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Why NIA is Opposed to Workmen’s Compensation under NSITF—Ladipo-Ajayi

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Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi, chairman of the Nigerian Insurers association, (NIA) has reiterated the association’s commitment to its stand that the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, is not competent to handle the workmen’s compensation for workers. According to him, their superior argument is hinged on truth and nothing but the truth. He argued that workmen’s compensation fall within the traditional area of insurance which is within the commercial insurance subject area. He said right from time, workmen’s compensation has never been part of social insurance, stressing that injury and death of workmen have always been covered in the commercial market worldwide. He agreed that the Workmen Compensation Act requires amendment and most of the provisions of the Employees Compensation Bill are welcome by the insurance industry, stressing however that in terms of providing the service, it runs contrary to government policy. “You cannot create a huge monopoly out of the administration of employees’ compensation in this country and entrust it with a corporation that has had problems performing its mandate in the past. We all know the story of NPF and we all know the story of NSITF. I am not talking about the institutions now, what I am saying is that with the way that acts is structured, it has always been covered traditionally,” he said.
Ladipo-Ajayi told media men recently that there are a number of issues that the NIA has raised against the bill, and of which it was depending upon the integrity of the National Assembly to look into. He stressed that under this present provision’s there are discriminative provisions, especially for women, and “one of  the things that we don’t really like is that, when two workmen are involved in an injury, in a particular incident, and both of them are on the same scale, they have spent the same number of years, serving their employer, the amount of benefit they will derive from the injury or death will depend on certain variables that have not got anything to do with their employment.” he said. Using the foreman as a basis for explanation, he said if a foreman has spent ten years and the other foreman has spent ten years, if  there was an explosion in the factory where they were both working and both of them died, how are you now talking about the number of wives, as if you looked at the family history of an employee before you pay their salaries, that has nothing to do with employment, one man may have a wife, the other may not have, another one may have four wives, but their remuneration has nothing to do with their family size. He explained that “in ordinary insurance, there is an element of discrimination, somebody who works in a construction company, who is opened to more physical injury, should pay higher than someone who is a clerk, a civil servant or who is a banker.” But if you are now “asking the staff of major construction companies, who are constructing bridges, roads, and power station, to pay one per cent of their wages, and you are asking bankers to pay one per cent of their own wages too, what it means is that one party is paying less than the risk he’s introducing, and other party paying much more than the risk he’s introducing, one party is subsidizing the other.” He explained that when you look at rating regime in the Workmen Compensation Act, you see that it takes these elements of discrimination into consideration; the clerk pays about 0.75 per cent because the risk of injury is less. You cannot compare that with someone who spends the greater part of his day on the road. Explaining the volume of premium which workmen’s compensation has contributed over time, he stated that the “Workmen Compensation Act only stipulates the benefit accruable to every employee in given circumstances of injury and death, and there is a provision that the minister of labour  should make a regulation making the insurance against those employers liability compulsory. But throughout the life of that Act, no regulation was made.” He added that even in Britain, they don’t talk of Workmen Compensation Act, they talk of employers’ liability, because originally, workmen compensation was meant for lowly paid workers, and sometimes in 1970’s, Britain paid employers liability and they took care of all employees, from the chief executive to messengers, not limited it to daily paid workers alone. The NIA boss stated that “one institution cannot manage all the employees in this country. As insurance companies, there are so many of us, if one insurance company does not do well, you can do business with another, but if the NSITF does not do well, where do you go from there? What is the process of seeking redress? Ordinarily, one of the things we pointed out to the National Assembly, is that in debating that Bill in the house, they ought to provide a comparative analysis of the new Bill with the Act it seeks to abolish, because everything about the Workmen Compensation is not totally useless but just specific, it makes it easy for any fool to calculate the Bill, to the extent that if you lose anything, however big or small, there is an amount to be paid. It is a one and for all Bill. You get you compensation in bulk and you go away. He stressed that the numbers of your dependant are immaterial. But the most important thing is that as an employee of a construction firm, and there is a particular incident, four of you are injured, all of you have equal treatment, because the salary your employer pays you is oblivious of your family size or sex.

 


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Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

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In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.


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Empowering Nigerian Retail: The Promise of Pay on Delivery

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E-commerce in Nigeria has evolved exponentially in recent years, transforming the retail landscape and reshaping consumer habits. From the early days of skepticism and distrust to today’s thriving online marketplaces, the journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, the establishment of trust and security between buyers and sellers. At the core of this transformation, Pay on Delivery (PoD) has emerged as the unsung hero of e-commerce.

The premise is straightforward: customers could place orders online and pay for their purchases only upon receipt. This innovative approach not only addressed concerns about security but also provided tangible reassurance to hesitant buyers. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked and where distrust in online transactions and fraudulent activities were once rampant, Pay on Delivery has emerged as a lifeline for both consumers and businesses. Many consumers were understandably hesitant to part with their hard-earned money before receiving their desired goods. Pay on delivery bridges this trust gap, offering reassurance to buyers and empowering them to transact with confidence.

In Nigeria, despite the adoption of a wide range of electronic payments, cash is still king. The results of a survey conducted in 2021 show that cash remains the dominant payment method, reflecting the ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by Oxford Business Group found that 70% of Nigerians prefer to pay with cash on delivery, while 28% use credit or debit cards, and only 12% use mobile money platforms. This has challenged e-retailers, and some companies like Jumia, to adapt by prioritizing cash-on-delivery options to cater to this consumer preference.

The Promise of Pay on Delivery in Nigeria

With consumers in mind, Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, has made Pay on Delivery a cornerstone of its business model. Understanding the local market dynamics and the importance of trust and convenience, the company has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless Pay on Delivery experience for its customers.

One of the key benefits of Jumia’s Pay on Delivery service is its flexibility. Customers have the option to inspect their purchases before making payment, ensuring satisfaction and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. This added layer of security not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also builds long-term trust and loyalty among customers.

Moreover, Jumia has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that products meet customer expectations upon delivery. This includes partnering with reputable brands and implementing stringent verification processes to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the marketplace. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and product quality, Jumia has solidified its reputation as a trusted online retailer in Nigeria.

Beyond enhancing trust and security, Pay on Delivery has also played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. By providing an alternative payment method for those without access to traditional banking services, Jumia has expanded the reach of e-commerce to a broader segment of the population. This not only benefits consumers by providing greater access to goods and services but also stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and driving demand for products and services.

In all, the future of e-commerce in Nigeria looks promising, with Pay on Delivery poised to remain a key enabler of growth and expansion. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, innovative solutions like Pay on Delivery will continue to drive the transformation of the retail landscape, empowering Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.

 


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Verra Certifies d.light’s Clean Cookstove Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

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A series of pioneering projects by d.light, the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, to distribute 600,000 energy-efficient clean cookstoves in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have been officially certified by global verification body Verra.

This certification confirms the d.light projects as trusted, verified sources of high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets (VCMs).

The d.light projects aim to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, tackle indoor air pollution, and reduce deforestation through the sale of highly efficient biomass cookstoves subsidized by the revenues from the sale of carbon credits.

Since their launch in late 2022, the projects have positively impacted more than one million lives and are projected to transform more than three million lives by 2025.

Commenting on the news, Karl Skare, d.light’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the projects’ positive impact, “With these projects, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing quality of life for millions.

“Each project underscores d.light’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges, as part of our mission to transform the lives of one billion people by 2030.”

Each year, domestic cooking emissions contribute more than two percent of total global GHG emissions and up to 25 percent of anthropogenic black carbon emissions.

Highly energy-efficient cookstoves solve this problem by reducing biomass use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional cooking methods, cutting emissions of both carbon dioxide and black carbon.

The d.light projects are expected to reduce emissions by up to 12 million tons, contributing to climate change mitigation. These emissions reductions will be registered as carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.

As well as reducing emissions, clean cookstoves are also a benefit to public health. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year and is still one of the predominant causes of pollution-related illness and death in Africa.

In Uganda, for example, less than one percent of the population has access to clean cooking, household air pollution is the one of the largest risk factors for death and disability.

In addition, switching from traditional three-stone open fires to cleaner, energy-efficient cookstoves significantly reduces deforestation and reduces threats to wildlife and biodiversity caused by habitat loss.

Skare explained, “By subsidizing energy-efficient cookstove costs through carbon financing, d.light makes clean cooking accessible to more households, which in turn leads to healthier living conditions and conserves natural resources as well.

“Our projects in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are models of how sustainable investments can yield multiple co-benefits, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and also promoting socio-economic development.

Skare added, “d.light now has projects certified by both Gold Standard and Verra, the world’s two leading certifiers of carbon credits. Organizations looking for ways to offset their own emissions can be confident that when they purchase carbon credits in d.light’s clean cooking projects in sub-Saharan Africa, they are investing in transformative initiatives that reduce harmful emissions, improve people’s health and quality of life, and help conserve the environment as well.”

 


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