Connect with us

General News

Portfolio Courier Firms Fingered in Arms Smuggling

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Illegal courier operators are aiding the ever increasing trend in the smuggling of small arms and light weapons, exposing the dangerous complexity of the illicit trade of the tools of violence in parts of the country, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can now reveal.
 
There are an estimated 10 million illicit small arms and light weapons in circulation in West Africa with about 3 million of them in Nigeria alone.
 
Small arms are classified as hand guns, pistols, sub-machine guns, mortars, landmines, grenades and light missiles.
 
Also, Europol Report, has warned that the use of courier service as a legitimate business structure for drug trafficking is one of the specialized areas utilized by organized criminal groups around the world today.
 
Dr. Simon Emeje, senior assistant postmaster general and head of the Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) of Nigeria Postal Service (Nipost) said that some of the crimes perpetuated in Nigeria are consequences of some compromised individuals.
 
Speaking on the sidelines after sealing an office belonging to a transport company found to be conducting courier business without registration, Emeje added, “What we did today, the company involved is a transport company; people go to them in their garage, give them parcels and they take the parcels to certain destinations for a fee. It is illegal. We are saying that if a company is not licensed and they forcefully and illegally go into what others licensed are supposed to do, they are defaulting.
 
“Even security wise, we are talking about-gun, ammunitions smuggling, call it anything, unregistered courier companies can do anything, because nobody queries them. They are not on our list and they fashion out different crooked measure to perpetuate such illicit business. That is what we are fighting”

He said: “Such companies are loose ones that people can easily liaise with to do anything with, both at international and national fronts. From our borders, these people bring goods from foreign countries”.
 
CRD, an arm of Nipost is the apex regulatory body of the courier industry in the country. Nipost is also an operator in the industry.
 
But the Association of Nigerian Courier Operators (ANCO) said that the lax regulation of the sector lends the industry to abuses.
 
Toyin Olufade, president of ANCO in an earlier chat with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek admitted that one of the greatest challenges facing the postal industry is illegal courier operators.
 
He urged the government to set up an independent regulatory body for the sector adding that Nigeria is losing some $6 million annually because of the seemingly unorganized nature of the business.
 
Emeje said that his CRD has made a lot of progress despite its limited roles.
 
“We have carried out several sensitization programmes, even engaged on visitations, written to several of them, but they would not comply. They do not want to be regulated. We have records of culprits that have pleaded for leniency and later registered. Our aim is not to kill businesses, but to ensure the industry and the nation at large is protected,” the CRD boss said. 
 
 “In January this year, CRD released two categories of courier licences comprising National and International operators. We have looked into the turnover of the companies and know what they make. So, the licenses or the renewal fees are not the problem for them refusing to register. Some may just decide not to register thinking they can avoid the wraths of the law.
 
Describing the decision of some companies not register as “economic sabotage” Emeje said that “unlicensed operators are worth an average of N20 billion. These companies are doing businesses. You can imagine if we are to realize like N10 billion from them and now they are operating from the back door, automatically Nigeria is losing. The worth of the unlicensed companies is from the income of Nigeria”
 
“From our borders, these people bring goods from foreign countries. They are capable of freighting anything into the country. And since they are not licensed and they operate from the back-door that is why we call them portfolio operators. They are dangerous to the Nigeria’s economy. That is why we are working seriously to track them door and make sure the companies and their excesses are curbed”. He added.
 
He called on unregistered corporate bodies that undertake delivery of items for a fee or commission, which are considered to be illegal courier service to register such or contract the delivery to recognized (permitted) companies.  


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

General News

NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.

According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.

The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.

Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.

He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.

Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.

In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

Published

on

Kindly share this post

T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.

NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.

Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”

The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.

Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

General News

Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Bank

Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.

He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.

According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.

“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.

“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”

Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”

He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending