Uncategorized
ABX WORLD Partner Arik Air, SAHCOL for Agro-Allied Export
A Nigerian leading, globally recognized courier/cargo firm, ABX WORLD (NIGERIA), is increasingly making its mark in the world stage with the company’s developing role in agro-allied products exports and markets across Europe.
In its latest drive, ABX WORLD, an EU certified (EUC) cargo agent, has signed agreement with Arik Air and Skyway Aviation Grand Handling Company (SAHCOL) as cargo airline and process handling company, respectively.
Both Arik Air and SAHCOL are also EU certified with ACC3 and RA3 certifications respectively; such an evidence of the acceptability of EU Governments to rely on the due compliance of ABX WORLD and the partners to help ensure that all laws are abided.
EUC compliance assessment is defined as a “demonstration that specified requirements relating to a product, process, system, person or body are fulfilled.”
There are many of these compliance assessment activities applied in today’s world including accreditation, certification, inspection, registration, supplier’s declaration, and testing, and the trio recently demonstrated their competencies to EU teams.
Relying on a thriving partnership, ABX WORLD, fully backed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as an “Authorized Cargo Agent”, is set for an unrivaled speedy export of agro-allied produces, especially perishable items such as vegetables and fruits.
Obviously, the stability and sustainability of the world economy have been and still depend on agriculture, because agriculture is the major source of survival for man, animals and the industrial sectors through the provision of food and raw materials according to STAN in 2000.
In other words, agriculture is taking back as the leading contributor to the economy; hence oil & gas sector is seriously in shambles.
According to the founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABX WORLD, Captain John T Okakpu, Nigeria has immense agricultural potential, even as only 40% of her 84 million hectares of arable land cultivated, plus 263 billion cubic meters of water – (having two of the largest rivers in Africa).
In addition, Nigeria has the required manpower to support agricultural expansion. With an estimated 80 million farmers, Nigeria can cultivate enough food for its people and feed the world too, Captain Okakpu said optimistically.
He added that, ABX World believes tapping into the sector can only be sustainable when the private sector expertise is allowed to thrive
He said, “There is a need to engage the private sector, investors, local banks and International Financial Institutions with the view of connecting (Supply chain) the vast investment opportunities of Nigeria Agriculture with local and international investors. Putting together all sectors in Nigeria especially Agriculture will surpass the $128.00 per barrel of crude oil needed to balance the budget. That is where most Nigerians and world misunderstood General Muhammad Buhari (GMB), the newly President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when he was credited for saying the he will stabilize the prize of crude oil.
“Yes, there are more to it: Agriculture is not just farming but involves the supply chain management as a critical sub-sector”.
On the choice of Arik Air as cargo airline partner, he said that as Nigeria’s leading commercial airline, the airline was the first to operate a fleet of 26 state-of-the arts regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft including two Airbus A340-500 making the airline the first operator of the wide bodied aircraft in Africa
According to the ABX WORLD CEO, when Arik Air commenced its cargo operation in 2011, it actually strengthened the intercontinental cargo operations by adding Johannesburg, South Africa to the already running import activities from London Heathrow and New York JFK
This means that Arik Air’s guests now have an unprecedented freighting opportunities and possibilities.
The airline operates the wide body Airbus A330-200 on the Lagos-Johannesburg route and this aircraft has a large cargo compartment.
Similarly, SAHCOL as the process handling company with state-of-the-art facilities “serves as a major gateway to import and export in the Nigerian Aviation Sector, ensuring that cargo, courier and mails are properly handled, managed and warehoused in its custom bonded warehouse, pending the due process of clearing”.
SAHCOL provides bonded import, courier and export warehousing services mainly in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Abuja, which are central to the agro-allied process and export business.
Speaking further on the expected impact of the new trend, he said the whole of agro-allied business ABX Worlds mulls can even generate over 20million jobs for the teeming youths in the country in the areas of farming, harvesting, packaging, branding, and other exports gamut.
“The challenges we have as a nation, of course, present opportunities that could be tapped into for value addition and profitability. How can these be communicated to the agile youth-farmers, logistics companies, investors, and foreigners who have interest in Nigeria’s agro-produce? That is the basis for ABX World’s interest to educate the youths that all of us cannot live in the city. You can make impact, create wealth and live a fulfilled life while residing in the rural areas” and home towns.
Also, ABX World ability to have adequate quantities of commodities will ensure very competitive prices, availability of supplies and of course acceptable quality levels required by the multinationals.
Meanwhile, BOOSH PRODUCE of UK is one of the agro supply chain in Europe already working with ABX WORLD.
As part of preparations for the commencement of the program, ABX World had engaged competent and IATA certified consultants for refresher courses for the staff; which has been applauded by Arik Air and SAHCOL managements.
ABX NIGERIA is a first class globally recognized courier/cargo firm incorporated in 1998 with 55% foreign equity investment; incorporated in Nigeria as Airborne Express Nigeria Limited and was the sole licensee of the Airborne Freight Corporation from 1998.
The global network that we operate at ABX WORLD is very richly enhanced by our strategic alliances with some of the biggest and best players in the industry as follows; World Freight Alliance (WFA) www.wfalliance.com; Pilot Air Freight based in USA (www.pilotair.com); African Transport Logistic Alliance (ATLA) www.atlalliance.com and LHR Global Logistics in UK (www.lhrglobal.com). Operating from this background, we are able to pick up your shipments from more than 500 of our international offices spread across the world. We clear your shipments from the air or seaports and deliver on a door to door basis, thereby freeing you from the troubles and challenges in engagement with customs. ABX WORLD is properly positioned and thoroughly enhanced to provide edge cutting service at record speed to all our local and international clientele.
Picture: The trio- ABX WORLD, SAHCOL and Arik Air Partner for agro-allied exports.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said that the new National Identification Number (NIN) card can be used by Nigerians for financial transactions including payments and cash withdrawals, in addition to being used as a means of identification.
Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications, and Peter Iwegbu, director of Card Management Services, of NIMC, disclosed this during an interview on Channels TV.
Speaking on the card’s multi-functional use, Iwegbu said it will enable users to conduct transactions such as ATM withdrawals, online payments, and money transfers, adding that its chip integrates seamlessly with Nigeria’s banking system, allowing users to withdraw money or transfer funds regardless of the bank they use.
For his part, Adegoke pointed out that to streamline the process, banks would issue the cards.
“The way the card is going to be issued this time around, quite unlike the past, is that you have to get it through your respective bank,” he noted.
Adegoke further explained that while the NIN remains the core element of identity verification in Nigeria, the linked card offers extensive utility.
“The NIN is free, and we are enlightening Nigerians that whenever they go to any of our centres, the enrollment and issuance of the NIN are entirely free.”
According to the officials, NIMC is partnering with various stakeholders, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), to implement the card’s financial features.
This initiative is expected to provide value to banks while including previously underserved Nigerians in financial systems.
“We are bringing to them almost over 100 million possible customers who they can bank with,” Iwegbu stated.
In addition to its financial utility, the NIN card has been designed to enhance security and identification in remote areas.
“It also enables us to financially include some of these people who have been excluded and provide identification for those without means like an international passport,” Iwegbu added.
According to Adegoke, “You can decide the bank you want, the branch you want to pick it from, or even choose to have it delivered to your doorstep.”
Iwegbu assured Nigerians that the initiative is designed to address past challenges, including distribution and acceptance issues.
“The card will solve problems of financial and social exclusion, making life easier and smarter for Nigerians,” he added.
Africa Tech Alliance (ATAEx) Awards has, again, lived up to expectations by honouring individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant impact on Africa’s tech ecosystem, focusing on categories such as digital transformation, cybersecurity, ecommerce, financial inclusion, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
For the year 2024, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director-general Nigeria’s National Information Technology Agency [NITDA] received the Digital Transformation Leadership Award. The Digital Transformation Leadership Award is a national technology impact award that recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing technology in ways that drive national development and positively impact society.
ATAEx Award screening committee for 2024 nominated Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi for the award in recognition of his role in transforming Nigeria’s technology landscape, fostering innovation, and supporting inclusive digital progress.
Dr. Ayotunde Coker is one of the leading players in the development of the data centre industry in Africa and is the Chairperson of an influential industry group, the Africa Data Centres Association.
Before joining OADC as Chief Executive Officer, Dr Coker led Rack Centre to become a household name in Nigeria and a leading brand in Africa, with global recognition and numerous prestigious international awards.
Throughout a distinguished international career as a technology and business leader, Dr Coker has held senior positions in finance, energy, management consulting and U.K. Government.
His achievements have been recognised by numerous awards, including the Distinguished Manufacturing Alumni Award (Cranfield Institute of Technology) 2020, and in the same year, he was recognised as one of the Global Top 30 Edge Computing Leaders by Data Economy Magazine.
He holds an MSc from Cranfield Institute of Technology and a PhD (Honoris Causa) from ESCAE University.
Other awardees include;
Blockchain Advocate of the Year – JUDE OZINEGBE, founder/Convener, Cyberchain; AI Startup of the Year – NeuRaL AI; African Cybersecurity Mastery Award – DIGITAL ENCODE LTD; ATAEx Internet Exchange Point of the Year – INTERNET EXCHANGE POINT OF NIGERIA [IXPN]; PR Champion of Africa Award – NEWMARK GROUP LTD; Africa Tech Community of the Year – InnovationBed Africa; ICT Company of the Year – TECOM CONCEPTS LTD; Best Data Centre Colocation Provider of the Year – DIGITAL REALTY [Nigeria]; Outstanding ICT Solutions & Innovation Personality of the Year – HAPPINESS OBIOHA, MD/Sales Director, Tecom Concepts Limited; Mobile App Defense Excellence Award – CED TECHNOLOGIES; Most Innovative Digital Bank Award – PALMPAY, and Life Time Achievement Award in Data Centre Management – DR. AYOTUNDE COKER, CEO, OADC.
Other ATAEx 2024 awardees are; ICT Innovation Storyteller Award – CHINENYE ANUFORO, Head, ICT Desk, Sun Newspaper; Digital Reporting Excellence Award – MARTIN EKPEKE, Publisher/Editor In-Chief, ITPulse; Trailblazer in Tech Award – MONIADE ADENIYI; Global Technology Innovator Award – AYODEJI OGUNMOLA; Tech Visionary Award – OLUWAKAYODE DURODOLA; Rising Star in Tech Award – OLANIYI IBRAHEEM; Business Intelligence Mastery Award – ADEDAMOLA BOWALE; Blockchain Community of the Year – LAGOS BLOCKCHAIN WEEK; Champion of Public Tech Infrastructure Award – GALAXY BACKBONE LIMITED; Direct Selling Company of the Year – QNET.
In his congratulatory message to the award recipients, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the co-convener, said that ATAEx Awards is part of the annual Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH), which brings together tech leaders, policymakers/regulators, industry experts, and key stakeholders to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in Africa’s digital landscape.
“Recipients are celebrated not only for their achievements but also for their vision and commitment to leveraging technology for Africa’s development”, he said.
Nigerians will start paying for the new national identity card due to low revenue, according to National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Dr Peter Iwegbu, head of card management services at NIMC, said the payment was to ensure that it was produced for only those who needed it.
Iwegbu stated this at the two-day conference organized for journalists in Lagos.
He also added that the decision was made to avoid repeating the mistake of the past efforts to issue physical cards to Nigerians for free, which many did not collect.
“The government’s limited revenue is also a major factor in the decision to make Nigerians pay for the new ID card,” he said.
Iwegbu explained that due to the low revenue generated, the government could not fund the production of ID cards.
Mr Lanre Yusuf, director of Information Technology at NIMC, explained that the idea of a free national ID card in the past was not productive.
“To get the new national ID card, Nigerians will need to make a payment, select a pickup location, and then collect their card from the chosen location. The government has implemented programmes to make the card accessible to the less privileged Nigerians who cannot afford it but require it to access government support.”
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality,” Yusuf said.
He said that the versatile cards were scheduled to launch soon, and sample test cards had already been received.
“NIMC is working with banks across the country, which will make it possible for people to walk into any bank closest to them and request the card.”
“The new national ID card is a multipurpose card that can serve the purpose of identity verification, payments, and even government services,” he said.
The card will be enabled for all government interventions and services across various ministries, departments, and agencies. The card, powered by AfriGO, was launched in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System.
Court Orders Arrest of Echefu, Businessman over Alleged $651,280 Fraud
Banks, Others Raise N2.7 Trillion from Capital Market – SEC
Nigerians to Use NIN Cards for Payments, Cash Withdrawals — NIMC
NACCIMA Warns Against Arbitrary Taxation on Businesses
BoI Raises Over $5Bn Funding, 2Bn Euro Syndications
First Bank Proposes New Name after Upgrading Banking Platforms
Edo State Launches Data Centre in Benin
Echefu Launches LUFT TV, another Pay TV after Failed TSTV Project
Nigeria Makes List of Top 10 Countries with Highest Cases of Internet Scams
UBA, Mastercard Launch Special Debit Card for 75th Anniversary
Telecom1 day agoNCC, CBN to Resolve Telecoms, Banks’ USSD Debt Issue
Telecom1 day agoProf. Adewale Obadare Shares Key Insights on Breaking into Cybersecurity
Telecom1 day ago9mobile CEO Highlights Key Solutions for Securing Electronic Money Transfers in Africa
Broadcasting1 day agoFirst Women Radio Virtual Assistant Makes a Debut in Nigeria
E-Financial1 day agoPalmPay Reaffirms Commitment to Ensuring a Safe Financial Ecosystem @ Anti-Fraud Walk
E-Business1 day agoNITDA DG Harps on the Role of Innovation in Nigeria’s Sustainable Development
News1 day agoN57Bn Theft Allegations: SERAP Calls on Tinubu to Investigate Buhari
E-Financial1 day agoGreenwich Merchant Bank Chairman Honoured with NBCC Leadership Award