Business
Customs Generates N185.76bn In Seven Months
The Tin-Can Island Com
mand of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said it collected N185.7 billion revenue from January to July 2015.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, Mr Chris Osunkwo, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, recently.
He described the sum collected as a remarkable improvement over the N162.3 billion collected in the corresponding period of January to July 2014.
“ Last year in Tin-can Island Port command, we made N162.3 billion between January and July.
“This year, so far we have had N185.7 billion within the same period of January to July 2015.
“If you look at it, it’s approximately N20 billion difference and that is a remarkable improvement, intensifying effort and quality leadership.
“Above all, we do not believe that the volume of cargo translates to collectable revenue. No! but rather the quality of cargo – the value.
“Looking at that and taking it from there, you can agree with me that officers improved on their performance because they have been more dedicated.
“From the available cargo, we do not need the whole of Europe or U.S. or Asian market to relocate to Nigeria before we can get maximum revenue for government.
“So from the available cargo, the job is done procedurally and the way most appropriately it should be done.
“From there, the accruable revenue to government is realised and accounted for.“
He explained that the improvement in the amount of revenue collected was the result of the dedication and commitment of officers of the command.
The command’s spokesman said that the volume of imported new and used vehicles dropped sharply because of the new policy on automobiles importation.
Osunkwo said that the command also made remarkable collection from the massive influx of general cargo.
He explained that seizures dropped, an indication that the level of traders’ compliance to import regulations had improved.
Osunkwo said that officers of the command were on the alert and ready to impound smuggled poultry products in line with its operation `Hawk Descend`.
He spoke of the need for terminal operators to provide adequate equipment to facilitate cargo examination at the port.
“This issue of minimum equipment and machinery to conduct examination is still hampering seamless operations; still we have devised strategies to surmount that.
“That notwithstanding, the other day, my Area Controller called the terminal operators for a meeting and read the riot act; that look, all of them must be up and doing.
“They must live up to expectation. They must get the equipment that are very, very necessary.
“Because of that, I think most of them are working round the clock to ensure that they improve on the available equipment and machinery for customs operations.“
Osunkwo said that the command seized 11 containers between February and June, adding that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods was N460.1 million.
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