CBN, NCC to Introduce Industry-Wide Short Code for Banking Complaints

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to develop an industry-wide USSD short code that will enable consumers to contact their financial institutions anytime, anywhere, and without the need for internet access.

The disclosure was made by the Director of the Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department at the CBN, Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, during a virtual Consumer Protection Town Hall meeting titled “Ask the Regulator”, organised by Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA).

Explaining the motivation behind the initiative, Isa-Olatinwo said Nigeria’s rapidly evolving financial ecosystem—spanning telecom and banking services—has left many consumers uncertain about where to lodge complaints. She noted that vulnerable consumers, especially those without internet access or those using feature phones, are often forced to physically visit their banks when faced with transaction issues.

“We are working with the NCC to develop an industry short code that enables consumers to reach their financial institutions anytime, with or without internet access,” she said.

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Isa-Olatinwo added that the CBN has improved its complaint resolution processes and works closely with banks to ensure consumer protection. She stated that the apex bank achieved a 94 percent month-on-month timely resolution rate for customer issues.

Findings from an EFInA consumer poll revealed mixed experiences among bank users:

• 66% know the steps for lodging complaints; 4% do not.
• 26% said failed transactions were reversed within 24 hours; 54% within 24–48 hours.
• 61% experienced failed transactions in the past year.
• 6% were victims of fraud, 14% reported hidden charges, and 15% cited poor customer service.

President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo, said Nigerian consumers often feel unprotected and believe regulators favour service providers. She advocated the introduction of fraud insurance to ease burdens on victims of electronic fraud.

She argued that banks, not consumers, should bear the initial burden of proof:
“With fraud insurance, a bank can immediately refund a reported fraud loss and complete its investigation later. If it turns out not to be fraud, the customer can then be held responsible.”

Chairman of the Committee of e-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH), Mr. Ajibade Laolu-Adewale—represented by Mr. Adeyemi Salisu of Sterling Bank—said bank customers should never be redirected to merchants after failed transactions. He stressed that disputes must be resolved strictly between the issuing and acquiring banks, as stipulated by regulation.

CBN, NCC to Introduce Industry-Wide Short Code for Banking Complaints

NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin (Video)

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Segun Martins, who attempted to stow away on an Overland Airways flight at the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, in Kwara State.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident occurred around 3:02 pm, when Martins allegedly breached airside security and approached an aircraft preparing for take-off.

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According to the NCAA, the suspect attempted to hide between the aircraft tyres before he was spotted and apprehended by airport ground security personnel. He was subsequently handed over to the airport police division for further investigation.

During preliminary interrogation, Martins reportedly said he believed the aircraft was headed for the United States and attempted to escape Nigeria by concealing himself in the aircraft’s undercarriage.

The NCAA reiterated its commitment to ensuring strict security protocols across all airports in the country.

NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin

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NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin (Video)

FEC Approves Major Upgrades to Airports’ Navigation, Communication Systems to Boost Air Safety

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of major upgrades to Nigeria’s airport navigation and communication systems, aimed at enhancing air safety and modernising the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approvals on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Keyamo revealed that the council approved the installation of an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) in Lagos and Abuja airports. The system is designed to detect runway obstructions, improve visibility, and enhance ground safety operations.

In a move to strengthen aviation communication reliability, FEC also approved the procurement of aeronautical frequency monitoring and interference detection systems, as well as the construction of new modular air traffic control towers for eight airports.

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“Approval was given for the installation of an aeronautical frequency spectrum monitor and interference detection solution to improve communication between ground controllers, tower personnel and aircraft,” Keyamo said.

He explained that the system will significantly boost communication integrity and provide more precise guidance during runway approaches and departures.

Additionally, the council endorsed the upgrade, replacement, and installation of remote-controlled air–ground VHF radio communication systems in nine airports, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Wukari.

Keyamo also disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the nationwide rollout of biometric-enabled e-gates at all international airports to fast-track passenger clearance and improve travel experience.

“These upgrades reflect Mr President’s commitment to modernising aviation facilities and ensuring safer, more efficient air travel across Nigeria,” he stated.

The minister emphasised that the comprehensive improvements will align Nigerian airports with global aviation standards and enhance overall operational efficiency.

FEC approves major upgrades to airports’ navigation, communication systems