General News
CRD, Operators Count Costs to Leverage N500Bn Warehousing Sector
The promising warehousing sub-sector in Nigeria, which stakeholders estimate would be worth over N500 billion annually, would need legislative backing to achieve its full potential.
According to analysts, the warehousing sub-sector, which is mainly private sector driven, is still evolving in Nigeria and piqued by economic, technical and legislative factors.
With technology, the trend, globally, is that warehousing injects live into the supply chain (management).
Speaking at a two-day workshop on ‘Warehousing in Logistics’ organized by the Courier Regulatory Department of NIPOST for stakeholders in the industry, Dr. Simon Emeje, senior assistant postmaster general of the Federation and head of CRD, said that the workshop was motivated by the quest to unleash warehousing potentials in the Nigeria and redirect the business ideas of come courier operators.
Emeje told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek that, CRD has “a philosophy to look for areas, through our surveillance and research, of development. It was as a result we felt that warehousing is a very good are for courier operators to expand their business towards it and have a better horizon in terms of better grasp of the business perspective. We have found out that majority of the operators deemed courier as just delivery of annual general meeting reports or notice of meetings.
“We know there are so many things involved in courier; logistics is a critical area, which many of them are not looking at. We have had similar workshop on leveraging e-commerce to boost the operators’ business portfolios and fortunes”.
Viability Of The Market
On his part, Obiora Madu, director general, Africa Centre for Supply Chain, said that shared visibility of the trading partners in the contemporary business climate has made third party platforms (warehouses) critical part of the distribution chain.
Hinting on the supply chain strategic importance to the economy, he identified SCM as the integration of the activities that procure materials and services, transform them into intermediate goods and final products, and deliver them through a distribution system.
He added that, invariably, competition has shifted from companies to supply chain managers.
Madu said, “Supply chain is a network of partners who through the process of adding value, collectively transform inputs, material and information, into a finished products outputs, that is, goods and services, that is valued and gives satisfaction to end users. No business can survive; much less thrive, without satisfied customers”.
While reeling out principles operators must adopt to deliver satisfactory services, the DG said that, the enabling factors include being customer friendly, process integration such as de-emphasizing functions and departments as no function is more or less important; transparency at all levels; clear, quantifiable performance management system and ultimately, the use of information technology.
He added that practitioners must be willing and capable to embrace momentous paradigm shift, the critical part emphasized by CRD too.
The Place of Technology
Also speaking, Fidel Anyanna, a logistics consultant, told Nigeria CommunicationsWeek that Warehouse has evolved over the years, especially with the help technology.
Anyanna said, “It has ditched in the background, the era when some people, presumed to be ‘never-do-well’, are pushed to work as store-keepers. Today, technology has transformed it into professional inclined. A lot of people are making a living from warehousing today. In UK, for instance, third party logistics providers provide warehouse services and companies do not see the need to have warehouses, as they rely on those third party platforms.
“The future of warehousing is bright, even in Nigeria. For the distributive system, it is a new frontier that the managerial achievements have not even gone half-way. So, anybody who is taking up warehousing services now is making a right decision.
On regulating the sector, he said, “Right now, the industry is not officially regulated. Meanwhile, the only regulation I think should come into play, will force on condition of practice and the environmental preservation. How it is operated has to do, more with business indices, which might not really need government’s regulations”.
Toyin Adeoju, managing director, Cross-Country Courier, also described technology as interventional tools to overhaul the courier industry.
He said, “There are new technologies in logistics and new ideas springing up, almost on daily basis. However, there is an improvement in our operations too as courier operators. From this workshop too, we are taking away the important message that, there are sophisticated technology that can be deployed to make logistics much easier.
“As globalization keeps evolving due to the dynamism of the technology, it also plays important role in rediscovering various measures to lift the courier industry. For example, before now, our parents engaged labourers to lift items to load lorries, but with just the click of buttons, items of different weights and sizes are lifted with ease. Through the help of scanners, barcodes, infrared, among others, items can easily be discovered in a warehouse without physically searching for them.
Lack Of Funds And Dearth Of Infrastructure
The practitioners also picked holes in government’s attitude towards the industry and banks’ inability to project into the future by giving long term loans to help liberate the market.
Also speaking to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, Mrs. Grace Igwe, managing director and chief executive officer of Cysanthel Chihill Ventures, said that in as much as the regulators are focusing on the need for operators to leverage the warehousing sub-sector, there is need to evaluate the operating environment.
She said, “For instance, just the least, how many trailer drivers will like to ply the kind of roads we have in Nigeria, in traffic congestion and to interiors areas-where there will be space to erect warehouses we can be proud of.
“I am talking about constructing a warehouse in Ikorodu or Badagry, where you still have large expanse of land. At the same time, the manufacturers would prefer the warehouse is close to their factory, because that will give them confidence about delivering goods to the customers on time and as need may rise. Are we considering the way Apapa port is congested? These are economic indices that courier operators put into considerations and most time get overwhelmed.
Aside that, how buoyant is our manufacturing sector? The power supply, has it become stabilized? Now, does the government have warehouses? They do not have; this could be part of the reasons they see no reason in proper regulations or to care for the postal or courier sector. Apart from NAHCO, SAHCOL and other small shades, does NIPOST have a warehouse, it doesn’t. It is capital intensive.
To Lara Okuneye, managing director and chief executive officer of PTL Courier, “NIPOST should help in talking to banks to give long term loans that will support this industry. If I had resources, there are so many ‘empty’ warehouses in Nigeria, some are not been used properly. That is why they are turned to churches. The churches are buying the warehouses. If the courier companies have the money, we would have invested on the sub-sector”.
Shye also suggested two ways to raise the capital, “through the commercial banks or directly from the government. I learnt that Sure-P is giving grants to some people, but will they recognize the right places to invest on? I doubt that. That is the unfortunate thing about what the government is doing and the lukewarm attitude towards the courier industry.
Nodding in agreement, Igwe said that to invest in a warehouse costs hundreds of millions.
“To support, government can build warehouses and sublet them to the professionals to handle. Emphatically, it should be for the indigenous courier companies through the associations. The truth is that we have licences that cover so many areas of courier, but they are not been exploited due to funds. If they should do that, as you are renewing your licence, you pay government certain amount accruable from the warehouse. That will go a long way to help us.
These factors also worry Adeoju, who said, “Warehousing has been neglected in Nigeria due to obvious reasons. I can tell you that it’s not like we (the courier operators) shy away from that multi-billion naira worth of sub-sector, the funds are not readily available. The funds required to revolutionaries the market is huge.
“Painfully, banks are not interested in this kind of business, but they can afford to sponsor music shows in schools where students can download music and the returns comes in per seconds. Even the roads are not motorable. In warehousing you have to include the freight, probably, for the manufacturers who wouldn’t want to hear about delays in the distributions of their products. Both the government and the banks are looking elsewhere. As the market is capital intensive, the banks and the governments do not care, it hurts.
But, Emeje shared some pieces of advice with the industry.
On funding he said, “Actually, it is part of the things we are looking at. In one of our trainings, we brought up the issue of entrepreneurship financing. Through that way we tried to introduce the operators to the banks; we went as far as bringing people from financial institutions; as a way of creating atmosphere for them to network.
“Secondly, we have emphasized on the issue of synergy. Warehousing could be expensive, but some companies can team together and say, ‘look, let’s make some contributions, get a warehouse’, and develop it for other operators that may even want to use.
Regulations
Emeje said that, “The best way to enforce regulations is by exposing the operators to the best approach to practice. However, we intend that as the operators get into the practice of logistics, as an aftermath of this workshop, through our monitoring we will get to know their challenges, and what recommendations to give them.
“Definitely, there could be challenges between the operators and their clients. Even where there are synergies. So, the only way we have designed to come in on the regulatory point is to oversee them, and monitor their activities as they play in the field”.
The Senate Wednesday launched a full-scale investigation into the operations of Ponzi schemes in the country. The development followed the catastrophic collapse of the Crypto Bullion Exchange (CBEX), a digital investment platform that allegedly defrauded Nigerians of over N1.3 trillion ($847 million), making it one of the most devastating financial scams in the nation’s history.
The motion, sponsored by Senators Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Osita Izunaso (Imo West), received overwhelming support from lawmakers during the debate at plenary.
The federal lawmakers unanimously described the proliferation of such schemes as a direct threat to national security, economic stability and public trust in government institutions.
Rising in support of the motion, senators from across the country decried the systemic regulatory failure that allowed CBEX and similar fraudulent platforms to operate unchecked.
They lamented that the fraudulent operators leveraged on technology, social media influence, fake testimonials, and referral commissions to lure millions into financial ruin.
Presenting the lead debate, Senator Abiru detailed how CBEX capitalized on weak oversight by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to dupe unsuspecting investors.
He warned that beyond financial losses, such platforms are fueling depression, suicides and the erosion of public confidence in legitimate financial institutions.
“Over N1.3 trillion was lost to CBEX alone. This is not an isolated incident. It is a continuation of a troubling pattern, from MMM in 2016 to MBA Forex in 2020. Nigerians are being robbed, again and again,” Abiru said.
Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) called the situation “alarming” and stressed that existing laws must not only be amended but “strengthened” to prevent further exploitation.
He said: “These operators prey on vulnerable and gullible citizens. Some victims have died by suicide. It is time we acted decisively.”
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar (Kwara North) emphasized the trust Nigerians place in their government and urged agencies to live up to their mandate.
“People trust that the government will protect them. We must ensure that SEC, CBN, EFCC and others never allow such lapses again,” Umar said.
Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) lamented the regulatory gap in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving fintech space. He warned that many digital platforms operate under the radar.
He said: “It’s not just Ponzi schemes. There are several other unregulated online payment platforms riding on fintech buzzwords. CBN must tell us what rules are in place.”
Senators Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and others urged the National Assembly to utilize its constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to hold regulatory agencies accountable.
“These laws exist, but for too long we’ve failed to enforce them. The people are suffering,” Ningi declared.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recounted a personal experience from the early 1990s involving a now-defunct Ponzi scheme in Port Harcourt, drawing parallels with today’s CBEX.
Akpabio said: “That scheme collapsed. People lost everything. History is repeating itself, only now on a bigger scale—N1.3 trillion gone. Students, civil servants, even pensioners were affected. This is an emergency.”
He backed calls for nationwide public sensitization and zonal public hearings.
According to the Senate President, “We must educate our people. Many of these victims are not literate in financial matters. If it doesn’t concern you directly, it will affect someone close to you.”
In its resolution, the Senate mandated a joint investigation by its Committees on Capital Market; Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions; Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes; and ICT & Cybersecurity.
The committees, to be led by that of Banking and Finance, are expected to conduct a comprehensive investigative hearing, including public sessions, and submit their report within four weeks.
The inquiry, according to Akpabio, will focus not only on CBEX but also on the broader Ponzi ecosystem, regulatory lapses and proposals for legislative and administrative reforms.
The Senate also called for immediate steps to educate the public, especially the youth and rural populations on the dangers of fraudulent investment schemes.
As the motion passed unopposed, Senator Akpabio declared: “We cannot sit back while Nigerians are being robbed blind. “We must act to prevent more suicides, restore trust, and reclaim our economy from digital predators.”
General News
UpSkill Universe Launches ‘Skills for Business’ to Empower 10,000 African SMEs, in Collaboration with HP and Google
UpSkill Universe has announced the launch of the Skills for Business programme, a new initiative to help 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and South Africa build critical digital and business skills for economic and business growth.
Delivered in collaboration with Google, HP Inc and UpSkill Universe, the programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools to thrive in an increasingly digital economy, in addition to having access to a range of courses on the HP LIFE platform.
UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage programme delivery and partner engagement. “Entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Africa are already leading change within their communities,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe.
“We understand the challenges SMEs face as they navigate a difficult business landscape, prevalence of AI, and rapidly changing customer behaviour. Through collaboration with HP Inc. and Google, we see an immense opportunity to empower businesses with the practical tips, tools, and technology – including AI – they need to grow, scale, and succeed.”
Building on the success of the Hustle Academy Business Bootcamp, which has supported over 15,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022, this new initiative will focus on action-oriented learning. Participants will gain hands-on skills through modules such as Unlock growth with practical skills in AI, digital marketing, and e-commerce, which are designed to help SMEs boost their productivity, attract more customers, and grow their businesses online, complemented by access to HP LIFE – the HP Foundation’s free global online business skills training program.
The programme is also committed to inclusivity, with a goal of at least 50% participation from women-owned businesses.
“The Hustle Academy training reshaped how we connect with customers online,” shared one SME from Lagos. “These skills make a real difference for us.”
Small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy, accounting for nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. Yet despite their significance, many still face barriers to accessing the digital skills and tools needed to compete and grow in a changing marketplace.
The Skills for Business programme aims to bridge this gap by providing entrepreneurs with practical, locally relevant training that meets the real-world demands of today’s market.
Google’s involvement brings additional expertise in digital growth and strategy for small businesses.
“Small businesses are a driving force for progress across Africa and beyond. It’s more critical than ever to help them access the skills and tools they need to grow, especially as digital technologies transform business operations,” said Kristy Grant, Google SSA’s Head of B2B & Brand Marketing. “We are proud to collaborate on initiatives like this that enable entrepreneurs to translate their ambitions into lasting positive impact for their communities and economies.”
At the heart of the initiative is HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free global business skills training program, which is available in eight languages online, via mobile app, and offline. Small business owners and their employees will gain access to more than 30 practical training modules covering topics such as boosting productivity with AI, digital marketing essentials, and starting an e-commerce journey.
This will be delivered alongside expert-led virtual workshops by Google and UpSkill Universe to ensure that SMEs can build the capabilities needed to grow their customer base, strengthen operations, and drive long-term success.
“When small businesses thrive, entire communities thrive with them. The Skills for Business program is about empowering entrepreneurs to access the future of work.” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Executive Director, HP Foundation.
“Since 2021, HP has been on a journey to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030 by providing access to technology and digital skills content that enhances skills and economic opportunity. We are very proud to support this deeply impactful program, which will provide the support SMEs need to grow, scale, and succeed.
The Skills for Business programme aims to directly train 10,000 SMEs and indirectly impact an additional 59,000 individuals by the end of 2025, demonstrating the powerful role of partnerships in advancing Africa’s digital transformation and economic development.
Federal government has declared that any admission into tertiary institutions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), will be deemed illegal.
Dr Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, gave the directive in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2025 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Alausa, therefore, warned universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country against illegal admission.
He said institutions and individuals involved in such practices would be prosecuted and severely sanctioned.
“Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of its intentions, is illegal.
“Both institutions and the candidates involved in such practices will be held accountable.
“Sanctions may include withdrawal of institutional assets and prosecution of culpable officers or governing council members,” he said.
CAPS, introduced in 2017, automates the admission process to eliminate human interference and administrative bottlenecks.
Alausa, however, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen transparency, fairness, and accountability in the nation’s tertiary education system.
He explained that while the responsibility for initiating admissions rests with the academic boards of each institution, JAMB, as a statutory regulatory body is mandated to oversee and regulate the process to ensure fairness and equity.
The Minister urged vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, and governing councils to intensify oversight functions to prevent unauthorised practices.
He assured that the Ministry would monitor compliance closely in collaboration with JAMB.
The minister also reaffirmed the policy mandating integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the JAMB registration process.
“The NIN requirement has proven vital in safeguarding the integrity of our admission system by curbing identity fraud and multiple registrations.
“Any abuse of the NIN system will be identified and punished,” he said.
He highlighted the need for data-driven policies in the admission processes.
The Minister also presented statistics showing a mismatch between available admission quotas and actual student intake across many programmes, especially in agriculture, education, engineering, and the health sciences.
“We have capacity, but we are not admitting enough students.
“We need to start closing the gap, so that more children can access tertiary education,” he said.
He also criticised the proliferation of underutilised institutions, revealing that over 120 universities in Nigeria received fewer than 50 applications in the current admission cycle.
“The problem is not about access, it’s about alignment and capacity.
“We don’t need to open new tertiary institutions in every ward. Instead, we must expand and strengthen the capacity of existing ones,” he said.
On his part, Sen. Shuaib Salisu, chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, called for stricter sanctions against institutions and administrators who undermine Nigeria’s admission process.
Salisu proposed the criminalisation of fraudulent admission practices.
He also warned institutions that exploit loopholes in the admissions system, allowing students to unknowingly pursue flawed admissions for years to desist from such practices.
He assured that the Senate Committee would explore legislation to criminalise such fraudulent practices, holding admission officers and institutional management accountable.
Salisu also called for an inclusive education system that drives peace and economic growth.
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