Business
Two cryptocurrency platforms get approval to operate in Nigeria
Two cryptocurrency platforms get approval to operate in Nigeria
The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has granted two digital assets Exchanges “Approval-in-Principle” to commence operation under the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Program, ARIP.
Efe Ebelo, the spokesperson of the commission announced this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
According to Ebelo, the companies that were granted the approval are Busha Digital Ltd., and Quidax Technologies Ltd.
She said that the approval-in-principle was in furtherance of SEC’s commitment to enabling innovation that would deepen the capital market while guaranteeing the protection of investors.
She said that the cohort comprises of two digital asset exchanges, four digital asset offering platforms and one digital asset custodian.
“Busha operates a digital exchange that facilitates the buying and selling of crypto assets with fiat currency.
“It enables individuals and businesses in Nigeria and other developing economies to access basic digital asset investment services.
“Busha’s customers use the mobile and web applications to buy, sell, store, send, receive, trade, invest and make payments in cryptocurrencies,” she said.
The spokesperson said that Quidax Technologies operated a cryptocurrency trading platform in Nigeria.
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“The platform leverages blockchain technology to list and trade already issued crypto tokens (assets).
“The services are provided via a proprietary blockchain owned and controlled by Quidax,” she said.
According to her, the exchange platform is both web and mobile enabled for ease of access and use.
She said Quidax also utilised digital wallet to enable its users store, receive and transact in variety of cryptocurrencies.
Similarly, Ms Ebelo onfirmed that five firms had been admitted to test their models and technology under the commission’s Regulatory Incubation(RI) Programme.
She listed the companies as Trovotech Ltd., Wrapped CBDC Ltd., HousingExhange.NG Ltd., Dream City Capital and Blockvault Custodian Ltd.
She said that the commission recently introduced ARIP to “strategically on-board firms” which had commenced operations prior to the release of the Rules on Virtual Asset Service Providers in May 2022.
According to her, the current cohort of the ARIP and the RI programmes is characterised by the increased use of distributed ledger technology (“DLT”) in creating and trading crypto assets
She added that the outcome of the process would inform further policy development in the space.
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She said that tests would be conducted on a short-term and small-scale basis, and the commission would continue to work with the participating firms to agree on testing parameters and robust consumer safeguards.
“The referenced approvals-in-principle are a precursor to the granting of full registration by SEC and are meant to ensure that appropriate protection and transparency is in place in respect of each product or service.
“It is noteworthy that the above firms are not the only entities that have applied to ARIP and the RI programmes.
“Other applications received are being assessed and would be granted approval-in-principle on a case-by-case basis as they meet all SEC requirements,” she said.
Ms Ebelo, however, reiterated that only approved digital exchanges and platforms are legally authorised to carry out the business of crypto trading in any form in Nigeria.
She said that in this regard, ARIP and RI remained the only avenues for well-intentioned entities to legitimately introduce their digital products and services to the Nigerian capital market.
She advised the public to refrain from dealing with illegal operators who had not applied to and received SEC’s approval under the ARIP or the RI programme.
“Intending investors are also reminded to always confirm from various SEC information portals whether entities purporting to provide investment services are legally empowered to so do,” she said.
Two cryptocurrency platforms get approval to operate in Nigeria
NAN
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Auto
Jetour Set to Storm Abuja Show with Rugged Luxury T2
Jetour Set to Storm Abuja Show with Rugged Luxury T2
Abuja is set for a taste of rugged luxury as Jetour Nigeria puts its adventure-ready T2 SUV in the spotlight at the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026, giving motorists in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to test its blend of off-road capability, premium comfort and advanced technology.
The three-day showcase at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, will feature test drives, live demonstrations and direct interaction with Jetour product specialists, offering prospective buyers a closer look at the T2 and other models in the automaker’s growing Nigerian line-up.
Positioned as a premium SUV combining off-road capability with comfort and advanced technology, the Jetour T2 is designed for motorists seeking a vehicle capable of handling both city driving and challenging terrain.
Jetour Nigeria is distributing the T2 and other models via its seven accredited dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Tab Autos Limited.
The T 2 SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 254 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and BorgWarner sixth-generation intelligent four-wheel-drive system.
It also features five driving modes — Eco, Sport, Mud, Rock and X Smart — designed to provide improved adaptability across different road and terrain conditions.
Measuring 4,758mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers 220mm ground clearance and a 70-litre fuel tank, giving it the capability for extended journeys and off-road adventures.
Inside the cabin, the T2 combines rugged styling with modern comfort, featuring ergonomic seating and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and intelligent voice control.
Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, rear parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Anti-lock Braking System and Emergency Brake Assist.
The SUV also comes with off-road crawl control as well as push-button and remote-start functions.
The Abuja experience follows Jetour Nigeria’s recent showcase in Lagos as the automaker continues to expand its presence and customer reach across the country.
With its combination of performance, technology, safety and luxury, the Jetour T2 is expected to attract motorists seeking an SUV capable of combining everyday urban mobility with adventure and off-road driving.
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Business
NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays
NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays
Thousands of Nigerian air passengers faced delays in August as domestic airlines struggled to keep to their scheduled flight times.
Now, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is taking regulatory steps that could lead to sanctions against airlines responsible for persistent delays.
The regulator’s August data showed that 4,765 of 7,961 scheduled domestic flights were delayed. In other words, nearly 60 per cent of the flights did not leave as scheduled.
Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines recorded some of the highest delay rates, with 71 per cent and 76 per cent of their flights respectively affected.
NCAA Warns Airlines
NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said that the regulator had already engaged some of the airlines involved.
According to him, the NCAA met with Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and Max Air and issued stern warnings over their operations.
The authority is now weighing further regulatory measures as the problem continues to affect passengers.
Achimugu also urged travellers to consider other airlines when repeated delays make a particular carrier unreliable.
“When one airline is continuously misbehaving, buy tickets on another airline and make your flight” he said.
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Passenger Rights Put Enforcement Under Spotlight
However, aviation consultant Capt. John Ojikutu believes the recurring problem exposes a wider weakness in the sector.
Ojikutu said Nigeria has regulations intended to protect air travellers, but questioned how consistently those rules are enforced.
“The regulation is there to protect the customer. What is the enforcement?” he said.
He noted that passengers can report violations to the appropriate authorities. But, in his view, regulators must follow up on those complaints with meaningful action.
The aviation expert also recalled experiencing severe delays himself.
He said he once travelled to Abuja and passengers had to board an aircraft three times before another plane was brought in to complete the journey.
The disruption, he said, left him returning to Lagos considerably later than expected.
Are Airlines Planning Their Routes Properly?
Ojikutu also linked the industry’s problems to the way some airlines plan their operations.
He questioned the number of carriers competing on the Lagos-Abuja route, particularly when several airlines operate multiple flights each day.
His argument is that airlines should first establish the level of passenger demand before selecting routes, aircraft sizes and flight frequencies.
According to him, deploying aircraft capable of carrying more than 100 passengers without sufficient demand can put additional financial pressure on an airline.
He therefore advised carriers to consider routes with enough passengers but less competition.
Smaller Aircraft Could Serve Regional Routes
Ojikutu said the industry could also learn from the operational model used by the former Nigerian Airways.
He recalled that the airline used larger aircraft on major routes while smaller planes connected regional destinations to major airports.
He suggested that modern carriers could adopt a similar approach by connecting cities such as Sokoto, Kaduna, Jos and Minna to larger aviation hubs.
Rather than having every airline compete directly on major routes, he said carriers could develop regional networks that feed passengers into bigger airports.
He also called for more airlines to establish bases outside Lagos.
According to him, encouraging operations in other parts of the country could reduce the heavy concentration of airlines in Lagos and create stronger regional connections.
Concern Over Airline Survival
Ojikutu further questioned the short lifespan of many Nigerian airlines.
He attributed part of the problem to weak business planning and argued that airlines should present credible, sustainable plans before receiving regulatory approval to operate.
The latest development therefore puts both airlines and the aviation regulator under scrutiny, as passengers continue to deal with delays despite existing rules designed to protect them.
NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays
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Business
Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action
Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action
Workers’ unions and fuel sellers appeal to the government to protect families from soaring transportation and food costs.
Fuel stations across Nigeria have raised the price of petrol to as high as ₦1,500 per litre, creating fresh financial strain for working people, small business operators, and families. Across cities such as Kano, Maiduguri, Damaturu, and Sokoto, drivers and commercial riders now pay higher rates at the pump, while stations in central and southern communities also report steady increases.
Because transportation costs directly influence the price of everyday essentials, bus drivers and tricycle operators have raised passenger fares to cover their fuel bills. As a result, parents and commuters face steeper daily travel expenses and rising grocery bills.
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To address this pressure, the Nigeria Labour Congress urged federal authorities to step in quickly with practical relief measures. These proposals include providing cost-of-living allowances to workers, ensuring local refineries can purchase crude oil directly in local currency, and using surplus oil earnings to keep pump prices affordable.
At the same time, fuel sellers warned that pump prices could rise even further if international oil markets remain volatile. Retail associations noted that recent wholesale adjustments from local refineries have increased costs for station owners, who must pay more to restock their tanks.
To keep fuel affordable for the general public, union leaders and station operators are encouraging the government to reduce shipping and regulatory fees, helping ensure that reliable energy remains accessible to every community across the country.
Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action
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