The Nation Newspaper

Tag: firm

  • Firm to invest $1b on gas exploitation in Akwa Ibom

    The Qua Iboe Power Project (QIPP) plans One billion dollar spending on gas exploitation in Akwa Ibom state, the firm’s Chairman Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II announced this yesterday.

    He spoke during a visit to Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Government Housein Uyo.

    Part of the investment, the emir i said, would be the development of a Gas power plant, acquired from Mobil, that will add 540 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on completion.

    He commended the governor for the giant strides his administration had recorded.

    He ackowledged Akwa Ibom as a very peaceful state and recommended it as a safe haven for investors.

    The Emir added that he had followed with keen interest “the tremendous transformation, not just in the infrastructural development but also in terms of peace and security”,that the governor has brought to bear in the state.

    “We don’t have money to invest in power, We don’t have money to invest in infrastructure, but we have money to subsidise petroleum products”, stressing for the umpteenth time, “We have to get rid of subsidy.”

    Governor Emmanuel commended the Emir for the visit to the state and more importantly for “stepping out of your emirate to go out there and source for investments. We want to tell the whole world that Akwa Ibom is ready for investments”.

    Governor Emmanuel updated the Emir on some key projects such as the Ibom Deep Sea Port and the planned International logistics Centre to be located in Ikot Abasi.

  • Firm acquires N5b trucks to clear ship waste

    TO fulfill its mandate as contained in the agreement it signed with the Federal Government, the African Circle Pollution Management Limited (ACPML) has acquired 16 new trucks to evacuate waste generated by ships calling at the sea ports.

    The trucks are valued at over N5 billion.

    The trucks, fitted with latest technology features, were manufactured by Mercedes Benz.

    The trucks are to enhance the operations of the company at seaports in Lagos, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri and Onne.

    The procurement of the trucks was in line with the requirements of Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) 73/78, one of the key guidelines of the global maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) which has its headquarters in London, United Kingdom.

    With the provisions of MARPOL 73/78, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is mandated by IMO to provide adequate waste reception facilities for waste generated in vessels calling in Nigerian ports.

    Unveiling the trucks at Tin Can Island Port Complex, Apapa, Lagos, NPA Managing Director of Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman commended ACPML for the strides it has made since it signed the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with the Federal Government.

    Ms Usman, who was represented on the occasion by NPA General Manager, Security, Mr. Nasir Anas Mohammed stated the trucks would go a long way in enhancing the company’s operations.

    Mohammed, who test drove one of the trucks, said they would help Nigeria to meet the requirements of the IMO as regards the evacuation of waste generated by ships.

    The Acting Co-ordinating Officer, ACPML, Mr. Ahmadu Fidi Ahmadu, said the firm procured the trucks to meet the increase in demand for its services.

    He disclosed that while eight of the trucks would be used in the ports in Lagos, the other eight would be utilised in Onne Port Complex, Onne, Rivers State.

    According to him, the choice of Mercedes Benz was informed by the fact that it is known for efficiency, performance and safety. We usually have service level agreements (SLAs) with an authorised distributor/dealer for training, service and support for our personnel.

    The District Manager, ACPML, Mrs. Latifat Ibrahim stated that the firm has the support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NPA in the discharge of its mandate.

    Commending them for their support and co-operation over the years, she reiterated the readiness of ACPML to live up to expectations of stakeholders in its areas of operation.

  • Firm unveils Ekojara online raffle draw platform

    Ekojara game, an online consumer sales promotion platform, owned by Koborise App Technologies Ltd, has been launched.

    To play the game, a player will have to download the application on iTunes iOS store and Android version from Ekojara.com.

    Also, the Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) has approved the operations of Koborise App Technologies Ltd., to commence Ekojara gaming activities.

    Speaking at the media launch, Co-Founder/CEO of Ekojara, Mr. Hillary Nwaukor, an auctioneer, disclosed that the game is the company’s means to add value to millions of Nigerians.

    According to Nwaukor, Ekojara is a unique platform that gives users an opportunity to win big value items and cash with minimum risk of 0.20per cent of the published value; this is a predetermined amount of money that user pays for each ticket they buy.

    “For instance, if we publish a cash game of N10,000, each user, who wants to bid to win the prize will be required to play with 0.20 per cent of N10,000 which is equal to N20 per chance.

    “After downloading the app, the user is required to sign-up, then top-up their wallets with minimum of N500 naira before taking a chance to play the advertised games,” he explained.

    Ekojara Co-Founder, Olayemi Agbe-Davies, further explained the game categories ranging from Household Electronics, Smartphones, Recharge Cards, Data Plan, Automobiles and Cash.

    “You may notice that we have real estate and automobile listed among the categories. Yes, we are a forward thinking organisation and believe that very soon ‘players’ can win houses as rewards likewise automobiles.

    “Players will enter their dream numbers and submit within the odds of 01-99 into 5 unique boxes provided for a given Dream-bid category. Each submitted set of lucky numbers, generate a unique ticket entry. Numbers played can be generated by the players or by the system depending on the option the player wants.c

  • Firm launches excavators

    Mantrac Nigeria Limited has launched three excavators. Its managing director, Ahmed Ragab, announced the launch at a news conference in Lagos.

    Ragab said: “We are on the threshold of history, today, as we present to the Nigerian Construction Industry, a new series of excavators christened next generation CAT excavators– 320GC, 320 and 323. They enhance operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and improve operator comfort compared to previous models. These novel excavators present unique combinations of purpose – built features expressly designed to match customers’ productivity and cost targets.

    “There are more benefits. The new series boast the industry’s highest level of standard factory – equipped technology to boost productivity. All models come with the famed integrated CAT connect technology for operating efficiency by up to 45% over traditional grading operations.

    “Offering guidance for depth, slope and horizontal distance to grade, the CAT GRADE with 2D system helps operators reach desired grade quickly and accurately. With the system’s E-fence feature the machine is empowered to work safely under structures or near traffic by preventing any part of the excavator from moving outside operator defined set points. The standard 2D system can be upgraded to CAT GRADE with Advanced 2D or CAT GRADE with 3D.”

     

    He went on: “Now, add to these the fuel saving capability up to 25% and the maintenance costs reduced to as much as 15% and you’ll realise how profitable it is to invest in these new wonder – worker excavators, and their new cab designed to increase operator performance.”

    “We will follow by a series campaigns with the theme ‘ New Range New Rules’. The Operator Challenge coming up on October 11 -13, 2018 is designed to give machine operators the opportunity to experience the innovative and breakthrough technology present in these excavators. Certificates and prizes will be awarded to the best operators during the Challenge

    “A VIP event is planned for the Oniru beach in Victoria Island on the 18th of October to introduce the products to select customers. There will be product demonstrations and information sharing led by product experts from caterpillar.”

  • Firm improves website to drive recruitment

    Jobberman, one of the nation’s leading employment websites, has upgraded its platform to provide an easier and more effective job search experience for jobseekers, and a refined recruitment experience for employers.

    Since going live in August 2009, the platform has grown to become Nigeria’s preferred online recruitment platform, West Africa’s most popular job search engine according to Forbes and one of Africa’s top five recruitment sites.

    According to the co-founder and the  Chief Executive Officer of Jobberman, Adedeji Adewunmi said: “As a brand that listens, Jobberman has taken its audience feedback consisting of over 2,000,000 career professionals and 50,000 employers who connect daily on the platform by including new features that can help employers and jobseekers accomplish more of their career and company goals.

    He continued: “Employers on the Jobberman platform can now manage their job ads and applications better with the newly designed Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and create candidate databases for future use.

    “Jobseekers can now set up or update their profiles with a Profile Picture, which is visible to employers; create a Career Summary and Professional Headline that summarises education, experience, skills and goals; specify preferred jobs for easier job matching; let recruiters know their Job Search Availability status; add Projects & Portfolio to their profiles, allowing employers to see samples of previous accomplishments, amongst other new features,” he added.

    He  said Jobberman has grown to become Nigeria’s preferred online recruitment platform, West Africa’s most popular job search engine (Forbes) and one of Africa’s top five  recruitment sites

    “For over nine years, this organisation has helped job seekers find job opportunities, provided career tips, given employers access to qualified candidates and administered recruitment advice. That is why we were consistently rated as one of the most innovative technology companies in Africa,” he said.

  • Firm eyes Nigeria’s agric sector

    Woermann (Nigeria) Ltd said it is going to invest  in the agric sector to complement the efforts of the Federal Government through the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP).

    Speaking during a media interactivesession in Lagos yesterday to mark the firm’s 50th anniversary,  its Managing Partner, Detlev Woermann, said the firm was  already in talks with big players in the agric sector with a view to investing in the requisite machineries to boost production,  assure food security and enhance good returns to farmers.

    He restated the firm’s commitment to providing genuine and reliable products to its customers in the country. Over the past five decades, the company has provided support for Nigerian businesses by supplying them with world class technical equipment and services.

    Also speaking, the Managing Director, C.Woermann Nigeria, Mr. Klaus Okunowski, said the firm’s 50 years in Nigeria as a major achievement made possible by its reliable international suppliers, loyal customers and dedicated employees.

    “As a company, we are proud to have achieved significant successes in Nigeria since 1968 even in light of the several ups and downs in the economy. We have consistently provided Nigerian businesses and dealers with high quality technical equipment from reputable international equipment manufacturing companies across Europe, brands like STIHL, MAKITA, DEUTZ, LIQUI MOLY, MANN FILTERS, WOOD MIZER, and FISCHER amongst several others. We also have an after sales service workshop that has been very supportive to our numerous customers, and also a training center where we train staff of our clients on how best to use our products,” he said.

  • Firm donates to orphanage

    Africa’s mobile phone giant, itel Mobile has partnered Iknorbert Communications to interact with the children and donate food and educational materials to the home.

    The Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, tagged “itel’s Love Always on campaign”, exemplifies itel Mobile’s contribution to impacting humanity positively by giving back to the society, representing its lasting identity as a corporate entity.

    Country Marketing Manager Jeff Tang said: “At itel Mobile, we are passionate about helping others in their communities and putting a smile on their faces in every little way possible. We look for ways to make a positive difference in every life we encounter, and this is done through our CSR programs.

    “Our brand is beyond tech and the need to buy our smartphones, we also seek to improve the welfare of the people we serve hence our focus on improving education, community development and health.”

  • Firm launches anti-malaria drug

    Elbe Pharma Nigeria Limited has unveiled its Amatem Forte Softgel anti-malarial drug.

    The drug has been described as an innovative anti-malarial with benefits for patients which exceed those derived from Artemether Lumefantrine in tablet dosage form.

    The official unveiling was attended by medical experts in Abuja.

    Managing Director Sir Uchenna Obiakor said the acceptance the new product was getting was a testament to its efficacy.

    He said: “People have started testifying about the efficacy of the product; in fact, product acceptance for a newly introduced brand is highly encouraging.”

    On the affordability, Obiakor said the company deliberately made it easy for people to purchase, not minding the quality formulation process.

    “The novel drug therapy is quite different from that of the tablet, and going by this, it is easily affordable, compared to the therapeutic benefits derived from the formulation,” he added.

    The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Shiva Kumar, emphasised the importance of having such a product as Amatem Forte Softgel that helps to reduce the resistance and associated treatment failures with malaria in Nigeria.

    He described Amatem Softgel as being far more affordable, noting that “though it is more capital intensive to produce, regarding the technology behind the production.”

  • Firm announces IT support for banks, SMEs

    Tranter IT, provider of IT infrastructure services, has launched a new service offering called 10+ IT Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The product is expected to help SMEs and commercial banks save cost and improve efficiency.

    According to the company, 10+ IT Support can help SMEs work better, save time, money and ensure optimum productivity. The firm is also helping commercial banks to achieve seamless services and IT support for the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

    10+ IT Support, a branded service powered by Tranter IT, is an integrated technology support service which provides premium IT support to small and medium scale enterprises. This level of support was previously only available to large organisations, but now Tranter IT has customised and tailored this service to the needs, size and dynamics of small and medium scale businesses.

    “Our clients include Union Bank, FCMB, Sterling Bank Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, Leadway Assurance, Total E&P to mention a few.” – Executive Director, Ms. Melanie Ayoola on why 10+ IT Support was launched.

    “The support service we offer to the big enterprises is a dedicated service, what we are offering to the SME market is largely a shared service. Every organisation needs IT to survive. With 10+ IT Support service, your shas access to over 150 senior engineers in our network and not just the support staff attached to your organistion. Tranter IT has over 300 employees out of which over 250 of them are trained and highly skilled ICT engineers who are currently engaged with top organisations in Nigeria. We have a business continuity plan in place where for every 10 engineers on the field, there are two backup engineers to cater for resignations, annual leaves, maternity leaves and other unforeseen events. By this, downtime is eliminated from the businesses of our clients. With 10+ IT Support, an SME can concentrate on their core business areas while we manage and provide either a part or the whole of their IT requirements. Tranter IT has trained over 100 engineers this year for free to the trainees with about 60 per cent – 70 per cent of them currently engaged with us. This is also part of our CSR as an organisation.” – Chief Operating Officer, AdewaleSaka on Tranter IT’s experience in the IT service industry.

    10+ IT Support was developed to satisfy the needs of growing businesses that are trying to achieve growth.  The growth can happen in different areas of the business but almost all growth can be dramatically boosted by IT.

    “From our series of research on growing business owners’ pain points, we found out that IT is one of the key issues for growing businesses. As the business environment is becoming more complex, there needs to be smarter thinking by embracing IT for any business to remain competitive’’ – Product Manager, Mr. Onyinye Ibe.

    Partnering with Tranter IT by procuring our 10+ IT Support service immunizes our Clients against loss of data, downtime, the sudden resignation of staff, productivity lags, the high cost of quality IT staff thereby enabling and enhancing the speed and growth potential of the business.

    “10+ IT Support has ITIL framework and IT Service Management practices embedded in its delivery to our esteemed clients.  This new service will follow best practices to ensure that we deliver the best IT Support service to Small and Medium Enterprises. At Tranter IT, we pride ourselves on having top-notch HR management because our support staff’s welfare is a top priority.” – Support Manager, Mr. Olalekan Ahmed on ensuring best standards practice and the welfare policy for the support staff at Tranter IT.

    The Management of Tranter IT observed, through an extensive research conducted, that interest and demand for professional IT services, solutions and especially support were increasing from the SME sector and decided to package 10+ IT Support as a service suited to the demands of this sector of the Nigerian economy.

     

     

    So for the first time, the type of high quality, premium, reliable, comprehensive IT Support that keeps the large companies, enterprise clients operating smoothly and effectively is now available to any company that has 10 or more computers at a price that is less than the cost of hiring their own full time IT Engineer. Never again will our SME Clients suffer from the high cost of employing their own IT Support engineers and never again will they suffer from the problems of high staff turnover in their IT departments all over the country.

    “With 96% of Nigerian businesses are categorized as Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Tranter IT is set to employ 10,000 support engineers within the next 5 years who will join our extensive network of IT professionals.” – Executive Director, Ms. Melanie Ayoola on the future plan for improving IT in West

     

  • Firm rejects $8.1b cash refund order

    THE MTN Nigeria has rejected the CBN directive to refund $8.1 billion, insisting that it did no wrong. It said that all the dividends it paid to its shareholders between 2007 and 2015 got the apex bank’s nod.

    The telecom giant took exception to the apex bank’s claim that it illegally converted shareholder loans to preference share and repatriated $8.1 billion as dividends during the period under scrutiny.

    In a statement titled: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) correspondence regarding Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) in Nigeria”, MTN strongly refuted the allegations and claims.

    It said: “MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN Nigeria) received a letter on 29 August 2018 from CBN alleging that CCIs issued in respect of the conversion of shareholders’ loans in MTN Nigeria to preference shares in 2007 had been improperly issued. As a consequence they claim that historic dividends repatriated by MTN Nigeria between 2007 and 2015 amounting to $8.1 billion need to be refunded to the CBN.

    “MTN Nigeria strongly refutes these allegations and claims. No dividends have been declared or paid by MTN Nigeria other than pursuant to CCIs issued by our bankers and with the approval of the CBN as required by law.”

    The telco said the issues surrounding the CCIs have already been the subject of a thorough enquiry by the Senate.

    It went on: “In September 2016, the Senate mandated the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions to carry out a holistic investigation on compliance with the Foreign exchange (monitoring and miscellaneous) Act by MTN Nigeria & Others.

    “In its report issued in November 2017, the findings evidenced that MTN Nigeria did not collude to contravene the foreign exchange laws and there were no negative recommendations made against MTN Nigeria.

    “MTN Nigeria, as a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria, is committed to good governance and to abiding by the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The re-emergence of these issues is regrettable as it damages investor confidence and, by extension, inhibits the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

    “We will engage with the relevant authorities and vigorously defend our position on this matter and provide further information when available,” the telco said in the statement.”