General News
Legislation Drives Demand for Sage’s Payroll Software –Nmonwu
Magnus Nmonwu is the regional director for Sage West Africa. He speaks to Peter Ugwu about the latest trends in the Nigerian business software market.
What is Sage Day West Africa 2015?
This is the first time that Sage’s three key operating entities in Africa – Sage Pastel Accounting, Sage ERP Africa and Sage HR & Payroll – are coming together to showcase our solutions. That is why we tagged it Sage Day West Africa.
Adoption of Financial and Payroll Software in Nigeria?
Compliance is getting a lot of attention from organizations and businesses operating in Nigeria. People need to report on business operations in a way that follows international standards – and to do that, they need the right business software.
All our solutions are built to enable compliance with standards such as the International Finance Reporting Standards (IFRS), the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), and the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS). We have compliant solutions that cut across small, medium and large enterprises. And they produce financial reports that will withstand any international scrutiny.
Sectors Feeling around Compliance
Businesses that want to grow must adopt healthy practices in governance and reporting, and also be able to made decisions faster.
Every sector has to comply with IFRS – in fact, the final milestone for compliance was January 2014. Those that fail to comply will struggle to attract investors and even international customers.
In our workshops, we showed clients what changes they need to make in gathering, analyzing and reporting on financial information to ensure compliance.
Technology makes it easier to collect accurate data and produce reports that comply with regulations and accounting standards.
Government Departments Embracing Compliance
A number of states, electricity distribution companies, and federal parastatals in Nigeria are already implementing Sage solutions such as Sage ERP X3, Sage One, Sage Evolution and Sage Human Resources Management,
They are paying more attention than ever to aligning their reporting standards, governance, and risk management with international standards, especially IFRS. Compliance to international standards will subtly compel every government agency and department to adopt software in this regard.
Sage Role in e-Commerce, e-Payment and Software Integration
We are actually playing an important role in the Nigerian e-commerce space through projects with our key customers.
Recently, we met a commercial bank that supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and wants to put up a platform where these SMEs can do business.
On the payroll side, we are in discussions with partners to create payment gateway for an end-to-end smooth payment process, where companies will be able to pay salaries with a click of a mouse.
Trends in the Telecommunication Industry
The network operators are open to adopting software that offers seamless and agile features. We are presently in discussions with two of the big four telecom companies in Nigeria.
They are more willing than ever to consider adopting software produced outside Europe or India.
How is Sage Different from Competitors?
In addition to our offices and partner in key African countries, we have support from team members at headquarters who understand the nuances in each country.
So, even if you are a client in Botswana, Ghana, or Nigeria, a click of a button can connect you with a consultant who can help you resolve any issues the local support team or business partner cannot address.
Secondly, we are abreast of the latest trends in legislation. Legislation drives payroll software. Often, software imported from the United Kingdom will not meet the needs of Nigeria’s tax authorities.
Sage has invested in a team that interacts with revenue authorities across all the countries where our solutions are used. If there are changes in legislation, we are quick to adapt our software.
For instance, when the Personal Income Tax (Act) in Nigeria changed, the Gazette copy was made public in February 2012 and was backdated to June 2011, Sage was one of the few companies that were able to make quick changes.
Threat of Data being Stolen or Lost as they use Accounting and Payroll Software in the Cloud
I will start by asking, if millions of Nigerians are on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, among others, have any concerns about their personal pictures and data.
My Facebook page has never been hacked. Where the data center is, you and I don’t know, but any time I want the information, it’s there and it’s secure.
A good online partner will have very strong information security in place. However, I feel there is need for legislation around datacenter and data hosting to protect people’s and companies’ sensitive data. .
Certain laws mean that payroll data cannot be hosted outside Nigeria. We need to be quick as a country to modernize our laws to ensure our businesses can take advantage of the efficiencies of the cloud. For us at Sage, we are working with partners for local hosting of a number of our solutions in the cloud and we see it as the future of business software,
Benefits of Sage ERP X3
As a cloud solution, Sage ERP X3 is aimed at businesses who value the ease of deployment, accessibility, simple management and low cost of ownership of service, without compromising the functionality and scalability of Sage ERP X3 version 7. Sage ERP X3 version 7 now has web standards, usability and mobility at its core, allowing mid-sized organisations the ability to get more done faster and on the move.
Even if the Chief Executive Officer is on holiday in the Caribbean, smartphones and other mobile devices give him direct access to the same data he can access in the office. Today, you cannot be in the office 24/7.
There are other pressing matters to attend to, such as conferences, and other engagements. Now, with your smartphone or tablet, you can check your inventories, customer data, paperwork, and so on, where you are.
Sage’s investment in Nigeria
At Sage, we have always targeted Nigeria as an investment destination. We have the view that a multinational without an interest in Nigeria, Africa by extension, is not ready to operate in this continent. Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, and we are here to stay.
Sage Offer for SMEs
Sage is presently partnering with a number of SME initiatives in Nigeria, to assist them with their growth.
What we are doing in this regard, is that we have developed a number of solutions built with the users in mind, which would cater for the startups and small companies.
This solution is very affordable and easy to use, The users don’t require any IT hardware of infrastructure to own the software. More features can be obtained by visiting the Sage office or contacting us online.
Breathe Life Foundation partnered with Teach Nigeria Fellow, Ms Bunmi Rotimi, to deliver a respiratory health awareness session for over 200 senior students of Cleggs Girls High School, Surulere, Lagos.
The session equipped students aged 15–19 years with practical knowledge about the risks associated with smoking, vaping, and shisha, while challenging the misconception that shisha is a safer alternative to cigarettes or other substances.
Through an engaging and interactive discussion, students explored the influence of peer pressure and learned practical strategies for making healthier, more informed lifestyle choices.
They also gained a better understanding of common environmental triggers of asthma and other respiratory conditions, including cigarette smoke, generator fumes, bush burning, mosquito coil smoke, candles, charcoal, and firewood.
The session highlighted an important reality: young people may not always recognise how seemingly routine lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can gradually affect their respiratory health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
For Breathe Life Foundation, this reinforces the importance of shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention through awareness and education. By equipping young people with the knowledge to identify risks and make healthier choices early, the Foundation is helping to build a generation that is more conscious of – and better prepared to protect – its respiratory health.
Breathe Life Foundation is dedicated to advancing respiratory health, an often-neglected public health priority. Healthy lungs are essential to life, yet respiratory diseases remain among the world’s leading causes of death and disability, even though many are preventable and treatable.
Nigeria’s technology retail landscape reached another significant milestone on Monday, August 3, 2026, as global technology giant ASUS, in partnership with Konga, officially commissioned its first flagship experience store in West Africa.
Strategically located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos; the heartbeat of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in customer experience, product accessibility, and digital innovation.
The launch also reinforces Konga’s growing reputation as a preferred gateway for leading global technology brands into the Nigerian market.
The landmark event attracted Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who officially commissioned the store.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh; Chief Operating Officer of Konga, Dave Omoregie; VP Omni-channel & Commercial Planning, Melvin Onochie; and Head of Marketing and Communications at Konga Group, Victor Oluwaleye.
The ASUS team was led by E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, alongside Business Development Manager, Sunnie Chen; Sales Manager, Mohammed Kazim; Gaming Product Manager, Joy Chen; Marketing Manager, Adeola Odeleye; and Sales Specialist, Williams Okenna.
The Honourable Minister described the facility as a defining achievement for Nigeria’s digital economy, noting that it is far more than the opening of a retail outlet.
He called it a strong vote of confidence by a global technology brand in Nigeria’s innovation, science, and technology ecosystem and the immense potential of its market.
He noted that his presence underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, describing such partnerships as essential to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy driven by private enterprise and enabled by government.
The Minister paid tribute to Leo Stan Ekeh, describing him as one of the foremost architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He announced that Ekeh had recently agreed to champion the Federal Government’s Youth and Students in Innovation initiative, a flagship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerians with entrepreneurial and technology skills.
According to him, Ekeh’s decades of visionary entrepreneurship have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technology ecosystem and attracting prominent technology companies into the Nigerian market.
Using the occasion to address the international business community, the Minister encouraged global investors and brands to look beyond establishing commercial operations in Nigeria and actively partner with the government in driving national development.
He assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that safeguards investments and delivers sustainable returns.
Speaking at the event, ASUS E.EMEA General Manager, Aaron Tsai, expressed appreciation to partners, government representatives, and customers for their support.
He explained that the flagship store was conceived to provide consumers with direct access to authentic ASUS products, and expressed confidence that the partnership with Konga will further accelerate the brand’s growth and strengthen customer engagement in the region.
The experience centre features dedicated sections showcasing ASUS’ complete portfolio of premium laptops, gaming devices, AI-powered PCs, and cutting-edge innovations. A standout attraction is an interactive digital display that allows visitors to explore ASUS’ latest technologies virtually before making purchase decisions, creating a more engaging and informed customer journey. Plus, every ASUS device purchased through the flagship store or online on Konga comes with a special one-year replacement warranty at no extra cost.
In his remark, Chief Operating Officer of Konga Group, Dave Omoregie, said the flagship store reflects Konga’s deliberate strategy to give Nigerian consumers a seamless blend of online and offline retail.
He noted that Konga’s logistics network, payment infrastructure, and nationwide retail footprint uniquely position the company to support global brands like ASUS at scale, while ensuring customers enjoy authentic products backed by reliable after-sales service.
According to him, the partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when world-class technology brands trust Nigerian platforms to deliver exceptional experiences, adding that Konga remains committed to setting the operational standard for authentic technology retail across the country.
The launch further reinforces the enduring partnership between ASUS and Konga, built on shared values of innovation, authenticity, and customer satisfaction.
It also highlights Konga’s continued evolution beyond traditional e-commerce into a comprehensive omnichannel technology ecosystem that combines online convenience with physical retail experiences.
For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the new ASUS Flagship Experience Store represents more than a retail outlet; it is a symbol of confidence in Nigeria’s technology market. It highlights Konga’s commitment to bridging the gap between global technology brands and Nigerian consumers. With its robust logistics infrastructure, digital payment solutions, and nationwide physical retail presence, Konga continues to set the standard for authentic, accessible, and reliable technology retail across Africa.
The flagship store opening featured guided product demonstrations, immersive technology experiences, exclusive launch-day offers and customer engagement activities celebrating this historic milestone.
Customers can begin shopping immediately at the ASUS Flagship Experience Store, located at 16 Otigba Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos. Visitors can explore authentic ASUS products, experience live product demonstrations, receive expert guidance, and access dedicated Starlink customer-support services.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice; Olatunji Rilwan Disu, inspector-general of Police, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
The allegations are contained in the Auditor-General of the Federation’s 2022 Annual Report, published on September 9, 2025.
In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SERAP, the organisation urged the government to ensure that anyone implicated in the report is prosecuted and that all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition are recovered.
“Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
SERAP described the Auditor-General’s findings as a serious breach of public trust.
“The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition.”
The organisation also expressed concern over allegations involving missing firearms, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, and poor storage of weapons.
“The report also raises serious concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, creating significant risks to public safety and national security.”
According to SERAP, the alleged diversion of funds meant for policing and the reported irregularities have weakened the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition, and the misuse of police exhibits undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force, weaken public confidence and may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.”
The organisation said the Auditor-General’s report documented several alleged financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services allegedly not rendered.
“The report documented numerous alleged financial irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement.”
“The report also documented unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services allegedly not rendered, and other suspected diversion and misapplication of public funds amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.”SERAP further cited allegations of missing firearms and ammunition, failures to properly account for recovered weapons and exhibits, and insecure storage of firearms.
“The allegations also include missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, failures to properly account for recovered firearms and other exhibits, and the insecure storage of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and national security.”
The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would pursue legal action if no response is received.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP also argued that the allegations, if left unaddressed, would violate constitutional provisions requiring the government to combat corruption and safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerians.
Among the specific findings cited from the Auditor-General’s report were allegations of payments for abandoned and unexecuted police projects worth hundreds of millions of naira, inflated contract values, unretired cash advances, irregular procurement processes, unsettled insurance claims exceeding ₦681 million, over ₦1 billion in uncleared insurance policy liabilities, missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised release of police exhibits, and contracts allegedly awarded without due diligence by the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
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