Business
Nigerians Laud FG Over Cut In Foreign Imports
Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have lauded the Federal Government’s decision to cut down on the importation of goods into the country.
The respondents told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday that if government would keep faith with the policy, it would encourage local manufacturers and boost employment.
President Goodluck Jonathan had on December 1 announced a cut on imported goods to cushion the effects of falling oil prices on the Nigerian economy.
While announcing the ban, the President said that the falling prices of oil on the global market were a reminder that the country could no longer rely on the commodity as its major foreign exchange earner.
Speaking with The Tide source, Mr Odion Obasa, a car dealer noted that the position taken by government was in the right direction, adding that it should be implemented to its logical conclusion.
“The decision by government to cut down on the importation of foreign goods will create job opportunities for our teeming youths seeking employment,’’ he said.
Another respondent, Prince James, a Pastor, said that no economy in the world could thrive on the importation of goods.
He criticised Nigerians for their over-reliance on imported goods to the detriment of locally made goods which, he said, were more genuine than some imported goods.
“The decision by government to cut importation of goods is a good one. If Nigerians can support government, the policy will be a success,’’ he said.
James urged the government to cut the cost of governance by reducing the number of aides of public office holders and their remuneration.
“The large number of presidential and governors’ aides is a waste-pipe that should be plugged,” he said.
Mr Damilola Oke, a businessman, said that the policy would work only if the leaders initiating it would not interfere with its implementation.
He, however, said that the policy would go a long way to reposition the economy in the face of the dwindling oil prices.
Mr Moses Iwodi, a clergy, said that the policy would afford government the opportunity to focus on local manufacturers to boost the economy.
He said that government should not stop at just announcing the policy but should ensure that it was implemented.
“I hope this will not be the usual lip service that we are used to over the years,” he said.
Commissioner for Commerce Rivers State, Hon. Chuma C. Chinye representing Governor of Rivers State Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (middle) inspecting some business stand. With him, National President NACCIMA Alhaji Mohammed Bodaru Abubakar (left) and Chairman, Port Harcourt International Trade Fair, Chief Allison Ogidiben at the official opening ceremony of 9th Port Harcourt Trade Fair at Isaac Boro Park, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson
MoniePoint Inc. a digital financial firm in Nigeria, has said it is empowering community pharmacists across the country with innovative payment solutions to improve access to drugs.
The financial firm said it had also provided loans for pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to drive healthcare delivery in the country.
MoniePoint in a release titled, “Inside Nigeria’s community pharmacies: How Moniepoint drives healthcare access with payments and funding”, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing digital payment solutions to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
The release examined how community pharmacies play a crucial role as vital access points for medical care in Nigeria, especially in areas with limited hospital or clinic access.
According to the release, the ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Igwekwam, highlighted the critical role played by community pharmacies in Nigeria’s healthcare system over the years.
Igwekwam, however, expressed concerns over the challenges confronting the nation’s pharmaceutical industry which he said was hindering access to affordable medicines.
The pharmacist listed poor infrastructural systems, power, transportation, regulatory bottlenecks, importation dependency, and limited research opportunities as major challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
He also stressed the need for robust collaborative efforts with institutions like Moniepoint to strengthen the sector.
“As Nigeria continues to grow, improving local pharma manufacturing to meet the demands of this growth presents a key opportunity for us all.
“There is also the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which is expected to boost our industry, especially when we start producing our drugs locally, which will provide the much needed foreign exchange from exports.
“We are also seeing advancements in digital health and technology which would hopefully deepen the practice of e-prescription in Nigeria”, the ACPN boss said.
Corlins Walter
In order to enhance customer service and streamline operations, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has called on stakeholders in the insurance industry to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The President of the institute, Yetunde Ilori, made this call at the 2024 Office Representatives Committee (ORC) Workshop, organised by the institute, with the theme “AI and the Future of the Insurance Industry”, in Lagos.
Ilori at the event, emphasised the importance of AI adoption, noting that it was not a threat to jobs but rather a tool to improve efficiency across the insurance sector.
“It is not about AI taking over our jobs, but about us using AI to simplify processes and give maximum satisfaction to all the customers we serve whether as underwriters, brokers, loss adjusters, or in educating our members”, she said.
The workshop, which brought players in the insurance sector together, aimed to address how AI could be leveraged to transform business processes and improve customer interactions.
The Chairman of the ORC, Monica Nwachukwu, underscored the role of AI in modernising the industry, adding, “AI can automate customer and claims processes, allowing insurers to provide faster and more efficient services to their customers”.
She explained how AI could help extract data from legacy systems, enhancing decision-making processes.
“By integrating AI with APIs, insurers can feed valuable data into AI solutions to improve operations and customer service”, she added.
In his address, the Managing Partner of A4S and Training Heights, Orlando Odejide, stressed the need for companies to align their strategies with future technologies like AI, especially as they prepare for 2025.
“Any organisation that wants to grow into the future must have its strategic plan in place. If your strategy for 2025 is not ready, it should be done by October”, he advised.
He encouraged participants to think critically about how AI could be integrated into their business models to ensure they remain competitive.
“The idea is for you to use this workshop as a platform to think about your organization and how AI can help streamline your processes and improve growth”, Odejide noted.
In order to gain global respect and recognition, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has reaffirmed its determination to pursue its goal in ensuring that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global space economy.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, NASRDA revealed that the Director-General of the agency, Matthew Adepoju, emphasised this during recent engagements at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Global Alliance Business Association international conference in Michigan, United States.
The statement noted that Adepoju outlined a forward-thinking agenda, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s space programme as a leader in research, exploration, and technological innovation.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
“We must foster collaborations with global space agencies to enhance our satellite capabilities and technological infrastructure”, he stated.
The NASRDA boss said the agency is focusing on enhancing satellite capabilities, expanding international collaborations, and leveraging space science for national development.
He said NASRDA will have no stone unturned in pursuit of excellence, ensuring the agency secures the necessary resources and recognition to propel it forward.
“The relationships we build today will pave the way for tomorrow’s advancements in space science.
“Innovation and progress thrive in an environment built on collaboration and inclusivity”, he stated.
He emphasised that with the support of the government, international partners, and a dedicated team, NASRDA is poised to make significant strides in the evolving global space landscape.
“We are on the brink of a new era for Nigeria’s space agency. Together, we will ensure our nation stands out in the global space economy”, he said.
Corlins Walter