Some domestic carriers have jerked up fares into northern routes from Lagos and Abuja ostensibly because of the Sallah celebration and the two-day public holiday declared by the Federal Government.

Fares to routes, such as Kaduna, Maiduguri, Yola, Sokoto, Jos, and Abuja, have gone up because of the capacity of the few operators on some of affected routes.

Passenger traffic between Thursday and Friday on the routes increased as airlines were battling to resolve overbooking challenges.

A visit to the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport on Friday revealed that airfares for a one-way trip for economy seat, which was between N24,000 and N30,000 last month, has gone up to N48,000 on the Lagos-Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Maiduguri routes.

Airlines that operate into these routes are Aero, Arik, Air Peace, AZMAN Air, Medview Airlines, Overland Airways and Dana Air.

Investigations revealed that bookings for various economy seats, whether premium, deluxe and flexible cabin, were fully booked, with the inscription “No Seat” on major airlines’ websites.

It was gathered that some passengers had made bookings and paid for their seats many weeks ahead to escape the high fares being offered for the few seats available for recent bookings.

A travel agent with Finish Travels, Akin Oyero, said some Nigerians are travelling, despite the economic downturn.

He said rush periods, such as Sallah, provides opportunity for airlines to raise fares.

He said: “The load factors of these locations are almost full for tomorrow and next. Nigerians are resilient and love to travel just to celebrate with their love ones.

“Airlines leverage festive periods, such as Sallah to make up for their lost revenues during non-festive periods. As such, Medview Airline, which is the major airline that plies northern routes have seized this opportunity to generate revenues.

“Abuja route is equally experiencing high demand and airlines are leveraging this to also charge high fares. Airfares for Eastern part of Nigeria have remained relatively stable,” the travel agent added.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/domestic-airlines-raise-fares-on-major-routes/

Space booked...

Thtas HGUE

Noted...

rodeo0070:
Eko o ni baje o

O baje tiiiii

Despite the awareness being created by financial institutions on financial inclusion, it has been revealed that over 40 million Nigerians still do not keep their money in the bank.


This revelation was made by the Head, Retail Banking Business of Diamond Bank, Robert Giles, at a workshop/press conference panel on Making Digital Financial Service for Women in Lagos.

According to Giles, “There are 40 million unbanked people in Nigeria and 60 per cent of them are women. Women are the most financially excluded in our society. But whenever they come into the financial system, they stay with you for a longer time than men. That is why at Diamond Bank, our lending rates are cheaper for women than men.

“When female customers come on board, money does not come in and out, they tend to save for the future. On the average, only about 25 per cent of bank accounts are owned by women, and at Diamond Bank, we have managed to take it to 40 per cent.”
The Head of Retail Banking Business, however, admitted that women don’t like coming to the bank, and that they would rather prefer to face their businesses, which is why Diamond Bank decided to take the bank to them.

“We have succeeded in taking the bank to them. Our target is to make women 50 per cent of our customers. With our children’s saving scheme, we’ve been able to attract more women to banking. They are the chief security of the house and they ensure the children get the much needed education by saving for the future,” he enthused.

Also speaking on how to draw the attention of more women into the financial digital services, the Chief Public Development Officer, Women’s World Banking, Anna Gincherman, said women represent the unbanked and under-banked in the world in spite of being managers of their household.

She said: “Research had proven that in most countries, women manage the finances of the house; they therefore have a huge influence on the social impact of a country.

“We are here on how to make digital financial services work better for women. Women barely have time because of their job and duties at home, so we have to take banking and financial services to them, and educate them on how it would make their life and their family better.”

SOURCE : https://brandspurng.com/over-40m-nigerians-still-dont-bank-their-money/

Procter and Gamble is the largest FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company in the world with strong brands like Pampers, Ariel, Always, Gillette, Oral B just to name a few. We have been in existence for over 176 years globally and 21 years in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Graduate Internship Program

Ref No: IME00000356
Location: Lagos

Summary

The Internship drive is for fresh graduates who have NOT commenced their National Youth Service (NYSC) and have at least 7 months from now before starting NYSC (i.e. would not start NYSC until at least March 2018). Our aim is to pre-select exceptional fresh graduates for internship openings in P&G.
This opening is not limited to any specific field of study. The job openings cover departments like Sales, Supply Network Operations, Brand/Marketing, Consumer Market Knowledge, Human Resources e.t.c. Successful candidates will be considered for openings across Procter & Gamble departments in Lagos. Note that no specific field of study is required for any specific department.

Qualifications

This opening is not limited to any specific field of study, but for fresh graduates only, who have at least 7 months before starting NYSC i.e. is not starting NYSC any time before March 2018.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:

http://www.careersnig.com/2017/09/procter-and-gamble-fresh-graduate.html?m=1

-----------------------------------------------------


We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Procter & Gamble Ordinary National Diploma (OND) Internship

Job ID: IME00000360
Location: Lagos

Job Description

The Internship drive is for recent OND graduates looking to have their 1 year industrial attachment in Procter & Gamble.
This opening is not limited to any specific field of study. The job openings cover departments like Sales, Supply Network Operations, Brand/Marketing, Consumer Market Knowledge, Human Resources e.t.c. Successful candidates will be considered for openings across Procter & Gamble departments in Lagos.

Qualifications

This opening is not limited to any specific field of study, but for fresh OND graduates looking to have their 1 year industrial attachment in Procter & Gamble

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

http://www.careersnig.com/2017/09/procter-gamble-ordinary-national.html?m=1


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Space booked..

British American Tobacco (www.bat.com) is a market leading, global organisation with a long, established history and a bright and dynamic future. Thanks to our people we have continued to deliver growth and exceed expectations in an increasingly complex and challenging marketplace.


If you have the talent and motivation to help us succeed you’ll find we are equally committed to helping you reach your full potential too.

External Affairs Manager

Job TypeFull Time
QualificationBA/BSc/HND
Experience5 years
LocationAbuja
Job FieldMedia / Advertising / Branding
Job number: 17666BR
Location: Abuja
Appointment type: Permanent

Job Purpose and Key Deliverables

British American Tobacco has an exciting opportunity for an External Affairs Manager to join our team in Abuja.
The role holder will have:

To contribute to sustainability at an end market level by shaping the business environment through the planning and execution of campaigns designed to deliver the preferred regulatory future as defined by the Area.
To ensure that BAT Nigeria maintains a seat at the table with key government stakeholders and takes a leading role as appropriate within the industry as well as amongst key allies on tobacco control issues such as regulations, fiscal policies, trade -related issues and illicit trade.
To contribute to the achievement of business objectives by ensuring balanced regulatory policies and identifying opportunities to support the business agenda in Nigeria.
Key Responsibilities
Business:

Work with the Head of Government Affairs to ensure that regulation (including tobacco regulations, fiscal policies, trade related issues and illicit trade]) is a core part of the development of our business strategy and business planning fully reflects the reality of the tobacco control environment, thereby providing the basis for future business sustainability.
Support the Head of Government Affairs in ensuring that there is a clear, actionable view of the regulatory future, highlighting priority issues, as an outcome of the markets business planning process.
Develop and execute regulatory campaign plans, to achieve desired regulatory outcomes and financial impact mitigation for immediate issues. This may include activities designed to balance public debate where appropriate.
Prepare all reports in view of regulatory engagements and the Area reporting cycle.
Drive stakeholder-mapping process for Nigeria and stakeholder engagement on key regulatory issues such as, Tobacco Regulations, Fiscal Policies, trade related issues and illicit trade.
Deploy all Area regulatory strategies regarding tobacco regulations, excise, illicit trade and trade-related issues.
Deploy effective early warning system in Nigeria – that is, effective monitoring of the regulatory environment in Nigeria and the ECOWAS Trade Bloc.
Provide support to BAT Nigeria on regulatory issues, ensuring and coordinating the involvement of expertise from other functions within the company.
Play an active role in ensuring that all company activities comply with relevant standards and regulations; to challenge non-compliance where appropriate and to ensure that legal consultation occurs as necessary
People:

Build and maintain effective relationships and networks with stakeholders influencing the regulatory environment to create a dialogue platform where the company can effectively communicate its views on tobacco control.
Collaborate with other functions within LEX such as, Corporate Affairs, Regulations and Litigation to ensure regulatory issues are properly addressed.
Work effectively as part of the wider Area network of External Affairs Managers, constantly raising issues to the zone to ensure alignment and leveraging above-market resources to maximise quality of approach.
Ensure that the Head of Government Affairs is informed always of regulatory developments that may impact on business results.

Manage cooperation with key industry associations, ensuring effective action on issues of mutual interest.
Provide support to other functions and the business on all regulation issues.
Coordinate External Affairs activities in Nigeria in collaboration with other functions.
Essential Requirements

Educated to Degree level
Ideally a minimum of 5 years’ experience in either marketing management (including brand campaign development and execution), CORA/Legal (with a government/regulatory aspect) or political affairs
Excellent communication skills – a credible advocate of BAT interests
Thorough understanding of the business including the wider industry
Aptitude for engaging credibly across functions internally and building networks/relationships with key stakeholders internally and externally
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
In depth and up to date knowledge of local political and policy-making processes
Ability to apply project management principles to campaign execution
Management/leadership skills – motivating others to act
Desirable requirements:

Ability to think strategically and tactically around regulatory issues
Cross functional appreciation of the business – Marketing, Operations, Finance and Legal and External Affairs
Understanding of the tobacco industry and its political, social and economic environment
Active interest in business, tobacco and tobacco control issues, aptitude for absorbing information and intuitive application to the debate
Appreciation/understanding of political affairs – e.g., policy making processes and government procedures
Ability to empathise with stakeholders & use insights to formulate campaign approach.

Transport Service Centre Manager

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: BA/BSc/HND
Experience: 5 years
Location: Oyo
Job Field: Logistics
Job number: 17221BR
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Appointment type: Permanent

Job Purpose and Key Deliverables

British American Tobacco has an exciting opportunity for a Transport Service Centre Manager to join our team in Ibadan.
Purpose Statement

To develop and manage the implementation of physical Logistics strategies across the area. In doing so, take full Management accountability for Logistics related activities (both Financial and Service) and provide direction to ensure responsiveness to market changes, secure market supply, ensure achievement of optimal utilisation of resources and meet performance targets.
To implement policies, procedures and guidelines in line with the Regional Strategic objectives and business focus, culminating in effective management of the key processes in the Integrated Logistics functions within BATWAA.
The role holder will ensure that logistics business objectives are achieved and provided to the customers and the factory using the right logistics capabilities. This will include the management of strategic outsource partners such as BAT’s Warehouse partners across West Africa, 3PL Suppliers in Cameroon & Ghana, Distributor in Nigeria via Secondary supply chain. Managing Spare parts vendors via flawless execution of planning and inventory management.
Responsible for the execution of Logistics and will focus on the Primary network i.e. BATWAA Operations, but the role will also be responsible for identifying opportunities to link the primary and secondary logistics networks in Nigeria, Ghana & Cameroon.
Drive the implementation of the regional logistics strategy within BATWAA and share best practice across both the regional logistics community.
To be accountable for and manage all Logistics Services in BAT Ghana, BAT Cameroon & Factory Logistics in Nigeria.
To provide tactical direction to the logistics services providers in Ghana & Cameroon to enable the delivery of significant savings in transport spend
To drive and key change and integration initiatives in logistics to deliver integrated and cost effective logistics solutions across and within the BATWAA transport network.
To contribute to the development of the end-to-end supply chain strategy for logistics in BATWAA by driving logistics integration of suppliers, contracts, performance and processes.
To support a balanced score card approach to performance measurement with standardised supplier metrics such as OTIF (on time in full, transport cost per mille) and appropriate behaviours in BATWAA to obtain unified performance measures and consistent high level of service.
To fully understand TM& D (Secondary supply chain) business requirements and translate this into required logistics capabilities for integration
To drive compliance to BAT EHS policies and procedures in all the Warehouses and Logistics operations
To embrace a leadership style that enables alignment across the end to end supply chain (operations, commercial / end market, supply, demand, finance, security etc) in BATWAA.
To build change capability across the local logistics community, the suppliers and logistics by demonstrating awareness, listening and proactive change impact / risk management.
To drive a culture whereby absolute control of the Logistics process is of paramount importance.
To lead the engagement with all internal and external bodies in all aspects of Logistics compliance.
To ensure a culture of trust and partnership/collaboration is always maintained with the relevant 3PLs.
To provide training, development and coaching of direct report
To own the executional interface with 3rd party logistics service providers, for all factory logistics activities, in BAT Ghana & Cameroon
To manage the performance of the Transportation Service Centre working within BATWAA looking into factory logistics, BAT Ghana logistics & BAT Cameroon logistics
To ensure contractual commitments of the suppliers are delivered and exceeded, managed via clearly defined governance structure (target, performance, support).
To manage the integrity of the Logistics process and system and compliance aspects with providers of 3rd party Logistics services
To ensure contracts are completed for all relevant agreements and that SLA’s (Service Level Agreements) have been agreed with the relevant business owner.
Monitor and report performance of the suppliers and use the information for benchmarking the logistics process against the best and other OPCO’s to improve performance.
Essential Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in logistics at a Senior Management level in FMCG industry (preferable)
Strong leadership skills
Excellent communication and analytical skills
Desirable requirements:

Knowledge of French language
Method of Application

Use the path below where the link(s) to apply on the site is present:

https://brandspurng.com/job-opportunities-at-british-american-tobacco-nigeria-batn/

Prudential Life Insurance, a leading life insurance company in the world, has acquired majority stake in Zenith Life Insurance company in Nigeria.


A source in Zenith Life Insurance told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday that the deal was consummated in July.

He said that the deal affirmed Prudential’s commitment to Africa after its launch of businesses in Ghana and Kenya in 2014, Uganda in 2015 and Zambia in 2016.

The source said that Zenith International Insurance just introduced its new majority shareholder to the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance brokers at a members’ evening in Lagos.

At the meeting, Mr Chuks Ingumbor, the Managing Director of Zenith Life, was quoted as saying that his company was proud to be a member of Prudential Group.

“Zenith Life is proud to be part of an international brand and is looking to deepen Insurance penetration in Nigeria by continuing its existing relationship with the broker community, while also launching its retail proposition.”

Mr Okunoren, the NCRIB President, commended Zenith Life for its level of level of service it had displayed in its dealings with brokers and look forward to working with a stronger entity.

Zenith Life was incorporated in 2001 and had N6.6 billion assets and gross premium of N3.3 billion as at December 2016.

Prudential PLC and its affiliated companies constitute one of the world’s leading financial services group with 2.4 million Insurance customers with 599 billion pounds of assets.

It was founded in London in 1848.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/prudential-life-insurance-acquires-major-stake-in-zenith-life-insurance/

Nestlé and Ashoka have today invited submissions for its 2018 Creating Shared Value (CSV) Prize, worth up to 500,000 Swiss Franc.


This is even as the CEO, Mark Schneider has expressed delight at the value creation progress in the first half of 2017, which includes solid operational improvements as well as portfolio management choices and decision to increase balance sheet efficiency.

The CSV Prize is open to social enterprises, commercial enterprises and nonprofit entities. Applicants have a chance of winning a cash prize of CHF 400,000 to help grow their business further, a pitch opportunity at the World Water Forum in Brasil in 2018 and a prestigious Ashoka Fellowship.

The Prize, launched in 2010, is a business-oriented initiative to help address challenges in nutrition, water and rural development supporting Nestlé’s purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future.

This year, Nestlé has partnered with Ashoka, the world’s leading network of systems-changing social entrepreneurs, in a global search for innovations to tackle those challenges.

“This union will foster powerful co-creation with social entrepreneurs, and deepen the social impact on the communities and beneficiaries they serve,” Olivier Fruchaud, Director of Ashoka Switzerland.

According to the Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Mrs. Freda Duplan, the CSV prize is a great avenue created by Nestlé to include nationals in making valuable inputs in decisions that help build inclusive and resilient communities.

“I urge Ghanaians to seize this opportunity to bring forth brilliant ideas that will help contribute to a better Ghanaian Society. 2017 happens to be the 60th anniversary of both Nestlé Ghana and the Republic of Ghana. It will be a life changing experience to have a Ghanaian win the CSV prize with a brilliant project focusing on either Nutrition or Water or Rural Development.”

Innovative businesses and social enterprises are invited to apply by 31st October 2017.

In its half-year results for 2017, Nestlé recorded an organic growth at 2.3%, with 1.4% real internal growth (RIG) and 0.9% pricing. Sales impacted by net divestments of -2.3% (mainly due to the creation of the Froneri JV) and foreign exchange (-0.3%), total reported sales of CHF 43.0 billion (-0.3%). The underlying trading operating profit margin increased by 10 basis points in constant currency, stable at 15.8% on a reported basis.

Due to increased restructuring activity the trading operating profit margin decreased by 20 basis points in constant currency and by 30 basis points to 15.0% on a reported basis. The underlying earnings per share increased by 3.4% in constant currency and by 2.1% to CHF 1.68 on a reported basis

The 2017 full-year guidance confirmed with organic growth likely to be in the lower half of the 2-4% range; stable trading operating profit margin in constant currency as a result of considerable increase in restructuring costs; underlying earnings per share in constant currency and capital efficiency expected to increase.

CEO Schneider said: “We are pleased with our value creation progress in the first half of 2017. This includes solid operational improvements as well as portfolio management choices and our decision to increase balance sheet efficiency.

Organic growth in the first half did not fully meet our expectations. While volume growth remains at the high end of our industry, pricing continues to be soft. Asia and Africa confirmed their positive growth momentum. Western Europe experienced a volume decline, which we consider largely transitory. North America and Latin America saw a slight improvement in organic growth, mainly driven by volume. Our coffee, water and petcare businesses confirmed their growth potential with solid first-half results.

Profitability is in line with our expectations, as restructuring savings and efficiencies have offset higher commodity costs. We are accelerating our margin improvement initiatives.

We confirm our 2017 guidance with organic growth likely to be in the lower half of the 2-4% range. Our 2020 mid-range expectations for organic growth remain unchanged.”


SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/nestle-ceo-happy-with-1h-results-as-firm-opens-bid-for-2018-csv-prize/

MTN Mobile Money and Brussels Airlines have introduced an innovation to making it easier for customers in Ghana to purchase Brussels Airline tickets for travel to over 100 destinations.

Travellers seeking to enjoy the world class on board services and products provided by Brussels Airline can now conveniently purchase their tickets from their mobile phones via MTN Mobile Money.

A statement issued by the Company said the introduction of this service redefines the concept of convenience in relation to purchasing airline tickets as payments can be made from anywhere.

The Mobile Money industry in Ghana is booming and has pushed the frontiers of e-commerce.

It said with over 9.5 million registered mobile money users, the potential for this industry was limitless.

“The introduction of this service by Brussels Airlines and MTN Mobile Money therefore represents a game changer in the international airline industry in Ghana,” it added.

General Manager, Mobile Financial Service at MTN, Mr. Eli Hini, speaking about the partnership said: “The ability to sit in the comfort of your home, office and virtually anywhere and pay for goods and services is another reason why Ghanaians are increasingly using MTN Mobile Money to address their day-to-day financial needs.”

On her part, the Country Manager for Brussels Airline, Rita Macedo, said “the MTN Mobile Money payment option will enable our customers to conveniently purchase Brussels Airlines tickets – from anywhere in Ghana”.

“We see that more and more people are purchasing items via their mobile phones and with this new service we want to offer our customers maximum flexibility in the way they wish to purchase a ticket as we reinforce our position in the Ghanaian market, which is very important to us,” she added.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/mtn-brussels-airlines-introduce-innovative-mobile-money-payment-option-for-tickets/

Eye Asa

Space booked

Good one

Space booked

Interesting

Access Bank Plc said on Wednesday it had booked a N4bn impairment on its loan to 9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria.


The Access Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, said the bank had a direct exposure of N11bn to 9mobile, as well as an exposure of N35bn-N39bn to the telecoms firm’s suppliers.

Wigwe told an analysts’ call that Access Bank hoped to recover the debt once 9mobile was sold to new investors, Reuters reported on Friday.

Local banks have agreed an extension to a $1.2bn loan made to 9mobile, pending the mobile operator finding new investors.

However, some lenders outside the syndicated facility are making provisions.

“We have downgraded the risk of Etisalat and have taken increased collective impairments,” he said.

Access Bank said non-performing loans rose to 2.5 per cent by the half-year from 2.1 per cent as at December, though it posted an 18.4 per cent rise in half-year pre-tax profit to N52.08bn last week.

Regulators stepped in last month to save Etisalat Nigeria from collapse and prevent lenders placing it in receivership, prompting a board, management and name change.

Wigwe said 9mobile had received significant interest from local and international investors after lenders appointed advisers to find new investors.

It expected a sale to close within six months.

Banks have appointed Citigroup and Standard Bank to manage the sale.

Wigwe said Access Bank had sufficient reserves to cushion losses that could arise from the sale. He, however, added that the bank was far from that scenario because 9mobile had a stable subscriber base and that the business had experienced stress due to the way the previous owners managed it.

“It’s extremely unlikely for anybody to say that we would find ourselves at a 50 per cent impairment level. We may see 30 per cent impairment level perhaps because we want to sell it very quickly,” he said.

Access Bank shares, which have gained 70.4 per cent so far this year, dipped 3.9 per cent to N9.59 on Wednesday.

The United Bank for Africa Plc had on Tuesday announced a prudential provision on loans made to 9mobile.

The lender did not give details of the provision but said it had a N38bn exposure to 9mobile.

UBA said the exposure was secured, and part of a syndicated loan with 12 other banks extended to Etisalat Nigeria four years ago.

“We have taken a general loan loss provision on Etisalat,” the Chief Executive Officer, UBA, Kennedy Uzoka, told an analysts call.

“It’s instructive to note that Etisalat has reasonably turned around in terms of subscribers and revenues,” he said, adding that the bank was one of the lenders managing its receivables.

Zenith Bank said this month it had made a 30 per cent provision on its loan to 9mobile.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/access-bank-records-n4bn-impairment-on-9mobile-loan/

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.


We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Health & Safety/Compliance Officer (17/17 LOS)

Location: Lagos
Grade: A2 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 6 months
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Operations and Corporate Services)

Job Description

Main Purpose of Job:

Reporting directly to the Head of Corporate Services and the candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing health and safety procedures
Roles and Responsibilities

Ensure that all Health & Safety policies, procedures, rules and regulations are adhered to and are regularly reviewed, updated and communicated.
Ensure Post meets its statutory obligations in all areas pertaining to health, safety and welfare at work, including recommended mandatory training and reporting.
Ensure that all accidents are documented, investigated and recommended improvements implemented.
Provide regular reports to Post Health and Safety Committee on relevant health and safety activities.
Liaise with suppliers for procurement of health and safety resources
Any other duties which may be required by management from time to time.
Assist wider Corporate Services team with Audit follow up on health and safety matters. Provide compliance support across the core streams in Corporate Services. Working with Head of Corporate Services to ensure ideal scores on compliance indicators.
Ensure that safety inspections are carried out, fire drills and fire alarms are correctly reported, safety inspections, risk assessments and lone working procedures are managed and employees are aware of their responsibilities.
Co-ordinate the development of health & safety policies, systems of work and procedures.
Establish a full programme of documented health & safety inspections, audits and checks.
Establish a structured programme of health & safety training throughout Post.
Act as Secretary for Post Health & Safety Committee meetings and ensure all agreed action points are completed within deadlines.
Keep up to date with all aspects of relevant health, safety & welfare at work and communicate relevant changes to stakeholders.

Essential Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate should have a proven background of successfully generating, monitoring and achieving health & safety objectives.
Health and Safety qualification
3 years relevant experience.
Experience in a building service /construction / Facilities Management environment
Work without close supervision, but a good team player
Experience or knowledge of environmental management systems
Experience of administrative work
He/she should be an excellent communicator with great influencing skills able to build exceptional working relationships across all levels, confident in challenging unacceptable Health & Safety behaviour.
Desirable qualifications and experience:

Safety, Health and Environmental Business administration certificate
Required competencies:

Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Building Capability for All, Delivering at Pace
Remuneration
Starting Monthly Salary: N 381,775.

Deadline
12th September, 2017.

Start Date
1st October, 2017.

Note

Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
The British Deputy High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
Employees recruited locally by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to: Obtain the relevant permit; Pay the fees for the permit; Make arrangements to relocate; Meet the costs to relocation
Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.

Click here to Apply

https://brandspurng.com/british-high-commission-recruitment-for-health-safety-compliance-officer/

The yields on the Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs), particularly on the 364-day tenor, are likely to drop with the plan of the Debt Management Office (DMO) to refinance the NTBs through foreign debt.


The DMO hinted recently that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) plans to issue about US$3bn in foreign debt of longer tenor, to refinance the domestic debt particularly the high-cost NTBs. The plan is in line with the debt management strategy of the FGN for 2016-2019, with the overall objective of reducing its total cost of borrowing to achieve the country’s strategic target of an optimal debt mix of 60% and 40% for domestic and external debts respectively. The debt management strategy also sets a target of domestic debt mix of 75% and 25% for long and short-tenored debts respectively. Our analysis of the data from the DMO on the debt structure of Nigeria as at March 2017 shows that the total public debt stood at N19.16trn, made up of N14.93trn (78%) and N4.23trn (22%) in domestic and foreign debts respectively. Although the external debt component at 22% as at March 2017 is far from the optimal mix of 40%, it is an improvement from 14% as at 2013.

If the DMO were to move the debt position as at March 2017 to the planned optimal level, it means that it would have to refinance about N3.43trn of the local debt in favour of the external debt. Thus, we expect the external borrowing to grow faster than the domestic borrowing in the medium to long term. The FGN’s component of the domestic debt stood at N11.97trn as at March 2017. NTB, which is the short-term debt, accounted for 30% or N3.60trn of the domestic debt of the FGN. This is higher than the target of 25% under the debt management strategy, meaning that the FGN could be issuing more of FGN Bonds than NTBs going forward.

This strategy will achieve two things:1) reduce the weighted average cost of borrowing for the government because the interest rate on the 364-Day NTB is higher than the interest rate on the FGN Bonds; 2) extend the tenor of the FGN debts. Many corporate and individual borrowers have criticized the crowding out effect of the NTBs due to their high yields. The average yield on the 364-Day NTB in 2016 stood at 16.15% while the average yield between January 2017 and August 2017 stood at 22.91%.

From the monetary policy perspective, the high yields may be necessary to tame high inflation and protect the value of the local currency – it however constitutes a drain on the inadequate revenue of the FGN. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted earlier in August 2017 that preliminary data for the first half of 2017 indicates significant revenue shortfalls, with the interest-payments to revenue ratio remaining high, at 40% as at the end of June 2017, and projected to increase further under current policies.The DMO in its 2016 Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) report notes that the debt service-to-revenue ratio (for FGN only) breached the country’s specific threshold of 28%. The DSA report added that the FGN debt portfolio still remains highly vulnerable to persistent shocks in revenue, indicating a potential challenge in maintaining debt sustainability.

The total amount of debt service in 2016 stood at N1.20trn and represents 58% of the federal allocation disbursed to the FGN. As at March 2017 the total debt service stood at N449bn representing 82% of the total FGN allocation of N549bn for the period.

We note that FGN revenue has been challenged in the last two years on account of a drop in oil revenue. Thus, the plan of the FGN is to use the refinancing to lower debt service figures taking advantage of the relatively lower interest rate in the international financial markets. The FGN will have to put in place strategies to manage the currency risks associated with foreign borrowing. The average yield on the FGN 6.375% July 2023 Eurobond from January till August 21, 2017 is 5.94% compared with 364-Day NTB of 22.91%. The various efforts of the government should also increase revenue accruable to the country and the FGN.

Click here to download the full report…

https://brandspurng.com/weekly-insights-a-drop-in-the-nigerian-treasury-bills-yield-imminent/

Recent snap poll released by NOIPolls has revealed that almost 9 in 10 adult Nigerians (89 percent) pay out of pocket for health care services, as they do not have any form of health insurance. This finding is contrary to the main objective of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) aimed at securing universal health coverage and access to adequate and affordable healthcare in order to improve the health status of Nigerians.


In line with this, the Executive Director of NHIS, Prof. Usman Yusuf, speaking during the opening ceremony of a two-day retreat for directors of National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the NHIS in Abuja in November 2016, stressed that ‘the NHIS has expressed sadness over its inability to have majority of Nigerians covered under its healthcare policy, many years after its inception’. He further stated that ‘there is an urgent need for the scheme to reach out and extend coverage to more Nigerians especially at the grassroots’.[1] .

More findings revealed that only 9 percent of the respondents claimed they have some form of health insurance, of which 71 percent indicated NHIS and 21 percent indicated Private Health Management Organizations (HMOs) as their provider. While insurance cover for all Nigerians is still a far cry from the industry’s expectation, on the bright side, a significant proportion of Nigerians (78 percent) who are currently not covered expressed willingness to pay a small amount of money monthly/yearly to get enrolled for health coverage. Interestingly, this finding highlights a critical low hanging fruit for stakeholders in the health sector, as part of a wider range of solutions to broadening the pool of funds and achieving more sustainable health financing and coverage for all Nigerians. Finally, it is also pertinent for all stakeholders within the health sector, particularly NHIS, HMOs, Hospitals, CBOs and FBOs to engage in mass mobilisation of the general public, especially the poor and vulnerable, to leverage on the benefits of health insurance. These are the key findings from the Health Insurance Snap Poll conducted by NOIPolls in the week of August 1st 2017.

Brief Background

Health service delivery in Nigeria has been inundated with various policies and plans from different administrations. Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system includes a vast number of private and public health providers who have vital roles to play within the sector. Different modalities of free health services have been adopted by the various tiers of government at different times.

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established in 1999 as a major factor in the National Poverty Eradication Efforts, to improve the health status of Nigerians. The scheme which was officially launched in 2005, aims to provide health insurance to citizens so that insured individuals and their wards have access to good, quality and cost-effective healthcare services. Some of its objectives are to protect families from the financial hardship of huge medical bills, to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare costs among different income groups, to ensure high-standard and efficiency of healthcare delivery and services to Nigerians and to ensure the availability of funds to the health sector for improved services; amongst others.[1]

Similarly, Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) were established to ensure the overall success of the NHIS by facilitating affordable and high quality Medicare for Nigerians. In order to ensure that all segments of the society are covered, such as the formal sector, self-employed and rural community, children under five, the disabled, prison inmates, tertiary institutions and armed forces, the NHIS developed various programmes to reach these areas. In June of 2017, the Federal Ministry of Health stated that the HMOs had recorded abysmal failure in the health coverage of Nigerians which has resulted in many avoidable deaths[2]. Against this background, NOIPolls conducted a survey in order to gauge the perception of Nigerians regarding health insurance in the country.

Survey Findings

In order to ascertain the most utilized healthcare facilities by Nigerians, respondents were asked to identify their primary source of health care services when they or their family member fall ill. Interestingly, the findings revealed that majority of Nigerians (63 percent) say they visit government owned hospitals (primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities). During the course of this poll some of the respondents in this category disclosed that they prefer government hospitals because they get subsidized charges and that they have the chance to be examined by consultants who are usually senior grade medical doctors. This was followed by respondents who visit private hospitals (39 percent) and Pharmacy/Chemist stores (17 percent), and those who self-medicate (13 percent) amongst others.

In order to probe further, when asked how they pay for healthcare services, majority of the respondents (82 percent) reported that they pay “Out of pocket”, and this cuts across gender, geo-political zones and age groups. Further, analysis indicated that a total of 89 percent actually pay out of pocket, since 7 percent of respondents said they received support from friends and family, which can also be categorised as out of pocket expenses. This was followed in a far distance by only 9 percent of the respondents who claimed that they access health care services using their health insurance scheme. This finding clearly highlights the low penetration of health insurance amongst the populace, which urgently needs to be bridged in order to achieve universal health coverage.



Moving on, poll also ascertained the willingness of Nigerians who currently pay out of pocket to pay a small amount of money monthly or yearly (premium) in order to access healthcare services when they need it, especially in time of emergency. In response, almost 8 in 10 (78 percent) respondents expressed their willingness to pay a small amount to get enrolled into the health insurance scheme. Interestingly, during the course of the poll, some respondents made on the spot inquiries on how to enrol on a health insurance scheme. These findings clearly demonstrate the critical need for sensitization and awareness campaigns to mobilize the citizenry on the need and benefits of health insurance.



In conclusion, the poll revealed that most Nigerians (89 percent) do not have any form of health insurance, thus they pay out of pockets to access healthcare services; and of this proportion, 78 percent expressed their willingness to pay a small amount of money to enable them access service whenever they fall ill. These findings clearly highlight the low penetration of health insurance across the country and calls for intensive sensitization and mass mobilisation of the populace. Finally, while it is critical for government to re-evaluate its current budgetary allocation to the health sector; it is also important for stakeholders to consider more sustainable ways to finance of the sector through health insurance, and to mobilise the public to increase the pool of funds available for investment into the sector.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/health-coverage-89-of-nigerians-do-not-have-any-form-of-health-insurance-noipolls/

In celebration of the 125th anniversary of its famously loved McVitie’s Digestive biscuits, in Nigeria the McVitie’s Digestive is running a national consumer promotion to reward its consumers with cash and airtime.


The cash prizes up for grabs are N1 million to be won by a total of 3 consumers; N500,000 which will be won by 6 consumers, and N200,000 to be won by a total of 15 consumers throughout the duration of the promotion. In addition, a total of 45,000 consumers would win airtime in different denominations of N100, N200, and N500.

Recently, 18-year-old Emmanuel Abiodun Akinyemi, who lives in Lagos, became the first winner of the N1 million grand prize. Emmanuel, who together with his father, visited McVitie’s offices in Lagos to collect his prize, was full of excitement. He narrated the story of how he got to win the first McVitie’s Digestive 125th anniversary promotion grand prize.

Emmanuel’s father had given him money to go shopping for provisions for the family. Inclusive in the items he purchased was McVitie’s Digestive biscuits, which he claims are his favourite brand of biscuits. On getting home and seeing the special promotion packaging with the “Buy, Scratch & Win” invitation, he decided to scratch the promo sticker and text the code to the 55332 short code, hoping for a chance to win one of the prizes. A few days later, he received a call from the McVitie’s brand team, confirming him as the first winner of the promotion’s N1 million grand prize. To verify it was true, Emmanuel’s father insisted on going with him to the McVitie’s offices in Ikeja, Lagos for the prize presentations.

Following the prize presentations, Emmanuel expressed his sincere gratitude to McVitie’s saying, “I want to thank McVitie’s very much for changing my life today. I am completely honored to be one of the winners. I never expected this to happen to me. Now I finally have the money I need to attend a University and help my family financially. I owe this all to my favourite McVitie’s biscuits.”

The famous McVitie’s brand is owned by global snacking company pladis. It’s Managing Director, Nigeria, Mr. Kwame Wiafe, who presented Emmanuel Akinyemi with his cheque, commented on the Company’s reason for running the promotion. He said, “Having been in the country since 1980, McVitie’s has become a household name in Nigeria. The fact that the much-loved Digestive is 125 years this year, has presented us with the unique opportunity of doing something special for our loyal fans by offering them a fair chance to win any of the promotion’s prizes, airtime and cash. Seeing the smile we have put on Emmanuel’s face today, gives us the confidence that we are achieving our goal.”

Besides, Emmanuel Abiodun Akinyemi, seven other McVitie’s fans from different locations across Nigeria, also walked home with cash prizes. Ezinne Obioha who lives in Lagos and Ugomma Ukaovasi from Abia, both won the N500,000 cash prize each. The N200,000 cash prizes were won by five people – Kehinde Adeboboye, Oluwanisola Adebisi, Terkimbi Audu, Funmilayo Taiwo, and Alex Akpeze.

To participate in the McVitie’s Digestive 125th anniversary promotion, and stand the chance to win any of the cash prizes and gifts, all consumers need to do is:

Buy any of the McVitie’s Digestive 125th Anniversary promotional packs which are available in the 40g, 104g, 208g and 302g sizes,
Scratch the foil on the white label to reveal the unique promo code, and
Text the code on the pack to the SMS short code “55332.”
The promotion which started on 1st of July, 2017 is scheduled to run for three months, till 30th Sep, 2017.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/18-year-old-becomes-first-millionaire-in-the-mcvities-digestive-125th-anniversary-promotion/

Ok

Good one OP

No be lie

Nigeria’s inflation rate rose 16.05% year on year for the month of July 2017. This compares to the 16.10% rise reported in June 2017. It also represents the 6th consecutive decline in the rate of headline year on year inflation since January 2017.


On a month on basis, the Headline index increased by 1.21% in July 2017, 0.37 percent points lower from the rate of 1.58% recorded in June.

Core Inflation

Core inflation which excludes the prices of volatile food produce eased by 0.30 percent in July to 12.20% points from 12.50% recorded in June. Core inflation similar to overall/headline inflation has declined consecutively since January 2017.

On a month-on-month basis, the Core sub-index increased by 1.00 percent in July, 0.32 percent points lower from 1.32 percent recorded in June

What this means

Analysts had expected a faster decline in year on year inflation rate for July, believing that inflation rate could come under 16% for the first time since May 2015. However, at 16.05% it thus suggest the prices of goods and services is still high relative to last year’s base prices, signaling that Nigeria still has a long way to go, if we are to achieve price stability.

The impact of a slow inflation rate also means, interest rates, which the government has been trying to bring down, will remain stubbornly high, especially for government securities such as treasury bills and bonds. Lending rates which has remained north of 20% will also remain at these levels except the CBN decides to withdraw some of its monetary policy tools that have been geared towards tightening money supply.

This week is also the last week of treasury bills sales for the quarter (according to CBN’s treasury bills calendar) suggesting that rates could reduce a bit as investors scramble to purchase one of the most lucrative securities around. Also interesting to note that government failed to achieve full subscription on its bond offering last week suggesting that the market still expects interest rates to remain high.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/july-2017-inflation-rate-is-16-05-what-it-means-for-interest-rates/

yeah

Turnover toh badt

Good move

For the Salary Earners .....this week is your salary paying week. As you collect your salary, I want you to ponder on *Robert Mugabe's* WISE QUOTES ...
_"When your salary comes in time, you eat chicken. As the salary reduces you eat products of Chicken (Eggs) and subsequently you begin to eat chicken's food, (maize and millet), and finally, when salary is finished, you become chicken itself, spending your time walking around just looking for what to eat"!_
Salary alone cannot solve all your problems. Choose plan B now.
A wise investment will provide opportunities for one to always eat Chicken whenever he or she pleases!
*Think INVESTMENT...*_cos you won't be young forever!_
*Think Insurance...* _cos you won't be strong forever!_
*Think ENTREPRENEURSHIP....*_cos you won't be employed forever!_

Kai

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 16.05 percent (year-on-year) in July 2017. This was 0.05 percent points lower than the rate recorded in June (16.10) percent making it the sixth consecutive decline in the rate of headline year on year inflation since January 2017.


Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yield the Headline Index.

On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.21 percent in July 2017, 0.37 percent points lower from the rate of 1.58 percent recorded in June. The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve-month period ending in July 2017 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve-month period was 17.47 percent, 0.11 percent point lower from 17.58 percent recorded in June 2017.

The Urban index rose by 16.04 percent (year-on-year) in July 2017, down by 0.11 percent point from 16.15 percent recorded in June, and the Rural index increased by 16.08 percent in July from 16.01 percent in June. On month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.25 percent in July 2017, down by 0.35 percent point from 1.60 percent recorded in June, while the rural index rose by 1.18 percent in July 2017, down by 0.39 percent point from 1.57 percent in June.

The corresponding twelve month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index increased from 18.69 percent in June to 18.43 percent in July, while the corresponding rural index also increased from 16.56 percent in June to 16.60 percent in July.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/consumer-price-index-cpi-increased-by-16-05-percent-year-on-year-in-july-2017-nbs/