News
Group Set to Host National Dialogue on Taxation and Developing the Non-oil Sectors
The Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) will host an industry conversation addressing the country’s economic recovery and sustainability of organizations from a tax perspective against the backdrop of the global coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic downturn.
For a country like Nigeria, a combination of this with dwindling oil prices and global supply chain disruptions, pose a serious threat to its economic sustainability as it is heavily dependent on revenue from the oil and gas industry to survive.
The dialogue will therefore explore how organizations can support the government through the post-pandemic phase beyond tax remittances whilst also discussing exhaustively opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and progressive regulatory practices.
The webinar aptly themed Fast-tracking Economic Recovery through Robust Tax Policies and Practices has been slated to hold on the 9th of October 2020 and will feature Ben Akabueze, director-General, Budget Office, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Muhammad Mamman Nami, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as speakers. Other experts confirmed to join the conversations are Taiwo Oyedele, Fiscal Partner and West Africa Tax Leader, PwC Nigeria; Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators in Nigeria; Olusola Teniola, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); and Eno Udoma-Eniang, Head, Government & Legislative Affairs, 9mobile.
Expected to participate in the dialogue are Government Agencies, Ministries of Finance, Industry, Trade, and Investments; Federal and State Inland Revenue Agencies, Telecommunications and Technology Regulators, Corporate Organisations and Industry Experts, Non-governmental Organisations, Academia, and the General Public.
One of the avenues employed by the government to increase non-oil revenue is through taxes, following the creation of the Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) to develop strategies and actionable plans to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on Nigerians and reposition the economy on the path of recovery, especially growing the non-oil sectors. This has led to various initiatives and regulatory reviews to increase tax rates, expand the tax net, and improve tax administration and transparency.
News
Union Bank gets Multiple ISO Certifications
Union Bank has attained certifications in MSECB management system in ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 22301:2019, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018.
MSECB is a leading international provider of audit and certification services for management systems based on a wide range of global standards.
A recent statement from the bank disclosed that it received the certifications following assessments of its management system covering information security, its service delivery, and business continuity standards under the combined Information Management Systems standards.
The information security management systems ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 22301:2019, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 are internationally recognised standards that outline the requirements for establishing an effective information management system that guides against data breaches, IT system compromises, and disruptions to business processes.
Commenting on the bank’s recent attainment, Francis Mojoyinlola, Chief Information Security Officer at Union Bank, said, “The bank’s continued adherence to best international practices, as acknowledged by an independent third-party audit from a reputable international certification firm, reaffirms our capacity to erect, implement, and maintain best information and security management practices.
“We remain committed to offering our esteemed customers simpler, more innovative services rooted in the highest standards of information security and cutting-edge innovative banking service.”
The recent achievement by Union Bank follows the bank’s recertification of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard version 3.2 and the International Organisation for Standardisation ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification attained in 2018.
According to the lender, it further highlights its commitment to the strictest information management security standards while securing its pride of place as one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions.
News
PalmPay Bolsters Lagos Agriculture Initiative with Effortless Payment Solutions
PalmPay, a leading fintech platform, has partnered with the Lagos State Government to bolster its agricultural initiative, offering robust payment solutions to empower residents and businesses alike with the necessary financial tools for success through the Food Discount Market initiative tagged – Ounje Eko.
Ounje Eko, meaning – Lagos Food, is a food intervention program by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, aimed at providing succour to residents. This initiative is taking place across five (5) divisions of the State.
The Ounje Eko markets were opened at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions. The food items – rice, beans, garri, bread, eggs, tomatoes, and pepper, among others – were sold at a 25% discount to residents.
Commenting on the initiative, Enakeno Umuteme, the Head of Marketing Communications, PalmPay, noted, “The Ounje Eko is indeed a laudable initiative especially as the country’s inflation rate stands at 30% according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
“PalmPay is privileged to have participated in the Ounje Eko Initiative and offered its support as one of the Independent Payment Solution providers to have partnered with Lagos State Government as payment platforms providing POS terminals as a means of payment.”
Mr Umuteme added, “At PalmPay, we are always committed to empowering individuals and businesses with the tools they need to thrive, and we believe that having supported this intervention, we were able to make a meaningful impact in our community.”
With PalmPay’s expertise in delivering secure and efficient digital payment solutions, coupled with its involvement in the discounted market initiative, both vendors and consumers can anticipate a seamless and user-friendly experience.
News
6 Ways Agritech can Revolutionise Grocery Aisles
By Diana Tenebe, Chief Operating Officer, FoodStuff Store
Forget grocery drudgery. Imagine vibrant shelves overflowing with fresh produce, thanks to a digital revolution on the farm. Agritech tackles food waste, not directly on store shelves, but throughout the food journey.
Globally, food waste is a staggering 1.6 billion tons, with a significant portion lost in supply chains. In Nigeria alone, 14 million tons are wasted annually. Here are 6 ways Agritech can offer a solution.
Precision Farming: Gone are the days of guesswork. Sensors and data analysis nowadays provide real-time insights, allowing farmers to optimise resource use and boost yields. Imagine perfectly nurtured fruits and vegetables! Additionally, agritech can analyse consumer demand and weather patterns to optimise harvests, reducing surplus that spoils before reaching stores.
Fresher, Faster Deliveries: The farm-to-store journey can be improved on so it is no longer slow and wasteful. Advancements in logistics, storage, and distribution ensure food arrives fresher and faster. Cold chain improvements and optimised routes mean fruits and vegetables retain nutrients and flavour all the way to the grocery aisle. Agritech can also play a role here by using sensors to monitor storage conditions and track shipments, minimising spoilage during transport.
Beyond Efficiency: Agritech isn’t just about optimising existing food systems. It can also be used in driving innovation. From plant-based alternatives to lab-grown meat, agritech across the world is pushing the boundaries of what we consider “food,” offering consumers a wider variety of healthy and sustainable choices.
Connecting the Dots: Traditionally, a complex web of middlemen stands between farms and supermarkets. This lengthens the supply chain, impacting both freshness and price. Agritech platforms disrupt this model by establishing a direct link between producers and retailers. Imagine farmers uploading their harvest information, including type, quantity, and quality, directly onto an Agritech platform. Supermarkets can then browse these offerings and place orders efficiently. This streamlined process eliminates unnecessary intermediaries, reducing costs and expediting delivery.
Extending Shelf Life: Research focuses on developing technologies like special packaging or coatings to slow down spoilage and extend the shelf life of perishables. These coatings might act as a second skin, regulating moisture loss and respiration rates, or even contain natural antimicrobials to fight off spoilage-causing bacteria. This not only reduces food waste but also keeps our grocery aisles stocked with fresher produce for longer.
Reducing Waste, Fighting Hunger: Agritech can connect supermarkets with organisations that collect surplus food nearing expiry. This food can be redistributed to communities or food banks, reducing waste and hunger.
Agritech’s digital revolution is transforming food production, impacting what ends up on our shelves, paving the way for a future with less waste and more abundance.
- News3 days ago
6 Ways Agritech can Revolutionise Grocery Aisles
- E-Financial2 days ago
CAC Says Operating PoS without Registration is Criminal Offence
- E-Business3 days ago
Konga and Starlink Partnership: A Blessing for Nigeria – Dr. A U Babatunde
- E-Financial2 days ago
CBN Unveils List of Licensed Deposit Money Banks
- Telecom3 days ago
MTN Nigeria’s Uto Ukpanah Named Global Corporate Secretary of the Year
- Telecom2 days ago
Catholic Bishops Raise Caution on Use of Artificial Intelligence
- Telecom2 days ago
Airtel Africa Records Loss as Revenue Falls on Naira Devaluation
- News2 days ago
PalmPay Bolsters Lagos Agriculture Initiative with Effortless Payment Solutions