General News
5 Festive Season Online Shopping Checklist From DHL Perspective

In the lead up to the festive season, consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping portals instead of visiting physical stores.
Oliver Facey, vice president, Operations for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa said that shopping online not only offers consumers access to a greater selection of products with easy to compare prices, but also allows individuals to purchase products that may not yet be available in in their own country.
Although internet penetration in Sub Saharan Africa is still far below the world average of around 30%, the numbers are increasing as Africans become more familiar and comfortable with online shopping.
According to figures from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in South Africa, 51% of individuals with internet access shop online and in Kenya, 18-24% make online purchases and according to a 2014 Phillips Consulting survey, Nigeria’s online shopping sector grew from N68.4 billion in 2011 to N78 billion in 2012, representing a growth of 25%.
He warns though that while there are many motivators of why to shop online, consumers must be aware of the do’s and don’ts of online shopping to avoid possible drawbacks.
Consumers, Facey said, should also be aware of the regulations involved with purchasing from international retailers, in order to avoid incurring additional expenses, thereby making the product less of an attractive buy.
Facey offers advice to consumer on what to consider when buying from international e-retailers:
Be Conscious of Customs’ Import Duties and Taxes:
Consumers are often caught off-guard when their shipments arrive from international retailers with unexpected additional charges.
It is therefore imperative for consumers to be aware that they may have to pay customs duty for their online purchases, depending on the country that they are buying the goods from.
All shipments transported across international borders must be cleared through Customs, where, depending on the type of goods being shipped, they may also be subject to additional charges. Import duties and taxes differ in each country and are usually calculated as a percentage of the item value.
Import shipments may also be subject to interventions by Customs where the price, contents and country of manufacture are often investigated to mitigate a wide range of risks.
This could result in delivery delays as well as additional costs.
There are also e-retailers that offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms which clearly communicates that all costs, inclusive of the duties, taxes and clearance costs, are payable at checkout, to avoid any surprise costs at destination.
Regulations/Restrictions on Certain Products:
Some products are prohibited or have certain limitations when imported.
These could be aviation restrictions – for example, flammable liquids are categorized as dangerous goods, therefore importing of perfume would be restricted.
There may also be country specific restrictions – for example, on certain food or animal by-products.
Gifts Are Not Necessarily Exempted From Duties And Taxes:
When purchasing online products as a gift, check on the receiving country’s regulations to avoid the recipient being held liable for additional charges.
For example, Customs Bureaus in Angola have legislated tax-free exemptions for gifts to an individual as long as the value is less than USD 350. In Zimbabwe, the limit is USD 50.
This shows the varying limits for exemptions and demonstrates the importance of checking local regulations prior to making your online purchases.
Check Delivery Options and Costs:
Most websites offer a variety of delivery options, with associated costs. Make your decision by taking into account the cost of shipping, the expected transit times and the value of your order.
For peace of mind, it is advisable to select a premium courier delivery option, where the delivery process can be tracked from dispatch to final delivery.
Use Reputable E-retailer Websites:
Be sure to only make online purchases from websites that are well-known and reputable.
Do not be fooled by websites with offers that may look enticing – if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
“Online shopping is definitely the way to go, from a convenience and cost saving point of view, so once consumers become familiar with their local regulations, they can really reap the rewards. We have seen a steady increase over the past couple of weeks as consumers took advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals available online.
The build up to the festive season is always peak season for parcel shipments within the express industry, and this year is no different. We recognize and welcome the influx of volumes and our ongoing investment in our people and extensive infrastructure across Africa ensures that we are well positioned to continue to exceed our customers’ service expectations,” concluded Facey, as dostributed by African Press Organization.
General News
MTN Nigeria Takes Go MAD Campaign to The Entrepreneurial Hub of Aba

MTN Nigeria is set to bring its Go Make A Difference (Go M.A.D) campaign to Aba, Nigeria’s renowned enterprise hub, on Sunday, March 23, at Sugarland, Luxury City Hotel.
This initiative continues MTN’s mission to inspire Nigerians to take deliberate steps toward community development and digital empowerment.
Speaking with the press at the campaign launch, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, shared the inspiration behind the Go M.A.D initiative. “At MTN, we believe in driving progress, giving our customers the power to rise above challenges and create something extraordinary. The Go M.A.D campaign is rooted in the belief that MTN data gives you the power to take on the world, to achieve the extraordinary, and to make a meaningful difference, in your community, your family, and your workplace. It’s our way of saying: we see you, we support you, and we’re here to make your journey better.”
Following exciting stops in Abuja, Enugu, Calabar, Ibadan, and most recently Benin, the campaign now heads to Aba with a promise to spotlight the city’s rich entrepreneurial spirit and creative talent.
In Aba, attendees can expect a thrilling fusion of technology, entertainment, and culture, with augmented and virtual reality zones, a flash mob, interactive games, special guests and inspiring real-life stories. The event will also feature Kahoot trivia games, a Go MAD puzzle, a pledge wall, and giveaways of MTN-branded merchandise and digital devices.
A highlight of this event will be the Talent Showcase, dedicated to spotlighting Aba’s emerging creatives and innovators. This platform provides local talents the opportunity to share their creative skills and connect with a broader audience.
Set against the backdrop of Aba’s reputation as a powerhouse of local industry and innovation, the event will celebrate individuals, known as Go MAD Icons, who are making a difference through MTN Data by driving social impact, growing businesses, or sharing knowledge digitally. These icons will serve as powerful reminders of what’s possible when creativity meets connectivity.
As with the previous activations in Abuja, Enugu, Ibadan, Calabar and Benin, cultural expression will remain central to the experience, with performances and installations that pay homage to the Igbo culture while encouraging young people to take positive action in their communities.
MTN’s Go MAD campaign is not just a series of events; it’s a national call to action. By merging storytelling, digital experiences, and grassroots inspiration, the campaign continues to engage Nigeria’s youth and highlight how technology can be a force for change.
General News
Dolphin Estate Goes Pro as FXTM Hosts Lagos Monthly Crit

Cyclists, have the opportunity to gear up for an unforgettable racing experience! On Saturday, April 19th, FXTM proudly sponsors the Lagos State Monthly Crit at Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi – an event that promises speed, endurance, and the thrill of competition.
The day kicks off at 6:30 AM sharp with registration, setting the stage for an adrenaline-fueled main race starting at 7:30 AM. Over the course of four intense hours, cyclists will go head-to-head across three exhilarating categories: Professional, Junior, and Veteran. And for the champions? A cash prize starting at ₦800,000 awaits – a true reward for those who dare to push their limits.
It’s not just about the race – it’s about the experience. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with refreshments, music, and the perfect opportunity to mingle with like-minded cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re a racer or a spectator, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Kelechi Ehibudu, Country Representative for FXTM, said said: “At FXTM we believe in unlocking potential and empowering individuals with ‘the freedom to succeed.’ Cycling, as a sport, perfectly captures this value – the freedom to ride, to push boundaries, and to achieve greatness. This event is part of FXTM’s global commitment to promoting fitness, well-being, and community engagement.
“We’re thrilled to bring this spirited race to Lagos. Cycling is not just a sport – it’s a celebration of determination, endurance, and the unyielding drive to succeed. It perfectly resonates with our mission to empower people to achieve their goals, both in trading and in life.”
The Lagos Monthly Crit is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of freedom, fitness, and community unity. Whether you’re competing for the prize or simply soaking in the energy of the event, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
General News
QNET Denies Fraud Claims, Pledges Cooperation with EFCC Investigation

QNET, a globally recognized lifestyle and wellness direct-selling company, strongly refutes allegations linking it to fraudulent activities following a recent operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kaduna Zonal Directorate in Minna, Niger State.
The EFCC arrested 28 individuals allegedly involved in Ponzi schemes, claiming they operated from a three-bedroom apartment in Al-Bishiri Estate and were linked to QNET.
We categorically deny any association with these individuals or their illicit activities.
While the EFCC reported recovering QNET application forms and documents during the operation, we assert that these materials are likely forged or fraudulent, as QNET’s business operates exclusively on an e-commerce platform and does not utilize physical application forms.
These items were clearly misused by unauthorized parties exploiting our brand. QNET operates a legitimate and ethical direct-selling business model, empowering independent representatives to promote high-quality wellness and lifestyle products.
As a global leader in the direct-selling industry since 1998, QNET adheres strictly to local and international regulations, maintaining the highest standards of compliance and integrity.
Statement from QNET Leadership
Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, addressed the allegations: “We are deeply concerned by the rising trend of scams falsely linked to QNET, including fake investment schemes and fraudulent job offers.
“These malicious acts not only damage our reputation but also harm unsuspecting individuals by eroding their trust and finances.
“QNET condemns all fraudulent activities and is fully committed to working with authorities to ensure justice is served.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and verify all QNET-related opportunities through official channels to avoid falling victim to such deceptive practices.”
QNET’s Ongoing Commitment to Anti-Fraud Advocacy
Since entering Nigeria in 2022 through our local partner Transblue Nigeria Limited, QNET has prioritized financial literacy and consumer protection.
In November 2023, we launched the Say NO! campaign to educate the public about scams and Ponzi schemes, collaborating with key stakeholders such as the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
This initiative has reached thousands across Nigeria and neighboring countries like Senegal and Burkina Faso through multilingual billboards, radio campaigns, educational pamphlets, and social media outreach.
These efforts underscore our dedication to empowering communities with the knowledge to distinguish legitimate QNET services from fraudulent schemes.
Full Cooperation with Law Enforcement
QNET is committed to supporting the EFCC’s investigation into this matter. We are actively cooperating with authorities to clarify the misuse of our brand and ensure that those responsible for these fraudulent activities are brought to justice. We encourage anyone with information about this case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Public Advisory: How to Stay Safe
To protect yourself from scams misusing QNET’s name, we advise the following:
● Verify all information about QNET through our official website: www.qnet.net.
● Report suspicious activities to our dedicated team at [email protected] or via our WhatsApp hotline at +233256630005.
● Learn more about identifying and avoiding scams at www.saynocampaign.org
QNET remains steadfast in upholding the highest ethical standards in direct selling.
We call on the media and the public to verify facts before associating QNET with unverified claims, as such misinformation can unfairly damage our reputation and the trust of our stakeholders.
For further details about QNET’s business, products, and anti-fraud initiatives, please visit www.qnet.net.
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