Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics:
- Nigeria sharpens airspace tech skills for safer skies
- New license and vehicle plate fees kick in from June 8
- 130,000 forest guards recruited to secure reserves and calm unrest
Nigerian Airspace Agency Upskills Tech Staff for Safer Air Travel
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has launched a targeted training initiative aimed at boosting the safety and reliability of the country’s air navigation systems. The two-week, hands-on training is taking place concurrently in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, focusing on upskilling the agency’s Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPS).
This initiative zeroes in on developing practical expertise in maintaining and installing power and cooling systems vital to air traffic operations. From automatic voltage regulators and power backups to solar energy systems and air-conditioning compressors, participants are gaining critical insights into systems that keep aviation infrastructure running without interruption.
The agency’s Managing Director, Engr Farouk Ahmed Umar, emphasized that this move aligns with NAMA’s broader strategy to deepen the capabilities of its technical staff. He also underlined the importance of uninterrupted system operations to meet international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
At its core, this program reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its aviation backbone. By investing in technical human capital, NAMA is laying the groundwork for safer skies—ensuring not just smoother operations but also greater confidence in the country’s air travel network.
Nigeria: Higher Vehicle & Driver’s License Fees Starting June 8th
Nigerians should prepare for an adjustment in vehicle and driver’s licensing fees starting June 8th, 2025. The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has approved a nationwide price increase to reflect the growing costs of producing licenses and number plates, which now come with added security features.
A standard three-year driver’s license will cost N15,000, while the five-year option rises to N21,000. For motorcycles and tricycles, expect to pay N7,000 and N11,000 respectively for the same durations. Vehicle number plates will also become more expensive—standard plates are now N30,000, articulated trucks will pay N90,000, and dealer plates are set at N100,000. Fancy number plates come at a premium of N400,000.
Motorcycle owners won’t be spared either, as their plates now cost N12,000, or N50,000 for customized options. These new rates are to be implemented immediately by all licensing authorities, as directed by the JTB.
Nigerians are advised to apply through the National Vehicle Identification System portal or at their nearest licensing office. The JTB also warns against dealing with touts and stresses the importance of paying only the officially published fees.
Nigeria’s Tinubu Recruits 130,000 Forest Guards to Fight Insecurity
President Bola Tinubu has launched an ambitious push to address insecurity in Nigeria by recruiting over 130,000 forest guards. These new personnel will focus on patrolling the country’s 1,129 forest reserves, regions that have long served as safe havens for criminal activity and banditry.
The guards are expected to play both a security and intelligence role, working alongside other agencies to track and apprehend offenders. Their presence serves a dual purpose — to protect vulnerable communities and reclaim ungoverned areas that have been sources of unrest. With more boots on the ground, the government is signaling a determined effort to stabilize disturbed regions.
This development has implications beyond security. Forest reserves under protection will be less vulnerable to illegal logging and environmental degradation. For the MICE industry, this could open new territory for planning as locations that were once off-limits begin to stabilize.
While there are still challenges on the ground, event organizers could soon have access to new scenic environments for conferences and gatherings. Stakeholders are advised to stay in tune with local authorities and ongoing developments to explore emerging destinations safely and responsibly.
That’s it for today.