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FG Plans N100bn Free TV Distribution Network For Nollywood

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8 years ago

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The Minister for Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has stated that the Federal Government has concluded plans to launch a N100 billion per annum free television distribution network to boost the Nollywood industry in Nigeria.
Mohammed stated this at the formal commissioning of the Gospel Digital Technology, Ultra-Modern Surface Mount Technology (SMT) set top boxes manufacturing plant at the Free Zone Enterprise in Calabar, saying that the gesture is intended to grow the economy of the movie industry in the country.
In his words, “today if you want to buy a Nollywood film, you either go to the Alaba market or you go and buy from the authorised shops, but with this network, it is now possible for millions of Nigerians to buy on demand. We call it video on demand. It is part of the facilities available on this set top boxes, which means you can buy online. Imagine if 20 million people order a film in on day, it would grow the economy of Nollywood.”
The information and culture minister described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards attaining technological self-reliance, stressing that it was impressive that the factory can produce 2.4 million set top boxes annually, adding that it was a long held dream brought to fruition earlier than expected.
Mohammed lauded investors for exhibiting confidence in the digital switch over programme of the Federal Government.
Also speaking at the event,Chairman of the board of Gospel Digital Technology, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa said the factory will not only assemble set up boxes but also be involved in the production of other electronics.
The board chairman commended the Federal Government and other stakeholders for their support for them as the company to provide the set top boxes for the country’s digital switch over.
Group Managing Director of Gospel Digital Technology, Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa also said, “In addition to DTT and DTH we are witnessing pioneering efforts in local production by commissioning three SMT automatic chip placement lines and four pneumatic assembly lines with the capacity of placing 250, 000 components per hour and production of 200,000 STB per month and also manufacture 100, 000 printed circuit boards per month.
“By this reckoning, the company is one of very few that you can find anywhere in the West African sub-region and is also capable of manufacturing, TV decoders, prepaid electricity metres, smart phones TV main boards, tablets and all kinds of electronic devices.
“In addition to the above, the most cheering aspect is the jobs that will be created as well as the technological knowledge acquisition that comes with this commissioning. I can say with all sense of responsibility that within the exercise between 300 and 500 jobs will be created and within the next few years, this will go a long way in reducing some of the societal ills associated with idleness.” He maintained.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Nigeria Broadcast Commission (NBC), Mallam Ishaq Modibo Kawu, congratulated Gospel for and impressive work.
Kawu averred that theirs is the first SMT production line in West Africa and would open up avenues of digital revolution in the country, as well as create opportunities for young people.
Speaking also at the ceremony, Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, pointed out that the state was the right place for business and promised to partner with the company.
Our Correspondent however reports that the Cross River State governor ordered for 5000 set top boxes at the commissioning.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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NIMASA Marks 2025 Customer Week, Pledges Service Excellence 

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1 week ago

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October 13, 2025

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has officially launched its 2025 Customer Service Week celebrations under the inspiring global theme, “Mission: Possible.”
The Agency is leveraging this annual celebration to reaffirm its commitment to transforming customer challenges into opportunities and consistently delivering exceptional service to grow the Nigerian Maritime sector.
In his remarks, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, noted that effective service delivery remains central to the Agency’s mandate, stressing that excellence must begin internally before extending to external stakeholders.
“Providing service is paramount, both internally and externally. We must remain prepared, committed, and available to solve problems together as a team. Excellence in service delivery defines who we are and what we represent,” . Mobereola stated.
He highlighted teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement as essential drivers of institutional growth and public confidence.
The Head, SERVICOM Unit, Hajiya Rakiyyah Lammai, appreciated the Director General for his continued support in strengthening customer service structures within NIMASA.
She noted that this year’s theme aptly reflects the dedication and resilience of the Agency’s staff in upholding service quality.
The 2025 Customer Service Week was commemorated across NIMASA offices nationwide with recognition programmes, engagement activities, and customer feedback sessions aimed at promoting a culture of responsiveness and efficiency.
As NIMASA continues to promote safety, security, and sustainability within Nigeria’s maritime domain, the 2025 Customer Service Week reinforces that service excellence remains the cornerstone of effective public service.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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SEME Customs Foils Smuggling Attempt Of Expired Flour, Seizes N2bn  Contraband 

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1 week ago

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October 13, 2025

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The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour valued at N1.2billion.
The Command Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, who disclosed this during his Maiden Press Briefing, at the Seme Krake border, last Thursday, said the consignment, which originated from Egypt and came through the Benin Republic border, was seized in a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to him, the interception was achieved through credible intelligence shared by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the NAFDAC Director General, Moji Adeyeye.
Displaying the seized goods, Adenuga said the flour, produced in March 2024, had expired in November, 2024, posing serious public health risk.
He said, “If these things find their way into the country, they change the bag, and it goes into the markets… the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.
“Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.”
Speaking on the command’s revenue performance and strides in trade facilitation, Adenuga said a total of N1.5billion was generated in the month of September 2025 alone.
The figure, he said represent an exceptional increase of over 182% compared to the N531.4million generated in August 2025, the month before his assumption of duty.
“This outstanding performance
reflects the effectiveness of the Comptroller General’s reform agenda, which emphasizes compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods, as well as dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service,” he said.
Adenuga said the command guided by the Comptroller General of Customs commitment to transparency and modernization has intensified effort to simplify procedures and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
“Upon assumption of duty, and in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, I declared trade facilitation as the hallmark of our administration. We believe that when trade is facilitated, processes are streamlined, costs are reduced and more revenue is generated, ” he said.
Beyond the expired flour, Adenuga also showcased other contraband goods seized by the command within the month of September.
The items include 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa, 98 parcels of 120mg Tramadol, with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA, 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 150 bales of second-hand clothing and 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine and five used vehicles with a total Duty Paid Value at N1,999billion.
“Under the guidance of the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health and economic stability.
“Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs, ” Adenuga said.
The Customs boss also commended the Nigerian Navy, particularly the Forward Operating Base ( FOB) in Badagry for its support in the fight against smuggling, and handing over seized foreign parboiled rice intercepted on the waterways.
“We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity not criminality.
“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint, ” he said.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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LASG UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING OMI-EKO PROJECT AT FIVE COWRIES TERMINAL 

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1 week ago

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October 13, 2025

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The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), will officially launch the Omi Eko Project on Friday, 17th October 2025, at Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo.
The unveiling, to be performed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would feature key speakers and virtual project presentation.
According to a Statement, the event highlights the state’s dedication to advancing sustainable water transportation and smart city solutions.
 The project aims to transform Lagos’s water transit with over 78 electric ferries, digital systems, and enhanced safety features, reducing commute times and promoting eco-friendly travel.
“The Omi Eko Project is poised to revolutionize Lagos’s water transportation landscape by integrating innovative technology, strengthening terminal infrastructure, and championing environmental sustainability..
“With the deployment of over 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and safety innovations, the project will significantly reduce commute times and establish a reliable, modern transportation option for millions.”the statement added.
The Five Cowries Terminal, a key transport hub, underscores the integration of land and water mobility in Lagos’s Urban Mobility Plan.e Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, for the maiden summit of JustAlive Communications Limited, publishers of JustNet News to discuss infrastructural development trends in the sector.
By: By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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