General News
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and the Konga Option
By: Dr. B. B Usman – Business Analyst
The business side of the Pandemic? Covid-19 is transforming itself from the ‘Bad, the Ugly and the Good’ – into the Business-of Things. This is within the background of the arrival of several types of Covid-19 Vaccines around the world, many weeks ago.Indeed, the epicentre of global challenges and business opportunities has moved from the ugly pandemicscenario of 2019-2020 to the commercial businessof Covid-19 vaccine implementation ecosystem.All over the world, business leaders and policymakers leverage on condensed real-time data and information to achieve trustworthy entrepreneurial business opportunities, values, and equitable corporate governance for sustainable trade and business assurances – going forward to Covid-19 version 2.0.
Emerging research outcomefrom the analysis of content and thought-process ofvision-bearers, investors, innovative people, business analysts is fostering a new evidence-based and real-time business model. This modelis energized by Covid-19 version 2.0, with a different type of condensed challenges. The new challenge is returning the world to the routine of normal way of life.
Therefore, what do we do when the vaccines arrive in Nigeria?
Implementing a national vaccination rollout plan is not a child’s play. It demands a colossal high-level logistics know-how and high-end professional skillsets at all levels of the rollout spectrum.
When will the pandemic end? Seriously speaking, no one knows. Some forecast estimated 2023, 2026 and some beyond those dates. Thefocusof this piece is to ensure that Africa is not left out of the big-pie and disconnected from the post-pandemic business network. Rather, African businesses should explore and gain real time business insights, benefits and profitability assurances from the value chains of the vaccine-propelled global commerce.The challenges in implementing the Vaccine-to-the-Arm project comes with its complexities of risk factors and requires seamlessly connected business-chain logistics and distribution networks for effective delivery. Some call it e-Commerce tasksystems, others call it superlative e-platform. Anticipating the challenges which the COVID-19 vaccine distribution pose to Nigeria and Africa means we seriously need experienced organisations to deliver our vaccine. Luckily, research shows that Nigeria has reliableinter-connected combinations of all the above.
One out of the mega-pack is the Konga Group.
Effective implementation model has shown that,no one company has the capacity and capabilities to effectively implement the COVID-19 vaccination challenge. The most effective working model is what is classified as ‘Collaborative Resilience’.A common operating model of COVID-19-vaccine delivery, shown in the interactive graphics from McKinsey and Co, below, clearly demonstrates the complexity of the task at hand. Essentially, the interactive is a qualitative risk map, showing the many stages of vaccine deployment and highlighting areas of potential failure as one party interacts with another. A breakdown at any point in the deployment process can set off a cascade, shutting down the entire operation!
Today, Konga has become one of the acclaimed global digital brand in a class of its own – navigating the mega-business world at 360 degrees. I found this truth after many months of conventional e-business research – with particular focus on Nigeria and Africa e-Commerce space. Konga commands the nationwide reach with its own quality infrastructure, digital logistics and tracking technologies for last mile delivery.
When the COVID-19 vaccine comes, how will it be put into the arms of an estimated 170 million Nigerians who need it? How will the logisticsbe provided and who will manage the implementation logistics? Who has the best infrastructure and experienced manpower to secure and deliver the best result, similarto the INEC electioneering challenges and experiencesof 2014 and 2009?
Lessons learned suggest that the Corona-19 pandemic has become the greatest challenge faced by humanity in the last 100years to date. It reveals that many nations are still deficient in developing and managing critical information and logistic infrastructures (CILI) at real-time levels. This is primarily due to our collective ignorance in understanding the work-around of the digital connectedness of our world, theimperatives of networked data efficiency, infrastructure and information systems.In effect, many millions of the world’s citizens have been sent to their untimely death. Regrettably, many citizens will still die if the arrival, distribution, and vaccination of the vaccines is ignorantly managed by inexperienced entities, poor infrastructure and logistics. Truth is, there would be points of failure and our primary goal is to reduce the points of failure.
Here is my take: First, the bad news:-COVID-19 pandemic has hit semiconductor chips manufacturing industry very hard. This situation is expected to worsen as companies battle for supplies of the critical parts. According to AlixPartners, the shortage will cut $60.6 billion in revenue from the global automotive and associated industries this year. The broader implication is that most business survival is evolving collaborative model of survival. Considering thefact that, the worldwill need to deliver about 6 x 2 billion doses of vaccine into the arms of the targeted six billion of the global human population of 7.3billion people, and that Nigeria’s share of the task would require her to deliver about 160 x 2million (or 320million vaccines to the arms of 160 million eligible Nigerians), we must be on top of the game.
Point-to-point Data communications efficiency is not only imperative but mandatory to augment efficiency. The biggest challenge in responding to the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccines resides in its logistics know-how, storage, distribution systems safety,communications logistics and security know-how.The Federal Government is therefore advised, apart from landing the vaccines and related operational apparatus into the country, to draw up a national rollout strategic plan, commission experienced logistics e-Commerce company like Konga.com group, with its own nationwide quality infrastructure, digital logistics and tracking technologies with performance assurances to ensure that the expected collateral damages areeliminated and/or reduced to the barest minimum.
Vaccine delivery, storage and distribution come with high-end safety and logistic issues. Reliable data analysis reveals that the Covid-19 vaccine procurement and distribution assignment should be classified as a national emergency challenge. The assignment is required to be handled with care and professional ability.Therefore, before the anticipated COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Nigeria, indigenous experienced logistic companies with track records similarto/or better than that applied to deliver the 2014 and 2010INEC national election mission should be consulted and signed on to ensure quality performance.
Konga remains our best indigenous e-Commerce logistics company, comparable in facility management, infrastructure and top-skill professional project management. Not only that, amongst others:
- They possess the cognate experience and ingenuity for success
- With our climatic conditions, Konga Group has the capability and can in few days createvaccine storage capacity and commensurate transportation logistics to deliver the strategic imperatives
- Records shows that Konga has digital 360 Blockchain-enabled warehouses with 24/7 uninterrupted power supply and Interstate Tier 3 Level security monitoring/tracking system
- Also, her AI-controlled warehousing inventory systems should be prioritized in the decision-making process. Fake vaccine and syringes control monitoring system is essential
- Internet of Things (IoT) alarm-based embedded time clock would be installed in all vaccine delivery packages to monitor date of expirationof each vaccine pack and syringes
After exploring the Oracle side-of-things, I have become deeply aware of the fact that the nation is really fighting a war with an invisible enemy. Alarmed on the above challenges and how to conquer them, I turned to the grapevine for the most efficient smart and dependable solutions providers. From all the nooks and crannies, the consensus is that the most experienced tech platforms accredited with high-breed global standard performance should be listed to handle and deliver the required services. Especially those who were responsible for delivering superlative end-to-end services to INEC, during the elections, when procurement, logistic and delivery were the hallmark of success.
With this, the vaccine implementation experience in Nigeria will undoubtedly benefit the rest of Africa.
Goodnews Naija Podcast has been identified as one of Nigeria’s podcast platforms to watch, gaining attention for its consistent focus on positive storytelling and uplifting narratives from across the country.
Launched on 1 October 2024, the podcast spotlights inspiring stories, progress-driven conversations, and everyday Nigerian wins often overlooked in mainstream media. With a weekly release schedule and a values-led editorial approach, Goodnews Naija has built a growing audience within and outside Nigeria.
“At a time when negative headlines dominate global perceptions, we believe positive Nigerian stories deserve global visibility,” said Host, Damilola Kehinde. “Goodnews Naija exists to balance the narrative by highlighting hope, resilience, and progress.”
According to Producer, Memunat Olayemi Oladepo, the platform was intentionally created to reshape how Nigerian stories are told. “Goodnews Naija was built as a counter-narrative,” she said. “We are deliberate about amplifying stories that reflect the resilience, innovation, and optimism thriving across the country.”
As global interest in African creators grows, Goodnews Naija Podcast is positioning itself as a platform contributing to a more balanced and human narrative about Nigeria.
The military high command at the weekend said it has commenced a full investigation into the use of drones by terrorists to carry out attacks.
This is part of ongoing efforts to end insurgency in the country.
Major-General Michael Onoja, director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), , disclosed this in Abuja while briefing defence correspondents on the achievements of troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies across various theatres of operation nationwide.
He said the investigation is being conducted in collaboration with other relevant security agencies to identify the sources of the drones and halt their deployment by non-state actors.
According to him, concrete actions are expected to emerge in the coming days or months, as agencies with the technical capacity to counter drone deployment have been fully engaged.
“We have reached an advanced stage in taking measures, in conjunction with other federal government agencies, to trace where these drones are coming from. I believe that in the next couple of days or months, concrete action will emerge on what we intend to do,” Onoja said.
In recent months, terrorists operating in the North East have increasingly deployed sophisticated drones in attacks on civilians and security personnel, raising concerns over the evolving tactics of insurgent groups.
The development has also generated questions among security experts and the public over how the drones are being sourced and the channels through which they enter the country.
Responding to allegations circulating on social media that soldiers manning checkpoints in Bauchi State were being compelled to remit weekly sums to their commanders, Onoja said the claims remained mere allegations.
He stressed that the military is a transparent institution and assured that investigations would be conducted if verifiable details were provided.
On the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, Onoja said the development reflects the success of military operations in restoring security to affected communities.
“The military, in conjunction with the Federal Government, has done everything within its capacity to ensure the necessary security in those areas. The return of refugees is a clear measure of operational success,” he said.
On operational achievements, Onoja disclosed that within the month of January 2026 under review, troops across various theatres killed several terrorists, arrested 452 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements, rescued about 284 kidnapped victims, while 124 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops.
He added that troops also recorded major successes against oil theft, recovering 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of diesel, 660 litres of kerosene and 5,000 litres of petrol.
In addition, 53 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed during the period under review.
Providing updates from various theatres, Onoja said that in the North East, troops under Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad terrorists freedom of action.
He said ground troops, working alongside the Air Component, hybrid forces and local security groups, conducted aggressive operations, neutralising terrorists, arresting informants and logistics suppliers, recovering weapons, and dismantling terrorist networks.
“During the month, troops conducted operations in Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, Askira Uba and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Similar operations were carried out in Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States, respectively. During these encounters, scores of terrorists were neutralised, 17 were arrested, and 12 kidnapped victims were rescued. Recovered weapons and suspects are in custody for further action,” he said.
In Plateau State, Onoja said troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls on terrorist activities, conducting offensive operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna State.
According to him, several extremists were neutralised during firefights, 86 other criminals were arrested, and 24 kidnapped victims rescued, while arms and ammunition were recovered.
In the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft, sea piracy and militancy.
“They dismantled 53 illegal refining sites, arrested 81 oil thieves and other criminals, and recovered assorted arms and ammunition. Air reconnaissance missions also led to the interception and destruction of vessels involved in the illegal syphoning of petroleum products across the Niger Delta,” he said.
He added that troops of Operation UDO KA recorded notable gains across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, with over 80 militants surrendering, 72 arrests made, and 11 kidnapped victims rescued.
Eight Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrols along the Bakassi waterways, while a significant reduction in crime was recorded across the region.
Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements, Onoja said the military would continue to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and work closely with local communities to ensure lasting peace and stability.
He reiterated the Chief of Defence Staff’s mantra, “See something, say something,” urging Nigerians to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
“With the continued support of the media and the Nigerian public, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain confident of defeating all threats to national security,” he said.
First Trustees, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., and a leading provider of trust solutions for individuals, corporates, and government institutions, is proud to announce its 8th Islamic Estate Planning Clinic, scheduled to take place on February 7, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria.
This highly anticipated forum is designed to educate and empower participants on structuring Islamic wealth transfer in today’s evolving world. The Clinic will provide practical guidance on how to secure and preserve legacies in accordance with Islamic principles, ensuring that wealth is managed and passed on responsibly across generations.
The event is being hosted in partnership with The Metropolitan Law Firm and will feature an esteemed lineup of speakers, including: Professor Isah Ali Pantami, Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Professor Adam Abubakar, ESQ, Professor of Islamic Banking and Finance, Yobe State University; Professor Dauda Abubakar, Founder and Director, Dawood Research Institute; HE Aisha Babangida, Chairperson, Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman; Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Managing Partner, Metropolitan Law Firm; Barrister Mohammed Yunusa, Partner at The Metropolitan Law Firm; Ismail Rufai, Managing Director/CEO, One17 Financial Services Limited; Mutiat Olatunji, Al-ameen Trustees Limited; and Rotimi Obende, Head, Private Trust, First Trustees Limited.
Together, these thought leaders will share insights on the importance of Estate Planning within Islamic law, highlighting strategies for safeguarding family wealth and ensuring continuity.
First Trustees remains committed to providing innovative trust solutions that help clients preserve their legacies while staying true to their values.
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