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Airtel Africa Champions Youth Empowerment With 100 Technology Scholarships

By Winifred Bosa

Following the recent announcement by its Chairman, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, at a World Press Conference held in Lagos recently, the Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has kicked off its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship Programme to benefit 100 Nigerian undergraduates.

This initiative will provide each recipient with a grant covering tuition, accommodation, study materials, and a stipend from the first year of study through the final year.

This financial aid removes economic barriers, empowering students to dedicate their focus to academic and technical achievement in technology.

Eligible courses of study include Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Ogunsanya affirmed that the scholarships represent the Foundation’s continued commitment to breaking down barriers for young Africans.

“At Airtel Africa Foundation, our vision has always been to create opportunities where talent meets ambition. With this scholarship, we are investing in Nigeria’s future tech leaders, giving them the resources and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he stated.

Beneficiaries are selected from 100-level students enrolled in approved programmes in participating public universities across the country.

These institutions include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).

Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, noted: “The prioritization of education as a pillar of our social investments becomes much stronger with these 100 new scholarships. They build on such other initiatives as our partnership with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education Programme, our Adopt-A-School project, and our 1 billion naira investment in the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) effort of the Federal Government.

Ultimately, for us as an organisation, the best way to equip the future is to arm it with cutting-edge education.”

The undergraduate scholarship is a direct component of the Foundation’s four strategic pillars of Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion (FEED).

by Online Poster — October 10, 2025 in Industry

SON To Hold 2025 World Standard Day to support Sustainable Development Goals

...Walk for Standards holds October 11th

By Fidelia Okafor

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, would join the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 World Standards day with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals,SDG.

Announcing SON’s participation in a statement, the organisation’s Director, Corporate Affairs –Mrs Talatu Ethan –stated that the event would be commemorated as usual with a “Walk For Standards” on Saturday, 11th October.

The day is celebrated globally to commemorate the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who developed voluntary technical agreements known as international standards.

Last year’s edition was a huge success with the day used to draw necessary attention to Artificial Intelligence.

The Worlds Standards Day has therefore become a veritable platform which stakeholders in different sectors of the economy look forward to for enlightenment, not only on updates on standardization issues, but also on key global issues that are impacting businesses and living.

Giving details of the event, Ethan stated; “The Theme of the 2025 Worlds Standards Day is: Shared Vision For a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 17: Partnership For the Goals. The great occasion will be marked with a “Walk For Standards” to raise awareness on the critical role of Standards in everyday life and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“This will be on Saturday, 11th October, 2025, at 8.00am and participants would converge at SON’s Ogba office, from where we will be walking through Adeniyi Jones to Aromire street and then to Allen Avenue Junction, and from there to Ikeja bridge by Awolowo House Roundabout, to the popular Computer village, to Oba Akran avenue, back to SON’s Ogba office.”

The Director said the Director General of SON –Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke – would be delighted to have as many Nigerians as possible, plus foreigners living in the country, to participate in the programme.

“Indeed, everyone is invited. Participation is free and we will be pleased to have people trooping in for the walk as a demonstration of their commitment to Standards and Sustainability, just as the event can be maximized for exercise, networking and possible business opportunities”, Ethan also stated.

by Online Poster — October 6, 2025 in Health

MAN President Announces Aliko Dangote As Guest Speak On Nigeria First Policy At MAN’s 53rd AGM

By Fidelia Okafor

Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist, the President/CEO of Dangote Group, will be the Guest Speaker at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM).

MAN will use the AGM to deepen the conversation on how to unlock the full potential of the Nigeria First policy.

The theme for this year’s Annual General Meeting “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria” underscores MAN’s unwavering belief that prioritizing local production is the surest path to sustainable growth, employment generation and national development.

President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye disclosed this while delivering his speech at a press conference on Wednesday in Lagos to herald the upcoming 53rd AGM of the MAN, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th October 2025 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said, “We are also thrilled to announce that our Distinguished Guest Speaker at this year’s Annual General Meeting is Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist, President/ CEO of the Dangote Group. Aliko Dangote’s story is an epitome of the Nigeria First spirit.

“He has built one of Africa’s largest Conglomerates, spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, and oil refinery. His investment has redefined the Nigeria industrial landscape, created thousands of jobs, and reducing dependence on imports. His business decisions, over the past decades, capture the very essence of our theme: “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria.

“His presence will inspire our discussions as we navigate the next phase of Nigeria Industrial growth.

Meshioye said the three-day lineup of activities would be rich and impactful.

“Day one kicks off with the Opening Ceremony of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition which is slated for 12noon. Our distinguished Guest of Honour, who will be officially cutting the ribbon is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume CON; we believe his presence will serve the purpose of further attracting the attention of Government to what is Made in Nigeria, in order to achieve that top of the mind awareness and credible support from the highest level of government. Our distinguished guest of honour will be joined by other dignitaries to draw attention to made in Nigeria products and preach the patriotic gospel of patronage of made in Nigeria at the Exhibition. More than 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and thousands of visitors are expected during the 3-day period.

“Day two is planned to be strictly MAN members affairs for the annual general meeting. After the AGM, members will be engaged at a value addition panel discussion on 3D Manufacturing & Risk and Enterprise Management. It is a session planned to give credible accounts to members, create awareness, and sensitize them adequately on thriving in the business of manufacturing.

“On Day three, the engagement will be climaxing with the 5th edition of the Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 11am with Alhaji Aliko Dangote as our Distinguished Guest Speaker. The exhibition ground will continue to receive guests from far and near, even as we engage at the high-profile lecture. Our Special Guest of Honour on this occasion is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Other Economic Ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, our colleagues in the Organized Private Sector, and other stakeholders will join our members to make the grand finale a huge success.

Meshioye said that these sessions are carefully designed to provoke critical discussions, foster partnership, and highlight the urgency of implementing the “Nigeria First” Policy.

“Over the past year, Nigeria’s economic environment has remained challenging, yet it is marked by renewed hope, as bold policy steps are being taken to reposition the economy for growth. Of particular importance is the introduction of the “Nigeria First” Policy, a decisive strategy to prioritize locally manufactured goods and services.

“This policy represents a turning point for our nation, one that seeks to foster economic self-reliance, industrialization, and national pride. By mandating all Ministries, Departments, and agencies (MDAs) to patronize made in Nigeria goods and services that can be sourced locally, the Federal Government has signalled its resolve to place local industries at the heart of economic transformation.

“The “Nigeria First” Policy is more than a policy directive, it is a call to action to strengthen our industries, deepen local value chains and reposition Nigeria from being a consumer driven economy to a productive economy,” he encouraged.

by Online Poster — October 4, 2025 in Industry

MAN’s 53rd AGM: A Platform for Nigeria First Policy Discussions

MAN hails Nigeria First policy at 53rd AGM

By Fidelia Okafor

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) will use the platform of its 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) to deepen conversation on how to unlock the full potential of the Nigeria First policy.

President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye disclosed this while delivering his speech at a press conference today in Lagos to herald the upcoming 53rd AGM of the MAN, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th October 2025 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said “We are also thrilled to announce that our Distinguished Guest Speaker at this year’s Annual General Meeting is Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist, President/ CEO of the Dangote Group. Aliko Dangote’s story is an epitome of the Nigeria First spirit.

“He has built one of Africa’s largest Conglomerates, spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers and oil refinery. His investment has redefined Nigeria Industrial landscape, created thousands of jobs and reducing dependence on imports. His business decisions, over the past decades, capture the very essence of our theme: “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria.

“His presence will inspire our discussions as we navigate the next phase of Nigeria Industrial growth.

Meshioye said the three-day lineup of activities would be rich and impactful.

“Day two is planned to be strictly MAN members affairs for the annual general meeting. After the AGM, members will be engaged at a value addition panel discussion on 3D Manufacturing & Risk and Enterprise Management. It is a session planned to give credible accounts to members, create awareness and sensitize them adequately on thriving in the business of manufacturing.

“On Day three, the engagement will be climaxing with the 5th edition of the Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 11am with Alhaji Aliko Dangote as our Distinguished Guest Speaker. The exhibition ground will continue to receive guests from far and near, even as we engage at the high-profile Lecture. Our Special Guest of Honour on this occasion is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Other Economic Ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, our colleagues in the Organized Private Sector and other stakeholders will join our members to make the grand finale a huge success.

Meshioye said that these sessions are carefully designed to provoke critical discussions, foster partnership and highlight the urgency of implementing the “Nigeria First” Policy.

“This policy represents a turning point for our nation, one that seeks to foster economic self-reliance, industrialization and national pride. By mandating all Ministries, Departments, and agencies (MDAs) to patronize made in Nigeria goods and services that can be sourced locally, the Federal Government has signalled its resolve to place local industries at the heart of economic transformation.

by Online Poster — October 1, 2025 in Industry

Dangote Refinery Accuses PENGASSAN Of Economic Sabotage

.. Directive Threatens Fuel Availability, Government Revenue

Amaka Obiefuna

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of attempting to sabotage the country’s energy supply chain following a directive issued by the union to its branches to cut off crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the company described the directive as “a brazen display of lawlessness and criminality,” warning that the move could plunge Nigeria back into widespread fuel scarcity and disrupt the availability of key petroleum products, including petrol, aviation fuel, kerosene, diesel, and cooking gas.

According to Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN on 26 September instructed its members in various multinational oil companies and subsidiaries including TotalEnergies, Seplat, Renaissance, Chevron, Oando, Shell Nigeria Gas, and NGIC to halt crude oil loading operations and cut off gas supply to the facility “with immediate effect.”

The refinery stressed that the union has no legal authority to interfere with contracts signed between the refinery and its suppliers, insisting that such interference amounts to “economic sabotage” against both the company and the Nigerian state.

“This is a brazen, albeit shocking display of lawlessness and criminality by PENGASSAN. Absolutely no law gives PENGASSAN the right to direct its branches to “cut off” gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery or at all. There is also no law in our statute books that would support or enable the PENGASSAN branches having to “cut off” gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery or at all,” the statement read. “Besides, it constitutes a criminal conduct for PENGASSAN or its members to disrupt and/or interfere howsoever in the contract between Dangote Refinery and its various vendors for the supply of gas and crude oil to the Refinery. Those supply contracts were not entered into with PENGASSAN; they were entered into by Dangote Refinery with third party vendors and suppliers and PENGASSAN has no right whatsoever to disrupt and/or interfere with the performance of those contracts”.

It noted that PENGASSAN needs to be reminded that Nigeria is a country governed by laws.

“Our laws do not brook self-help and mob action that could introduce mayhem and chaos and easily translate into anarchy,” it added.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, world’s largest single-train refinery and one of Nigeria’s highest taxpayers, argued that the directive undermines investor confidence and threatens revenues accruing to federal and state governments. The company also described the refinery as a strategic national asset that should be safeguarded rather than targeted.

“We are, by this write-up, drawing the attention of the Federal Government and its security and law enforcement agencies – as well as all other levels of governments in Nigeria – to this criminal, lawless, reckless and irresponsible conduct of PENGASSAN and calling on them – the Federal Government and its agencies, in particular – to call the Association to order. PENGASSAN has no right to introduce anarchy and mayhem into our society. The Association is not above the law, and it must not be allowed to believe that it is or behave as if it is,” it said

The statement further criticised the union for what it called “a contradictory stance,” noting that while PENGASSAN had earlier pledged to pursue legal action against the refinery, it “abandoned the path of lawfulness and embraced mob action.”

The refinery noted that apart from the lawlessness and criminality inherent in the PENGASSAN’s instruction to its branches, the Association’s directive amounts to economic sabotage at multiple levels.

“In plain language, PENGASSAN has directed its branches to disrupt and stop the supply of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery to Nigerians. The products that would be disrupted and stopped include but are not limited to aviation fuel, petrol, kerosene, diesel and cooking gas – all products that are used and required by all stripes of Nigerians and persons living in Nigeria, whether high and mighty or lowly and ordinary. In what circumstance would it be justified for PENGASSAN to so disrupt and introduce insufferable hardship into the living conditions of Nigerians? None that we can see. The follow up question is, in whose interest and on whose behalf is PENGASSAN directing and intending to inflict such anarchic and criminal disruption upon the Nigerian society and persons living in Nigeria? Most certainly, not in the interest of the Nigerian State and/or the Nigerian public and citizens,” it added.

It stressed that it is also economic sabotage against the Nigerian State at multiple levels as the Dangote Refinery is the only refinery of its type in Africa and ordinarily should be the pride of all Nigerians as well as the governments of Nigeria.

“It should ordinarily have special protection and status and indeed qualifies as a strategic national asset. An irreparable injury to the Dangote Refinery such as PENGASSAN has directed constitutes a national embarrassment to all of us. The directive is a disincentive to external investors who ordinarily would have been encouraged by the success of Dangote Refinery to contemplate investing in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector or generally. PENGASSAN may also not be aware that Dangote Refinery is one of the largest contributors to the revenue purse of the Nigerian governments – both Federal and sub-nationals. That contribution is currently threatened by PENGASSAN and would of course be paused if and as soon as and for as long as the PENGASSAN directive is implemented by its branches,” it added.

Calling on the federal government and security agencies to intervene, the company urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to disrupt refinery operations, warning that compliance with the directive would cause “irreparable hardship” for households and businesses nationwide.

“We are also calling on all Nigerians to take note of the unquantifiable and irredeemable hardship which PENGASSAN wishes to inflict on all of us. There is no Nigerian household that does not use or need the petroleum products which PENGASSAN has now directed its branches, by fiat, to withdraw from the Nigerian market – again, we list some of them: petrol, cooking gas, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. The production and supply of these products by Dangote Refinery would cease if the PENGASSAN cabal is allowed or permitted to enforce its lawless and criminal “directive”. The Association must not be allowed to ride roughshod on Nigerians. The repercussions from the PENGASSAN directive would affect and inflict harm on all Nigerians This is therefore a fight for all Nigerians,” noted the statement.

by Online Poster — September 29, 2025 in Industry

Dangote Petroleum Refinery Reorganisation: Commitment To Safety, Integrity , Workers’ Rights

Dangote Refinery Reorganisation: Commitment to Safety, Integrity

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery have clarify on the recent reports concerning the ongoing reorganisation within its facility.

In a press statement from the company said that this exercise is not arbitrary. “It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency”.

“The foregoing decision was taken in the best interest of the Refinery as result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the Refinery with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns”.

“We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it”.

“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our Petroleum Refinery, at present. Only a very small number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our various graduate trainee programmes and experienced hire recruitment process”.

“We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering”.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery exists to serve Nigerians, to strengthen Africa’s energy independence, and to create decent, sustainable jobs. We will continue to work in partnership with our employees, regulators, and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability, it stated.

by Online Poster — September 27, 2025 in Energy

Tax Stamp Plan Will Hurt Consumers, Says MAN

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has cautioned the Federal Government against the proposed introduction of a Tax Stamp System for excisable products, warning that the policy would increase production costs, harm consumers, and contravene the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.

In a statement by the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the association appreciated the government’s drive to modernise tax administration, but the proposed measure “risks clawing back the reliefs granted under the 2025 Tax Act.”

Ajayi-Kadir said, “The introduction of a tax stamp system amounts to giving with one hand and taking back with the other. It would impose a hidden tax on industries under the guise of compliance, with small and medium-sized industries bearing disproportionate burdens.”

He stated that the measure would increase compliance costs that producers and importers would ultimately pass on to consumers, thereby worsening inflationary pressures.

Ajayi-Kadir observed that introducing a Tax Stamp System for excisable products could push households toward cheaper illicit products and erode the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

DG noted that international experience had shown that tax stamps deliver limited revenue gains while creating heavy compliance and operational bottlenecks. He pointed to studies in Ghana and Uganda which found that stamp systems imposed significant cost burdens without curbing illicit trade.

Ajayi-Kadir stressed, “Paper-based tax stamps are prone to falsification, making it difficult for consumers and retailers to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit goods. Digital stamps, on the other hand, cut productivity by up to 40 per cent and have not reduced illicit trade.

He also argued that Nigeria already had home-grown digital tools such as the Customs’ B’Odogwu Automated Excise Register System and the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s e-invoicing platform, which provide real-time visibility of excise operations. “These tools already give the government the visibility that tax stamps claim to provide, without adding redundant layers,” he said.

MAN warned that introducing tax stamps would undermine the government’s efforts to promote local manufacturing and job creation. The association listed risks including increased circulation of counterfeit goods, reduced consumer demand, potential job losses, and deterrence of new investment in the sector.

Ajayi-Kadir added, “At a time when operators are grappling with rising excise rates, high energy prices, inadequate power supply, and high inflation, the additional burden of implementing tax stamps is a serious threat to industrial sustainability.”

He urged the government to reject any persuasion to roll out the system “in whatever guise or form” until a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and impact assessment were conducted.

Instead, MAN called on the government to strengthen existing digital fiscal tools and border enforcement, while adopting smarter, cost-effective alternatives such as targeted audits and risk-based compliance checks.

Ajayi-Kadir concluded, “Tax stamps often hinder local industry, erode gains in tax simplification, and yield limited revenue impact. The government should strengthen existing systems rather than impose undue burdens on manufacturers and consumers

by Online Poster — September 27, 2025 in Industry

MAN Visits Customs to Partner And Strengthen Engagement For Economic Growth

By Fidelia Okafor

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasised the need for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to build a lasting friendship and partnership through a deeper understanding of their respective challenges.

The CGC, who made this known on Thursday, 18 September 2025, when the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja. He also expressed the need to set a new agenda that extends beyond immediate concerns.

CGC Adeniyi explained that enduring collaboration could only be achieved when both parties approach issues with clarity and commitment, stressing that broader stakeholder buy-in remains central to sustainable solutions.

He acknowledged MAN’s structured internal processes, where issues are debated across its ten sectors and more than sixty sub-sectors before policy positions are harmonised by its Economic Policy Committee.

“I have always said that the only way for you to appreciate what can bring lasting friendship, collaboration and partnership is when we understand from both sides what the issues are. When you are challenged, you become quite sensitive to everything that will get you out of the situation you find yourself in.” CGC Adeniyi explained.

He highlighted several initiatives that the Service has rolled out to improve trade facilitation, including the Authorised Economic Operator programme, Advanced Ruling, Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the indigenous B’Odogwu platform, and the creation of dedicated special desks.

The Customs Boss also disclosed that preparations were underway for a conference later in November to bring Customs and critical stakeholders to chart a way forward towards the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, “We are looking forward to a situation where we will set an agenda that goes beyond the issues on the ground. There are a number of initiatives already on course, and we would like MAN to be part of them.”

He added, “After your consultations, you can get back to us so that we can fix a date and venue for a wider meeting. If it would make it easier, we are ready to travel to Lagos to meet with manufacturers at their base. We need to keep this conversation going without delay.”

He noted that such a forum would provide an opportunity for robust discussion with all stakeholders across MAN’s diverse sectors.

On his part, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, said there should be no gap or roadblock between the two institutions, describing Customs as an indispensable partner in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“I am happy that once again we are reigniting what we used to have. Many developments in the economy require us to accelerate this engagement, expand it and make it work.” Ajayi-Kadiri said.

He commended the CGC for his openness to ideas and stressed that MAN’s structured approach to policy ensures that every decision reflects the realities manufacturers face across the country.

He added that the association’s concern was to strengthen engagement, not confrontation, especially on issues that affect industries under pressure.

by Online Poster — September 23, 2025 in Industry

Leading Industry Thought Leaders Chart Growth Path For Insurance Industry At IMT 4.0

The Insurance Meets Tech (IMT) 4.0 Conference, one of West Africa’s largest insurance and technology convergence platforms, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Lagos, themed “Innovating for the New Trybe” and highlighted the role of technology in transforming the Nigerian insurance sector.

Discussions at the conference also centred, among other things, on how to bridge traditional insurance structures with emerging, technology-driven solutions, emphasising digital adoption, innovation, and client-centred experiences.
Leading an Executive Dialogue to discuss the Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Finance & Administration), Mr Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon.

Omosehin stated that the NIIRA 2025, signed into law in July 2025, will foster economic growth by transforming the sector through increased capital, stronger policyholder protection via a Policyholder Protection Fund, digitalisation, microinsurance promotion, and alignment with global best practices.

“The Act is a warm piece of legislation that provides the blueprint to reset the industry”, he said. “This Act bridges the gap between what family and friends traditionally provide and what insurance should guarantee. Nigerians can now be confident that when something goes wrong, insurance will deliver,” he explained.

Omosehin highlighted that NIIRA’s recapitalisation will increase insurers’ capacity to handle risks and retain local businesses, contributing to the nation’s vision of a one trillion dollar economy.

The Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Kunle Ahmed, who is also the MD/CEO of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, said, “NIIRA 2025 represents a bold step toward strengthening the regulatory framework, enhancing public trust, improving market penetration, and modernising operations within the industry. It reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion and ensuring that insurance becomes a robust pillar in Nigeria’s economic framework, in line with the President’s vision for achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

“This is not just a legislative victory; it is a shared mission. NIA stands ready to champion a more resilient and customer-centric insurance sector that contributes meaningfully to national development.”
In her contribution to the discourse on NIIRA 2025, the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mrs Yetunde Ilori, said, “The insurance industry is set for unprecedented transformation following the signing of the Act.

“It introduced critical measures such as stringent capital requirements to ensure the financial soundness of operators, enforcement of compulsory insurance policies to enhance consumer protection, digitisation of the insurance market to improve access and efficiency, zero tolerance for delays in claims settlement, creation of dedicated policyholder protection funds, especially in cases of insolvency, and expanded participation in regional insurance schemes, including the ECOWAS Brown Card System.

The President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Prince Babatunde Oguntade, who was represented at the conference by Mr. Peter Offiong, Assistant General Manager at Scib Nigeria & Co. Ltd, while stressing the need for immediate implementation of the Act, highlighted NIIRA’s provisions on compulsory insurance, emphasising that digital platforms and collaboration with state agencies will support enforcement.

He emphasised that brokers remain central to the ecosystem. “Brokers will evolve into digitally empowered advisers who offer customised, transparent services. The Act safeguards their relevance while ensuring consumer adoption of compulsory insurance,” he said.

Tunde Mimiko, Managing Director, SanlamAllianz Life Insurance, whose organisation was IMT 4.0’s Official Insurer, stressed the need for the industry to build systems that move beyond legacy bottlenecks, strengthen compliance, and foster greater trust with policyholders. He emphasised that such developments are crucial for safeguarding customers and positioning insurance as a key driver of financial security and sustainable growth in Nigeria.

The Managing Director, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Stephen Alangbo, emphasised the company’s role as an Innovation Partner, focusing on digital transformation, customer-centric solutions, and the use of Insurtech to shape the future of inclusive coverage in Africa.

He highlighted Cornerstone’s commitment to leveraging technology and developing innovative products to meet dynamic market needs, as outlined in their strategy for leading the African insurance industry.

The event also featured global thought leadership and the conference’s Headline Speaker, Per Lagerström, a former McKinsey partner and the CEO of Yellowspot. He challenged Nigerian insurers to rethink their models, emphasising the human element in innovation. “Insurance is not built on products alone; it is built on behaviour. If we do not understand how people earn, live, and dream, we cannot design solutions they will embrace. Technology gives us the tools, but human insight gives us the answers.”
In his opening remarks, the convener of the IMT Conference and the Managing Director/CEO of Modion Communications, Mr. Odion Aleobua, called on insurance innovators to build distribution that meets people where they are: online, on mobile, at work, and in communities, while conforming to evolving lifestyles. He called on regulators to adopt regulations that protect consumers without stifling industry innovation.

He also noted that the high calibre of sponsors, participants, and partners, including the Commissioner for Insurance, regulators, and industry leaders, reflected a collective commitment to shaping a future of innovation and digital adoption within the Nigerian insurance industry.

Others who spoke at the conference included Mrs Abimbola Anakomaiya, President, Professional Insurance Ladies Association (PILA); Mr Bode Pedro, MD/CEO, Casava Inc; Mr. Olalekan Oyinlade, MD/CEO, emPLE General Insurance; Mr. Deji Macaulay, CEO and Co-founder, CubeCover; Mr. Nelson Ekerele, MD/CEO, Enterprise Life Assurance Limited; Ms Adetola Adegbayi, Founder, Mutual Specialists; Uche Ayodele, Founder and CEO, FastClaim Solutions Limited; Nkiruka Okere, General Manager of aYo, Nigeria; Ayo-Bankole Akintujoye, CEO of Caladium Consulting and Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, Founder and CEO of Nairamatrics among other who participated in the Redefined 2.0, the youth segment.

by Online Poster — September 20, 2025 in Industry

MAN Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Calls it a Great Loss to the Nation

World leaders mourn former President Muhammadu Buhari | Premium Times Nigeria

By Fidelia Okafor

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) joins the nation in mourning the passing of former President Buhari GCFR.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR served the nation, first as a military leader, and more recently as a civilian President from 2015 to 2023, during which he implemented policies aimed at promoting economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing Nigeria’s industrial development.

His tenure brought attention to the importance of manufacturing as a driver of economic development and job creation. Though the economy experienced difficulties during his tenure, President Buhari granted the Association audience to proffer solutions to mitigate the binding constraints that limited the performance of the manufacturing sector. He also provided solutions to some of the challenges confronting manufacturers.

According to Otunba Francis Meshioye OFR, President of the Association, “we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, associates, and all Nigerians during this solemn time”.

As the nation reflects over the life and career of President Muhammadu Buhari, MAN calls upon all Nigerians to honour his memory. We should also reflect on his achievements and continue to work toward the advancements of manufacturing. Government should reflect over his policies and recommit to the creation of a conducive atmosphere for sustainable economic development and the upliftment of the overall wellbeing of the citizenry.

by Online Poster — July 16, 2025 in Industry 0