project

Published

11 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

Governor. Alex Otti of Abia state has approved the immediate commencement of a feasibility study for the state’s proposed Azumini-Obeaku Seaport and Inland Waterways Corridor project.

Otti announced the approval at a meeting with officials of China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, held in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor directed the company to expedite the study and shorten its proposed timeline.

“Somehow, deep in my mind, I know that this is the approach. It is good to understand the details and all that is required.

“So, you can take it that approval has been given for the feasibility study to commence.

“But then, six to seven months is a long time and if we can shorten it, that will help,” he said.

The Governor also directed relevant government agencies to expedite action and commence the process of obtaining Federal Government’s approvals for the project.

“We need to start the process immediately, hoping that the feasibility study will return positive because the study may also show that the project is not viable,” he said.

He further advised the company to undertake an inspection visit to the proposed project site ahead of the study.

According to him, the proposed location is about 19 nautical miles from the high sea, a situation that may require dredging activities.

Otti expressed optimism that the project would be realised, if properly pursued.

Earlier, Marketing Manager of the Company, Mr Nicholas Liu, said that the company was interested in partnering the Abia Government to actualise the project.

Liu said that the company had extensive experience in infrastructure development in Nigeria, including its involvement in the execution of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

He identified government’s commitment, funding arrangements, public-private partnership structure and phased development as critical factors for the success of such projects.

He also underscored the importance of conducting a feasibility study and made recommendations on the implementation of the project.

CHINEDU WOSU

Business

Withdrawal, Deposit Fees Changes From May 1, 2026 Still Stands – CBN … Declares 5 Banking Services Free

Published

7 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that the announced changes in fees attached to several everyday banking services, scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026 has commenced.

The changes are contained in the apex bank’s revised Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions, which outlines consumer-focused reforms designed to improve transparency and reduce the burden of banking fees nationwide.

According to the document, which was signed by Dr. Rita Sike, the CBN’s Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the new changes affect account reactivation, ATM withdrawals on own bank networks, and virtual card issuance.

Following the changes made by CBN, the five key banking services affected by the CBN’s update are in account reactivation and closure, under which banks are no longer allowed to charge customers for reactivating dormant accounts, while account closure also remains free.

The second change is that banks will now be required to provide monthly statement of account to their customers at no cost, and also ensure better access to financial information.

However, requests for printed statements outside the agreed standard format attract a maximum fee of N20 per page.

Thirdly, the CBN has introduced small inter-bank electronic transfers to promote digital payments and micro-transactions.

The implication is that, henceforth, transfers from N0 to N5,000 are free, transfers between N5,000 and N50,000 will attract a maximum fee of N10, while transfers above N50,000 are capped at N50.

The fourth change in the CBN update is in the use of own bank’s ATM (On-Us Transactions).

Here, withdrawals made from your bank’s ATM (on-us transactions) are free. Non-cash transactions, such as intra-bank transfers carried out at these ATMs, also attract no charges.

The fifth change is in virtual cards and PIN management in which banks are now required to issue virtual cards at no cost. In addition, PIN-related services, including PIN re-issuance and resets, are free for all customers.

The document further said the new charges guide, which aims to boost financial inclusion and reduce banking costs, updates the 2020 version to better align with current market realities, particularly the growing reliance on digital payments and mobile banking.

Business

Binani Air Commences Flight Operations May 10 in Nigeria

Published

7 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

Binani Air has announced the commencement of sales tickets on Monday, describing the development as a milestone that will improve the aviation sector and create jobs for the people in Nigeria, as head of its scheduled inaugural flight operations starts May 10, 2026,

In a statement issued by the head of corporate communications of the new airline, the move marks a significant milestone in the aviation sector.

She said this announces the transition from vision to operation as the airline moves closer to welcoming its first passengers on board.

Quoting the Chief Executive Officer of Binani Air, Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma, the Corporate communications officer said,”the commencement of ticket sales represents more than just access to flights. It reflects the airline’s readiness to deliver a new standard of air travel in Nigeria.

“Opening our ticket sales is a defining moment for us. It is the point at which our commitment becomes real for the travelling public. From this moment, we are not just preparing to fly—we are preparing to serve.

“Built on the principles of reliability, safety, and respect for passengers’ time, Binani Air enters the market with a clear focus on consistency and operational discipline.

“The airline is committed to delivering a travel experience that is both seamless and reassuring, particularly in a sector where trust remains critical.

“Passengers can expect a streamlined booking process, responsive customer engagement, and a service culture designed to prioritize comfort and professionalism from the very first interaction”.

Chiroma said as anticipation builds towards the inaugural flight, Binani Air invites travellers, corporate partners, and stakeholders to be part of this defining journey, one that seeks to reshape expectations and restore confidence in Nigerian aviation.

She said “bookings are available via the airline’s official website (www.binaniair.com) and authorised travel partners from 12 noon of 4th of May 2026.”