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Dangote Raid: Is this an end to sacred cows in the Nigerian business community?* – Dumebi Ifeanyi

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Dangote: End of the Road for a Monopolist? By Soji Adekunmbi

*Dangote Raid: Is this an end to sacred cows in the Nigerian business community?*
– Dumebi Ifeanyi

 

 

 

 

DANGOTE – When the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn in on May 29, 2023, his first policy intervention in Nigeria’s opaque, corruption-laden oil sector surprised everyone. “Subsidy is gone!” Tinubu exclaimed during his inaugural address at the Eagles Square, Abuja, shortly after he was sworn in as the 16th President of Nigeria. He added that there was no provision for subsidy in the national budget from June 2023 and, therefore, it stood removed.

 

Dangote Raid: Is this an end to sacred cows in the Nigerian business community?*
- Dumebi Ifeanyi

 

 

If international investors had any doubt about Tinubu’s commitment to combat Nigeria’s hydra-headed corruption and sanitise the nation’s economic policy space, the declaration indeed put paid to it, and signalled his intent from the start.

 

 

Kogi AG Vs. AGF: Supreme Court cautions against continued harassment of Kogi officials

 

 

Not relenting in its reform drive, barely a month after the subsidy removal declaration, the Tinubu government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the forex market collapsing all windows into one. The bank said it was part of a series of immediate changes to operations in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Market, in a bid to improve liquidity and Naira stability.

In its reaction to the raft of policy reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) applauded the economic reforms, noting that the measures were a pathway towards stronger and inclusive growth.

A former President of the World Bank, David Malpass, also lauded the economic strategies employed by Tinubu since assuming office. In a tweet, Malpass declared: “Glad to see @officialABAT taking concrete steps to scrap Nigeria’s harmful government subsidies and multiple exchange rates. These are important steps toward currency stability, lower inflation, and reduced corruption in Africa’s most populous country.”

As in all reforms, the ripple effects of the policies are being felt across boardrooms and on the streets, even as government remains optimistic about the long-term benefits.

While the reforms have shown the direction of the Tinubu government’s economic policy, they have also shown how audacious the president can be in driving reforms in the interest of Nigerian poor masses, without giving undue advantage to businesses considered “sacred cows”.

Tinubu himself made this known at a civic reception organised in his honour by the Lagos State Government at Lagos House, Marina, last October.

“I could afford to share the benefit by participating in the arbitrage, but God forbid! That’s not why you voted for me,” Tinubu said at the reception, defying the possible impact of the audacious moves on public sentiment.

“We have no choice,” he added, noting that it’s important to ensure the good use of available resources to unable government “re-engineer the effectiveness of the control and management of our resources in order to meet the obligations to Nigerians by political officeholders.”

*The Price of Audacity*

Last week, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) visited the office of Dangote Group headquarters as part of an investigation into forex allocation in the past years. Dangote Group is one of Africa’s largest companies headquartered in Nigeria’s economic capital, Lagos

The move was part of the ongoing investigation into the abuse of the foreign exchange allocations by former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, under whom reports said there were preferential foreign exchange allocations made in defiance of extant financial rules and regulations, and the CBN Act.

Already, Emefiele is being charged for gross violation of extant laws and abuse of office, according to a report by Jim Obazee, a Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to scrutinise the activities of the CBN under the former CBN Governor. The Obazee report, as seen in national dailies, alleges that Emefiele employed surrogates to obtain shares in a new-generation bank during his tenure at the helm of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Other accusations in the alleged report against Emefiele encompass a spectrum of financial misdeeds, including unauthorised funding of 593 offshore bank accounts, fraudulent cash withdrawals from the CBN vault, gross financial misconduct involving the former governor and his Deputy Governors, and substantial fixed deposit holdings amounting to £543.4 million.

He is also accused of manipulations of the Naira exchange rate, irregularities in the e-Naira project, unauthorised printing of new currency denominations, and substantial expenditures on dubious legal fees, fraudulent interventions, COVID-19-related irregularities, and misrepresentation of presidential approvals on various financial strategies.

Since the recent EFCC investigations began, there have been concerns on how the optics of such investigations could affect the business environment and possibly scare investors away.

But could a move to sanitise the system, curb corruption, instill discipline and provide level-playing fields for all businesses indeed jeopardize investment and scare away investors?

*Like BAT, Like MBS*

The fears around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms are reminiscent of similar fears around a sweeping crackdown on corruption ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, in Saudi Arabia.

When the reforms began, reports premised on scaremongering dominated media headlines as many wondered what the ripple effect of the reforms could mean for the Saudi economy.

But against the background of the reforms, outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 blueprint, Saudi Arabia is all set to become one of the most sought-after destinations for businesses in the Middle East and North Africa region.

44 international companies have already moved their regional headquarters to Saudi Arabia, according to official figures, with the prospects improving by the day. At least 80 firms have been issued regulatory clearances to establish their offices in the Kingdom, too.

In recent months, several noted firms, including PwC Middle East and Egypt’s Intella, inaugurated their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, indicating Saudi Arabia’s investment-friendly evolution.

In Nigeria, a PwC report on the impact of corruption shows that corruption in Nigeria could cost up to 37% of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) by 2030 if it is not dealt with immediately. This cost is equated to around $1,000 per person in 2014 and nearly $2,000 per person by 2030.

What can be deduced from the report is that Nigeria cannot attain economic development and inclusive growth that will lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty until corruption, especially in business environment, is fought head-on.

So far, with the probe of the CBN, cancellation of round-tripping through the abolition of multiple exchange windows, and removal of opaque, unsustainable fuel subsidies, the Tinubu government has shown a rare commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring a fair investment ecosystem—one that gives investors equal access and opportunities irrespective of where they come from. Without doubt, this has sent positive signals to investors and businesses (local and foreign) worried about Nigeria’s sometimes opaque systems.

To quote a Bloomberg publication on corruption, “Graft may always be with us, but governments can choose either to tolerate and even assist it, or to confront it vigorously.” Will the Tinubu government continue on this pathway of sanitising endemic corruption or will it bow to scaremongering by vested interests?

— Dumebi Ifeanyi is a senior public affairs analyst for Communications and Digital Engagement Nigeria

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Why Nicholas Auto Solution Is The Leading Automotive Solution in South Africa ….Reasons To Patronise Them

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Why Nicholas Auto Solution Is The Leading Automotive Solution in South Africa

….Reasons To Patronize Them

Evan Esar said “Some men take good care of a car; others treat it like one of the family”. Interestingly, Nicholas Auto Solution is arguably the leading automotive solution in South Africa. Owned by HRH, Dennis Ainabel Iseghohimen, NAS as the company is known for excel as the haven of auto solution to all brands of vehicles.

As reflected in their mission statement which is to serve customers and always deliver the highest level of customer service; to develop their team and strive to constantly improve; and to conduct themselves  in an environmentally responsible manner, testimonies from customers affirm the fact that NAS is the best place to pamper your wonders on wheels.

Checks revealed that they provide excellence in motion with leading automotive solutions, and expertise in fast, affordable, and reliable auto services.

Why Nicholas Auto Solution Is The Leading Automotive Solution in South Africa
….Reasons To Patronise Them

According to Kailash Rabikissoon , “I highly recommend this company if you need your car serviced or repaired , the staff is very friendly and honest and they are well trained in what they do, i previously took my 335i to them for a service and I’m really impressed with their level of expertise and service”.

TK Komape commended their  Excellent customer  service.  “Clutch repair on the automatic Suzuki Dzire was  excellent. Car starter was also repaired and the car is 100%. They are professional and responsive. Recommended”

Elijah mc master “Wonderful Service treated me very well and assistance and hospitality is great.Definitely recommend this Car Service Company, Went for my Brake service and repair and am satisfied.Thank You So Much.

Services”

Shailin Naidu “Excellent service. Brought my Citroen C3 in with an overheating problem,went to multiple places and couldn’t find the cause. It’s finally sorted now”

Shakhin Dinna, “Perfect service, my car was repaired in time with excellent service from the employees”

Kaiyal Ramsamy, “Brought my citi golf in for an engine swap, pleased with the results. Thanks NAS and team”

Leigh Cooke, “Excellent service by NAS Team. Quick response, efficient repair and reasonable rates”

gloria kamana, “The service was amazing and quick

I was treated like a queen. I recommend you guys to try NAS”

Osaretin e “Dollar6ix” Asemota, “Job was perfect and service is excellent”

HRH Dennis Ainabel Iseghohimen is the Chief Executive Office of the popular Nicholas Auto Solutions in Johannesburg, South Africa. His accomplishment has made him excel amid his contemporaries.

The well-achieved engineer, HRH Dennis is also the founder of the broken wall foundation, where he caters for aged men and women in the society, in terms of welfare and shelter. However, In South Africa, he is also a strong supporter of Nelson Mandela’s foundation.

Over the years, His Royal Highness Dennis Iseghohimen has been putting smiles on the faces of people around through his foundation, the Repairer of Broken Wall Foundation, whose responsibility is to help those aged from the age of sixty and above in his community in Edo State, Nigeria. The foundation has been in the front runner to empower people with their challenges.

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ZENITH BANK REWARDS HACKATHON WINNERS WITH N77.5M CASH PRIZE AT ZENITH TECH FAIR 4.0

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ZENITH BANK REWARDS HACKATHON WINNERS WITH N77.5M CASH PRIZE AT ZENITH TECH FAIR 4.0

 

A total sum of N77.5 million in prize money was won at the end of a keenly contested hackathon session at the Fourth Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 4.0: Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI “, which held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The prize money was shared among ten finalists who emerged from the over 1,700 contestants that took part in the hackathon, with JumpnPass, a self-checkout technology solution reshaping the retail landscape in Africa emerging as the overall winner and taking home the grand prize of N25 million. This is in addition to a six-week mentorship and incubation program designed to help them grow and scale effectively, which will run from December 2024 to February 2025.

The first runner-up, CreditChek, a credit and verification service provider which leverages AI and open banking to streamline income and credit history verification for financial institutions, won N20 million and a mentorship programme, while the second runner-up, Salad Africa, a start-up which offers seamless integration of credit products for digital platforms and software companies won N15 million as well as a mentorship programme. Other finalists who took home N2.5million each include Regxta, CashAfrica, Middleman, Messenger, Pocketfood, Famasi Africa, Kitovu.

Earlier during the programme, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, in her welcome address expressed her appreciation to the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, for birthing the idea that led to the establishment of the Tech Fair initiative 5 years ago, she thanked him for his vision and foresight in utilizing technology to revolutionize the world of business and banking.

Commenting on the Hackathon, she said, “This prestigious annual event was created to empower and nurture young fertile minds. We hope to produce the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk from the Zenith Bank Hackathons in the nearest future. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, 70% of Nigeria’s population are youths which is an economic asset when properly harnessed. This is part of the reason why Zenith Bank is hosting this event to support the development of technology startups. Their success not only fosters innovation and growth in Nigeria, but it also plays a vital role in creating employment opportunities for our youth.” She also stressed on the importance of innovation and embedded finance in ensuring strong and enduring institutions. According to her, “it is paramount that we adapt and adopt technology to stay ahead of the curve. We have seen various cases of companies that failed because of their lack of innovation. It is quite obvious that when companies fail to innovate; they can easily be displaced, so this is not the time to be orthodox, innovation should be a top priority for us.”

In his goodwill message, The Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu called for a global approach to doing business in the country. According to him, “What we need to do is to be able to enhance our product and services in order to compete in the world. We can’t continue to act local, we need to think global. Anything that we’re doing now, we need to be able to know that we are not just serving a local market, we actually want to serve the global market, and that’s why I’m glad that consistently, for the past four years, I have kept up with the Zenith Tech Fair. I am sure 5.0 should be bigger and better than what we have today, but for us as a government, what we need to do is to continue to use platforms like this to reassure you of our readiness to provide an enabling environment for your ideas and innovative solutions.”

Described as a huge success by participants, the Fair featured the launch of the bank’s digital wallet, EazyByZenith, which will help to support the bank’s retail and financial inclusion strategy. The fair also included presentations on the leading technological innovations that cut across different aspects of life, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Compliance, Financial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Communication Technologies, with the keynote address, “Banking Transformation in a Digital World”, delivered by Robin Speculand, a renowned Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist.

The event also featured goodwill messages by Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank; His Excellency, Hon. Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the Presidency on Economic Matters). Other eminent IT practitioners from top global brands who also made presentations include; Robin Speculand, renowned Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist; Danilo McGarry, Global Expert on Digital Transformation and AI; Jania Okwechime, Partner, Africa, AI & Data Leader, Deloitte; Rupert Nicolay, Director, Microsoft Worldwide Financial Services.

The panel session had Wole Odeyele, Client Technology Lead for Microsoft Inc. as its host, and featured six discussants including Ada Jabaru, Founder & Director, Nistad Limited; Funke Opeke, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MainOne; Guy Futi, Chief Executive Officer, Orda; Dr Auwal Adam Sa’ad, Founder, ZamzamPay; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General/Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The Zenith Bank startup pitch competition and incubation program seeks to identify and fast-track the growth of high-potential Nigerian startups innovating in key sectors, including Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity, Fintech, HealthTech, Agritech, E-commerce, and more. The program provides an ideal platform for startups to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and gain access to invaluable resources to scale their businesses.

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NEW BPP DG COMMITS TO EFFICIENCY AND STAFF WELFARE FOR IMPACTFUL SERVICE DELIVERY

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NEW BPP DG COMMITS TO EFFICIENCY AND STAFF WELFARE FOR IMPACTFUL SERVICE DELIVERY*

*_…begins review of bureau processes to enhance government procurement systems_*

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has outlined his vision to drive efficiency, enhance staff welfare, and reinforce the Bureau’s regulatory mandate in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope mandate and his commitment to improving Nigeria’s economy. This was made known during an interactive session with staff of the Bureau at the State House Banquet Hall on November 20, 2024. Dr Adedokun emphasised the urgency of delivering results as well as improving trust in the government procurement system to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, declaring, “Let us work together to get value for money for Nigeria’s developmental processes and achieve President Tinubu’s mandate of making Nigeria’s economy better.”

Furthermore, in a bid to strengthen operational efficiency, the DG also announced key reforms, including introducing Service Level Agreements for the bureau’s processes ensuring that letters are treated within 3 (three) days, and ensuring reports are completed within 14 (fourteen) days. He also highlighted plans to secure a sustainable budget that would improve the working environment and provide better welfare for staff.

Dr Adedokun firmly stated the Bureau’s resolve to uphold its regulatory integrity under his watch. He warned that officers are prohibited from visiting Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) unless on official assignments stressing the need for officers of the Bureau to stay above board. He further declared that contractors are no longer allowed within the Bureau’s premises to ensure that officers can perform their duties without undue interference and influence.

Calling for a collaborative approach, the DG urged staff to embody the Bureau’s regulatory values by adhering to procurement guidelines, avoiding delays, and striving for excellence. “As a regulator, you must be seen to be guided by the procurement process,” he stated. He assured the team of an open-door policy, encouraging innovative ideas that could propel the Bureau to greater heights.

The session also featured a visit from former DG, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, OFR, FNSE, who led the Bureau from 2009 to 2016. Engr. Ezeh commended President Tinubu for appointing Dr Adedokun and urged staff to provide their full support to the new leadership. He encouraged staff to focus on leaving a legacy of excellence, saying, “Work in a way that you will be celebrated wherever you go in life.”

Senior Directors, including Engr. Nasir Bello and Engr. Isaiah Yesufu reiterated the importance of supporting the DG’s vision while emphasizing adherence to the Bureau’s operational guidelines. Staff also welcomed the session, sharing their perspectives on improving the Bureau’s operations and pledging their support for the new leadership.

In a related development, Dr Adedokun sought collaboration with the Presidential Office of Digital Engagement and Strategy (PODES) led by its Head, Mr O’tega Ogra, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital/New Media, during a courtesy visit to his office on November 21, 2024. The DG emphasized the need to enhance the Bureau’s public engagement and visibility in line with the all-of-government communications approach being espoused by the PODES.

Mr Ogra congratulated Dr Adedokun on his appointment and highlighted the key role BPP plays in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda. O’tega further expressed his commitment to collaborating with the Bureau in amplifying its communication efforts and ensuring Nigerians understand and appreciate its critical role in national governance.

Dr Adedokun’s leadership marks a new chapter for the Bureau of Public Procurement, focused on accountability, efficiency, and impactful service delivery. His vision aligns seamlessly with the Federal Government’s goals of economic transformation and sustainable development as well as President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

Janet McDickson
Director, Information & Public Relations/Head, Media-BPP

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