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Nigeria’s Future is Mobile- Experts

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Experts in mobile communications technology have stressed the need for educators in Nigeria to be up to speed with modern reality if the country would meet her millennium develop goals (MDGs) target and beyond.

After a thorough analysis of Nigeria’s market leadership position in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), in only about a decade since mobile telephony was introduced, various speakers at the conference tagged “MobileWeb West Africa” agreed that the country’s education system was not in sync with present reality.

Alex Dadson, managing director, Qualcomm West Africa, who spoke to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek exclusively stated that the education system in Nigeria would need a general overhaul to meet the market reality.

Dadson stated that multinational ICT firms usually have to retrain local graduates to fit into the workplace because of the gap between what is taught in the Universities and the work-place environment.

And as a practical demonstration of filling-in-gap, the leading global US chipset manufacturers organized a special training workshop for about 30 young Nigerian application developers at the MobileWeb conference.

It also introduced a new product into the market called Augmented Reality.

Dadson stated that Augmented Reality. is a special app that identifies images and augment the users’ experience in the mobile ecosystem.

Tunde Kehinde, a young and leading under 30 mobile online entrepreneur concurred with Dadson that Nigeria’s education system need major innovative overhaul to meet market reality.

“I attended primary and high school in Nigeria, but went abroad for post secondary education. Yes, there is a need for some major overall in our education curricula to fit into the advancing technological trend,” said Kehinde.

Kehinde’s Jumia is rated ahead of Amazon and eBay in global search engines from Nigerian searches for online shopping.

He believes Nigerian have the capacity to excel, but need the education to match their counterparts in other markets across the globe.

Several other experts also spoke on the emerging mobileweb space as next big thing in online entrepreneurship.

Elo Umeh, CEO of Twinpine Mobile Advertising reiterated that mobile web advertising is design as a veritable tool for big multinationals and local SMEs to explore and promote their businesses to their prospective clients.

Umeh, added that busineses can set value at the long run, for money invested to the business, by advertising on mobile platforms which relate to return on investment.

Specifically, he stated that this is done by showcasing products and services to both prospective and existing customers. Mobile web advertising is possible through website posters, SMS platforms on mobile phones.

The Twinpine executive stressed that their big push is a 30 million customer target by 2014, with services cutting across all sectors of the Nigerian economy including news, entertainment, gossips and sports.

Mrs. Harey Oyindamola Ogundeyi, industry manager, Google, stated that there was a huge market to be discovered in mobile branding opportunities for brands to reach their customers.

These platforms include the use of mobile video (which is in vogue) amongst music lovers, through mobile phones or the internet.

She noted that this can be harnessed by using it at people’s convenience, either at home, work or on the move, describing it as a unique feature.

Ogundeyi stressed further that this devices has created a platform of opportunities of freedom for people to part into civilized world. She declared that the platform makes “advertising on the net easy, through the process of search and display.”

Olusegun Martins, head technology at Insight Communication, shared similar views with Mrs. Ogundeyi.

He noted that the modern day technological advancement and innovation means mobile users are connected to various sectors of activities on the World Wide Web (www), for gathering and dissemination of information.

Martins added that this technological techniques makes brands a believable character, in any story message it delivers to its audience. He added (unscientific) that well over 25 percent on Nigerian mobile phone users are on the smartphones segment, turns it into life companionship.

“This trend enables people to sleep and wakeup with their phones even at night and early hours of the morning.”

Martins describes the emerging lifestyle “as emotional connection, media hub, shopping companies and personal assistance tools to life.”

Mr. Deepanker Rustagi, general manager, VCconect.com X-rayed the importance of the mobile web platform in helping to develop the small medium entrepreneur to grow their business by assisting them to design good strategies, to enable their prospective customers, which will go a long way, for them to have value for their investments.


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Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

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Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

Karex, World's Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.

Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.

Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We ​have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to ⁠the customers,” Goh told Reuters.

Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.

The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.

“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.

 


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Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

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Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.

The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”

Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”

Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”

Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.

He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.

“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.

The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”

Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.

The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.

 


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UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

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L-r: Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest; Steve Grey OBE, UK Export Finance Lead; Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission; Ayo Sotinrin, MD/Chief Executive Nigeria's Bank of Agriculture (BoA), and Lovina Kayode, Director, Investor Relations, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, at the UK-Nigeria Trade mission in Abuja, yesterday.
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Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.

With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.

Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.

These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.

The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.

It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.

Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.

“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”

Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.

The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”

Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.

“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”

Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.

The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”

All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.

The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.

This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.


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