General News
ANCO Moves to Save Courier Industry from Unhealthy Practices
Members of the Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO) recently, took to the Eleguishi Beach located in Lekki, Lagos, to ponder on issues concerning postal and courier industry in Nigeria, many of which are unhealthy to the sector.
At the a-day retreat covered exclusively by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, some industry practitioners received thumb-down for negligence on the operational rules of engagement, while ANCO vowed to collaborate with the Federal Government through the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) of NIPOST to ensure the industry is purged of inadequacies.
Declaring the retreat open, Mr. Siyanbola Oladapo, national president of the Association, said that ANCO executives in agreement with the members deemed it necessary to relax in a serene environment and thinker on how matters concerning the industry can be addressed.
He said they needed an environment devoid of Lagos metropolis “noises” and interferences to mediate on identifiable cases.
What are these cases? He identified some of issues that demand urgent attention to include non-adherence to pricing regulations, unhealthy marketing, independent regulator, and quackery.
On pricing, the Oladapo said, “We are not just the people advocating for strict adherence to minimum price in the industry. Even the registrars and the CRD have urged operators to maintain this stand. CRD came up with the benchmark which we advice every player in the industry to adhere to”.
Nodding in agreement, Ms Lara Okuneye, vice president of ANCO said, “In a relaxed environment, you will be able to discuss freely with your colleagues. One of such issues is pricing. Some people go out there because they do not know what they want; they are just anxious about getting contract. During the process, they end up cutting corners. We want to rebrand the industry. Let them know that this industry is driven my integrity and competence. If you know you are of a royal blood, you wouldn’t behave like a street urchin”.
She alluded to Oladapo’s position that necessitated the retreat, thus, “We came out here to put heads together and muster courage to confront certain issues bedeviling the industry. This is actually the peak of our operations, but people are tensed up. We want them to be relaxed. In other words, we do not want to lose anybody. In doing that, we get to know each other and there are salient points we want to discuss”.
In same light, Imasuen Olajumoke, managing director of Ran Parcel Services limited told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek that, “Presently, we are not enjoying any uniform rate, even though it is there. Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) gave out these rates. Professionally, every courier firm should adhere to the rates. In my company, if we are deliver a parcel for you from Lagos to Maiduguri within 48 hours, N3,500 is the minimum charge. So, the industry needs an enforcement of regulatory rates.
“For ANCO, we can do a lot for the industry by emphasizing that we need to work as a team. The need for us to expand has come”.
Angered by the unceasing unhealthy marketing, scheming and gimmicks coupled with backstabbing, Mr. Okey Ubah, secretary general of ANCO, said that, a situation companies goes at the back to re-negotiate contracts already awarded to another firm, especially without superior and competitive edge, implies that some players are out to ruin others businesses.
“A situation where you have a contract to deliver parcels and as you cannot cover everywhere, it will require you network with your colleagues; the person goes behind to slander you before the client in other to take the advantage.
“Instead, bring up superior argument on why you should be allowed to carry out the delivery, as against such practices of backbiting.
“Secondly, when you expose your industry to the pushes of economic constraints, and that comes mainly from greenhorns, they do not ask how to get the job or channels of delivery. At the end, they will be constrained on how to carry out the delivery.
“When a job that should cost about N10, because someone is desperate for the venture he goes to negotiate for N5. At the end, he might not be able to deliver, dumps it or goes back for re-negotiation. By that, you are running yourself and the industry down. That is aggressive marketing, unnecessary scheming and inordinate marketing that is bad. In the mean time, you may think that is smartness, but it backfires”.
Oladapo slammed operators who cheapen themselves and berated others who have refused to abide by the rules, especially by registering with NIPOST.
He said, “If you are a professional, you have to abide by the principle, ethics, and rules guiding the profession. Companies tend to underrate the operators due to the economic outlook of the nation. Why some of the operators cause it themselves by disregarding the federal government’s pricing guides. We are saying, although there is no upper limit, but there should be a lower limit. We are trying to enforce it that the industry, might grow.
“It is another way to checkmate quackery: who are given to cutting corners. We have to make difference in the way the society perceives and treats us. We are interested in upholding the objectives, to promote the industry, ‘sanitize’ it and ensure that those who are not part of the reform are not been patronized by the innocent members of the public. There will be sanctions hence we are ready to work with the federal Government through the CRD to achieve the purpose”.
ANCO scribe also questioned the rationale behind some quoted companies that deliberately refuse to hold annual general meetings or print annual reports for their shareholders.
This attitude, he said, has led to hardship on the part of registrars and courier operators who are part of the value chain in the distribution and dispatch of the annual report.
Ubah said, “It shows the general decadence in the society. When you talk about registrars, it is not solely under their purview for annual reports to be printed for shareholders. It involves company secretaries, shareholders association, registrars, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Should any of them compromise it affects others in the chain. The job of the registrars is to ensure the reports are distributed involving the courier firms.
“They do not even have the right to decide the quantity of reports to be printed. Primarily, the shareholders ought to react when their annual reports are not printed; send queries to SEC when they do not print the actual number of annual reports. When companies engage in such shoddy acts, it affects the registrars resources; by implication the courier companies have to downsize, . as breadwinners lose their jobs, people must survive in one way or the others, therefore, crime becomes thrives in the society. It is not advisable for companies to continue to surchange the system through that dubious means. Every shareholder is entitled to an annual report, whether in attendance during the meeting or not.
“The essence of the report is for them to diagnose the company’s performances and determine if to continue investing or otherwise. Such action is illegal and malicious. It has to be taken care of, because it affects businesses and the economy”.
They were agreed that these issues could be things in the past should the Federal Government deliver on its promise to give the industry an independent regulator.
Also speaking to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Ranti Shobande, ANCO’s Financial Secretary, said, “We were happy when we heard that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the moves for the Postal Commission Bill; we thought in a short while the nine (9) years lingering issue will be resolved.
“However, we have not heard from them again; besides, the office of the vice president is expected fine-tune the Bill. Look at a country like Ghana; there is no way you can compare postal sector in Nigeria to Ghana’s industry. Why the foot-dragging? I am beginning to believe vested interests are bent on killing the morale of the operators. But how long shall this continue?
Olajumoke agreed with Shobande’s postulation, adding that, “Countries that understand the positive impact of the postal & courier sector on the economy do not play politics with the sector. Even though they have embraced the internet and its courses, it has not deterred them from appreciating why the postal should be given a face-lift. They deliberately allowed the postal industry operations.
“Apart from the fact not everybody can operate the internet; these countries understand that people who work there should be protected. Outside Nigeria, postal industry receives a lot of attentions and assistance from the government. Until we appreciate that the best way to help this industry is to enact a law for the establishment of an independent body, then we might just be walking about a circle”.
Meanwhile, Mr. Toyin Adeojo, publicity secretary of the Association, said that, on the interim, the Federal Government should provide CRD with necessary tools to aid her operations; hence the industry must be sanitized before the country could reap from its numerous potentials.
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To safeguard telecom consumers and streamline regulatory operations, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement, finalized on Tuesday in Abuja, establishes a unified approach to addressing telecom-related issues, benefiting both consumers and operators while enhancing collaboration between the two regulatory bodies.
The MoU was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, and the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bello emphasized the importance of the partnership, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of promoting economic growth through regulatory collaboration, market efficiency, and prioritizing consumer welfare.
“This partnership will benefit both operators and consumers. It will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecom operators through a one-stop-shop approach, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices,” Bello stated.
He highlighted the MoU as a critical milestone, noting that it represents the convergence of two diligent regulatory agencies to eliminate gaps in oversight while complying with legal requirements.
He called on other sector regulators to emulate this framework as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, described the agreement as the result of extensive engagements aimed at protecting Nigerian consumers, especially within the telecom sector.
“In an era of rapid technological advancements, the significance of collaboration between regulatory bodies cannot be overstated.
“The telecommunications sector has become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development, making it imperative to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders while protecting consumers who depend on reliable and affordable communications services,” Maida said.
He added that the MoU symbolizes a shared vision of fostering a transparent, competitive, and consumer-focused telecommunications industry. By aligning efforts, the NCC and FCCPC aim to avoid regulatory uncertainty, promote clarity, and further the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.
The agreement also underscores the necessity of synergy in addressing challenges such as market abuses, consumer rights violations, and the complexities of a digital economy.
Maida commended the FCCPC’s leadership for its dedication to consumer protection and fair competition and urged all stakeholders to embrace the spirit of collaboration represented by the partnership.
“This MoU ensures that our respective mandates are harmonized to achieve maximum impact. Together, the NCC and FCCPC can drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and beyond,” Maida concluded.
The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal step in protecting telecom consumers and fostering a robust telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria.
By Reuben Kalu
In the evolving digital marketing landscape, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year. Traditional paid media, once the backbone of marketing strategies, is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Instead, earned media and owned media are taking center stage, offering unparalleled opportunities for brands to connect authentically with their audiences.
In this article, we’ll explore how earned media has disrupted the dominance of paid media and how you can leverage your owned media assets to turbocharge your marketing efforts.
The Rise of Earned Media
Earned media refers to the organic exposure a brand receives through word-of-mouth, media coverage, social shares, reviews, and recommendations. Unlike paid media, which requires financial investment for visibility, earned media is driven by trust and authenticity—two critical factors that modern consumers prioritize when making purchasing decisions.
According to a Nielsen report, 92% of consumers trust earned media more than any form of advertising. This trust stems from the fact that earned media is unsolicited and unbiased, making it far more credible than paid advertisements. As a result, brands that focus on generating earned media are seeing higher engagement rates and improved customer loyalty.
Why Paid Media Is Losing Relevance
Paid media isn’t entirely obsolete, but its efficacy is waning. Here are some reasons why:
- Ad Fatigue: Consumers are bombarded with ads every day, leading to desensitization and ad fatigue. Many now use ad blockers, making it harder for brands to reach their target audience through paid media.
- Rising Costs: The cost of digital advertising has skyrocketed, especially on platforms like Google and Facebook. Small businesses often find it difficult to compete with larger corporations with bigger budgets.
- Declining Trust: Modern consumers are skeptical of paid ads, often viewing them as intrusive or misleading. This lack of trust significantly diminishes the ROI of paid campaigns.
- Algorithm Changes: Social media algorithms are increasingly favoring organic content over paid promotions. This means brands that rely solely on paid media are at a disadvantage.
The Power of Owned Media
While earned media’s authenticity is its strength, owned media provides the platform to control and amplify your brand’s voice. Owned media includes channels you control, such as your website, blog, email newsletters, and social media profiles. By strategically optimizing these assets, you can create a robust marketing ecosystem that works harmoniously with earned media.
Strategies to Maximize Your Own Media Opportunities in 2025
- Create High-Value Content
Content remains king in 2025, but not just any content will do. Focus on producing high-value, shareable content that solves real problems for your audience. This could be in the form of:
- Educational Blog Posts: Address common pain points in your industry with actionable solutions.
- Interactive Media: Infographics, videos, and quizzes can significantly increase engagement.
- Case Studies: Showcase your expertise by highlighting success stories that resonate with your audience.
- Leverage SEO and Content Optimization
Your owned media is only as effective as its discoverability. Search engine optimization (SEO) ensures your content ranks high on search engine results pages (SERPs). Key tactics include:
- Conducting keyword research to understand what your audience is searching for.
- Optimizing on-page elements like meta descriptions, headers, and image alt texts.
- Building backlinks to establish authority and credibility.
- Develop a Strong Email Marketing Strategy
Email marketing remains one of the highest-ROI channels for owned media. Personalize your emails to cater to the unique needs of your audience segments. Use tools like automation and A/B testing to refine your campaigns and drive higher engagement rates.
- Engage Authentically on Social Media
Social media platforms are an extension of your owned media. Rather than treating them as one-way communication tools, use them to foster genuine engagement. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and share user-generated content to build trust and loyalty.
- Build an Online Community
Communities foster loyalty and provide a platform for earned media to thrive. Create forums, Facebook groups, or Slack channels where your audience can engage with your brand and each other. Encourage discussions, host Q&A sessions, and reward active participants to keep the community vibrant.
- Integrate Data Analytics
Use data analytics to measure the effectiveness of your owned media strategies. Tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, and SEMrush can help you track metrics such as website traffic, bounce rates, and conversion rates. Data-driven insights enable you to fine-tune your approach and maximize ROI.
How Earned Media Complements Owned Media
Earned and owned media work best when integrated effectively. Here’s how:
- Amplification: Use your owned media channels to amplify positive earned media, such as reviews, testimonials, and media mentions.
- Engagement: Encourage your audience to share your owned media content, turning it into earned media.
- Credibility: Highlight earned media on your owned channels to build trust and authority.
For instance, if your brand receives a glowing review in a reputable publication, feature it prominently on your website and share it across your social media platforms.
Examples of Successful Earned and Owned Media Strategies
- Glossier: This beauty brand leveraged user-generated content (earned media) on social platforms and amplified it through its owned media channels, including email newsletters and blog posts.
- Spotify Wrapped: Spotify’s year-end feature encourages users to share their listening habits on social media (earned media), driving massive organic reach. The feature’s landing page on Spotify’s website (owned media) further strengthens engagement.
- Apple’s “Shot on iPhone”: Apple’s campaign used customer-generated photos (earned media) and showcased them on its website and billboards (owned media), creating a seamless synergy between the two.
The Risks of Overlooking Earned and Owned Media
Brands that fail to adapt to the shift from paid to earned and owned media risk falling behind their competitors. Over-reliance on paid media can result in:
- High Costs with Low Returns: Diminishing ROI makes paid media an unsustainable long-term strategy.
- Missed Opportunities: Authentic engagement and trust-building opportunities are often lost.
- Decreased Credibility: Consumers may perceive your brand as overly promotional and inauthentic.
Conclusion: Turbocharge Your Marketing in 2025
In 2025, the most successful brands will be those that prioritize earned and owned media over traditional paid strategies. By focusing on authenticity, value, and engagement, you can build trust, foster loyalty, and drive sustainable growth.
Take the first step by optimizing your owned media assets and crafting a strategy to generate earned media. The result? A marketing approach that not only keeps pace with the times but also positions your brand as a trusted leader in your industry.
Call to Action:
Ready to elevate your marketing game? Partner with us to unlock the full potential of earned and owned media. Contact [Your Company Name] today for tailored strategies that deliver real results.
In a bid to enhance the skills and competencies of government employees in navigating digital tools and technologies, the Federal Government has launched a digital literacy training programme for federal civil servants. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
The programme aims to equip civil servants with the necessary skills to effectively utilise digital technologies, thereby improving their productivity and efficiency. This is particularly important as digital transformation is fundamentally about people, and having a workforce that is proficient in digital tools is crucial for driving economic growth and development.
The Director General, of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, at the launch of a 3-day workshop on digital literacy training and certification for federal civil servants in Abuja, emphasised that digital transformation is a journey, not a destination, and it is fundamentally about people, not technology.
He stressed that without the active involvement and engagement of individuals, technology alone will not drive meaningful change. He said, “Technology makes our lives better, the government cannot accomplish that without you, as you are the one who creates the policies, designs the services, and delivers them to citizens”
The NITDA boss revealed that to reach the ambitious goal of 70% digital literacy by 2027, NITDA has launched an innovative initiative called Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) aims to empower Nigerians with essential digital skills, making them digitally literate and proficient in navigating the digital landscape.
He said, “The first initiative to work with the Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy skills curriculum has been approved and we started the implementation this month.
“We are working now on training all teachers and collaborating with National University Commission, National Board for Technical Education, and National Commission for Colleges of Education, to infuse it in all tertiary institutions curriculum.
“The second one is working with NYSC to recruit 80 champions in each NYSC stream, every year we will train at least Ten million and three hundred thousand Nigerians on digital literacy. And the third one is the workforce readiness. According to world Bank, by 2030 between 35 to 45 percent of work in Nigeria will need digital competency,” he added.
The representative of Head of Service of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, emphasised the importance of transforming the civil service into a dynamic, technology-driven, and globally competitive workforce, adding that the vision is a cornerstone of the Federal Service Commission’s strategy and implementation plan, which prioritises the journey towards a digitally literate civil service.
She maintained that the workshop is not just a training exercise, but a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of Nigeria’s public service. “By acquiring cutting-edge tools and knowledge, participants will be empowered to deliver their mandate more effectively, driving meaningful change and progress in the country, she averred.
While acknowledging that the partnership between the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and NITDA, serves as a shining example of collaboration in achieving shared goals, she expressed her gratitude to NITDA and other participating organisations for their roles in bringing this vision to life.
“This collaboration underscores the importance of working together to harness the power of digital technology and drive meaningful change in Nigeria’s public service,” she added.
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