Truecaller, the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication, today launched travel eSIM. The launch marks Truecaller’s move into mobile data services, broadening the platform beyond caller ID and spam protection, and for the first time adding digital consumables to the portfolio.
500 million people already trust Truecaller with their daily communication. Travel eSIM extends that relationship to international travel – a category where users routinely overpay for connectivity or arrive at their destination disconnected.
Travel eSIM is a fully digital mobile data service that activates in minutes and offers plans from 1 GB over 7 days to 20 GB over 30 days. Customers can buy travel eSIM in 29 markets at launch, through the Truecaller iPhone app or on the web at Truecaller.com. The web opens the product to compatible Android devices from day one. Coverage works globally, so travelers buy at home and stay connected wherever they go.
Fredrik Kjell, COO at Truecaller, says: “I am delighted that Truecaller is launching an eSIM travel data product for our users. Truecaller is a trusted communications brand worldwide, and with our scale, we can offer a great product at a competitive price. We are rolling this out on our iPhone app and the web channel, and look forward to expanding on our Android app and adding support for additional markets. Today marks the first step in offering adjacent communication products to our massive user base.”
Travel eSIM is currently available to purchase in: Italy, Sweden, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Austria, Finland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of Customs and Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Adewale Adeniyi, made history on Monday, 23 March 2026, as he delivered the keynote address at the opening of the 46th Session of the WCO Enforcement Committee held at the organisation’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The milestone event marked the first time in the Committee’s 43-year history that its opening session was jointly addressed by both the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the Council Chairperson. This unprecedented development not only underscored the growing strategic relevance of the Enforcement Committee but also positioned the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the centre of a defining moment in global Customs cooperation.
The session further highlighted a major shift in the Committee’s operational outlook, transitioning from a predominantly enforcement-focused platform to a policy-driven body addressing a wider spectrum of contemporary challenges. These include detection technologies, intelligence sharing, supply chain integrity, and trade-based money laundering, all within a more structured and forward-looking framework. The ongoing review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference, last updated in 2009, reflects efforts to align its governance with the realities of an increasingly complex global trade environment.
In his keynote address, the Comptroller-General commended Customs administrations worldwide for their sustained efforts to combat transnational organised crime. He emphasised the evolving nature of threats within global supply chains and the urgent need for coordinated, intelligence-led enforcement approaches. “Customs enforcement today is no longer about isolated seizures, it is about protecting the integrity of global trade,” he stated.
As part of its contribution to the session, the NCS is expected to present field-level perspectives on fragile border management, drawing from its operational experience as a frontline administration within one of Africa’s most demanding border environments. These insights are expected to enrich ongoing global discourse and strengthen policy considerations within the enforcement community.
The Comptroller-General concluded his address with a call for deeper collaboration among Customs administrations, noting that “when Customs administrations work together, enforcement becomes stronger, trade becomes safer, and the global economy becomes more resilient.” On the margins of the session, delegates witnessed a live demonstration of drone technology by the Netherlands Customs team, illustrating the growing role of unmanned systems in modern border surveillance.
In furtherance of its commitment to strengthening institutional integrity and aligning with global best practices in customs administration, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened its engagement with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programmme.
This followed a high-level meeting held at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on 23 March 2026, during a working visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who also serves as the Chairperson of the WCO Council.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the A-CIP Team to brief the Comptroller-General on the progress of its ongoing collaboration with the NCS.
Discussions centred on integrity capacity-building initiatives, the development of integrity-focused standard operating procedures, and the planned conduct of an integrity risk assessment exercise in 2026. The team also outlined its strategic priorities under Phase II of the Programme (2026–2030), which places emphasis on embedding integrity safeguards within automated customs systems, trade facilitation frameworks, and revenue administration processes.
Furthermore, the A-CIP team commended the NCS for its active participation in the WCO integrity survey and for approving the release of the survey outcomes, a step that reflects a strong institutional commitment to transparency and accountability. The positive outcomes of the survey underscore the impact of ongoing reforms within the Service, including structured valuation review mechanisms, strengthened post-clearance audit processes, and the implementation of the Voluntary Disclosure Framework under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General expressed appreciation to the A-CIP team for the quality and relevance of its engagement with the Service, reiterating the NCS’s resolve to sustain and deepen the partnership. Both parties acknowledged that institutional integrity remains a critical pillar for building public trust and enhancing the credibility of customs administrations, particularly in an increasingly complex global trade environment.
Building on the outcomes of the meeting, both sides agreed on a set of forward-looking actions to consolidate progress under the A-CIP Programme. These include publishing the WCO integrity survey results to demonstrate transparency, establishing and training a dedicated Implementation Working Group, and systematically integrating survey recommendations into NCS operational and business processes.
In a separate development, the Comptroller-General also held a strategic meeting with the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders and relevant secretariat staff, during which both sides exchanged updates on the work of the Policy Commission and Council.
The President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr Mike Dada, joined leading cultural and creative industry experts from across the world to discuss the future of Africa’s cultural sector at the 3rd Moroccan Forum of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) in Rabat, Morocco.
The event, which took place from December 11 to 14, 2025, was organised under the ‘High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’ and hosted by the HIBA Foundation, a cultural organisation established by the King to support the growth of Morocco’s creative economy.
This year’s forum brought together policymakers, investors, cultural operators, academics, and creative professionals from countries including Senegal, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Belgium, Germany, France, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Quebec. Over four days, they examined how African countries can strengthen their cultural ecosystems and increase the economic value of their creative industries.
Mr. Dada, a lawyer, Public Relations Consultant and creative economy expert who represented AFRIMA and the African music sector, joined a major panel session titled “Towards a Pan-African Federation of Cultural Operators: What lessons can be drawn from past experiences, and how can we project forward?” The conversation focused on how African countries can share knowledge, build stronger partnerships, and promote cultural exchange across borders.
During the discussion, Mr Dada highlighted AFRIMA’s work with the African Union and how the awards platform has helped to project African music to a global audience. He also stressed the need for investment, training, and collaboration to grow the continent’s cultural industries and provide more opportunities for young creatives.
He said, “Africa’s creative industry is not just growing; it is becoming a powerful economic force. What we need now is stronger cooperation across the continent, better policies, and sustainable investment. If we can achieve that, our cultural sector will contribute far more to national development than it does today.
“This forum gives us the platform to exchange ideas, learn from global partners, and build a shared vision for African culture. Conversations like this help us understand what is working, what needs to change, and how we can move forward together as one creative continent.
“Through AFRIMA, we continue to promote African music to the world, support young creatives, and strengthen partnerships between countries. Our goal is to make sure African talent is visible, respected, exposed to global opportunities and celebrated everywhere.”
As part of the event, Mr Dada attended a special reception hosted by the Ambassador of France to Morocco, Mr Christophe Lecourtier, on December 12, where cultural leaders interacted and explored new partnership opportunities.
AFRIMA is Africa’s global music awards platform established in 2014 by the International Committee AFRIMA and the African Union (AU) to celebrate, reward, and promote Africa’s diverse musical talents and rich cultural heritage globally, and its 9th Edition is scheduled to hold on January 7-11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event is broadcast live in more than 84 countries around the world.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Akpevwe Ogboru, a trailblazing officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, has finally returned home after completing an extraordinary 72-day motorbike journey from Nigeria to Belgium and back.
Ogboru, who embarked on the adventurous trip on 1, August 2025, returned on Saturday, 11 October 2025, and was warmly received at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post by senior officers, including the host Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, alongside other Area Controllers within Zone A.
Beaming with joy and gratitude, AC Ogboru recounted the highs and lows of her journey, which spanned 22 countries across Africa and Europe.
“It’s been 72 days in 22 countries, and I’m happy to be finally back. I just like to stay on the positive side of life. Every time I move, I move with positivity. When challenges came, I prayed about it. Sometimes the bike would only have a little issue when it arrived in the country, so I would just be able to do a little”, she said.
She explained that her journey was inspired by a mission to encourage women to pursue their dreams fearlessly, despite opposition or doubt from others.
“This ride was for women’s inclusivity and the empowerment of the girl-child. It’s to encourage all women and to tell them, be strong, don’t be discouraged, do anything that you set your mind to do, do it, and don’t allow anybody to discourage you. Because sometimes when you listen to people, you become afraid, and when fear comes in, it cripples you; you are not able to do anything, but when you go and move with that positivity, everything moves on, and it’s fine”, she noted.
Ogboru named her motorcycle Rocky, describing it as a symbol of endurance and resilience. She also expressed hope that her cross-continental experience would strengthen Africa–Europe relations and inspire collaborative growth.
“My prayer is that this ride will bring about positivity and meaningful impact”, she said. “Africa and Europe can do better. We have things to learn from each other, and I hope this experience encourages progress on both sides.”
Welcoming her at the Seme border, Comptroller Wale Adenuga commended AC Ogboru for her bravery and dedication, describing her feat as an inspiration to the Service and a reflection of the leadership values of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC).
“We have a CGC who believes in inclusivity and empowerment. She said many people discouraged her, but the CGC stood by her. That shows we have leadership that encourages boldness and innovation. With this achievement, she has put Nigeria on the world map, and I believe trade facilitation will become better with the CGC’s vision.”
AC Akpevwe Ogboru becomes the first female Nigeria Customs Service officer to embark on and complete such a journey, a feat that has earned her admiration and applause across the Service.
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has commended SIFAX Group for its strategic importance and the excellent service that has become the hallmark of the business conglomerate.
This recognition was given during the presentation of a “Certificate of Merit” to the company by WCO during this year’s International Customs Day celebration in Abuja, Nigeria, with the theme “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.”
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. WCO works on customs-related matters including the development of international conventions, instruments, and tools on topics such as commodity classification, valuation, rules of origin, collection of customs revenue, supply chain, security, and international trade facilitation, among others.
SIFAX Group is one of the few organisations recognized from Nigeria by WCO at the event.
The award was presented by the Chief of Defence of Staff, General Christopher Musa.
According to Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary General, the honour was bestowed on the company “for rendering exceptional service to the international Customs community.”
While responding to this recognition, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group lauded both WCO and the Nigeria Customs Service for identifying and honouring the critical role the company has played in facilitating trade globally in its over three decades of operations.
He said: “SIFAX Group has received different awards from stakeholders and governments all around the world, but this honour is special because of the critical role WCO plays in supporting customs administrations globally to facilitate trade and deliver efficient services.
“SIFAX Group has over the years developed a culture of excellent service, stakeholder management, relationship building and community impact for the overall good of the business ecosystem. We are glad that our impact is felt and rewarded not only in Nigeria but globally. We want to thank WCO for this honour and promise this will spur us to up our game in meeting and exceeding expectations in quality service delivery and societal impact.”
Afolabi also lauded the Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Wale Adeniyi, for his exceptional leadership that has resulted in unprecedented achievements by the Service since he assumed office.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has lauded the collaboration between SIFAX Shipping and ECU Worldwide, describing it as a venture capable of boosting the nation’s export capacity and earnings.
Mr. Arnold Jackson, Director, State Offices Coordinating Department, NEPC said this at the 2024 edition of the International Business Conference & Expo, hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the theme “Invest Nigeria.”
The two-day event, which was held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted key stakeholders and investors from around the globe, interested in investing in Nigeria.
Jackson, who described the partnership as ‘laudable’, further noted that the availability of less-than-container-load (LCL) services would make Nigerian products more competitive in the global market, thereby increasing the country’s export volume and foreign exchange earnings.
He further assured both SIFAX Shipping and ECU Worldwide that NEPC would promote the service to exporters the agency works with, in a bid to support their export ambitions as well as improve the country’s export volume.
It would be recalled that the first LCL vessel departed the shores of Lagos for Antwerp, Belgium, on Saturday, August 2024. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first of such service in the country.
Commenting on the landmark event, Head of Groupage at SIFAX Shipping, Mr. Adekunle Owobamirin noted that the partnership was a product of the Group’s commitment to providing business solutions capable of positively impacting the nation’s economy.
He added that the LCL export service will also support small-scale business owners and help them in reducing costs.
In his words, “This partnership with ECU Worldwide is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and world-class logistics solutions that will enhance Nigeria’s trade capacity and competitiveness on the global stage.
“The introduction of LCL export services will provide Nigerian exporters with more options, reduce logistics costs, and ultimately contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. The first vessel has sailed successfully, and we are looking at supporting Nigerian small and medium-scale businesses to export their products to major markets around the world.”
International break? No problem. It’s still non-stop football around the globe. The big football stars will be representing their countries in international friendly matches and tournament qualifiers. GOtv will be bringing you most of the action live on SuperSport. Below is a selection of intriguing fixtures you don’t want to miss:
England vs Brazil: This is always a big fixture no matter the nature of it. Brazil vs England is rich in history and even when termed a friendly, bragging rights are always at stake when they meet, and they will square up against one another on Saturday, March 23 at Wembley Stadium. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicious Junior, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, and Casemiro are expected to feature in the highly anticipated encounter. Tune in to GOtv ch 66, at 8 pm to enjoy the match.
Germany vs France: Here is another big friendly fixture that will parade a lot of football big names. Mbappe, Griezmann, Gúndoğan, Havertz, Sane, Rudiger, Adeyemi and several others are expected to feature when both sides take to the field on Saturday, at 9 pm, in GOtv ch 62.
Netherlands vs Germany, England vs Belgium: Tuesday, March 26, is another loaded day of international football, with another set of grade-A friendlies. England will host Belgium at Wembley, with kick-off set for 8:45 pm, while Netherlands will face Germany at the same time. Both matches will be live on SuperSport channels on GOtv.
Euro 2024 Qualifiers: There are still three Euro Championship tickets up for grabs. Twelve nations are jostling for the three spots and the deciding fixtures will all hold within this international break. Some of the matches will involve the likes of Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona, Zinchenko of Arsenal, Tsimikas of Liverpool and Napoli’s star man, Kvaratskhelia. Stay connected to GOtv Supa+ to catch all the action live.
Take advantage of the Step Up offer now to access more football options. You can upgrade your subscription via the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. You can also take the action with you on the go with GOtv Stream.
…other nations who are doing pretty much in developing rugby include: Belgium, Singapore, Ghana and Zambia
World Rugby has listed Nigeria as one of the six emerging rugby-playing nations that is experiencing strong growth in the sport.
According to recent statistics released by the WR, the other nations who are doing pretty much in developing rugby include: Belgium, Singapore, Ghana and Zambia.
Nigeria, until last year, was under ban by World Rugby over governmental interference before the President, Dr Ademola Are set machinery in motion to ensure that the ban is lifted.
Since then the federation has organized two referees and coaching programs to keep the stakeholders abreast of the rules and training tactics of the game with instructors coming from Rugby Africa and World Rugby.
The senior men national team, the Black Stallions, have also qualified for the final phase of Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualification holding in Zimbabwe this weekend after finishing second behind Algeria at pre Olympic qualifiers in Mauritius.
The federation has also gone ahead to organize National Women’s Rugby Sevens tournament in Asaba, Delta State where Edo State RFC defeated All Commers to emerge the champions.
Reacting to the recognition from world body, President of Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr Ademola Are said it is a pat on the back but stressed that there is so much to be done.
“Rugby can be as big as football in Nigeria and we want every Nigeria to play the game either male or female even as we need more support. With commendation from World Rugby, it shows we are on the right path and we will continue to do the needful” he said.
… Key officials from International Facility Management Association, Dubai Chamber, and Austrian Embassy, along with the organizers dmg events, grace the opening ceremony
Nigeria’s construction market has immense potential for growth, as it collaborates with international expertise to propel the industry forward. At this year’s Big 5 Construct Nigeria, which opened its doors yesterday and runs till 7 September 2023 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, local and international companies come together to support the development of upcoming and existing projects.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the event, where Eng. Sheriff Daramola,
Vice President of the International Facility Management Association was joined by Irene Oyarekhua, Chief Representative – Nigeria, Global Markets Sector at the Dubai Chamber; Barbara Lehninger, Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy; and Ben Greenish, Senior Vice President – Construction at dmg events.
“We are thrilled to open this year’s Big 5 Construct Nigeria to facilitate 8,000 buyers the chance to meet with exhibitors and procure cutting-edge construction materials, equipment, and services to streamline the supply chain and contribute to project efficiency. The event presents innovative technologies and sustainable practices, offering construction professionals in Nigeria the opportunity to readily integrate these solutions for the enhancement of their ongoing projects,” said Greenish.
The event features groundbreaking products and services under construction sectors such as building interiors, finishes, materials, and tools to HVAC R, solar solutions, urban design landscaping, MEP services, digital construction, smart buildings, and others. The blend of local and international exhibitors will provide a veritable platform for business engagements to over 140 exhibitors from 25 countries, including Nigeria, Germany, Belgium, Italy, UAE, Austria, Poland, Singapore, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, among others.
Among Nigerian exhibitors, Cormart Construction Chemicals shares innovative solutions for construction chemical products, while CDK Industries showcases its new collection of porcelain tiles to transform interior spaces. JMG, another exhibitor based in Lagos, showcases a holistic approach called ‘from power to plug’, emphasizing their unparalleled expertise in the realms of power, cooling, mobility, and air compressors.
European companies such as AGRU from Austria presents semi-finished products as well as technologically optimized injection-moulded fittings, while BRUCHA exhibits panels for the construction of cold and freezer warehouses, and large-scale industrial and agricultural buildings. Spain’s HIDROSTANK presents 100% recycled polypropylene pull boxes to enable faster execution reducing logistics, manpower and machinery through their Nigerian distributor, WNM Limited. France’s Saint-Gobain showcases light and sustainable construction products; Germany’s MASA, presents its specialization in the design and production of plants and machinery for the building materials industry; and BAUER, exhibits its construction & machinery manufacturing expertise.
Companies from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabian exhibitor, Al Kuhaimi Metal Industries showcases metal doors for industrial, security and military applications. Meanwhile, Roofings Middle East from the UAE supplies pre-engineered steel buildings and sandwich panels in the GCC and African markets.
The event is hosting CPD-accredited Industry Talks, with the opening day including Taiwo AIYEPE, Principal Architect at Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, shedding light on design considerations in tropical climates, while Dr. Iyanda Olukunle A, Founder and CEO of BROOT Consulting, explains why design is so crucial for shaping the future of construction.
Another prominent speaker, Architect Patrick Ogunleye from the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, discusses using innovation and efficiency as the keys to optimal productivity. Dr. Ibikunle Dashur, President and CEO of CONSTRUCT MACHE GROUP, shares insights on the importance of collaborative working in construction.
A panel discussion on the future of project management, moderated by Oluwalobamise Orafidiya, Junior Project Manager at the Project Management Institute, features panelists, Gbemi Ibrahim, Editorial Anchor and Head of Workforce Management and Academy at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Joel Makinde, Vice President of the Social Good Initiatives at the Project Management Institute; and Emmanuel Williams, COO of the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Company.
Don’t miss further CPD Talks at the event delving deeper into efficient project management, technology, architecture & design, and facilities management.
“Big 5 Construct Nigeria offers inspiration, education, and affiliation, with ample opportunities to connect, share ideas and ultimately realize the full potential of Nigeria’s thriving construction sector,” Greenish concludes.
Big 5 Construct Nigeria is sponsored by CDK Industries as the Platinum Sponsor, and Sana Group as the Lanyard Sponsor, with associations and organizations, including The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), BIM Africa, Project Management Institute (PMI) and OSH Association also supporting the event.
The most common countries remittances sent by our respondents were to the Philippines (18%), Nigeria (11.5%), Ghana (10.5%)
Research from WorldRemit, a leading global payments company, has found that people sending money from the US, the UK and Canada continue to adjust their remittance habits to a new way of living due to COVID-19.
The results from WorldRemit’s study of more than 3,000 of its customers paint a striking picture of the importance of remittances to the loved ones of immigrants, alongside the impact we know it has on the global economy. 68% of respondents sent money abroad at least monthly, with a further 28% sending multiple times a year.
The pandemic has had a significant effect on the amounts of money sent, particularly for the key reasons people send money abroad.
When asked to provide context to the reasons people send money home to loved ones, the most common were daily expenses, gifts, medical expenses, and education. As a result of COVID, people sent more money abroad for the following categories during 2021:
● 44% cited the amount they send for medical expenses has increased
● 41% cited the amount they send for daily expenses has increased
● 38% cited the amount they send for utilities increased
● 35% cited the amount they send for education increased
The most common countries remittances sent by our respondents were to the Philippines (18%), Nigeria (11.5%), Ghana (10.5%), which have all seen significant GDP growth – 4.5% in the Philippines,2 1.5% in Nigeria3 and 5.1% in Ghana.4 This trend is likely to continue as these countries continue to recover rapidly from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karen Jordaan, Head of UK at WorldRemit said: “We understand the unique challenges migrants face on a day-to-day basis when supporting loved ones overseas, whether it be helping to ensure their family members get access to medical care or have money to pay for basic cost of living expenses.
“WorldRemit understands the needs of our customers and strives to offer a safe, fast and convenient service. We are also encouraged by our customers and how they are investing in the future, namely education and new business ventures.”
To learn more about WorldRemit, or to see more results from the survey, please visit this website.
WorldRemit is a leading global payments company and, along with Sendwave, part of Zepz, a group powering two global payments brands.
The brand disrupted an industry previously dominated by offline legacy players by taking international money transfers online – making them safer, faster and lower-cost. The brand currently send from 50 countries to recipients in 130 countries and operate in more than 5,000 money transfer corridors worldwide and employs over 1,200 people globally.
On the sending side, WorldRemit is 100% digital (cashless), increasing convenience and enhancing security. For those receiving money, the company offers a wide range of options including bank deposit, cash collection, mobile airtime top-up and mobile money.
Backed by Accel, TCV and Leapfrog – WorldRemit’s headquarters are in London, United Kingdom with regional offices in the United States, Poland, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, Somaliland, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Belgium.
President Buhari should return to Nigeria from this AU-EU Summit in Brussels with a signed agreement that looks like this-
[1] Nigeria is willing to offer European Union (EU) member states observer status at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This is to facilitate massive investment in West Africa with an annual minimum target of $500bn
[2] Nigeria is offering free land and five-year tax holidays to European automobile manufacturers like Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo. We want each of them to open assembly and manufacturing plants in Nigeria employing at least 5,000 local people each.
[3] Any company from an EU nation that invests in a manufacturing facility in Nigeria employing at least 1,000 people will get a five-year tax holiday. In return, any state in Northern Nigeria where these investors build a manufacturing facility employing at least a thousand local people will be compelled by law to rescind its Sharia laws to accommodate their foreign workers.
[4] Shipping industries from across the EU are welcome to open at least one shipyard in the Niger Delta to manufacture vessels for global distribution. Nigeria will offer them a 99-year lease to do this
[5] On an annual basis, each EU nation will take in 50,000 Nigerian graduates to train them up to international standards in manufacturing, management, and commerce
[6] Power and steel companies will be given unprecedented sweeteners when they invest in Nigeria. If they invest over $10m and employ in excess of 1,000 Nigerians, they will be offered five-year tax holidays, 99-year land leases, diplomatic status for their staff and the right to acquire Nigerian citizenship.
[7] Pharmaceutical giants from EU member states must combine forces and manufacture a COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Their Nigerian plant must manufacture up to 300m doses by the end of 2021
[8] Agricultural giants are welcome to come and invest heavily in cattle ranches, food processing plants, storage facilities and refrigeration in Nigeria. They will be offered 100-year land leases and five year tax holidays
[9] Most EU countries have a national airline. We want them to come and take out a 25% stake in Nigeria’s planned national carrier. Any airline that comes will become a joint partner in the venture, second only to Air Peace, taking over all the assets of Arik Air
[10] Steel companies are desperately needed in Nigeria like yesterday. Steel giants from across the EU are to purchase the Ajaokuta, Aladja and Oshogbo steel mills with a mandate to produce 20m tonnes by 2025.
Ayo is a London-based journalist who has worked as a magazine and newspaper editor for the last 31 years. He was the founding editor of Nigerian Watch, the UK-based paper for the Nigerian community in the UK.
He is the current president of Ondo Union UK, the chair of Uncelebrated Nigerian Awards UK and was the chairman of the Nigerian Centenary Awards UK organising committee. He was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK
He is also the author of two books on Nigeria. Fuelling the Delta Fires is an expose which reveals the depth of the challenges in the Niger Delta, while Black Ladder is a narrative about the life of a Nigerian immigrant in the UK. In addition, Ayo is a columnist for several publishing houses in both Nigeria and the UK.
Ayo has a history degree from the University of Ibadan and I did my post-graduate studies in journalism at the University of Westminster.
To resolve the menace of traffic gridlock in our cities Nigerians must be prepared to forgo their cars in exchange for the government coming up with a comprehensive transport policy.
[1] Earlier this week, Nigeria’s Federal executive Council decided to introduce toll plazas on selected dual carriageways to help fund road maintenance and construction. I fully support this new tax but would rather see that money invested in a railway network and public transport
[2] With crude oil now considered an unnecessary pollutant we need to reduce car usage. Across the world, more and more cities are going car-free and we need to follow suit in Nigeria. At the very least, every city is phasing out petrol and diesel cars and going for electronic automobiles. Lagos simply has to lead the way with this. It is one of the most congested cities in the world and needs to come up with a radical plan that includes an underground metro, bicycles, electric busses and car-free zones. Other large cities like Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Benin, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, etc must them follow suit. Going forward, every state should have a target of building at least one car-free City!
[3] In late 2016, Madrid’s Mayor Manuela Carmena reiterated her plan to kick personal cars out of the city centre. She confirmed that Madrid’s main avenue, the Gran Vía, will only allow access to bikes, buses and taxis before she leaves office in May 2019 as part of a larger effort to ban all diesel cars in Madrid by 2025. Lagos at the very least needs this
[4] Oslo also announced plans to permanently ban all cars from its city center in 2019. The Norwegian capital will invest heavily in public transportation and replace 35 miles of roads previously dominated by cars with bike lanes.
[5] in Chinese city Chengdu, only half the roads in the 80,000-person metropolis will allow vehicles
[6] In the German city of Hamburg, over the next two decades, The authorities will reduce the number of cars by only allowing pedestrians and bikers to enter certain areas. The project calls for a gruenes netz, or a “green network,” of connected spaces that people can access without cars. By 2035, the network will cover 40% of Hamburg and will include parks, playgrounds, sports fields and cemeteries
[7] Today, over half of Copenhagen’s population bikes to work every day, thanks to the city’s effort to introduce pedestrian-only zones starting in the 1960s. The Danish capital now boasts more than 200 miles of bike lanes and has one of the lowest percentages of car ownership in Europe
[8] In the French capital Paris, the mayor plans to double its bike lanes. Already, selected streets are only available to electric cars. Paris also introduced its first car-free day in 2015 and it instituted a car-free Sundays rule in May 2016
[9] Most streets that surround Brussels’ city square, stock exchange, and Rue Neuve (a major shopping street) have always been pedestrian-only. The roads make up the second largest car-free zone in Europe, behind Copenhagen
[10] In April 2016, Mexico City’s local government decided to prohibit a portion of cars from driving into the city center two days every work week and two Saturdays per month. It determines which cars can drive on a given day using a rotating system based on license plate numbers
Ayo is a London-based journalist who has worked as a magazine and newspaper editor for the last 31 years. He was the founding editor of Nigerian Watch, the UK-based paper for the Nigerian community in the UK.
He is the current president of Ondo Union UK, the chair of Uncelebrated Nigerian Awards UK and was the chairman of the Nigerian Centenary Awards UK organising committee. He was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK
He is also the author of two books on Nigeria. Fuelling the Delta Fires is an expose which reveals the depth of the challenges in the Niger Delta, while Black Ladder is a narrative about the life of a Nigerian immigrant in the UK. In addition, Ayo is a columnist for several publishing houses in both Nigeria and the UK.
Ayo has a history degree from the University of Ibadan and I did my post-graduate studies in journalism at the University of Westminster.
fairtrade, the
leading organizers of professional international trade shows and convener of
the agrofood & plastprintpack Nigeria, held a get-together and
briefing at the office of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in
Lagos to officially unveil the 6th agrofood & plastprintpack
Nigeria 2020.
The get-together
took place to discuss and underline the agenda for this year’s edition of the
exhibition and conference which seeks to address growth strategies for the
industry in Nigeria and is scheduled to hold from 24 to 26 March 2020 at the Landmark
Centre, Lagos.
The event was
well attended by Nigerian and internationalinstitutional partners, members
of the diplomatic corps and economic missions, major exhibitors, associations
and the press.
Paul März, Managing
Director of fairtrade stated that the trade show plays a key role in promoting
food technology in Nigeria and showcasing the latest technology for food and
drink production and packaging.
The agrofood
Nigeria 2020 is Nigeria’s 6th International Trade Show on Agriculture, Food
Processing & Packaging Technology and Ingredients and plastprintpack
Nigeria is Nigeria’s 6th International Plastics, Printing and Packaging Trade
Show
The tradeshow
is a platform for valuable business contacts. The exhibitors who already
confirmed their participation come from Austria, Benin, Belgium, Bulgaria,
China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal,
Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, UAE and Ukraine.
Concerning
official national group pavilions, China, Flanders / Belgium, Germany and Italy
will again present themselves officially.
agrofood &
plastprintpack Nigeria 2020 will again be supplemented by a 3-day program.
Romelu Lukaku believes he made the right decision to leave Manchester United and insists the move was best for both parties.
The Belgium striker joined United from Chelsea for £75million in July 2017, scoring 42 goals over his two seasons at the club before moving to Inter Milan last summer.
Lukaku has been in superb form for Antonio Conte’s side, scoring 18 goals to help the club launch a challenge for the Serie A title.
Those performances, and United’s reported interest in signing a striker this month after Marcus Rashford’s back injury, have raised questions as to the wisdom of allowing Lukaku to leave Old Trafford.
But, in an interview with Sky Sports News, the 26-year-old says the decision was his and is convinced it was best for everyone.
“I made my decision around March, and I went to the manager’s office and told him it was time for me to find something else,” Lukaku said. “I wasn’t performing and I wasn’t playing. I think it was better for both sides to go separate ways. I think I made the right decision.
“Manchester United has made space for the younger players to come through so I think it was a win-win situation for both of us. I think I had to rediscover myself. Last year was difficult for me on the professional side, because stuff was not going how I wanted and I was not performing as well.
“So I had to find it within myself what was lacking and came to the conclusion that it was time for me to change environment.”
Lukaku was signed for United by Jose Mourinho and had an excellent first season, scoring 27 goals as United finished second in the Premier League but Mourinho was sacked in December 2018 after a disappointing start to the season, with Lukaku also unable to discover his best form.
Lukaku added: “I think Jose Mourinho – if he would have had the players that he wanted, he would have done better than what we did.”
Former Chelsea manager Conte has certainly managed to bring the best out of Lukaku this season, in particular forging a lethal partnership with Argentinian forward Lautaro Martinez.
Lukaku admits the Italian knows how to extract the most from his whole squad but revealed he is not afraid to dish out some stern words.
“The manager, he tells it straight to your face if you’re doing well or wrong,” he said. “I remember one of my first Champions League games against Slavia Prague when I played really bad – like I was trash that day – and I really got it from him in front of the whole team. It had never really happened to me [in my career]. It had never happened.
“He just gave me that – he stepped on my confidence but it woke me up at the same time. He does it to everybody, it doesn’t matter who you are. Everybody is equal. You work hard, you train hard and you play. If you don’t do what he says, you don’t play. You know where you stand – and that’s what I respect about him.”
