General News
E-SONCAP as Tool for Trade Facilitation
The essence of e-SONCAP application is basically to facilitate and ensure that goods imported into Nigeria are in conformity with Nigeria’s specification of quality and standards.
It is no longer news that over time Nigeria may have become a dumping ground for substandard, adulterated and fake products mostly coming from the Asian Countries.
It is therefore unfortunate that most Nigerians who are engaged in international trade voluntarily seek for substandard products with a view to maximizing profit.
The situation became more worrisome at a time the Government asked SON to operate from outside the ports, border and airport cargo arena.
It is very unfortunate that the Government may not be conscious of the flair of most traders to breaching the import and export regulations using the platform of false declaration, concealment and wrong description of imports etc.
It is common knowledge that compliance to import regulations is the major problem facing regulatory functions, revenue and security matters in our international Gateways of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In order to bridge the irregularities and facilitate trade equally, the SON entered into strategic partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service Single Window approach of clearing goods out of Customs control.
In this regard, the NICIS (Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System) has provided an avenue for SON to interact and track imports that attract regulatory concern. While appreciating the effort of the management of SON and NCS towards facilitating trade through NICIS, it is equally important that both agencies harmonize their cooperation especially on matters of Customs Examination.
The point herein canvassed is to advise NCS, SON and NAFDAC to ensure that they imbibe the culture of One-stop shop Customs examination with regard to regulatory interest duty.
The situation at the port instead of facilitating trade is the reverse because of the prevalence of double examination.
NAGAFF through reports from our intelligence Committee and members have discovered that double examination is now a major problem in Nigerian Ports and Border Stations.
We have noted that either by omission or commission, it is usually discovered that after Customs has concluded examination and release of imports to the owners, the SON and NAFDAC enforcement unit are usually in the habit of putting on-hold such cargo that has their concern from leaving the port which usually leads to second examination.
It is our opinion and advise that NCS and the regulatory agencies should harmonize hour of examination to stem the avoidable loss of resources and delays associated with it.
It is also important that freight agents should endeavour to check the status of any job before examination to see if regulatory agencies indicated interest in such cargo to avoid double examination.
It is the view of NAGAFF that if importers and freight forwarders can endeavour to be compliant to import regulations thus making honest declarations for Customs purposes, it would translate to regulatory agencies ease of doing business with the public and this shall help in no small measure in facilitating legitimate trade.
The NAGAFF trade alert is to state the obvious that except otherwise to the contrary, the way we are going about our businesses at the Customs entry points is not encouraging.
The instances of over taxation of import by the Customs, the attitude of regulatory agencies (SON and NAFDAC) to act as revenue collecting agencies are injurious to international business in our country.
The billing method and the application of unapproved charges by the terminal operators is a disservice to trade and the Nigerian economy.
The sad thing is the attitude of the Nigerian Shippers to enrich other Nations through the importation of substandard, adulterated and fake products into Nigeria.
In this wise wherein we enrich other nations in return we impoverish our people through avoidable loss or destructions or seizure of trade goods.
The freight forwarders who are expected to be professional in their duty are usually compromised by the importers to cheat the Government and circumvent due process through falsification and faking of documents.
The implication of these vices without prejudices to the forex related and monetary policies of the Government, trade is dying in Nigeria through criminal diversion of imports into Nigeria.
The exploits of the Boko Haram sect have shown that the Nigerian borders are porous. At the moment, Ijora, KLT, outer terminals, PTML, Area I PH, Cargo Airports etc are seemingly out of business yet Government agents are being paid salaries without adding any value to the economy for not being productive.
Stanley Ezenga, the national public relations office of NAGAFF writes from Lagos
In commemoration of Women’s Month, health-tech platform Myitura has released a new white paper addressing the critical gaps in healthcare financing for women in Nigeria.
Titled “Closing the Gap: Healthcare Financing for Women in Nigeria,” the report highlights how high out-of-pocket costs, limited insurance coverage, and socio-economic factors continue to prevent women from accessing timely healthcare.
According to the report, over 70% of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are paid out-of-pocket, disproportionately affecting women who often delay care due to financial and social constraints.
“When women can afford to take care of their health early, we don’t just save lives; we strengthen families, communities, and the economy,” said Chialuka Kelechi, MyItura’s Chief of Staff.
Key Insights from the White Paper:
- Preventable conditions often escalate due to delayed care
- Women are more likely to deprioritize their own health
- Affordable, structured healthcare financing can significantly improve outcomes
Introducing a Women’s Health Initiative
As part of its commitment, Myitura is launching affordable women-focused health packages (powered by Mediloan), starting at ₦58,180, designed to encourage preventive care and early detection.
The package provides access to:
- Fasting/Random Blood Sugar
- Urinalysis
- Electrolytes
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Pap Smear Submitted slides
- HIV I & II Rapid (Qualitative)
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Screening (Rapid)
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening (Rapid)
- Abdominopelvic Ultrasound
- Ongoing support via the Myitura platform
Access:
Women can access these packages by downloading the Myitura app, which makes healthcare more accessible and convenient.
Myitura is a health-tech platform focused on improving access to healthcare through financing, technology, and preventive care solutions.
General News
DBI Unveils Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Report Highlights Strategic Trends, Risks
DigitalSENSE Business Intelligence (DBI), powered by ITREALMS Media, has launched the Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Intelligence Report (Executive Edition), delivering vital insights for navigating Nigeria’s fast-paced digital landscape.
This executive summary spotlights trends, risks, and opportunities in telecommunications, fintech, digital infrastructure, policy shifts, and investment flows. It underscores digital transformation’s pivotal role in boosting economic growth, financial inclusion, and nationwide innovation.
DBI Publisher, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, emphasized its value for leaders: “This Executive Edition offers a sharp, strategic view of Nigeria’s digital economy during a pivotal moment. As the sector surges ahead, reliable intelligence is key to seizing opportunities and tackling risks.”
Key highlights include:
Broadband infrastructure expansion.
Surge in digital payments adoption.
Evolving regulations.
Investor pivot to sustainable, profitable ventures.
The report urges action on digital financial inclusion, infrastructure funding, skills training, and public sector digitization.
Freely accessible, the Executive Edition complements the premium Full Edition with in-depth analysis for executives and institutions. Stakeholders can request full access or briefings.
Media & Access Contacts:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.itrealms.com.ng
The on-going construction works at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State is gathering momentum as the project is envisioned to address the country’s energy needs.
NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State
The project occupying a 40-hectare park designed as a multi-energy hub will help curb capital flight and save foreign exchange expenditure by enabling local production of key renewable energy components such as solar panels, mounting racks, wind systems and biomass technologies.
Speaking during an inspection visit on the project site on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Special Adviser to the Executive Vice Chairman on Renewable Energy, Engr. Suyud Abdullahi Muhammad, who also serves as the Gora Project Manager, disclosed that the initiative is designed to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported renewable energy equipment.
“There will be a wind assembly plant, small hydro power equipment production, and solar panel manufacturing; Renewable energy goes beyond just solar, and this park reflects that broader vision,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that the project aligns with NASENI’s goal of reducing energy poverty in Nigeria, where over 80 million citizens remain off-grid, while many connected to the national grid continue to experience inadequate power supply.
The Special Adviser also emphasised on the project’s industrialisation potential, highlighting its role in job creation and value chain development. The park is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs, with an additional 50,000 indirect employment opportunities across supporting industries when completed.
“This initiative will localise the renewable energy value chain. Instead of relying on imports, Nigeria will begin to produce and eventually export these technologies, starting with the West African market and scaling up to the rest of the continent,” he added.
On sustainability and long-term viability, he revealed that the project is being executed in collaboration with private sector players, academia and other stakeholders, in line with NASENI’s “3Cs” principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.
The ongoing construction is being handled by about 35 contracting firms, each handling specific components at varying levels of execution such as Multipurpose Halls for industrial productions, Research and Development (R&D) Centre, Knowledge Park, Energy Centre, Workshops, Researchers Lodge, Studio Apartments, Clinic, Restaurant, Wellness Centre, Solar Farm, Drivers Lounge, Gate House, Internal roads and drainage system and Fencing.
The Gora Renewable Energy Industrial Energy Park is considered a key component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, enhancing energy security and positioning Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa.
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