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Ahead of 2027 Polls, EFCC and Aviation Security Agencies Collaborate Against Financial Crimes

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To combat illicit financial flows and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s impending general elections, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kano Zonal Directorate and Aviation Security (AVSEC) have committed to strengthening cooperation in intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity at the EFCC, made this announcement on Tuesday.

Assistant Commander Friday S. Ebelo, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano, received a formal commitment from Aliyu Yahuza Abdullahi, the recently appointed Chief of Aviation Security at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, during a courtesy visit.

Abdullahi pledged a “new vista of cooperation” to dismantle syndicates that use the aviation industry for illicit financial operations and guaranteed the Commission of AVSEC of his complete support.

He underlined the importance of intelligence sharing, claiming that it would improve joint operations’ efficacy and protect airport operations.

Additionally, the AVSEC chairman asked the EFCC to give advance notification of any scheduled airport operations.

According to Abdullahi, “advance notification will enable us to deploy resources efficiently and support EFCC operatives seamlessly in the field.”

Ebelo responded by praising the commitment to greater cooperation and emphasizing the importance of being watchful, particularly when it comes to the transfer of substantial amounts of money through the airport.

He emphasized that dishonest players can utilize illegal funds to sway the political process as general elections get near.

In order to prevent economic saboteurs and shield Nigeria’s democracy from the damaging consequences of illicit financial flows, Ebelo urged the security services to take the initiative to intercept cash meant for illegal purposes.

As authorities step up efforts to prevent financial crimes and guarantee transparent voting procedures, the renewed agreement highlights the vital importance of inter-agency coordination at major points of entry.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Victoria Ugo-Ali, the newly appointed Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ilorin Zonal Directorate, made strategic courtesy visits to Michael Oganwu, the Kwara State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Nicholas Rume, the Commandant of the 22 Armoured Brigade.

The trips were intended to improve interagency cooperation in the fight against terrorism financing, banditry, illicit mining, and corruption in Kwara State and its surrounding areas.

Ugo-Ali described unlawful mining as a serious danger to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security and underlined the urgent need for coordinated efforts to confront it during her meeting with the Army Commandant.

She pointed out that organized crime networks frequently spearhead unlawful mining operations, which circumvent regulatory regulations and rob the country of vital revenue.

To combat the threat, she urged increased intelligence sharing, cooperative field operations, and better mining site security.

The Zonal Director went on to emphasize the connection between financing terrorism and illicit mining, stating that money obtained from illicit mineral extraction is occasionally used to support extremist and violent actions.

She emphasized that stopping these financial flows is still essential to the EFCC’s mission and that strong military cooperation is needed to destroy long-standing criminal networks.

Brigadier General Rume responded by praising the EFCC’s proactive attitude and reiterating the Brigade’s willingness to assist activities aimed at combating economic crime and corruption within its operational authority.

In order to improve operational effectiveness and prevent economic sabotage, he promised to maintain collaboration through coordinated capacity-building initiatives, prompt intelligence sharing, and joint task operations.

Ugo-Ali emphasized at the DSS headquarters the value of intelligence-driven cooperation in combating economic crimes, corruption, and the increasing threat of banditry in some areas of Kwara and neighboring states.

She noted that illegal financial activity and corruption frequently operate as facilitators of insecurity by giving extremist elements and bandit groups a source of revenue.

According to her, criminal networks would be considerably weakened if these financial lifelines were cut off by coordinated investigations and targeted enforcement.

In response, Oganwu reassured the EFCC of the DSS’s steadfast cooperation, pointing out that security agencies must work together to combat corruption, banditry, and the funding of terrorism.

In order to guarantee efficient enforcement and long-lasting peace, he promised strategic cooperation and actionable intelligence.

Tinubu Adopted as Gombe APC’s Only Candidate for 2027, Says Governor Inuwa

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In Gombe State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it will fully back President Bola Tinubu’s reelection by endorsing him as its only candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

At the party’s State Congress in Gombe on Tuesday, the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, made the proposal, which was seconded by the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo. This led to the endorsement.

A huge number of party supporters flocked to the Gombe Township Stadium in Gombe, the state capital, to watch the candidates who had won the Congresses be sworn in and affirmed.

Speaking at the event, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, the governor of Gombe State, stated that President Tinubu’s policies have provided economic stability to the country and that the APC administration has put Nigeria on the path to sustainable economic change.

Despite the first negative impact of the reforms, the governor argued that they address the more than 40 years of ambivalence on the withdrawal of subsidies, which became inevitable when the current administration took office.

Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to the President for his leadership at a pivotal point in the country’s political history. “Everyone is involved, and with what we have done here, we will deliver Gombe to APC from top to bottom come 2027. As APC talks, Mr. President may be confident in our efforts.

“Yes, there were difficult choices made about subsidies, foreign exchange, and other matters; these choices were unavoidable despite the difficulties involved, but as we can see, things are getting back to normal. As we can see now, this was necessary for the country to advance at the time, even though some people did not first grasp it. The governor addressed the applauding party members at Gombe Township Stadium, saying, “We could fund projects and fulfill campaign promises because it has brought prosperity.”

Earlier, Hon. Kumo, who led a group of lawmakers to the podium, listed the many accomplishments of the APC governments in Gombe under Governor Inuwa Yahaya and at the federal level under President Tinubu over the past two years, emphasizing that Nigeria under APC is headed toward greatness.

“We can tell you that many changes have occurred and many more are on the way because we are lawmakers with a deeper understanding of what is happening in government,” Kumo stated.

The state governor’s leadership style was lauded by the House Chief Whip, who also urged party supporters to support the party by voting for Gombe to join the APC in the upcoming elections.

Dr. Danjuma Dabo, the chairman of the APC Congress Committee for Gombe State, praised the governor’s leadership style in a previous speech. He claimed that the state’s ward, local, and state governments’ peaceful and rancour-free congresses are unmistakable proof of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s strong leadership.

“You made our work easier by reaching a consensus. Before our assignment, you have already screened based on skill, loyalty, and character. As a result, we will make sure that we execute the affirmation in accordance with party criteria as mandated by law. Additionally, we noticed that there were no opposing voices anywhere we went.

Through a voice vote, Dr. Dabo confirmed the candidates’ election to the party’s State Executive after listing the names of elected members in the State Congress.

Additionally, he praised the party members for their maturity throughout the exercise from the ward to the state level, pointing out that peace and advancement are ensured in areas where justice and equity are upheld.

Senate Delegation, Led by Akpabio, Pays Tribute to Late Senator Mpigi

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On Monday, a group of senators led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio visited the family of the late Senator Barinada Mpigi, who died in a London hospital last week.
In the National Assembly, Senator Mpigi spoke for the residents of the Rivers South East Senatorial District.

Akpabio expressed profound grief and regret over the former lawmaker’s dying during the visit, characterizing Senator Mpigi’s passing as a terrible loss to the National Assembly and the country as a whole. He emphasized Mpigi’s commitment to public service, pointing out that he made a significant contribution to nation-building and legislative growth.

Senator Mpigi was a devoted public servant who made significant contributions to the advancement of legislation and the development of the country. He was dedicated to the well-being of his constituents, and his enthusiasm for service would never be forgotten, according to Akpabio.

The Senate President advised the grieving family to find comfort in the significant life their father led and added that Mpigi’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations of leaders. He reassured them that their sorrow is shared by the Senate and the entire National Assembly.

Yul Edochie Slams Rufai Oseni Over Alleged Disrespect

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Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has come under fire from Nollywood star Yul Edochie, who called him rude.

According to reports, Yul accused Rufai of being rude to visitors and causing them discomfort during interviews in a video posted on his social media website.

Citing a previous instance in Lagos State where the broadcaster was found driving in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane, the movie star questioned Rufa Oseni’s moral legitimacy to confront political leaders and guests on national television.

He asserted that Oseni didn’t issue an apology until a video of the incident appeared online.

“Is this not the same Rufai Oseni that was caught driving on BRT lane?” Edochie said.

When you were apprehended by authorities, you shouted, ‘Do you know who I am?’ rather than apologizing. I’ll give Lagos State’s governor a call.

“You couldn’t even apologize if someone didn’t have a video. What would have happened in the absence of the video?

“How can you invite someone and cause them discomfort?

“The first thing you do when a guest is uncomfortable is to apologize and put them at ease. How can you let a visitor know that they are free to leave the studio if they don’t feel comfortable?

On national television, you are demeaning individuals. You are a really rude person. Journalism is not like that.

Yul Edochie defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration by pointing out that Rome was not built in a day and urging opponents to give the ruling party more time.

“Whether you like it or not, Jagaban President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the President of Nigeria,” he continued. You have to respect him since he is our president. The dude has just entered. Give it to him. Rome wasn’t constructed overnight.

Soludo Orders Salary Cuts for Workers Absent During Monday Sit-at-Home

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The February salaries of employees who did not show up for work on Mondays—days that the Indigenous People of Biafra had previously designated to be sit-at-home days—were cut by the Anambra State Government.

In an attempt to put an end to the Monday sit-at-home, the state administration reportedly announced the start of pro-rata wage payments for workers throughout the state, stating that civil officials’ salaries will be paid in accordance with pro-rata starting in February 2026.

Additionally, the state government seized the occasion to declare that the sit-at-home protest was over.

For several employees, however, it was a tale of woe when they received the warnings for the February paychecks, which included a pay decrease and large deductions.

Some employees at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka, the state capital, complained to reporters on Tuesday that their salary deductions did not match the number of Mondays they were absent from work.

A coworker in his ministry was only paid N10,000 for February following the deductions, according to a worker who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of being victimized.

Another Ministry of Information employee bemoaned receiving only N3,500 out of his gross salary of nearly N80,000.

“One of my coworkers reported receiving her salary with N10,000 deducted,” he stated.

“The cuts are irregular, but some people who missed work just once or twice had significant deductions from their salaries, so I believe there were computation errors.”

“I am surprised to see huge deductions when I received the alert for my February salary,” remarked another impacted employee. My pay was withheld by more than N80,000 because I missed two Mondays of work. Two Mondays weren’t supposed to be up to that much, therefore I believe it was computed incorrectly.

Dr. Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information, told reporters that the deductions were a penalty for missing work on Mondays when they were approached about the development on Tuesday.

“The salary cut is a punishment for failing to come to work on Mondays,” stated Mefor. You were instructed to clock in when you arrived at work on Mondays and to clock out when the workday ended. That demonstrates your presence at work.

“However, if you showed up for work on Mondays but failed to clock in or out, it indicates that you did not show up because there is no proof that you did.”

Gov Diri Advocates Equal Political Opportunities for Women

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Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has argued against tokenistic agitation for special seats in the National Assembly in favor of complete inclusion of women in politics.
This was said by Senator Diri on Tuesday in Yenagoa, the state capital, at the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) women’s conference.

Additionally, the governor of Bayelsa called on women throughout the region to demand complete freedom to engage in politics since they should not be treated like second-class citizens.
“I was informed that a major sponsor of this program is the British High Commission,” he said. When the Deputy High Commissioner visited Bayelsa last week, I had the chance to meet with her, and we talked about women’s involvement in politics.
She thinks it’s a good idea to advocate for women’s seats in the National Assembly. Although I somewhat agreed with her as a short-term fix, I generally disagree with the concept. My argument is that I oppose treating women like second-class citizens.
In contrast to America, women in Britain do not hold specific seats in parliament. They are totally involved in politics and are acknowledged by the system. There is no discussion regarding women’s disadvantages or reserved seats. In Nigeria, we can succeed.

“Our women participate in politics and are highly intelligent. They are also highly involved in a variety of occupations. Why, therefore, are we requesting preferential treatment for them?
“Women participate and go on to become presidents, governors, and members of parliament all over the world.” Nigeria ought not to be an anomaly. Our organization is flawed. Nigeria has a structural weakness.

Even in the Niger Delta, women work as professors, physicians, engineers, and attorneys. My 26-year-old daughter recently received her Ph.D. in law. Women should demand their independence, and I urge you to reject this nation’s treatment of you as second-class citizens.

Governor Diri described initiatives to increase the number of women involved in state politics.

“I have deliberately worked to increase the number of women in Bayelsa’s government, either in the House of Assembly or the state executive. I had anticipated having roughly five women in the parliament in 2023, but only two of them were elected.
I am glad that you are uniting since I am aware of the difficulties you are enduring. Sometimes the issue is even between women. As governor of our state, I will always be there for you, my dear Niger Delta women.
Previously, Rev. (Mrs.) Grace Ekong, the PANDEF National Women Leader, stated that in order for women to actively engage in politics, they need exposure, education, experience, and skills.

They have important roles to play in the advancement of society, thus she urged them to not be passive.
“As women, you ought to participate wherever you are. Engage in and make intelligent, constructive, and constructive contributions to this region’s development. In order to be assigned to political posts and participate in the events occurring in this country and our region, you should educate yourself and encourage your children to do the same.

“Development and infrastructure are necessary in our area. For the next generation to have a place to live and work, we must be connected and safeguard the environment.
“How many women from the Niger Delta region are involved in this country’s politics? This region generates the nation’s wealth.”

Former Nigerian First Lady Dr. Patience Jonathan, Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, PANDEF National Chairman Dr. Boladei Igali, and a number of women’s organizations from throughout the Niger Delta were present at the event.

Plateau Politics: APC to Battle Within as No Opposition Exists, Says Mutfwang

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According to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, there won’t be any opposition to his party in Plateau State by the general elections of 2027.

Following Rufus Bature’s election as the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, the governor made the statement on Tuesday in Jos.

Bature and other members of the state executive committee were understood to have formed a consensus.

Following the exercise, Mutfwang said he was confident the party would continue to rule the Plateau before the 2027 elections.

By God’s grace, we will only run for office among ourselves in 2027. The governor declared that there would be no resistance in the Plateau.

He went on to say that the state’s citizens have continued to show faith in the party’s policies and leadership.

“I think the people of Plateau have faith in us and will stick with us because they understand that we are doing in their best interests. We shall use this chance to improve the lives of the state’s citizens. “Now is the moment to bring Plateau together,” he said.

Demands Reconciliation and Unity

The governor described the APC as a family whose internal conflicts must not jeopardize its common goal and emphasized the importance of unity, tolerance, and healing inside the party.

He assured members that all unresolved matters would be resolved peacefully in the party’s best interests, even if he acknowledged that some issues still needed to be handled.

He urged Bature and the other state executive committee members to stick with the party, the president, and the people of Plateau State while congratulating them.

Additionally, Mutfwang announced a one-month statewide recruitment drive in which each registered member was instructed to find ten or more new members.

“As party evangelists, it is your responsibility to reach every corner of the state and convince more individuals to join us. Plateau State will benefit more from a larger and more powerful party, he claimed.

Noting that both a strong party structure and successful grassroots mobilization are necessary for electoral success, he also urged members to support the party’s e-membership registration project.

Bature praised party leaders and delegates for their faith in him and his team during his acceptance speech.

He promised to work hard to live up to the expectations of party members throughout the state, describing his re-election as both an honor and a responsibility.

The election of three senators, 23 members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, 17 local government chairmen, and 325 council members on the APC platform were among the accomplishments noted by Bature during his previous term.

In order to guarantee accountability and long-term electoral success in the state, he reassured members that the party leadership will continue to offer helpful supervision and assistance.

El-Rufai Responds to ICPC Probe, Invokes Constitutional Protection

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Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, gave an explanation for his refusal to respond to inquiries from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), characterizing his silence as a constitutional prerogative rather than a sign of disobedience.

On February 19 and 20, 2026, El-Rufai, who is presently being investigated by the anti-graft agency, gave two handwritten statements to ICPC officers while being cautious and in front of his attorney, Ubong E. Akpan.

The former governor reportedly admitted reading the cautionary notice and said he grasped its significance in his initial statement, which was dated February 19.

“I have read the warning above, and I am aware of its implications and meaning. In front of my attorney, Ubong Akpan, Esq., I would like to freely declare from Ubong Akpan’s chambers,” he wrote.

He continued by giving personal background information, such as his upbringing in Kaduna, his birth in Dandawa, Katsina State, in 1960, and his academic career at Ahmadu Bello University, Harvard University, and the University of London.

El-Rufai emphasized his background in quantity surveying, telecommunications, and public service, citing his positions as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003–2007), Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (1999–2003), and two-term governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023).

He also mentioned that he is retired and spends most of his time in Egypt with his 96-year-old mother and half of his family.

He declined, nevertheless, to answer the commission’s queries.

“On the advice of counsel, I have chosen to exercise my right to silence in response to your question (as well as all of your questions).” I won’t say anything further or answer any queries,” he wrote.

“Deliver Results Before a Tribunal”
El-Rufai claimed that rather than questioning him further, the ICPC should present its conclusions to a court after almost two years of investigations.

“I think the ICPC should disclose its conclusions to a judicial panel rather than to me after over two years of hard inquiry. He declared, “I will only address any accusations in a court of law.”

He also claimed that the probe had political motivations.

“The true reason you are looking into me is because I am a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is Nigeria’s only remaining opposition party,” he wrote.

“This is because, unlike political persecution, which is a matter that only a judge can decide on, I do not think these investigations amount to lawful entitlement.”

El-Rufai upheld his position in a follow-up statement dated February 20, 2026, after investigators allegedly showed him more papers.

“In accordance with my statement dated February 19, 2026, and in the presence of my attorney, Ubong E. Akpan, I would like to further state that I reserve my constitutional right to silence to all the documents and further questions upon presentation of further documents and questions,” he wrote.

“As I made very clear in my statement dated February 19, 2026, I will only address these documents and inquiries in a court of law.”

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Bwari had already granted the ICPC a 14-day remand order, which is scheduled to expire on March 5, 2026.

As political and legal factors continue to influence the inquiry’s narrative, this discovery represents the most recent development in the continuing investigation concerning the former governor.

Drama As Court Adjourns Alleged Illegal Ejection Case To April 24

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There was a mild drama at a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, when a lawyer, Abubakar Mohammed, who was hired to only observe proceedings stood up and told Justice Samira Bature, that the case before her is being delayed.

Mohammed was hired by Asabe Waziri, who had alleged and complaint to the Attorney-Genetal that he was illegally evicted from a property in Maitama District of Abuja, where she lived to only watch and observe proceedings before the court.

A lawyer, Victor Giwa, Cecil Osakwe and Ms Edith Erhunmuuse, were accused of illegally ejecting Asabe from the property.

Shortly after. Mohammed spoke, Giwa stood up amd told the court that Counsel to Asabe, Mohammed, has no right to talk before the court that he was only before the court to announce appearance and watch proceedings.

Mohammed. Was hired tomwat h the brief of Asabe in the court.

According to him, Mohammed was his staff, who was hired by Asabe to appear in the case against him.

He said, “The victim (Asabe) is the one harrasing me, she is now using my former staff against me in court.

“He has no right to address the court, his mission in this court is only to watch brief for the victim”.

But Justice Bature, in her response agreed with Giwa and said that she did not record everything Mohammed said in the court.

The case could not however, go on due to the absence of Erhunmuuse, who has been said to be absent because of ill-health and could not also afford a lawyer.

The case was adjourned to the 24th of April, 2024.

At the last adjoured date, the court was told that the case had earlier suffered delays, including an adjournment to allow the third defendant secure legal representation.

Although the third defendant is now represented by counsel, Mr C. C. Onyechere, she was absent from court, with her counsel attributing her absence to ill health.

The prosecution also informed the court that at a previous sitting, proceedings were stalled after the counsel handling the matter was said to be on official assignment outside the country.

Justice Bature recalled that the court had warned against delays capable of frustrating the arraignment of the defendants.

In her ruling, Justice Bature held that although the matter had suffered several adjournments, warning that no further adjournment will be tolerated.

The judge further directed that all pending applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction would be taken when the prosecution is present to respond.

Emphasising the need for fairness, Justice Bature stated that “in the interest of justice, both parties must be given the opportunity to be heard.”

She also ordered counsel to the third defendant to ensure his client’s appearance in court on the next adjourned date and that the prosecution is duly served with the necessary notice.

Cashless Policy: FAAN Introduces Multiple Payment Methods at Airports

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Under the “Operation Go Cashless” initiative, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has implemented four digital payment methods at airport access gates around the country.

According to the authority, the measure is a component of initiatives to do away with cash transactions, enhance operational effectiveness, and support Nigeria’s larger shift to a cashless economy.

FAAN described the authorized payment methods for drivers and airport patrons in a statement posted on its official 𝕏 account on Tuesday.

Four Accepted Channels of Payment
The authority states that the choices are as follows:

“The fastest and most seamless payment option” is how FAAN Go Cashless Card is described.
E-Tag: Designed to facilitate automatic deductions without pausing at gates for frequent users.
VIP Sticker: For vehicles with permissioned access.
ATM/Debit Card via POS: Available on-site, although processing times may differ because of issues with the banking network.
“The following payment options are available to ensure smooth and efficient access,” FAAN said.

The organization also stated that the Go Cashless Card is available to airport patrons at its commercial offices and certain access gates across the country. Additionally, it revealed that card administration and registration are available online via its webpage.

On March 1, 2026, the cashless policy went into force, prohibiting cash payments at all FAAN pay locations, including executive lounges, parking lots, and toll gates.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were among the major hubs where the program, which was started in collaboration with Paystack, was first introduced in September 2025.

According to FAAN, the policy complies with Nigeria’s Central Bank’s directives to increase the use of electronic payments throughout the nation.

Confusion and excessive gridlock at the airports in Lagos and Abuja marred the first day of full implementation, despite the expected benefits.

Some passengers reportedly missed planned flights due to traffic congestion at entrance gates.

When drivers came without prepaid cards, they had to rely on Point of Sale machines, which led to lengthy lines and delayed processing times.

The congestion was made worse by network-related problems that affected point-of-sale transactions, according to some airport patrons.

However, FAAN insisted that the project will eventually improve service delivery.

The authority emphasized that the system is intended to make transactions “faster, safer, and more convenient,” with the potential to increase income by up to 75% through fewer cash handling and increased transparency.

To reduce wait times at entrance gates, FAAN asked frequent travelers to fill their Go Cashless cards ahead of time.

For the time being, travelers at Nigeria’s main airports are acclimating to a new system in which cash is no longer king.

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