Business

Zain Wins Nigeria 2009 Best Customer Care Operator

Published

16 years ago

November 30, 2009

Zain Nigeria, at the weekend, won the prestigious Best Customer Care Operator of the Year in Nigeria, at the 2009 Nigeria Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards (NITTA) confirming its long and unbroken tradition of good Customer Service Excellence.

Last weekend’s award was the sixth of similar awards by the company in the industry in its 8th years of operations and the 3rd of such by NITTA.

The Awards Committee of the 8th edition of NITTA cited the company’s untiring commitment to delivering admirable customer care service, the launch of a new network monitoring centre, the expansion of its Call Centre facilities and the increase in number of Customer Service personnel in a move to respond faster and more efficiently to customers’ queries, among others, as reason for the award.

The award was received by the Chief Executive Officer of Zain Nigeria, Alain Sainte-Marie, who dedicated the award to the company’s customers for their loyalty to the brand and also to the Zain employees, who manage the company’s customer service operations at the Call Centres, Shops and other customer touch points.

He described the award as an endorsement of the public’s perception of Zain as the best in class operator when it comes to introducing customer centric products, technologies and other initiatives.

According to him, “Zain Nigeria and indeed Zain Group recognize the centrality of the customer to our existence and long-term business survival. Therefore, every investment and operational decision we make is ultimately focused on delighting our customers.

“We are in the business of providing telecommunications services, but we see our customers as more than just a mere connection. They are at the very heart and soul of our business. Though the name of this company has changed a few times over the years, our unwavering commitment to excellent customer service has never changed and will never change”.

Sainte-Marie added that Zain has invested massively in transmission capacity, network expansion, Call Centres and a fibre optic backbone just to ensure that our customers enjoy a wonderful telecommunications experience.

He specifically mentioned the establishment of an ultra-modern Call Centre in Abuja “which have significantly boosted the company’s capacity to respond to queries and ultimately delight our customers”.

“This Customer Care Award”, he stated, “means so much to us because it recognizes our unflinching commitment to our core values of Radiance, Heart and Belonging”.

Expressing delight and pride at the remarkable record of winning the award five times in eight years of the company’s operation, Sainte-Marie declared that “even as we celebrate another milestone in our history, I stand before you on behalf of my colleagues at Zain Nigeria to rededicate ourselves to commitment to continue to make our customers the focal point of our business in all our actions”.

Zain Nigeria has consistently topped the telecommunication industry’s customer service ranking since 2003, when the award was introduced.

Last year, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) placed its seal of approval on Zain’s outstanding rating by awarding it the Telecommunications Network with the Best Customer Service during the 5th Anniversary of the Consumer Parliament.

Zain Nigeria is the first Nigerian operator to offer toll-free 24-hour customer care line (111). It also parades extensive alternative channels through which its customers can lodge their queries and provide feedback including Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system equipped with features for five languages (Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo, Pidgin English, and the English Language) and self help attributes. Customer can also access support through Zain Nigeria’s chain of consumer contact points across the country including Zain Shops, email service, the super-interactive Zain website with a self-help customer care service link and an array of dealers outlets scattered across Nigeria’s six geo-political regions.

Business

Withdrawal, Deposit Fees Changes From May 1, 2026 Still Stands – CBN … Declares 5 Banking Services Free

Published

7 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that the announced changes in fees attached to several everyday banking services, scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026 has commenced.

The changes are contained in the apex bank’s revised Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions, which outlines consumer-focused reforms designed to improve transparency and reduce the burden of banking fees nationwide.

According to the document, which was signed by Dr. Rita Sike, the CBN’s Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the new changes affect account reactivation, ATM withdrawals on own bank networks, and virtual card issuance.

Following the changes made by CBN, the five key banking services affected by the CBN’s update are in account reactivation and closure, under which banks are no longer allowed to charge customers for reactivating dormant accounts, while account closure also remains free.

The second change is that banks will now be required to provide monthly statement of account to their customers at no cost, and also ensure better access to financial information.

However, requests for printed statements outside the agreed standard format attract a maximum fee of N20 per page.

Thirdly, the CBN has introduced small inter-bank electronic transfers to promote digital payments and micro-transactions.

The implication is that, henceforth, transfers from N0 to N5,000 are free, transfers between N5,000 and N50,000 will attract a maximum fee of N10, while transfers above N50,000 are capped at N50.

The fourth change in the CBN update is in the use of own bank’s ATM (On-Us Transactions).

Here, withdrawals made from your bank’s ATM (on-us transactions) are free. Non-cash transactions, such as intra-bank transfers carried out at these ATMs, also attract no charges.

The fifth change is in virtual cards and PIN management in which banks are now required to issue virtual cards at no cost. In addition, PIN-related services, including PIN re-issuance and resets, are free for all customers.

The document further said the new charges guide, which aims to boost financial inclusion and reduce banking costs, updates the 2020 version to better align with current market realities, particularly the growing reliance on digital payments and mobile banking.

Business

Binani Air Commences Flight Operations May 10 in Nigeria

Published

7 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

Binani Air has announced the commencement of sales tickets on Monday, describing the development as a milestone that will improve the aviation sector and create jobs for the people in Nigeria, as head of its scheduled inaugural flight operations starts May 10, 2026,

In a statement issued by the head of corporate communications of the new airline, the move marks a significant milestone in the aviation sector.

She said this announces the transition from vision to operation as the airline moves closer to welcoming its first passengers on board.

Quoting the Chief Executive Officer of Binani Air, Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma, the Corporate communications officer said,”the commencement of ticket sales represents more than just access to flights. It reflects the airline’s readiness to deliver a new standard of air travel in Nigeria.

“Opening our ticket sales is a defining moment for us. It is the point at which our commitment becomes real for the travelling public. From this moment, we are not just preparing to fly—we are preparing to serve.

“Built on the principles of reliability, safety, and respect for passengers’ time, Binani Air enters the market with a clear focus on consistency and operational discipline.

“The airline is committed to delivering a travel experience that is both seamless and reassuring, particularly in a sector where trust remains critical.

“Passengers can expect a streamlined booking process, responsive customer engagement, and a service culture designed to prioritize comfort and professionalism from the very first interaction”.

Chiroma said as anticipation builds towards the inaugural flight, Binani Air invites travellers, corporate partners, and stakeholders to be part of this defining journey, one that seeks to reshape expectations and restore confidence in Nigerian aviation.

She said “bookings are available via the airline’s official website (www.binaniair.com) and authorised travel partners from 12 noon of 4th of May 2026.”

Business

DANGOTE Debunks Claims Of Rift With Tony

Published

7 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from fellow businessman Tony Elumelu.

In a statement issued by the company, the Group said it never made such claims and described the report as baseless and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

The statement was signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited Anthony Chiejina.

The company also refuted assertions that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals was financed through personal borrowing from friends.

It maintained that such claims are entirely inaccurate, stressing that Dangote does not fund projects through informal personal lending arrangements.

Addressing speculation about a fallout between Dangote and Elumelu, the Group clarified that both men maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.

The statement further expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, image, and likeness in AI-generated advertisements and misleading content, warning that such actions could amount to fraud and reputational damage.

The company warned individuals and platforms involved in spreading false information to desist immediately, noting that it would take appropriate legal action where necessary.

The Dangote Group reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity while continuing to promote industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos