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Category: Business

  • The Appeal of Slots to the 18-34-Year-Old Demographic

    The Appeal of Slots to the 18-34-Year-Old Demographic

    The arrival of online gaming to the internet was groundbreaking in casino gaming and other gaming and took off massively. Today, thousands each day log into an iGaming app or website to play one of the many popular niches in the industry, whether it’s sports betting, casino table games, fantasy sports betting, or other iGaming. Online slots are especially popular. 

    Past research in the UK has indicated iGaming is incredibly popular amongst 18- to 34-year-olds. Below is a look at why people in this age group enjoy iGaming so much, with a focus on online slots, and how the slots market could grow even bigger.

    An age demographic that loves iGaming

    Advances in technology are a huge driver of the popularity of slots and other iGaming. Three-quarters of the 18-to 34-year-old demographic in the UK conduct their iGaming on smartphones, compared to just 14% of players aged 65 and over. Mobile technology offers players major convenience, allowing them to play while on the move or wherever they are. This age demographic also uses a wider range of devices for their iGaming than the average.

    Improved design and development

    Mobile technology isn’t the only advance in technology that has made slots so appealing to younger players. Slots don’t just feature simple, spinning reels anymore. Technological innovation has allowed designers and developers to incorporate high-definition graphics and thrilling music into the slots. These make slots more engaging and a popular form of instant on-the-go entertainment, precisely what this demographic is looking for.

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    Variety

    The wide variety of online slots available is another major factor in the popularity of slots with this demographic. Online slot themes draw from a pool of pop culture, including movies, TV shows, music artists, historical periods, artistic designs, and more. The huge variety of slots helps them appeal to different tastes and makes the demographic feel seen.

    Part of this greater variety includes progressive slots, where the jackpot increases indefinitely until someone wins it. The stakes in progressive slots are higher, but anyone looking for a chance to win big may consider them. The rise in the popularity of online slots across Canada has resulted in a very saturated market, so Casino.org Canada review them and help their readers to find the best slots, considering plenty of criteria, including payout times, bonuses and win rate.

    Simplicity for newcomers to iGaming

    Whereas games such as Texas Hold’em poker are more strategic and involve lots of number crunching, and live table games in general are quite intimidating, online slots are straightforward. Although players can implement betting strategies to improve their chances of winning, games entail betting, pressing a button and waiting to see how the reels land. The outcome of spins is completely random, which adds to the engagement.

    Social connections

    Engagement from slots doesn’t just come from the game itself, but also the facility to share slot gaming experiences with friends or family. Today, slot players don’t have to just play slots. They can participate in challenges and more.

    Online casino operators understand the power of iGaming to engage and connect people and have focused on integrating more social features into their offerings to facilitate communication and engagement between players. Leaderboards, scoring systems, and even chats can boost interactions, which benefits the casino because these features can increase the lifetime value of the player to the operator.

    Bonuses, rewards and promotions

    The bonuses, rewards, and promotions players can receive for playing slots are numerous. Players can receive free spins for signing up, and slots themselves feature bonus elements that can increase players’ winnings, such as bonus games, multipliers, scatter symbols, and more. Players can even receive rewards for sharing on social media or multipliers for crediting their accounts.

    The future of online slots

    The accessibility of online slots themselves, combined with the prowess of technology for driving growth in the market, means online slots will grow even bigger in both popularity and revenue.

    The tech world is innovating constantly, and slots operators are keeping up with the trends. Although it’s relatively early still, virtual and augmented realities have begun to enter the online slots world as service providers try to meet players’ demands for more immersive experiences. VR offers real-time experiences, 3D graphics, and realistic environments, and players can play against other players and feel as if they were in a traditional casino.

    This isn’t the only development. Online casinos are implementing AI and machine learning to understand player preferences, which allows them to personalize offerings and promotions for players and to recommend similar games players might enjoy. This will build further engagement with online casinos.

    Online slots and other iGaming services are popular with the 18- to 34-year-old demographic because of their variety, convenience, and, in the case of slots, simplicity and the bonuses available. Advances in technology help slots to meet the demands of this tech-savvy demographic for instant entertainment they can enjoy while on the go, and further innovation is sure to happen and trigger extra growth in the online slots market as time goes by.

  • PowerChina/I²-ESS, Katar Communications partner to boost renewable energy in Nigeria

    PowerChina/I²-ESS, Katar Communications partner to boost renewable energy in Nigeria

    PowerChina/I²-ESS and Katar Communications have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the deployment of renewable energy solutions across Northern Nigeria, with a special focus on Kano State.

    The agreement was formalised between the Global Director of PowerChina/I²-ESS, Sammi Zhou, and the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Katar Communications, Ambassador Mohammed Salisu Ibrahim, during the recently concluded Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference in Lagos.

    The partnership aims to accelerate access to clean and reliable electricity in underserved communities, leveraging PowerChina’s engineering expertise and Katar Communications’ extensive market presence in Northern Nigeria.

    According to Zhou, the collaboration represents a strategic milestone in PowerChina I²-ESS’ efforts to deepen its footprint in Nigeria while promoting sustainable development through credible local partnerships.

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    Zhou said, “Working with trusted firms like Katar Communications allows us to achieve our mandate, especially in Kano State and other parts of Northern Nigeria.”

    She emphasised that PowerChina I²-ESS’ approach extends beyond product delivery to include after-sales support, technology transfer, and local engineer training, ensuring long-term sustainability and skill development.

    “We have been present in Nigeria for more than 10 years and have established after-sales centres that double as training hubs for local engineers. This ensures ongoing technology transfer and guarantees that our partners continue to receive quality assurance at all levels,” Zhou added.

    She emphasised that her firm’s long-term strategy is to empower local industries, train Nigerian engineers and expand renewable infrastructure across Africa, starting with Northern Nigeria as a focal point for scalable deployment.

    “Our goal is not just to build projects but to build people and local capacity. Kano and the wider northern region are key to this vision,” she said.

    On his part, Ambassador Ibrahim, explained that Katar Communications’ decision to partner with PowerChina was influenced by the latter’s global certification standards and long-standing reputation for quality.

    “We are into renewable energy and we chose this pathway because of the quality and certification of PowerChina’s products. As a Rural Electrification Agency (REA)-certified company, any product we deploy must meet globally certified standards and PowerChina fits perfectly into that requirement,” he explained.

    He noted that the collaboration between both firms is not new, as they have jointly implemented various renewable energy projects, including a 250kW installation and ongoing mini-grid developments for rural communities in Northern Nigeria.

    Ambassador Ibrahim further hinted that his firm’s strong customer base in Kano State provides a solid platform for the partnership’s expansion efforts.

    “We have a huge market covering the entire Kano State and its population. Our flexible payment system allows customers to spread payments over time, making renewable energy solutions more affordable,” he said.

    He was emphatic that after-sales service and customer satisfaction are central to the company’s operations, supported by a team of experienced local engineers trained under PowerChina I²-ESS’ supervision.

    “We’ve built a solid reputation since 2007 in telecommunications and we’re sustaining that integrity in the renewable energy space. With PowerChina I²-ESS as our OEM and EPC partner, we are confident of delivering durable, certified and high-performance systems,” Ibrahim affirmed.

    Both companies reiterated their shared commitment to promoting quality, sustainability, and capacity building in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

    The PowerChina–Katar Communications partnership is expected to play a vital role in advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition and bridging the electricity access gap across the northern corridor through reliable, affordable and locally supported solar solutions.

  • Edun assumes chairmanship of G-24

    Edun assumes chairmanship of G-24

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has officially assumed office as Chairman of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24), marking a new phase for the coalition of emerging and developing economies.

    Speaking on the challenges ahead, Edun noted that the assumption of Nigeria’s chairmanship coincides with a period of “unprecedented global challenges.”

    He said emerging and developing economies are navigating an increasingly difficult landscape marked by structural weaknesses, debt distress, and limited access to capital.

    “The global economy is at a crossroads,” the Minister said. “Geoeconomic fragmentation, debt vulnerabilities, and a widening financing gap threaten stability and progress, especially for developing nations.”

    He pointed out that more than half of low-income countries are already in or nearing debt distress, while over a quarter of emerging and developing economies have lost access to international capital markets.

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    Edun warned that the world faces a $4 trillion to $5 trillion annual financing gap in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing that “a comprehensive reform of the global financial system is now an urgent imperative.”

    Another major concern, he noted, is the demographic transition underway, with an estimated 1.2 billion young people expected to join the global workforce over the next 10 to 15 years—competing for only 400 million available jobs.

    “This demographic challenge requires bold structural transformation and policy coordination to deliver job-rich growth,” Edun said. “In this uncertain landscape, the G-24’s mandate to support the economic policies of its members is more critical than ever.”

    Under Nigeria’s leadership, the central theme guiding the G-24 will be “Optimising Resource Development for Inclusive, Job-Rich Economic Transformation.” Edun explained that this vision encompasses human, financial, physical, and natural resources, all directed toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

    He stated that Nigeria’s chairmanship will pursue five major strategic goals. The first is reforming the global financial architecture to create a fairer and more inclusive international system. This, he said, will involve strengthening the Global Financial Safety Net at the International Monetary Fund, expanding concessional financing through Multilateral Development Banks, advancing governance reforms, and modernising payment systems to support local currency trade.

    The second priority, according to the Minister, is enhancing domestic resource mobilisation and international tax cooperation. Under this objective, the G-24 will deepen engagement on the global tax agenda, promote transparency, combat illicit financial flows, and reform domestic tax systems to expand fiscal space for development.

    A third focus area is mobilising innovative finance for development. Edun explained that the G-24 will promote innovative financing models that reward reform-minded countries while supporting financial instruments such as blended finance, green bonds, and sustainability-linked debt swaps to align financial flows with development goals.

    The fourth strategic goal centres on strengthening regional integration and value-added manufacturing. Nigeria intends to champion regional economic cooperation to enhance competitiveness, attract investment in value-added manufacturing, and promote South-South collaboration to boost industrial productivity across member nations.

    Finally, the G-24 under Nigeria’s leadership will prioritise advancing climate finance and supporting just energy transitions. Edun said his chairmanship will advocate for a climate transition that reflects the realities of energy-deficient but resource-rich nations, promote resilient infrastructure, and encourage sustained commitment to climate targets, particularly as global energy demand rises with the spread of artificial intelligence technologies.

    Edun said Nigeria’s leadership will seek to deepen the G-24’s influence in global financial governance and ensure that developing economies have a stronger voice in shaping international financial decisions. “Our goal is to build a future of equity, resilience, and inclusive job-rich growth,” he stated. “We will continue to engage constructively with all partners to ensure that the interests of emerging and developing economies are properly represented in global decision-making.”

    Despite its name, the G-24 currently comprises 29 full member countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Its African members include Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Algeria, and Morocco, among others. China participates as a special invitee.

    With Nigeria now at the helm, Edun said he is committed to steering the bloc toward a more responsive and inclusive global financial system that prioritises sustainable development, regional cooperation, and prosperity for all.

    He formally took over the chairmanship from Mr. Luis Caputo, Minister of Treasury of Argentina.

    Edun said he was honoured to take on the role and paid tribute to his predecessor for his “exemplary leadership and stewardship.” According to him, Argentina’s tenure “significantly strengthened the G-24’s voice and relevance at a critical time in global economic discourse.”

  • Instollar launches to strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy workforce

    Instollar launches to strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy workforce

    Instollar, a Lagos-based platform that connects solar companies with certified technicians, has officially launched after nearly three years of operation.

    The event, on October 27, 2025, brought together friends, family, business associates, and supporters, marking a formal debut for a company that has quietly become a key player in the country’s clean energy workforce development.

    Founded in 2022 by Chinwe Udo-Davis, Instollar operates as a workforce management and recruitment platform designed to close the skills gap in Nigeria’s fast-growing solar energy sector. 

    The company has already facilitated over 2,000 solar installations and registered more than 1,200 technicians across the country.

    Speaking at the launch, Udo-Davis said the platform was built to address one of the biggest bottlenecks facing renewable energy firms,  the shortage of qualified, reliable technicians. 

    “Panels and batteries don’t install themselves,” she said. “If Africa’s energy transition will be sustainable, we need a trained and trusted workforce to drive it.”

    Over the past few years, Instollar has provided solar companies with vetted professionals who meet quality and safety standards, helping them deliver projects efficiently. 

    For technicians, the platform offers not just job opportunities, but a path toward formal employment and steady income in a field that has long been dominated by informal work.

    At the launch, two engineers trained through Instollar,  Engr. Promise Okon and Engr. Ibrahim Adulwaheed,  shared personal accounts of how the platform helped them secure consistent work. 

    “Before Instollar, jobs came once in a while,” Adulwaheed said. “Now, I can plan my life better because the work keeps coming.”

    Another highlight of the event was InstallHER, an initiative by Instollar focused on training and empowering women in solar technology. The programme aims to train 10,000 women technicians by 2030, giving them access to technical skills, certifications, and employment in the renewable energy sector.

    One of the programme’s trainees, Grace Gbengero, shared how the opportunity changed her career path. “Before InstallHER, I didn’t think I could fit into energy work, even though I studied electrical engineering” she said. “Now I’m not only working, but I have also met my target as a technical sales manager even before the end of the year”

    Industry experts at the event described Instollar’s model as a practical response to Nigeria’s growing demand for skilled labour in clean energy. With renewable projects expanding across the country and government targets pushing for wider access to off-grid power, the need for reliable manpower has never been greater.

    By linking workforce development with the energy transition, Instollar is helping to formalize an important part of Nigeria’s green economy — one job at a time.

    Udo-Davis summed up the company’s vision simply: “Africa’s energy future won’t just be powered by sunlight alone, it will be powered by people.”

  • Govt to invest N12billion in digital economy research

    Govt to invest N12billion in digital economy research

    The Federal Government has announced plans to invest about N12 billion in digital economy research projects to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital landscape and ensure that the country benefits from the huge opportunities in digital transformation.

    Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, made this known in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practices of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) in Nigeria. The event was organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.

    He said the funds would be channeled into three major research clusters, each hosted by six universities across the country.

    Tijani said: “The Nigerian government is not just doing this as a show because immediately after ICEGOV last year, we funded over 55 research projects.

    “At the moment, we are putting together about N12 billion to fund further research projects that are focused on the digital economy.

    “We are setting up three research clusters of six universities, each one focused on artificial intelligence, and another focused on the biggest issue in our nation today, which is connectivity, where we are investing significantly.

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    “Thirdly, because of our population, we are also funding another research cluster that is focused on digital skills and literacy”, he added.

    The Minister further explained that the steps taken would deepen Nigeria’s research capacity and build a foundation for inclusive digital development.

    The Minister who noted that digital technologies are now central to human progress and that no nation can achieve sustainable development without embracing them, said platforms like ICEGOV had been helping countries to explore emerging technologies responsibly and shape policies that balance innovation with societal needs.

    He recalled that Nigeria’s strong participation in the 2024 edition earned it the right to host in 2025.

    In her remarks, the ICEGOV Steering Committee Chair, Ms. Elsa Estevez, solicited global players’ partnership in managing the impact of artificial intelligence and other digital innovations for the benefits of all.

    She said: “In the past years, we were profoundly affected by digitally driven innovations, and we often adapt them without much reflection and such innovations dramatically change the way we interact, socially, work, build and complement our capacities.”

    Estevez stressed that techno innovation must remain people-centred and ethical and charged national governments to actively engage their citizens in shaping public policy and countering misinformation about the emerging digital systems through regulation, education, and awareness built on sound information ethics.

    The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, said the Nigerian government had concluded plans to integrate digital literacy into Nigeria’s school curriculum effective from next year as part of the government’s broader Knowledge Policy and Digital Literacy Framework..

    Justifying the plans, Inuwa said: “In Africa, we have a very young population, our citizens are digitally native and they are all online, therefore governments need to meet them where they are.”

    The four-day event had the theme “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance Through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion”.

  • Group canvasses enhanced cocoa production

    Group canvasses enhanced cocoa production

    A group, International Cocoa Diplomacy (ICD), has called for collaborative action to enhance the quality of cocoa production and value of cocoa exports.

    Speaking at a joint press conference with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & industry (LCCI) announcing the upcoming International Trade Fair and Eko Chocolate Show a main attraction at this year’s Fair, lCD Convener, HRM Queen Angelique-Monet Thompson, lamented that Africa produces about 70 per cent of the world cocoa, while less than two per cent of the total produce is processed into finished goods such as chocolate.

    She said lCD objective of the Lagos international Trade Fair is to demonstrate what collaboration and partnership can achieve for cross learning purposes as well as exchange of ideas towards improved and increased global trade for a greater value added economy that is transformational and sustainable.

    According to her ICD’s other goal is to bridge the gap between Africa’s cocoa production dominance of 70 per cent of global supply and value-added chocolate manufacturing through strategic partnerships, knowledge transfer, and market development.

    The Queen said though global chocolate market is valued at $140.12 billion and projected to reach $172.89 billion by 2030 less than two per cent of African cocoa is processed into finished products or chocolate.

    She recognized a huge opportunity for Nigeria as the premium chocolate segment is growing at 7.2 per cent annually, with 83 per cent of consumers preferring ethically sourced cocoa, which has increased demand for African origin-specific chocolate products

    She said: “EKO Chocolate Show 2025 represents Africa’s most prestigious chocolate industry event, uniquely positioned at the intersection of cultural celebration, economic development, and international commerce.

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    “As Nigeria’s gateway to global chocolate markets, this ground breaking event offers sponsors and partners an unparalleled opportunity to associate their brands with African excellence, agricultural innovation, and cultural diplomacy while accessing premium audiences across consumer, Business to Business, and diplomatic segments.”

    The exhibition at the fair comprised of a world-class chocolate exhibition as well as Stakeholders Forum, the Royal Cocoa International Film Festival, and will premiere the Royal Cocoa International Arts Exhibition and historic Royal Cocoa Symphony Orchestra Concert.

    This she said will create Africa’s first integrated chocolate-culture-commerce platform that positions Lagos as the continent’s chocolate and trade capital.

    Other exhibition areas will include Chocolate Marketplace, innovation hub, cultural heritage zone, Royal- premium products, artisan chocolates, international brands, and innovation hub.

    Director, LCCI Trade Promotions, Shola Oluwadare said the Board is excited to run a specialized Fair in 2025 with ICD. He said it will place Nigeria in the world map as far as cocoa production and value is concerned with reducing the deficit suffered by farmers in terms of pricing in the international market by increasing their revenue.

    LCCI Trade Promotions Chairman Abimbola Olasore said this year’s Fair is not only specialized but also a festival. He also said LCCI henceforth decided to partner quality companies to turn around the economy of the nation.

  • Firm calls for digitization of ECOWAS corridor

    Firm calls for digitization of ECOWAS corridor

    Trucks Transit Parks Limited (TTP) has released findings from a comprehensive 6,000 km road trip across the ECOWAS corridor, calling for urgent digitisation of trade and truck transportation systems, including, truck parking infrastructure, rest stops, and digital truck traffic management systems, to strengthen regional commerce and unlock the promise of regional economic integration.

    Over a four-week period, TTP’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Jama Onwubuariri, embarked on a 6,000km tour that began in Lagos, Nigeria, and covered Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Liberia.

    The assessment examined transport infrastructure, border post operations, truck rest stops, and the role of technology in improving efficiency along the Lagos–Abidjan–Ouagadougou corridor, one of West Africa’s busiest trade routes.

    Findings from the report revealed systemic challenges that continue to impede the free flow of goods and services across borders.

    According to the report, some of these challenges are not limited to inadequate truck parking facilities across the corridor, forcing drivers into informal and unsafe roadside stops, inconsistent border post operations, with many border posts relying on manual documentation and clearance despite ECOWAS’ push for joint border modernisation.

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    There also the problem of absence of electronic call-up systems at key seaports in Lome, Tema, and Abidjan, resulting in chronic congestion and costly delays, just such as the issue of limited technology deployment resulting in a lack of real-time visibility, coordination, and data for effective transport planning.

    Speaking on the findings, Onwubuariri stressed the urgency for ECOWAS member states to adopt digital tools as a pathway to remove bottlenecks and improve efficiency and competitiveness.

    According to him, “Regional trade can only thrive when goods, drivers, and cargo move seamlessly. Inefficiencies at borders and ports not only increase costs for businesses but also reduce the competitiveness of West African economies.”

    As a way forward, he hinted that his company has come up with a solution driven app Ètò which can provide a ready-to-deploy digital solution for scheduling, parking management, and cross-border payments that can transform the corridor into a hub of efficiency.

    “The Ètò solution is TTP’s flagship digital traffic management platform, designed to streamline truck traffic management through real-time scheduling, electronic call-up systems, digital booking of rest areas, and a multi-currency wallet for drivers.

    “Beyond improving operational efficiency, Ètò generates critical data to support government planning, infrastructure investment, and compliance monitoring.”

    TTP is actively engaging ECOWAS institutions, customs authorities, transport ministries, and Chambers of Commerce to establish pilot programs that will demonstrate the benefits of digitised border and port management. If adopted regionally, TTP projects significant benefits, including reduced clearance delays and informal payments at borders, improved driver safety and welfare through structured rest stops.

    “Enhanced trade flows that align with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). A more robust regional business ecosystem and increased employment opportunities.”

    ECOWAS, he stressed, “has made commendable progress in promoting regional integration, but without technology, inefficiencies will persist,” adding that “It is time to embrace digital solutions and set West Africa on a path toward truly seamless trade and competitiveness.”

  • FIRS to unveil Tax Reform Acts

    FIRS to unveil Tax Reform Acts

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) will on Monday, November 10, 2025, officially unveil the Nigeria Tax Reform Acts during a high-level strategic stakeholder engagement session themed “Impact of the New Tax Laws.”

    The event marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal reform journey and reflects the government’s commitment to building a simpler, fairer, and more efficient tax system that encourages compliance, stimulates investment, and supports sustainable economic growth.

    The engagement session will bring together senior government officials, policy experts, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to deliberate on the operational framework and broader implications of the newly enacted tax laws.

    The programme will feature keynote and technical presentations by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; Chief Executive Officer of Compliance Professionals and former Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru; Coordinating Director of FIRS, Mr. Matthew Gbonjubola; and Chief of Staff to the FIRS Executive Chairman, Mr. Tayo Koleoso.

    A high-level panel discussion will also form part of the event. Participants will include senior management of the Federal Inland Revenue Service—Mrs. Amina Ado, Mr. Kabir Abba, and Mr. Matthew Gbonjubola—alongside the Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Michael Ango, and a Partner at Deloitte, Mr. Olumide Esan.

    According to the Director of Taxpayer Services at FIRS, Dr. Lovette Ononuga, the engagement seeks to “strengthen public understanding of the reforms and promote collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the new laws.”

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    She noted that the session represents a critical opportunity to clarify how the new tax framework will operate in practice, as well as its expected impact on businesses, revenue generation, and economic development.

    Attendance at the Abuja event will be strictly by invitation, but FIRS has made provisions for virtual participation to ensure broader stakeholder inclusion. The session will be streamed live via YouTube and Zoom, with participation links to be shared two days before the event on the Service’s official communication platforms.

    The unveiling of the Nigeria Tax Reform Acts is expected to consolidate ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to modernize the country’s tax administration system, close compliance gaps, and position Nigeria for improved fiscal sustainability.

  • ‘Why unions must adopt new engagement strategy ‘

    ‘Why unions must adopt new engagement strategy ‘

    An aspirant for the National Presidency of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade John Ogbe has canvassed the adoption of new strategies  by aviation unions in engaging the federal government, its agencies and private sector employers in the industry.

    Rather than resorting to the instrument of industrial unrest , Ogbe said the most appropriate strategy is to offer solutions through dialogue based negotiations that will offer a win – win for the already challenged air transport sector.

    Speaking in an interview on his plans to achieve a paradigm shift on how labour unions should operate in the aviation industry, Comrade Ogbe said collaboration, cooperation, capacity building and deep understanding of modern trends in conflict resolution should be the new normal.

    He said though the current crop of leaders in ATSSSAN may have contributed what they consider as their best in advancing the welfare of workers, clear gaps in navigating recurring challenges has made it compelling for new thinking.

    Ogbe said his team promises to engage the government differently through solution based unionism , facts based negotiations that considers all aspects of advocacy.

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    He said his team will reposition and revive union activities through dialogue , collaboration and deeper consultations to create a more enabling environment that will bolster trust.

    Ogbe said  his team will adopt new tactics , including lobby and advocacy to drive home issues that border on staff welfare by softening ground with the authorities.

    He said : “There are lots of issues in the aviation sector today, requiring that labour unions shift in their strategies in order to remain relevant. The conflict resolution mechanism has to change from the old methods utilised by our leaders.

    “The new order is for labour leaders to engage government and organisations with a solution offer. We need to demonstrate capacity and understanding of the issues during negotiations, such that we earn the understanding of the other parties.

    “There has to be opon channels of communication with the seventeen organisations we have in the aviation sector. We intend to go round as a team engaging these organisations by bringing solutions on board during agitation.

    “Declaring withdrawal of services , protests and other industrial unrest instruments may not achieve the desired results.”

    Ogbe , however, expressed optimism with the current proposal by the Federal Government to concession some airport terminals saying unions in the industry are engaging with the authorities to get the best model

    Such a model, he said, must reflect the collective benefits of the country, aviation workers and relevant stakeholders.

    Ogbe said promised to deliver a  team in ATSSSAN , that will ensure the over seventeen organisations in the aviation industry provide work tools for their workers, make the working environment conducive, push for the health of the business and ensure such outfits succeed.

    The ATSSSAN Presidential aspirant declared : “Our strategy will be engaging the management to ensure there is improvement in the work environment, bring solutions on the table , and collaborate to solve the problems of the industry.

    “This has become imperative because the numbers are not looking good for the sector, we must avoid stifling the growth of business and ultimately ensure that negotiations start and end on the table.”

    On the concession of airports, Ogbe said ATSSSAN is working with the Federal Government to ensure the pitfalls of the past are avoided, affirming that with the efforts of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the right models will be adopted.

    He said : “Aviation unions including ATSSSAN and other stakeholders are engaging with the outline business case rolled out by ICRC to ensure good faith is kept , that the models are not skewed.

    “ We will ensure that issues concerning the financing , the tenure of the concession and the key performance indicators of the affected airports meet acceptable global standards.

    “We are looking at conversations around the tenure, the volume of investment , the fate of workers, the proponents and terms of engagement.

     On his mission for ATSSSAN, Ogbe said : “We will train, mentor, and equip our members and leaders with modern tools of negotiation, conflict resolution, and progressive unionism. No member will be left behind, for an enlightened workforce is an unstoppable force.

    “I say it here clearly and unequivocally: when I assume office as President of ATSSSAN, I shall make it one of my foremost priorities to engage relevant authorities and ensure that all outstanding entitlements are paid to the rightful beneficiaries. Justice delayed must no longer be justice denied.”’

  • Active telecommunication subscribers hit 173.5m

    Active telecommunication subscribers hit 173.5m

    The telecom industry maintained strong performance through the third quarter of 2025, with active voice subscriptions rising to 173.54 million in September, from 171.57 million in August, latest industry stats from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has shown.

    The data also showed that teledensity, which represents the number of active telephone lines per 100 inhabitants, stood at 80.05per cent during the month, slightly up from 79.14per cent in August, reflecting gradual subscriber additions across major mobile network operators (MNOs).

    The new data showed that the operators connected additional 569,538 users to internet across their various networks, while broadband penetration recorded uptick by 10 basis points to 49.34per cent, representing 106.97 million connections to at least third generation (3G) network.

    The breakdown of active GSM connections revealed that MTN Nigeria maintained its lead with 90.33 million subscribers, representing 52.12 per cent market share, followed by Airtel with 58.47 million or 33.74per cent share.

    Globacom has 21.39 million active connections on it network with 12.34per cent of the market, while T2 (formally 9mobile) has the least market share of 1.8per cent with 3.11 million active subscribers on its network.

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    The stats showed that T2 is, however, gradually improving as it had 2.73 million customers in August.

    Combined, the GSM segment accounted for over 99per cent of the total market, underscoring the continued dominance of mobile connectivity in Nigeria’s voice communication landscape.

    The NCC data further showed that broadband subscriptions climbed to 106.97 million in September 2025, translating to a broadband penetration rate of 49.34per cent compared to 48.81per cent in August.

    This is the highest broadband penetration figure Nigeria has ever posted, despite being a far cry from the 70per cent penetration target by the end of December 2025, envisaged by the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025.

    Similarly, active internet users via GSM networks grew to 140.36 million, signalling sustained demand for data services as more Nigerians embrace digital platforms and smartphones for work, education, and entertainment.

    Despite the increases in internet and broadband connections, data consumption moderated marginally month-on-month, from 1.152 million terabytes (TB) in August to 1.15 million terabytes in September.

    In terms of technology, 4G accounted for the largest share of mobile connections, representing 51.6per cent of active users in September; 2G followed with 38.4per cent while 3G and 5G held 6.6per cent and 3.4per cent market shares respectively.

    The figures indicate that 5G adoption is gradually expanding, supported by ongoing infrastructure rollout by operators since its commercial launch in 2022 first by MTN Nigeria.

    MNOs have also committed over N1 trillion naira to network expansion and upgrade since the beginning of this year, according to authorities.

    The NCC data showed that despite a rebasing effect on national accounts, the telecom industry remained a key driver of the economy, contributeing 9.2per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q2 of 2025, up from 8.5per cent in Q1.

    Its share of GDP had previously averaged between 13 per cent and 16per cent in 2023, before the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) updated its GDP and computation methodology earlier in 2025.