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Nigeria’s Industrial Future at Stake, Warns Dr. Mallinson Ukatu

By Fidelia Okafor 
Chairman, Mallinson & Partners, Dr. Mallinson Afam Ukatu, has called for urgent government action to create a level playing field for Nigerian manufacturers, highlighting challenges in financing, energy, and policy implementation that hinder indigenous industrial growth and competitiveness.
Speaking at  the 2025 Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) End-of-Year Programme, held on December 4 at MAN House, Ikeja, Lagos,  Ukatu, delivered a compelling call for government action to protect and empower indigenous manufacturers in Nigeria.
Ukatu highlighted the critical role of manufacturing as the engine of sustainable economic recovery, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot fully unlock its industrial potential without competitive financing, stable energy, and a fair market system.
He noted that while institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI) provide funding at moderate interest rates, procedural bottlenecks and delays in disbursement through commercial banks hinder manufacturers’ access to crucial capital.
“Meanwhile, foreign manufacturers, particularly from China and India, enjoy duty exemptions, tax waivers, free trade zone advantages, and accelerated processes that local manufacturers can only dream of,” he stated.
Ukatu warned that these imbalances create an uneven playing field, often allowing imported goods to flood local markets at prices indigenous manufacturers cannot match, while the economic value of such operations largely flows out of Nigeria.
He further raised concerns about foreign dominance in sectors traditionally reserved for Nigerians, such as construction, real estate development, and large-scale engineering contracts, leaving local experts sidelined.
Ukatu called for enforceable local-content policies prioritizing Nigerian businesses, reduced interest rates and guaranteed disbursement of manufacturing loans and elimination of multiple taxation to encourage investment and expansion.
He added that reliable, affordable energy, including leveraging Nigeria’s gas reserves for industrial production and transparent and equitable free trade zones across states.
Ukatu urged that Nigeria must provide a fair and level playing field where indigenous businesses can innovate, compete, and grow.
“We stand at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the industrial destiny of our nation. Let us choose policies that empower, support, and elevate Nigerian manufacturers,” he said.
Online Poster by — December 8, 2025 in News
CICAN Chairman Urges Strategic Action to Revive Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector

By Fidelia Okafor 
National Chairman, Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), Charles Okonji, called for urgent strategic action to revive Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, citing fragile growth, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies as key barriers to industrial progress and economic diversification.
Speaking at  the 2025 End-of-Year Engagement Forum of CICAN, held on December 4 at MAN’s House, Ikeja, Lagos,  Okonji, highlighted the urgent need for strategic action to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Okonji emphasized that while Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.98 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, largely driven by non-oil sectors such as services and agriculture, the manufacturing sector—long considered the backbone of industrial growth—remains fragile.
“Manufacturing contributed only 9.62 percent to GDP in Q1 2025, reflecting a worrying decline over the past five years.
“Many in the sector point to persistent constraints including unreliable power supply, inadequate infrastructure, poor logistics, limited access to credit, and unstable foreign exchange conditions,” Okonji said.
“These challenges have weakened manufacturers’ capacity to invest, expand, or even sustain operations, leading to diminished output, reduced job creation, and a shrinking productive base.”
Okonji outlined key priorities for the sector’s revival which includes;  reliable roads, transport networks, storage facilities, and affordable energy are essential for industrial competitiveness.
“Support for local manufacturing, full implementation of local-content policies, and incentives for “Made in Nigeria” goods are critical. Affordable credit and predictable foreign-exchange conditions are needed to restore investor confidence.
Both government and private sector must prioritize industrial empowerment as a driver of jobs, wealth creation, export earnings, and economic diversification.
Addressing the media, Okonji called on journalists to leverage their platforms to hold stakeholders accountable, highlight both challenges and opportunities, and advocate for policies that will revitalize Nigeria’s manufacturing heartland.
The forum set the stage for candid discussions and actionable proposals aimed at achieving genuine industrial rebirth and shared prosperity in 2026 and beyond.
Online Poster by — December 8, 2025 in News
LG Electronics Nigeria: Driving Economic Growth and Social Impact

By Fidelia Okafor 
LG Electronics Nigeria is proving that modern business can do more than sell products, it can drive economic growth, create jobs, empower communities, and champion innovation.
From energy-efficient appliances to skill-building initiatives, the company is leaving a tangible mark on Nigeria’s economy and society.
Speaking at the End-of-Year Engagement Forum of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), LG Electronics Nigeria showcased its vital role in the nation’s economy. Addressing a gathering of distinguished journalists, industry leaders, and invited guests, the company emphasized that its contributions go far beyond selling consumer electronics.
According to the address, LG Electronics Nigeria is not only a provider of household appliances and advanced technology but a key driver of economic development. Consumer electronics, the company noted, are no longer luxury items—they are essential tools for communication, productivity, education, healthcare, and innovation. LG’s wide range of products, including energy-efficient refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and air conditioners, has become integral to improving quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
Economic impact extends beyond technology. LG Electronics Nigeria is a major contributor to job creation, supporting livelihoods through distribution networks, service centers, logistics channels, and retail partnerships nationwide. Furthermore, the company invests in human capital development by providing technical training and workforce development programs, equipping young Nigerians with the skills required in a technology-driven economy.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) also forms a core part of LG Nigeria’s operations. The company engages in initiatives aimed at uplifting communities, rather than simple charitable acts. Over the years, LG has donated electronics and appliances to schools and healthcare facilities, supported underprivileged communities, partnered with local institutions to enhance living and learning conditions, and championed educational support initiatives for young people.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of LG Nigeria’s approach. By providing energy-efficient products, the company helps households reduce energy consumption and costs, contributing both to environmental protection and economic relief. This approach underscores the company’s commitment to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable business practices.
As a global brand operating locally, LG Electronics Nigeria also promotes technology transfer, adoption of global best practices, and confidence in Nigeria’s consumer electronics market. It is an example of how modern industry can combine innovation with purpose, growth with responsibility, and business success with social impact.
The company’s message to the press corps was clear: LG is not just selling products—it is creating opportunities, empowering communities, and supporting Nigeria’s broader growth story.
In the words of LG Electronics Nigeria, “Your role in telling these stories is crucial. By shining a light on companies that go beyond profit, you help document Nigeria’s economic journey.
Online Poster by — December 8, 2025 in News
MAN Applauds Press Role in Advocacy, Growth

By Fidelia Okafor 
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has hailed the vital role of the press in promoting industry advocacy and driving economic growth, describing journalists as indispensable partners in amplifying the country’s commerce and industrial initiatives.
Speaking at the 2025 End-of-Year Engagement Forum of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) held on December 4, MAN’s Corporate Services Division, Salami Musa,  reaffirmed its appreciation for the media’s critical role in shaping public understanding of commerce and industry in Nigeria.
The association conveyed its gratitude to CICAN for serving as a vital partner in amplifying the organization’s advocacy efforts.
Speaking on behalf of his divisional head, Dr. Segun Alabi, and by extension, the Director General and the President of MAN, Musa emphasized that the media’s quality representation ensures the visibility and impact of the association’s initiatives.
“It is no exaggeration to say that without the quality of representation you provide, our efforts would be akin to winking in the dark, lacking the visibility and amplification that your platform so effectively delivers,”
Musa stated, highlighting the indispensable role of journalists in the country’s commerce and industry ecosystem.
The forum also provided an opportunity to remind participants of the ongoing MAN of the Year Personality Award, an initiative that celebrates outstanding contributions within the media and industry space.
Entries for the award remain open until December 15, encouraging continued recognition of excellence.
Musa concluded by expressing optimism about the future, emphasizing the desire to deepen collaboration with the press in the coming year for even greater impact.
“We are sincerely grateful for your continued support and wish to reaffirm how much we value this partnership,” he said, urging CICAN members to maintain their dedication to reporting with accuracy, insight, and integrity.
The 2025 forum underscored the synergy between industry and media, reinforcing the critical role of journalism in shaping Nigeria’s economic and industrial landscape.
Online Poster by — December 8, 2025 in News
NACCIMA, GIZ Collaborate To Facilitate Cross-Border Trade, Export 

By Fidelia Okafor 
In the bid to strengthen regional integration, facilitate cross-border agricultural trade, and expand opportunities for micro-small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the National Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has partnered with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
At the launch of NACCIMA activities under the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme themed:  “Strengthening ECOWAs Agricultural Market to Drive Food Security and Regional  Prosperity,” NACCIMA President, Jani Ibrahim noted that agriculture continues to play a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, adding that in Q4 2024, the sector contributed about 24.64% to GDP.
“With the recent GDP rebasing, the share of agriculture in national output has risen. Early 2025 estimates show agriculture’s share of GDP at around 27.8%.”
Ibrahim however noted that despite its large role in the economy and its sustenance of livelihoods, Nigeria’s agricultural exports remain modest.
He disclosed that it is  against this backdrop that the EAT Project and NACCIMA’s role take on special relevance. He said for NACCIMA, this initiative aligns perfectly with the association’s mandate to empower the private sector, promote enabling policies, and strengthen export competitiveness.
“Through this Project, we intend to address longstanding bottlenecks that hinder trade through the capacity building of traders and SMEs within the agribusiness value chain, enabling them to meet requirements for regional markets.
“By unlocking the potential of regional agricultural trade, we are not just moving goods; we are unlocking livelihoods, creating value, deepening regional economic integration, and contributing to food security for millions across West Africa.
“The opportunities are enormous, with Nigeria’s burgeoning population and rising urban demand, ECOWAS’s vast markets, and the dynamism of our private sector.
“But we must also recognise the challenges: infrastructure gaps, limited access to finance, weak value-chain linkages, and non-tariff barriers. This is why a coordinated effort under the EAT Project, with NACCIMA as a central private-sector anchor, is so critical.
The NACCIMA boss applauded GIZ and ECOWAS, its development partners, for entrusting NACCIMA with the responsibility.
He noted that the partnership promises stronger agricultural value chains, better market access, enhanced trade in food and agro-products, and a more vibrant role for the private sector in shaping regional trade in West Africa.”
For the Director General, NACCIMA, Sola Obadimu, agriculture remains a major pillar of Nigeria’s economy, contributing about one-quarter of its GDP and supporting millions of livelihoods.
Obadimu noted that yet, despite the  vast potential, the nation’s agricultural export earnings remain below expectation, even as the wider ECOWAS region with a population of over 400 million people continues to offer huge untapped market opportunities.
The DG pointed out that the EAT Project is therefore timely, as it  strengthens the  collective effort to boost intra-regional agricultural trade, improve standards, remove non-tariff barriers, and support SMEs to participate more competitively in regional value chains.
“For NACCIMA, this intervention aligns strongly with our mandate to promote trade, support private-sector competitiveness, and deepen regional integration.
“Under this project, NACCIMA will lead a series of activities focused on capacity building and improving access to market information. Our aim is simple: to ensure that Nigerian agribusinesses are better positioned to take advantage of opportunities within the ECOWAS market and contribute meaningfully to national and regional growth.”
For  Arne Schuffenhauver,
Program Lead,  GIZ- EAT, the programme is funded by the German government, implemented in partnership with the ECOWAS Commission,  and with many other partners in five countries of which Nigeria is one of them.
 Schuffenhauver said  ECOWAS trade is one of the biggest markets for food products in West Africa.
He noted that the GIZ partnered NACCIMA because the association gives services to members and non-members on how to better access markets, how to trade, how to go through inspections and customs in an efficient way.
“So NACCIMA is a strategic partner for us, noting  that  the EAT project is important to really accelerate trade with food products.
“So the benefit is knowledge, access to information, access to markets, to promote these businesses of smaller, medium enterprises, also youth and women.”
He said  for the moment, cross-border trade is not recognized as a huge business because the narrative at the moment is that it’s too small to invest and defragmented.
The project lead, GIZ-EAT said   the cross-border food trade is a big business of 10 billion dollars.
“So it means there’s a lot of opportunities.  There are still challenges for small and medium traders to really invest, to have access to finance, to cross the borders without any obstacles.
“So there’s also other solutions that we support, like small infrastructure, cool stores, solar-powered cool stores, even very simple aspects like transporting a product from a market to the next destination, so across the border with tricycles.
“All of these small business cases are important to show policy makers that there are solutions and these solutions are attractive for making money, for profits, for creating jobs, for creating incomes.
“We just have to channel funds, credits, into these directions so that we can invest more into these businesses for the benefit of traders and  also consumers.”
Nancy Okpa, Principal Trade Promotion Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), noted that the launch
marks a significant milestone in regional economic cooperation by creating a structural platform for producers, processors, exporters, policy makers and development partners.
“This initiative advances a shared vision and integrated West African market where agricultural value chains thrive.
Okpa said through this collaboration, barriers to trade are reduced, opportunities for inclusive growth are expanded.
“As Nigeria continues to defend its core values, agriculture remains central to our national and economic strategy.”
She noted that the framework for agricultural trade facilitation lies strongly with the council’s mandate to support exporters, improve competitiveness and help Nigerian producers meet regional and global demands.
“We particularly commend NACCIMA and GIZ for their commitment to empowering agricultural businesses and strengthening the capacities of all stakeholders.
“This initiative comes at a crucial time when strategic patterns are needed to unlock the immense potential of the West African agricultural sector.”
Online Poster by — December 6, 2025 in News
Pension Compliance: PenCom DG Announces New Era of Zero Tolerance For Pension Defaults

PenCom goes tough on defaulters of CPS regulations, unveils era of zero tolerance - Champion Newspapers LTD

…Trains Recovery Agents On Recovering Pension Liabilities From Employers

 

The Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, has announced that PenCom has ushered in a new era of zero tolerance for pension defaults with accredited Recovery Agents serving as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s social contract with its workers.

 

 

Ms. Oloworaran represented by the Commissioner Inspectorate of the Commission, Hon. Samuel Chigozie Uwandu stated this during an intensive Training Workshop for accredited Recovery Agents held in Lagos on 2 December 2025. The training marked a renewed nationwide compliance push to recover outstanding pension contributions and penalties from employers who persistently violate the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, which mandates remittance of pension contributions within seven working days of salary payment.

 

 

The workshop, attended by enforcement officers, resource persons and pension industry stakeholders, outlined new strategic initiatives that will strengthen enforcement efforts, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and empower recovery agents to tackle non-remittance of pension contributions with greater precision and authority.

 

 

Speaking further at the workshop, the Director General reaffirmed PenCom’s commitment to enforcing strict compliance across the pension industry.
PenCom currently engages Recovery Agents to audit defaulting employers, calculate outstanding pension liabilities, issue demand notices, and facilitate recovery of unremitted pension contributions. Recovery Agents’ work has been instrumental in enforcing compliance since the start of the recovery exercise in 2012.

 

PenCom data shows that the Commission has cumulatively recovered ₦32.27 billion, comprising ₦15.87 billion in principal contributions and ₦16.40 billion in penalties from defaulting employers between June 2012 and September 2025.

 

In addition, PenCom recorded significant compliance gains in the third quarter of 2025 alone, recovering ₦2.06 billion (₦775 million principal and ₦1.27 billion penalties) from 49 defaulting employers, reflecting a sustained surge in enforcement activities.

 

Ms. Oloworaran told the workshop participants that despite the successes of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), persistent defaults by employers threaten the fundamental purpose of the system.
“Every unremitted Naira represents a broken promise to a Nigerian worker,” she said. “This Commission has moved from promoting voluntary compliance to mandating enforced compliance. The era of impunity is over.”

 

She recalled that the appointment of Recovery Agents followed a competitive, transparent selection process, reflecting PenCom’s confidence in their capacity, professionalism, and integrity. She reminded participants that they are the “operational arm of PenCom’s enforcement will” and are critical to PenCom’s strategy to safeguard workers’ retirement savings.

 

The Director General outlined several bold initiatives forming PenCom’s expanded enforcement architecture, including forming stronger partnerships with key regulatory bodies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other relevant agencies. Under these partnerships, employers’ compliance with the PRA 2014 will influence their standing with these bodies. The DG noted that defaulting employers will face consequences beyond PenCom, as non-compliance may affect business operations, access to government services, and regulatory privileges.

 

PenCom DG also brought to the attention of the participants the newly executed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which empowers ICPC to hold the management of recalcitrant employers personally accountable, making pension defaults a matter with potential criminal implications.

 

“This MoU is a decisive step to give teeth to our recovery efforts,” the DG stated. “No employer should imagine that withholding workers’ pensions is without consequences.”
The training modules delivered at the workshop were designed to deepen RAs’ skills in employer audit and compliance assessment; liability computation and negotiation; documentation and evidence management; engagement protocols under PenCom’s new enforcement architecture and use of enhanced digital compliance tools and reporting systems.

 

Participants were also briefed on PenCom’s internal reforms aimed at ensuring faster processing of reports, better coordination between departments, and stronger monitoring of ongoing recovery activities.
The DG concluded her remarks with a powerful charge to the Recovery Agents:
“You are the ambassadors of this new resolve, an Act with unwavering ethical standards, exercise professional care, and be relentless in securing what is rightfully due to the Nigerian worker.”

 

She said that PenCom stands fully behind the agents and will provide all necessary institutional support to ensure that every kobo owed to Nigerian workers is recovered.
The workshop ended with a renewed sense of mission as PenCom and its accredited Recovery Agents prepare to intensify nationwide compliance activities throughout 2026 and beyond.

Online Poster by — December 5, 2025 in Insurance and Pension
Gov Mbah Presents N1.62 Trn 2026 Budget Of Renewed Momentum

Gov Mbah presents N1.62trn 2026 budget of renewed momentumLarryBravo Nwaiwu
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Tuesday, presented a record N1.62 trillion 2026 budget estimates to the Enugu State House of Assembly, saying the administration was moving from laying foundation to scaling transformation across every sector.
The figure represents a 66.5 per cent increase over the N971 billion revised 2025 budget.
Dubbed Budget of Renewed Momentum, Governor Mbah said the budget comprised a Capital Expenditure of N1,296,092,465,000, representing 80 per cent of the total budget, while the Recurrent Component stood at N321,305,000,000, representing 20 per cent of the budget totaling N1,617,397,465,000.
Mbah said the budget would be funded through a projected N870 billion Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, N387 billion would come from the Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, while N329 billion is expected as Capital Receipts.
A sectoral breakdown of the budget shows that the Economic Sector would receive N825.9 billion, representing N51 per cent of the total budget, followed by the Social Sector (N644.7 billion), representing 40.1 per cent of the budget, while Administration Sector, Justice Sector and Regional Sector got N128 billion, N15.8 billion, and N2 billion, respectively.
“Allocating N825.9 billion to the Economic Sector is strategic and deliberate. When we invest in agriculture, industry, and trade, we create jobs, reduce poverty, and generate revenue that strengthens the entire economy. The performance of this sector remains central to our vision of achieving a seven-fold GDP growth in Enugu State,” the governor explained.
Highlights of the Economic Sector include Roads/Infrastructure Sector where the governor plans to construct 1,200 urban roads and a significant number of rural roads, while also completing the ongoing 40-kilometre Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway, dualisation of the Abakpa Nike – Ugwogo Nike – Ekwegbe – Opi-Nsukka Road, and the 21.65-kilometre Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway.
Concerning Transportation, Mbah announced that the state would acquire 14 additional aircraft to bring Enugu Air’s fleet to 20, noting that three additional planes would arrive before the end of 2025.
The administration plans to build five more transport terminals in Emene, Udi, Awgu, Four-Corners (Ozalla) and Obollo-Afor. It equally set aside 15 per cent of the budget for providing 15,000 mass housing units, while ramping up infrastructural development at the New Enugu City.
In the Agricultural Sector, he said the administration would, among others, step up the construction of 20-hectare Farm Estates in the 260 wards of the state, with some already underway.
In the Social Sector, education got the lion’s share of 32.27 per cent of the entire budget, following patterns of the 2024 and 2025 budgets where it also got over 30 per cent.
He said that with the 260 Smart Green Schools already completed or nearing completion, the state would focus on the construction of Smart Secondary Schools and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Colleges across the state in 2026.
“There are some, who might look at what we spend on education and cringe. But what we spend currently on education is largely insignificant weighed against the future social cost of having a disproportionate population of out-of-school children,” he explained.
He said his administration equally budgeted the sum of N20 billion to clear longstanding gratuities inherited by his administration, noting that “Our workers should not wait years to receive benefits they have earned.”
N11 billion was budgeted to, among others, fund the second phase of the administration’s security surveillance system, Health is to get 10 per cent of the total budget.
*2025 Budget Performance*
On the 2025 budget performance, Governor Mbah said the administration had so far spent about N806 billion.
“This means that we utilized 97.5 per cent of all the money that came into the state and achieved 83 per cent of the total budget implementation as against the revised budget of N871 billion,” he said.
On revenues performance, the governor said “The money coming into Enugu State has grown in ways we have never seen before.”
“Our internally generated revenue is set to exceed ₦400 billion by the end of the year. It is not yet where we ultimately want to be, but it is already the highest IGR in the history of Enugu State – a 221.6% increase over 2024,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying it had revved up the FAAC allocations to Enugu State.
“Our FAAC inflow did not just meet expectations – it exceeded them by more than half. We projected about ₦150 billion but we received ₦230 billion – over 50 per cent above projection.
“This is not accidental. It reflects the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidies, unification of foreign exchange rate and other fiscal measures have strengthened key macro indicators – inflation has declined and continues to trend downwardly, interest rates have eased, and the exchange rate has stabilised. And our foreign reserve has continued to be strengthened, and recently hit the $46 billion mark,” he said.
Online Poster by — December 5, 2025 in News
IHS Nigeria Shines, Secures Multiple Wins At SISA, SERAS, Tech Innovation Awards

L-R Regional Executive – West Africa, Africa Data Centres, Dr. Krishnan Ranganath presenting the Renewable Energy and Green Site Initiative Award to IHS Nigeria, Director, Sales, Olubukola Agbaminoja; Senior Specialist, Compliance, Halima Omidiran; Director, Treasury Operations, Adenike Emiloju; and Manager, External Communications, Olufunso Adeolu, all from IHS Nigeria, during the Technology Innovation Awards (TIA) held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
L–R: Specialist, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Jemimah Okanlawon; Specialist, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Yemisi Akande; Manager, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Tolulope Oyenuga; President & CEO, Upticomm Marketing Company, Segun McMedal with the Director of Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga; and GMD, Sunny Brooks Group of Schools, Lekki, Lagos, Maryanne Maduekwe during the presentation of the Deborah Leipziger Africa Prize for Innovation to IHS Nigeria at the 19th Edition of the SERAS Awards on Saturday, November 29, in Lagos.

By Winifred Bosa

 IHS Nigeria has recorded an exceptional recognitions, by securing multiple awards across three high-profile industry platforms.
The honours highlight the company’s sustained commitment to innovation, sustainability, ethical business practices, and nationwide social impact.
Recently, at the Social Impact Sustainability Awards (SISA) held at the MUSON Center, Lagos, IHS Nigeria was celebrated for its contributions to digital inclusion and responsible business conduct.
The company received the Digital Access and Learning Empowerment Champion Award, recognising its efforts to expand digital access and support education across underserved communities.
 IHS Nigeria also earned the Ethical Business Leader of the Year Award, a testament to its transparent corporate governance process, strong compliance culture, and dedication to ensuring ethical business practices.
The winning streak continued on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the SERAS CSR Awards, Africa’s most influential sustainability recognition platform. IHS Nigeria emerged as the Best Company in Innovation winning the Deborah Leipziger Africa Prize for Innovation, which honours its forward-thinking programmes and cutting-edge solutions that address social and environmental challenges.
 In addition, the Director of Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga was named the First Runner-Up for the Africa Sustainability Professional of the Year, underscoring her strong leadership in driving the organisation’s Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) agenda.
On the same night, at the Tech Innovation Awards (TIA) held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, the company secured three more accolades. IHS Nigeria received the Renewable Energy and Green Site Initiative Award for its leadership in adopting clean energy solutions across its network and the Telecom Tower Infrastructure Leadership Award, affirming its position as a leading provider of critical communications and digital infrastructure in West Africa.
The Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria, Dapo Otunla, was also recognised at the TIA for his outstanding contribution to industry advancement and leadership excellence as Telecom Chief Corporate Services Leader of the year.
Reflecting on the company’s recent honours, Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria, Dapo Otunla expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
“These recognitions across three respected platforms reaffirm our belief that sustainability, innovation, and ethical business practices are not just corporate ideals—they are responsibilities we owe the communities we serve. At IHS Nigeria, we have made a deliberate commitment to expand digital access, deepen our renewable energy investments, and strengthen the integrity of our operations.
These awards belong to our people, our partners, and the millions of Nigerians whose trust inspires us to keep raising the bar” He said.
The awards and acknowledgements reflect IHS Nigeria’s ongoing investments in sustainable technology, community empowerment, climate-conscious operations, and responsible business practices, and serve as a testament to the company’s vision of a digitally empowered, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious Nigeria.
  IHS Nigeria remains committed to driving Nigeria’s progress toward inclusive digital access and a greener future.
Online Poster by — December 5, 2025 in News
FAAN Commences Two-Day Board Retreat Focused on Future-Proofing the Authority

FAAN Commences 2-Day Board Retreat On Future-Proofing | Science Nigeria

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday commenced its two-day Board Retreat themed “Future-Proofing FAAN: Leadership, Modernisation and Strategic Renewal.” This strategic gathering reflects FAAN’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing institutional capacity, and repositioning Nigeria’s airports for global competitiveness.

The retreat brought together a distinguished assembly of leaders, including the Chairman of the FAAN Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Board Members, Executive Directors, and management staff from across the Authority.

The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kafarmata. Also present were: Distinguished Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation; and Hon. Festus Akingbaso, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, representing the Chairman of the House Committee

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended FAAN for organising the retreat and expressed confidence that the sessions would be highly rewarding and impactful for the future of the Authority.

Declaring the retreat open, the representative of the Honourable Minister extended the Minister’s optimism for the programme, stating: “May your deliberations be productive, and your outcomes transformative for FAAN, for the aviation sector, and for Nigeria.”

The retreat provides a critical platform to deepen synergy between the Board and Management, strengthen governance structures and clarify strategic direction; review FAAN’s operational, infrastructural, and financial landscape; chart a roadmap for modernisation, innovation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability; and align FAAN’s priorities with ministerial directives and national aviation development goals.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, highlighted that the retreat offers an opportunity to reflect on FAAN’s progress, reassess its challenges, and envision a modern, responsive, and globally competitive airport system for Nigeria.

The combined presence of the Board, the Ministry, and National Assembly leadership underscores a unified commitment to driving reforms, strengthening institutional resilience, and delivering service excellence across all FAAN airports.

The outcomes of the retreat are expected to produce actionable resolutions and a focused strategic roadmap that will propel FAAN further on its journey of leadership, modernisation, and operational excellence.

Online Poster by — December 5, 2025 in Aviation