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Aviation authority decries flight cancellations

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The acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, has expressed concern over the increasing rate of flight cancellations, saying not less than 190 flights were canceled within two months.

Najomo stated this while delivering his speech at the Airlines-NCAA engagement over the spate of flight disruptions in the country on Friday.

He disclosed that out of 5,291 flights operated in September 2024; 2,434 were delayed while 79 were cancelled.

The acting DG added that out of 5,513 flights operated in October 2024, 2791 were delayed while 111 flights were also cancelled.

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He said, “Delays and cancellations are sometimes inevitable, but poor management of these disruptions is not. It is the responsibility of airlines to ensure that every disruption, whether due to operational, technical, or weather-related challenges, is handled with the utmost professionalism and regard for passengers’ rights.

“Our flight operations data record indicates that in September 2024, five thousand two hundred and ninety-one domestic flights were operated with 2,434 delays and 79 cancellations.

In October 2024 5513 flights were operated with 2,791 delays and 111 cancellations recorded.

“We must remind all operators of the NCAA Regulations on Passenger Rights during disruptions, as outlined in the Nigeria Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2023. These regulations are not optional; they are mandatory obligations.”

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Speaking at the sideline of the event, Najomo also stated that he had been receiving phone calls from the presidency and members of the National Assembly over the unruly behaviours of passengers at the airport, mostly occasioned by flight disruptions/ cancellations, describing such as an embarrassment to Nigeria.

This was as the NCAA boss insisted that no stone would be left unturned in tackling the menace and restoring the sanctity of the Nigerian airports.

While asking the airlines to tidy their end of the air transport bargains, Najomo promised to meet with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria after which a fresh decisive decision on how to better tackle the development would be made.

He said, “The unruly behaviour of some passengers is fast becoming very disturbing, I am getting calls from the presidency and even the National Assembly. This unruly behavior is not good for our image as a country and we are resolute in putting a stop to it.

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The aviation regulator who understood that flight cancellations and disruptions were mainly responsible for the unruly behaviours of passengers at the airports insisted that violence should, however, not be the next resolution.

Also expressing her dissatisfaction with the trend of unruly behaviours, the Managing Director of the FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, said the agency was disturbed about the development at the airports.

Kuku said, “I have continued to harp on communication and engagement with the NCAA, FAAN, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria. I have also enjoined operators to ensure that they provide us with the right information.

“We have continued to tell the passengers to ensure that they provide their email addresses to the airlines so they can get information but if you do act like a criminal within the terminal building, you would be treated as one. We understand the plight of passengers but to start behaving in a manner that is demeaning to airline staff or the airport, we would prosecute or even put you on a no-flight list.”

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Economy

SEE Current Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate

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Current Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate
As of Thursday, May 15, 2025, the exchange rate of the United States Dollar (USD) to the Nigerian Naira (NGN) in the Lagos parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, stands as follows:

Buying Rate: ₦1,625 per $1
Selling Rate: ₦1,630 per $1
These rates were sourced from key operators within the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market and may fluctuate depending on demand, location, and volume of the transaction.

Important Disclaimer from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
The Central Bank of Nigeria has repeatedly cautioned against the use of the parallel market for foreign exchange transactions. The apex bank maintains that the official forex market is the only recognized channel for buying and selling foreign currency. Individuals or businesses in need of foreign exchange are strongly advised to approach their respective commercial banks or authorized dealers.

Official CBN Exchange Rate – May 15, 2025
In contrast to the rates observed in the black market, the official rates published by the CBN on the same date are:

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Highest Rate: ₦1,604 per $1
Lowest Rate: ₦1,597 per $1
These rates reflect the regulated interbank market and may differ from bank-to-bank or based on transaction purposes such as international payments, imports, and remittances.

It’s important to note that the foreign exchange rates quoted here are indicative and may not reflect the exact rates offered to individuals or businesses at any given moment. Factors such as the location of exchange, prevailing market conditions, transaction volume, and negotiations between parties can lead to slight variations.

Final Thoughts
As the Naira continues to fluctuate against the Dollar, both in the official and unofficial markets, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to monitor exchange rate trends closely. For the most accurate and up-to-date rates, always consult authorized BDC operators or your local bank.

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SEE Current Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate

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Current Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate
As of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira at the Lagos Parallel Market commonly known as the black market or Aboki FX—stands as follows:

Buying Rate: ₦1,630 per dollar
Selling Rate: ₦1,635 per dollar
This information is based on data obtained from traders at Bureau De Change (BDC) outlets in Lagos.

Important Notice:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the black market as an official channel for foreign exchange transactions. Individuals and businesses seeking to access forex are advised to go through authorized financial institutions, such as commercial banks.

Dollar to Naira – Black Market Rate Today
Exchange Type Rate (₦)
Buying ₦1,630
Selling ₦1,635
Dollar to Naira – CBN Official Rate
At the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official window, the dollar exchanged at varying rates today:

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Highest Rate: ₦1,610
Lowest Rate: ₦1,597
Note:
Foreign exchange rates may differ depending on location, volume, and the dealer. The figures provided here are for informational purposes and may not reflect the exact rates offered to buyers or sellers in real-time.

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Economy

CBN launches new platform, targets $1bn monthly diaspora remittances

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, has launched the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number platform, an initiative aimed at enhancing financial access for Nigerians in the diaspora.

The platform, which enables Nigerians abroad to obtain their Bank Verification Number remotely, removes the need for physical presence in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event in Abuja on Tuesday, CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, described the platform as a key milestone in the country’s financial inclusion journey.

He noted that the NRBVN would ease the long-standing challenges faced by Nigerians in the diaspora who previously had to be physically present in Nigeria for BVN registration.

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“For too long, many Nigerians abroad have faced difficulties accessing financial services at home due to physical verification requirements,” Cardoso said. “The NRBVN changes that. Through secure digital verification and robust Know Your Customer processes, Nigerians worldwide will now be able to access financial services more easily and affordably.”

The governor added that the NRBVN was not just a solution for financial access, but a step towards a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous financial ecosystem.

“We are building a secure, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem for Nigerians globally,” he remarked. “This platform is not just about financial access, it’s about national inclusion, innovation, and shared prosperity.”

Cardoso also highlighted the growth in remittance flows, which increased from $3.3bn in 2023 to $4.73bn in 2024. He attributed this rise to recent reforms, including the introduction of the willing buyer, willing seller FX regime.

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With the launch of the NRBVN, the CBN is targeting $1bn in monthly remittances.

“With the introduction of NRBVN and complementary policy measures, we are optimistic about achieving our ambitious target of $1bn in monthly remittance flows, a goal we believe is entirely achievable given the growing trust and convenience in formal remittance channels,” Cardoso said.

The event also featured a presentation by the Managing Director/CEO of NIBSS, Mr Premier Oiwoh, who detailed the technical and operational aspects of the NRBVN platform.

Oiwoh emphasised that the platform adheres to global standards, incorporating stringent Anti-Money Laundering and KYC compliance protocols to ensure transparency and security.

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The Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, also addressed the gathering, describing the NRBVN as a transformative tool for enhancing the banking experience for Nigeria’s diaspora.

He urged stakeholders to collaborate in refining the platform to meet the evolving needs of the diaspora community.

He further emphasised that the initiative would strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and its global citizens, and ultimately drive sustainable economic growth.

“Together, we stand at the threshold of a new era, poised to deepen the trust, enhance remittance growth, and forge a stronger, more meaningful connection between Nigeria and its global citizens,” Abdullahi said.

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The NRBVN platform is part of a broader framework that includes the Non-Resident Ordinary Account and Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account, which provide Nigerians in the diaspora with access to savings, mortgages, insurance, pensions, and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s capital markets.

Under current regulations, diasporans will have the flexibility to repatriate the proceeds of their investments.

The launch of the NRBVN platform marks a crucial step in the CBN’s efforts to improve financial inclusion and harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s diaspora.

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