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FG, Labour Dispute Delaying Refineries Privatisation – BPE

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Benjamin Dikki, director-general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, (BPE)
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The prolonged disagreement between the Federal Government and key labour unions in Nigeria’s petroleum sector is the major issue delaying the privatisation process of the country’s four refineries, the Bureau of Public Enterprises has said.

According to the bureau, the government is serious about privatising the oil firms as it would impact positively on Nigeria’s economy.

Benjamin Dikki, Director-General, BPE, disclosed that by privatising the refineries, the government wanted to see the kind of reforms in the telecoms and power sectors happen in the oil and gas industry.

Dikki spoke on the sidelines of an event organised by Just Friends Club of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.

He said, “When we announced that we were going to privatise the refineries, you saw the reaction from the two powerful unions in the sector, PENGASSAN and NUPENG. They created panic that they were going to shut down the Nigerian economy by blocking the supply of fuel.

“And no responsible government will want to visit that kind of thing on its citizens. That is why government halted the process and is engaging labour so that we can reach an understanding. We understand from our discussions with labour that they want to be stakeholders in the process and we have told them that is not an issue.

“So it is now left for us to sit down with labour to know how the transaction is going to be structured. Once we structure it in an acceptable manner where labour is happy and government is happy then we will commence the privatisation.”

He noted that the privatisation process would commence with the meeting of the steering committee chaired by the minister of petroleum, stressing that government had given approval for labour unions to be part of the committee in order to make their inputs.

“But we have not reached an understanding with labour yet. Once we do, then the petroleum minister will convene a meeting of the steering committee to determine the shares that will be retained by government and by labour.”

Dikki said the privatisation strategy would not be done without the appointment of a transaction adviser.

The adviser, he said, would conduct due diligence on the refineries and the petroleum sector as a whole, adding that the findings of the adviser would determine the mode of transaction to be adopted by the steering committee.

He said, “So what we would have loved to see is for labour to liaise with government and agree on the process to appoint a transaction adviser. From the beginning of the process to the appointment of a transaction adviser may take six to nine months.

“This is before the adviser goes to conduct studies on the refineries and the petroleum sector. Therefore if labour agrees with us today, we will start the process of advertising for the transaction adviser.”


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Bank of Industry Pledges to Support SecureID Expansion to East Africa

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The Bank of Industry (BoI) has reiterated its commitment to supporting SecureID, Africa’s leading smart card manufacturing company as the firm expands operations to East Africa.

Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BoI, made the pledge during a recent visit to SecureID’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Lagos, Nigeria.

SecureID, headquartered in Nigeria serves clients across 21 African countries, providing innovative, high-quality and sustainable solutions for the financial, telecom and public sectors.

Since receiving its first financing facility from the Bank in 2010, SecureID has grown exponentially now exporting to 21 countries across Africa. The company is also eyeing opportunities beyond the continent aiming to solidify its position as a global player in the smart card industry.

Olusi commended SecureID’s achievements, describing the company as “a classic example of Nigeria’s entrepreneurship at its very best.”

He stated, “We are proud that BoI has supported SecureID since its inception. We will continue to support them because the trajectory of their progress is remarkable. This is one of those key success stories that truly exemplifies Nigeria’s potential.”

Adedotun Sulaiman, chairman, SecureID, expressed gratitude for BoI’s unwavering support which has been instrumental in the company’s growth. He highlighted SecureID’s ambitions to explore new markets, particularly in the public sector.

“The future is bright. There are many areas we have yet to conquer, especially in the public sector. We have the capacity to produce voter cards and international passports. The possibilities are immense,” Sulaiman said.

During the visit, Kofo Akinkugbe, SecureID’s Founder and GMD led the BoI team on a tour of the facility. She emphasized that BoI’s role in the company’s success extends beyond financial backing.

“I would call BoI a stakeholder—a stakeholder in the vision and dream we had from the beginning. BoI has not only provided financial support but has also ensured that we stay on the right path. As a technology-driven business, innovation is key and the Bank has been a fantastic strategic partner,” Akinkugbe noted.

Akinkugbe also emphasised that BoI’s gender-sensitive approach which has been particularly supportive of her leadership. “BoI’s development finance has been crucial in helping us expand. Their patient capital has allowed us to grow steadily and achieve significant milestones,” she added.

 


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Lagos Lawmakers Commend LIRS on Historic N1 Trillion Revenue Milestone

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Legislators in Lagos State have commended the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) for achieving an unprecedented milestone in revenue generation, surpassing ₦1 trillion.

This landmark accomplishment positions LIRS as the first sub-national revenue agency in Nigeria to attain such a feat, reflecting its professionalism, efficiency, and commitment to transparent tax administration.

Former Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budgeting, Hon. Lukman Sa’ad Olumoh, alongside Hon. Femi Saheed, former Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, lauded LIRS and its Executive Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Subair, for their exemplary leadership and dedication to enhancing the state’s revenue performance.

In a recent interview, Hon. Lukman Sa’ad Olumoh described the achievement as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the LIRS team. He emphasized that Lagos State has set a benchmark in revenue collection, serving as a model for other states to emulate. Representing the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 01 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, he praised Mr. Subair for fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation within the agency, which has significantly contributed to its success.

Speaking during the 2024 budget signing ceremony, Hon. Lukman Sa’ad Olumoh conveyed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that Lagos State has reached an exceptional level in revenue generation.

He acknowledged LIRS’s historic achievement of surpassing the N1 trillion mark and expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to exceed future targets.

He further urged the state government to sustain its support for LIRS, emphasizing that continued improvements in revenue collection could reduce reliance on external borrowing.

“You cannot expect remarkable results without placing the right people in key positions. LIRS is managed by a team of highly skilled professionals. While it operates as a government agency, its structure and operations reflect global best practices.

“The agency has evolved into a world-class institution, moving from Good Shepherd’s House to the state-of-the-art Revenue House. A visit to its facilities will reveal an environment that fosters excellence.

“Under the leadership of Mr. Ayodele Subair, a visionary and dedicated professional, LIRS has achieved remarkable success. The agency’s work culture and improved operational environment have been instrumental in reaching this milestone,” Hon. Lukman Sa’ad Olumoh stated.

Looking ahead, Hon. Lukman Sa’ad Olumoh noted that based on LIRS’s consistent performance, the revenue target for 2025 has been set at N1.4 trillion.

He assured that as Lagos’s economy continues to expand and more employment opportunities are created, this growth in revenue collection would not impose additional burdens on residents but rather result from enhanced tax compliance and structured reforms.

“LIRS has demonstrated steady growth over the past five years. We have set a revenue target of N1.4 trillion for 2025, and I am confident that the agency can surpass this goal. Lagos State has the capacity to generate over N4 trillion in internal revenue without negatively impacting its residents,” he added.

He also highlighted the role of upcoming tax reforms at the federal level, noting that the Joint Tax Board (JTB) would ensure a well-structured tax administration system.

He reassured the public that no adverse fiscal policies would be introduced, emphasizing that the focus remains on improving compliance and fostering a positive tax culture.

In a formal congratulatory letter addressed to Mr. Subair, Hon. Femi Saheed, who represents Kosofe II Constituency, commended the LIRS team for their dedication, resilience, and strategic approach to revenue collection.

He reiterated the Lagos State House of Assembly’s commitment to providing the necessary legislative support to enable the agency to achieve even greater success.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your forward-thinking management team for surpassing the N1 trillion revenue mark in 2024.

“My colleagues and I commend your resilience, transparency, and commitment to excellence. Your achievements bring immense pride to Lagos State, and I am confident that 2025 will be even more rewarding.

“As a key revenue agency, we remain dedicated to supporting your efforts in achieving greater milestones,” the letter stated.

With this historic achievement, LIRS continues to reinforce its position as a leader in revenue generation, setting new standards for tax administration in Nigeria.


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TD Africa Unveils Super App Version 2, Transforms Technology Access Across Africa

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Omowumi Oladele, Project Manager, TD Africa
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TD Africa, a leading technology distributor in Africa, has launched TD Super App Version 2, an upgraded, feature-rich platform designed to revolutionize technology procurement for individuals and businesses.

Omowumi Oladele, Project Manager, TD Africa

The enhanced App offers seamless access to a wide range of cutting-edge tech products at unbeatable prices, with faster delivery options to improve efficiency and convenience.

Available on both web and mobile, the revamped TD Super App boasts an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever for users to discover and purchase technology products.

This latest upgrade reaffirms TD Africa’s commitment to affordability, efficiency, and convenience, ensuring that businesses and individuals can access the tools they need to succeed.

With exclusive deals and discounts, registered users can enjoy significant savings on a vast selection of technology products, including computing devices, smartphones, consumer electronics, and power solutions. Optimized logistics and accelerated delivery times further enhance the shopping experience, ensuring that customers receive their technology essentials quickly and reliably.

“At TD Africa, we are dedicated to delivering value, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology solutions that drive business growth and streamline operations,” said Omowumi Oladele, Product Manager, TD Africa.

“The upgraded TD Super App Version 2 is designed to simplify procurement, enhance productivity, and maximize savings—empowering businesses and individuals across Africa.”

The App is now available for download on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Users can also access the platform via web browsers at superapp.tdafrica.com


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