Jiji, Africa’s online marketplace, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Best Retail Organization in Range Excellence” at the Africa Retail Awards 2024.

The event was hosted by the Africa Retail Academy and Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University in partnership with Nairametrics and KPMG.

This accolade highlights Jiji’s exceptional dedication to delivering a wide and diverse product range that meets the needs of millions of buyers and sellers across Nigeria.

The recognition comes as the organisation gears up for its biggest sales event of the year – Black Friday 2024. With the award highlighting the organisation’s vast product offerings, this year’s Black Friday campaign promises to be the most exciting yet for shoppers seeking unbeatable deals across various categories.

Statistics by the National Retail Federation predicts that holiday spending will grow 2.5-3.5% YoY this 2024, reaching around $985 billion, while online shopping is expected to increase 8-9% YoY by end 2024, reaching around $296 billion in sales.

What’s the deal this Black Friday?

To celebrate its win and further demonstrate commitment to Nigerian consumers, Jiji is launching a Black Friday campaign featuring jaw-dropping discounts of up to 85% across its product categories.

Starting from today until November 29, 2024, shoppers can take advantage of significant savings on everything listed on Jiji from smartphones and electronics to fashion, furniture, and beauty products.

“We’re honoured to receive the ‘Best Retail Organization in Range Excellence’ award. This recognition reflects our dedication to offering an expansive selection of products that cater to diverse consumer needs,” – Majolie Obaje, Regional head of PR & Marketing, Jiji

“As we kick off our Black Friday campaign, we’re excited to give our customers access to incredible deals across over 15 categories. We remain committed to promoting the power to bargain, affordability, and convenience for our 12m+ users on Jiji. Customers all over Nigeria are set to save big while they get more value for their money.” – Majolie Obaje, Regional head of PR & Marketing, Jiji

What should shoppers expect?

Jiji has teamed up with verified top sellers to bring exclusive offers, providing a wide range of discounted items across categories including popular ones like:

Phones & Tablets: Buyers can explore incredible prices on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles. Verified sellers are offering discounts of up to 85%, making it the perfect time to upgrade tech devices for less.

Fashion: Shoppers looking to revamp their wardrobes will find unbeatable deals on outfits, shoes, and accessories. Jiji’s fashion category offers everything from trendy streetwear to luxury items at fantastic discounts.

Home, Appliances & Furniture: Customers can elevate their living spaces with affordable furniture, home appliances, and air conditioners, all available at up to 85% off. It’s a prime opportunity for families to enhance their homes at pocket-friendly prices.

Health & Beauty: Luxurious fragrances, skincare products, and makeup essentials are all on sale, with significant markdowns that make it easy for beauty enthusiasts to grab their favourite items without breaking the bank.

Exclusive Black Friday shopping tips for buyers?

To ensure customers get the best out of this year’s Black Friday campaign, Jiji offers dedicated landing pages to their favourite items where they can easily discover the hottest deals. The company also advises shoppers to:

Search early and frequently: New deals are added regularly, so checking in often will help buyers get the most desired items.

Act fast: With limited-time offers and high demand, products may sell out quickly.

Prioritise safety: Jiji emphasises the importance of following its safety tips when completing transactions. The platform encourages buyers to meet with sellers in public places, inspect items to be sure they meet their request, and only pay if satisfied.

What’s the impact on Nigeria’s e-commerce industry?

Jiji’s unique approach to offering a broad product range at competitive prices and its meet-inspect-pay model have been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s e-commerce space.

This Black Friday, the platform’s campaign not only reinforces its position as a market leader but also highlights the growing trend of online shopping among Nigerian consumers. Reports show consumers are increasingly concerned that in-store prices are not competitive with online prices, with 20% of consumers saying they’ll increase their online spend this 2024.

Jiji’s recognition by the Africa Retail Awards comes at a time when consumer expectations are evolving. There’s now a strong preference for platforms that provide variety, convenience, and value.

The organisation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the platform, and its strategic collaborations with top sellers, reflect its adaptability to market trends and commitment to delivering a superior shopping experience.

The Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes has expressed its commitment to increasing the budget allocation for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to support its anti-corruption mandate.

Senator Emmanuel Udende, chairman of the committee, made this statement during an oversight visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Udende emphasised that the EFCC’s funding is essential to effectively combat emerging financial crimes.

“When the EFCC chairman explains the need for software to counter virtual and cryptocurrency fraud valued at around ₦3.4 billion, it becomes clear that more funding is crucial,” Udende said, adding that enhanced budgetary support would enable the agency to improve its operations.

He also proposed that the EFCC receive a percentage of its recovered assets to sustain its activities, similar to the Nigeria Customs Service, which retains a percentage of its seizures.

“Like Customs, the EFCC could benefit from a share of the proceeds they recover annually, helping them work more sustainably,” he added.

Ola Olukoyede, chairman, EFCC, called on the National Assembly to increase the commission’s 2025 budget by 300 percent to enable it to acquire advanced technology for tackling illicit financial flows and economic sabotage.

He stressed that inadequate funding is a significant barrier, noting that a 300 percent budget increase is necessary for the EFCC to fulfil its duties effectively.

Olukoyede also appealed to lawmakers to support efforts to improve the agency’s public perception.

The EFCC is currently investigating the extractive industry, and Olukoyede indicated that those implicated would soon face charges. He expressed concern over the negative impact of corruption on Nigeria and vowed that the EFCC would pursue cases of embezzlement and misuse of government funds.

Additionally, Olukoyede announced that the EFCC now has access to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), enabling the agency to monitor disbursements and ensure appropriate use of funds.

He informed senators that the EFCC would also monitor constituency projects to ensure transparency.

“We now collaborate with the Accountant General’s Office and have access to IPPIS, allowing us to track fund allocations. Distinguished senators, we will also oversee your constituency projects and hope for your support in championing this cause,” he said

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The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced that the education tax revenue for 2024 has hit N1.5 trillion. TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono made the disclosure at the meeting of heads of TETFund beneficiary institutions in Abuja on Monday.

He said the figure is what the fund has made over the years, attributing the achievement to the increase in education tax from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent. “The increasing the education tax last year from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent represented a significant stride for TETFund.

“This change culminated in a record-breaking education tax collection of approximately N1.5 trillion so far this year. It reinforces the government’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s educational framework.

“The revenue generated from the education tax plays a significant role in maintaining and improving the infrastructure of our institutions, enhancing academic programmes, and promoting accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.

“We now enter the 2025 budget cycle with a stronger foundation, one that allows us to enhance our impact across the country’s tertiary institutions.”

Echono said the meeting with heads of tertiary institutions was a shared commitment to establishing a harmonious working relationship with relevant stakeholders, fostering an environment where efforts can be aligned to reposition TETFund for optimal performance.

“As Heads of TETFund beneficiary institutions, you play a pivotal role in actualising the mandate of the Fund. It is crucial that we engage constructively to set a clear course for the Fund’s direction and operational priorities.

“TETFund’s purpose is to empower our nation’s human capital, addressing the urgent need for capable, skilled professionals across all sectors,” he said.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Gwarzo, in his speech, stressed the importance of strengthened accountability and transparency in managing TETFund disbursements.

“We must be reminded that the future of Nigeria’s educational system is in our hands. As leaders, we bear the responsibility of ensuring that our institutions remain beacons of learning, innovation, and integrity.

“Today’s interactive engagement is an opportunity to build on the strides we have made, to reflect on areas that need improvement, and to chart a way forward that will strengthen not only our individual institutions, but the entire Nigerian educational system,” he said.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, in his remarks, stressed the importance of tertiary education to the growth and development of any nation.

He said, “In Nigeria, our higher education sector is not just an academic pursuit; it is a social, cultural, and economic lifeline. The universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country play a central role in providing access to quality education and preparing the youth for the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive global economy.”

He said the Committee is deeply committed to ensuring that institutions are adequately supported and funded. “This is why TETFund remains a critical partner in realising the aspirations of the Nigerian government in the education sector.

“However, while TETFund has made remarkable strides in advancing the course of tertiary education, we must acknowledge that there are still numerous challenges to overcome.

“These include inadequate infrastructure, lack of modern teaching facilities, inadequate research funding, and the need for continuous capacity building for both academic and non-academic staff.

“As we embark on the 2025 intervention cycle, it is crucial that we work together, across all levels of government and within the institutions themselves, to ensure that these interventions are effectively utilised and reach the intended outcomes.”

He said the 2025 intervention guidelines present an exciting opportunity for stakeholders to continue making progress in addressing the identified challenges and to foster greater engagement and collaboration between TETFund, the National Assembly, and the heads of tertiary institutions. “The success of our education system is not just dependent on funding but also on effective partnerships,” he said.