Business
FG commences haulage of cargo from Apapa port to Ibadan
The Federal Government has flagged off the haulage of cargo from the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa, Lagos State to the Ibadan Dry Inland Container Port in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State.
*The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, who embarked on his inaugural official tour of the Lagos-Ibadan rail ,flagged-off the first cargo movement through the rail corridor on behalf of the Federal Government.
Speaking on the occasion, Alkali disclosed that 3 coaches of 30 wagons shall be loaded daily from the Apapa Ports to Ibadan as part of Government’s effort to decongest the Ports, save Shippers from accumulation of demurrages while also facilitating seamless operations at the Lagos ports.
Furthermore , efforts to decongest the ports are still ongoing as the Minister revealed plans to rehabilitate the Lagos to Kano narrow gauge stating that by the time this section is finished, the issue of decongesting the Lagos ports, providing alternative modes of transportation and providing sustainable and cost effective means of transportation would have been addressed to a certain extent.
Furthermore, he stated that the haulage of cargo from the Ports would commence on one track, as completion of the other two tracks leading into the Port is being hindered by the Nigerian Customs scanning Centre. He however assured on efforts to liaise with the Minister of Finance and the Nigerian Customs Service to suggest relocation of the scanning centre.
On the issue of the sustainability of the railway sector in the country, the Minister said ,we are going to ensure that the existing contracts are executed and it is the vision of the administration to ensure that the transport sector is enhanced especially with the removal of the fuel subsidy that will make the cost of transportation much secure and cost effective.
The Hon Minister also inspected Kajola Wagon Assembly Plant which is the first in West Africa built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to the country is meant to create employment for more than 500 youths.
In his remarks, the Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Engr. Fidet Okhiria said the Corporation was operating rail freight service on the Lagos-Kano with the narrow gauge but stopped due activities of vandals.
He however assured that the NRC has about 120 narrow gauge wagons and has also placed more orders through the China Civil Engineering Construction Company to adequately support government’s efforts to support trade and decongest the ports.
The Kogi State Government has assured retirees that pension and gratuity payments are now processed transparently, eliminating the need for personal connections or lobbying before benefits are paid to retirees.
Director-General of the Kogi State Pension Commission, Mariam Abedo, disclosed this in an Exclusive Chat with the Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah who was on a courtesy visit to her office in Lokoja.
She explained that the government has introduced a technology-driven payment system that ensures fairness and efficiency.
“Once a retiree’s documentation is complete, their payment is processed without any influence. We currently process over 200 retirees daily,” she stated.
Abedo further disclosed that the commission has significantly cleared pension arrears as the state has consistently made funds available to meet obligations of retirees.
She emphasized that transparency and accountability have improved the commission’s operations, making the payment process smoother and more reliable.
Abedo also warned retirees against falling victim to individuals who claim they can influence payments of benefits, stressing that all entitlements are processed strictly on merit.
She commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners and reassured retirees that payments would continue as funds are available to the commission to pay benefits to retirees in the state.
A leading African payments technology company, Flutterwave and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS have concluded collaborative discussion to digitize tax collection in Nigeria.
The collaboration is a step initiated by the FIRS to simplify tax compliance by offering multiple payment options, real-time reporting, and offline capabilities for those with limited internet access.
Meanwhile, Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola stressed the firm’s commitment to ensure the using of technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and economic growth by digitizing government tax collections.
Agboola said: “At Flutterwave, we are committed to leveraging technology to drive efficiency and economic growth. By making tax payments easier and more transparent, we are helping to digitize government collections and support national development which is in line with our mission,” he said
The partnership enables businesses and individuals to pay taxes, levies, and other statutory fees through Flutterwave’s secure and efficient digital infrastructure.
Driving transparency and accessibility
The integration introduces several enhancements, including Flutterwave’s Senior VP, Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, highlighted the importance of public sector collaboration in advancing digital payments, fostering trust, and driving innovation in Nigeria.
“Working with the public sector is pivotal to shaping the future of digital payments in Nigeria. This underscores our commitment to delivering solutions that serve Nigerians better, foster trust, and drive impactful innovation through strategic collaboration.”
What you should know
The Nigerian government has been implementing several measures to enhance tax compliance and efficiency, including digital reporting and e-invoicing systems. In line with these efforts, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is set to pilot its “e-Invoice” platform in July 2025 to streamline invoice management and improve real-time visibility into business transactions.
Amid these regulatory shifts, Flutterwave has been strengthening its presence in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem through strategic collaborations. Beyond facilitating tax payments, the company has expanded its role in digital innovation and security. It recently partnered with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Alami to drive digital transformation and empower SMEs in the tech and creative industries.
Also in 2024, Flutterwave deepened its commitment to financial security by partnering with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to establish a Cybercrime Research Center at the EFCC Academy.
Fidelity Bank Plc has announced 20 new millionaires at the 2nd and 3rd monthly draws of its Get Alert in Millions Season 6 (GAIM 6) promo held at the bank corporate head office in Lagos.
The 20 lucky winners, randomly selected through an electronic draw across Lagos, North, Abuja, South-West, South-South, and South-East zones, will be rewarded with the sum of one million naira each.
Speaking at the draws, the promo Chairperson and Executive Director for Lagos and South-West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Ken Opara represented by the Regional Bank Head, Ikoyi, Chetachi Okechukwu, noted that the GAIM 6 promo was designed to reward customers’ loyalty, encourage a savings culture, and promote financial inclusion across the country.
According to Opara, “Fidelity Bank is dedicated to the financial well-being of our customers and this commitment inspired the launch of the GAIM Promo, designed to cultivate a strong culture of savings.
“Through this promo, customers have the chance to win substantial cash prizes up to N10 million by saving and transacting with their Fidelity Bank Savings accounts. In addition to the monetary rewards, winners will receive complimentary financial advisory services to secure and grow their wealth for the future.”
The monthly draws was monitored by the representatives of relevant regulatory bodies, including the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC), Mrs. Aboluwade Margaret; and the Principal Legal Officer, Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Oyinkan Kusamotu.
Since the campaign launched in November 2024, Fidelity Bank has disbursed N19.75 million to 869 customers across different categories. The GAIM 6 campaign, which will run until August 2025, is set to reward lucky customers with a total of N159 million.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 8.5 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Awards; the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023; and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. It was also recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
Dead Nigerians, Africans, others without will may lose unclaimed estates in UK
Israel approves controversial proposal to facilitate emigration of Palestinians from Gaza
Tinubu vows to provide modern military equipment, training for effective operations
-
News1 week agoBill to establish National Cashew Production and Research Institute in Kogi passes first reading in Senate
-
News7 days agoShehu Sani debunks Governor Uba Sani’s alleged diversion of LG funds, challenges El-Rufai to publicly tender evidence
-
News1 week agoReport of attack on Wike’s Port Harcourt residence false, misleading – Police
-
News6 days agoPlateau gov’t expresses concern over violence in Shendam LGA, calls for calm
-
Sports1 week agoMerino gives Arsenal win over Chelsea
-
Interview1 week agoSenators Natasha-Akpabio saga should have been resolved privately – Rev. Mrs Emeribe
-
Politics4 days agoOpposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027
-
News1 week agoNatasha uncovers arrest plot after reported Akpabio to IPU in New York