Yá’át’ééh,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
- NCAA bans flight mode reliance in Nigeria
- FCCPC rolls out borrower-friendly lending rules
- EGX goes mobile with new app
NCAA issues strict phone-use rules for flights
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has thrown out the old “flight mode” rule. Per Nairametrics, from now on, passengers must switch off their phones completely during take-off and landing. Nah, no exceptions.
NCAA boss, Capt. Chris Najomo, made the announcement in Abuja, stressing that airlines must update their manuals to reflect this change. “All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable devices should be switched off during the critical phases of flight. Switched off,” he said firmly.
This move comes on the heels of a messy incident on an Ibom Air, a Nigerian airline, flight where a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, allegedly refused to power down her phone and ended up in a heated confrontation with a flight attendant. The clash has now become a cautionary tale for what the authority says is a worrying rise in unruly passenger behaviour.
To drive home the new rules, the NCAA says it will roll out awareness campaigns across radio and TV to educate passengers on their responsibilities. Najomo warned that travellers should expect stricter enforcement going forward. “It will not be business as usual.”
Beyond passengers, airlines will also be under the microscope. Operators are now required to train their staff in conflict resolution to better handle difficult passengers without letting things spiral out of control.
Next week, the NCAA will run mock response drills in Lagos and Abuja to test these new measures before rolling them out nationwide. According to Najomo, the aim is simple: keep the skies safe, orderly, and professional, no more excuses.
FCCPC rolls out borrower-friendly lending rules
If you’ve ever borrowed money from a Nigerian loan app, you probably know the drill: quick cash but sometimes messy recovery tactics. Now, there’s a big change on the way. Nigeria’s consumer protection agency has rolled out fresh rules to finally give borrowers stronger protection.
For years, consumer credit has been a huge gap in Nigeria. Banks often shy away because there’s no solid system to guarantee loan recovery. Digital lenders stepped in to fill the void, handing out unsecured loans to millions. But with that came another problem: harassment, shaming messages, and aggressive recovery methods that left borrowers feeling exposed.
The new Digital, Electronic, Online, or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, are trying to fix that. Under the rules, lenders must clearly spell out loan terms before any transaction is completed. No more fine print nobody reads. The FCCPC is insisting that agreements be simple enough that the average borrower understands exactly what they’re signing up for.
And if lenders play rough? The penalties are steep. Individuals could be fined up to ₦50 million, while companies risk as much as ₦100 million or 1% of turnover. Even company directors aren’t spared; some could be barred from running firms for five years.
Borrowers also get a new layer of protection with complaints. Loan apps now have 24 hours to resolve basic complaints and 48 hours for more complex ones. If they fail, customers can escalate directly to the FCCPC. That means digital lenders will have to beef up their customer service or face serious consequences.
Still, borrowers aren’t off the hook. Lenders are required to properly assess a person’s ability to repay before giving out credit. Those who don’t could even lose their licences. The new rules, which kicked in July 2025, mark a push to clean up Nigeria’s messy loan space. Want to dig deep? Read Chimgozirim’s story.
EGX goes mobile with new app
The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) is finally catching up with the times, and it’s doing it through your phone. On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the bourse rolled out a beta version of its first-ever mobile app, giving the public real-time access to stock market updates at their fingertips.
The EGX app isn’t just about numbers. It packs in daily market news, snapshots of major indices, data on listed companies, and a quick look at the day’s biggest gainers and losers. For a stock exchange that’s often seen as a bit too traditional, this marks a big digital shift.
But the real twist? The app comes with an “EGX Dialogue Platform,” a feedback channel where users can share ideas that could shape future upgrades. The exchange says this is part of its push to build a more inclusive and tech-driven capital market.
The launch ties directly into EGX’s broader digital transformation plans, particularly its goal to boost transparency and efficiency through modern tech platforms. With Egypt boasting over 116 million mobile connections and 96 million Internet users, the timing feels spot on.
If EGX keeps iterating and maybe even adds trading or educational tools down the line, this little app could be a game-changer. Think fewer barriers, more young Egyptians investing, and a stock market that finally feels open to everyone.
In case you missed it
- Banque Misr’s digital arm to launch Egypt’s first fully online bank in 2026
What I’m watching
- Forget the Corporate Ladder — Winners Take Risks | Molly Graham | TED
- You Don’t Actually Know What Your Future Self Wants | Shankar Vedantam | TED
Opportunities
- Businessfront, the parent company of Techpoint Africa, is looking for a Managing Editor (FMCG). Apply here.
- Africa’s venture scene takes the spotlight at the Lagos Venture Finance Summit on September 5th, 2025. Hosted by Vencapital, the Summit gathers top LPs, GPs, policymakers and ecosystem leaders for high-level conversations, networking and dealmaking. A must-attend for those shaping Africa’s next wave of venture capital. Register here.
- Paystack is hiring for several roles in Nigeria and South Africa. Apply here.
- Paga is recruiting for several positions. Apply here.
- Want to attend an evening of connection, conversation, and insight on how data is shaping East Africa’s creative economy? Join Communiqué on Thursday, August 21, at 6pm, at Alliance Française, Nairobi, featuring Brian Kimanzi, Mars Maasai (HEVA Fund), Ezy Onyango (PAIPEC-CCI), Wangui Njoroge and more. Register here.
- Moniepoint is hiring for several positions. Apply here.
- Businessfront, the parent company of Techpoint Africa, is looking for a Researcher and Scriptwriter Intern for Businessfront TV. Apply here.
- Are you a building a startup can feel isolating, but with Equity Merchants CommunityConnect, you can network with fellow founders, experts, and investors, gaining valuable insights and exclusive resources to help you grow your business. Click here to join.
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Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa
