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Courier Industry is Now Standardised-Emeje

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Dr. Simon Emeje is senior assistant post master general of Nigeria Postal Service (Nipost) and head courier regulatory department (CRD). He is an apostle of professionalism for the postal sector. Emeje has fought illegal operators to a standstill. He spoke to emeka okafor on a wide range of issue.

Experience as Courier Regulatory Boss

Well, the experience has been very challenging. Challenging in the sense that we are coming from the background of an industry that has been battered so much; in the sense of mail pilfering and other vices. We are also coming from the background of quack courier companies in existence. Quack in the sense that they are not licensed and they go ahead to do the business without going through the necessary documentation. We are also coming from a background of an industry that is docile in nature. Docile in the sense that the market is so large and we just have about 20 percent of the market share being tapped by the operators.

We still have a lot to tap. Though it is challenging from this background but it has also been interesting because we have been at the basis of these challenges, to set a standard to an extent despite our limited resources. Standard in the sense of controlling the operators; having it that no operator comes into the industry without a license. Those who come without a license are those who are defaulting and what we do is to go after such people and make sure that they get a license. Those that are so bad, we stop them from being in business. So, on that basis, so far we have been able to set out standards of scrutiny to control those who have no license and are operating. We have also been able to set standards in respect of those operators who applied for license, to ensure that there is high and adequate compliance in terms of our regulations. We have also developed this as a department, to meet the needs of the operators such as training programmes, where we develop a training curriculum, to meet the training needs of the operators. That, we have been doing and all these we have tried to both to scrutinize, promote training and ensure that there is a high level of compliance on the part of those who have been licensed.

Illegal Operators and Renewed Offensive against Them

Illegal courier operators are still there, but they are in hiding. It is not like before where one could raid them in their offices and be rest assured that you will find them there. But now, they have devised other strategies whereby even if we are able to identify their addresses through our surveillance activities, when we raid those offices, they would not be found. We call them faceless operators or portfolio courier operators who carry their bags and move from one office to another without any particular address and even if they give you an address, it is always fake. So, they are still there. When they devised these means, we also went after them using our own means of catching faceless operators-go to the airports and other places. They are very much around except that you cannot just find them; you only see them by operation. When we see them operate, we catch them but it is not like before when you just walk into an office, look at it and no one that does not have a license. But I would like to include that their number has been drastically reduced. It is because of our operations; our clampdown on their activities; our scrutiny programmes, that brought this number down and made them re-strategize into faceless operations. Faceless operation is borne out of the fact that they are aware that we are after them. They exist here and there unknown to us because those that we know of we deal with and the number has declined drastically.

Training and Content Development

Yes. Infact, by of August 6-7, we are going to focus on modern courier trends or how it has been. We want to look at specific set-ups, how you can set up a courier company; how you can set up a mailroom; how you can manage your fleet; how to network; how to organize branches, among others. So we are focusing on a wholeness of an enterprise for people who want to go into courier business and also, for those who are already there who are not doing what they should do because there are so many now whom you go to their offices and you do not see an organized office. So, we want to put them on track so that they will exactly be able to say "these are the things I need, this is the way I should arrange my facilities, this is how I can get my network, this is how I can synergize" So, it is a total package. We have such a rich content of training programmes that will continue even after the oncoming seminar. This is not the last for the year.

Courier Institute

There is still hope for the institute. What is holding us is finance and empowerment. We need to be more empowered legally so as to be able to organize so many things we actually want to organize and we know that the cost is enormous for a department of Nipost, a government agency. Whatever we are going to do as a department is to be borne by Nipost and you know very well that that will be with limited resources because Nipost itself is spending on several other things it is expected to do. But I know that as the government goes ahead to review our position, to empower this department and possibly transform it into a commission, these things will become easier for us.

Delay in Postal Commission Legislation

I would say it is more bureaucratic because the ministerial committee was set up in 2005 to produce a draft of the Nigerian Postal Service bill and the National Postal Policy. Unfortunately, because of the death of the then Postmaster General, Argungu, the stakeholders forum did not hold. We eventually held it last year in April and the stakeholders were there and the document was fine tuned with also input from the stakeholders and the document has been with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) which is supposed to forward the document to John Odey, minister of information and communication, for onward submission to the Federal executive Council and then the National assembly; but the point here is that we are waiting for BPE to submit to the minister and until that is done, even the minister will be handicapped of doing anything at all, the same way the Federal executive Council will be handicapped; the presidency will be handicapped, even the National Assembly too. So, we are waiting and maybe for bureaucratic reasons, BPE is yet to submit to the minister.

24 Hours Clearance at the Airport

Courier operators are ready for it. They want it. We have spoken at various fora on that. We have talked to Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (Faan), Customs, Police and other security agents. The problem they have put forth is the issue of security. We want to clear 24 hours, no problem but assuming the aircraft lands at 12 midnight or 2am and you want to clear at that time knowing that the kind of society we have. We want to clear, move to the expressway at 2am. People are complaining that for security reasons they may not be attuned to clearing at such hours, but the police is ready to cooperate; Faan and other agencies are ready to cooperate and the last time we discussed, we tried to fine tune everything and see how workable it is. It is not just the desire to have 24hours service but they must also appreciate the implication. When we are able to take care of the implication, then it is easier to manage it than to put it in place and now have more problems. 24hours service has been going on perfectly.

ICT and Courier Operations

ICT has improved our operations significantly because we use it to track and trace consignments. With this, they use it to trace a client’s item and know whether it has been delivered or not or whether it is still on transit and at what point it is. So you can monitor the movement of your item through that ICT device. That has come to be as a result of modern technology. The Internet has also impacted positively on courier operations. In terms of sales of items on the Internet, I would say it is helping the business in the sense that it takes a shorter time to place an order, maybe in the US or any part of the world and once you place your order and transfer your money and the next thing is the physical movement of your item; this is where courier companies come in. Without this type of technology, it may well be about two to three weeks or even a month or more to place an order. The development gives courier companies more to do now than when you did not have that quick placement of an order. So, one way or the other, I see ICT helping to create more opportunities for business.

Harassment by Security agencies

We are trying to discuss with various agencies. For instance, we have discussed with the Police. In our last training, we brought the assistant commissioner of Police, Airport Command and we have used our contact with the commissioner of Police to ask for the numbers of DPOs, for our operators and that means that if they have any problem on the road, they can contact these police officers.


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Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

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In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.


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Empowering Nigerian Retail: The Promise of Pay on Delivery

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E-commerce in Nigeria has evolved exponentially in recent years, transforming the retail landscape and reshaping consumer habits. From the early days of skepticism and distrust to today’s thriving online marketplaces, the journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, the establishment of trust and security between buyers and sellers. At the core of this transformation, Pay on Delivery (PoD) has emerged as the unsung hero of e-commerce.

The premise is straightforward: customers could place orders online and pay for their purchases only upon receipt. This innovative approach not only addressed concerns about security but also provided tangible reassurance to hesitant buyers. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked and where distrust in online transactions and fraudulent activities were once rampant, Pay on Delivery has emerged as a lifeline for both consumers and businesses. Many consumers were understandably hesitant to part with their hard-earned money before receiving their desired goods. Pay on delivery bridges this trust gap, offering reassurance to buyers and empowering them to transact with confidence.

In Nigeria, despite the adoption of a wide range of electronic payments, cash is still king. The results of a survey conducted in 2021 show that cash remains the dominant payment method, reflecting the ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by Oxford Business Group found that 70% of Nigerians prefer to pay with cash on delivery, while 28% use credit or debit cards, and only 12% use mobile money platforms. This has challenged e-retailers, and some companies like Jumia, to adapt by prioritizing cash-on-delivery options to cater to this consumer preference.

The Promise of Pay on Delivery in Nigeria

With consumers in mind, Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, has made Pay on Delivery a cornerstone of its business model. Understanding the local market dynamics and the importance of trust and convenience, the company has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless Pay on Delivery experience for its customers.

One of the key benefits of Jumia’s Pay on Delivery service is its flexibility. Customers have the option to inspect their purchases before making payment, ensuring satisfaction and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. This added layer of security not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also builds long-term trust and loyalty among customers.

Moreover, Jumia has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that products meet customer expectations upon delivery. This includes partnering with reputable brands and implementing stringent verification processes to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the marketplace. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and product quality, Jumia has solidified its reputation as a trusted online retailer in Nigeria.

Beyond enhancing trust and security, Pay on Delivery has also played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. By providing an alternative payment method for those without access to traditional banking services, Jumia has expanded the reach of e-commerce to a broader segment of the population. This not only benefits consumers by providing greater access to goods and services but also stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and driving demand for products and services.

In all, the future of e-commerce in Nigeria looks promising, with Pay on Delivery poised to remain a key enabler of growth and expansion. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, innovative solutions like Pay on Delivery will continue to drive the transformation of the retail landscape, empowering Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.

 


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Verra Certifies d.light’s Clean Cookstove Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

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A series of pioneering projects by d.light, the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, to distribute 600,000 energy-efficient clean cookstoves in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have been officially certified by global verification body Verra.

This certification confirms the d.light projects as trusted, verified sources of high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets (VCMs).

The d.light projects aim to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, tackle indoor air pollution, and reduce deforestation through the sale of highly efficient biomass cookstoves subsidized by the revenues from the sale of carbon credits.

Since their launch in late 2022, the projects have positively impacted more than one million lives and are projected to transform more than three million lives by 2025.

Commenting on the news, Karl Skare, d.light’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the projects’ positive impact, “With these projects, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing quality of life for millions.

“Each project underscores d.light’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges, as part of our mission to transform the lives of one billion people by 2030.”

Each year, domestic cooking emissions contribute more than two percent of total global GHG emissions and up to 25 percent of anthropogenic black carbon emissions.

Highly energy-efficient cookstoves solve this problem by reducing biomass use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional cooking methods, cutting emissions of both carbon dioxide and black carbon.

The d.light projects are expected to reduce emissions by up to 12 million tons, contributing to climate change mitigation. These emissions reductions will be registered as carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.

As well as reducing emissions, clean cookstoves are also a benefit to public health. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year and is still one of the predominant causes of pollution-related illness and death in Africa.

In Uganda, for example, less than one percent of the population has access to clean cooking, household air pollution is the one of the largest risk factors for death and disability.

In addition, switching from traditional three-stone open fires to cleaner, energy-efficient cookstoves significantly reduces deforestation and reduces threats to wildlife and biodiversity caused by habitat loss.

Skare explained, “By subsidizing energy-efficient cookstove costs through carbon financing, d.light makes clean cooking accessible to more households, which in turn leads to healthier living conditions and conserves natural resources as well.

“Our projects in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are models of how sustainable investments can yield multiple co-benefits, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and also promoting socio-economic development.

Skare added, “d.light now has projects certified by both Gold Standard and Verra, the world’s two leading certifiers of carbon credits. Organizations looking for ways to offset their own emissions can be confident that when they purchase carbon credits in d.light’s clean cooking projects in sub-Saharan Africa, they are investing in transformative initiatives that reduce harmful emissions, improve people’s health and quality of life, and help conserve the environment as well.”

 


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