Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has mandated financial institutions to implement a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on all electronic transactions, as per the 2024 Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act. This levy aims to fund the National Cyber Security Fund, administered by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Financial institutions must deduct and remit the levy, with penalties for non-compliance. However, certain transactions, including loan disbursements, salary payments, and interbank transfers, are exempted from this levy.
2. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered condolences and sympathy to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the UAE following the death of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al-Nahyan, who served as the Ruler’s Representative of the Al Ain Region. Sheikh Tahnoon was a prominent figure in the UAE, known for his close ties to the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In return, Sheikh Mohamed expressed gratitude for the sentiments and also conveyed condolences over the death of Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen.
3. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo praised his experience flying with Air Peace from Lagos to London, describing it as pleasant. He expressed his satisfaction during a conversation with Nnenna Onyema, the daughter of Air Peace’s CEO, while on his trip. In a viral video shared by Air Peace, Obasanjo commended the airline’s services, stating that he didn’t encounter any issues during both his outbound and return flights. The airline which obtained permits for foreign carrier operations and plans to commence direct flights to London in March 2024, also expressed gratitude for Obasanjo’s patronage.
5. The Presidency on Monday responded to allegations by Atiku Abubakar regarding the Lagos-Calabar highway project and potential conflicts of interest involving President Bola Tinubu and Seyi Tinubu. It refuted claims, stating that Seyi Tinubu’s position on the board of CDK Industries does not conflict with the project. The Presidency highlighted Nigeria’s attractiveness to foreign investors and economic growth under Tinubu’s administration and dismissed reports about Nigeria’s economic reclassification by the IMF. It criticized Atiku’s business dealings during his vice presidency and stated that Seyi Tinubu had the right to pursue business interests.
