Category: Daily Trust

The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved contracts worth over N5 billion for the renovation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, procurement of bulletproof vehicles, road projects and other infrastructural developments across the state.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the state executive council meeting on Wednesday, the Commissioners for Land and Housing; Youth and Sports; Finance and Transportation, Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, Engr. Mustapha Kofar Marke, Engr. Muhammadu Jabbi Shagari and Hon. Bala Kokani, disclosed the resolutions reached by the council.

They said the council approved N1.079 billion for the total renovation of the NYSC orientation camp in the state.

The council also approved N1.4 billion for the procurement of official vehicles for the Office of the Governor, including three bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, two Land Cruiser Prado SUVs and a coaster bus. The council further approved N438 million for the purchase of six buses to boost the state’s mass transit programme.

Other approvals include N733.2 million for the renovation of the International Conference Centre and N340.5 million for the procurement of two payloaders for the Ministry of Environment.

In the area of infrastructure, the executive council approved N2.2 billion for the renovation of 36 roads across the state, while the Airport Road project got an additional approval of N894.6 million.

The council also approved N398.6 million for the development of a livestock centre aimed at improving livestock production and related economic activities in the state.

The commissioners said the approvals were part of the present administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure, transportation, environmental sanitation and public service delivery across Sokoto State.

The apex youth body in the South East, the Ohanaeze youth wing has cautioned politicians and other actors outside the region that no state in the region will be a political battleground for reckless utterances capable of undermining inter-regional harmony and political maturity.

The Ohanaeze youths while reacting to the position by Arewa Youths allegedly claiming that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was championing the fight to oust Governor Hope Uzodinma as the chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, warned against any attempt to create division among the leaders of the area ahead of 2027 general election.

The Ohanaeze youths said their warning stemmed from the recent misunderstanding in the Progressives Governors Forum, The National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze youth wing, Mazi Chika Art Adiele, while reacting to the incident in a statement on Tuesday, cautioned against any reckless utterances capable of undermining inter-regional harmony and political maturity.

He said: ‘We urge those responsible for these comments to desist forthwith from further attempts to inflame tensions and distract from the important work of governance’.itical discourse in a democracy must be guided by decency, responsibility, and respect for constituted authority, not by insults, propaganda, and manufactured conspiracy theories.

At least 15 firms posted a cumulative profit of N3.12 trillion in the first quarter of 2026 despite prevailing economic challenges, Daily Trust reports.

Analyses of the unaudited first-quarter results of companies across the banking, manufacturing, telecommunications, insurance, and agro-allied sectors revealed improved earnings.

Industry experts identified inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility, poor electricity supply, rising energy costs, cybersecurity concerns, intensifying fintech competition, and global economic uncertainties as some of the challenges companies battled while striving to stay afloat and remain profitable.

In the banking sector, Zenith Bank Plc posted a profit before tax of N360.92 billion, up 2.88 per cent from N350.82 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

The bank’s profit after tax climbed to N314.02 billion, reflecting steady earnings growth despite pressure from rising impairment charges and operating costs.

FirstHoldco Plc delivered a strong performance in its first-quarter 2026 financial results, recording a 72 per cent year-on-year increase in profit before tax.

Profit before tax rose to N321 billion from N186.47 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, supported by strong interest-earning capacity and robust fee income generation.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc’s profit before tax grew by 0.88 per cent year-on-year to N302.89billion, compared to N300 billion in Q1 2025.

However, profit after tax declined by 15.42 per cent to N218.13 billion, primarily due to higher tax liabilities.

Access Holdings Plc reported one of the quarter’s most impressive earnings expansions, with profit before tax rising 22.2 per cent to N272.21 billion from N222.78 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

Similarly, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated posted N270.24 billion in profit before tax, representing a 1.1 per cent increase over the N267.3 billion declared in the same period last year.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc delivered one of the strongest growth performances among tier-one and tier-two lenders, recording a 42 per cent jump in profit before tax to N165.4 billion from N116.42 billion.

However, United Bank for Africa Plc recorded a decline in earnings, with profit before tax falling to N160.7 billion from N204.3 billion in Q1 2025.

BUA Foods Plc reported a profit before tax of N153.76 billion for Q1 2026, according to its recently filed unaudited financial statements on the Nigerian Exchange.

This reflects a 12.74 per cent year-on-year increase from N136.39 billion in Q1 2025, driven largely by reduced operating and finance costs.

BUA Cement Plc released its unaudited financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, reporting a profit before tax of N192.88 billion, up from N99.7 billion in Q1 2025.

The performance was driven by strong revenue growth, with quarterly sales rising to N355 billion from N288 billion in Q1 2025.

Profit after tax jumped to N176 billion from N81 billion, while earnings per share increased to N5.21 from N2.40.

Dangote Cement Plc reported a profit before tax of N421.1 billion during the period under review, representing a 35 per cent increase from N311.9 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Earnings per share rose to N19.14 from N12.29, underscoring sustained value creation for shareholders.

The company also increased its cement and clinker exports from Nigeria by 71.6 per cent, as the Group’s total installed production capacity reached 55 million tonnes per annum across Africa.

During the period under review, the company completed 10 clinker shipments from Nigeria to neighbouring markets, further consolidating its position as Africa’s leading cement exporter.

According to the company’s unaudited Q1 2026 financial results, total sales volumes increased by 13.8 per cent year-on-year, driven by growth of 11.5 per cent in Nigeria and 19.5 per cent across its pan-African operations.

Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria reported a profit before tax of N546.42 billion for the quarter, representing a 169.64 per cent increase compared to N202.65 billion recorded in Q1 2025.

The performance marks MTN Nigeria’s second-best quarterly profit before tax since listing, coming just 4 per cent below the N569.59 billion recorded in Q4 2025.

This follows a turnaround in 2025, when the telecom giant returned to profitability after recording losses in 2023 and 2024.

Before the crisis, MTN Nigeria posted a profit after tax of N349 billion in 2022. However, the sharp depreciation of the naira altered the company’s earnings trajectory.

In 2023, MTN slipped into a loss after tax of N137 billion. By 2024, losses had deepened to N400 billion, dragging retained earnings to negative N607 billion and shareholders’ funds to negative N458 billion.

The market reacted sharply at the time. MTN’s share price, which traded as high as N293 during 2024, eventually closed the year at N200.

However, the company has staged a strong recovery. The stock has since rallied from N200 in 2024 to as high as N915 in April 2026 before pulling back to N801.10 as of May 8, 2026.

In the insurance sector, AIICO Insurance recorded gross premiums written of N62.6 billion, while revenue advanced by 11.8 per cent to N36.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026.

The company’s unaudited results for the period ended March 31, 2026, showed that group revenue increased by 11.8 per cent year-on-year to N36.7 billion from N32.8 billion in Q1 2025. Premiums written grew by 14.2 per cent year-on-year to N62.6 billion, compared to N54.8 billion achieved in Q1 2025.

Profit before tax improved, while normalised profit excluding one-off items such as foreign exchange gains rose by 34 per cent to N7.3 billion in Q1 2026 from N5.5 billion in Q1 2025. Normalised profit after tax also increased by 32.4 per cent to N6.5 billion from N5 billion in Q1 2025. Foreign exchange losses rose to N1.6 billion in Q1 2026, compared to N25.2 million in 2025.

Presco Plc declared a profit before tax of N69.24 billion in its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

This represents an 18.2 per cent increase from N58.61 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

The agro-allied company recorded modest revenue growth, largely driven by its core crude and refined palm oil products, which continue to account for the bulk of its earnings.

Nestlé Nigeria Plc also reported an impressive financial performance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, posting double-digit revenue growth and a significant improvement in profitability.

Revenue grew by 11 per cent to N326.13 billion in Q1 2026, compared to N294.88 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.

Gross profit rose to N132.06 billion from N119.72 billion, reflecting improved margins.

Profit before tax increased sharply by 44 per cent to N73.77 billion from N51.15 billion, while profit after tax grew by 29 per cent to N39 billion from N30.18 billion in Q1 2025.

Results from operating activities stood at N75.43 billion, a modest 2 per cent increase from N74.15 billion in the previous year.

The company also recorded a notable improvement in its balance sheet, with total equity rising from N12.9 billion as of December 31, 2025, to N51.6 billion as of March 31, 2026.

A financial analyst, Ayokunle Olubunmi, told Daily Trust that Nigerian firms demonstrated resilience during the period despite prevailing economic challenges.

‘For the banks, you can see that they have raised capital over the last couple of months. Since raising that capital, they have needed to deploy it. The deployment of the capital into various assets, including loans and treasury securities, is helping the banks record better earnings,’ he said.

Olubunmi noted that companies also benefited from rising commodity prices driven by inflationary pressures.

According to him, tariff hikes and significantly increased data consumption have boosted telecom earnings.

‘Data is becoming a necessity. Some people would rather cut back on food than stop paying for data,’ he said.

Olubunmi added: ‘Given the various headwinds and the pressure on consumers’ wallets, these companies have shown remarkable resilience.’

The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation has partnered with the National Judicial Institute to organise a training seminar on banking sector litigation for Justices of the Court of Appeal in Lagos.

The seminar, themed ‘Enhancing the Efficacy of Bank Liquidation and Depositors’ Protection,’ was designed to improve judicial understanding of bank liquidation procedures, depositor protection, and the increasing complexities associated with financial sector disputes in Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Administrator of the NJI, Babatunde Adejumo, said the initiative underscored the need for stronger collaboration between the judiciary and financial regulators.

According to him, the stability of financial institutions is critical to national economic growth because banking systems depend largely on public confidence in both financial institutions and the legal processes guiding their operations.

He noted that the collapse or distress of financial institutions often has wide-ranging consequences for depositors, creditors, businesses, and the economy at large.

Adejumo further explained that bank liquidation matters usually involve complicated legal and regulatory issues, including creditor priorities, depositor reimbursement, statutory powers, and asset recovery processes.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDIC, Thompson Oludare Sunday, represented by the corporation’s Executive Director, Corporate Services, Emily Osuji, stated that effective resolution of failed banks depends significantly on timely and consistent judicial decisions.

He observed that the liquidation of failed banks in Nigeria has become more challenging due to hidden assets, weak collateral arrangements, competing creditor claims, and increasingly sophisticated financial transactions.

According to him, the NDIC frequently deals with disputes involving depositors, creditors, former employees, and other stakeholders over issues such as entitlements, contractual obligations, creditor hierarchy, and asset recovery.

He warned that prolonged litigation could delay liquidation proceedings and weaken public confidence in the banking system.

Sunday stressed the importance of sustained engagement between the judiciary and financial regulators as financial transactions and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.

He expressed confidence that improved judicial understanding of these processes would reduce delays, minimise conflicting judgments, and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s banking and financial system.

He also referenced international standards set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Association of Deposit Insurers, which emphasise the role of efficient legal systems and independent judiciaries in resolving financial disputes.

The President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, represented by Ali Abubakar Banandi, described the seminar as an important institutional collaboration aimed at improving judicial understanding of disputes involving financial institutions.

Banandi noted that previous engagements involving the judiciary, the NDIC, and the NJI had positively influenced judicial decision-making in banking and commercial matters.

The NDIC disclosed that similar sensitisation programmes would also be organised for judges of the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court, and the Investment and Securities Tribunal later in the week.

He observed that the liquidation of failed banks in Nigeria has become more challenging due to hidden assets, weak collateral arrangements, competing creditor claims, and increasingly sophisticated financial transactions.

According to him, the NDIC frequently deals with disputes involving depositors, creditors, former employees, and other stakeholders over issues such as entitlements, contractual obligations, creditor hierarchy, and asset recovery.

He warned that prolonged litigation could delay liquidation proceedings and weaken public confidence in the banking system.

Sunday stressed the importance of sustained engagement between the judiciary and financial regulators as financial transactions and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.

He expressed confidence that improved judicial understanding of these processes would reduce delays, minimise conflicting judgments, and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s banking and financial system.

He also referenced international standards set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the International Association of Deposit Insurers, which emphasise the role of efficient legal systems and independent judiciaries in resolving financial disputes.

The President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, represented by Ali Abubakar Banandi, described the seminar as an important institutional collaboration aimed at improving judicial understanding of disputes involving financial institutions.

Banandi noted that previous engagements involving the judiciary, the NDIC, and the NJI had positively influenced judicial decision-making in banking and commercial matters.

The NDIC disclosed that similar sensitisation programmes would also be organised for judges of the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court, and the Investment and Securities Tribunal later in the week.

Nigerian pastor Bolaji Idowu is set to host the 2026 edition of the Next Level Prayers (NLP) UK and Europe Conference in London, with growing anticipation around the event now intersecting with a heated social media debate among Nigerians in the diaspora.

The conference, scheduled for 16 May 2026 at ExCeL London, is positioned as a major gathering focused on worship, prayer and spiritual renewal. Organisers say it will bring together believers from across the United Kingdom and Europe, with an emphasis on testimonies, community impact and faith-based engagement.

High-profile gospel ministers, including Sunmisola Agbebi-Oke, Joe Mettle and Naomi Raine, are expected to feature at the event, adding to its visibility and appeal.

Early online traction suggests strong interest, with clips and testimonies from previous NLP gatherings already circulating widely ahead of the London meeting.

However, the build-up to the conference has also sparked a parallel debate on social media, after a UK-based blogger criticised Nigerians abroad for ‘importing prayer conferences’ instead of focusing on economic opportunities.

The comment triggered widespread reactions, particularly among diaspora Nigerians who view such gatherings as central to their identity and support systems.

One of the most viral responses came from a UK-based nurse, identified as @SandraJame98422, who defended the conference and dismissed the criticism.

‘Speak for yourself. No be everybody dey think like you. How person wan cancel God? After all the testimonies from previous NLP events, people still dey question am?’ she wrote in a post that has since gained significant engagement.

Supporters of the NLP conference argue that beyond spirituality, the gatherings provide a sense of belonging and mental support for Nigerians navigating life abroad. They also point to testimonies from past editions as evidence of impact.

Critics, however, maintain that the increasing prominence of such events reflects a misplaced focus, especially within migrant communities facing economic pressures.

The exchange underscores a broader divide within the diaspora, where faith, culture and economic priorities often intersect.

Despite the online controversy, preparations for the NLP London conference continue, with organisers signalling confidence in strong attendance as interest builds across the UK and Europe.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has been screened by the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s primary election for the Kwara Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

According to a source, the governor was screened in Abuja on Monday.

The development signals a fresh permutations about the political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections in the State.

Confirming the development on Tuesday night, the governor’s Special Adviser on Political Communication, Bashir Adigun, said AbdulRazaq successfully participated in the screening exercise.

‘I can confirm that he has been screened to contest for the Senate seat in Kwara Central,’ he said.

He added that ‘And we are sure of landslide victory.’

AbdulRazaq is expected to complete his constitutionally permitted two terms as governor on May 29, 2027.

Sources within the party said the governor remains the only aspirant to have obtained the APC nomination and expression of interest forms for the Kwara Central Senatorial seat following the directive by the presidency as concerning governor going to the Senate in APC.

Daily Trust reports that the governor’s decision to seek the Kwara Central senatorial seat is widely being interpreted as more than a routine transition.

Observers believe the move is strategically tied to the broader battle over the future control of the APC structure in Kwara after 2027.

At the centre of the unfolding political calculations is the incumbent senator representing the district, Salihu Mustapha.

The senator has obtained the APC governorship nomination form.

The governor’s entry into the Kwara Central senatorial race is expected to place him on a direct political path with Mustapha.

With AbdulRazaq moving toward the Senate and Mustapha reportedly positioning for Government House, the emerging equation has effectively placed both political tendencies on a collision course over succession, influence and the control of party machinery ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Within the APC, insiders say the development is already triggering quiet realignments among stakeholders seeking to identify where the pendulum may eventually swing.

For AbdulRazaq’s loyalists, the Senate seat is viewed as a strategic platform to preserve the governor’s political relevance and maintain influence over the direction of governance and party affairs after the expiration of his tenure.

Supporters also believe a move to the National Assembly would enable him to retain a strong voice within both state and national politics.

On the other hand, Mustapha’s camp is believed to be leveraging his current position as senator representing Kwara Central to strengthen consultations across party blocs and structures nationally and back home.

The unfolding permutations have also revived conversations around the long-standing power dynamics within Kwara politics.

Analysts say the coming months may witness intensified consultations and increased political horse-trading within the APC as different blocs intensify efforts ahead of the party’s primaries.

Although neither camp has openly acknowledged any rivalry, party insiders insist the movements toward the Senate and Government House have already altered the political permutations within the ruling party.

Political analysts in the state have warned that the APC must carefully manage the political ambitions of Governor AbdulRazaq and senator Mustapha, cautioning that failure to do so could negatively affect the party’s fortunes in the 2027 general elections.

Opposition parties in the state are said to be closely monitoring the unfolding situation, reportedly with a view to exploiting any emerging cracks or divisions within the ruling party as preparations toward 2027 gather momentum.

Efforts to get reaction from the camp of Mustapha was not successful as of the time of filing this report.

The Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin, on Wednesday convicted the General Overseer of Mission House of Divine Land of Joy and Prayer Ministry, Prophet Ajiboye Abayomi Olayinka, to life imprisonment for raping three underage members of his congregation inside the church premises.

The convict bagged three life imprisonment penalties for three different offences bordering on illegal sexual intercourse with 13-year-old minors.

The offences, according to the court, were committed inside the church’s mission house located in the Agah area of Ganmo, where he served as spiritual leader.

Prophet Olayinka was also slammed with a 14 years imprisonment for illegally aborting several pregnancies of his victims and threatened them not to disclose the illicit act to anyone.

According to the trial judge, Justice Hammed Aliyu Gegele, the convict used his position as a clergyman to turn his victims into sex machines, abusing them physically and mentally.

The court narrated how one of the victims recounted her ordeal with the prophet.

‘He took her to the generator house to forcefully have sex with her using anointing oil as lubricant and also woke her up after vigils for rounds of sex’, Gegele recounted.

The defendant was arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful sexual intercourse with minors, illegal abortion, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The charges were brought under Sections 97, 235, and 283 of the Penal Code, Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004, as well as Section 31(2) of the Kwara State Child Rights Law, 2006.

During the hearing, the prosecution called twelve (12) witnesses and tendered exhibits.

In their testimonies, the victims alleged that the convict administered anointing oil on their private parts in a ritual-like manner before subjecting them to forceful sexual abuse inside the mission house.

They further told the court that he allegedly compelled them to swear to secrecy with a Bible, warning that they would face death if they ever disclosed what happened.

On 11 February 2026, the prosecution team, led by Chief State Counsel Issa Zakari, vigorously cross-examined the defendant and his witnesses in his defence before the court.

At the conclusion of the defence, written addresses were filed, adopted, and the matter was subsequently adjourned for judgment.

Delivering the verdict on Wednesday, Justice Gegele held that the prosecution had successfully proved the offences of unlawful sexual intercourse with minors, rape, and illegal abortion against the convict, but failed to establish the charge of bigamy.

The court therefore discharged the defendant on the count of bigamy.

In his pronouncement, Justice Gegele described the defendant as ‘a pedophile and philanderer whose conduct should be deprecated by all and sundry in society.’

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of a pump-action gun recovered from the defendant to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has disclosed that it is partnering the Niger State Government to fast-track industrialisation and unlock investment opportunities especially in the rice value chain.

A statement from the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said currently the company is partnering with the state government to deepen economic opportunities in the State.

The spokesman said apart from the annual sponsorship of Trade Fair, the Dangote Rice Limited had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state on the supply of paddy rice over the next 10 years.

The statement further said: ‘According to the MoU, Dangote Rice Limited has committed to a guaranteed off take of 1 million metric tons of paddy rice, which Niger Foods will supply to boost food sufficiency in Nigeria.’

The statement quoted the Regional Director and Senior Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as saying that the construction of the company’s rice mill in the state is progressing.

She said: ‘Construction of the 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour (MTPH) Dangote Rice Mill, being developed on a 30-hectare site in Wushishi, is progressing steadily and is on track for completion. This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the food security initiatives of the State. Upon its delivery, the mill is expected to enhance local rice production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria.’

Furthermore, Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman said that the Strategic Business Units of the company are participating in the 22nd edition of Niger Trade Fair.

Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Niger National Trade Fair which officially opens on Thursday May 14, 2026, and has as its theme: Public Private Partnership as the Panacea for Nigeria Economic Growth and Stability.

The participating Business Units, according to her include, Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL), among others.

She said there is a special desk to help participants with inquiries on Dangote Refinery, the company’s vision 2030 and several of its businesses.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Adamu Salihu, said this year’s fair is expected to attract about 300 exhibitors, which include investors, policymakers, and business leaders from across the country.

Mr. Salihu said: ‘Dangote is not only industrialising Nigeria but indeed the whole Africa. Niger Chamber of Commerce will use the Trade Fair to escalate and promote Dangote achievements to Nigerlites, Nigeria and Africa.’

‘One of the most important lessons Nigerian businesses can draw from Dangote Group’s bold investment vision is the need to believe in Nigeria and invest in the country’s vast potential. Building the Nigeria of our dreams requires indigenous companies to take the lead in driving industrialisation and economic growth,’ he said

In the same vein, Chairman of Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, had said Niger State is required to develop 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms, adding that the partnership is for 10 years and will create 50,000 direct jobs.

A former chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and aspirant for the Abuja South Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 election, Kamal Adamu Shuaibu, has said he resigned from the party due to the absence of internal democracy.

Shuaibu stated this while addressing journalists during the convention of the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja.

According to him, despite years of commitment and support for the APC, neither he nor his supporters benefited meaningfully from the party’s leadership.

He said the decision to join the NDC followed consultations with stakeholders, youths and women groups across the Abuja South Federal Constituency.

He described the NDC as a party with better leadership ideals and promised to provide effective representation for the people of Abuja South if elected in 2027.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has unveiled plans to reduce the processing timeline for Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to about 90 days as part of its sweeping digital transformation programme aimed at modernising aviation regulatory processes in the country.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Modern Personnel Licensing and Certification (MPLC) NCAA Digital Transformation Initiative PEL/MED Stakeholder Engagement held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Chris Najomo, said the initiative would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with manual licensing and certification systems.

Daily Trust reports that AOC approval used to take over five years while some airlines spent more years processing the approval which takes five phases.

However, Najomo disclosed that the authority had already reduced the timeline for obtaining an AOC from between one and two years to between six and eight months under the current administration, stressing that the new digital platform would further cut the process down to approximately 90 days.

According to him, the initiative represents a major milestone in the modernisation of aviation oversight in Nigeria and aligns with global best practices in regulatory efficiency and safety oversight.

He said: ‘Personnel licensing in aviation is key to airline operators. It is very important. This is what pertains everywhere in America and other advanced aviation systems.

‘I am sure airline operators are asking, ‘When are we going to start? When are we going to stop waiting one week, two weeks, sometimes one month for licences to come out?’ But I tell you, it is going to be over soon. There will be no more waiting.’

Najomo explained that the fully digital personnel licensing and medical certification platform would take effect from July 2, 2026, and would eliminate delays associated with paper-based processing for pilots, engineers, aviation medical personnel and other technical professionals.

He added that the new platform would provide transparent online application processes for issuance, renewal and conversion of licences, while also enabling real-time tracking of applications and reducing turnaround time.

According to him, the system would also introduce biometric-backed credentials and QR-code-based licence verification to improve security and compliance.

‘The aviation industry can no longer rely on manual and semi-automated processes, fragmented databases and paper-driven workflows in an era where global regulatory compliance, real-time verification and data integrity have become critical,’ he said.

Najomo further explained that the deployment of the digital licensing and medical certification platform represented the first phase of the NCAA’s broader digital transformation agenda.

He said subsequent phases of the programme would cover Air Operator Certificate processes, Approved Training Organisations (ATOs), Approved Maintenance Organisations (AMOs), aerodromes, air navigation service providers, ground handling companies and dangerous goods approvals.

The DGCA also revealed that the digitalisation initiative would extend to technical certification processes such as aircraft registration, airworthiness certification, aircraft maintenance programme approvals, export and import certification of airworthiness, supplemental type certificates and monitoring of airworthiness directives.

The Director of Airworthiness Standards (DAWS), Engr. Godwin Balang, said the MPLC project would completely eliminate paper-based processing in aviation certification and licensing.

Balang stated that the project was conceived to digitise and modernise the regulatory operations of the authority, noting that effective aviation oversight could no longer be managed manually.

‘What we are going to find with my team is not something you can use paper files to do. You need systems. That is why we are gathered here today,’ he said.

‘The Director-General has picked this project and within two years, he has moved it from where he met it to where it is today. What you are seeing on the screen is the landing page of the software we are talking about.

‘It has a central module, personnel licensing module, technical records module and organisational approvals module. This is a very big area.’