Nation
Local Electronic Card Industry May Save Nigeria $300m Import Bill
Nigeria may be saving about $300million annually with local manufacture of electronics card as bank cards alone gulp about $36million.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director of one of the few electronic cards manufacturing firms in sub-Sahara Africa, Electronic Payplus Limited, Bayo Adeokun.
Speaking to some media operatives at the backdrop of commencement of operations at its multimillion dollar new manufacturing installations, Adeokun stated, “Bank cards alone is about $36million every year prior to our intervention. I have not done the cost of SIM card; I have not done the cost of tax card by Lagos State Government for instance and other states that are now coming up with that; I have not talked about the national ID card and I have not talked about the voters card. By the time you put everything together in terms of dollar you will be talking about $300million savings for the country.”
Calling on the Federal Government to take steps to protect investments in the card industry, he stated further, “In this period that remittances from abroad is going down, crude oil revenue is coming low and all of that the government really needs to make a lot of savings in terms of foreign reserves.”
He also harped on the employment value the industry adds to the economy saying, “Prior to this (commencement of its new production lines) Electronic Payplus had about 100 staff. Now, we are up to 150. So, we are also generating employment. I mean, if you look at the nature of Nigeria, those 50 staff, each of them has dependence, so, we are talking of additional 500 or more that we are catering for.”
Giving details of the company’s new production capacity, he said, “We can do any smart card. So, the purpose is to extend it to every area of the economy. I showed you national ID card downstairs we produce for Nigeria. So, we are known to the government. Now, when the present administration came in they said there is no money to finance the production of that again. So, they said they want to go into digital ID card. We are also playing in that space because we have the license.
“We presently enrolled Nigerians in Diaspora. We do local enrollment that is currently ongoing as well. We have the license to produce that. We also are presently working with the Lagos State Government because they want to roll out what is called residency card which is also going to be a payment card. So, we are going to service all the industries.
“We are also talking to telecommunication companies on the possibility of supplying their SIM cards as well.
“Also are looking beyond Nigeria. We have customers all over Africa. All the banks in Gambia we produce all their cards, for instance. We have customers in Ghana, Guinea, Cameroun, Uganda and Kenya.”
On the impact of the company’s new production facility upgrade, he said, “What we have done is 60 million production cards per annum capacity. But the idea is all about improved turn around that we can offer because, today if you give me an order of one million cards, I can deliver it within a week. I can even deliver 250,000 per day to you. So, we believe that, that will be a game changer for us, and in addition we are now able to scale up our capacity utilization as well”.
Nation
World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living By John Bibor The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease. This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day. The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets. Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water. The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption. In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support. Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being. “Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said. She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions. “Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added. The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery. She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.
The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.
The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.
Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.
George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.
“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.
He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.
The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.
It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.
Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.
Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.
“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.
The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.
Tonye Orabere
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