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Tag: competition

  • Ministry presents draft policy on competition

    To ensure an orderly development of the economy, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has presented a draft policy on competition and consumer protection to stakeholders, reports  JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

    The Federal Ministry of Industry,Trade and Investment has presented a draft National Policy on Competition and Consumer Protection to ministries and agencies.

    The event was the second leg of the efforts to produce an encompassing policy to regulate business competition in the country. The first leg for the South was held in Lagos in May.

    One of the organisers, Mr. Terhemen Andzenge the aim is to have a good policy to regulate businesses in the country.

    The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Mr. Olusegun Aganga, represented by a permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, said: “The Federal Government  beginning in the 1980s undertook major valiant attempts to combat the economic crisis that were precipitated by internal and external problems ranging from recession, high unemployment, inflation, rising fiscal deficits to recurring balance of account deficits and a huge debt overhang. These economic reforms led to the liberalisation of the economy and the opening up of erstwhile monopoly sectors to the private sector.

    “The dire situation the nation was in then threw up a sense of urgency that did not allow for a coherent sequencing of these reforms. There was the need, as is consistent with global trends, for a robust legal and regulatory framework to govern consumer protection and competition that would underpin the reforms. This would in turn forestall and/or minimise the emergence of private monopolies who would replace the public monopolies that Government was moving away from.

    “The Government of President Goodluck Jonathan in due realisation of this vital missing link, has, in the past two years worked assiduously to produce new legal and regulatory framework for competition and consumer protection. There is currently a draft federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill being considered by the Federal Executive Council for onward transmission to the National Assembly for passage into law. The draft bill delineates the institutions, laws, regulations, orders, rulings and other implementation and enforcement tools that will allow competition and consumer protection matters to be dealt with. Mindful of the need to chart a coherent policy direction that will guide any future direction and legislative initiatives in the sector and conscious of the need to make the reforms sustainable there is a need to spell out a Policy Framework that will regulate consumer protection and competition matters in Nigeria. Towards this the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade has prepared a draft National Policy on Competition and Consumer Protection which is contained in this brochure.’’

    “The need and benefits of a national policy for competition and consumer protection are many. These include encouraging enterprise, innovation, efficiency and a widening of choice. This, will in turn address cartel-like entities, anti-competition tendencies, protect the investing public and consumers; enable consumers to buy the goods and services they want at the best possible price; and contributing to national competitiveness.‘’

    Nigeria does not currently have an overarching framework for competition law and policy, although there are a number of legislations at federal and state levels which touch upon consumer protection.

    In seeking to meet the need for a unified framework of competition and consumer protection law, the Policy is erected upon a number of keys principles which are the effective prevention of anti-competitive conduct; fair market process; (z) competitive neutrality, (xx) fair pricing and national and international co-operation. ‘

    It’s objectives include: Promotion and maintenance of competitive markets in the economy, promotion of economic efficiency, protection from unfair trade practices generation of employment; and advancement of social and economic welfare.

    The policy shall apply to all market transactions and to all entities engaged in commercial transactions, including governmental agencies. Any exceptions to the scope of applicability of the Policy must be explicitly set out, and be directed at social or national objectives.

    In terms of institutional framework, the policy contemplate a synergy among the  Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, on one part and on the other a  Competition and Consumer Protection Authority, as well as a  Competition and Consumer Protection tribunal, which are to be established.

    The ministry said: “The Competition and Consumer Protection Authority will act as an independent body responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the proposed Competition and Consumer Protection legislation. The tribunal, in line with international best practices, shall be constituted to adjudicate over disputes arising from the proposed enabling legislation and to hear appeals and review decisions taken by the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority. The Ministry of Trade will for its part act as the coordinating government ministry responsible for competition and consumer protection.

    “In implementing Policy, regard is to be had to the need to ensures synergy with other governmental policies; coordinate the Policy with related policies at the other tiers of Government; promote advocacy and support for competition and consumer protection enforcement; and create liaisons among the proposed Competition and Consumer Protection Authority and other sector-specific  regulatory agencies such as the securities and Exchange Commission, National Communication, Central Bank of Nigeria etc.

    “Like other policy documents, the National Competition and Consumer Protection  Policy contains a set of ideas, aspirations, goals and instruments visions towards an orderly development of Nigeria economy, and the promotion of competitive markets that protects and promotes the interests and welfare of consumers through the provision of completive prices and product choices to consumers. The policy document is therefore at expression of intent, and the commencement of a journey intended to be a process rather than a blue print. As its implementation proceeds fresh issues may arise. While this will be addressed through appropriate policy directives, a policy review will be undertaken where the need arises.

    “Indubitably, the Nigerian economy today stands at a historic crossroads. The widespread economic reforms programe pursued with consistency and calibration over more than two decades now, has unleashed an unprecedented growth momentum and pushed the development frontiers of the economy. The time has come to undertake the second wave of growth oriented reforms which can help in bolstering economic growth and tap the creative energies of our vibrant entrepreneurial force. The National Competition and Consumer Protection Policy can assist in realising this vision. It will help in reaping full growth dividends in various sectors   of the economy and respond to the needs and aspirations of our people.”

    Andzenge urged all stakeholders and the public who have input to make into the draft policy to do so in writing and forward to the committee soon.

    This, he said, would enable the committee to produce a better draft the would form basis for an all-encompassing Competition and Consumer Protection law.

  • Brothers in competition

    Brothers in competition

    Calabar has an advantage. Behind it is a rich history which brought with it development and global recognition.

    But, Uyo has cash. In abundance. Some of this cash used to belong to Calabar until the law stopped it. Yet, long ago, Uyo was nothing. It was just one of the towns in the old Cross River State. Calabar was the state capital. Before it became the capital of the old Cross River, it was Nigeria’s capital. That was before independence.

    The competition between Uyo and Calabar began when Uyo became the capital of Akwa Ibom State, which was carved out of the old Cross River State. Calabar now is the capital of Cross River State. Obong Victor Attah, an architect and former president of the Nigerian Institute of Architect (NIA), became the governor of Akwa Ibom State in 1999 when the country returned to democracy. He started by fine-tuning a Masterplan for the state, especially Uyo. But, Uyo’s race to catch up with Calabar took a new dimension when Obong Godswill Akpabio, the man who was Attah’s Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, became governor.

    Under Akpabio, Akwa Ibom’s fortunes increased. For this to happen, it had to do battle with its neigbour. Both had to compete for oil wells. It was a bitter legal duel that took God’s grace to prevent bloodbath. Wise counselled was allowed to prevail and Akwa Ibom’s fortunes took a major leap when the Supreme Court gave all oil wells which entitled Cross River to the 13 per cent derivation fund to it. It was a decision which saw these brother-states quarrel seriously. In case you don’t know, the states are also governed by two men who have come a long way. Akpabio and Governor Liyel Imoke were mates at the Nigerian Law School (NLS).They belong to the Class 88, having graduated 26 years ago. The decision of the apex court made Akpabio and Imoke almost become enemies. The media made a lot of money on advertorials by both parties on the court’s decision. Somehow they were able to manage and life has since continued and for over one year now, Cross River has not received one kobo as derivation fund and this has affected it seriously. Its loss has been Akwa Ibom’s gain and Uyo is happy for it.

    Uyo has changed. It really has. It is no longer the ‘village’ it was when the military pronounced it a state capital. There are flyovers and bridges. So many beautiful things are happening in Uyo. But there is a trend I have noticed. Uyo seems interested in everything in Calabar. Or is it Calabar that is after Uyo? Or is it a case of Imoke and Akpabio not wanting the other to take the first slot?

    There is a nice complex in Uyo. It has not been completed. It is known as Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre. Within this complex is Cineplex. It is the cinema arm of Ibom Tropicana. There is also a mall. And when fully completed, there is going to be an international convention centre with a monorail somewhere around the complex. A 3-star hotel is also in the mix.

    Please drive to Calabar and you will discover that it has its own version of Cineplex known as Film House Cinema– which is part of the Marina Resort. I understand it has been in existence before Cineplex. On going is also the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) within the Summit Hills project. Around the CICC, a monorail is also springing up to link Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. A hotel, a golf course and a specialist hospital are also in the works.

    There are a bit of difference in these projects, but the semblance are obvious. Who is copying who?

    Don’t misread me. There is nothing wrong in copying, especially when you are copying something good and improving on it.

    Before I forget, Uyo also has an airport, even though it is less than an hour from Calabar, which has always had the Margaret Ekpo International Airport. How viable the Uyo Airport is is a matter for another day. But I must point out that for Arik to agree to fly there, the government had to be subsidising. This led to disagreement between the parties and the deal has broken down.

    The subsidy issue also brings me to the viability of the Cineplex in a state where majority of the people are poor. Similar cinemas in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja charge at least N1,500 for a client to enjoy any movie in their air-conditioned cinema hall. In Calabar, it is about N1,000. An average Uyo person cannot afford these prices. The government knew this and thus decided to subsidise. Initially, N100 was paid. Now, it is N250. Still, the six cinema halls are never fully booked.

    The mall, which will be inaugurated soon, is beautiful. It sure makes Uyo the more alluring, but can the economy of the state support such? I will wait till it starts operation to get an answer.

    My final take: It is good that Uyo and Calabar are being developed. It is good similar projects are springing up. But it certainly is not grand for a government to build a project and after completing it, it is still spending money on it instead of it bring in money. Cineplex is a fitting example of this. I don’t think subsidising movie-watching is a great idea. May be it is a good But certainly not a great or grand one.

    Long live Uyo, long live Calabar and long live the brothers driving the affairs of these two brother-states. And long live healthy

  • Obasanjo backs competition in Cable TV market

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for stiff competition among operators of Cable Television Network.

    Obasanjo spoke in his Abeokuta, Ogun State Hilltop at the weekend when a firm, Montage Cable Network presented him with its decoder, thus making him the first person to subscribe to the network.

    The former president lamented the monopoly in the cable television network business with its attendant hike in price of the services rendered. He said when there is competition, consumers would have the power to bargain.

    According to him, a market where there is a monopoly is not good for the economy, saying that he was happy that Montage Cable Network has entered the satellite cable transmission to break the monopoly in the market and afford consumers the opportunity to make choices.

    Obasanjo drew an analogy, using the traditional market system. He said: “In our normal way, you don’t go to the market and say there is only one garri seller. You don’t go to the market and say there is only one yam seller; there must be plenty of them and then you must be able to bargain.

    “For me, the beauty of market in our traditional way is the ability to bargain. Thank you very much (Montage) for giving us the market,” he said, while endorsing the new cable network.

    The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Bamidele Adetunji said the network would serve as alternative to DSTV, but not to displace anybody from the market, adding that this alternative is qualitative and affordable as monthly subscription is pegged at N5,000 not minding the number of channels the cable network would have in the future.

    According to him, Montage Cable Network would kick off with 36 channels cutting across news, sports, African movies, foreign movies, baby television, animal kingdom, cartoons, among several others. He said that it’s decoder is small and portable and with time, the cable would increase its stations to 60, but that the subscription price would still be the same.

  • Teens shine at competition

    Teens shine at competition

    The duo of Temitope Kolawole and Anthony Okoliko, both of the Odogbolu Grammar School, Odogbolu, Ogun State made their school proud last week.

    The Senior Secondary School III pupils emerged winner in this year’s essay/quiz/and debate competitions of the Mace Club of Nigeria, clinching the trophy and other prizes.

    Their school and five others – Iganmode Grammar School, Ota; Mayflower School, Ikenne; Omolaja Sodipo Memorial Anglican Schools, Abeokuta; and Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta, all in Ogun State participated in the grand finale of competition at the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta.

    Aside quiz that tested their awareness of the surrounding and current affairs, the participating schools slugged it out in a debate on the topic: Malaria or HIV/AIDS, which one is deadlier?

    The competition began in January with preliminary essay writing at the African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta featuring 38 participants across the state.

    Temitope and Anthony, both in the science class, told The Nation that they would not be contented as winners alone, but also aspire to address epileptic power supply and recurrent fuel scarcity- two nagging national problems.

    While Temitope is aspiring to become an electrical engineer in future, Anthony said he will study Petroleum Engineering.

    In his address at the event, President of Mace Club, Bayo Ajibode, said the programme is designed to “revive the almost dead reading culture, positive interactions and exchange of great ideas among students.”

    Ajibode explained that the debate topic was also chosen to draw attention to the twin health challenges of HIV/AIDS and Malaria and what could be done to prevent them.

    He said since Mace was established three decades ago, it has awarded scholarship to many indigent students up to the university level, made donations to special schools, among others.

    Also, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Odubela, lauded the Mace Club for the topic of the competition, saying the participating “students will at the end of the contest, improve their knowledge on what to do to prevent Malaria/HIV disease.”

     

  • Yellow House wins King’s College competition

    Yellow House wins King’s College competition

    With 19 gold, 16 silver and 17 bronze medals, Mckee Wright (Yellow) House, has emerged winner at the King’s College, 94th Inter-house sports and athletics competition held on the college’s sports field.

    It was followed by Pane’s (Blue,) House (17 gold, 14 silver and 21 bronze medals), and Harman’s (Green) 17 gold, 17 silver, and 13 bronze medals), while Hyde Johnson (Red) emerged fourth (11 gold, 17 silver, 12 bronze medals).

    Speaking at the event, the Principal, Otunba Oladele Olapeju, said the school introduced additional new games this year, including shuttle relay, squash, basketball, chess, cricket, 5-Aside and football.

    He said Nigerians’ performance in athletics has taken an embarrassing decline, hence the relevance of sporting in schools than ever before

    “The directive by the president that there should be a re-invigorating of school sports is a welcomed idea. The implication of such directive and enhancement of the directive lies directly on our individual attitudes and leadership abilities as school heads,” he said.

    Olapeju said despite inadequate space and facilities, the school still has to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the 3000 student population under its tutelage. He, however, said he is happy that the boys have found abode in sports to the extent that every round object is turned into a football and every available space converted to either a football field or a tennis table.

    He stated that the sports the school is involved in sharpen students’ cognitive skills. “Most of the boys that have been excelling in the school are involved in one type of sports or the other. We are grooming them to be the best in sports. Sports and education compliment each other. Sports allow for a sound body and a sound mind and a sound body must hold a sound mind,” he added.

    He also said the school is grooming potential stars that will represent Nigeria in international sporting contests in future and in the military, recalling that the first cadet in Nigeria was established in King’s college.

    Olapeju said as King’s College students, they are the future military men. He recounted how the military started in King’s College in 1944 when there was a riot in the college and the then colonial master conscripted the boys who partook in the riot into the military.

    He added that Ojukwu, a King’s alumnus, was the first university graduate to join the army.

    The Chairman, of the School’s Management Based Committee, Prof Peter Okebukola, told reporters said the school offers the boys the best in class to develop sound mind and sound body.

    “The expectation is that the students will go further to compete and win laurels in Nigeria and Africa. We develop an all round student, intellectual development, physical development, and moral value. By the time they are leaving King’s College they will be the best leadership material,” he said.”

     

  • Bike-A-Thon competition fixed for October 19

    Bike-A-Thon competition fixed for October 19

    As part of programmes to commemorate the annual World Polio Day on October 24 and also create awareness on the deadly polio scourge responsible for scores of child mortality cases annually in Nigeria, Rotary International in Nigeria has concluded plans to host the nation’s first ever Bike-A-Thon ride on Saturday, October 19, 2013.

    The one-day programme is a fun cycling ride designed to generate interest, increase awareness and raise funds for activities towards total eradication of polio disease which is endemic in northern Nigeria.

    Nigeria currently remains one of the three polio-endemic countries globally, alongside Afghanistan and Pakistan.

    According to Chairman, Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, Dr Tunji Funsho, “Rotary has committed itself to join forces with other partners to champion the efforts to eradicate polio in Nigeria. It is therefore partnering with Cycology, a foremost cycling club in Lagos for this year’s campaign. It will also strive to raise funds to contribute to the $500million required for the total eradication of polio in Nigeria alone.”

    Prominent personalities and other Nigerians from all walks of life, including Rotary Polio Ambassador, popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, will join global figures in the likes of Bill Gates, Desmond Tutu, Isabella Fontana, Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan and many others in creating awareness for polio in a fun and practical way.

    Dr Funsho announced that, “The programme is billed to kick off 7a.m around the Lekki area of Lagos and will feature registered participants including Rotary Club members, Cycology riding club members and others in a 5km, 10km and 50km exhibition ride aimed at tackling polio disease. It will also feature a variety of activities including cycling stunts, colourful displays and other physical demonstrations.”

    He noted that the Bike-A-Thon route will begin at the registration point at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Lekki Phase One and follow a designated route for the exhibition ride. Registration of participants is expected to start at 6am at the same venue.

    “After registering, the riders will choose from a variety of different distances ranging from a 5-km trip to a 50-km loop. The ride is to be completed between 7am and 10am. The event will be followed by a closing ceremony which will feature other activities like guest lecture on Polio and certificate presentations to participants,” observed the committee chairman.

    With entry fee pegged at N5,000 Dr Funsho said that registration can also be done online at http://www.rotary9110.org/i or at the kick off point of the race.

    Rotary Nigeria is part of the Rotary International, a worldwide network of over 1.2million inspired people committed to translating their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities.

  • Akwa Ibom indigenes sweep computer quiz competition

    Three Akwa Ibom indigenes have been honoured by the State Government for winning the 2013 Olatunji Odegbami National Information Technology Quiz Competition for All Tertiary Institutions.

    They emerge first, second, and third in the competition. The students are Emmanuel Essiet; Ebenezer Ekere and Aniebet Emmanuel.

    Essiet is a 200L Computer Science student at University of Uyo, Ekere is 100L Computer Science Student at Akwa Ibom State University while Emmanuel, the only female winner is in Higher National Diploma 2 (HND2) at Uyo City Polytechnic.

    The 11th edition of the quiz competition was held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital with the theme and has “e-Government and National Security” as its theme.

    Presenting the cash prizes to the winners through a member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Onofiok Luke, the Special

    Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Ini Ememobong, said the 2012 competition in Uyo, has had Akwa Ibom indigenes emerging first and third position in the quiz competition.

    Ememobong, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), stated that the results had justified the efforts of Governor Godswill Akpabio in developing the youths through free and compulsory education in the state.

    His words: “At the Le Meridien Hotel in 2012, we saw something that God did for the state by making sure that the efforts of the governor in developing the youths in the state through free and compulsory education is not in vain.

    “In that competition when we had other universities in Nigeria, including the first generation universities, Akwa Ibom clinched the first and third position through a student from the University of Uyo and the other from the IMFI Academy, also in Uyo.

    “We encouraged them and took them to Osun State from July 24 to 26 for the 11thInternational Conference of the Olatunji Odegbami National Information Technology Quiz Competition for All Tertiary Institutions in the Federation.

    “In Osun State, of all the higher institutions that competed: in the first and second round of the competition, all students from other universities were knocked out. The competition was only left with students from institutions in Akwa Ibom State.”

    In his speech, Essiet, who came first, said it was his determination not to let down the state that made him excel in Osun competition.

    He said: “I did not sleep throughout the night. When we entered the competition, I knew almost all the questions the quiz masters asked.”

    He explained that after the competition the first, second, and the third place winners were rewarded with laptops (first and 2nd position) and two printers – one for the first place winner and the other for the third place winner.

     

     

     

  • Keshi: Gero sparks competition

    Keshi: Gero sparks competition

    Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, has stated that he expects Flying Eagles striker, Alhaji Gero, to bring more competition to the Eagles attack.

    Gero, is one of four inclusions to the team who thrashed Cote d’Ivoire 4-1 in a first leg African Nations Championship(CHAN) qualifier, played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna earlier this month.

    The big Flying Eagles centre-forward according to Keshi is an exciting prospect with a lot of qualities.

    “I saw a lot of qualities in him that was why I invited him,” Keshi remarked.

    “I expect him to bring in competition to those who are already in the team.”

    Gero will compete against Kano Pillars ace Gambo Mohammed and Sunshine Stars Dele Olorundare, who is the Nigeria league’s leading scorer with 11 goals, for a place in the Eagles frontline for the return leg match in Abidjan on July 27.

    Meanwhile, Keshi has demanded total concentration from his players ahead of the CHAN qualifier in Abidjan.

    Keshi, who started his career overseas in Cote d’ Ivoire, said the people are passionate about football and they will do anything to defeat Nigeria, hence the need to forget the 4-1 win in Kaduna and concentrate on the return leg.

    “The win in Kaduna is history and if you have been following the media you will see that they have been making remarks that they can also beat us well. We must be ready for their antics and forget the past, ” he urged.

    The team are training at the Goal Project because the Ivorians have already informed CAF that the return leg will be played on artificial turf.

    Twenty three players trained on Tuesday morning with only Godfrey Oboabona exempted by because he has had a hectic schedule with Sunshine Stars. He will join his teammates on Wednesday morning as the players battle for the 20 slots that the coach will take to Abidjan for the match.

  • Federations Cup Glo calls for fair competition

    Federations Cup Glo calls for fair competition

    Major partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and sponsor of the Federation Cup, Globacom, has called for fair play as the Round of 32 of the 2013 edition of the annual competition takes the centre stage today.

    Matches will hold in 16 venues across the country as teams jostle for places in the quarter finals of the Federation Cup.

    “At this stage, there is a vital need for all the 32 clubs to imbibe the spirit of fairness while competing for honours,” Globacom said in a statement in Lagos yesterday.

    “The recognition that players plying their trade in the domestic league in the country have garnered in recent times has not gone unnoticed and this is why we expect the players to use the ongoing Federation Cup to showcase their class in the round leather game,” the statement added

    Globacom said that the players’ determination to add colour to the competition would equally re-invigorate the company’s resolve to support the groundswell of activities targeted at regaining the lost glamour of the Federation Cup.

    The company noted that Federation Cup tournaments in the seventies and eighties (then known as either FA or Challenge Cup) produced outstanding players who formed the bulk of Nigeria’s National teams and urged the team managers and administrators to motivate their players towards winning the 2013 Federation Cup.

    The leading telecommunications operator called on football fans to storm the stadia across the country to cheer their various teams to victory.

    Among the top matches in the Round of 32 are ABS FC of Ilorin versus Bayelsa United coming up in Benin City, El Kanemi Warriors versus Kano Pillars in Lafia and Nembe City versus Sunshine Stars in Onitsha, while Shooting Stars of Ibadan will slug it out with JUTH FC of Jos in Minna.

     

  • Charlyboy marks birthday with essay competition

    Charlyboy marks birthday with essay competition

    IT is no longer news that the Charlyboy Foundation is currently responsible for the training of many undergraduates across different universities in the country in a bid to continue to empower young and aspiring Nigerians at different levels.

    It was gathered that over 20 secondary schools in the FCT converge at the Charlyboy Boulevard, Gwarinpa to receive various awards for the competition and three best students who were able to do justice to the topic earlier sent to the participating schools were rewarded.

    According to Joy Egbunu, the empowerment scheme almost coincides with Charlyboy’s birthday, an indication that the best way to mark someone’s birthday is to affect a life. Speaking on the significance of the essay topic, Chizoba Okpara, CBF Progamme Officer said, the topic, “Let no one kill your dream”, is significant to the lives of these young ones who may have started battling with career choices already. Charlyboy’s continuous zeal of holding onto his dream is worthy of emulation, hence the topic.”