Category: Industry

By Charles Okonji

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has announced the postponement of the 2020 edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair.

According to the Chamber, the fair which will feature both physical (In-person) and virtual (Online) platforms, is now scheduled to hold from Friday 4th to Sunday 13th December, 2020.

In a statement made available to The Nation, the postponement was occasioned by the economic disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Endsars protests across the nation.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, Director General, (LCCI) said, “The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday 4th December, 2020 by 10am at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Onikan, Lagos. While the Closing Ceremony is slated for Sunday 13th December, 2020 at the same venue by 3pm prompt. The Trade Fair, as usual, will run for a total of ten (10) days at TBS.

“The resolve to hold the 2020 edition of the fair is in line with the need for quick restoration of normalcy in the economic and commercial activities in Lagos State and our support for the ongoing “Protect Lagos” Campaign, which is geared towards rebuilding the Centre of Excellence. In addition to the General Interest Fair, the annual international business expo will also feature Special days for corporate organisations to showcase their inventions, innovations, and sustainability initiatives simultaneously with the fair. The focus, this year, is to facilitate trade and chart a way forward for the economy to exit the impending recession.

READ ALSO: LCCI sues for peace, reconciliation, rebuilding

“The exhibition will also facilitate networking amongst exhibitors and between exhibitors and visitors. The Fair is expected to attract a huge traffic of visitors seeking to take advantage of the networking opportunities and discounted prices. Corporate organisations including Multinational Corporations, Indigenous Conglomerates and Financial Institutions as well as corporate organisations from the West African Sub-region have indicated interest to participate at the exhibition.”

He pointed out that relevant agencies and departments of the Government will be available to exhibit and attend to other exhibitors and visitors.

According to him, the agencies that have confirmed attendance to provide information and educate exhibitors and visitors are Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Corporate Affairs Commission amongst others.

Our Reporter

The Group Head, Human Resources & General Services at CWG PLC, Mrs. Tinu Adeyemi, has said that amid the global COVID-19, working from home remained the most effective approach to help curb the pandemic.

In a statement issued by CWG PLC, Mrs. Adeyemi mentioned that “working from home will protect the workplace, the safety of staff and clients, stop the virus and ultimately, ensure business continuity.”

She said that as a proactive company in technological advancement since its inception, CWG HR commenced her work-from-home policy months before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to her, this has greatly aided the workforce to adjust accordingly during the pandemic.

Our workforce stays productive and on track, while working remotely, because we have robust processes and system in place, we also do daily check-ins on teams, thereby providing emotional support to set priorities, foster connections and create a sense of normalcy. We think working from home is still the best approach to curb the COVID-19,” she explained.

Despite working from Home, Mrs. Adeyemi also disclosed that CWG PLC has put in place safety measures to ensure the excellent health and safety of its staff, clients, and the communities where it operates.

READ ALSO: Seven start-ups get $21,000 to curb COVID-19 spread

“We implemented the NCDC guidelines. We made available PPEs for all essential staff who visit the office periodically and others on the field. We increased cleaning, sanitize frequently, screen at our entry gates, as well as follow the protocol on how to handle suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in cooperation with the local authorities,” she claimed.

To ensure business continuity in the COVID-19 era, CWG started by identifying its critical business processes, activities, and assets and then carried out a risk assessment and business impact analysis in these areas.

This has helped CWG evaluate alternatives and define the appropriate strategies to deliver the required degree of business continuity.

“Activating our work-from-home strategy ensured that our staff remains productive through collaborative platforms and specialized training on managing customers remotely. This approach has worked for us and is still working. A recent customer survey showed that our Net Promoter Score Index has significantly improved since the pandemic. With constant improvement in our business continuity program, CWG remains focused on delivering value to her customers,” she assured.

By Charles Okonji

Concerned about the malicious loss of lives, property and livelihoods emanating from the subsequent regrettable events following the recent peaceful “EndSARS” protests across the country, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has called on the general public and the relevant authorities for peace, reconciliation and rebuilding of the country.

The President, LCCI, Toki Mabogunje (Mrs), who made this known in a statement made available to The Nation lamented the unprecedented levels of destruction, plundering, arson, looting and vandalisation that took place nationwide.

Sympathising with the families of all those who lost loved ones during and in the aftermath of the protests, Mabogunje said “We share the pain of all investors: Micro, Small, Medium and Large that suffered losses as a result of the arson, looting and the destruction of their valuable fixed and moveable assets. We share the grave concern of employees who are at the risk of losing their jobs as a result of these deplorable and debilitating incidents. We empathise with the Lagos State government over the wanton destruction of public properties around the state.

“We also empathise with the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the entire indigenes of the state over the regrettable desecration of an important and treasured symbol of Lagos heritage, culture and tradition.”

She called on all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and constructive engagement, stressing the need to embrace in the governance process the norms and ideals of the democratic process, rule of law, transparency and accountability in political governance, and citizen engagement, among others.

READ ALSO: LCCI and the economy

The LCCI President said, “The Federal and Lagos state governments should collaborate to provide support (in the form of grants) to all the victims of the unfortunate outcomes of the protest and the subsequent attacks and destruction of properties and assets. That the families of all those who lost their loved ones should be adequately compensated. The Federal Government should come to the aid of the Lagos State Government to rebuild the large number of assets that were destroyed by the hoodlums that hijacked the protest. This has become necessary in view of the current challenging economic conditions that the state was already grappling with.

“The banks to which some of the victims were indebted should demonstrate uncommon compassion towards them in respect of their indebtedness. As corporate and individual citizens, this is the time to demonstrate our culture of compassion in being our brother’s keeper by supporting, in our various ways, the victims of this unfortunate incident. We note the setting up of the Judicial Panels of Inquiry in various states to investigate the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident with a view to avoiding a repeat of such occurrences in the future. We urge all citizens that may have suffered from all forms of police brutality and injustice to cooperate with the Lagos State Government to bring about restitution and some form of closure on these very unfortunate incidences. We believe there are lessons to be learnt by all concerned protesters, the government, security agencies and citizens.”

By Charles Okonji

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has described the recent announcement of Lagos State Government and some commercial banks to help businesses recover from losses from the aftermath of the #EndSARS protest as laudable.

The NACCIMA DG, Ambassador Ayo Olukanmi, made this known in a press statement made available to The Nation.

He pointed out that the development is to compensate some business owners and to assist them rise from the ashes of the inferno.

Olukanni noted that the gesture will help them recover from wanton looting that destroyed their businesses, saving that NACCIMA is truly encouraged by these moves.

“Of particular interest to us, is the announcement by Access Bank to commence the collection of applications from customers to access its N50 billion interest-free loans and grants which were specifically set aside for MSMEs. This facility which is designed to serve as Finance and Working Capital for MSMEs is the right step in the right direction and Access Bank deserves to be commended for this bold move to support MSMEs.

“It’s a well-known fact that SMEs contribute about 48 percent to GDP, represent about 90 percent of existing businesses, and account for 84 percent of employment. Certainly if properly implemented, this initiative by Access Bank and the Lagos State Government to support SMEs that have been most hard hit will be the most practical move to help the SMEs recover from the damages they have unfortunately suffered in the recent orgy of violence and senseless looting across the country,” he stressed.

READ ALSO: #ENDSARS: NACCIMA calls for dialogue

He advised that all this difficult period must take innovative steps to truly impact positively on the lives of millions of young people.

Olukanni expressed that the interest-free loan of the Access Bank will focus on Youth Empowerment and Community Development as well as the tech industry and skill development.

“NACCIMA through its network of Chambers across the country is ready to work with Access Bank and its various branches to ensure effective implementation and positive impact of these grants and Interest-free loans. I am certain that other members of the OPS can and are ready to play an important role to ensure the success of the initiative. We strongly recommend the Bank should deliver this initiative in cooperation with them.

“We also look forward to similar initiatives from other commercial banks in these extraordinary times that require that we think out of the box, and NACCIMA stands by to work to truly get our SMEs, which have been badly hit, back on their feet.”

By Charles Okonji

In wake of current crises rocking the nation, the National Chamber of Commerce Mines and Industry (NACCIMA), has called for calmness and dialogue for an immediate end to an orgy of violence, killings, looting, and wanton destruction of properties experienced nationwide.

The National President, Hajiya Saratu Iya-Aliyu, who made this call through a statement made available to The Nation said, “I am therefore using this opportunity to call on Chamber members across the country to reach out to influential opinion leaders and other stakeholders in their respective states to make contacts with such leaders and initiate moves that can take help curb the violence for an end to the crisis.”

She said that the objective now should be to de-escalate the crisis being witnessed, which started with what is now known as the #EndSARS protests by the Youth.

She regretted the peaceful, legitimate protest has been hijacked by thugs and miscreants, resulting in an attack on businesses, destruction of Government properties, burning of police stations and correctional centres to free prisoners.

Iya-Aliyu said, Let me express condolences of our association to immediate and extended families of all those who have lost dear ones in the violence being witnessed across the nation. This is indeed disheartening. We recognise the right of citizens to peaceful legitimate protests, but we condemn and are totally against the wanton destruction of properties and looting by hoodlums who have hijacked the peaceful protests. We cannot sit by and allow the looting and other criminal acts by hoodlums to go on unchecked. We must work with others to put an end to the violence and lawlessness we are now witnessing.

“We are equally concerned about the deployment of military forces to confront the protesters which resulted in unsavoury consequences as witnessed especially at Lekki Toll area in Lagos recently. We are therefore calling for an end to the involvement of the military in the current situation. The impact of the crisis and wanton destruction of property as being witnessed is clear for all to see. Billions have been lost in arson and looting going on.

“Business operations have also been seriously impacted. NACCIMA’s efforts as a National Chamber, to help project our country as a favourable and investment-friendly destination to our Business partners abroad, and other Foreign investors over the years is now suffering a serious setback. At a period we are still struggling with the negative impact of COVID-19 on our economy and working on economic recovery, we must not, by acts of commission or omission, aggravate our economic situation.

READ ALSO: NACCIMA at 60: Championed Nigeria’s involvement in AfCFTA

“We must therefore step back and work together to end this violent crisis. Towards this end we are calling for frank Dialogue between the leaders of the protesting youth and various arms of government at all levels; including State and Federal governments to douse the tension. The prompt agreement on the initial 5-point demands of the Protesting Youth including the disbandment of SARS is a reflection of possibilities of what can be achieved through peaceful and meaning Dialogue on the various contending issues.

“As a National Chamber, we cannot and should not stand by and watch the current crisis spiral out of control and result in anarchy and lawlessness. We have the patriotic duty to join other stakeholders for an end to the crisis, not just because of our businesses, but because of our nation at this historic junction and for the sake of posterity.

“Let us, therefore, join hands with other peace-loving people to ensure an end to this crisis. Our Youths must now step forward for engagement and dialogue, in a constructive manner, to be part of the solution and the search for peace. We must mobilise ourselves and join others to urgently put an end to the crisis. May God bless our efforts.”

By Charles Okonji

As parts of efforts geared towards making the world a safe place for human habitation, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has lend its voice to counterparts worldwide in advocating a substantial reduction in human impact and protection of the planet, seeking political will, concrete action, and the right tools among which are international standards.

This advocacy is predicated on the human and large scale industrial activities which modern civilization in action have added to earth’s natural greenhouse gases which negatively impact our climate and with it, all forms of life.

According to a statement from the office of the Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mallam Farouk Salim, the focus of the 2020 celebration of the World Standards Day being coordinated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is “Protecting the Planet with Standards”.

Salim noted that rapid population growth and broad urbanisation call for the responsible use of limited resources.

“International Standards prepared by IEC, ISO and ITU take into account tried and true solutions to technical challenges as well as help share expertise and expert know-how broadly, within developed and developing countries alike,” he said.

He pointed out that standards cover all aspects of energy savings, water, and air quality while laying down standardised protocols and methods of measurement.

He stressed, “Their broad use helps reduce the environmental impact of industrial production and processes, facilitates the reuse of limited resources, and improves energy efficiency.

READ ALSO: SON and value of standards

“SON as a representative of the international standardisation bodies in Nigeria would continue to propagate the global standards through adoption and modification for local use, manpower training through seminars, workshops, consumer enlightenment activities and certification of products, processes, and systems using international standards.

“Nigerians should join the quality vanguard and continue to support SON in its quest to improve the lives of Nigerians through standards and quality assurance activities as well as protecting the environment for sustainability,” the SON Chief Executive emphasised.

These according to him can be achieved through a reduction in throwaway, reuse and recycle, and landfill of spaces as well as spreading information on the importance and value of our natural resources.

” Other conservation ideas proposed by the SON include volunteering for cleanups in communities, more efficient use of water to avoid waste, use of energy-efficient appliances, planting of trees to provide food and oxygen as well as the use of non-toxic chemicals at homes and in offices,” he stressed.

Our Reporter

TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile videos, has launched the “Move for Mental Health: Let’s Invest” challenge, working together with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and United for Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH).

#MoveforMentalHealth challenge will take place in Nigeria from 9-10 October for World Mental Health Day as WHO, world leaders, celebrities and mental health experts will live stream on Saturday, October 10 at 15:00.

The challenge aims to bring global awareness to the need to invest in mental health, a need made all the more acute by the COVID-19 pandemic and will take place in Nigeria from 9 October using the hashtag #MoveforMentalHealth.

With billions lacking access to appropriate mental health support, the WHO, WFMH, and UnitedGMH have come together to create the first truly global movement calling for greater investment in mental health. The TikTok community in Nigeria is encouraged to play sport, dance, go for a walk or come up with their own ways to move this World Mental Health Day and film themselves moving for mental health in any way they would like.

“Globally there is not enough movement on mental health, despite the fact that close to one billion people across the world have a mental disorder,” said United for Global Mental Health’s CEO and Founder, Elisha London. “Having faced years of chronic underinvestment, this World Mental Health Day we are coming together to #MoveforMentalHealth with TikTok’s support because now more than ever it’s time to invest so that everyone, everywhere has someone to turn to.”

Global hitmaker, DJ Marshmello, as well as other creators including Neffati Brothers, Ana Gum, Jhay_cen and Kingzrib, have all joined the challenge to encourage Nigerians to do the same.

Dévora Kestel, Director of the Mental Health and Substance Use Department at the World Health Organization said: “At WHO, we are delighted to see the commitment of TikTok to encouraging conversations and movement on mental health. Mobilization on a global scale can help drive the decisions that ultimately will lead to better mental health services when and where we need them.”

To wrap up the campaign, WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will be joined by world leaders, celebrities and mental health experts via a live stream on Saturday, October 10 at 15:00 NIgerian time, on TikTok about how the community can help make sure that quality mental health care is available to everyone who needs it.
The live stream will feature short videos showcasing how WHO and partners are working to improve people’s mental health around the world, celebrity testimonies, Q&As and performances, and statements of commitment from heads of state and government.

Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok Content Operations Manager, Africa, says that TikTok prides itself on being a place that inspires creativity and brings joy to its users, especially considering the challenging year we have all had. “This World Mental Health Day, it’s important, now more than ever, that we increase awareness about mental health challenges and provide a platform where we can promote the safety and mental wellbeing of our users.”

TikTok has long been committed to fostering an environment that promotes good mental health. With features such as Screen Time Management and Restricted Mode, users are empowered to focus on their digital wellbeing. Additionally, TikTok’s comprehensive Privacy and Safety settings allow users to decide who can follow them, send them messages or reactions, and set their account private to avoid any unwanted solicitation.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and United for Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH) are with TikTok to increase global awareness about mental health challenges.

Global and local creators including Neffati Brothers, Ana Gum, Jhay_cen and Kingzrib have also joined the movement.

By Charles Okonji

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has predicted that inflation would sustain an upward trajectory for the rest of 2020, noting that the increase would have serious implications for businesses regarding production cost, investment real return date, and overall economic performance.

The president, LCCI, Toki Mabogunje, at a press briefing on the state of the nation added that according to official statistics, inflation rose by 13.22 percent year-on-year in August 2020, its highest level since April 2018.

She said the major drivers of inflation are structural factors, which are beyond the purview and control of monetary authorities, pointing out that the combination of food supply shocks, foreign exchange restrictions on food and fertilizer imports, higher energy cost electricity and petrol, exchange rate adjustment, poor infrastructure, and insecurity in major food-producing states would pressurize domestic price level in the near term.

In her words, “We note the adverse implications of rising inflation for households, businesses, investors, and the economy at large. The Lagos Chamber calls on the fiscal and monetary authorities on the need to synergize to moderate domestic prices to a level conducive for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

She called on the Federal Government on the need to reopen the land borders to give succor to food prices in the light of lower domestic food supply amid huge demand for food.

“On a monthly basis, consumer prices accelerated by 1.34 percent in August 2020 compared to 1.25 percent in the preceding month. The persistent pressure on consumer prices stems largely from the sustained uptrend in food inflation,” she added.

She said the Chamber notes with concern the recent incidents of flooding in key food-producing states in the North, stressing that this occurrence has wiped off food and cash crops on a large scale and disrupted output projections in agriculture.

READ ALSO: LCCI urges speedy gazette of CAMA 2020

“According to local media reports, over two million tons of rice were lost to flood. Other crops such as sorghum, corn, and millet were also affected. This situation, if not expeditiously addressed and managed, would escalate the pressure on food prices, thereby putting the country on the verge of a food crisis,” she warned.

She said to ensure a better investment environment for the advancement of the Nigerian economy and the good of all investors and economic players is a collective responsibility, stating that it is critically important to have the right fiscal, monetary, and regulatory framework.

“There is a need for our policymakers to formulate and implement policies that facilitate business continuity particularly this time business operators are grappling with the devastating impact of the pandemic. Policies that harm businesses and scare investors should be discouraged. Our policies must foster economic competitiveness at a national and sub-national level, support businesses, protect jobs and preserve investment,” she said.
She assured that the chamber would continue to engage relevant government agencies where and when necessary, on evolving policy issues that may affect the business environment.