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FG Launches Probe Into Azman Air Over Alleged Aircraft Delivery to Sanctioned Iran

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FG Launches Probe Into Azman Air Over Alleged Aircraft Delivery to Sanctioned Iran

FG Launches Probe Into Azman Air Over Alleged Aircraft Delivery to Sanctioned Iran

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an investigation into Azman Air over allegations of illegally delivering an aircraft to Iran, reportedly enabling the country to bypass U.S.-imposed sanctions.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the inquiry, though it noted that smuggling activities primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Speaking on the matter, NCAA spokesperson Mike Achimugu said, “These are weighty allegations. While smuggling is under the purview of Customs, we have forwarded the matter to the relevant directorates for investigation.”

The allegations stem from a report by the Middle East Forum Observer, which claimed Azman Air delivered an Airbus A340-642 widebody passenger aircraft to Iran’s largest airline, Mahan Air, on November 15, 2024. The aircraft, which departed from Kano, reportedly switched off its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder mid-flight after entering Iranian airspace and later landed at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport.

Mahan Air, a sanctioned airline linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, is accused of using African connections to circumvent long-standing U.S. sanctions on its aviation sector. The report claims Nigerian authorities were negligent, allowing Mahan Air to exploit the situation to acquire the aircraft.

Further allegations suggest that French authorities intercepted another Azman Air Airbus A340-642 on December 11, 2024, at Châteauroux Airport in France. The aircraft was allegedly en route to Kaduna, Nigeria, where it was to be temporarily stored, re-registered, and flown to Iran.

Attempts to contact Azman Air’s Chairman, Abdulmunaf Sarina, were unsuccessful as his phone line remained busy at the time of the report.

The Middle East Forum Observer alleged that Mahan Air relies on acquiring aircraft like the Airbus A340-642 through intermediaries in African nations, including Nigeria, Gambia, and Burkina Faso. These aircraft, equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, are said to be crucial for maintaining Mahan Air’s operations, including cargo and personnel transport linked to military activities.

The report further called on U.S. authorities to strengthen monitoring of aircraft movements in Africa and impose sanctions on organizations allegedly enabling Iran’s sanctions evasion.

The Federal Government has promised a thorough investigation to determine Azman Air’s role in the matter and ensure Nigeria’s aviation sector remains compliant with international laws and sanctions.

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Business Tycoon, Egungbohun Calls for Greater Investment in Technical Education to Combat Unemployment

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Business Tycoon, Egungbohun Calls for Greater Investment in Technical Education to Combat Unemployment*

Business Tycoon, Egungbohun Calls for Greater Investment in Technical Education to Combat Unemployment*

 

 

Nigeria foremost Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Ibraheem Dende Egungbohun (IBD) has called on government at all levels to continue to make vocational and technical education more attractive to youths in order for the Country to meet up with the global industrial challenges.

 

Alhaji Egungbohun made the call while speaking to Journalists after he was conferred with the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa fellowship award.

Business Tycoon, Egungbohun Calls for Greater Investment in Technical Education to Combat Unemployment*

Represented by his spouse, Chief Egungbohun also challenged government to make technical and vocational education more enticing to the youths to solve the challenge of unemployment.

He noted that many developed countries now prioritize vocational and technical education as against issues that are not beneficial to the youths while also saying that the move would make the youth self-reliant.

His words, “It is only through vocational and technical education that the youth can get entrepreneurial knowledge to stand and work on their own. Government should then make it more enticing to the youth. It is the way forward for this country to end this youthful restfulness.”

He commended the Ogun State government for placing high premium on Education and the current revitalisation of technical colleges across the State through the rehabilitation among other interventions.

He further stressed the need for the government at all levels to place more emphasis on the establishment of skill acquisition centers for the school graduates to learn vocations in addition to their certificates.

According to him, the move will reduce the over dependence on white-collar jobs among the youths in the country.

Stressing the importance of technical and vocational education for the youths in the society, the business mogul explained that for a country to achieve technological advancement and economic development, there was urgent need for government to pay premium attention to Polytechnic education and make it more practical in approach

He appreciated the Rector and other management of Ogun State Institute of Technology Igbesa for bestowing on him the highest honour of the School while promising to do more in uplifting the less privilege in the society.

Alhaji Egungbohun said government alone cannot fund education, he challenged other well to do in the society to adopt a school in the State and make a meaningful impact in such school.

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ICAN, Union Bank of Nigeria Foster Stronger Relationship with Visit

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ICAN, Union Bank of Nigeria Foster Stronger Relationship with Visit

ICAN, Union Bank of Nigeria Foster Stronger Relationship with Visit

 

Lagos, Nigeria—The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) recently paid a courtesy visit to Stallion Plaza, Union Bank of Nigeria’s Head Office. This visit marks a significant step in fostering a stronger relationship between the two esteemed institutions.

During the visit, ICAN and Union Bank representatives engaged in fruitful discussions to explore potential areas of collaboration and member’s growth within the Bank.

The Union Bank team was led by the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Oluwagbenga Adeoye FCA, and other notable UBN representatives, including Dr. Abigail Duopama-Obomanu, Chief Compliance Officer, Mr. Ali Kadiri FCA, Head Corporate Bank and Mr. Victor Ikeneku FCA, Head, Business Assurance. The ICAN team was led by the ICAN President, Chief Davidson C.S. Alaribe FCA, Dr. Olumide Adedeji FCA, President of Lagos District and other distinguished members.

The President of ICAN, Chief Davidson C.S Alaribe, appreciated the warm reception and highlighted the importance of such engagements in promoting professional excellence and ethical standards within the accounting and finance sectors. The Chief Financial Officer of Union Bank, Mr. Oluwagbenga Adeoye FCA, emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the professional development of accountants and ICAN members.

This visit underscores ICAN and Union Bank’s mutual commitment to advancing the accounting profession and contributing to the overall growth of Nigeria’s financial sector.

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Dangote, again crashes PMS Price by N65 to N825 per Litre

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General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Dangote, again crashes PMS Price by N65 to N825 per Litre

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has slashed the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, for the second time this month. It has cut N65 off the previous price of N890, bringing it down to N825 per litre at the gantry (ex-depot). This follows a N60 reduction on February 1.
The ex-depot price has thus decreased from N950 per litre in January to the current price of N825 per litre, representing a reduction of N125 per litre within 26 days.
This recent price reduction will also ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos.
In a statement from the first privately owned petroleum refinery in Africa, it was announced that the price adjustment will take effect from Thursday, February 27, and is intended to provide essential relief to Nigerians.
“This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
“It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians. This marks the second reduction of PMS prices in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60 earlier in the month. Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season,” the statement read.
The refinery highlighted that previous reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy. They also helped ensure that Nigerians did not experience the typical fuel scarcity and price hikes associated with the yuletide season.
Dangote reiterated that its high-quality products, which have become a favourite in both domestic and international markets, will remain available nationwide, particularly through its key partners—MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden—at market-friendly rates.
“Nigerians will be able to purchase high-quality Dangote petrol at the following prices across our partners’ retail outlets: For MRS Holdings stations, it will be sold for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East regions, respectively.
“The same product will also be available at the following prices in AP (Ardova Petroleum) and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 per litre in the South-West, N885 per litre in the North, and N895 per litre in the South-South and South-East,” it added.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The refinery called on marketers to support this initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of this effort.
“This collective action will contribute to the broader economic recovery plan led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub,” it concluded.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has exported its products to Europe, America, Asia, and other regions, recently supplied jet fuel to Saudi Arabia. The refinery has confirmed it holds over 500 million litres of petrol in storage, enough to meet Nigeria’s petrol demand for several days. Additionally, the refining capacity of the 650,000 barrel per day refinery has surpassed Nigeria’s average daily requirement of 385,000 barrels.

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