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NAFDAC Partners COTECNA To Enhance Inspection Of Medicines Imported From India , China

L – R : Director, Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products (VMAP), NAFDAC, Dr. Rametu Omamegbe Momodu, Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and Director, Narcotics and Controlled Substances (NCS) Mrs Yedunni Adenuga, at a hybrid Technical Meeting on Mitigating Substandard and Counterfeit Products through the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme in Lagos…Friday.

…. To ensure that substandard and fake medicines are prevented from entry into Nigeria using NAFDAC appointed Pre-Shipment agents

Sequel to the widely acclaimed success recorded by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC in the recent unprecedented seizure, evacuation and destruction of over N1tn worth of substandard, banned, and expired medicines in Idumota, Onitsha and Aba Open Drug markets, NAFDAC continues to strengthen her fight against imported substandard regulated products from China and India through the appointment of a global testing and Inspection agency in addition to the existing Pre-Shipment agents in India.

According to a press release by Sayo Akintola Resident Media Consultant NAFDAC, this is to ensure that only safe and high-quality products are exported into Nigeria.

The Director General NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed this at a hybrid Technical Meeting on Mitigating Substandard and Counterfeit Products through the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme.

The meeting which took place in Lagos had in attendance representatives from various sectoral groups, clearing and forwarding agents, NAFDAC staff and CRIA Agents.

Prof. Adeyeye noted that globally, the manufacture and trade of substandard and falsified medicines (SFs) have become a lucrative crime, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in economic sabotage, treatment failures, drug resistance, and loss of lives.

According to the DG, the growth of SFs is fuelled by inadequate vigilance, corruption, lack of regulatory and political will, insufficient technology, and patronage by healthcare providers, stressing that in Nigeria however, NAFDAC has made significant progress in addressing the prevalence of SFs.

Prof Adeyeye emphasised that the presence of SFs poses several challenges, including:

Decreased confidence in healthcare systems due to the targeting of high-demand drugs in public health.

Therapeutic failure, adverse drug reactions, and increased drug resistance.

Loss of lives resulting from the availability of substandard medicines.

The involvement of organized criminal networks, which see counterfeit medicine trade as less risky than narcotics trafficking.

Reduced access to safe, high-quality, and effective medicines.

The use of advanced printing technologies, making counterfeit detection by the naked eye almost impossible.

Significant financial losses for genuine importers and manufacturers, with criminals profiting instead.

She explained that the Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) is one of NAFDACs anti-counterfeiting strategies aimed at preventing the importation of substandard and falsified medicines and other regulated products into Nigeria.

Upon assuming office as NAFDACs Director General, she reviewed the scheme and the performance of existing CRIA agents which led to the suspension and eventual disengagement of one CRIA agent, the renewal of contracts with two others, and the addition of two new CRIA agents in India.

These measures were implemented to strengthen the CRIA scheme, enhance efficiency, and bolster the fight against counterfeit and substandard products, she said.

Over time, she added that significant regulatory strengthening has been undertaken, which has been acknowledged by compliant manufacturers, exporters, and importers, adding that this includes signing consultancy agreements, issuing service level agreements, establishing guidelines for service provision to NAFDAC and clients, and intercepting substandard and counterfeit products.

Additionally, she reiterated that NAFDAC has introduced an electronic platform, the Ports Inspection Data Capture and Risk Management System (PIDCARMS), for verifying documents issued by NAFDAC and CRIA agents and for processing inspection reports.

Prof. Adeyeye said the CRIA Scheme is currently operational in China and India and has significantly strengthened regulatory control over products exported from these countries to Nigeria, adding that it ensures that only safe and high-quality products are shipped while preventing the export of substandard, counterfeit, and non-compliant products.

She disclosed that in the last five years, CRIA agents have successfully stopped nearly 200 consignments of products that failed laboratory testing at the country of origin and prevented shipments that did not meet NAFDACs documentation and labelling requirements.

To ensure further strengthening of the CRIA Scheme in India, NAFDAC has appointed Cotecna Inspection Services (CIS) as addition to the already existing Agents. She therefore reeled out the list of CRIA agents as follows:

CRIA Agents in China:

China Standards Tech. Services Ltd (CSTS)

Guangzhou Test Technology Consulting Co. Ltd

NHU Laboratories

Shanghai Hanlin Laboratory Ltd

CRIA Agents in India:

Assurance Analytics Pvt. Ltd

Cotecna Inspection Services

QCS Labs LLP

Quntrol Labs Pvt Ltd

Silis Labs Pvt. Ltd

Prof. Adeyeye listed responsibilities of CRIA Agents as follows

Physical Inspection:

Verify that product labels comply with NAFDAC labelling guidelines before shipment.

Ensure packaging is adequate, secure, and compliant with NAFDAC standards.

Product-Specific Testing:

Conduct random sampling of regulated products and send same to NAFDAC-approved laboratories for quality evaluation.

Confirm that products meet safety and quality requirements.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:

Review regulatory documents provided by exporters to ensure authenticity.

Verify shipping documents, such as invoices and packing lists, for accuracy and completeness.

Report cases of failed laboratory analysis and forged documents to NAFDAC.

Identify and report shipments that may have bypassed CRIA processing.

As stipulated in the consultancy agreements signed with each CRIA agent, she explained that there are designated laboratories in both China and India where sampled products must be tested.

‘It is important to note that all NAFDAC-regulated products require CRIA processing, except those on the CRIA exemption list. I encourage you to visit the NAFDAC website to review regulations and guidelines on product registration, permit issuance, labelling, and shipment into Nigeria. CRIA agents operate under clearly defined guidelines to ensure efficient service delivery and support NAFDAC in its mission to combat the importation of substandard and counterfeit products.’

The NAFDAC boss further explained that the reports issued by CRIA agents encompass critical aspects such as quality, quantity, packaging, labelling, and compliance with NAFDAC regulations, documentation standards, and internationally recognized pharmacopeial specifications.

Beyond ensuring compliance, she added that the CRIA scheme also facilitates international trade by providing Nigerian importers with confidence and assurance that their goods have been thoroughly inspected and meet regulatory requirements.

Prof Adeyeye however, disclosed that the Agency would soon swing into action in partnership with the Indian government to ensure that medicines rejected in India by the CRIA agents do not find their way back into Nigeria through the back door.

She emphasised that we want to know what happens to the medicines that we rejected in India and ensure that some unscrupulous Nigerans do not connive with their counterparts in India to smuggle the same products back into Nigeria through unorthodox means.

She strongly encouraged exporters of NAFDAC regulated products to always engage CRIA agents before shipping any consignment from China or India to Nigeria, adding that they have the flexibility to choose from any of the listed CRIA agents to ensure compliance and safeguard the quality of imported products.

CRIA agents in India and China who attended the meeting virtually took turns to join other stakeholders in Nigeria in commending the DG and reiterated the inevitability of CRIA agents in her untiring efforts to sanitise the Nigeria pharma and other regulated products ecosystem.

They spoke generally on their experiences with the scheme, the NAFDAC approved requirements verification, efforts made at ensuring compliance among exporters and recommendations for further strengthening of the scheme.

Newly appointed CRIA Agent, COTECNA Inspection Services represented by Vice President, Verification of Conformity and Africa, Mrs Lena Sodergren opined that the collaboration between COTECNA and NAFDAC is a testament to shared commitment to consumer safety, product quality and facilitation of international trade.

COTECNA is entering the partnership with the aim to deliver the best possible services by leveraging on its unwavering dedication to ensuring compliance and top quality with its expertise in inspection, testing and certification adding that I can confirm that the NAFDAC CRIA scheme is the most comprehensive food and drug, cosmetics programme in Africa and other continent as well.

She stated that the CRIA scheme is unique at ensuring traceability and comprehensive control which helps in eliminating fake declaration, fake certificates, fake test report, the shipment of counterfeit or blacklisted, non-compliance or expired products.’

,In his opening remarks, Director of Ports Inspection Directorate PID, Dr Olakunle Olaniran disclosed that his Directorate has gained tremendously from the deployment of the CRIA Scheme, especially in the close to 200 regulated products that have been either stopped from coming into the country or intercepted on arrival following intel from the countries of origin.

He said that intercepted cases range from outright falsified products or documents, alteration of labels, or attempts to ship products that have failed laboratory tests, adding that we have also had a few cases that deliberately attempted to evade CRIA screening for unacceptable reasons. These have always been apprehended and sanctioned as appropriate.

by Online Poster — April 6, 2025 in News 0

Anambra 2025: A Case of No Vacancy?

By Law Mefor

There are tons of endorsements for Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, who is running for re-election on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket in the November gubernatorial election. The overwhelming number of people who support Governor Soludo surpasses all the support ever given to an incumbent governor in Anambra State’s history, so it is safe to assume that there is no opposition at all. It is also almost impossible to compile the complete list of all the endorsements that are coming to Governor Soludo.

It is important to emphasise that every endorsing group is contributing financially to help the adored governor purchase the party’s reelection form. Even the students who supported Governor Soludo contributed ₦2 million to the cause!

The impressive array of endorsements has 60 support groups uniting to officially express their support for Governor Soludo’s second term. The convergent support groups were unreserved in their praise of Mr Governor’s outstanding accomplishments and vision for a better Anambra.

The solidarity of Governor Soludo’s supporters is demonstrated by their convergence and singleness of purpose. The fact that more than 60 support organisations from throughout Anambra State united in support of Governor Soludo’s reelection campaign brought tears to many people’s eyes. There is no greater indication of inclusive leadership and dedication to the advancement of the state by the solution administration.

It is impossible to overstate the significance of the massive endorsement. The general Anambra public has learnt many lessons, the most important of which is an open acknowledgement of the effective government of their state under Professor Soludo. The broad support for Governor Soludo’s reelection recognises the accomplishments of his administration and its dedication to the advancement of the state.

Given that APGA is at the core of every Anambra man, woman, and child, grassroots mobilisation is, in fact, the foundation of the Soludo support base. The participation of several support groups from around the state, especially grassroots organisations, emphasises how crucial it is to rally support from the bottom up rather than imposing rules from the top down and to govern for the common good rather than settle a few politicians and elites with scarce resources meant for development.

Rumour has it that the opposition parties have more candidates than followers in Anambra State. The overwhelming support for Governor Soludo’s reelection in every ward of Anambra State is a fitting example of the APGA motto, “nkea bu nke anyi.” One may argue that the togetherness and solidarity are impressively unchangeable. “Onye aghana nwanne ya,” or “let no one be left behind,” is the APGA’s motto.

It is important to emphasise that the fact that 60 support organisations came together to approve and even present a staggering N30 million shows how powerful solidarity and unity can be in accomplishing a shared objective. In order to score a stunning goal inside the net come November, the people and the administration are aiming for the same goal. APGA, Soludo’s political party is upbeat and certain of electoral victory in the 21 LGs and now also almost certain it would win the 326 wards in Anambra State.

In an indication of success before the elections, several organisations and groups have hurried to support Governor Soludo. The undeniable evidence everywhere merely confirms my frequent assertion that there is no vacuum.

“I don’t see anyone that can challenge you in the election,” said All Progressives Congress (APC) leader and Works Minister, Engr David Umahi, in a public statement to Governor Soludo. Nobody. Who is that? I see none. Governor Soludo, who works extremely hard, has performed remarkably well, fulfilling all of his promises in his People’s Manifesto. Beyond his manifesto, Soludo has gone. He never promised free education, for instance. However, up to senior secondary school, Anambra children are now eligible for free education, and a subsidy for tertiary students is on the horizon.

Let me reiterate my direct advice to the opposition: let them all support Soludo so that he can run unopposed, just as the APGA did by letting him run as the only candidate and aspirant.

As the Americans say, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

The fact is that no governor before Soludo has completed, in comparison, what he did in three years without taking out a single dime, while also paying off the mountain of debt he inherited from previous state governments. This is not to argue that borrowing is bad as long as it is prudently used to finance productivity rather than consumption. It is a compliment to both Soludo and Anambra State that he has not borrowed. It is indisputable proof of responsible financial management, fiscal discipline, and accountability.

Last but not least, Soludo has implemented a very extensive security intervention that is significantly calming Anambra State and regaining the state’s former reputation as the safest in Nigeria. This is accompanied by the governor’s push for moral rearmament and social reformation to restore the three virtues for which Onye Anambra has always been reputed – Uche (wisdom), Uchu/Igba mbo (hard work), and Egwu Chukwu (fear of God/integrity).

Although it is within their rights to run and lose, there is no benefit to running just to add the pointless title of former governorship candidate to one’s resume. The question now is not whether Soludo would win—he will because there is no other viable option—but rather whether he would make history as the only candidate for governor in a Nigerian general election. Can the opposition, knowing that there is no vacancy in Agu Awka, step aside and support Soludo and use the money they would have wasted for more worthwhile endeavours, like aiding the underprivileged in their communities?

· Law Mefor, PhD, is the Commissioner for Information of Anambra State.

by Online Poster — April 6, 2025 in News 0

Ogun State Celebrates Key Community Road Rehabilitated By Shell Nigeria Gas, Partners

A cross section of dignitaries during the inauguration of the 4.5km Ilogbo road by Shell Nigeria Gas on Thursday.

Officials of the Ogun State Government and community leaders hailed Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) for their partnership in the reconstruction of a key community road that was commissioned on Thursday (April 3) in Ado – Odo Otta Local Government Area. The 4.5km Ilogbo road provides access to some 75 communities and was in a bad state until both companies who operate in the area intervened in support of the development of host communities.

“Today we celebrate more than just the completion of the road, we celebrate the building of connections that will improve lives and strengthen communities true to our administration’s vision,” said Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun who was represented by the Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele at the commissioning. “Creating an enabling environment for business through effective public private partnerships remains central to our development efforts,” he said.

SNG Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo said: “The rehabilitated road is a testament to our shared commitment to enhance the quality of life for the people of Ogun State and our collaboration with NGML exemplifies our unified approach to community development. At SNG, we take pride in working alongside NGML to deliver real benefits to the people we serve.”

Managing Director NGML, Igwe Justin Ezeala expressed similar sentiments: “We pride ourselves in the fact that we look after the needs and the interests of all our stakeholders. We take pride in ensuring that those people who are close to us, those people, we relate to, that they feel the positive impact of the business activity that is taking place there. I believe that Ogun State is not an exception,” he said in remarks delivered by the Executive Director Gas Distribution, Lawrence Chukwu.

The Olota of Otta-Awori Kingdom, Oba Abdulkabir Obalenlege, represented by the Aro of Ota Ezekiel Fadipe expressed gratitude to the sponsors of the project and commended them for involving artisans and other community labour in the construction process.

SNG has operated in Ogun State for over 20 years, setting up a thriving natural gas distribution business in the Agbara and Otta areas. The supply of gas to industries has promoted industrialisation, created employment opportunities and increased internally generated revenue in the State. The reconstruction of Ilogbo road presents an extension of these benefits, as it will open pathways for trade, connect local businesses to broader markets and ultimately contribute to the economic development of the community and its neighbours.

by Online Poster — April 6, 2025 in News 0

Joachim Egerue’s Relief May Be Granted As Federal University Teaching Hospital Fails To Appear In court

Indications that National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) may soon grant relief to Mr Joachim Egerue in his case challenging alleged illegal termination of his appointment by the Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, Imo State emerged when the accused persons, institutions and their defense councils failed to put up appearance at the court. The Chief Medical Director of Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri formerly known as Federal Medical Centre Owerri (FMC) Dr. Kinsley Ihedioha Achigbu, the Minister of Health and Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri among others are defendants to the case which is before NICN, Owerri, Imo State.

The defendants to the alleged unlawful termination of appointments of Mr. Joachim Egerue, a former staff of the institution, were absent in court even as they failed to file their defense for substantive hearing despite the directive of Hon. Justice N.C. Ogbonnaya, the Presiding Judge of National Industrial Court, sitting in Owerri.

It would be recalled that Mr Joachim Egerue, a former staff of the institution, had dragged the defendants to court in suit no NICN/OW/32/2025, for unlawful termination of his job based on audit report of the dental unit where he worked. According to him, the audit was carried out without his knowledge or involvement; an exercise his lawyer Dr. Barr. Chris Nwadigo described as ”a witch-hunting special audit report of Dental Store of Dec, 2020″.

At the last hearing, the counsel to the defendants, Barr Franklin Ninis, had argued that Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, one of the defendants, formerly known as Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, before its conversion, has no,”Juristic personality to be sued”, because according to him, it has not been gazetted, asserting also that the NICN has no powers to declare declaratory reliefs.

The Judge who lectured the counsel on the inherent powers of the court, described his argument as “lack of intellectual diligence”, and directed him to file his defence for substantive hearing of the substantive case adjourned till March 28. It was therefore surprising that on the adjourned date, none of the defendants, nor their counsels were present in court.

The complainant Mr Joachim Egerue is praying the court to order his re-instatement to his position with attendant arrears of promotion or in the alternatively order direct the Defendants jointly and severally to pay the sum of N200 million as Special damages to the Claimant being the salaries, allowances, emoluments, benefits etc. which the Claimant should have earned from July, 2021 when his appointment was wrongly terminated to 2035 which would have been his retirement age.

Joachim Egerue is asking the court to order the Defendants jointly and severally to pay his arrears of salaries, allowances, emoluments, benefits etc. from March 2021 until judgment is delivered and thereafter, interest thereon at the banking rate of interest until the judgment sum is fully liquidated.

The other prayers are order directing the Defendants jointly and severally to pay N250 million as General damages and compensation for flagrant and unlawful termination of appointment/employment, an order directing the Defendants jointly and severally to pay N75 million as aggravated, exemplary and punitive damages for flagrant and unlawful termination of the Claimant’s appointment/employment

by Online Poster — April 6, 2025 in News 0

Cultivate A Culture Of Insurance…SOYINKA Tells Nigerians

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Olaotan Soyinka has made a plea to Nigerians to imbibe the culture of insurance considering the economic situation in the country. He made this statement at the company’s first quarter review of operations and processes of the underwriting firm at the corporate Head Office in Lagos at a Press parley.

The MD/CEO reiterated the need and importance of insurance in the everyday life of all Nigerians irrespective of the tribe, religion or social status in the society. He said, “insurance is an integral part of our socio-economic life that should not be taken for granted” Olaotan posited that a lot of Nigerians are really trying to make ends meet and therefore, they should be encouraged to have an ally that can be there for them when the eventuality happens and that can only come through having one form of insurance policy or the order.

He also alluded to the biblical story where the Noah’s Ark was the succour for those who took refuge inside it after the flood had receded. In his words, “the earth was restored to its former position with God not having to go through the process of creation like He did in the beginning when the earth was formed”. Like Noah’s Ark, insurance takes you back to your former position before the loss.

Soyinka said this is the time Nigerians need to consciously educate themselves on the benefits they are bound to derive in taking up an insurance policy. He said there are various insurance products that the insuring public can take in protecting their lives and properties but that the most important thing is for the customers out there to willingly open their minds in accepting the fact that insurance is a very important aspect of their lives.

In closing, Soyinka said, “Nigerians have waited too long in willingly accepting and recognizing the fact that without insurance, one is like building a House without a foundation and in no time, it could come crashing; and when that happens, you will have to start from the scratch again with even more funds than you initially spent”. He said insurance gives you the promise of a safe and comfortable future. The earlier we disabuse our minds of the old notion that insurance doesn’t work, the better it will be for all of us. Nigerians should begin to cultivate an uncompromising culture of insurance. he concluded.

by Online Poster — April 4, 2025 in Insurance and Pension 0

Bishop Olinya Debunks Rumours Of Killings, Arson In Eha-Amufu

LarryBravo Nwaiwu

The Anglican Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State, Rt. Rev. Daniel Olinya, has refuted the reports of mass killings and arson in Eha-Amufu making the rounds on the social media, noting that many mistook Nkala-Eha community in Ebonyi State, which suffered grisly attacks in February, for Eha-Amufu, which shares boundaries with it.

Bishop Olinya said that while Isi-Uzo LGA in general and Eha-Amufu communities and farm settlements in particular had suffered suspected herders’ attacks over the years, peaking between 2020 and 2022 when farm settlements and communities were sacked, security had since greatly improved under the Governor Peter Mbah dispensation and Eha-Amufu people had returned to their homes.

He said that unlike in December 2022 and January 2023 when many Eha-Amufu residents, including himself, escaped to townships and Internally Dispacdd Persons (IDP) camps where they spent the Christmas and New Year, relative peace and order had returned to the communities.

The clergy, who fielded questions from newsmen after briefing the governor on the actual security situation in Eha-Amufu, explained that apart from isolated incidents of security breach such as the recent murder of a young undergraduate, the people go to their farms.

He however noted that most people were still afraid to live in many of the farm settlements as they were far removed from their communities. He blamed it on the fears instilled by the gruesome attacks of 2020 to 2022, but promised to expedite advocacy to encourage people to return to their farm settlements, given what Governor Mbah was doing in the area of security.

“No. There is no mass killings. But Abor people used to run away to Eha-Amufu town to stay any time they hear that the herders were coming. But not that there was any mass killing this year in Eha-Amufu. No.

“Even a blind man will tell you that he has seen what Mbah is doing. The security situation in Eha-Amufu has become very good because we do not run again. And we have seen his efforts. Farmers are ready to go back to their farm settlements. And when I go back now, I will start encouraging them to go back because the governor has done something that will make our people to go back to their farm settlements.

“Anybody, who refuses to go back now, will not say it is because the herders are chasing him because they cannot chase anybody now in Eha-Amufu with what our Governor has done and still doing,” he said.

Providing more insights, he continued, “The problem in Eha-Amufu started way back 2020, and in 2022 the entire Eha-Agu, Mbuji-Agu, Ebor-Agu and Mgbuji-Agu were sacked completely. Even those in Eha-Amufu town were also sacked. Like myself, I had to run away from my Bishop’s Court because the Fulani militia were approaching Eha-Amufu town. So everybody had to run away.

“I ran to Bishop Agbo’s house; that’s bishop of Nsukka, and that was where I celebrated my Christmas that year and the New Year.

“But this recent time, like this year, we cannot say that anybody has been killed, apart from the young man, the undergraduate, who was unfortunately killed at Ndi-Agu Amofia. But, as I said, there is nothing like mass killings this year in Eha-Amufu.

“Nkala-Eha is in Ebonyi State, but people mistook it because we (Eha-Amufu and Nkala-Eha) share the same boundary. So, this made some people to say that it was in Eha-Amufu. It wasn’t in Eha-Amufu. It was in Ebonyi State.”

by Online Poster — April 4, 2025 in News 0

Online Registration For 89 Regular Recruits Intake Recruitment Exercise In The Nigerian Army

Apply: Nigerian Army 89 Regular Recruits Intake 2025

The Anambra State Government is informing Ndị Anambra that the Nigerian Army has commenced online registration for 89 Regular Recruits Intake Recruitment Exercise for Trades/Non-tradesmen and Women from 31st March to 17th May 2025.

In a press release by Law Mefor PhD,, Commissioner for Information,

Anambra State stated that in accordance to a statement by the Director, Directorate of Recruitment and Manning, Army Headquarters, Abuja, Brigadier General Chibueze Ogbuabo, applicants must be single and must be Nigerian citizens by birth and must be medically, physically and psychologically fit in line with Nigerian Army standards.

“An applicant must not be less than 18 years and not more than 22 years for non-tradesmen/women, while tradesmen/women must not be more than 26 years as of 30th June 2025.”

Selected candidates will participate in the state’s recruitment screening exercise scheduled to be held from 2nd June to 16th June 2025.

While informing interested candidates that more information on eligibility and requirements can be obtained from the Nigerian Army Recruitment Website, http://recruitment.army.mil.ng, the statement emphasised that Nigerian Army recruitment is free.

by Online Poster — April 4, 2025 in News 0

Seplat Energy Joins Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) As Supporting Company

Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy company, Seplat Energy Plc, in 2024, became a registered EITI Supporting Company, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and global best practices. This milestone was recognized on the EITI website and across its communications platforms.

As an EITI Supporting Company, Seplat Energy promotes transparency in the extractive sector while contributing to the development of international governance standards, according to a statement by the energy Company on Thursday. This affiliation enhances corporate credibility, strengthens financial standing, and fosters greater engagement with governments, industry peers, and civil society.

Supporting the EITI enables Seplat Energy to demonstrate industry leadership, improve access to finance through transparent reporting, and stay ahead of evolving investor and regulatory expectations. It also facilitates trust-building and reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible business practices.

On a local level, Seplat Energy benefits from the EITI framework by strengthening its social license to operate, reducing investment risks, and supporting capacity-building efforts. The initiative promotes a level playing field for all industry players and enhances collaboration with key stakeholders.

By aligning with EITI standards, Seplat Energy continues to drive sustainable development in the energy sector while upholding the principles of transparency, integrity, and long-term value creation.

The Board of Directors of Seplat Energy says it is committed to sound corporate governance and ensures that the Company complies with the Nigerian and UK corporate governance regulations as well as international best practice.

The Board is aware of the Corporate Governance Guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018, issued by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024, issued by the UK Financial Reporting Council and ensures that the Company complies with them.

by Online Poster — April 4, 2025 in Energy 0

Sterling Bank Leads Protest For Removal Of Bank Transfer Charges

In a landmark move that sets a new benchmark for customer-focused

banking in Nigeria, Sterling Bank has championed the cancellation of bank transfer fees by major banks, announcing it will no longer take any money for itself for any local online transactions by its customers.

The announcement, made on April 1st, initially sparked widespread arguments, with many

assuming it was a marketing prank tied to April Fools’ Day. However, Sterling has confirmed that this is no stunt: the zero-transfer-fee policy is real, and effective immediately.

With this move, Sterling becomes the first major Nigerian bank to take a definitive stand against the long-standing practice of charging customers for everyday digital transfers, an issue that has grown increasingly contentious as digital banking adoption deepens.

“We believe access to your own money shouldn’t come with a penalty,” said Obinna

Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate. “This is more than a financial decision, it’s a values-based one. It reflects our commitment to making banking fair, inclusive, and truly customer focused.”

“We’re not yet the biggest bank in Nigeria, but we’ve been the boldest,” Ukachukwu added. “Sterling fearlessly believes in the future of Nigeria, and this is us backing Nigerians with more than words.”

Under the new policy, Sterling customers will enjoy free transfers for all local transactions

conducted via the bank’s mobile app. This translates into significant savings, particularly for individuals and new small business owners who make frequent daily transfers.

This customer-first orientation is not new for Sterling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank stood out by providing supplementary payments to healthcare workers in public hospitals—at a time when few others were willing or able to offer additional support. From that moment to now, Sterling has continued to redefine what it means to be a responsible and responsive institution.

The bank’s latest move has been met with widespread public approval, sparking positive

reactions across social media and placing pressure on industry peers to follow suit

We’re proud to lead this change,” Ukachukwu added. “We hope it inspires others to think

differently about what customers truly need from their banks, not just in services, but in values.”

Online communities were not excluded as WhatsApp Nigeria lit up with viral broadcasts as users forwarded the news across various groups, including one from a prayer circle that read: “Please my good people this is not a joke!!! Sterling Bank has just shocked Nigeria today o!! My neighbour Justina just transferred N100k and no charges!!! God bless Sterling Bank!!”. The message quickly gained traction, sparking massive public interest and mounting pressure on other banks to follow suit.

Sterling’s zero-fee policy is part of a broader strategy to transform the customer experience and deliver transparent, ethical banking solutions at scale.

About Sterling Bank

Sterling Bank is a full-service national commercial bank in Nigeria, focused on building a more equitable and sustainable future through its HEART strategy, targeting investments in Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. With a growing reputation for innovation and customer advocacy, Sterling continues to lead with impact, empathy, and execution.

by Online Poster — April 2, 2025 in Capital Market 0