Aviation & Transport
Nigeria Moves to Prevent Flight Disruptions Amid Jet Fuel Price Surge
Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing potential operational disruptions following warnings from domestic airlines over a sharp increase in aviation fuel prices. Operators indicated that the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel has significantly increased operating expenses, placing pressure on route sustainability and flight scheduling.
Industry stakeholders noted that fuel costs account for a substantial proportion of airline operational expenditure. The sudden increase has therefore raised concerns about the viability of maintaining current service levels without adjustments to pricing structures or operational capacity.
In response to the warnings, the Federal Government convened an emergency meeting involving airline operators, aviation regulators, and fuel suppliers. Authorities urged airlines to maintain operations while discussions continue on measures to stabilize supply and address pricing concerns.
The intervention reflects broader concerns about the potential economic impact of flight disruptions, including effects on passenger movement, business travel, cargo logistics, and regional connectivity.
The situation highlights the aviation sector’s sensitivity to fuel price volatility and underscores the importance of coordinated regulatory engagement to manage operational risks and ensure continuity of air transport services.
Telecoms & Technology
Telecom Operators Expand Infrastructure Amid Rising Demand
Telecommunications operators in Nigeria are expanding network infrastructure to address the growing demand for data services across the country. Increased reliance on digital platforms, mobile payments, streaming services, and remote work solutions has driven the need for improved network capacity.
Operators are investing in additional base stations, fibre deployment, and capacity upgrades to enhance service delivery and reduce network congestion. The expansion efforts are aimed at improving coverage, increasing data speeds, and supporting Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
At the same time, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about infrastructure vandalism, including theft of telecom equipment, fibre cuts, and damage to base stations. These incidents have affected network reliability in certain areas and increased operational costs for service providers.
Calls have been made for stronger collaboration between regulators, security agencies, and operators to protect telecom infrastructure. Enhanced protection measures are viewed as critical to ensuring service continuity and supporting ongoing investments in network expansion.
These developments highlight both the growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and the importance of infrastructure resilience in maintaining service quality.
Corporate & Commercial
FCCPC Warns Companies on Merger and Acquisition Compliance
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a reminder to companies on the need to comply with merger notification and approval requirements before implementing corporate transactions.
The Commission emphasized that mergers, acquisitions, business combinations, and certain joint venture arrangements may require regulatory clearance depending on applicable thresholds. Companies were advised to ensure that transactions are reviewed and approved before completion.
The warning follows concerns over instances where business combinations were implemented without prior notification to the regulator. Such actions may raise competition concerns and could attract regulatory scrutiny.
The Commission reiterated that merger control is designed to prevent anti-competitive conduct, protect market competition, and ensure fair business practices. Compliance with notification requirements is therefore essential in structuring corporate transactions.
This development reinforces the importance of regulatory due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, particularly where transactions may impact market structure, competition, or consumer welfare.
Banking & Finance / FX Regulation
CBN Mandates Naira Settlement for Diaspora Remittances Effective May 2026
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a new policy requiring all diaspora remittances to be paid in Naira, effective May 1, 2026. The directive applies to all licensed International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), including global remittance platforms operating in Nigeria.
Under the new framework, IMTOs must open and maintain designated Naira settlement accounts with authorised dealer banks in Nigeria. All remittance inflows, beneficiary payments, and related settlement transactions must be routed through these accounts.
The policy removes the option for beneficiaries to receive funds in foreign currency, meaning all diaspora transfers will now be converted into Naira prior to disbursement.
According to the CBN, the directive is aimed at strengthening transparency in the remittance ecosystem, improving traceability of foreign exchange inflows, and enhancing liquidity within the official foreign exchange market.
The new framework also introduces a more structured settlement mechanism for remittance transactions, placing additional compliance obligations on IMTOs and authorised dealer banks responsible for processing inflows.
The development represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s remittance landscape, particularly for cross-border transfers that have historically allowed beneficiaries to receive funds in foreign currency.
From a regulatory perspective, the policy is expected to influence foreign exchange market dynamics, remittance structuring, and settlement processes for cross-border payment operators.
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