The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • NAMA commits to modern technology

    NAMA commits to modern technology

    The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has expressed its commitment to embrace  the adoption of modern technology in the fast evolving  air traffic navigation global space , saying it will ensure the continuous training of  Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP).

    Its Managing Director, Engineer Farouk Umar Ahmed disclosed this at the weekend.

    Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAEE), in Lagos, the NAMA boss said the agency’s management is working round the clock to see that all the operational, administrative and general welfare of ATSEP receives deserved attention.

    He emphasized that the  theme of this year’s AGM “Safety, Efficiency and Innovation: The Triple Mandate of Air Traffic Engineers” captured the essence of the transformation currently shaping the global airspace management landscape.

    He said :” In a world where technological evolution continues to redefine aviation, our responsibility is not only to keep pace but to lead with clarity, competence, and creativity.

    “As Air Traffic Engineers, you occupy a strategic position in sustaining the integrity of our Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure. Your expertise remains the backbone of safe and efficient air traffic management. Every radar sweep, every communication channel, every navigational aid, and every emerging digital system depends on your vigilance, precision, and innovation.

    At NAMA, we recognize your work. We value your contribution.

    “ And we remain fully committed to supporting a professional environment where your skills can flourish and where modern technology and continuous training are prioritized.”

    He said the  agency’s ongoing modernization efforts from communication navigation and surveillance (CNS ) upgrades to advanced automation systems are built on a foundation strengthened by  the competence and dedication ATSEP personnel.

    “This gathering is not only an opportunity for technical dialogue; it is also a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and alignment with global best practices. I urge you to engage deeply, share boldly, and challenge conventional thinking as we collectively shape the future of air navigation services in Nigeria.

    “As we look toward the coming year, NAMA will continue to work closely with NAAE to improve system reliability, foster innovation-driven operations, and build a workforce that is adaptable, empowered, and future-ready.

    Read Also: Offsetting N4tn legacy debts to Gen Cos good for power sector – Transafam boss

    “Let me commend your commitment, especially in the face of operational and infrastructural challenges. Your resilience continues to uphold the safety of Nigerian airspace, and for that, the nation remains grateful.”

    Also speaking, Managing Directir of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, commended ATSEP personnel for their role in driving the national airspace architecture.

    The FAAN boss said :” Your role is the very trinity upon

    which the modern, resilient, and competitive aviation ecosystem rests. While the visible elements of air travel capture public attention, it is your expertise that powers the invisible network–the radars that see, the navigation aids that guide, the communication systems that

    connect, and the surveillance infrastructure that assures.

    “You are the guardians of the technical integrity upon which every safe landing and take-off depends. FAAN  as the provider of critical

    airport infrastructure, acknowledges and values this symbiotic relationship. Our terminals run

    smoothly only because your systems in the tower and the field operate flawlessly.

    “ The collaboration and knowledge sharing that occur here directly translate to

    enhanced safety and efficiency across Nigeria’s air navigation system. The challenges we

    face-from aging infrastructure to the rapid evolution of technology and increasing traffic

    demands-require the very collaborative spirit this forum fosters.

    “ This is why safety will always remain, non-negotiable. It is the foundation. We at FAAN are

    committed to partnering with you and all agencies to ensure that the technical working environment and the support for your mission-critical systems meet the highest global.”

    In his presentation, former NAMA MD, Captain Roland Iyayi said the role of ATSEP personnel is increasingly becoming relevant in the air travel space because air traffic management  systems must balance multiple performance

    dimensions by formalizing the safety plus efficiency and modernization mandate.

    Iyayi said : “ The triple mandate” of safety, efficiency/regularity, and

    systemicperformance/modernization for ANSPs is not a single clause,

    but an emergent property of ICAO’s regulatory architecture.

    “The future of Air Traffic Management depends on this synergy, ensuring that the global airspace system remains safe, scalable, and prepared for emerging aviation challenges and developments.

     “Traditional ATM systems are

    being pushed to their limits by traffic growth, new airspace users,

    environmental pressures, and demand for capacity.

    To meet these ever-evolving challenges—without undermining operational

    safety and while keeping the system economically viable and sustainable— the sector must embrace innovation in a structured, regulated, and human-centric way.”

  • Lagos establishes digital vets

    Lagos establishes digital vets

    A digital revolution is underway in the agricultural sector, with a landmark initiative transforming how livestock and pet owners access crucial veterinary care.

    This follows efforts by the Lagos State government to explore tele-veterinary platforms to dismantle long standing barriers of distance and cost, boosting food security, and positioning the country to capture a piece of the booming global veterinary telehealth market, which is projected to reach $970 million by 2034.

    In a move hailed as “the dawn of a new day,” Lagos State launched the country’s first Tele-Veterinary Call Centre, a pioneering partnership with Etsu Digital Nigeria Ltd.

    The initiative is a decisive step toward strengthening animal health and advancing agricultural innovation for millions of Nigerians.

    Speaking at the inauguration, the  Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, emphasised the platform’s role in addressing a major pain point for animal owners. “

    Tele-VET is more than a digital helpline; it is a strategic tool for safeguarding public health, strengthening food safety, and boosting productivity across the agriculture sector. By improving disease surveillance and limiting the spread of zoonotic infections, the platform supports the global One World, One Health framework, which recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. Healthy animals mean higher yields, reduced losses, stronger livelihoods, and greater resilience — all central to Lagos State’s food security agenda. For years, farmers and pet owners—whether in urban centres or remote communities—have struggled to access timely, professional veterinary care.The Tele-Veterinary Call Centre now provides a groundbreaking solution to this longstanding gap,”  she stated. “She noted: “This initiative also opens new pathways for innovation in the agricultural space. The Tele-Vet platform lays the foundation for future opportunities such as livestock and pet health insurance, e-commerce for animal services and products, improved mobility solutions for veterinary care, and enhanced access to financial support for farmers. These possibilities reinforce Lagos State’s leadership in modern, technology-driven agricultural systems.With this Call Centre in operation, we expect significant improvements across the sector — including reduced animal mortality, faster disease reporting, improved access to veterinary expertise across all communities, enhanced data for policy planning, and strengthened support for our veterinary hospitals and field operations. From Ikorodu to Epe, from Surulere to Agege, and the entire length and breadth of Nigeria, this service will support farmers, pet owners, and animal health practitioners at every level.”

    Read Also: FG launches automation-driven public service system

    According to her, the  service, accessible by simply dialing *20791# (for subscribers of the existing M-Agric and M-Health services), provides 24/7 emergency support, first-aid instructions, disease-prevention guidance, and professional veterinary advice. “For just ₦100 per day, users gain instant access to certified Lagos State Veterinary Consultants without the need for long-distance travel or clinic queues.”

    Beyond immediate care, the Commissioner highlighted the platform’s potential as a strategic tool for public health, stating that by improving disease surveillance and limiting zoonotic infections, the platform supports the global One World, One Health framework. “This digital foundation also lays the groundwork for future opportunities  such as  livestock health insurance and e-commerce for animal products.

    She emphasised the service would  empower farmers to enhance productivity and contribute to the state’s sustainable development.

    As the Commissioner of Lagos State urged: “I therefore encourage all farmers and pet owners to take full advantage of this service… Together, let us usher in a future where no farmer or pet owner loses an animal simply because help could not come on time.”

    The Permanent Secretary , Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu, said the state has  unveiled a first-of-its-kind project designed to revolutionise veterinary and livestock services across Lagos State and potentially serve as a model for the entire country.

    Audu hailed the initiative as “the dawn of a new day,” emphasising that it underscores Lagos State’s “ability to innovate and then bring about real excellence in the discharge of governance to citizens in the state.” He   underscored the project’s strategic significance, noting its core objective is “to ensure that practitioners and people that get the best in terms of service.”

    He believes  the announced that the platform will afford farmers access to “vital information regarding disease awareness, preventive care and all that.

    According to him, the  project is specifically engineered to uplift the livestock business sector, stating, “This is the first of its kind, and Lagos is its primary piece.” He highlighted the state’s leadership role in pioneering solutions for livestock owners and practitioners.

    He explained that the service is designed to streamline and improve veterinary services, livestock services, and all livestock and animal-related services. “Its core objective is “to ensure that practitioners and people that get the best in terms of service.”

    The Director of Veterinary Services for Lagos State, Dr. Rasheed Macaulay noted that the  first-of-its-kind initiative in animal  health,  will provide connection  with renowned veterinarians to cater to every facet of animal  healthcare needs. He said owners will be able to connect with highly skilled veterinary doctors through telephone, the app, availing of convenient and accessible quality healthcare for their animals.

    The initiative aligns with a global surge in veterinary telehealth adoption. According to Future Market Insights, the Global Veterinary Telehealth Market is projected to expand at a 17.7 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the next decade. The market’s growth is largely attributed to increasing pet ownership, higher pet healthcare spending, and the growing prevalence of zoonotic diseases.

    The World Veterinary Association (WVA) acknowledged that while telehealth should not replace traditional face-to-face consultation, it provides key benefits. The WVA recognised the service’s utility in remote areas where “it is not always possible or economical for veterinary practitioners to visit animals on every occasion,” in addition to its use in epidemiological surveys and disease detection.

  • Firm calls for unified approach on oil production

    Firm calls for unified approach on oil production

    Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, has called for a coordinated, strategic approach to boost Nigeria’s oil and gas production and drive broader economic growth. The call was made during the 2025 Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, an annual industry conference held in Yenagoa.

    Speaking at strategic panel sessions on “Streamlining Project Delivery for Improved Efficiency” and “Nigeria First Policy – Pathways for Growth”, the Executive Director, Development, Esso E&P, Etabuko Abirhire, outlined actionable strategies to support Nigeria’s ambitious energy objectives.

    Abirhire emphasised the need to achieve a production target of four million barrels per day and attract $60 billion in investment, highlighting priorities such as enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring predictable regulatory and fiscal frameworks, implementing long-term local content programs to strengthen Nigerian companies’ capacity.

    Read Also: Offsetting N4tn legacy debts to Gen Cos good for power sector – Transafam boss

     “Achieving Nigeria’s production and investment goals requires alignment across all stakeholders. Pass-throughs to local entities without real capacity development increase project costs and undermine the intent of the National Content law, ultimately affecting competitiveness,” Abirhire said.

    He stressed that sustainable capacity development demands recognising aspirational areas of local content, encouraging external investment and supporting local firms genuinely committed to building capacity.

     “Partnerships with external investors must attract investment and remain globally competitive. Balancing local content aspirations with investor competitiveness will deliver win-win outcomes. “Equally important is ensuring stability and consistency in laws and regulations through broad stakeholder consultations before policies are enacted. Predictability encourages investment,” he noted.

    Abirhire highlighted Esso’s commitment to advancing local content by applying lessons from the NOGICD Act to boost Nigerian service providers’ competitiveness and expand the domestic supply chain.

     “Our collaboration with Tamrose Limited, a Nigerian marine services firm, helped grow its fleet from four to 15 vessels, positioning it to compete for security patrol and platform supply opportunities across the Gulf of Guinea. We remain committed to fostering an environment where Nigerian service providers can compete globally while contributing to long-term economic transformation” he said.

  • ‘NCC in top five performing agencies’

    ‘NCC in top five performing agencies’

    The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has named the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) one of the top five best-performing Federal Government agencies for 2025 under the Transparency and Efficiency Category. The NCC was recognised alongside the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, which emerged overall best-performing agency; the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, which placed second; as well as the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Ports Authority.

    The recognition was announced at the PEBEC Awards and Gala Night held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

    The award celebrates transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s public service and was presented to the Commission for its “commitment to openness, accountability and operational excellence in Public Service Delivery.”

    Receiving the award on behalf of the Commission, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining transparency and accountability in its regulatory approach. He noted that these principles remain central to improving industry performance and fostering a conducive environment for telecommunications businesses to thrive.

    “The Commission is proud to be listed among the Top Five Best-Performing Federal Government Agencies for 2025. This recognition is an affirmation of the values that guide our work: transparency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence. It signals that the reforms we have pursued, the systems we have strengthened, and the decisions we have taken are yielding the right results.

    “For us at the NCC, this honour is both a validation and a responsibility. It reassures us that we are on the right path, and at the same time challenges us to deepen our commitment to the Nigerian people

     “As an economic regulator, our mandate is to create an environment where operators can thrive—an environment that attracts investment and sustains healthy competition, ensuring consumers enjoy the best possible choices.

    “Nigerians can rest assured that we will not rest on our oars. We remain fully committed to ensuring that the telecom consumer receives the highest quality of service, supported by a fair, transparent, and competitive industry. We will also continue to strengthen our collaborations with all stakeholders—because meaningful progress in our sector can only be achieved through shared commitment and collective action,” Dr. Maida stated.

    Read Also: FG launches automation-driven public service system

    Speaking at the awards, the PEBEC Director-General, Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, said the event was organised to celebrate reform champions and highlight progress made in improving the country’s business climate.

     “This evening is not merely an awards ceremony; it is a powerful affirmation of possibilities, honouring the champions who have moved beyond compliance, embracing excellence as the new standard for public service delivery.

     “The achievements we acknowledge are the tangible result of collective resolve to make Nigeria the most attractive and predictable competitive destination for business in Africa.

     “Under the unwavering leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, and the active chairmanship of Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, our reform efforts have been characterised by intentionality, accountability, and the strategic deployment of data.

     “We understand that to fix the operational environment for businesses, we must first fix the government’s framework.”

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the council, said the awards reflect the government’s commitment to a more efficient and competitive public service.

     “The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council has spent the last couple of years championing reforms that speak to the whole of our economic aspirations.

     “The reforms that make it easier to do business, that restore your best confidence, that ensure our institutions work in the spirit of national growth.

     “Tonight, we salute the men and women driving these institutions, when we commit to working together across MDAs, across states and across sectors, Nigeria wins,” he said.

  • Examining steady growth in non-oil exports

    Examining steady growth in non-oil exports

    Nigeria’s latest economic report showed that non-oil sector continued to outperform the oil sector, with steady growths across the sectors sustaining strong economic momentum. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report underlines the huge potential of the non-oil sector to achieving government’s ambitious $1 trillion economy. In this report, Deputy Group Business Editor, Taofik Salako, examines how investments in air cargo and ground handling operations have become major boosts for the country’s non-oil exports

    Nigeria’s economy remains on a steady growth path. The latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that the economy further expanded by 3.98 per cent in third quarter 2025. This compared with 3.9 per cent recorded in third quarter 2024. The economy had grown by 4.32 per cent in second quarter 2025.

    The third quarter 2025 growth was driven by both oil and non-oil sectors. Non-oil sector, which contributed 96.6 per cent of total output, rose by 27 basis points to 3.91 per cent in third quarter 2025, an increase of 27 basis points on 3.64 per cent recorded in second quarter 2025. The oil sector, which accounted for about 3.4 per cent of total output, expanded by 5.8 per cent in third quarter 2025, with oil production averaging 1.64 million barrels per day (mbpd) during the period.

    The report underlined stronger momentum in agriculture, industry, and services as main drivers of the non-oil sector’s performance. Agricultural output, the largest contributor to the GDP with 31.21 per cent, grew by 3.79 per cent, 97 basis points on 2.82 per cent growth recorded in second quarter 2025. Trade, the second largest contributor with 16.42 per cent, expanded by 1.98 per cent in third quarter 2025 as against 1.29 per cent in second quarter 2025.

    While the GDP report showed broad growths across all the sectors, analysts were unanimous that non-oil sector was the main driver of the overall robust economic outlook. Analysts at Afrinvest West Africa said Nigeria’s economic growth “remains heavily anchored on non-oil sectors, reflecting both the resilience and structural diversification of the Nigerian economy”.

    Coronation Group said the GDP performance reflected strong rebound in agriculture, which helped to offset oil weakness.

    Afrinvest noted that growth in agriculture sector was driven by the main harvest season and cash and food crops export earnings.

    Read Also: Offsetting N4tn legacy debts to Gen Cos good for power sector – Transafam boss

    Coronation said the GDP third quarter 2025 report “reaffirms Nigeria’s gradual transition toward a more diversified, non-oil-driven growth structure, even as macroeconomic conditions remain shaped by inflation, foreign exchange (forex) dynamics, and ongoing policy adjustments”.

    Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf said the overall outlook of the GDP report confirmed that the economy remains firmly on a path of steady recovery and consolidation.

    “The third quarter 2025 performance highlights the positive impact of ongoing economic reforms, especially in stabilising the exchange rate, moderating inflation, improving fiscal conditions, and gradually restoring investor confidence. These macroeconomic gains have strengthened business sentiment and supported activity across key sectors of the economy,” Yusuf said.

    He said the steady growth demonstrated that the government’s reform programme is beginning to generate tangible and measurable outcomes across the economy.

    Exports Processing

    Industry analysts have also highlighted the positive impact of private sector’s investments in air cargo and ground handling operations on the expansive growth in non-oil sector. For instance, since the launch of NAHCO Export Processing and Packaging Centre (NEPPC), owned by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, in July 2025, there has been an upsurge in non-oil exports.

    The NEPPC serves as a state-of-the-art value-added operational centre designed to strengthen Nigeria’s air-export capacity; particularly perishable commodities. Operationally, NEPPC functions as a one-stop export centre, working in close coordination with key regulatory and facilitation agencies such as the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other regulatory bodies and the airlines.

    The coordinated process ensures that all shipments passing through the centre adequately scrutinised to be safe, compliant, and export-ready before dispatch. The result has been a measurable reduction in cargo dwell time, minimisation of re-handling, and a consistent improvement in the integrity and traceability of perishable air freight shipments.

    NEPPC thus bridges a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s export logistics value chain, providing the infrastructure and technical support that many small and medium-scale exporters have historically lacked. By centralising export processing and introducing global best practices in handling and inspection, NEPPC not only raises the operational standards of Nigerian exporters to meet international regulatory requirements such as European Union and GCC standards, but also enhances the country’s credibility and competitiveness in the global perishables market.

    NEPPC has transformed the export experience from fragmented and reactive process to integrated, compliant, and efficient system, thus positioning Nigeria to capture greater value from its agro-export sector through reliable air cargo connectivity.

    The International Trade Centre’s (ITC) Export Potential Map recently indicated that Nigeria’s total export potential to the world stands at $7.6 billion, driven primarily by strong opportunities agricultural exports. The ITC report showed that key agricultural produce-cocoa, cashew, urea and coffee, have significant headroom for growth, putting Nigeria in a position to unlock billions of dollars in additional export revenue.

    In the last quarter, NAHCO launched additional multi-million dollar equipment as part of ongoing total refleeting programme. Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Dr. Seinde Fadeni said the essence of these equipment was not just for the company alone, but as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s economy.

    The new batch of multi-million-dollar ground support equipment (GSE) were expected to enhance ground handling operations countrywide.

    He reiterated the plan of the board to ensure that the company boasts of more than adequate equipment by the end of this year.

    Fadeni disclosed that the process for acquiring the new equipment started last year, but the company had to endure delivery delays while the manufacturer finishes producing and shipping to Nigeria.

    He said: “The essence of these equipment is not just for the company alone or for the customers, it is also to make life easier for the workers. I can confirm to you that we have a lot in our cap, and we’re bringing them out one by one”.

    Group Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said NAHCO has positioned itself at the growth end of the Nigeria’s economy with its expansive investments in export processing and warehouses across the country.

    He noted that the massive NAHCO Export Packaging and Processing Centre in Lagos was a first of its kind in Nigeria and a deliberate strategy for sustainable benefits to all stakeholders.

    According to him, across its operations, NAHCO is adding values to the Nigerian economy and all stakeholders, while ensuring competitive returns to shareholders.

    He said the group remains focused on four areas of sustained growth, equipment re-fleeting, digitisation and environmental social governance (ESG) to ensure better performance in the period ahead.

    He explained that the diversified nature of the group and the onboarding of new business ventures would ensure that the group sustain its growth trajectory.

    “Since transiting from being the foremost ground handling service provider in the entire sub-region to being a diversified, total logistics group, we have been driven by the earnest desire to provide unmatched level of excellent service delivery to our clients. This commitment has become more urgent as we seek to satisfy new demands for excellence and to improve shareholder value,” Olumekun said.

    He noted that NAHCO is a leader in Nigeria’s aviation environmental, social, governance (ESG)’s compliance.

    Experts have noted the need for air cargo hubs to consider green freight initiatives such as sustainable aviation fuels, carbon-offset programmes and efficient handling as global supply-chains increasingly embed ESG metrics. With this, NAHCO is clearly well positioned to drive Nigeria’s non-oil sector sustainably.

    Chief Operating Officer, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mr. Didier Stuellet said the huge investments demonstrated the commitment of the company to long-term growth.

    “It’s a huge investment. We’re talking about millions, not in naira, but in dollars, and so this is always difficult for the owners of a company like this to take a decision like this; to take the best decision. This is the best decision for NAHCO,” Stuellet said.

    He said the company would make complete refleeting of equipment happen in the long term, adding that NAHCO is more than halfway into that process.

    He said: “We still have some equipment coming in the coming months, years”.

    Head, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mr. Charles Karinga noted that the acquisition of nine brand new high loaders by NAHCO was a huge one in the history of Nigerian aviation and that not many ground handling service providers in the region could acquire so many equipment at the same time.

    He described a high loader as a ground support equipment, equipped with a high-reach lift mechanism to load or unload items, cargo, food, drinks, cleared for air transportation.

    “Buying this number of high loaders at this same time is not something that is normally done by many handlers in this clime because they are very expensive.  This is the first time this would be happening,” Karinga said.

    He also pointed out that the brand of the equipment deployed by the company is one of the very best in the industry and would serve the company and its airline clients for several years.

    The increased economic and operational activities have also impacted the corporate results of NAHCO.

    Corporate facts as economic indicators

    The nine-month results of NAHCO for the period ended September 30, 2025 released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed strong growths across sales and profitability, with a 47 per cent increase in net earnings underlining the increased capacity of the leading aviation handling and logistics group to sustain improved returns to shareholders.

    The report showed that total revenue rose by 40.7 per cent from N33.95 billion in third quarter 2024 to N47.76 billion in third quarter 2025, driven by renewed and new business contracts and expanding business activities across the subsidiaries. Gross profit rose by 37.1 per cent to N28.43 billion in third quarter 2025 as against N20.74 billion in third quarter 2024, showing top-line cost efficiency despite domestic and global inflationary pressures.

    Operating profit jumped by 40.8 per cent from N12.88 billion to N18.14 billion, underlining the fact that the performance of the company was driven by business operations rather than financial or structural management. Profit before tax leapt by 46 per cent to N17.94 billion in third quarter 2025 compared with N12.29 billion in third quarter 2024.

    After taxes, net profit stood at N13.46 billion, representing a remarkable increase of 46.6 per cent on N9.18 billion recorded in comparable period of 2024. With this, earnings per share increased simultaneously from N4.71 to N6.91, providing significant headroom for the group to sustain higher dividend payouts, even by the third quarter.

    The balance sheet of the group also remained strong with total assets rising from N46.95 billion in December 2024 to N48.64 billion by September 2025. Shareholders’ funds also increased from N20.04 billion in December 2024 to N21.92 billion in September 2025.

    The third quarter 2025 report places NAHCO, which had increased dividend payout by 134 per cent for the 2024 business year, in stronger stead to sustain its upwardly investor-friendly dividend policy. It should be recalled that NAHCO had distributed N11.58 billion as cash dividends for the 2024 business year, representing a dividend per share of N5.94, compared with N4.95 billion paid for the 2023 business year.

    Yusuf said the government must further enhance Nigeria’s non-oil export competitiveness by providing incentives to producers and operators.

    According to him, government needs to support exporters with reduced financing and production costs while strengthening export logistics, certification, and standards.

    “With continued reforms, targeted investments, and strengthened governance, Nigeria is well-positioned to deliver stronger economic outcomes in the months ahead,” Yusuf said. With the $1 trillion economy agenda anchored on further diversification of the economy through non-oil sector, NAHCO’s investments in air cargo and its nationwide ground handling operations provide sustainable basis to assume not only steady growth in non-oil exports, but increased returns to shareholders of the company.

  • Bazara Tech unveils AI platform manovar to transform corporate banking

    Bazara Tech unveils AI platform manovar to transform corporate banking

    In a major development for Africa’s financial technology sector, homegrown innovator Bazara Tech Inc. has officially launched Manovar, an artificial intelligence-powered corporate banking and platform poised to redefine how banks serve business clients across the continent.

    The announcement, made in Lagos this week, introduces what industry experts are calling a “game-changing” solution designed to tackle the persistent inefficiencies plaguing corporate banking. Manovar promises to eliminate fragmented systems and manual processes through intelligent automation, deep integration, and real-time financial analytics.

    The platform is already operational, having been successfully deployed by two major commercial banks with pan-African operations, marking a swift transition from concept to live implementation. Developed through intensive collaboration with banking partners, Manovar consolidates treasury management, approvals, liquidity tracking, and fraud detection into a single, intelligent dashboard.

    Tunji Odumuboni, Co-founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer at Bazara Tech, stated that the platform represents a fundamental shift. “We are moving beyond basic digitization to intelligent orchestration. Manovar isn’t just a tool; it’s a central nervous system for corporate banking, enabling real-time decision-making and seamless service delivery,” Odumuboni explained.

    The launch addresses a critical pain point for many African financial institutions: the high cost and operational drag caused by using multiple, disconnected applications. Manovar offers a unified alternative with features including configurable workflow engines, enterprise-grade self-service portals, and AI-driven risk alerts.

    Lanre Akomolafe, Head of Products, highlighted the collaborative ethos behind the project. “True innovation in financial services cannot happen in a silo. Manovar was built hand-in-hand with the institutions that understand the challenges best. This is a victory for partnership over isolation,” he said.

    Founder and CEO Boye Ademola framed the launch as a milestone in Africa’s fintech journey. “Our mission has always been to accelerate financial innovation that matters. With Manovar, we are empowering banks to serve their corporate clients with unprecedented speed, security, and insight. We are inviting every forward-looking institution to join us in this new phase,” Ademola said.

    With the platform now on the market, Bazara Tech has announced an ambitious expansion strategy, targeting growth not only within Africa but also in the United Kingdom and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions. The move signals the company’s confidence in its ability to compete and provide value in sophisticated international financial markets.

    Industry analysts suggest that the introduction of platforms like Manovar is critical for enhancing Africa’s competitiveness, enabling local banks to offer corporate services that meet global standards while navigating the continent’s unique operational landscapes.

  • NDPHC’s renewed momentum: assessing progress under Adighije

    NDPHC’s renewed momentum: assessing progress under Adighije

    By O’Diakpo Obire

    The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) was established in 2005 as a special-purpose vehicle jointly owned by the Federal, State and Local Governments of Nigeria. It serves as the implementing agency of the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), one of the country’s most ambitious power-sector interventions aimed at fast-tracking the expansion of electricity infrastructure nationwide.
    NDPHC’s core mandate spans three critical areas:
    Power Generation; developing, operating and maintaining NIPP power plants capable of adding multiple gigawatts of reliable generation capacity to the national grid.
    Transmission Infrastructure: Constructing transmission lines, substations and evacuation facilities to ensure generated power moves efficiently from plants to the national grid.
    Distribution Infrastructure: Delivering injection substations and distribution assets that strengthen electricity access for communities, industries and households.
    Through these mandates, NDPHC was designed to close long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s electricity supply, optimise under-utilised assets, and provide the critical backbone required to stabilise the grid and energise economic growth.
    It is against this backdrop that the leadership of Engr. Jennifer Adighije, appointed MD/CEO in August 2024, must be assessed.
    Visible progress under the leadership of Engr. Jennifer Adighije includes the 625 MW of Recovered Capacity Added Back to the grid. Within her first year, NDPHC successfully restored and re-activated dormant turbine units across several NIPP power plants. These interventions collectively injected approximately 625 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity into the national grid, a significant boost at a time when Nigeria struggles to meet rising demand.
    This recovery was not theoretical. It resulted from targeted maintenance, fast-tracked procurement, renewed vendor engagement and strengthened gas-supply coordination, all driven by tighter management oversight.
    Another milestone of her administration is the rehabilitation of underperforming assets. Before August 2024, several NIPP power plants suffered from extremely low availability. Plants such as Ihovbor, Alaoji and Omotosho were operating far below technical potential, with availability factors reported in single digits.
    Under Engr. Adighije’s stewardship, these plants saw aggressive turnaround actions: Restart of dormant turbine units, overhaul of critical components, restoration of stranded capacity and closer collaboration with gas suppliers and technical partners.
    One outstanding example is the Ihovbor Power Plant, where output grew dramatically following the revival of previously idle units, providing a meaningful addition to national generation.
    Adighije’s ability to improve governance, accountability and transparency is another success achieved within a short period in the history of the company. With a recurring challenge in public-sector generation companies is the absence of clear performance discipline.
    The current NDPHC administration has introduced reforms including; clear departmental KPIs, quarterly performance reviews, strengthened monitoring and reporting frameworks and more transparent communication on operational challenges. These efforts have helped reposition NDPHC as a more structured and professionally run enterprise.

    Read Also: The Nigerian state as ‘a country without country men’? (2)


    In realigning the company commercial model, Engr. Jennifer, recognised that electricity generation is meaningless without sustainable revenue recovery, her management-initiated reforms that include; exploring bilateral power sale agreements with eligible customers, strengthening commercial viability of assets, addressed liquidity challenges caused by huge market debts and started advocating for structural reforms in transmission capacity and gas supply. Such moves represent an important shift toward a more financially resilient NDPHC capable of sustaining its assets.
    Engr. Adighije’s results have earned recognition across the energy sector and built stakeholders confidence, including awards and commendations from industry groups and civil society bodies. More important than the accolades is the renewed confidence among sector players, contractors, suppliers, regulators and partners, who now see NDPHC as an agency undergoing genuine transformation.
    Though challenges are still ahead; to be clear, Nigeria’s power sector challenges remain deep; Transmission bottlenecks still prevent full evacuation of NDPHC’s capacity, gas supply constraints continue to limit optimal plant output, over ₦600 billion in accumulated debts owed to NDPHC strains its operations and the liquidity crisis within the electricity market remains unresolved.
    Yet, NDPHC’s progress of the past year shows that with focused leadership, measurable improvements are possible.
    In conclusion, as an intervention agency created to accelerate power development, NDPHC plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic aspirations. Under Engr. Under Jennifer Adighije’s leadership, the company has demonstrated commendable improvement, with 625 MW restored, idle assets revived, operational discipline strengthened and greater transparency introduced into public discourse.
    These achievements, though early, are meaningful. They also set the foundation for deeper reforms, especially when aligned with government efforts to stabilise generation, expand transmission capacity and ensure more reliable electricity for Nigerians. If sustained, this momentum could help reposition NDPHC as a dependable pillar in Nigeria’s energy transition and national development.

  • Lafarge Africa reaffirms commitment to sustainability

    Lafarge Africa reaffirms commitment to sustainability

    Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturers of a range of cement brands, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability demonstrated by the rehabilitation and preservation of a cultural and historical heritage – the Independence Memorial Obelisk at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

    The rehabilitation focused on structural strengthening, aesthetic renewal, accessibility upgrades, and restoration of symbolic carvings and historical inscriptions, while preserving the monument’s original design and significance.

    Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, noted that the rehabilitation of the Independence Memorial Obelisk reflects the company’s contribution to Nigeria’s infrastructure renewal through sustainable building practices.

    Alade-Akinyemi explained that the project also demonstrates Lafarge’s commitment to sustainability, as the renovation incorporates the use of Ecoplanet Elephant, its eco-friendly cement solution that delivers structural durability with at least 30% fewer carbon emissions, underscoring the company’s ambition to build for the future without compromising environmental responsibility.

    “At Lafarge Africa, we remain committed to contributing to Nigeria’s development through projects that promote history, sustainability, and better living for future generations. We are deeply honoured to play a role in preserving this national treasure. The Independence Memorial Obelisk represents a defining moment in our country’s history, and ensuring its longevity is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in identity, memory, and national pride,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, noted that preserving historical assets like the Obelisk is essential to nurturing a culturally aware nation, particularly now that Nigeria is placing greater focus on the intersection of history, innovation, and sustainable development.

    Oduwole, commending Lafarge Africa for its commitment to safeguarding historical monuments while supporting national development, noted that, “Lafarge’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria is undeniable. The Obelisk stands as a powerful symbol of our nation’s hope and optimism. As Nigeria’s story continues to evolve and rise, we must all embrace the responsibility to build with intentionality, pride, and a deep respect for our heritage,” she said.

    Read Also: The Nigerian state as ‘a country without country men’? (2)

    In his speech, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated, “The Obelisk stands as a powerful symbol of heritage and sustained development—reflecting the strength of our diversity and the enduring hope of the Nigerian people. It embodies the values of unity, peace, progress, and nationhood, while enhancing cultural preservation and boosting tourism.

    We commend Lafarge Africa for making this vision a reality.”

    In her remarks, the Managing Director, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lucia Shittu said, “The Obelisk, standing proudly within the 14.6-hectare expanse of Tafawa Balewa Square, is more than a monument, it is a living testament to Nigeria’s journey toward independence and democracy. As the site where the Union Jack was lowered, it holds deep historical significance and continues to inspire national pride and reflection.”

    Other dignitaries at the event include the Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Umar Suleiman Sadiq; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, Honourable Ahmed Munir; Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (CCT&l), Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose; Independent Non-Executive Director, Lafarge Africa PLC; Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi; President and Chairman of the Council, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Gabriel Idahosa, FCA; Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prince Abimbola Olashore, FCA; Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Chinyere Almona, FCA among others.

  • FG launches automation-driven public service system

    FG launches automation-driven public service system

    •Minister says digitalisation will drive efficiency, accountability

    The Federal Government has launched the 1Government Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS).

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, who unveiled the platform in Abuja, Dingyadi said the ministry’s transition to the 1Gov Cloud was a decisive leap toward a fully digital, automation-driven and data-centric public service.

    Dingyadi said the adoption of the 1Gov ECMS introduces a seamless, end-to-end workflow architecture designed to eliminate manual bottlenecks, shorten approval cycles, and strengthen service delivery across all units of the ministry.

    According to him, the system ensures secure document lifecycle management—from creation and storage to retrieval and long-term archiving, while delivering auditability and full compliance with federal data governance regulations.

    Dingyadi noted that digital transformation was not merely a technical upgrade but a re-engineering of institutional culture.

    He underscored the need for continuous capacity building to empower officers at all levels to navigate the platform confidently and fully harness its capabilities.

    Dingyadi commended the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary, Directors, the implementation team, and Galaxy Backbone Limited for sustaining the national momentum toward a digital public service.

    Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi-Esther Walson-Jack, described the Ministry’s onboarding onto the 1Gov Cloud as a clear demonstration of readiness for a modern, interoperable and transparent civil service.

    She noted that the ministry has effectively met a key federal benchmark ahead of the December 31, 2025 deadline for full digital adoption across all ministries and extra-ministerial departments.

    Walson-Jack directed stakeholders to engage exclusively through the ministry’s digital registry channels.

    She praised Galaxy Backbone for hosting the infrastructure locally, calling it a strategic commitment to national data sovereignty and cybersecurity resilience.

    Executive Director of Customer Centricity & Marketing, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Olusegun Olulade, said the 1Gov Cloud provides a unified, secure and scalable digital backbone for government operations.

    Olulade, who represented the Managing Director of the company, explained that the platform integrates collaboration tools, document automation, workflow orchestration and secure access systems enabling ministries to work with greater clarity, consistency and security.

    Read Also: Nigerian businessman held in U.S. over alleged $7m fraud

    He said that the Ministry of Labour and Employment possesses the institutional capacity to fully maximise the 1Gov Cloud ecosystem and pledged Galaxy Backbone’s continued support as more MDAs migrate to the platform.

    Also speaking, Programme Director of the 1Government Cloud, Mr. Wumi Oghoetuoma, delivered an overview of the solution architecture, drawing distinctions between digitisation (conversion of physical records), digitalisation (automation of processes), and what he described as sovereign digitalisation, the deliberate management of national data assets within the country’s jurisdiction.

    He disclosed that nine departments within the Ministry have now transitioned fully to digital operations, with 110 workflows automated and 500 user accounts activated.

    He projected that the Ministry is on course to achieve near-zero paper dependency, with an anticipated 90% reduction in paper-related expenditure.

    The launch marks another major step in the Federal Government’s drive to build a modern, intelligent and interconnected public service in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Ministry of Labour and Employment now joins the rapidly expanding community of MDAs operating on the 1Gov Cloud, Nigeria’s unified digital government backbone.

  • Experts mull stronger work place policy, technology adoption

    Experts mull stronger work place policy, technology adoption

    At a time when workplaces have become anything but inspiring, human resource and business leaders have urged organisations to prioritise employee wellbeing, embrace purpose-driven technology, and adopt policies that enable both workers and employers to thrive.

    Speaking at the at the 2025 HR Conference and Excellence Awards, in Lagos, Convener, HRTalenthub.ng, Dr Omotola Dayo-Adedapo, said workplaces must urgently address emerging challenges such as toxic leadership, employee burnout and declining mental wellbeing, especially within the current economic realities in Nigeria.

    She said improving employee experience requires organisations to develop healthier cultures, recognise staff contributions, and ensure everyone feels valued and connected to the mission of the organisation.

     According to her, forums such as the conference help HR professionals learn global best practices, recognise excellence and strengthen leadership capacity across industries.

    On the role of government, Dr. Dayo-Adedapo noted the importance of supportive labour and business policies that encourage productivity and enterprise growth.

    She urged organisations to continuously invest in talent development, engagement and management, stating that empowered employees are key drivers of business success.

    “HR has a responsibility to help organisations improve culture, enhance leadership, support mental wellbeing, and ensure employees feel recognised, appreciated, and connected to the value they bring.

    “The government must ensure policies remain favourable to both employers and employees. When businesses are able to thrive under supportive regulations, they can invest more in their people. Creating a business-friendly environment has a direct impact on the quality of work experience and employee wellbeing.”

    Professor Tayo Arulogun, Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, said Nigeria will continue to struggle with unemployment despite a youthful population unless organisations cultivate talent rather than merely search for it.

    He described Nigeria’s current challenge as a “talent paradox,” noting that although the country produces more than 500,000 graduates annually, businesses still struggle to find employable professionals.

    “You cannot recruit your way to excellence — you must cultivate it,” he said. “The half-life of skills is now less than five years. Learning, adaptation and growth must become an everyday rhythm, not an annual event.”

    Arulogun argued that the organisations that will thrive are those with strong “talent DNA,” where excellence is embedded in culture, and leadership rewards curiosity, innovation and continuous development. He outlined four pillars for future-ready workplaces: hiring for values and mindset, building learning into daily work, leaders acting as culture architects, and measuring progress using innovation-driven indicators.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Egypt friendly in doubt as NFF shift camp to Morocco

    He maintained that Nigeria’s competitiveness in the future “will not come from natural resources but from the people we intentionally develop.”

    Also speaking at the event, Group Chief Executive Officer, Tranter IT Infrastructure Services Limited, Dr Lare Ayoola, stressed that technology investments must be guided by clear organisational purpose while enhancing staff wellbeing and customer satisfaction. He explained that leaders must genuinely connect with their teams, as performance suffers when employees do not feel cared for.

    Sharing his company’s experience, Ayoola highlighted how improved communication technology significantly boosted operational efficiency and job satisfaction during Transit’s expansion years. He added that the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) now demands immediate attention from HR leaders, warning that organisations that fail to ensure AI proficiency across their workforce may operate far below their competitive potential.

    Ayoola further identified customer relationship management tools as critical to service excellence, but said poor internal adoption often undermines their impact.

    The conference, which brought together HR executives, thought leaders and business stakeholders, also honoured individuals and organisations demonstrating excellence in human capital development. Speakers collectively underscored the need for continuous learning, innovative workplace strategies and a stronger emphasis on the wellbeing of employees.