The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Terrorists want to destabilise Nigeria, says Jonathan

    Terrorists want to destabilise Nigeria, says Jonathan

    Text of President Goodluck Jonathan’s speech declaring a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.  

    Dear compatriots,

    It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.

    The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.

    The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilise the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.

    Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno State have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.

    These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.

    They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.

    Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states.

    We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.

    Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.

    While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.

    We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.

    Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.

    This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.

    The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

    I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.

    I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.

    Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.

    I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.

    I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.

    Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     

  • ‘Heaven’s interest in Nigeria’

    No doubt, Nigerians are worried over the incessant killings in some parts of the country. Like the title of the classic by the late Prof Chinua Achebe, gradually ‘things are falling apart,’ many have opined. In spite of the chaotic situation experienced across the country, an evangelist, Innocent Ugochukwu, has said that God is still interested in Nigeria.

    He said: “My nation Nigeria has been subjected to abuse and the citizens humiliated. The people are wandering about in confusion and corruption is worsening. The uncertainty over the nation is alarming. To see Nigerians go through the hordes of life in the midst of riches and wealth is enigmatic. Gross darkness and deadness are all over the land.

    “Nevertheless, heaven’s attention is on Nigeria. God is speaking expressly of what He wants to; to give the people and the nation sufficiency and rest through the hand of a leader who will emerge, after this present government, in a way the heaven and earth shall bear witness that God has indeed intervened.

    Irrespective of a constitutional democracy which the country operates, it is important for us to know that, God has supreme control over all things including Nigeria and its constitution, despite her independence which is shallowly limited before God. God clearly spoke to me that He want to have His way in the leadership of the government of Nigeria and it is now, this is the word of the Lord. Finally, divine machinery has been set in motion to return the church back to her original biblical foundational pattern. I see churches cease to be called after their private names, instead, after localities. This will mark the beginning of the revival the body of Christ will witness soon.”

  • Diverting the nation to final bus stop

    Nigeria of today is in perceptible disarray. There is so much confusion and discouragement indicating that the nation is being dragged to the end of its journey. The desperation to retain power at all cost is diverting the essence of fulfilling the promise of transforming the nation. As goal posts keep shifting, developments keep degenerating. It is as if the only things being transformed rapidly are the private pockets with looted funds from the national treasury, leaving the masses to perish in penury.

    The problem afflicting the nation is the non-commitment of the chosen few in leadership who tend to be holding the electorates in hostage. Concentrating on nation building has become pettiness while ambition and corruption are prioritized. When on May Day the labour leaders requested the President to fight corruption harder, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s response was the current trend counter-attack as he told the workers to advise their colleagues to stop stealing. He might have forgotten that those stealing downstairs are following the pattern at the top.

    An article by Dutch journalist and writer Femke van Zeiji, titled “Mediocrity overtakes corruption to wreck Nigeria” published in The Guardian few weeks ago recapitulated the factual situation of the nation. “Nigeria is the opposite of meritocracy: you do not earn by achieving,” she wrote. “You get to be who and where you are by knowing the right people. Whether you work in an office, for an enterprise or an NGO, at a construction site or in government, your abilities hardly ever are the reason you got there. Performing well, let alone with excellence, is not a requirement, in fact, it is discouraged.”

    The lady who lives and works in Nigeria must have experienced the trauma stalling the country from moving forward. To her, “it would be too threatening: showing you are more intelligent, capable or competent than the ‘oga’ at the top (who as a rule, is not an over-achiever either) is career suicide.” She could see the drift of the nation’s failure from “an attitude that trickles down from the very top, its symptoms eventually showing up in all of society, from bad governance to bad service.” Her conclusion was that frustration of unrewarded excellence is making Nigeria to become a “pretty cumbersome place for anyone striving for perfection.”

    Not long ago, President Jonathan acknowledged openly that corruption in Nigeria is not a serious issue, daringly certifying that a good 80 per cent of what Nigerians consider to be corruption are actually not corruption cases. Perhaps, he said so to denounce the critics in self-defence. Yet, hardly could any impactful development be seen of the enormous budgets that are annually approved for execution since he assumed office.

    Indeed, those in power might be defending their ineptitude, cluelessness and disloyalty to those whose votes were manipulated to get into office by lambasting their critics as colleagues in despotism and fraud. The reality of the state of the nation today is unhidden as corruption is crushing depressingly on the life of the underprivileged, lowly and poor majority.

    Only last week, a report of Save the Children International, a non-governmental organization disclosed that among 176 nations, Nigeria is rated 169th worst place to be born. It also stated that being the 12th highest country where babies die on their first day after birth, Nigeria has become one of the riskiest place to be born on earth. The conclusion was that the agonizing story is based on the poor health circumstances of mothers. Many more Nigerians are today being confronted with early death due to hunger and diseases.

    Of course, the colossal corruption in Nigeria at all levels as alleged by United States of America’s Department of State last month cannot but strengthen destitution in the land of abundance. Documenting major financial scandals of 2012, the department’s report presented to the US Congress by Secretary of State John Kerry estimated official money lost to “endemic corruption and entrenched inefficiency” at $6.8billion (N1.067trillion). Among others, the world was also reminded of the stealing of N32.8billion Police Pension Fund, fraudulent contracts, embezzlement and laundering of N75billion by a former Minister and the many ex-governors arrested and charged for fraud committed while in office.

    It is not strange declaring that though Nigerian law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, the fact that the law is not being implemented devotedly, fraudulent practices are being engaged with impunity across the land. Supposed anti-corruption institutions have proved to be tools in the hands of the authority to deal with fellow corrupt officials they disagree with on personal issues.

    Even when the commissions and the judiciary arraign criminals, there is hardly confidence in concluding the cases justifiably. The consequence has been a criminal nation begetting criminal citizenry. Today, there are multitude criminal cases inconclusive in trial: oil thieves, fuel subsidy scammers, and much more. After boisterous arrests, followed by few days of detention, if at all there is arraignment, bail would be granted and that might just be the end as adjournments would be mounting upon deferments. Were the cases of ex-Delta State Governor James Ibori who pleaded guilty abroad after escaping from home and militant leader Henry Okah convicted for bomb blasting in Abuja handled here at home, penalties of their criminalities would not have manifested as it was. Afterall, many of the ruling party’s former governors like Ayo Fayose, Adebayo Alao-Akala and Aliyu Akwe Doma who were once arraigned for fraud are walking free today upon inconclusive trials.

    It is pitiable that the crops of Nigerians who have now morphed into the leadership class are more interested in personal attainments than rendering faithful services to the people. The nation is under untrustworthy political class who make promises that are never fulfilled. Million jobs are assured, but more million people are remaining jobless – rendering enormous talented human resources wasted and discarding them to criminality.

    Resolving power challenges keeps dragging with government propagandists defending electricity output of 4,500 MW for use by 160 million Nigerians as remarkable achievement. Pledges are made to build more cash reserves, but such reserves are reportedly being pocketed by the very few privileged, leaving the nation in mounting indebtedness. Let’s recollect how Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili’s disclosure was turned to battle of personalities.

    The way the country is being administered is as if the political elites are essentially telling the masses that they are ordinary Nigerians deluded about the nation’s state of affairs. They relegated the masses as the foolish and elevate themselves as the sane.

    The reality is that Nigeria is being detracted from moving forward through terrorism, kidnapping and fraud – all resulting from embedded corruption. Disasters keep crawling across the land. People in poverty are being used as tools in the hands of the wicked.

    The fatal challenges of Boko Haram disparaging the nation today are being faked as religious when in actuality it is largely more about power tussle. Last week, detachment of riot policemen and security officers heading to dislodge the shrine of Ombatse, a deity of Eggon people in Nasarawa State were murdered. Same time, many casualties emerged in Agatu Local government Area of Benue State after attacks. This was happening when the issues of the many lives lost in Baga, Bama/Banki and Marte were still unresolved.

    Yet, life cannot continue the unpleasant way it is. The failing leaders should know that their time will soon be over. The haven of rogues undermining the economic development of the country will soon be forced to vomit all the swallowed good of the land. This is because people are anticipating for change.

    For Nigeria not be extricated as a nation, this time of wasteful challenges is surely for meaningful change in governance. This is why the wise who love the people should not allow the craving for 2015 elections to detract since it will not just be about voting for change of personalities or about tribalism. It will be about reformation of a decaying nation. Now then should be the time to focus more about change in attitude, in character and in conducting sincere and purified business of government.

     

  • Quotes of the day

    Quotes of the day

    “If the imposition of emergency rule on the most affected states is the only viable option left for President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle the crisis, then he should step down.

    “President Jonathan should emulate the late United States President Harry Truman by putting a sign on his desk at Aso Rock that reads, ‘The buck stops here’ to remind him that he bears the ultimate responsibility for the security situation in the country today, instead of any attempt to blame some state governors in the affected states.” –  ACN National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, on the proposed State of Emergency in Yobe, Borno and Nassarawa States.

     

    “Everyone must rise up to defend our fatherland instead of leaving security in the hands of security operatives alone.” –Senate President, David Mark, on the insecurity in the country.

  • Ghana, Nigeria, Japan lead global equities rally

    African equities have been the most resurgent so far this year as investors in Ghana and Nigeria scooped above-average returns on the back of increased domestic participation and stable foreign inflows.

    Year-to-date analysis of global equities’ returns showed that average return by Nigerian equities was nearly twice that of equities in United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK). The analysis was based on opening data for Friday, May 10 tracked by FSDH Merchant Bank.

    The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) All Share Index (GSE ASI), which serves as benchmark for the Ghanaian stock market, indicated the highest return of 53.30 per cent. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 Index recorded average return of 36.52 per cent. Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)’s benchmark index, the All Share Index (ASI), opened last Friday with a return of 27.43 per cent.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the S & P 500 Index, which benchmark the USA market, returned 15.10 per cent and 14.06 per cent respectively. The FTSE 100 Index, which mirrors the UK stock market, recorded average return of 11.78 per cent.

    Turnover on the NSE last week stood at 1.69 billion shares worth of N21.39 billion in 28,392 deals. Financial services sector dominated the activities chart with a turnover of 1.31 billion shares valued at N12.17 billion traded in 15,796 deals. Banking subsector accounted for turnover of 917.182 million shares worth N8.53 billion in 11,236 deals.

    The ASI rallied 2.57 per cent to hit a high of 36,010.28 points while aggregate market capita-lisation of all equities rose correspondingly by 2.57 per cent to close at N11.513 trillion.

    Meanwhile, the rights issue of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) has opened following approval-in-principle by the Quotations Committee of the NSE. Transcorp is issuing about 12.91 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N1 per share. The right issue is expected to close on May 31, 2013.

     

  • Leadership is Nigeria’s problem

    SIR: There is no gainsaying that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is in difficult times. Ditto the states governors. The truth must be told, Nigerians are expecting purposeful, resourceful, Godly leadership. One is deeply surprised that since May 29, 2011 when we began another democratic dispensation, Nigeria’s development continues to be hampered by bad leadership, moral decadence, hunger, poverty, insecurity and deep-rooted corruption. Our leaders tell lies under oath, trust in deceitful words. They make promises and break them.

    What Nigerians need now is a good and God-fearing leader who will work hard in raising the standard of living of the people, transform the society, enact policies that would give all Nigerians a sense of oneness.

    Some of the challenges of national integration and development in Nigeria include economic crisis and poverty, unequal development, crisis of governance and poor political leadership.

    Nigeria has big potentials to become one of the most powerful countries of the world, and for it to occupy such position, it must transform its system, integrate the people, grow the economy, fight poverty and hunger. Nigerians and the leaders should also allow God to direct the affairs of their governance.

    Nigerians and the rulers should be full of prayers, to empower the Goodluck Jonathan administration to tackle the raging socio-economic and political problems facing the nation and capable of eroding national unity and stability.

    President Jonathan needs to urgently tackle the energy problem, revive industries, encourage entrepreneurs, create mass emoployment for the youth, look into the security situation in its entirety, tackle the war against corruption seriously, adhere to the tenents of the rule of law, improve infrastructural facilities, convocation of prayer summit at all levels of our government among others.

    Sincerely, Nigerians must create the atmosphere of trust, transparency, honesty and accountability in the spirit of the fear of God, otherwise it will remain where it is. We have to harness the God’s given abundant gifts of nature around us to make the country great. Our leaders have to learn and start taking decisions on what is best for the country rather than their self-serving interests. Unless and until we address the challenge of leadership, the country can never move forward.

    Religious leaders in the country should not feel shy to address issue of bad leadership and also make their views read and heard.

    • Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel (Sekunderin)

    Lagos

  • ‘Nigeria must be made safe ’

    The President of the Association for Non-Violence in the Niger Delta (ANND), Kennedy Tonjo West and the President of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEF), Amaibi Ombi, have said Nigeria must be made safe for democracy.

    They admonished Northerners to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.

    The ex-militants, yesterday at a joint briefing in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, said when it comes to electing leaders, people should not play God.

    “The comments of some Northerners before the 2011 elections can be linked to the insecurity and wanton killings in the country. We do not need a seer to tell us, who the instigators of the insurgencies are.”

    The ex-agitators also stated that the six-year single tenure proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan was a step in the right direction, which they said would ensure unity and stability.

    They condemned the calls for the arrest and prosecution of the Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, and the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, for threatening mayhem, if the President was not reelected.

  • 15 fastest growing small business opportunities in Nigeria for 2013

    TRANSPORTATION SECTOR

    4. Inland water way transport

    Inland water way transport is one of the fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria.

    In fact, I believe the niche is still untapped because I am yet to see a modern commercial boat or ferry service system in Nigeria. Though there are a few operators in this industry; I am yet to see the modern facilities being used by the developed countries.

    Another reason inland water way transport business proves viable is because population in states such as Lagos, Ogun and Rivers states is rapidly on the rise, resulting in the congestion of roads. Since the roads are becoming heavily congested, the next means of transportation the inhabitants of these heavily populated states will resort to is water transport. With proper planning, a good management team and adequate funding, you can break into this untapped industry and carve a niche for your business.

    5. Haulage and logistics

    Haulage and logistics is another fastest growing business opportunity in Nigeria. Though it’s considered a risky business, you can breakthrough if you have a strategic business management team on ground. Good management is the key to surviving in the business of haulage and logistics.

    6. Outsourced bus service

    This is similar to haulage and logistics but the cargo in this case is humans. I am not talking about the regular road transport bus service. In fact, I don’t think I have seen the idea for this business being utilised by anyone.

    In this case, you are providing transportation services to firms and corporate entities. Some corporate organisations can’t afford an in-house transport system for its executives and staff, so this is where you come in. You provide the cars or buses, provide the drivers and you are paid on a monthly or contract basis for the use of your transport services.

    Another area of target is schools. Most schools would like to provide transport facility for their students but they can’t afford it and this is where you come in. You provide a bus service system and send out a proposal to schools to use your bus services. Just imagine 20 or more young schools jointly using your student bus service system and you will catch the vision of this idea.

     

    INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

    When it comes to ICT, I will say Nigeria is lagging behind when compared to the western world. It may sound like bad news to you but to entrepreneurs and investors, it is good news. ICT is still an emerging trend that hasn’t reached its peak, so a lot of opportunities exist for both local and foreign investors. I won’t go into the capital intensive business opportunities that exist in the ICT sector; rather, I will stick to small and medium scale business opportunities.

    7. Cyber Café

    The demand to stay connected to the rest of the world is rapidly on the increase and the cost of internet connection is still on the high side when compared to what is obtainable in the western world, thereby making cyber café an alternative for internet users; and an investment opportunity for entrepreneurs. This business can be started either on a small, medium or large scale but I will prefer a large scale because size can be a competitive edge for you in this business as customers won’t like to be kept waiting.

    Customers of this industry want speed and efficient service and most importantly; they want to be sure to find a vacant computer system anytime they want to surf the web without having to wait in line. If you can get a good location; provide speedy internet access and provide complementary services; you are in for a breakthrough.

    8. E-Services

    Just as the world is going e-crazy; so also is Nigeria catching up with the trend. E-services provision is still a virgin business opportunity that hasn’t fully been tapped. Under the umbrella of providing e-services; you can find the following fast growing business opportunities: E-payment, bulk Sms services, web design and hosting, database management services, e-portal management, etc.

    EDUCATION

    The need for education is on the increase and the burden to provide quality education is getting heavier for the government to bear thereby, leaving room for private and institutional investors. The following are ways you can tap into the potential opportunity.

    9. Schools

    A lot of institutional and private investors have gone into building quality schools and providing quality education but the potential has not been reached. With a population of over 150 million Nigerians, where 65% are below 40; there’s still untapped potential in this niche.

    You can access this business opportunity from different entry levels. You can tap into this niche by providing either crèche, primary, secondary or tertiary education but all entry levels holds strong potential. Please carry out your own analysis before investing in any level of this business opportunity.

    10. Seminars

    Not everyone loves being educated within four walls of school. Some prefer street smart education or high speed learning and that’s where you come in. You can set up a seminar company that organizes coaching services according to the current needs and trends of the society.

    11. Training centers

    Specialized training or educational centers is another fast growing yet untapped business opportunity in Nigeria. Examples of specialized learning centers are Leadership training schools, entrepreneurial centers, training centre for the gifted and physically challenged, training centre for hobbies and crafts, etc.

    12. Tutorial centers

    With the proliferation of academic and professional exams, tutorial centers have joined the list of fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria. You can access this business opportunity by choosing or specializing on a training need. You can focus your proposed tutorial centre on any of the following: ICAN, GMAT, WAEC, JAMB, GSCE, CIS, job interview training, etc.

    GREEN ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY

    With a global increase in the awareness of environmental degradation and its hazard, the world has resorted to finding an alternative “green energy.” Nigeria is not left out in this global awareness that has created massive opportunities for smart entrepreneurs and investors. If you feel green is the next business trend on board, then below are the fastest growing business opportunities in the green energy and technology sector of Nigeria.

    13. Waste management

    With an increased awareness in the need for environmental conservation; opportunity has popped up in Nigeria in the area of waste management. When analyzing the waste management business opportunity, I observed that two factors are responsible for the potential in the business and you must make sure these two factors are in place before deciding on an area of service.

    One is a bursting population and the second is a strong environmental policy and its enforcement. So far, two states in Nigeria that has taken the lead with respect to these two factors and these states are Lagos and Imo state. But I believe great potential still lie in other states of Nigeria. Do your own personal research before venturing into this industry.

    14. Waste recycling

    The next fastest growing business, yet untapped business opportunity in Nigeria is waste recycling. I don’t need to expatiate on this as the details are clear. You can venture into either bottle and can recycling or nylon recycling. You can even embark on a waste to green (manure) project as Nigeria has a huge demand for organic and inorganic fertilizer.

    15. Alternative power

    The last but not the least of the fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria is alternative power supply. In recent times; Nigeria has seen an explosive increase in the demand of power supply thus creating an avenue for smart entrepreneurs to capitalize on. Solar energy, Wind energy and bio energy are some of the alternative power supply system that are currently making waves in the country but the present alternative power supply service providers cannot meet up the demand thereby leaving room for other creative investors. With a good plan, adequate capital and a strong business team; you can break into this niche.

  • 15 fastest growing small business opportunities in Nigeria for 2013

    Continued from last week

     

    TRANSPORTATION SECTOR

    4. Inland water way transport

    Inland water way transport is one of the fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria.

    In fact, I believe the niche is still untapped because I am yet to see a modern commercial boat or ferry service system in Nigeria. Though there are a few operators in this industry; I am yet to see the modern facilities being used by the developed countries.

    Another reason inland water way transport business proves viable is because population in states such as Lagos, Ogun and Rivers states is rapidly on the rise, resulting in the congestion of roads. Since the roads are becoming heavily congested, the next means of transportation the inhabitants of these heavily populated states will resort to is water transport. With proper planning, a good management team and adequate funding, you can break into this untapped industry and carve a niche for your business.

    5. Haulage and logistics

    Haulage and logistics is another fastest growing business opportunity in Nigeria. Though it’s considered a risky business, you can breakthrough if you have a strategic business management team on ground. Good management is the key to surviving in the business of haulage and logistics.

    6. Outsourced bus service

    This is similar to haulage and logistics but the cargo in this case is humans. I am not talking about the regular road transport bus service. In fact, I don’t think I have seen the idea for this business being utilised by anyone.

    In this case, you are providing transportation services to firms and corporate entities. Some corporate organisations can’t afford an in-house transport system for its executives and staff, so this is where you come in. You provide the cars or buses, provide the drivers and you are paid on a monthly or contract basis for the use of your transport services.

    Another area of target is schools. Most schools would like to provide transport facility for their students but they can’t afford it and this is where you come in. You provide a bus service system and send out a proposal to schools to use your bus services. Just imagine 20 or more young schools jointly using your student bus service system and you will catch the vision of this idea.

     

    INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

    When it comes to ICT, I will say Nigeria is lagging behind when compared to the western world. It may sound like bad news to you but to entrepreneurs and investors, it is good news. ICT is still an emerging trend that hasn’t reached its peak, so a lot of opportunities exist for both local and foreign investors. I won’t go into the capital intensive business opportunities that exist in the ICT sector; rather, I will stick to small and medium scale business opportunities.

    7. Cyber Café

    The demand to stay connected to the rest of the world is rapidly on the increase and the cost of internet connection is still on the high side when compared to what is obtainable in the western world, thereby making cyber café an alternative for internet users; and an investment opportunity for entrepreneurs. This business can be started either on a small, medium or large scale but I will prefer a large scale because size can be a competitive edge for you in this business as customers won’t like to be kept waiting.

    Customers of this industry want speed and efficient service and most importantly; they want to be sure to find a vacant computer system anytime they want to surf the web without having to wait in line. If you can get a good location; provide speedy internet access and provide complementary services; you are in for a breakthrough.

    8. E-Services

    Just as the world is going e-crazy; so also is Nigeria catching up with the trend. E-services provision is still a virgin business opportunity that hasn’t fully been tapped. Under the umbrella of providing e-services; you can find the following fast growing business opportunities: E-payment, bulk Sms services, web design and hosting, database management services, e-portal management, etc.

    EDUCATION

    The need for education is on the increase and the burden to provide quality education is getting heavier for the government to bear thereby, leaving room for private and institutional investors. The following are ways you can tap into the potential opportunity.

    9. Schools

    A lot of institutional and private investors have gone into building quality schools and providing quality education but the potential has not been reached. With a population of over 150 million Nigerians, where 65% are below 40; there’s still untapped potential in this niche.

    You can access this business opportunity from different entry levels. You can tap into this niche by providing either crèche, primary, secondary or tertiary education but all entry levels holds strong potential. Please carry out your own analysis before investing in any level of this business opportunity.

    10. Seminars

    Not everyone loves being educated within four walls of school. Some prefer street smart education or high speed learning and that’s where you come in. You can set up a seminar company that organizes coaching services according to the current needs and trends of the society.

    11. Training centers

    Specialized training or educational centers is another fast growing yet untapped business opportunity in Nigeria. Examples of specialized learning centers are Leadership training schools, entrepreneurial centers, training centre for the gifted and physically challenged, training centre for hobbies and crafts, etc.

    12. Tutorial centers

    With the proliferation of academic and professional exams, tutorial centers have joined the list of fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria. You can access this business opportunity by choosing or specializing on a training need. You can focus your proposed tutorial centre on any of the following: ICAN, GMAT, WAEC, JAMB, GSCE, CIS, job interview training, etc.

    GREEN ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY

    With a global increase in the awareness of environmental degradation and its hazard, the world has resorted to finding an alternative “green energy.” Nigeria is not left out in this global awareness that has created massive opportunities for smart entrepreneurs and investors. If you feel green is the next business trend on board, then below are the fastest growing business opportunities in the green energy and technology sector of Nigeria.

    13. Waste management

    With an increased awareness in the need for environmental conservation; opportunity has popped up in Nigeria in the area of waste management. When analyzing the waste management business opportunity, I observed that two factors are responsible for the potential in the business and you must make sure these two factors are in place before deciding on an area of service.

    One is a bursting population and the second is a strong environmental policy and its enforcement. So far, two states in Nigeria that has taken the lead with respect to these two factors and these states are Lagos and Imo state. But I believe great potential still lie in other states of Nigeria. Do your own personal research before venturing into this industry.

    14. Waste recycling

    The next fastest growing business, yet untapped business opportunity in Nigeria is waste recycling. I don’t need to expatiate on this as the details are clear. You can venture into either bottle and can recycling or nylon recycling. You can even embark on a waste to green (manure) project as Nigeria has a huge demand for organic and inorganic fertilizer.

    15. Alternative power

    The last but not the least of the fastest growing business opportunities in Nigeria is alternative power supply. In recent times; Nigeria has seen an explosive increase in the demand of power supply thus creating an avenue for smart entrepreneurs to capitalize on. Solar energy, Wind energy and bio energy are some of the alternative power supply system that are currently making waves in the country but the present alternative power supply service providers cannot meet up the demand thereby leaving room for other creative investors. With a good plan, adequate capital and a strong business team; you can break into this niche.

  • Waje, Naeto C,MI, Omawumi, others ‘port’ to Glo

    Waje, Naeto C,MI, Omawumi, others ‘port’ to Glo

    Eight brand new Globacom Ambassadors took turns to port their phone numbers from their current networks to the Glo network at the Gloworld shop on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.
    The new ambassadors included afro-pop exponent, Omawumi Megbele, master of hip-hop, Naeto C, master rapper, Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, Waje, Lynxxx, Burna  Boy, Reanne and Bez.
    They were at the Glo shop accompanied by their managers, personal assistants as well as scores of their fans who joined them to formally port their numbers to the Glo network.
    Globacom’s Head of Gloworld, Mrs. Titi Ebinisi welcomed the new Ambassadors to the people friendly network which encourages Nigerians to be unlimited in their ambitions and took them through the porting procedure.
    The ambassadors took turns to complete the documentation process in a relaxed, cozy ambience which is characteristic of Gloworld shops across the country.
    The porting process which includes the filling of forms was supervised by very friendly and courteous Gloworld staff who ensured that all the ambassadors completed the process effortlessly and on time too.
    The meeting of the musicians, their managers and fans turned the shop to a lively arena as they bantered and discussed recent happenings in the Nigerian music industry while some of them mimed their popular songs to the delight of people around.
    This was followed by a photo session and the presentation of Samsung Galaxy S4 phones to the new Glo ambassadors and Samsung Galaxy S3 phone to their managers.
    Speaking at the event, hip- hop master, Naeto Chikwe( Naeto C) said “I am very happy to be associated with the Glo brand; this is something I am very proud of and I will carry followers cutting across young and old along.  I will ensure that Glo benefits immensely from the partnership.”   On her part, Omawumi Magbele described her Glo ambassadorship as a surprise, adding that “Glo will feature prominently in my works henceforth.”
     Jude Abuga popularly known as M.I stated that the joy cannot be described. “To say that I am happy is an understatement.”  On his part, jollof music crooner, Chinedu Edozien (Lynxxx) described the ambassadorship opportunity from Glo as a “blessing,” promising to infuse the Glo brand in all his engagements.
     Other ambassadors at the porting ceremony include Bez Idakula (BEZ), Waje Iruobe (Waje), Burna boy and Reanne Opia (Reanne). The Nassarawa born BEZ who specialises in “alternative soul” stated that “ it is a privilege to be chosen as a Glo ambassador”, promising to make the best use of it while adding value to the Glo brand.
    Waje said she was very happy to be an ambassador of a proudly Nigerian telecommunications company, Globacom. “I have a lot to offer in this partnership, especially in ensuring that my fans partner with Glo as well.”
    Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy) and Reanne Opia (Reanne) also ported and promised to be exemplary ambassadors of Globacom.