Business

No better time than now for 24-hr port operations — Ministers, others

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2025

• It will help realisation of $1 trillion economy by 2031, says FIRS chairman

There can be no better time than now for the take-off of the National Single Window initiative aimed at eliminating bureaucratic delays in export and import processes to boost trade efficiency and enhance economic growth.

This was the consensus of stakeholders and industry experts at the opening of a three-day workshop on the presidential initiative called the National Single Window project launched by President Bola Tinubu in April, 2024.

The stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, Managing Director, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and others are optimistic about the potentiality of the project fast-tracking the realisation of $1 trillion economy.

Speaking at the National Single Window forum at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday, Oyetola said the initiative would significantly reduce the cost of doing business in the country and eliminate sharp practices in trade processes.

“As highlighted by the World Bank, the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports can be up to 40 percent higher than in other West African countries due to delays and administrative bottlenecks, leading to an estimated annual revenue loss of ₦2.5 trillion within the business community.

“However, the implementation of the Single Window System can enhance efficiency, potentially reducing these costs by at least 25 percent. By streamlining operations, improving transparency, and minimizing delays, the system not only drives cost savings but also strengthens overall trade facilitation.

“The cumulative impact across all areas—including reduced costs, enhanced efficiency, and greater transparency—ultimately contributes to the overall ease of doing business.

“We are advancing multimodal connectivity by improving road, rail, and inland waterway links to and from the ports. These improvements aim to reduce transportation costs, enhance logistics, and boost trade.

“For example, the Ministry in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, cleared the age-long Apapa – Tincan – Mile 2 traffic for landside operations and provided tugboats, mooring boats, pilot cutters, bollards, and fenders across all port locations for effective seaside operations.

“We maximised crane productivity and ensured a reduced transit time for vessels and trucks. These led to a reduction in both the vessel and truck turn-around times. The vessel turn-around-time went down from an average of seven days to an average of five days, while truck turn-around-time went from an average of 10 days to a few hours. But we are not resting on our oars, as our ultimate goal is to make Nigeria the hub of maritime in West Africa,” the Minister said.

In her own address, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Oduwole, stressed that the establishment of a National Single Window system for trade is not merely a policy objective but “a transformative reform that will fundamentally redefine the way trade is conducted across our borders.”

“Our single window project will provide a centralized digital platform for traders to submit, process, and access trade-related documentation- eliminating corruption through improved transparency, reducing administrative burdens, and significantly
enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

“Many of you will recall that in my previous capacities in the Presidency, I have
been part and parcel of the NSW project since 2016. The time for delivery is now!

“Under President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, economic growth and job creation are key priorities. The NSW will play a significant role in achieving these goals,” she said.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Finance, Dr Uzoka-Anite, stressed that the initiative would not only enhance ease of doing business in the country but also attract foreign direct investment.

“In Indonesia their NSW programme was launched in 2007 to simplify trade, and since then they have achieved significant reduced clearance time. The average time for cargo clearance at ports dropped from seven days to just three days, traders saved millions of dollars annually through reduced administrative costs and delays.

“In 2014 Vietnam introduced its NSW as a part of broader trade facilitation reforms. The programme enhanced trade efficiency by streamlining interaction with over 20 government agencies, reducing paperwork, and manual processes.

“This in turn led to improved compliance and led to increased customs revenue. This ease of trading facilitated by their NSW helped Vietnam increase exports, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture. Such a similar impact would be significant for Nigeria as we continue to build our foreign reserves and strengthen the Naira.

“Here in Africa Rwanda established its NSW in 2012 to promote regional and international trade which has since resulted in speedier border crossing times which decreased by 50 percent thus boosting the movement of goods in Rwanda.

“The NSW reforms contributed to Rwanda becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and improved Rwanda’s trade within the East African Community (EAC),” the Minister said.

According to the FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, the project would contribute hugely to the realization of a $1 trillion economy by 2031 as envisioned by President Tinubu.

“The National Single Window project represents a pivotal stride in Nigeria’s journey towards economic transformation. For too long, Nigeria’s trade facilitation processes have been hampered by a complex web of bureaucratic hurdles, characterized by cumbersome and inefficient procedures, leading to significant delays at the ports, increased costs of doing business, and a substantial erosion of Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“This has resulted in substantial revenue losses to the country, reduction in foreign direct investments, and hindered the full realization of our nation’s economic potential.

“I believe by establishing an integrated platform that seamlessly connects all the critical actors- seaports, airports, free trade zones, government agencies, financial institutions, and the private sector – we are set to revolutionise the way we conduct international trade.”

“Now is the moment for Nigeria to establish itself as a leading trade hub on the African continent by implementing a robust and efficient National Single Window system,” Adedeji said.

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Custom Service, Bashir Adeniyi, who was represented, said the concept was not new to Nigeria as similar efforts had been made in the past, suggesting ways to overcome the challenged that stunted similar efforts in the past.

“Over the years, we have witnessed various efforts aimed at integrating government agencies, streamlining processes, and fostering efficiency in trade facilitation.

“However, these attempts have been fraught with challenges, ranging from fragmented technological systems and institutional silos to misaligned stakeholder expectations and inadequate physical a n d technological infrastructure.

“While these obstacles have slowed our progress, they have also provided invaluable lessons that shape the roadmap for future s u c c e s s.

“To succeed, we must embrace a singular purpose backed by unwavering
governmental resolve, ensuring that the Single Window is not perceived as the sole
mandate but as a national strategy supported by all stakeholders, including the
private sector, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies.

“The centrality of Customs in this ecosystem is undeniable, but success requires a symbiotic relationship where each stakeholder plays its part with precision and commitment,” he said.

Managing Director of NPA, Dr Dantsoho, emphasised the need for all stakeholders to work in unity to achieve the goal of the project.

He referenced the one stop shop initiative as demonstrating the possibility for government agencies to collaborate and work in harmony with zero tolerance for delays in service delivery and timely interventions without bottle necks.

Speaking earlier, the Head of NSW Secretariat, Mr. Tola Fakolade, said the project will simplify the ways things are being done, adding that NSW was first implemented in Singapore and also used in Djibouti, Kenya and others and where it recorded successes.

Fakolade said the first phase of the project would start this year with training and testing, saying his office expects cooperation from all stakeholders.

Business

Is It Safe to Invest in Lagos Real Estate? Here’s What You Must Know by Dennis Isong

Published

2 days ago

May 11, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Is It Safe to Invest in Lagos Real Estate? Here’s What You Must Know by Dennis Isong

In 2018, Chinedu bought a plot of land in Ibeju-Lekki for ₦600,000. At the time, his friends laughed. “Na bush you go buy?” they teased. Even Chinedu had doubts, especially after struggling to locate the land twice. But he had a gut feeling and decided to take the risk.

Fast forward to 2024, Chinedu got a call from a developer building around the Lekki Free Trade Zone. They were interested in acquiring his plot. The offer? ₦8.5 million. He thought it was a joke—until the cheque cleared.

“I almost sold that land two years ago for ₦1.2 million because I was broke,” he told me, shaking his head with a smile. “But something told me to wait.”

Today, that same bush has a tarred road, power poles, and new buildings sprouting like mushrooms. The value keeps rising, and Chinedu is already scouting for his next plot—this time in Epe.

His only regret?
“I wish I bought three plots instead of one.”

That’s Lagos real estate for you. It looks like nothing at first—but if you play your cards right, it could be the best decision of your life.

Let’s not beat around the bush—Lagos real estate is hot cake. Everyone seems to be talking about it, whispering about one land deal in Epe or a smart investment in Ibeju-Lekki. The conversations are endless, and so are the questions. But the one that keeps bouncing from one corner of the room to another is this:

Is it really safe to invest in Lagos real estate?

Well, short answer? Yes.
But let’s not stop at “yes.” This is Lagos. Nothing is ever that simple. Before you pull out your wallet or empty your savings app, you need to know a few things that the billboards won’t tell you.

First, Why Is Everyone Rushing to Invest in Lagos Real Estate?

If Lagos were a person, it would be that loud, fast-talking cousin who always seems to have money flowing from one hustle or the other. Lagos is not just a city—it’s a mood, a movement, a madness that somehow makes financial sense.

It’s the commercial heartbeat of Nigeria. And where the heart beats, money flows.

From tech bros in Yaba to deep-pocket oil boys in Lekki, everyone is looking for where to park their money, and land is the new bank. Real estate in Lagos has become the golden goose for the smart investor. And why not? Land here doesn’t sleep—it appreciates, sometimes with the arrogance of a billionaire who knows he can’t fail.

But Wait—Is It Safe?

Now, this is where it gets interesting. Lagos isn’t Disneyland. It’s not all shiny buildings and smiling agents. The truth is, there are landmines in the system—some figurative, some legal, and some spiritual (ask anyone who’s ever mistakenly bought “Omonile land”).

Yet, thousands of people are making solid money from it. Some have even become landlords from buying land they never visited. How is this possible?
It all comes down to how you invest, where you invest, and who you’re dealing with.

The Shaky Past, The Bright Future

Let’s be honest: Lagos has had its fair share of land drama. The tales are plenty—fake documents, family land disputes, sudden demolitions. These stories are scary, yes, but they’re not the full picture.

Over the years, the Lagos real estate sector has matured, especially with government regulations, better documentation processes, and real estate firms who are finally doing things the right way. This is not 1997 when you could buy land and discover later that the “agent” was actually a carpenter with a borrowed suit.

Today, with a bit of caution and proper due diligence, you can invest in Lagos real estate and sleep well at night—like a baby who just signed a deed of assignment.

Lagos Is Expanding—And That’s a Clue

One thing that gives Lagos real estate its strong appeal is urban sprawl. The Lagos of today is not the Lagos of 10 years ago. Places like Sangotedo, Epe, and Ibeju-Lekki used to be jokes in property circles. Now? They’re punchlines of profit.

The Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Lekki Free Trade Zone are not just projects—they’re magnets. Land prices in these areas are not sitting still. They’re running marathons. If you blink, the same land you ignored in 2022 could be worth double in 2025.

So yes, investing in Lagos real estate now may look like buying “bush,” but you know what they say—today’s bush is tomorrow’s Banana Island.

Let’s Talk About Risk (Because You Should Know)

Is there risk? Of course. This is Nigeria. There’s risk in crossing the road. But guess what? Risk is also where the money hides.

The key to safe investment is not avoiding Lagos real estate—it’s knowing the game and playing it with sense. Don’t go in blindly. Don’t let “cheap” deceive you. And please, don’t collect land documents on the back of a recharge card.

Use registered surveyors. Work with legit companies. In fact, if the deal sounds like it fell from heaven, double-check that the land isn’t under water. Lagos doesn’t forgive carelessness.

So, Is It Worth It?

If you’re still asking that question, you haven’t met someone who bought land in Ibeju-Lekki at ₦500k five years ago and just sold it for ₦7 million.

You haven’t heard the story of the woman who bought three plots in Badagry when nobody was looking, and now developers are begging to buy just one for a small fortune.

The truth is, Lagos real estate is like plantain. It may look green today, but give it time—it will ripen beautifully.

Final Word (and A Small Nudge)

If you’re waiting for Lagos to be “perfect” before you invest, you might be waiting forever. Lagos is not perfect. It’s not even pretending to be. But guess what? Its imperfections are where the opportunities hide.

While you’re hesitating, others are buying. And while you’re analyzing, someone else is acquiring. At some point, you’ll look around and realize that the same land you ignored is now behind a gate with a ₦1,000,000 price tag just to inspect it.

So, is it safe to invest in Lagos real estate? Absolutely—if you do it wisely.
Ask questions. Partner with people who know what they’re doing. Don’t rush, but don’t wait forever.

And if you need a guide, someone to help you navigate this crazy but profitable world of Lagos property, you already know who to call.
Yes, it’s me—Dennis Isong, your Lagos Realtor Extraordinaire.

STOP LOSING MONEY IN LAGOS REAL ESTATE!
Protect your investment with due diligence.
Visit: LandProperty.ng/free

Bank

Fidelity Bank grows PBT by 167.8% to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025

Published

4 days ago

May 9, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Fidelity Bank grows PBT by 167.8% to N105.8 billion in Q1 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – May 1, 2025 – Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading Tier-1 financial institutions, has announced a remarkable financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, recording a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N105.8 billion, representing an impressive growth of 167.8% compared to N39.5 billion in Q1 2024.

The bank’s unaudited financial statements, released on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on April 30, 2025, highlight a substantial increase in Gross Earnings, which rose to N315.4 billion, marking a year-on-year growth of 64.2% from N192.1 billion in the same period last year. Growth in interest income was primarily led by 38.6% yoy (7.4% ytd) expansion in earning assets base, while the increase in non -interest revenue came from FX-related income, trade and commission on banking services, etc., supported by increased customer transactions.

Commenting on the bank’s performance, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, stated, “We started the year with triple-digit growth in profit and sustained the momentum in our earning assets growth. This performance shows the resilience of our business model and reinforces our confidence in delivering a better result in the 2025 financial year.”

Other areas of the unaudited financial statements, equally show a marked improvement with Total Deposits growing by 11.1% ytd to N6.6tn from N5.9tn in December 2024, driven by 10.6% ytd growth in low-cost deposits to N6.1tn, which represents 92.2% of total customer deposits. Local currency deposits increased by 2.0% ytd while foreign currency deposits increased by 21.4% from $1.9bn in December 2024 to $2.3bn.

Net Loans and Advances increased by 5.0% ytd to N4.6tn. The growth in the bank’s Loan Book was skewed to LCY Loans as cost of risk declined to 0.6% from 1.5% in 2024FY.

“Beginning the year with such positive momentum reinforces our commitment to supporting the growth of individuals and businesses, while enhancing our financial sustainability. As we go into the rest of the year, we remain focused on building a resilient banking franchise with a diversified earnings base,” Onyeali-Ikpe added.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Business

GTCO vs. Very Dark Man: Why Nigerians Must Stop the Judgment of Emotions

Published

1 week ago

May 4, 2025

Sahara Weekly

GTCO vs. Very Dark Man: Why Nigerians Must Stop the Judgment of Emotions

By Osho Oluwatosin

The internet has literally been on ‘fire’ since Friday following the arrest of self-acclaimed Nigerian activist, Martins Vincent, also known as Very Dark Man. He was reportedly picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for reasons yet unknown.

While it’s not the first time VeryDarkMan or any prominent Nigerian would be arrested by the EFCC — a government agency not under the authority of any private organization — it seems some Nigerians are passionately trying to push a narrative that his arrest was orchestrated by one of Nigeria’s biggest financial institutions, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).

Although this narrative isn’t far-fetched — VDM had criticized the bank due to ‘mysterious’ deductions from his mother’s bank account for unjustifiable reasons. He approached the bank’s branch in Abuja to make an official complaint and, afterwards, he was picked up by the EFCC. But what many Nigerians have failed to realize is GTCO may not even be involved in his arrest.

VeryDarkMan was seen in the bank, quite alright, but in a CCTV released by the bank, he was seen moving out of the bank when he finished. He even had a celebrity moment with some of his followers who took pictures with him before he was arrested. So I’m wondering, what has GTB got to do with his arrest? That someone got knocked down by a vehicle after leaving church, does it mean the church orchestrated the accident? That someone got attacked after leaving a lecture room, does it mean the lecturer orchestrated it? That someone even got attacked in a courtroom, does it mean the judge orchestrated it? Absolutely not.

Although it would have been better if the EFCC had come out to clear the air regarding the reason for VDM’s arrest, because in the absence of information, rumours are bound to thrive. In fact, the commission should have actually released a statement regarding these rumours, not to vindicate GTB, but to keep Nigerians informed.

Let’s even think about it logically: what can warrant GTCO to order VDM’s arrest by the EFCC? Did he defraud GTCO? Did he steal from a GTB customer? Did he launder money through a GTB account? These are questions that should be asked before passing judgments. But Nigerians are always emotional when it comes to issues like this, and that’s why people who are culpable in serious crimes get away with anything as long as they get involved in charity or activism.

GTCO has been a very friendly organization, and in 2024 alone, the bank paid a record dividend of N8 per share. The bank is happy, shareholders are happy, customers are happy — who is Very Dark Man?

Osho Oluwatosin is a Nigerian journalist and writes from Lagos.