Business

S’Africa Police Nab Nigerians, Others For Offences

Published

17 years ago

November 2, 2009

Nigerians are among the 245 people arrested by the South African Police on Friday for alleged violation of several bye-laws, including loitering, littering and public indecency.

It was reported that police arrested many of the victims around their business premises near the Central Methodist Church (CMD).

Investigation indicated that the suspects were not given the chance to explain themselves as they were arrested even when they claimed to be innocent of the charges.

However many of those arrested immediately paid the stipulated R300 (about N6,000) fine for admission of guilt, while those who could not afford the fee would be arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court today.

Doctors Without Borders, an NGO, has, however, upbraided the police, pointing out that many Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals take refuge near the CMD.

It described the arrest as “a calculated blitz.’’

But Community Safety officer in the Gauteng Province, Mr. Khabisi Mosunkutu, said yesterday in Johannesburg that the police raid in the Johannesburg CMD Friday night was not aimed at foreign nationals.

“The operation did not affect and was not related to the foreign nationals that reside in the Central Methodist Church.

“For some time, there have been complaints of public disorder and criminal activity, particularly against businesses in the area,’’ Mosunkutu said.

He said South Africans were also among those arrested.

In another development, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Jubril Aminu, has described the attack on Nigerians living abroad as unfortunate.

Aminu said this yesterday while briefing newsmen at the 70th birthday ceremony of the mother of the Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Political Matters, Chief Akin Osuntokun, at Okemesi-Ekiti State.

He said xenophobia against Nigerians should be condemned in its totality from other countries and urged authorities to do something about it.

“Xenophobia should be condemned by everybody, especially my fellow Nigerians. Nigerians are good people, with a government that is sympathetic and tolerant.

“As a matter of fact, Nigeria as a country has taken part in solving problems of most of these countries that are attacking Nigerians, even though they may be far from us.

“We have taken part in decolonisation, fought apartheid, participated in peace keeping and given economic assistance to these countries.

“I think it is up to us, through dialogue, to find out why those countries are attacking Nigerians and possibly find a way of solving the problem,’’ Aminu said.

Business

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

Published

4 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

4 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.”

Business

DANGOTE Debunks Claims Of Rift With Tony

Published

4 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from fellow businessman Tony Elumelu.

In a statement issued by the company, the Group said it never made such claims and described the report as baseless and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

The statement was signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited Anthony Chiejina.

The company also refuted assertions that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends.

It maintained that such claims are entirely inaccurate, stressing that Dangote does not fund projects through informal personal lending arrangements.

Addressing speculation about a fallout between Dangote and Elumelu, the Group clarified that both men maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.

The statement further expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, image, and likeness in AI-generated advertisements and misleading content, warning that such actions could amount to fraud and reputational damage.

The company warned individuals and platforms involved in spreading false information to desist immediately, noting that it would take appropriate legal action where necessary.

The Dangote Group reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity while continuing to promote industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos