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Customs Builds ICT Centre

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The Comptroller General
of Customs, Dr. Abdullahi Dikko through the Apapa Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, have put in place an ultra modern Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre and Communication Tower(mast) of 160 metres height to serve  Zone A of the service, which comprises all customs areas and formations in the South West geo political zone of the country
The new installations, according to Charles Edike, Customs Area Comptroller (CAC) of Apapa customs, will not only boost customs revenue collection, but would  also facilitate legitimate trade without compromising national security and improve on the existing customs community relations.
The installed facilities will also enhance the operational interface between the customs other government organisation and organised private sector stakeholders. Govern-ment agencies like the office of the Nigeria Shippers Council are connected to the system.
It also connects private sector stakeholders involved in customs clearance procedure like the commercial banks and Direct Trader Input (DTI) café operators involved in customs duty collection and documentation processing respectively .
‘’Our ICT centre is going to complement the functions of the Customs Ruling Centre based in our Abuja Headquarters, and will serve as a base for training and retraining of officers and stakeholders.
It will also replicate at the area command level some of the modern techniques in customs operations officers have learnt at the Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagawlada, he said.
The Apapa Customs chief added that ‘’As a way of passing the message through the media to the public, we are training over 50 maritime journalists at the ICT Centre as pioneer trainees to give them first hand knowledge about the information they are to disseminate and get them to experience some basic theoretical and case study training about customs clearance procedures under interna-tionally certified trainers. This will also keep them abreast of the fast evolving trend in customs modernization.
‘’Let me refresh our memories on the six point agenda of my CGC which includes maximising the potentials of the service through capacity building; Moral rebirth for discipline and integrity in the service, in tandem with the national current rebranding; Ensuring enhanced welfare package for officers and men of the Service and consolidating on the current e-customs through ASYCUDA for international best practices.
Others are  continued collaboration and partnering with  stakeholders and  international organisations; and Fostering mutual understanding between the Service and the general public through coordinated public relations activities’’.
The installed ICT facilities will further boost the output of the command that has since surpassed all the teething challenges associated with the implementation of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) as agents and importers upon lodging sincere declarations are issued the PAAR in a matter of hours.
The facility was commissioned by Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A, Victor Osita Gbemudu,who urged all stakeholders to take advantage and make maximum use of the training facility.

Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson (middle), with some girls undergoing Ict training at the 1000 Girls Ict Training Programme of the Ministry in Abuja last Tuesday. Photo: NAN

Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson (middle), with some girls undergoing Ict training at the 1000 Girls Ict Training Programme of the Ministry in Abuja last Tuesday. Photo: NAN

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Firm Unveils Digital Solutions For Cooperatives

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A subsidiary outfit of First Registrars Firm, the Cle Digital Services Limited, has launched a digital solution for cooperative societies in the country.
Business Manager of Clé Digital Services Limited, Oladipupo Olabisi, at the launch in Lagos, revealed that the product, Clé Cooperative Management Solution, was a revolutionary digital platform, professionally designed to streamline cooperative management and enhance members’ engagement.
He said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey as we introduce a groundbreaking digital platform designed to transform the way cooperative organisations operate and engage with their members.
“The Clé Coop Solution represents the culmination of extensive research, development, and collaboration with cooperative communities around the world.
“From multipurpose societies to housing cooperatives and agricultural cooperatives, the Clé Coop Solution empowers cooperatives of all sizes to efficiently manage their operations, communicate with members, and foster collaboration”.
Highlighting the economic and environmental significance of cooperative societies, Olabisi explained that with significant investment committed to the development of the product, members of cooperative societies, particularly administrators and executives, would have robust experience.

The business Manager added, “We also understand the challenges that many cooperatives face in navigating complex operational tasks and effectively communicating with their members.

“To this end, Clé Coop Solution is a step ahead of other platforms, as it also offers more than just cooperative management services. Members of cooperative societies can have access to a number of value-added services, such as the CLE market hub, discounts on specific products and services and much more.

“Finally, I want to reiterate our firm belief in the power of cooperation and technology to drive positive changes in the world. With the Clé Cooperative Solution, we are not just launching a product; we are embarking on a journey to empower cooperatives and create a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for all”.

A Director with the Lagos State Government Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, represented by the Surulere Cooperatives Area Coordinator, Mr Akin Adekunle, commended the launch of the software to address specific challenges of cooperative societies.

He charged the organisation not to limit the use of the cooperative solution to the elite cooperatives but to other categories, as society was replete with various types of cooperatives.

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AI, Key To Business Profitability – NAICOM

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The Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Sunday Thomas, has said artificial intelligence (AI) is key to the future of insurance business in Nigeria.
He, therefore, urged insurance operators to increase adoption in this area, saying it gives better productivity and enhanced profitability, while ensuring quick service delivery and claims payment to insurance consumers.
Thomas stated this while delivering a keynote address at the 8th BusinessToday annual conference & exhibition with the theme, “The World of AI: How Insurance and Pension Sectors Can Explore Opportunities for Market Penetration”, in Lagos.
Thomas, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Lagos Office of NAICOM, Ajibola Olabisi Bankole, said Technology adoption is part of the 10-year roadmap of the insurance industry, and that NAICOM, as a regulator, will continue to evolve policies that will engender the growth of the industry, increase penetration and contribute to the nation’s GDP.
Earlier in his Goodwill message, Chairman of the conference, who is also the Chairman of NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Tope Smart, noted the level of insurance penetration in Nigeria when benchmarked with the global penetration, saying that a lot of factors were responsible for the increase in penetration level.
He said lack of or low enforcement is affecting the adoption of compulsory insurances, adding that the industry is working assiduously to partner agencies responsible for enforcement to increase insurance adoption.
“It is quite saddening that out of a population of 200 million, only about  three million people are actually insured. Lack of enforcement is a challenge but the industry is working round the clock to increase enforcement through the regulatory and enforcement bodies.
“Consumers’ apathy due to bad experience they had in the past is affecting policy renewals, but I can assure Nigerians that there are various complaint avenues for people to lodge complaints.
“If your legitimate claims are not settled, you can approach Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and NAICOM; if your complaints are genuine, they will be definitely resolved”, he assured.
The President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Edwin Igbiti, said the growing insurance industry will require that the nation’s economy be derisked, while seeking partnership with government  and other stakeholders to deepen insurance penetration.
He stated that AI will increase insurance premium growth, enhance service delivery, and ensure that the insurance sector contributes more to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

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Bank Unveils Upgraded Mobile App

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The Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has unveiled an enhanced version of its mobile app which was optimised specifically for businesses.
Head of Partnerships at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Omolara Osunsoko, in her opening remarks at the event in Lagos said the enhanced mobile app offers a range of new features designed to streamline and simplify digital banking for business owners.
She said, “The solutions added to the app will help business owners transact whilst on the go. This cutting-edge offering exemplifies our dedication to innovation, convenience and growth in our digital space. It underscores our promise to continually enhance our services”.
According to Osunsoko, the enhanced mobile app for businesses provides a comprehensive suite of tools to manage finances efficiently.
“With an intuitive interface, users can execute transactions seamlessly, transfer funds between accounts, check real-time balances, and manage beneficiaries. The app offers instant access to transaction statements, self-service options, and security features to safeguard business operations”, she added.
The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank,  Wole Adeniyi, remarked, “We are thrilled to introduce the enhanced Stanbic IBTC Mobile App tailored specifically for our business clients.
“Our goal is to provide businesses with a seamless and efficient platform to conduct their banking activities, including transactions, statement requests, transfers, and more, all from the convenience of their mobile devices.
“This app enhancement is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to simplify our banking processes and enhance the customer experience through technology.
“With robust security measures and a user-friendly interface, our business clients can now manage their finances more efficiently and confidently”.

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