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ICT Promotes Transparency in Freight Forwarding – Nweke

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Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State Governor,
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Eugene Nweke, is the new national president of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (Nagaff). A product Nagaff Academy with an advance diploma in international freight forwarding, Nweke, started his freight forwarding career in 1989 with Greenlight Limited and has been a member of the association from its inception in 1999. The new Nagaff boss in this interview with nkechi david –iwuchukwu, talked about the freight forwarding industry and ICT.

Nagaff
Nagaff is a professional association that took its root from freight forwarding. It came as a child of necessity, to change the perception of the general public on the activities and practices (services) of a freight forwarder. Before now there was an old nomenclature referred to as clearing and forwarding, which some members of the public believe is synonymous to 419, there by discrediting the noble profession of freight forwarding which is a global profession.
As such Nagaff carried out a vision with a mission statement to usher in a sustainable freight forwarding practice in Nigeria by institutionalizing ethics, code of professional conduct and respect to rule of law. In addition, to give a direction to a better way of settling trade disputes through dialogue, consultation, and communication, as opposed to confrontation, antagonism, strike actions and so on.
To achieve, we needed a pro-active public advocacy and that has been our tradition. This is what we have been doing for the past 10 years and we will continue to intensify our public advocacy.
Area of Courier Services
Freight forwarding covers so many areas, that is why one of our books published asked a question: A freight forwarder, what does he do?
International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (Fiata) adopted a definition for freight forwarding and logistics services as : services of any kind relating to the carriage performed by single mode or multi-modal transport means ( consolidation, storage, handling, packing or distribution) of goods, as well as ancillary and advisory services, in connection, including but not limited to customs and fiscal matters, declaring the goods for official purposes, procuring insurance of goods and correcting or procuring payment or documents relating to the goods. Freight forwarding services also includes logistical services with modern information and communication technology (ICT) in connection with the carriage, handling or storage of the goods referred to a de facto total supply chain management. These services can be tailored to meet the flexible application of the services provided. Therefore, a freight forwarder can be defined as the party who ensures that international traded goods move freely from point of origin to point of destination to arrive; (i) at the right place (ii) at the right time (iii) in good condition (iv) at the most economic cost. If you look at this definition, you now see that a freight forwarder is a logistician, which means he maintains a close cooperation with other actors within the maritime chain, including transporter, negotiating freight rate, comparing cost, moving cargo along different routes, observing different modes, designing logistic infrastructure that provide the best compromise between cost, speed and reliability. With this, you see that a freight forwarder is a logistic officer and one adhering to and ensuring statutory compliance. A freight forwarder therefore carries out an aspect that is gratifying in the facilitation of trade through consultancy and networking. In summary the freight forwarding family comprises the following; packaging and warehousing firms, custom licensed agents, courier companies, global logistics and air freight companies, cargo brokers and consolidators and multimodal transport companies.
Changing Roles of Freight Forwarding
The traditional freight forwarding functions are divided into (i) documentation (ii) planning and costing routes (iii) booking  and coordinating freight, arranging and ancillary services such as; warehousing and packing, consolidation, paying charges and dues to carriers, ports, customs etc (iv) rendering  advices to shippers and providing information to help them prepare quotation, these are the activities that makes a freight forwarder to be portrayed as agent to the shipper.
Scope in Terms of Spread
Nagaff is in three zones of the federation; South- East zone, comprising; Onne, Port Harcourt area 1, Airport, Calabar and Warri. Northern zone, which comprises; Kano, Abuja and Kaduna-Katsina. Finally, the Western zone, comprising; Murtala Mohammed airport, Apapa port, Tincan Island port, Seme, Idiroko, Ikorodu, KLT, Port Terminal Management Limited (PTML), and Federal Operation Unit (FOU).
Major Focus as New Nagaff President
From all that I have said, you can see that freight forwarding is a gamut of activities, therefore in sustaining our passion at ushering in freight forwarding practice in Nigeria, the area of training and retraining of members in accordance with the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) act number 16, 2007, is a primary area of focus in this administration, because there is an urgent need for skill acquisition and capacity building. Secondly, I will look at the area of intensifying on public advocacy, because the old orders, practices and procedure are still living with us. Finally, I will also look out to advise government on the consequence of inimical trade policies where and when the need arises.
Challenges Faced
Administering an association like Nagaff, which is a non-profit making organization,  yet committed to public advocacy, sustains itself through membership subscription. In this wise, the obligation of making members to be loyal and committed requires extra effort.
IT Impact on Service Delivery
Obviously, before now the World Trade Organisation (WTO) / World Custom Organisation (WCO), has been at the forefront of championing IT driven cargo clearance procedures and transactions, which culminated into simplification, harmonization of custom tariffs and clearance procedures with emphasis placed on elimination of cumbersome procedure and bottleneck in cargo clearance processes. Therefore, in pursuit of globalization and in compliance to IT driven trade transaction and facilitation the WTO is promoting a paperless shipping and trade environment. IT has also encouraged an “increased cargo through-puts “(influx of cargo) and enhanced “turn around time of vessel “(discharging time for ship).
ICT Growth
One important thing that has happened has to do with exchange of expertise between Nigeria and other nations, talking about globalization. And since Nigeria can not be isolated from the world, then obviously looking at our population, human resources and natural resources, Nigeria has between 1999 following the introduction of GSM and in compliance to Y2K (computerization), it is remarkable to note that Nigeria has been ICT compliance for over 20 years. Therefore, the growth of ICT in Nigeria is at a steady increase but there is still room for improvement, especially within our educational sector and some aspect of government dealings, because ICT has a place in promoting transparency.

      


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Lagos Plans New Cybersecurity Centre

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The Lagos State Government plans to establish a Cybersecurity Operations Centre to strengthen protection of government systems, digital services and citizen data amid rising cyber threats linked to the city’s expanding digital economy.

Tunbosun Alake, Lagos commissioner for innovation, science and technology, said the centre would help secure the infrastructure supporting online payments, e-government services, cloud platforms and technology-driven business operations across the state.

According to Alake, the facility will monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats targeting government networks, digital transactions and sensitive public data.

The move comes as Lagos accelerates its smart city agenda through investments in broadband infrastructure, digital identity systems and automated public services.

Alake said Lagos had already deployed 109 Data Protection Officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, which he described as the highest number among Nigerian states, to strengthen compliance with data protection regulations.

Alongside the proposed cybersecurity centre, the state also launched the Lagos Campus Network Upgrade project aimed at improving digital infrastructure within the public sector.

The upgrade is expected to improve network performance, automate internal government processes and enhance digital engagement with residents. The cybersecurity initiative follows the release of Lagos State’s cybersecurity guidelines in April.

The framework recommends measures including multi-factor authentication, vulnerability testing, encrypted backups and tighter endpoint security controls.

The guidelines align with Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act 2024, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021.

 


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LG Electronics Strengthens Household Energy Efficiency in Nigeria with Advanced Inverter Refrigerator Solutions

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LG Electronics (LG) is reinforcing its commitment to smarter and more energy‑efficient living by spotlighting its range of inverter‑powered refrigerators designed to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian households.

As electricity costs continue to rise and inflationary pressures shape consumer spending, LG’s refrigerator portfolio is positioned as a practical solution that combines dependable performance with responsible energy consumption.

Refrigerators are among the most frequently used appliances in Nigerian homes, operating 24 hours a day and accounting for a significant share of household electricity usage. LG addresses this challenge through its proprietary Inverter Compressor technology, which intelligently adjusts cooling power based on actual usage conditions.

By reducing unnecessary energy draw, the system delivers stable temperature control while helping households lower energy consumption and manage monthly utility costs more effectively.

Beyond energy savings, LG refrigerators are designed to support food security and reduce waste, an increasingly important consideration for families navigating rising food prices. The inverter system enables faster cooling recovery after power interruptions and helps maintain consistent internal temperatures, preserving food freshness for longer periods. With fewer friction points in the compressor design, LG refrigerators also offer enhanced durability and long‑term reliability, minimizing maintenance costs over time.

LG’s energy‑saving refrigerator lineup includes Top Mount, Side‑by‑Side, and Door‑in‑Door models, each tailored to different household sizes, storage needs, and lifestyle preferences. The Top Mount refrigerators offer practical, space‑efficient designs ideal for everyday family use, delivering reliable cooling with optimized energy efficiency.

The LG GN-F452PFAQ model keeps food perfectly fresh with FRESH Converter+ that optimizes temperature as per food items and never runs out of ice with the Auto Ice Maker.

For households that require larger storage capacity and improved organization, Side‑by‑Side models provide generous interior space, improved visibility, and consistent cooling across compartments.

For more design‑conscious consumers, LG’s Door‑in‑Door refrigerators reduce cold air loss by allowing quick access to frequently used items, supporting both energy efficiency and long‑lasting freshness.

At the premium end, LG continues to innovate with advanced models such as the MoodUP™ refrigerator, which combines customizable aesthetics with functional energy‑saving features like the InstaView panel, allowing users to view contents without opening the door and reducing unnecessary cold air loss. This refrigerator comes with a washing machine as a bundle promotion.

According to LG, this range‑based approach reflects a deep understanding of how Nigerian households differ in size, consumption habits, and lifestyle needs.

“Nigerian consumers are becoming more intentional about how they use energy and manage household costs,” said Mr. Oktai Kim, General Manager, Home Appliance Solutions, LG Electronics Nigeria. “By offering a diverse range of inverter‑powered refrigerators, we are giving families the flexibility to choose solutions that suit their homes while delivering long‑term value through energy efficiency and dependable performance.”

Rather than focusing on technology alone, LG’s energy‑saving refrigerator portfolio emphasizes everyday benefits, efficient operation, reliable cooling, and designs that adapt to real living conditions. Available nationwide, LG refrigerators continue to support smarter living and economic resilience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering durable, consumer‑focused home solutions for Nigerian households.


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Fidelity Bank Chairman Amaka Onwughalu wins “Women on Bank Boards” @AWBFA 2026

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Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank Plc, has emerged winner in the “Women on Bank Boards” category at the Africa Women in Banking and Finance Conference and Awards (AWBFA 2026).

Fidelity Bank Chairman Amaka Onwughalu wins “Women on Bank Boards” @AWBFA 2026

Amaka Onwughalu

The event, themed “Redefining Women’s Leadership in African Finance”, held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja on Friday, 8 May 2026, is a platform established to celebrate women driving leadership and impact across Africa’s financial services ecosystem. It also spotlights professionals whose contributions are often overlooked, while advancing visibility for women shaping banking and finance.

In her acceptance remarks, delivered through Ezinwa Unuigboje, Company Secretary, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onwughalu described the recognition as a timely reminder of the role inclusion plays in strengthening board effectiveness and corporate governance.

“This recognition matters because inclusion at board level strengthens governance,” she said, noting that when diverse perspectives are represented, “oversight is sharper, risk conversations are richer, and strategy is tested more thoroughly.”

She added that inclusive leadership sends an important signal to the market and the next generation of leaders, emphasising that boardrooms should reflect “competence, experience, and the society the financial system serves.”

For Fidelity Bank, the Chairman linked the award to the institution’s governance priorities and growth trajectory. She noted that strong governance aligns with the bank’s consolidation of “key milestones in capital strengthening, international expansion, and sustained business growth.”

She also highlighted the wider benefits for the Nigerian banking industry, noting that inclusive boards support stability and trust, improve decision quality, and help institutions remain responsive to customers, communities, and an evolving regulatory environment. She said the honour was accepted “with gratitude, and with renewed commitment to champion inclusive leadership at the highest level.”

Organisers have positioned AWBFA 2026 as more than a conference, describing it as a movement focused on celebrating excellence, driving inclusion, and strengthening leadership pipelines for women across Africa’s financial ecosystem.


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