The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • Firm trains Ibadan residents

    Firm trains Ibadan residents

    EnergyPro, in collaboration with Polska Fundacja dla Afryki, has trained and empowered Ibadan residents in installation of solar panels and safety and construction of power banks.

    The firm said its focused was promoting renewable energy across Nigeria and beyond, adding that one of its mandates was using renewable energy to make money, empower people and make life better for Nigerians.

    Speaking at the opening of the company’s office in Ibadan, the Co-founder of ‘EnergyPro’, Akinmolayan Peter, said the rationale behind the event was to give back to the society, ‘’because solving problems and empowering people are the best ways to live in peace.’’

    He urged Nigerians to embrace the use of solar energy, as it remained the future of the country’s economic development.

    He noted that the economy of the nation would remain stagnant without constant power supply.

    Former commissioner in Oyo State, Prof. Raphael Afonja, said no country could have meaningful development without stable and adequate power supply.

    He advised beneficiaries of the training and empowerment to be competitive and leverage on the skills acquired during the workshop.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    Prince Abiodun Adeyemi, who lauded ‘Energy Pro’, said the training and empowerment would be of benefit to the beneficiaries, adding that ‘’power is very important to the development of any nation.’’

    Some of the beneficiaries said the training would add value to them ‘’because Nigerians need electricity either at home or for their businesses because power outage is one of the major problems confronting Nigeria.’’

  • Union Bank celebrates employees

    Union Bank celebrates employees

    Union Bank of Nigeria has held its prestigious Union Bank Employee Recognition (UBER) Awards ceremony.

    At the event held at The Stable, Surulere, Lagos, outstanding workers were honoured for their dedication, innovation and customer-centricity, embodying the company’s core values.

    The event, attended by members of the Board of Directors, senior management officials and workers, marked a milestone in the bank’s 108-year legacy of celebrating excellence.

    The ceremony with the theme: ‘The Constellation edition’, showcased three distinct categories of awards: CEO Awards recognising Stellar Efficiency, Aurora for Most Innovative Staff, and Vega for Customer Centricity; alongside Performance Based Awards, including Solis for Business Deal of the Year, Galaxy for Highest Total Income, Optimus for Highest CASA Contributors Non-Sales, and Velox for Highest Incremental CASA Average. These accolades reflect Union Bank’s commitment to acknowledging diverse forms of excellence that drive organisational success.

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Yetunde Oni, said recognition served as principle and practice.

    “Tonight is about recognition not as a gesture, but as a principle. Recognition affirms what we value. It reinforces standards. And it reminds us that excellence is noticed,” she said.

    Mrs Oni highlighted the importance of culture in sustaining performance, noting that “what we choose to celebrate is what we sustain.”

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    Highlight of the evening was the premiere of the ‘Endless Possibilities’ thematic campaign, a powerful narrative celebrating the indomitable Nigerian spirit that thrives against all odds. The film captures the essence of resilience, innovation and determination that defines everyday Nigerians who continuously transform challenges into opportunities.

    The campaign reflects how this same spirit of perseverance has characterised institutions like Union Bank, that have stood the test of time, becoming integral threads in the nation’s social and economic fabric.

    Speaking on the campaign, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, said: “This film is a celebration of the innate resilience that defines us as a people who consistently rise above circumstances to create something meaningful. What makes this narrative so powerful is that it is not unique to any one institution, but rather a shared heritage that has shaped our collective journey. This is the story we wanted to tell, because it is a story that belongs to all of us.”

    The ceremony concluded with Mrs Oni’s powerful affirmation to all nominees: “Whether you receive an award tonight or not, know that your contribution is valued and your impact recognised. With your dedication and professionalism, Union Bank will continue to grow with confidence, credibility and purpose.”

  • 15.2m housing units structurally defective

    15.2m housing units structurally defective

    The Federal Government has revealed that about 15.2 million housing units across Nigeria are structurally inadequate, raising fresh concerns about safety, habitability, and access to basic services nationwide.

    The disclosure was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in a statement yesterday.

    According to the minister, the affected homes physically exist but fail to meet minimum standards for safety, durability, decent living conditions, and access to essential infrastructure such as water, sanitation, and electricity.

    Dangiwa explained that the findings were produced under the National Housing Data Initiative and presented by the National Housing Data Technical Committee in Abuja.

    He noted that Nigeria’s housing challenge extends beyond the shortage of new homes and includes widespread structural inadequacy in existing buildings.

    The assessment, he said, applied internationally recognised tools such as the Household Crowding Index, Adequate Housing Index, and Composite Index Methodology, using data from the National Population Commission (NPC), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other housing institutions, in line with World Bank standards.

    Dangiwa said the harmonised approach now allows the government to state with confidence the scale of housing inadequacy across the country.

    He stressed that addressing the challenge will require more than constructing new houses, urging a focus on upgrading existing housing stock, regenerating deteriorating neighbourhoods, and improving infrastructure and public services.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    The minister added that housing inadequacy is also linked to affordability gaps, limited access to land, weak housing finance systems, and significant regional disparities.

    From the data made available to The Nation Data, the assessment showed that Kano State recorded the highest level of housing inadequacy, while Bayelsa State recorded the lowest, based on the Adequate Housing Index.

    As part of efforts to address the problem, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has begun steps to establish a National Housing Data Centre, which will support policymaking, housing finance access, investment planning, and large-scale housing delivery.

    The Data Centre is expected to improve planning accuracy, boost investor confidence, and strengthen accountability in the housing market. It is projected to become operational by mid-January 2026.

    The minister noted that the Federal Government is currently implementing housing interventions under the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities Programme, with projects at various stages of completion nationwide.

    Renewed Hope Cities are large-scale developments planned across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, implemented through public-private partnerships.

    Renewed Hope Estates, on the other hand, consist of smaller housing clusters of about 250 units, funded directly by the Federal Government, with state governments providing land and subsidised infrastructure to improve affordability.

    Despite these initiatives, Dangiwa said Nigeria still faces a severe housing deficit, noting that closing the gap would require at least 550,000 new housing units annually, at an estimated cost of ₦5.5 trillion over the next decade.

  • Lagos focuses on food to drive growth

    Lagos focuses on food to drive growth

    The Lagos food sector is on a transformative path, emerging as a vital link between the nation’s agricultural abundance and its expanding consumer market, the Governor Sanwo-Olu  has said.

    According to him, the food market, is gaining momentum due to rising demand, advancements and strong policy support.

    Speaking in an interview during the Lagos Food Festival, the Governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the government  was investing in the talent of its burgeoning culinary sector, viewing the food industry not merely as a cultural showcase but as a crucial engine for economic growth and youth empowerment.

    He   said the government was determined to use the Lagos Food   Festival  to professionalise the sector, create thousands of jobs, and cement Lagos’s status as the commercial and cultural epicentre of Africa.

    He noted that Lagos Food Festival, a major activity  of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems’ calendar,  now served as a vivid exhibition of the vision, pulling in entrepreneurs, families, and international visitors.

     The event, which showcases the state’s diverse food culture and provides a platform for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),he  continued, is a tangible expression of the government’s comprehensive approach to food security and enterprise development.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    Speaking on the administration’s resolve to harness the  creative industry, Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the broader economic impact. “This is more than just a festival; it is an economic strategy in action.We are creating a robust ecosystem where food entrepreneurs, particularly our smart, innovative young people, have the opportunity to thrive, to vend, and to transform their businesses. The spirit of Lagos is one of ingenuity, and we are channeling that into the food space.”

    Sanwo-Olu underscored the pivotal role of training and support in achieving the objective. “In line with our comprehensive agenda, we are fully committed to providing the necessary support—from financing to training—to ensure our culinary talent is world-class. When you see young people here at the festival, they are not just showing their talents; they are making money, demonstrating the spirit of innovation that is the very DNA of Lagos. We want Lagos to remain the home for all skills and professions.”

    According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has actively implemented interventions, including culinary competitions and agripreneurship programmes, to foster this environment.

    The Governor highlighted the dual benefit of these initiatives: showcasing Lagos’s cuisine as a form of cultural diplomacy while ensuring a stable and efficient food system.

    “Food security and sustainable economic transformation are at the heart of our plan,We are using food to tell the Lagos story, putting our various cuisines and dishes on display for the world to see and appreciate. Every successful young chef, every flourishing food vendor, is another victory for our economy, driving job creation and reinforcing Lagos as a national asset critical to Nigeria’s overall growth,”” Governor Sanwo-Olu added. “

    During the event,  Sanwo-Olu, participated in the cooking and tasting of seafood rice with stir-fry spinach.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya noted that the  food sector holds immense transformative potential, both as a driver of economic growth and as a catalyst for inclusive development.

    As evolving consumer preferences and health-conscious choices reshape the  food system,  she  said the government was working  to reinforce the sector’s strategic importance in driving sustainable growth and meeting the rising demand for safe, nutritious and affordable food.

    She noted that the food festival represented one strategy of the government to focus on exploring the potential of the   country’s culinary ecosystem, preserve heritage dishes.

    According to her, the festival  helps to make Lagos a world-class tourist hub, and  food plays a central role. She  explained that  visitors  can  remember  the festival for its flavors, traditions, and dining experiences and that it’s about shaping an identity that connects with both locals and international guests.

    Through the festival, she indicated that Lagos was empowering the next generation of  chefs,adding that  culinary arts offer an exciting opportunity for young  Nigerians  to merge tradition with innovation.

    She continued that the festival has elevated  the state’s  culinary talent to serve as cultural ambassadors, connecting people through flavors and traditions.

  • Apapa Customs posts N2.64 trillion revenue, records 19.9% growth

    Apapa Customs posts N2.64 trillion revenue, records 19.9% growth

    The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), realised N2.635 trillion  between January and November this year, representing a growth of 19.9 per cent over the N2.2 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. This was driven by automation, compliance-led enforcement and closer collaboration across the port ecosystem.

    The figures, unveiled at the Command’s end-of-year stakeholders’ forum and awards night at Apapa Club by Customs Area Comptroller (CAC), Emmanuel Oshoba, underscored its position as Nigeria’s flagship port command, anchoring customs revenue, trade facilitation and supply-chain stability in the country’s busiest maritime corridor.

    Welcoming stakeholders, Oshoba, said the Command’s performance reflected reforms aligned with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, particularly on modernisation and ease of doing business.

    “From January to November 2025, the Apapa Area Command generated N2.635 trillion, representing a 19.9 per cent increase over the N2.2 trillion recorded in the same period in 2024.

    “This achievement reflects improved compliance, effective automation, robust monitoring and the dedication of our officers. Let me emphasise that our preference is compliance, not confrontation,” Oshoba said.

    He listed key initiatives driving the gains to include the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, the One-Stop Shop framework to cut duplication and delays, and deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) to strengthen automation, risk management and revenue assurance.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    Oshoba also disclosed that the simulation of the newly installed scanner at APM Terminals on November 6, 2025, marked a major milestone in expanding non-intrusive inspection, a critical lever for faster cargo clearance and lower logistics costs.

    On enforcement, he said the Command recorded significant seizures of drugs, expired goods, arms and ammunition, achieved through intelligence-led operations and sustained inter-agency cooperation. He warned that while the command encourages honest declarations and strict adherence to extant laws, it would not hesitate to deal decisively with false declarations and other infractions.

    Representing the CGC, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, said 2025 provided “cause to celebrate,” while urging stakeholders to deepen compliance as Customs fine-tunes its operations.

    “With your cooperation, we were able to achieve our target in 2025. The Service under the leadership of the CGC is passionate about trade facilitation, but we can only facilitate trade provided the integrity of declarations is high,” he said.

    He announced a sensitisation programme on the AEO scheme scheduled for Thursday at Continental Hotel, stressing that Customs expects stronger partnership with traders and agents in 2026.

    “In 2026, we should work together as partners, as brothers, so that it will be a good year for you, for us and for the Nigerian economy,” he added.

    In a goodwill message, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Maritime Police Command, Chinedu Oko, reaffirmed security agencies’ commitment to safe port operations.

    He said: “It is only when we work together that we achieve our ends. Any time the Comptroller calls me on issues concerning my command, I respond positively. The Nigerian Police will continue to work closely with Customs.”

    The AIG congratulated Oshoba on the revenue achievement and assured that the Nigeria Police would continue working closely with Customs to achieve their objectives.

    Representing the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Royal Highness, Engineer AbdulFatai Aremu Aromire Oyegbemi, the Bashorun of Ijora, Iganmu, Chief Hakim Oladipo Ojora said the monarch commended Customs for maintaining order and preventing crises within the port community.

    “Kabiyesi appreciates the way Customs conducts itself within our domain. There is no crisis, no hoodlum activity,” he said, congratulating the Command on what he described as “very mighty achievements.”

    Speaking on behalf of licensed agents, the founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, praised Apapa Customs while calling for broader application of reforms.

    “Apapa is the flagship, and you are doing great. We have made up our minds to be compliant. One-Stop Shop should be universal, not only when there is an alert, so that everyone can compete effectively,” Aniebonam said.

    He said freight forwarders were already looking ahead to 2026 “to do greater things that will bring about a greater Nigeria.”

    The event also featured the presentation of stakeholder awards, reinforcing the Command’s collaboration-first approach to port management.

    Terminal Operators Awards went to firms including APM Terminals, Eco Support Services and CFA Terminal 3. The Controllers’ Commendation Award, for promoting industrial harmony, was presented to individuals including Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, among others.

    Under the Agency Cooperation Award, organisations such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), NDLEA, Nigeria Police (Apapa Command) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) were recognised for sustained support. The CAC Special Recognition Award honoured groups including ANLCA, Atlantic Coast Shipping Nigeria Ltd and ACE Unique, among others.

    A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to to National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) Kikelomo Adeniyi, in recognition of wide-ranging social impact initiatives linked to the Service as well as humanity.

    Her interventions include vocational empowerment of over 1,500 women, establishment of an ultra-modern skills acquisition centre in Abuja, welfare support for widows of fallen officers, pioneering of the Green Border Sustainability Initiative focusing on tree planting, clean-up exercises, waste management and discouraging urban burning, and promotion of national immunisation campaigns against measles and other diseases in partnership with state governments and NGOs.

    Presenting the award on behalf of the CGC, CAC Emmanuel Oshoba described her as “a human mobiliser” whose work has positioned COWA as a model for community-driven development.

    The event was attended by Acting Commandant of Nigeria Army Intelligence Apapa, Colonel Ogunbunmi; the Commander of Narcotics; Customs Area Controllers, Chief Akinwunmi Olufemi; senior officers of various agencies; terminal operators; and representatives of freight forwarding associations.

    During the ceremony, attendees observed a minute’s silence for Assistant Comptroller Nafiu Abubakar, who died in the early hours of Tuesday after a protracted illness.

    As Apapa Customs closed the year, stakeholders converged on a shared message: stronger compliance, deeper collaboration and sustained reforms remain central to keeping Nigeria’s busiest port competitive, secure and revenue-efficient in 2026 and beyond.

  • Wema Bank launches ‘12 Days of Christmas”

    Wema Bank launches ‘12 Days of Christmas”

    Wema Bank has launched a festive customer reward campaign, tagged “12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards,” as part of its end-of-year engagement aimed at encouraging everyday banking activities during the holiday season.

    The campaign, which runs from December 14 to December 25, 2025, is designed to reward customers who fund their accounts with a minimum of N5,000.

    Each day throughout the twelve-day period, 33 customers will receive a N5,000 cash reward upon meeting the funding requirement, translating to daily cash rewards for selected participants across the country.

    According to the bank, the initiative aligns with its broader strategy of recognising customer loyalty while promoting the use of its digital and alternative banking channels.

    The campaign allows customers to participate by funding their accounts through the ALAT app, the *945# USSD code, or debit card transactions.

    Wema Bank said the promotion reflects its understanding of increased financial activity during the festive period, when households typically face higher spending demands associated with travel, family obligations, and year-end preparations.

    By offering direct cash rewards tied to routine transactions, the bank aims to provide added value without altering customers’ regular banking behaviour.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    The financial institution noted that the campaign forms part of its continued focus on customer-centric innovation, particularly in leveraging digital platforms to deliver convenient and accessible banking experiences.

    It also underscores the bank’s effort to maintain consistent engagement with customers beyond traditional promotions, especially during key moments in the calendar year.

    Wema Bank added that the initiative complements its wider retail banking objectives, which prioritise simplicity, transparency, and responsiveness to customer needs.

    The bank has, in recent years, increased its emphasis on digital banking solutions as a way of deepening financial inclusion and improving service delivery across its customer base.

    As the year draws to a close, the bank said the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards campaign offers customers an opportunity to benefit from routine banking activities while participating in a seasonal initiative that runs alongside other end-of-year engagements.

    Wema Bank reiterated its commitment to delivering banking services that balance innovation with practical value, noting that customer-focused programmes remain central to its approach as it prepares for the new financial year.

    “Beyond the rewards, the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards reflects Wema Bank’s broader commitment to customer-centric banking. It reinforces the Bank’s focus on creating experiences that go beyond transactions, especially during moments that matter most to customers.

    “As the year draws to a close, Wema Bank is inviting customers to enjoy the festive season knowing that their loyalty is valued and celebrated. With every transaction, the Bank continues to find new ways to connect, appreciate, and give back during a season defined by generosity.”

  • NCS to sanction banks delaying remittances of govt revenue

    NCS to sanction banks delaying remittances of govt revenue

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has threatened to sanction some of the designated banks that are involved in delaying remittance of its revenue to the purse of the Federal Government after the reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu platform

    Such delays, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada,  constitute a breach of remittance obligations and negatively impact the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of government revenue administration.

    “In line with the provisions of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) executed between the Nigeria Customs Service and Designated Banks, the Service hereby notifies stakeholders of the commencement of enforcement actions against banks found to be in default of agreed remittance timelines.

    “Accordingly, any Designated Bank that fails to remit collected Customs revenue within the prescribed period shall be liable to penalty interest calculated at three per cent above the prevailing Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for the duration of the delay. Affected banks will receive formal notifications indicating the delayed amount, applicable penalty, and the timeline for settlement.

    “The Service further notes that persistent or repeated non-compliance with the terms of the SLA may attract additional sanctions, including regulatory and administrative measures, as provided under the Agreement and relevant laws guiding Customs revenue collection.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    “The NCS reiterates that prompt, accurate, and complete remittance of Customs revenue is a fundamental obligation of Designated Banks.”

    Any payment of collected revenue into unauthorised accounts, whether deliberate or erroneous, will be treated as a serious violation and addressed in accordance with the SLA and applicable legal frameworks.

    Designated Banks, he said, “are therefore advised to strengthen internal controls, ensure strict adherence to remittance timelines, and comply fully with the provisions of the SLA. The Service remains committed to enforcing accountability, safeguarding government revenue, and promoting a transparent and predictable financial system in support of national economic development,” Maiwada said.

  • Awofisayo joins CRC Credit Bureau

    Awofisayo joins CRC Credit Bureau

    CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Nigeria’s leading credit information solutions provider, has appointed Olawuyi Awofisayo, ANIPR, as its new Head, Brand and Corporate Communications. His appointment reflects CRC’s commitment to strengthening its brand presence, deepening stakeholder engagement, and advancing credit education across Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

    Commenting on the transition, the Managing Director, Dr. ’Tunde Popoola, said: “Olawuyi’s expertise aligns strongly with CRC’s long-term vision of deepening credit penetration, expanding financial literacy, and strengthening our engagement with consumers and partners.”

    “We are confident that his leadership will add significant value to our brand and our mission.”

    In this role, Olawuyi will lead the organisation’s brand strategy, corporate communications, media relations, internal communications, content development, and reputation management. He will also drive strategic initiatives that support CRC’s vision of promoting financial inclusion and fostering a stronger, data-driven credit culture nationwide.

    A multidisciplinary expert in branding, communications, digital marketing, SEO, web development and cybersecurity, Olawuyi brings over six years of experience helping organisations grow, stay visible, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

    Before joining CRC, he served as Branding & Marketing Communications Manager at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), where he led firm-wide branding, digital communication, events, stakeholder roundtables, CSR initiatives, mentorship programmes, and legal directory submissions.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    He previously worked as Digital Communications Executive at J3 Holadings, and has consulted for various organisations including Slice Media and Davidorlah Farms, supporting projects in digital marketing, content strategy, and brand positioning.

    Olawuyi also served as the Digital Campaign Manager for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Campaign in 2023, where he led end-to-end digital strategy across multiple platforms.

    In addition, he is a Faculty Lecturer in Sports PR & Communications Strategy at the Business of Sports Institute Africa (BOS), contributing to capacity building within the sports business ecosystem.

    He holds certifications in Digital Communication, Crisis Management, Marketing, SEO, Cybersecurity, and a Mini-MBA in Business Management. He is also an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a graduate of the University of Ilorin. Olawuyi is also currently pursuing an MBA to further strengthen his strategic management expertise.

  • ‘How to tackle Japa, youth unemployment’

    ‘How to tackle Japa, youth unemployment’

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Institute of Business Development (IBD) has called for comprehensive reforms in vocational skills training for Nigerian youths. It also suggested better alternatives to the JAPA syndrome affecting Nigerian Youths.

    These were contained in a briefing by the President of IBD, Alhaji Sadiku Rafindadi, at the end of the 10th Annual Conference of IBD in Abuja themed, “Harnessing Digital Innovation for Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Sustainable Development.”

    Announcing the launching of the Innovative Empowerment Community Network (IECN) Agenda, Rafindadi said the IECN was not another government programme or a corporate CSR initiative, but a “Grand Unifying Ecosystem” that serves as a bridge connecting training centres, youth unemployment  and neglected elderly citizens to make a  functional engine for national development.

    He said many skill acquisition programme fail due to the incentive used to lure people into it, rather than inviting people who are genuinely eager to learn the skills.

    To solve this, he called for a radical shift by ensuring that the selection process for skill acquisition is made unpolitical and devoid of advertised monetary benefits during the recruitment stage.

    He said: “We scrutinised why so many skill acquisition programmes fail and found out that when you offer free money, you attract people looking for charity, not people looking for a career. Therefore, under the IECN Agenda, the IBD is advocating a radical shift in how we select and train our youths.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    “The IBD advocates that all selection processes for training must remain unpolitical and devoid of advertised monetary benefits. We must conceal startup grants and stipends during the recruitment phase. Why? Because we want candidates who are hungry for knowledge, not hungry for a “national cake.

    “We want resilience. The incentives will come after certification, rewarding those who stayed the course.”

    On JAPA syndrome, the IBD stated in a communique after the conference that it aims to work with diplomatic representatives to create bilateral labor frameworks, that will change the “narrative of our youth fleeing as desperate “migrants” or “refugees” through local standard training that will change them to dignified professionals who earn foreign currency and remit taxes back to Nigeria”

    To address the “neglected” aging population, the IBD under its “Care Revolutionary  Ecosystem  (CRE)” called for a formalized care system that is secure and professionalised so that   trained youths can  provide home care for the aging population.

    This, it said, aims to give senior citizens the dignity of being cared for in their own homes, and give millions of Nigerian youths sustainable, respectable jobs.

    While noting safety concern, IBD said the IECN will champion a National Caregiver Bio-Data Registry, linked with security agencies, to ensure that every caregiver is vetted, traceable, and trusted.

     The IBD said it was no longer just a body for business theory but an implementation partner for national progress.

    While urging the government to embrace the IECN template which will stop politicisation of empowerment and allowing merit to drive the process, it urged the Diplomatic Community to standardise the skills of “our youths.” It also urged the private sector to invest in this eco-system.

  • Lekki Port automated to boost trade

    Lekki Port automated to boost trade

    The Lekki Deep Sea Port is now fully automated to boost international trade, satisfy customers, stakeholders and other ports users.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, Mr. Wang Qiang, urged importers, clearing agents and stakeholders, including government agencies operating  at the port to key into end-to-end digital processes available at  their terminal to boost quick cargo clearance and facilitate international trade.

    He noted that Customs procedures, particularly physical cargo examinations, and other port services must be fully digitalised to significantly reduce cargo dwell time and facilitate cago clearance.

    He said: “For automation to work efficiently, all players must be ready – customers, government and every stakeholder. Only then can we have a fantastic system.”

    He also stressed that improved connectivity would allow the port to effectively double capacity through performance optimisation without expanding its physical footprint.

    Commenting on the new tax regime expected to take effect in 2026, he urged the government to adopt a simplified tax framework that supports ease of doing business. He cited Germany and other countries where goods are cleared from ports with a 30-day window allowed for value added tax (VAT) remittance.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    Findings have shown that between Q1 and Q3 2025, Lekki Port handled an estimated N13.46 trillion in total trade value, combining imports and exports, making it Nigeria’s second-largest port by trade value. This figure places is well ahead of Tin Can Island Port’s N9.31 trillion and almost double the N6.76 trillion recorded at Port Harcourt (Onne).

    “We already reached 50 per cent of our capacity now – almost 50 per cent of the port capacity,” he said, noting consistent improvement in the number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled monthly.

    Qiang, however, emphasised that efficient multimodal connectivity remains critical to sustaining and accelerating growth at the port, revealing that barge operations have become an important evacuation channel and currently account for about 10 per cent of cargo movement from the port.

    Qiang added that the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project would help ease congestion and improve access to the port but stressed that rail connectivity remains essential, particularly given the scale of industrial activities emerging within the Lekki corridor.

    “I believe the train option is something the government is concerned about, and with the level of industrial activities in this region, we expect that it will be provided,” Qiang said.

    Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), Capt Jedrzej Mierzewski added that after only two years of operations, LFT has already become the number two terminal in the Nigerian market.

    “We are the fastest-growing terminal in the country, combining modern infrastructure, operational excellence, and a clear ambition to become a leading transshipment hub for West Africa.

    “Our growth supports the Nigerian economy by strengthening trade connectivity and helping to reduce the cost of foreign trade through efficient, reliable, and competitive port services,” Mierzewski said.