American International Insurance Company (AIICO) Insurance Plc. is a Life Assurance Company which commenced operations in Nigeria in 1963. AIICO insurance plc is the leading player in the industry with the largest and most profitable agency network in Nigeria. It has acquired the highest quality of learning systems and processes.

We are recruiting to fill the following positions below in Lagos State:

1.) Market Advisor

Deadline: 30th July, 2018.

Click Here To View Details


2.) Financial advisor

Deadline: 30th July, 2018.

Click Here To View Details


3.) Business Development Executive

Deadline: 30th July, 2018.

Click Here To View Details


4.) Insurance Advisor

Deadline: 30th July, 2018.

Click Here To View Details


5.) Customer Service Agent

Deadline: 23rd July, 2018.

Click Here To View Details


Application Closing Date
30th July, 2018.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV’s to: orji.osakwe@aiicoplc.com

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

Lead City University is a private university licensed by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2005. LCU is one of the fastest growing private universities in Nigeria. Increasing student population has necessitated the need for additional staff.

Accordingly the university seeks expressions of interest from candidates of exceptional intellectual caliber (Nigerian or expatriate), who have the dedication, enthusiasm and drive to lead the much needed change in our nation's university system both in its national and international context. These positions are reserved for only the thorough bred and serious Academics with proven track records and passion for imparting knowledge in our existing and proposed academic programs.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following positions below:


1.) Technologist

Click Here To View Details


2.) Radiographer

Click Here To View Details


3.) Radiologist

Click Here To View Details


4.) Dental Technician

Click Here To View Details


5.) Dentist

Click Here To View Details


Application Closing Date

29th June, 2018.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/06/02/non-academic-staff-recruitment-at-lead-city-university-lcu/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

Nice

The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform all candidates whose name appear in the list below that they have been shortlisted for the Constable Recruitment Medical Screening.

2018 Police Constable Recruitment: List of Candidates Invited For Medical Screening

Important Information

Invited Candidates should check the list below this notice for their name. All Candidates are hereby directed to go for the Medical Screening at the Zonal Police Command Headquarters of their respective State of Origin between 31st May to 3rd June, 2018 as stated below:

Zone 1 Kano (Jigawa, Kano and Katsina)
Zone 2 Lagos (Lagos and Ogun)
Zone 3 Yola (Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba)
Zone 4 Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau)
Zone 5 Benin (Bayelsa, Edo and Delta)
Zone 6 Calabar (Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi)
Zone 7 Abuja (Kaduna, Niger and FCT)
Zone 8 Lokoja (Kogi, Ekiti and Kwara)
Zone 9 Umuahia (Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Imo)
Zone 10 Sokoto (Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara)
Zone 11 Osogbo (Osun, Ondo and Oyo)
Zone 12 Bauchi (Bauchi, Borno and Yobe)

Click the below link for the full and comprehensive list of successful candidates per state for the Medical Screening:

Click Here to View List


https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/31/nigeria-police-releases-list-of-successful-candidates-for-2018-recruitment/

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc has been a part of the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad. Our global vision is to be a leading foods company in Africa providing high quality and affordable products in the most convenient ways to consumers through world class brands like Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Semovita, Goldenvita, Golden Pasta and Golden Noodles. The Company's flagship brand, Golden Penny, remains one of the best known and the preferred brands amongst bakers, confectioneries and consumers in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the following vacant positions below in Nigeria:

1.) Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc Trainee Technicians Programme (TTP)

Click Here To View Details


2.) Packaging Development Manager

Click Here To View Details


3.) Water Treatment Operator

Click Here To View Details


4.) Procurement Supervisor

Click Here To View Details


5.) Power Plant Technician/ Operator

Click Here To View Details


6.) Business Development Manager- BAGCO

Click Here To View Details


Application Closing Date

Not Specified.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/30/flour-mills-of-nigeria-plc-latest-job-recruitment/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

The EKO Hospitals (a member of the EkoCorp Plc), invites applications from suitable qualified candidates for the following positions in Lagos State:

1.) Registered Nurse/Midwife (Nursing Officer II)

Click Here To View Details


2.) Paediatric Nurse

Click Here To View Details


3.) Accident and Emergency Nurse

Click Here To View Details


4.) Peri-operative Nurse

Click Here To View Details


5.) Nephrology Nurse

Click Here To View Details


6.) House Officer

Click Here To View Details


7.) Consultant Paediatrician

Click Here To View Details


8.) Consultant Anesthetist

Click Here To View Details


9.) Health Insurance Doctor

Click Here To View Details


10.) Pharmacist

Click Here To View Details


Application Closing Date

12th June, 2018.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates candidates should send their CV’s to: jobs@ekocorpplc.com

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/29/eko-hospitals-fresh-job-recruitment-2018/

Wazobia FM 94.1 is a Nigerian Pidgin English radio station in, Kano, Lagos state, Rivers State etc. It was founded in 2007 and belongs to Globe Communications Limited.

Renowned for its humorous approach to broadcasting, the station airs a mixture of news, features, sport, music (from popular Nigerian music, hip hop, highlife to world music and reggae), talk shows, topical issues and interviews.

Wazobia FM is now opening a new branch office in Onitsha, Anambra State and is accepting application from any Nigerian who is will to take on the radio broadcasting job, one who is willing and has the ability to be a presenter in the Radio broadcasting firm Wazobia FM.

We are recruiting to fill the following vacant positions below in Anambra State:

1.) Graduate Radio Presenter

Click Here To View Details


2.) On Air Personality (OAPs)

Click Here To View Details


3.) Traffic Officer

Click Here To View Details


4.) Cashier

Click Here To View Details


5.) Admin/Client Service Officer

Click Here To View Details


6.) Marketer

Click Here To View Details


7.) IT/Tech Officer

Click Here To View Details


8.) Engineer

Click Here To View Details


9.) AC and Electrical Technician

Click Here To View Details


10.) Social Media/Events Officer

Click Here To View Details


11.) Production/Music Officer

Click Here To View Details


12.) Sportscaster

Click Here To View Details


13.) Transmitter Engineer

Click Here To View Details


14.) Studio Engineer

Click Here To View Details


15.) Security Officer

Click Here To View Details


Application Closing Date

Not Specified.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send their Curriculum Vitae (CV) via email using the role as subject of the mail to: recruitment@coolwazobiainfo.com

Note: Only candidates in Onitsha and environs will be selected.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/28/wazobia-fm-fresh-graduate-exp-job-recruitment-2018/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned police bosses in the South-east not to interfere in the proposed sit-at-home protest fixed for Wednesday, saying they have no right to determine how Igbos choose to honour their fallen hero.

IPOB was reacting to a statement by the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Garba, in which he called on residents of Anambra State to disregard the order, adding that the group was outlawed and had not powers to order a sit at home protest.

The group through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, acknowledged that police bosses in all the states that make up the South-east were mostly from the North and had no powers to determine how the Igbos honoured their departed brothers.

He said: “All Fulani police commissioners that litter South-east must desist from commenting about this solemn occasion. Some of them have offered comments that we deem insulting to the memory of the dead.

“We don’t have a say about how they honour their victims of Boko Haram violence in core North and those killed by their fellow Fulani terrorists. We have chosen sit-at-home as the best way to say thank you to all our brave soldiers for what they did for us between 1967 to 1970.

“It will be crass insensitivity of the highest order for any Fulani police or army officer in the South-east to intrude upon our grief.”

The group insisted that the South-east and South-south, including other states marked out for the exercise would be locked down on May 30, and that nothing can stop it.

They urged every family, kindred, village, clan, towns across the length and breadth of Eastern region, Mid-West and Middle Belt to remain indoors from 6p.m. on Tuesday, May 29 to 6p.m on May 30.

It said it was expected that local and international observers would be on ground to monitor compliance and interview people of the region.

“All over the world in over 100 countries and territories, IPOB family meetings will gather to rally and offer prayers in memory of our heroes that sacrificed their lives that we may live.

“We owe our Biafran soldiers that fell in battle an eternal debt of gratitude which our annual sit-at-home is only but a minor but significant contribution this generation can make in acknowledgement and honour of their supreme sacrifice.”

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/28/stay-clear-of-our-sit-at-home-protest-ipob-warns-police/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has identified the rising influence of Financial Technology (FinTech) firms in providing financial services to consumers as a big threat to banking.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele stated this in Lagos during the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) investiture of Uche Olowu as its 20th President/ Chairman Council.

Digital financial technology, or FinTech, and particularly the global spread of mobile phones, has facilitated access to financial services by hard-to-reach populations and small businesses at low cost and risk.

Emefiele said: “Banking has a common threat. The enterprise risk posed by FinTech is real and there is need to be at the forefront of sensitising the banking sector about the real threats posed by FinTech.”

The CBN boss, represented by CBN Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Joseph Nnanna, said the apex bank would look into the threats posed by the FinTech to lender’s operations.

“The institute must not relent in bridging the knowledge gap among commercial, microfinance and mortgage banks. This is the time banks and the economy are facing cyber insecurity. The CBN will partner with CIBN to ensure that financial transactions are secured,” he said.

He called on CIBN to be at the forefront of sensitising bankers on the threat by FinTech. Emefiele said: “I also admonish the new president that you will remain focused and avoid omission risk. Do exactly what your predecessor has done; he reached out, he was a superb bridge builder. Up your ante as far as advocacy is concern. Advocacy should be your major focus, in addition to providing solution to the threat pose by FinTech.”

Olowu said the industry is contending with some challenges triggered by regulations, disruptive models and technologies.

He sees competition from FinTech and telecommunication firms as part of the issues the banking industry has to contend with.

“It’s a new dawn for banking in Nigeria because we are playing at the global stage.

‘’Findings by Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) showed that banking halls are getting less attractive to customers. Huge transactions now happen outside the banking halls, courtesy of rising influence of FinTech in taking financial services to customers.

‘’The NIBSS provides the infrastructure for automated processing, settlement of payments and fund transfer instructions between banks and card companies.’’

NIBSS Managing Director, Adebisi Shonubi, said banks-branch transactions had dropped by 25 per cent in the last one year, as more customers embrace electronic payment, especially Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology platforms.

Banking transactions are moving towards zero human interactions, saving cost and time for customers. The USSD is a Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication technology now deployed by banks to offer transfer services to their customers using Android phone.

Platforms that have taken chunks of banks’ businesses and profitability are: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, My Space, Tumblr, Instagram, Alibaba, Jumia, Konga, Supermart, Amazon, Square, Cellulant, Apple, Google, Visa and MasterCard.

Companies, such as Uber, Taxify and Airbnb, have developed radical business models that continue to surprise many institutions.

Secure online payments systems, such as PayPal and mobile payments and transfer solutions, are changing the ways in which payments for goods and services are made.

These firms are helping consumers to make payments, secure credits, and do things that banks consider impossible. They satisfy customers’ thirst for speed and variety, leaving banks struggling for customer loyalty.

Technology is rapidly reshaping financial services operations. Banks and FinTech companies have identified a shift in consumer behaviour towards digital channels. Rising acceptance of FinTech start-ups’ services by banks’ customers threatens lenders’ control of market space.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/23/rising-influence-of-fintech-big-threat-to-banks-says-emefiele/

The Nigerian Stock Exchange services the largest economy in Africa, and is championing the development of Africa’s financial markets. The Exchange offers listing and trading services, licensing services, market data solutions, ancillary technology services, and more. It is an open, professional and vibrant exchange, connecting Nigeria, Africa and the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Graduate Trainee

Location: Nationwide

Our Programme

The Nigerian Stock Exchange Graduate Trainee Programme (GTP) is an 11 month intensive program designed to groom talents locally and raise a new generation of leaders for the capital market and the Nigerian economy.
Combining theoretical insights and hands-on approach, the GTP offers you a unique opportunity to learn and grow your career in the capital market. Participants are provided an avenue to garner exposure and be mentored by professionals in different facets of the capital market and the finance industry.

Joining the GTP will position you on the right path to career success within our business. The Graduate Trainee is expected to be a logical and strategic thinker, proactive, tenacious, energetic, hard-working and possess positive attitude to work.
The Graduate Trainee shall also possess attributes of a team leader and player who is willing to lead the growth of the Capital Market in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa at large.

Eligibility Criteria

Graduates from Nigerian and Foreign Universities.
Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline.
Minimum of Second Class Upper Division (2.1).
Completion of NYSC between January 2017 and April, 2018.
Maximum age of 26 years by 31st December, 2017.

Application Closing Date

[/b]21st May, 2018.

[b]How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

https://e-recruiter.ng/portal/nse/details/6460

Read more @ https://www.financialwatchngr.com/nigerian-stock-exchange-graduate-trainee-programme-gtp-2018/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

A whopping $36.371billion was spent on the importation of petroleum products into the country in the last five years, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has said.

The apex bank made this disclosure yesterday in Abuja during a public hearing of the Hon. Datti Garba Muhammad- led House adhoc Committee on the investigating of the state of the country’s four Refineries, their Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) to date and regular/modular licensed refineries.

Director in-Charge of Research, Mr Ganiyu Amao, who led the CBN team to the session said excessive outflow of foreign exchange (forex) impedes the ability of the bank to stabilise the naira through intervention in the forex market.

According to him, a lot of pressure is exerted on the country’s external reserves causing the naira to depreciate.

Also yesterday, the ad hoc committee directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to present necessary information on the installed capacity, volume of crude supply and output, and the TAM of the four refineries within 24 hours.

Members of the Committee such as Wole Oke (PDP, Osun), and Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), were of the opinion that rather than the one week given by the chairman of the committee, 24hours was enough for “a highly organised Corporation like the NNPC and should be able to provide such info upon request”.

While making his presentation, Amao said: “Data from the CBN show that from 2013 to 2017, a total of forex committed to imports in the country stood at $119.409billion, while the total forex committed to imports in the oil sector stood at $36.371billion, representing 13.5per cent of all imports made by the country.

“It greatly exerts serious pressure on our external reserve and depreciates the value of our local currency.”

According to him, domestic fuel consumption rose from 4.5 million metric tons (MT) to 23.9million metric tons in 2013, and dropped to 2.6million MT in 2016, adding that a policy that compels International Oil companies (IOCs) to refine at least half of the crude that they produce for domestic consumption, is favoured by the apex bank.

Hon. Muhammad (APC, Kaduna), and members of the panel however frowned at the inability of the NNPC, to provide relevant documents the lawmakers demanded.

The lawmakers said it was apparent some of the invited stakeholders were trying to shortchange the investigation by holding back needed and necessary documents.

He said: “Only a few organisations and individuals have complied with the committee’s request for documents and memoranda as many are bent on frustrating the investigation to this regard.’’

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/fuel-importation-costs-nigeria-36-371b-cbn/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

The Police has said successful candidates after the physical screening in the recruitment exercise would undergo written aptitude test which would be conducted by Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The police explained that they decided to engage the service of JAMB so as to ensure transparency and also get the best out of the candidates.

Candidates who would be recruited into the Police Force will also undergo drug, psychological and other test.

The screening process which would lead to the selection of the best 6000 out of over 133,000 applicants shortlisted will commence nationwide on Monday.

To ensure smooth process of the exercise, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has warned Commissioners of Police and other senior officers with various roles during the screening to be thorough and ensure that the exercise is devoid of corrupt practices.

The warning is contained in a statement in Abuja on Saturday by the Force Spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood.

It reads: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Training and Development, DIG Emmanuel Inyang has addressed Commissioners of Police and other Senior Officers nominated to serve as Heads of Police Recruitment Screening Committee in the 37 Commands of the Federation and warned them to be thorough and above board and ensure that the screening exercise which will commence with effect from Monday 7th May, 2018 is smooth, hitch free and devoid of any form of corrupt practice.”

The Police Chief warned officers that will be participating in the screening exercise to remain impartial and ensure transparency.

On the various tests that the candidates would undergo, Moshood said: “Medical examination will be conducted for each candidate in the following areas before final selection; Visual assessment which covers far and near visual acuity, binocular vision, colour vision, visual field testing and pathology.

“General medical test which covers blood pressure, sugar, body mass index, hepatitis b and c, HIV screening, Tuberculosis, antigen in serum and pregnancy test (for women only).

“Psychological evolution of the candidates which covers psychological interview, personality and integrity as well as drug screening.”

The Pokice chief also directed that the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Training and Development should embark on monitoring and assessment of the exercise throughout the 36 States and the FCT to ensure that the exercise is carried out in line with best practices.

The Police while advising candidates to be of good conduct throughout the exercise added that candidates and members of the general public with information on any improper practice should call the following phone numbers: 08076036011, 08037036257, 08034360919, 08037855951, 08065823054, and 08036753589.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/06/jamb-to-conduct-aptitude-test-for-police-recruitment/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

The police have said that the 133,324 candidates shortlisted for recruitment into the Force will undergo a psychological evaluation, HIV and Hepatitis screening while the females would also be subjected to a pregnancy test.

The Force warned participating officers to be impartial and ensure transparency during the exercise which would commence on Monday across the country.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, in a statement on Saturday, warned the state commands to be thorough, be above board and ensure that the exercise is smooth, hitch-free and devoid of any form of corrupt practices.

For the first time, the police boss said successful candidates, after the physical screening, would undergo a written aptitude test to be conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board to ensure transparency and get the best out of the candidates.

Furthermore, the police said medical examination would be conducted for each candidate in visual assessment which covers far and near visual acuity, binocular vision, colour vision, visual field testing and pathology.

“General medical test, which covers blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index, Hepatitis B and C, HIV screening, tuberculosis, antigen in serum and pregnancy test (for women only). Others include psychological evaluation of the candidates, which covers psychological interview, personality and integrity as well as drug screening will be conducted on the candidates,” the statement added.

The statement further indicated that the IG had directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Training and Development to monitor and assess the exercise in all the states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure the conduct of the exercise in line with best practices.

“Candidates are advised to be of good conduct throughout the exercise,” it further indicated.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/06/police-recruitment-candidates-to-undergo-mental-hiv-tests/

The security of Africa and its democratic growth lies on the shoulders of Nigeria, writes Nancy Lindborg who is the President of the U.S. Institute of Peace, the piece was published on thehill.com which is a top media in the United States.

Read below why she says Democracy and security in Africa depend on Nigeria:

When Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari met with President Trump on Monday, much attention was paid to the importance of counterterror efforts and economic investments that will help the country continue its climb out of its deep recession.

These are both critical areas for U.S. focus and assistance, but will not ultimately be sufficient to resolve Nigeria’s internal and regional security challenges. With Nigeria’s pivotal 2019 elections looming, the United States’ support for and cooperation with Nigeria must address the root causes of its constant instability and not just the immediate security threats.

It was appropriate that President Buhari was the first sub-Saharan African leader to have an Oval Office visit with President Trump. Nigeria is the largest democracy on the continent and continues to be a bellwether for democracy and good governance across Africa.

It also has the largest economy with a rapidly growing population — half under the age of 30 — that will propel it to become the fourth most populous country in the world by 2050.

It is a key U.S. ally and partner, both economically and in security operations against rising terror threats. In short, it is too big to fail.

The Boko Haram scourge has been well documented as it raged through the three northeastern states of Nigeria. However, a new wave of pastoralist-farmer conflicts are escalating in the Middle Belt of the country and now threaten to touch nearly every state, claiming more lives this year than Boko Haram.

The combination of rising demographic pressures and environmental changes have pitted herders against farmers in a contest for scarce resources that is exacerbated by an infusion of armed criminals who are not bound by traditional conflict resolution methods with an underpowered police force to provide citizen security. This lack of accountability and security is a crippling combination that turns people away from government.

Conflicts roiling within Nigeria’s borders have already spilled into neighboring countries and threaten to undermine not just Nigeria’s security, but the entire region — with implications for global security.

There has been important progress in fighting Boko Haram since the height of their attacks. But just last Friday, the media reported yet another fatal suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri, reminding us that the core grievances and overall allure of Boko Haram remain potent and alive. Military action is important but will not ultimately resolve the Boko Haram threat nor the spreading herder-farmer conflicts.

Without meaningful steps to curb corruption and create a more responsive, inclusive government, inter-communal conflicts, extremism and rising criminality will continue to undermine the progress and potential of this regional giant.

Alongside any U.S. security assistance and economic investments, there must be assistance for strengthening a police force that serves the communities, a judiciary that delivers accountability and both assistance and insistence on peaceful elections, especially as the country gears up for presidential and state elections in February 2019.

Last week in Nigeria, I heard about the important efforts that some of the states are taking to establish better mechanisms for resolving conflicts and I saw many heartening examples of resilient communities who banded together to fight off Boko Haram, solve clashes between pastoralists and farmers and bridge divides, as with the youth and the police.

In the middle-belt Nigerian state of Plateau, I joined an unlikely group of youth, religious and traditional leaders and police officers to celebrate the rebuilding of a police station that had been burned to the ground. In fact, it was burned down two years ago by the very youth now standing side by side with the police, out of their frustration and a deep sense of injustice.

This event was the result of an intensive 18-month dialogue that brought this community together and enabled them to address long simmering grievances, rebuild trust and identify solutions. The police officers were welcomed participants that afternoon, instead of mistrusted opponents. These are powerful stories of the resilience and optimism that exists at the community level in Nigeria.

But community action alone cannot solve the decades of conflict in Nigeria. Deeper issues such as corruption, systemic marginalization and an ingrained lack of government responsiveness to its people, have all contributed to conflicts that undermine basic security and trust in the government, spark violence and result in devastating humanitarian crises.

Nigeria’s democracy is vibrantly alive, with a rowdy, free media and a restive, engaged citizenry. I was impressed throughout my visit by youth, women, community, faith and state leaders who are working to address the chronic violent conflicts that plague Nigeria. Their voices need to be heard and amplified to hold the political class accountable. It will be vitally important for the United States to continue to invest in their efforts as well.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/05/democracy-security-in-africa-depend-on-nigeria-foreign-media/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

Minister Plenipotentiary Head of Mission Embassy of Argentina Elena Mikusinski has stated that Nigeria’s export to Argentina in 2017 stood at $463 million.

Elena Mikusinski disclosed this in Abuja during the launch of a new edition of Malbec World Day Wines Exposition organized and coordinated by the Embassy of Argentina in Nigeria.

Elena further stated that Argentina’s export to Nigeria stood at $86 million, while he added that the country plans to increase its presence in Nigeria, especially in the area of wine production.

According to him, through wine production the country would be playing a major role in creating jobs opportunities for young Nigerians.

Ms Mikusinski said Malbec grape variety is usually associated with Argentina wines since it is the most grown stock in the country, Argentina is the fifth world wine producer and one of the main wine exporting countries in the world.

She added that Malbec wine is the most important wine producing region in the country with over 80% of Malbec wines, it is going to create jobs opportunities in Nigeria, we are also working a lot with Nigerian Farmers to see how we can boost bilateral relations in both countries

While acknowledging the challenges of youth restiveness and unemployment, She stressed the need for stakeholders to confront the challenge with innovative thinking, using Argentina wines.

The celebration commemorates the day that the Argentina President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento asked agronomist Michel Aime Pouget, also known as Miguel Pouget to bring new varieties to Argentina. Among them the Malbec was found.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/03/nigeria-exported-goods-worth-463-million-to-argentina-in-2017

China’s central bank said Thursday that it has inked a currency swap agreement with its counterpart in Nigeria.

The agreement will allow the two sides to swap a total of 15 billion Chinese yuan (2.35 billion dollars) for 720 billion Nigerian naira, or vice versa, in the next three years, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said on its website.

The move is aimed at facilitating bilateral trade and investment and promoting the financial stability of both sides, the PBOC said. The deal can be extended by mutual consent.

A currency swap deal allows two institutions to exchange payments in one currency for equivalent amounts in the other to facilitate bilateral trade settlements and provide liquidity support to financial markets.

In 2014, the CBN’s deputy governor, Kingsley Moghalu, said the bank was looking to increase the percentage of Yuan foreign reserves in its possession from two per cent to seven per cent.

According to him, 85 per cent of its foreign reserves were in dollars and it needed to have more in Chinese Yuan, as the country was taking a more important place in global trade.

“It was clear to us that the future of international economics and trade will shift in large part to business with and by China. Ultimately the renminbi (Yuan) is likely to become a global convertible currency,” Moghalu said.

Since 2014, the world market has recognised the Yuan as a likely global reserve currency, a replacement for the dollar, which has led countries like Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe to integrate the renminbi (Yuan) into their financial markets.

As a result of this, trade (however imbalanced) has increased between certain countries on the continent and China, as well as providing a fertile ground for demand for the currency on the continent.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/03/nigeria-china-finally-seal-the-yuan-deal/

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

PVCs don't vote individuals, it only votes in political parties. If you want to vote individuals, join a party and become a delegate!

Mynd44, Lalasticlala, Seun

The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes has called on state governments to establish anti-corruption agencies in order to make the fight against corruption all encompassing.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Kayode Oladele (Ogun-APC), said this during a visit to the National Assembly by participants of the first certificate course in corruption prevention of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN).

Oladele said that if the country must succeed in the fight against corruption, the campaign must be taken and implemented at all tiers of government.

“Corruption is a global phenomenon, and the laws we have in Nigeria on corruption are international laws.

“We now see that even some state governments have taken the issue of anti-corruption seriously and it is important that state governments educate their people on this.

“I want to commend the Kano state government for establishing a public complaints and anti-corruption commission to fight corruption in the state.

“We urge other states to establish such agencies. If you look at what we are currently doing, it is about prevention which is better and cheaper than to investigate and prosecute.

“It is important that state governments educate citizens on the ills of corruption,’’ the lawmaker said.

He emphasised that there could be no development in any society ridden by corruption.

“If a society is corrupt there will be wide gap between development and growth

“We want to make sure that this country develops, and in doing that, we have to let the people know that corruption is one of the problems.

“It is often said that when you fight corruption, it fights back. What it simply means is that agents of corruption are more potent than the agents of anti-corruption,’’ Oladele said.

He further stressed the importance of demonstrating the political will to fight corruption.

According to him, it brings about equality in the distribution of wealth and anti-corruption agencies operate without fear or favour.

“If the Federal Government does not have that political will to fight corruption, why are we just having the first set of participants when ICPC was established more than 10 years ago,’’ Oladele said.

Contributing, a member of the committee, Rep. Razak Atunwa canvassed for the removal of immunity on corrupt issues for elected officials who enjoy it.

“I don’t believe there should be immunity to investigate anyone for stealing because they ought not to steal in the first place but here we are the constitution prescribes immunity for them.

“If you commit a crime it is not in furtherance in execution of your duty, you are on the frolic of your own

“Again my interpretation is that immunity from prosecution is not immunity from investigation.

“There should be powers to investigate whoever and whenever he leaves office you prosecute him,’’ Atunwa said.

Earlier, the Deputy Provost of ACAN, Mr Kayode Adedayo, said the visit was part of the programmes lined up for the participants to be educated on corruption prevention.

The participants were drawn from various government agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria Ports Authority and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/03/reps-okays-states-to-establish-anti-graft-agencies/

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The Federal Government has launched Startup Nigeria, a three-month incubation program designed to support local entrepreneurs with great innovative ideas to create viable products, go to market and gain traction.

Startup Nigeria is an intervention of the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) under the Office of the Vice President as part of the program to support private sector innovation hubs for the strategic increase of entrepreneurial and technological capacity across Nigeria.

The programme is aimed at any individual/ start-up with an idea or a solution in agriculture and governance in the North-Central region and commerce/FinTech in the South-Eastern region. It will provide training, mentorship and equity free funding to selected startups, with a specially curated curriculum designed specifically to help idea and early stage entrepreneurs find their footing and grow in Nigeria’s socio-economic terrain. Startup Nigeria gives founders the needed leverage to excel.

The curriculum is designed to help idea and early-stage entrepreneurs find their footing and grow within Nigeria’s ultra-competitive socio-economic terrain.

Final deadline for application for the programme, which covers training, mentorship and equity-free funding to selected start-ups in two geo-political zones of the country, is 5 May.

The zones cover 12 states including FCT targeting 20 start-ups across four sectors. The states are FCT, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi.

Start-ups that miss out on being selected for the incubation programme can still access support in business model generation, customer acquisition and other business engineering skills from Startup Nigeria representatives. Those at the idea stage can also apply to participate in a hackathon that could secure them entry into the incubation programme, while those with MVP – Minimum Viable Product – in listed sectors can apply directly.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/03/fg-launches-startup-nigeria-to-promote-agribusiness/

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned telcos against practices that inflict pains on their subscribers.

The regulator wants carriers including MTN, Globacom, Airtel and 9mobile to desist from cheating the about 150 million active subscribers in the country through their services.

Speaking during the 37th edition of Consumer Town Hall Meeting (CTM) in Epe, a Lagos suburb, at the weekend, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau at the NCC, Mrs. Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, said the regulator will continue to provide a conducive regulatory environment to ensure that telcos do well. She added that the telcos too must reciprocate the gesture by playing their role in ensuring that subscribers get value for their money.

She thanked the traditional leaders and their subjects for turning out in their large numbers to lodge their complaints about telecoms services rendered in their community.

The forum had: Information and Education as a Catalyst for Consumer Protection as theme.

Onwueguchulam, who promised that NCC would look into all the issues raised, appealed to service providers to stop every activities capable of eroding the confidence of telecoms subscribers.

The director urged the operators to look into activities which amount to cheating of subscribers.

According to her, NCC has developed series of initiatives that would empower the consumers and ensure that their rights are fully protected. She encouraged consumers to subscribe to the 622/2442 Don Not Disturb (DND) code, where they can stop unsolicited messages.

Most of the participants at the meeting complained bitterly about the poor quality of service (QoS) in the area. They lament that development has become so embarrassing.

The subscribers complaints ranged from data, airtime depletion, unauthorised auto renewal, call drops, unresponsive customer care, illegal deductions, poor QoS and others.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/05/01/ncc-warns-mtn-airtel-glo-others-against-dubious-practices/

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Rafat Salami, the Secretary of the FCT Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), has called on the Federal Government to declare state of emergency on the media industry in order to check the maltreatment of journalists.

She made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Salami, who participated in the recent convention of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, described the nonpayment of salaries by most media owners as unfortunate.

“It is a threat to the survival of democracy.

“It is so sickening that there are journalists here in Abuja who have not been paid salaries for over 30 months.

“Some were laid off without getting a dime.

“We have seen journalists who have moved from one media organisation to another for over four years, hoping to be getting salaries and none of them is being paid.

“The Federal Government should step in and declare a state of emergency on the media industry.

“When the media is not performing optimally, the nation suffers.

“In many negotiations I have been involved in, I told them that it is in the interest of the journalist for all businesses and media houses to thrive.

“But do not enslave us,” she said.

Salami, who accused the media owners of breach of contract by not paying salaries, said “it is a sin not to pay workers their salaries and other allowances.’’

“How can you sleep knowing that you have not paid your staff salaries for many months? Many of the media owners seem not to have conscience any more.

“If NUJ wants to close down media houses that are not paying salaries, we will be closing down about 90 per cent of private media houses in this country,” she said.

She, however, urged journalists to always report the truth regardless of who was involved, saying “that is a core value of journalism.’’

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/04/30/nuj-cries-out-over-harassment-of-journalists/

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The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has said Nigerians are exporting goods worth over $40bn informally every year.

The Executive Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Mr. Segun Awolowo, stated this in Lagos on Friday during a visit to the President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, Chief Alaba Lawson.

According to him, a lot of goods are moving from Nigeria to other African countries without being documented.

He said the council had initially estimated such trade as $8bn annually, but going by the calculation of the International Trade Centre in Geneva, over $40bn worth of goods were informally exported.

Awolowo worried that this informal trade did not reflect on the economy and sought the NACCIMA’s collaboration to formalise the trade.

He said, “We want to work with NACCIMA to formalise this informal trade. We have to work with your chambers in all the states of the federation. We have to give these small business owners incentives that will make it better for them to do business.”

According to him, in order to aid small businesses, the Federal Government has introduced the Export Development Fund, a pre-shipment incentive that will help start-ups to grow and export.

Awolowo said the council had concluded plans to organise buyers market all over the world for Nigerian products.

He also sought NACCIMA’s collaboration in driving the zero oil plan, an initiative that would make Nigeria survive in a world economy without selling oil.

He said, “We have 11 non-oil sectors where we can earn foreign exchange and one of them is the petrochemical sector, which is a $150bn global market.

“Nigeria is not playing in this market because it is importing; but we are a petrol economy and that is where the paradox lies.”

According to him, the private sector has taken up the challenge of playing in the petrochemical market.

Alaba-Lawson on her part said that stronger collaboration between NEPC and NACCIMA would be feasible and fruitful.

She appreciated the council’s usual support and its readiness to sponsor 10 Small and Medium Enterprises to attend the 22nd American Food and Beverage Show and Conference slated for October in Miami, United States of America.

The show, according to her, is an opportunity for Nigerian goods to penetrate the global market and create market for the SMEs in line with NEPC’s vision to make the world a market place for Nigerian products.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/04/29/nepc-says-nigerians-unofficially-exporting-40bn-goods-annually/

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President Muhammadu Buhari should be ready for a probe on arms purchase by his government if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wins next year’s presidential election.

Atiku personally served notice of the probe yesterday while featuring on BBC Hausa Service.

Although the former vice president hailed the Buhari administration for checking the security challenge in the Northeast, he expressed disappointment that the insurgency has taken this long.

He wondered why the military has been unable to defeat the terror sect, Boko Haram, after much expenditure on arms.

He also shed light on his exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I want to be the president of Nigeria because I would be able to do things I could not do as vice president,” Atiku said.

“I will investigate how the government was unable to defeat Boko Haram for years. I will also investigate the procurement of arms bought by this administration.

“Eight years after, Nigerian government is still fighting Boko Haram whose members are not professionally trained.”

Atiku spoke against the background of the ongoing spat between the Presidency and the National Assembly over Buhari’s payment of $496million for the purchase of 12 Tucano military aircraft from the United States of America before seeking the consent of the National Assembly.

Both chambers of the National Assembly are up in arms against Buhari on the matter, saying his action breached Sections 80 (1-4) of the 1999 Constitution.

On anti-corruption figh, Atiku said his approach would be different from Buhari’s who, according to him, is protecting some of the people that should be prosecuted.

His words: “there are people who are untouchable, they are doing things that are not in order but they are being shielded by the government.

“If elected Nigeria’s president, my administration will not spare anybody. When I was in power, none of my relatives or friends was found wanting.”

He recalled the role he played in the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“I was the person that sourced for the takeoff funds for the EFCC,” he said.

Asked about his purported ban by the US government from visiting the country, Atiku said: “I requested for visa, they said it is under administrative process.

“I’m not desperate to travel to America. I don’t have any investment there. The house I bought for my wife years back, she sold the house.

“I don’t have anything to do in America. It’s my tradition, I buy houses for my wives but for me, I don’t need it.”

He said the ‘ban’ would not in any way affect his ambition to rule Nigeria.

“It’s not by going to America that qualifies one to be a president; it’s not in our Constitution,” he argued.

He said youths would be favoured by him if he becomes president as 40 per cent of his ministers will be young Nigerians.

On why he dumped the APC, Atiku said: “”The APC started on a wrong footing after President Buhari assumed office.

“After 2015 general election, I met the president. I told him the activities of the party had been crippled and there was a need for restructure.

“Also, the way the government was being run; I made my suggestions but it seemed they were deemed not important to them.

“I said to him, if things continue like this, I will quit but Buhari ignored it.”

Atiku resigned from the APC last November to rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on which platform he became vice president in 1999.

https://www.financialwatchngr.com/2018/04/29/atiku-vows-to-probe-buharis-arms-expenditure/

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