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EU Scraps Airport Passport Stamps For Biometric Screening

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The European Union (EU) airports are preparing for the European Entry-Exit System (EES), set to launch in October 2024 for non-EU nationals which will involve scrapping of airport passport stamps.

This new system will also require the collection of biometric data from nationals of third-world countries entering the Schengen Area.

The EES aims to enhance border security and streamline border crossings

The EES, set to launch in October 2024, mandates the collection of biometric data from nationals from developing (third world) countries entering the Schengen Area, aiming to enhance border security and streamline border crossings.  

Already, between 2020 and 2024, nearly 7.1 million non-immigrant visas were granted to foreign nationals for tourism or business purposes in the US.

However, reports indicate that many of these individuals entered the country without undergoing the required in-person consular interviews and biometric screening. 

The Inspector General of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has acknowledged that the exact number of visa applicants who bypassed biometric screening remains unknown, according to Visaguide 

Biometric Update reveals that the fingerprint waiver program for non-immigrant visa holders ended in December. Despite this, many port directors at various entry points were unaware of this change for the past four years. 

These findings come as the DHS Inspector General also highlighted inefficiencies in the department’s screening and verification processes, including for asylum seekers with long-pending applications. 

Thus the EES is designed to register travelers from non-EU countries each time they enter or exit the Schengen zone, capturing biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images upon arrival and departure. 

It will also record refusals of entry. EES will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports, which is time-consuming, does not provide reliable data on border crossings and does not allow a systematic detection of over-stayers (travellers who have exceeded the maximum duration of their authorised stay)

“EES will contribute to prevent irregular migration and help protect the security of European citizens

 “The new system will also help bona fide third-country nationals to travel more easily while also identifying more efficiently over-stayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud,” the EU states on its website. 

Despite the planned launch in October, there are concerns about the readiness of some EU airports, particularly smaller regional ones, to handle the new procedures. Dozens of airports across Europe are unprepared for the European Union’s upcoming biometric travel registration scheme, the Entry-Exit System (EES), according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). 

Concerns about unresolved issues needing urgent action have been raised by Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s regional head for Europe. 

Travellers from third-world countries such as Nigeria and others should be prepared for longer queues, especially at smaller airports that might not be fully equipped for the EES yet.

Expect to have your fingerprints and facial images scanned upon arrival and departure. 

A mobile app for EES registration is in development, but its launch date and functionalities remain unclear.

While its availability could expedite the process, travellers shouldn’t rely on it for now.  As the October deadline approaches, both third-country nationals and airport authorities must adapt to these significant changes.

The successful implementation of the EES is crucial for ensuring smooth and secure travel experiences for all non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Area.

Travellers are advised to stay informed about the latest updates on the EES implementation and check with their chosen airports for specific procedures. Given the evolving situation, delays or adjustments to the rollout timeline are possible.

 

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Telecom Operators Reject NLC’s Demand for Tariff Reduction, Justify 50% Hike

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By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Nigeria’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have rejected calls from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to negotiate a reduction in the recent 50% tariff increase, insisting the hike is necessary for the industry’s sustainability amid rising operational costs.

The NLC, opposing the adjustment, has demanded a rollback to 5% and threatened a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, if its demands are not met.

The union described the increase as “insensitive and unjustifiable,” warning it would further strain Nigerian consumers.

At a weekend forum in Lagos, representatives from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and major telecom firms, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and 9mobile, defended the hike.

ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo likened the increase to a “lifeline” for the industry, arguing that anything lower would cripple operations.

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, clarified that operators do not engage directly with the NLC, as ALTON manages industry-wide negotiations.

Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, added that discussions with labour unions fall under the purview of government agencies and ALTON.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which approved the tariff adjustment on January 20, 2025, defended the move, citing inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and rising energy costs.

The commission emphasized that the decision aligns with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to ensure telecom sector viability.

Despite these justifications, the NLC remains firm in its opposition. Union President Joe Ajaero reiterated the demand for a significant reduction, warning of nationwide protests if the hike is not reversed.

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Dangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Price to N890 Per Litre

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By Alexis Uchendu

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890 per litre, effective February 1, 2025.

The company attributed the price adjustment to a favorable shift in global energy markets and a decline in international crude oil prices.

This follows a previous price hike on January 19, driven by rising crude costs.

Dangote Refinery expressed optimism that the price cut will lower fuel costs nationwide, ease the cost of living, and positively impact key economic sectors.

The company also urged fuel marketers to reflect the reduction at retail stations, ensuring consumers benefit from the adjustment as part of broader economic recovery efforts led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products, the refinery pledged to strengthen the country’s position as a leading oil export hub in Africa.

 

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Naira Gains Against Dollar Amid CBN Reforms

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By Adenike Lawal

The Naira appreciated by 0.78% at the official market on Wednesday, trading at N1,510.72 per dollar, an N11.96 gain from the previous day’s rate of N1,522.68, according to FMDQ Securities Exchange data.

Since December 2024, the Naira has remained relatively stable, largely due to ongoing reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

On Tuesday, the apex bank introduced additional measures, including a waiver on the 2025 annual license renewal fee for Bureau De Change (BDC), operators and the launch of the Nigeria Foreign Exchange (FX), Code to enhance transparency in forex transactions.

Dr. Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), praised the CBN’s initiatives, urging continued support for policies that strengthen the local currency.

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