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Tag: Nigerians

  • 6.6 Million Nigerians Become MTN Shareholders As Telco Rakes in N111.75bn

    6.6 Million Nigerians Become MTN Shareholders As Telco Rakes in N111.75bn

     

    MTN Nigeria Communication Plc said it now has 6.6 million Nigerians as direct or indirect shareholders as it made N111.75bn from its share offer to Nigerians.

     

    The telecommunications company said this in a statement titled ‘Results of the series 1 offer for sale of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc ordinary shares, first public offer via digital platform in Nigeria’.

     

    The Chief Executive Officer, MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, said, “We are pleased that this offer has given so many Nigerians the opportunity to become owners of MTN Nigeria.

     

    “With over 6.6 million Nigerians directly or indirectly becoming shareholders in MTN Nigeria, the objective of broadening the shareholder base and creating shared value has been achieved.”

     

    The company said its offer was 139.47 per cent oversubscribed, leading to an allocation of an additional 86.25 million shares above the 575 million shares it had initially offered to the public.

     

    It said it allotted 661.25 million shares at a fixed price of N169 per share.

     

    MTN Nigeria said a total of 126,720 retail investors submitted valid applications and received full allotment.

     

    It added that about 76 per cent of successful applicants via the digital platform were women, and 85 per cent of applicants were under 40.

     

    The CEO, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, said, “We are delighted to welcome so many new shareholders to the MTN family, up 11.6 times from the number before the offer.

     

    “It has been inspiring to see so many Nigerians, many of whom are young, acquire shares for the first time, and use a digital platform to do so. This is the beginning of a journey to broaden our shareholding and there will be more opportunities to participate.”

     

    The company said following the successful completion of the offer, MTN Group’s shareholding in MTN Nigeria reduced by 3.25 percentage points from 78.83 per cent to 75.58 per cent.

     

  • Are Nigerians Buying Rice The Right Way?

    Are Nigerians Buying Rice The Right Way?

     

    How would you react to the question, are you buying the right rice? This question is pertinent as focus increasingly shifts to the quality and hygienic condition of rice as a guiding factor when purchasing it.

     

    When you purchase rice, your objective is to buy healthy rice. Healthy rice is safe to consume but you need to consider a few factors. Especially when buying loose from open markets and nearby stores.

     

    The plethora of rice brands in the market has offered consumers a variety of choices. More than the challenge of identifying the rice is to identify the right quality. Some are sold in loose form as seen in basins and loose containers while others are packaged. The form of presentation whether loose or packaged in the trade impacts negatively or positively on the quality of rice.

     

    When rice is sold in the loose form, a lot of factors affect it negatively.

    Are Nigerians Buying Rice The Right Way?

    Firstly, the ageing of rice in loose form which can affect its physical and chemical properties and in turn its quality is a major consideration. Different rice brands have expiry dates which buyers of the commodities in cups, plastic containers and basins of various sizes are not aware of because it has been removed from the bags. It is therefore possible that many consumers buy rice that has expired, with the very high risk of consuming unwholesome products whose quality cannot be guaranteed and are therefore not safe for human consumption.

     

    Another factor is the condition of the local market where rice is sold in. When sold in open market in loose form, there are very high chances of cross contamination by other food items like meat, vegetable fruits, corn etc as all items are sold near each other. The rice can be contaminated by stone, dust, husk and other foreign matters thereby impacting on the quality.

     

    It can also be exposed to micro-organisms, rodents, insects and other disease-causing pathogens. While some of these contaminants may be removed during washing at home, not all of them may be removed. In recent times, where the scare of diseases has heightened, these factors are worth considering.

    Are Nigerians Buying Rice The Right Way?

    Furthermore, displaying rice in open containers that are not hygienic and on floors is very inimical to human health. In Nigeria, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 200,000 people die of food poisoning yearly from food-borne pathogens (especially Escherichia coli and Salmonella). These deaths are caused by contaminated foods through improper storage, processing, preservation, and handling.

     

    When rice is sold loose, the consumer will be left second guessing the brand and may not be able to make informed choices. The unsuspecting consumer is also vulnerable to retailers who may want to capitalize on this to sell low quality rice for the price of high-quality rice.

     

    Rice manufacturers take all necessary precautions to ensure quality and safety but exposure or loose rice at the market by retailers can compromise quality.

    Are Nigerians Buying Rice The Right Way?

    Big Bull Rice is a premium quality Parboiled rice, totally made in Nigeria. It is sortex cleaned,stone free and has a high swelling index. The production of Big Bull Rice goes through extreme measures to ensure safety. When you eat Big Bull Rice, you can be assured of the great lengths taken to ensure your health is safe.

     

    It has been introduced in pocket friendly prices for each consumer – in packs as small as 750g and 2.25kg, so that everyone has access to quality rice without worrying about other irritants. The consumers need not worry about contamination and assured of the original Big Bull quality!

     

  • Nigerians To Pay VAT On Amazon, Other Digital Services – Finance Minister

    Nigerians To Pay VAT On Amazon, Other Digital Services – Finance Minister

     

    Nigerians may have to pay more for digital services as the Federal Government has introduced a policy requiring foreign companies that provide digital services in the country to collect and remit Value Added Tax, VAT to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

     

    The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said this during the public presentation of the 2022 budget in Abuja on Wednesday.

     

    She said that the new policy is contained in Section 30 of the Finance Act which amended the provisions of Section 10, 31 and 14 on VAT obligations for non-resident digital companies.

     

    The Minister said, “Section 30 of the finance act designed to amend section 10, 31 and 14 of VAT is in relations to VAT obligations for non-resident digital companies and the mechanism that will be used is to restrict VAT obligations mainly to digital non-resident companies who supply individuals in Nigeria who can’t themselves self-account for VAT.

     

    “So if you visit Amazon, we are expecting Amazon to add VAT charge to whatever transaction you are paying for.

     

    “I am using Amazon as an example. We are going to be working with Amazon to be agreed to be registered as a tax agent for the FIRS.

     

    “So Amazon will now collect this payment and remit to FIRS and this is in line with global best practices, we have been missing out on this stream of revenue.

     

    For clarification, the Minister said, the new law applies to foreign companies that provide digital services such as, “apps, high-frequency trading, electronic data storage, online advertising” among others.

     

    Speaking further, Ahmed noted that in line with Section 4 of the Finance Act, non-resident companies are now expected to pay tax at 6 per cent on their turnover.

     

    The Federal Government had in 2019 disclosed plans to tax foreign digital service providers offering services to Nigerians according to amended provisions in the 2020 Finance Act.

     

    However, this is the first time the government is setting a specific tax rate.

     

    Ahmed said, “Section 4 of the ACT which is taxation of e commerce businesses owned by non-resident companies on a fair and reasonable turnover basis has been set at 6 per cent.

     

    “This provision empowers FIRS to access non-resident firms to tax on fair and reasonable basis of turnover and from digital services provided to Nigerian customers.”

     

    She said the move was aimed at modernizing the taxation of Information Technology and the digital economy in line with current realities, adding that this is in conformity with the provisions of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2025.

     

    Earlier in December 2021, Facebook, in a statement, disclosed that it will, from January 1, 2022, begin to charge VAT on the sale of advertisement to advertisers, regardless of whether they’re buying ads for business or personal purposes.

     

  • CHI Limited Charges Nigerians To Start The Year The Right Way

    CHI Limited Charges Nigerians To Start The Year The Right Way

     

    CHI Limited, Nigeria’s leading fruit juice, value added dairy and snacks manufacturer has charged Nigerians to start the year 2022 the right way.

     

    The company reiterated that while 2021 was quite a spectacular year, despite the uncertainties the COVID-19 pandemic brought; in the wake of the new year, consumers have been given a fresh opportunity to set the right foundation for the kind of year that they desire.

     

    According to CHI, “With every end, comes a new beginning; and every new beginning deserves a great start. We look back at the past year with the warmest of memories, while looking ahead for even greater opportunities; and in this way,

     

    “Starting right involves goal setting and planning. Goals such as, taking the right amount of fruits and vegetables, staying fit and healthy with a workout routine, ensure spending is within budget, always have something for the rainy day, etc. The best time to begin with this is now.

     

    “One key goal that needs to remain at the centre is a focus on our health and wellbeing.

     

    CHI Limited therefore charged Nigerians to prioritise their health and wellness by taking more pro-active steps in what they consume, adding that individuals owe it to themselves to live a healthy lifestyle.

     

    The company urges Nigerians to take charge of their health by consuming the right amount of fruits and vegetables every day, maintain good hygiene and also take advantage of its refreshing and nourishing Chivita and Hollandia brands which have essential nutrients that help the body strengthen its immunity.

     

    “As we look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2022, the company restates its commitment to being a part of the journey of success in the lives of consumers by enabling healthy living and happier lives for all Nigerians. It will continue to enlighten and promote everyday wellness through its range of healthy, nutritious and high-quality fruit juices and dairy products.”

     

    CHI Limited’s Marketing Director, Toyin Nnodi stated that, going into 2022, Nigerians should take stock of the year that is outgone, especially the challenges it presented and the lessons it offered, with a view to exploring the opportunities the New Year would bring in different areas of life.

     

    “Together, we can continue to improve and achieve more, despite the challenges we may experience, with renewed hope and a positive outlook for the New Year. We wish every Nigerian a safe, healthy and prosperous new year ahead,” she stated.

     

  • Bilesanmi Sends 2022 New Year Message To Nigerians, Reveals How ATCIS Efforts Made FG To Extend NIN-SIM Linkage Till 31st March

    Bilesanmi Sends 2022 New Year Message To Nigerians, Reveals How ATCIS Efforts Made FG To Extend NIN-SIM Linkage Till 31st March

     

    The National President of the Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), Prince Sina Bilesanmi has revealed how the passionate pleas made by members of association to  the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) led to the extension of the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to the 31st of March, 2022.

     

    The deadline earlier announced by the Federal Government was Friday,  December 31, 2021.

     

    In his New Year message to Nigerians, which was made available to journalists in Lagos, the ATCIS National President, who tagged the extension as ‘last minute miracle achievement for year 2021, said the major reason for asking for the extension during the two-day meeting with the Minister was a result of  record which shows that with almost 191 million subscribers, only less than 70 million subscribers have linked their NIN- SIM.

     

    Bilesanmi noted;  “Our association demanded for more days simply because with almost 191 million subscribers, record show that only less than 70 million Subscribers have linked their NIN- SIM, in this case, what happen to the 101 million subscribers?More so, NIMC has not really been making progress with what they promised us as citizens.”

     

    Prince Sina Bilesanmi thanked the Federal Government for giving millions of subscribers another opportunity.

     

    He sought for collaboration with the Ministry as 5G is about to be lunched come 2022 as he also applauded the efforts of the respective staff in ensuring a seamless NIN-SIM linkage and urge Telephone Subscriber’s citizen and legal residents that are yet to complete the process of enrolment, verification, and SIM linkage on or before 31st March 2022.

     

    He however advised  subscribers to be careful with their phones noting  that any crime committed on their phones, they will be responsible for it.

     

    The Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) is the leading masses telecom advocacy body that promotes Subscriber interests as well as defends Subscriber right in Nigeria with over 190 million Subscribers membership strength across six geopolitical zone in Nigeria.

     

    In ATCIS effort, the association has made over 730 newspaper press released publications, both local and international as well as online news publications, Radio and National Television Station Interviews with about 230 Success achievements so far to the benefit of Subscribers across the country.

     

    ATCIS want it to be on record of history that our association has spent about #450 million naira since 2014 till 31st December 2021,which has been on self -sponsored by members without government agency’s in Nigeria.

     

    The government had come up with the mandatory NIN-SIM linkage exercise on December 9, 2020, with a deadline of December 31st, 2021 for all subscribers to comply or get blocked from the networks. It has, however, extended the deadline several times since then.

     

    Announcing the latest extension in a statement jointly signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, and the Head of Corporate Communications of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Mr. Kayode Adegoke, the government said the extension followed requests by stakeholders.

     

    “Following the request by Subscriber body call ATCIS, other stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents and Nigerians in the diaspora, the Federal Government has extended the deadline of the exercise to the 31st of March, 2022. This extension would enable the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like the remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, and the registration of legal residents,” the statement.

     

    It added that the  stakeholders have also applauded the Federal Government on the significant growth in the number of NIN enrolments and the increased drive to enlighten Nigerian Subscribers and legal residents across the country. “As of 30th December 2021, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over seventy-one million (71million) NINs with over fourteen-thousand (14,000) enrolment centres set up across the country,” it disclosed.

     

    “Furthermore, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has also set up enrolment centres in over thirty-one (31) countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora.  The unprecedented growth in the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with about 3 to 4 SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the Federal Government, the Nigerian populace and legal residents and this is truly commendable.

     

    “The Honourable Minister has, however, implored ATCIS the subscriber body and legal residents to enrol for their NINs and link with their SIMs during this period of extension as more services will be requiring the NIN for identification. He also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to support the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in ensuring that the objectives of the exercise are achieved.

     

    Visit:

    www.atcisnigeria.com

    Email: atcisnigeria@gmail.com

    Instagram: atcisnigeria

    Twitter: @atcis9ja

    Facebook:atcisnigeria ATCIS hotline: 07052713300

     

  • Yuletide: FG Declares Free Train Rides For Nigerians From Dec 24 to Jan 4

    Yuletide: FG Declares Free Train Rides For Nigerians From Dec 24 to Jan 4

     

    The Federal Government has declared free train rides for citizens from Dec.24 to Jan 4, 2022.

     

    Mr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

     

    ”The decision which was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation is to ease movement of citizens during the yuletide.

     

    ”This is to help ease the cost of transportation and enable citizens to move easily enjoy the festive period.

     

    ”Passengers are however advised to ensure they obtain their tickets from appropriate quarters at no cost, to enable them to gain access and enter the trains.

     

    ” All passengers are also enjoined to observe and obey COVID-19 rules by wearing of face mask, washing and sanitising of hands. “

     

    He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensure the safety of passengers and trains during the period.

     

  • BREAKING: FG Set To Axe 9Credit,  NowCash, Other Loans Apps Over Harassment of Nigerians

    BREAKING: FG Set To Axe 9Credit,  NowCash, Other Loans Apps Over Harassment of Nigerians

     

    The Federal Government is set to punish lending companies like NowCash, Sokoloan, 9credit over data breach.

     

    This was disclosed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in a press statement on its Facebook page.

     

    The agency says it has received over 40 petitions from members of the public on the personal data abuse of some lending companies.

     

     The statement reads: The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in continuation of its efforts to address the alarming rates of data privacy abuse by money lending operators, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

     

     Section 17(a) of the FCCPA, 2019 empowers the Commission to administer and enforce provisions of every Nigerian law with respect to competition and protection of consumers.

     

    NITDA has therefore found the FCCPC as a key stakeholder in its efforts to rein in the activities of some micro-money lenders who have formed a penchant for abuse of personal data of Nigerians.

     

    These operators execute this by abusing their personal data, breaching their privacy and sharing it with others who are not part of the initial contract.

     

  • MTN Group Set to Sell 575 Million Shares To Nigerians

    MTN Group Set to Sell 575 Million Shares To Nigerians

     

    MTN Group Limited has announced plans to offer for sale the shares of its Nigerian subsidiary, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

     

    The Group has disclosed its intention to proceed with a public offer for sale of 575 million shares in MTN Nigeria.

     

    This was made known in a notice signed by the company’s secretary, Uto Ukpanah and filed with The Exchange.

     

    The notice further stated that the offer would be by way of a bookbuild to institutional investors and a fixed price to retail investors.

    MTN Group Set to Sell 575 Million Shares To Nigerians
    Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO

    According to the statement, the offer is expected to open in November 2021 with a bookbuild to institutional investors and after which a fixed price will be announced for retail investors before it closes in December 2021.

     

    It is worth noting that this is the first step towards the Group’s previously communicated statement notifying The Exchange and investing public of its intention to sell down 14% of its current shareholding in MTN Nigeria.

     

  • Airtel, NIMC Urge Nigerians to Embrace Digital Identity Enrollment

    Airtel, NIMC Urge Nigerians to Embrace Digital Identity Enrollment

     

    … to commemorate National Identity Day on 16th September

     

    Leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced a strategic partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to intensify the campaign on the need for Nigerians to embrace digital identity (ID) enrollment in commemoration of this year’s National Identity Day scheduled to hold today, 16th September.

     

    According to Airtel, the partnership with NIMC to mark the National Identity Day is in line with its commitment to support the government’s agenda of building a robust and reliable soft infrastructure and identity management system that will accelerate economic development as well as boost safety and security of all citizens and residents across the country.

     

    Commenting on the partnership, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Surendran Chemmenkotil, said Airtel is delighted to join NIMC, the Nigerian government and other well-meaning stakeholders to create further awareness on the importance of identity and digital identity enrollment, noting that a solid national identity database is a powerful tool that can drive efficient economic and social planning, governance and service delivery.

     

    “Airtel commends the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) and the management of the NIMC under the leadership of Aliyu Aziz for their commitment to creating a world class identity database for Nigerians and for the relentlessness in inspiring several platforms and initiatives to put the conversation around identity management on the front burner. Airtel is excited to join NIMC in hosting this year’s identity management day and we will continue to support the institution in delivering its mandate to Nigerians,” he said.

     

    According to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz, the commission is celebrating 16th September as National Identity Day in collaboration with the global agitation for the day to be formally declared as world international identity day.

     

    “Nigeria has been positioned to take giant steps in providing unique identity to all through collaboration with government institutions and viable partnership with the private sectors.  The essence of this celebration is to create awareness among Nigerians on the importance of identification as a tool for national development.

     

    “We need more Nigerians to not only understand the role identity plays in improving governance but also in empowering individuals to exercise their rights and responsibilities fairly and equitably in a modern society. We are delighted Nigeria became the first country in the world to declare September 16 as ID Day, thereby leading the rest of the world in this important direction”, he said.

     

    September 16 has been recognized annually as National Identity Day in Nigeria since 2019, following approval of the Federal Government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to join the Coalition for International Identity Day.

     

    The National Identity Day is commemorated as part of the Government’s efforts to promote awareness on the importance of identity in enhancing access to rights, social services and formal economy.

     

     

  • Nigerians Can Now Travel Across 160 Countries Without VISA – Agency

    Nigerians Can Now Travel Across 160 Countries Without VISA – Agency

    Winnington Citizens & Partners, a visa processing and citizenship acquisition agency on Friday said Nigerians “can travel to as many as 160 countries across the World without Visa requirements.”

     

    Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mrs Winnie Okoh in an interview with newsmen, said the firms had packages that could ensure such visa-free travels for Nigerians.

     

    She said that with only a “Strong Passport” Nigerians who wish to travel to Caribbean countries and parts of Europe would be provided with the opportunity.

     

    Okoh, who unveiled the various packages available, said the firm could provide the opportunity for Nigerians to acquire second citizenship with ease.

     

    She added that other opportunities available include business opportunities, education, and healthcare services in other countries.

     

    Okoh said the firm is partnering with five countries in the Caribbean to market their citizenship through investment for those who want to acquire second citizenship.

     

    “Business opportunities abound in the Caribbean. I have heard of many people that have missed business opportunities because they were not granted visas.

     

    “But with this passport, they could access the countries. Yours is just to buy a ticket and hop into the plane and avoid all the embassies problems.

     

    “If you want to go to school abroad we can help you get admission and package you in a legal way. This citizenship will give you access to good healthcare and good education for the children.

     

    “Once you get this passport, it passes from generation to generation. It does not terminate, except you are found wanting or found to be a criminal. With that passport, you can settle in the UK also and without visa,” she said.

     

    According to the CEO, the passport can easily and automatically be renewed when it expires.

     

    She said the company “is out to impact the lives of Nigerians positively by providing access to such travel opportunities” that would hitherto been hampered or delayed by visa requirement.