BEST OF NIGERIA - Volume 1

BEST OF nigeria

BEST OF

nigeria Volume

GVPedia.com

Volume 1

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Nigeria in all her glory We are proud and excited to introduce the inaugural Best of Nigeria book to the world. This book has been a long time in the making - but the time for a project of this kind has never been so relevant. Yes, there is no denying that Nigeria has suffered from years of turmoil, of which the effects are still being felt; but there too is a fresh movement rising to the surface above the simmering tension. A renewed excitement and faith in the country which will see it rise to become the biggest economy on the African continent – and vying for a superpower position.

Thapelo Letsholo

Sven Boermeester

Mpho Laing

Adding to this, is not only the swelling economy and infrastructure modernisation, but also the general sense of Nigerian pride which cannot be swayed or broken – echoed in the word ‘Naija’. The settled politics, which have democratically welcomed in Goodluck Jonathan as President, have further added to this sense of Nigerian pride. As with any developing country, especially one that has been racked by past political upheavals, there is still an evident unbalanced economy mostly due to the distribution of oil wealth. This issue is a key focus for Nigeria’s growth and has had the government looking into means of rectification. There is no denying that Nigeria has something going.

Considering her past, the country’s large economy is impressive – perhaps owing something to the Nigerian spirit.

However, majority of the credit can in fact be given to the immense resources of the country. Nigeria is blessed with vast natural oil reserves, generally fertile soils and impressive industries – not to mention the strikingly beautiful landscape.

The contrasts presented by the country are breathtaking. Consider the pristinely beautiful beaches – white sands, contrasting aqua blue seas, enshrined in lush palm trees – moving towards rainforests, savannah plains and into the semi-arid desert region on the cusp of the Sahara, topped off with magnificent plateaus and mountains. These images reaffirm one of Nigeria’s most untapped natural resources – Tourism.

The government is greatly aware of this and have set about ensuring that the improvement of the tourism industry remains a priority for diversifying the economy. Investment opportunities therefore abound.

Nigeria is set to reach its potential under one of the country’s most capable governments in Nigeria’s history. However this is not only placed in the hands of the government; as success will be based on the collective effort of the Nigerian people. This is soon to be a reality, with experts predicting 2020 as the year for dominance.

Gia Bischofberger

International Group Publisher Africa Group Publisher Nigeria Partner Project Manager Managing Editor Production Webmaster Content Manager Printing

We for one will be eagerly spurring Nigeria on and hope that her problems can be overcome to achieve this. For now, we present to you a collection of the success stories of the country – of which there are many. Best of Nigeria is a visual celebration of all that Nigeria has achieved; of her people, places, cities, beauty, rawness, and a glimpse into her potential.

Sven Boermeester Thapelo Letsholo Mpho Laing Gia Bischofberger Rebecca Eb GVPedia Communications cc Liam Dobell Agnes Sikhethile Zaba Creda Communications

Contact details: GVPedia Communications cc Tel: +27 11 705 2097 Email: info@gvpedia.com www.GVPedia.com www.ProudlyAfrican.info

GVPedia.com Success, Sustainability and Culture

Nigeria Contact Cell: +2347033716076 Email: mpho@gvpedia.com Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in The ‘Best of Nigeria’ Vol.1. Neither ‘Best of Nigeria’, nor GVPedia Communications cc assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. The editor reserves the right to amend and alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary.

All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.

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Foreword from Federal Minister of Trade and Investment The creation of the Nigerian Ministry of Trade and Investment (MTI) from the former Ministry of Commerce and Industry by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, was one of the landmark decisions aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy for job creation and wealth generation.

The ministry’s activities, in line with its expanded mandate, are clustered around four main areas, namely: Investment, Industry, Trade and Enterprise, while its goals are mainly creating jobs, generating wealth and enhancing economic growth, through well laid out strategies involving the 16 Parastatals under its supervision.

With aggressive marketing and the pursuit of growth-enabling policies, investors’ interest in Nigeria has been growing more than ever. The result is that today, Nigeria is the preferred destination of investment in Africa, according to the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, ranking 1st in the top 5 host economies for FDI in Africa (at $8.91 billion in 2011, compared to $6.09 billion in 2010. We have a large market, a population of 167 million people, strong workforce, as well as comparative advantage in major industries such as Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals, Mining and mining-related industries; Agriculture and agric businesses/ industries. Investment incentives are also highly competitive.

However, the Federal Government is further enhancing investors’ confidence in the Nigerian economy with key reforms.

For instance, we have commenced an Investment Climate Reform Programme, working with the World Bank and DFID. We have strengthened the One-Stop Investment Centre in the NIPC to pave the way for efficient coordination of investment facilitation between all relevant government agencies and achieve 48-hour response target for all enquiries. We are already seeing the positive impact. The Investor Care Committee; the Doing Business and Competitiveness Committee, inaugurated earlier on in the year to proactively address the day-to-day concerns of investors and businesses are now very active and the establishment of a Competitiveness Council to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness has already been approved by Mr. President.

Structures have also been put in place to ensure a 24-hour timeline for registering new businesses. This is in addition to the restructuring and repositioning of our Free Trade Zones in line with the determination to position Nigeria as a hub for the domestic, regional and global markets.

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So far, the improvement in Nigeria’s investment climate has helped to attract over N6.8 trillion Local and Foreign Direct Investment commitment to date and there are clear follow up plans to sustain the momentum and also see to the execution of many of the projects during the lifetime of this administration.

The Ministry of Trade and Investment, has also kicked off a National Industrial Revolution Plan to reposition Nigeria’s industries as the bedrock of sustainable economic growth and development. This is based on areas where Nigeria has comparative and competitive advantage.

Focus is on agribusiness (food processing, palm oil, leather and leather products, textile and garment as well as sugar sub-sectors); mining-related industries (deepening success in cement, iron and steel, aluminium and automobile subsectors etc); Oil and Gas (petrochemicals, plastic and chemical industries). Others include construction and housing sectors, among others. The plan links industries to innovation and skills development.

Currently, we are rigorously implementing the Backward Integration Policy in the cement industry. This has resulted in a total combined installed capacity of over 28 million metric tonnes per annum today (as against local demand of 20 million metric tonnes) and has produced one of the largest cement plants in the world today. (Before the introduction of BIP, Nigeria had a production capacity of two million tonnes as against a consumption volume of about 14 million metric tonnes). The cement success story is being replicated in the automobile, textile and garment, palm oil as well as sugar sub-sectors.

In line with the determination to enhance economic growth, the Federal Executive Council has just approved a 10-year National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP) aimed at ensuring Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in sugar production. This will reduce Nigeria’s import dependency on sugar and save the nation about $350 million yearly in terms of import costs. (Today, Nigeria produces only 2% of the sugar it consumes).

On trade, our multi-focus strategy targets the domestic, regional and international markets. In this regard, we

have completed the review of the trade regime and produced a draft of the Nigeria’s Trade Policy for the first time in 10 years.

This policy will serve as the foundation for growth-oriented and win-win trade relations with other countries. We have also commenced the transformation of the Abuja Securities and Commodity Exchange into a first class commodity exchange.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Trade and Investment has made the development of the SME sub-sector a major priority because SMEs are major drivers of inclusive economic growth and development. We have therefore created special windows of financing and growing these enterprises in collaboration with the SME desks of commercial banks and with special schemes being put in place by the Bank of Industry.

At this juncture, it is important to note that the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,

GCFR, is aimed at regenerating the Nigerian economy in good time. The Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, which will, in collaboration with other ministries, execute this agenda, remains focused on the delivery of its mandate.

Investors in Nigeria are therefore assured of a defined policy environment, high level fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability.

Finally, Nigeria’s low debt to GDP ratio, ongoing investment/business climate reform programs and positive economic outlook, in the face of the instability in global market, pave the way for viable business.

OLUSEGUN. O. AGANGA, CON. Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment

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ChapterS 58

Travel, Tours and Leisure

Chapter 2

Chapter 1

44

Hotels and Hospitality

82

Banking, Finance and Investment

Chapter 4

Chapter 3

70

Luxury Lifestyles and Fashion

98

Property and Real Estate

Securing Your World

Chapter 6

Chapter 5

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Security

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Public Relations, Media and Marketing

Chapter 8

Chapter 7

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Film and Music

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Energy, Oil and Gas 152

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OVER 100 CHANNELS AND Broadcasting 10 RADIO STATIONS ENTERTAINMENT AND MOVIES

LIFESTYLE

Chapter 10

Chapter 9

SPORT

DOCUMENTARIES KIDS AND TEENS MUSIC

Technology and Communications

Entrepreneurship

RELIGION

SPECIALIST

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164

NEWS & COMMERCE

Chapter 12

Chapter 11

NATIONAL BROADCASTERS

Chapter 13

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Nigeria Expansion

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Nigeria at a Glance

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Federal Republic of Nigeria:

Motto: Anthem: Location: Capital: Largest City: Official Language: Recognised national languages: Recognised regional languages: Ethnic Groups:

Religions: Demonym: Government: President: Vice President: Independence:

Area: Population: GDP (PPP): GDP (nominal): Currency: Time Zone: Dialling Code: Road Users:

Jamhuriyar Tarayyar Najeriya (Hausa) Njíkötá Óchíchìiwù Naíjíríà (Igbo) Àpap, Olómìnira il, Nàìjíríà (Yoruba) “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” “Arise, O Compatriots” Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon Abuja Lagos English Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba Edo, Efik, Fulani, Idoma, Ijaw Kanuri Over 250 ethnic groups including Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5% Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, Indigenous 10% Nigerian Presidential Federal Republic Goodluck Jonathan Namadi Sambo From the United Kingdom Unification of Southern and Northern Nigeria: 1914 Declared and recognised: 1 October 1960 Republic declared: 1 October 1963 923,768 km2 (1.4% water) 155,215,573, density 164.8/km2 (2010 estimate) $377.949 billion total and $2,422 per capita (2010) $216.803 billion total and $1,389 per capita (2010) Naira (₦) or NGN +1 GMT +234 Right-hand side

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Nigeria is a fascinating country with so much to offer. There is no denying that the image of the country has been tarnished, but as the next economic superpower of Africa, there is much to praise. It is the dominant force of West African economics, politics and culture – with influential music and literature which enjoys a world-wide reach. As such a large and diverse land, there are many sides to Nigeria which are often cast aside by popular opinion in place of the more sensationalist negative reviews. Like the persistence and determination of its people, Nigeria is a country that is hard to shake off – as it leaves an indelible imprint in one’s heart.

It is a challenging destination for travellers, but if the necessary rigmarole is followed, it will prove itself to be one of the most worthwhile visits. As the most populous city in the most populous country in Africa, Lagos is one of the most vibrant cities on the continent. The port city of Calabar is a great stopover for travellers on their way to Cameroon. Ancient kingdoms across southern Nigeria maintain their customs reflected in their sculptures to venerate ancient gods. Nigeria is also home to one of the world’s pioneering primate conservation organisations. Ancient Saharan trade routes still show themselves in the

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Muslim trade cities of the dusty northern regions stretching out towards the desert.

Kano is West Africa’s oldest city while Yankari National Park is the best in the country.

Nigeria is a country of extreme juxtapositions. Immense wealth meets immense poverty on a daily basis, and coupled with varying religion, lays the foundation of ancient civil tension between differing communities. There are a small number of areas which are still problematic but the majority of the country’s people are warm and hospitable. Nigeria is Africa in its most raw form.

Nigeria’s vibrant contrasts include varying cultures, rich history, cascading waterfalls, electrifying heritage festivals and scintillating dances, equatorial forests, beautiful clean beaches, exotic landscapes, towering rocks, rolling hills, ancient caves and hospitable people. The experience includes diverse wildlife: lions and cheetahs, chimpanzees and gorillas, giraffes and crocodiles, hippopotamus and antelopes, and birds roving liberally in the numerous game reserves.

Predicted to become a new world superpower and set to overtake South Africa’s economy by the year 2020 to

become the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria is oil rich and business savvy.

However, the government has recently been looking to diversify the economy by expanding on the vast tourist resources and thus attempt to lessen the gap between the rich and the poor.

Whatever the case, the fact is that great things are expected for the country, and although tensions are still sizzling, a higher level of excitement seems to be rising to the fore.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, the seventh most populous country in the world, and the most populous country in the world in which the majority of the population is black. It is listed among the “Next Eleven” economies, and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The economy of Nigeria is one of the fastest growing in the world, with the International Monetary Fund projecting massive growth.

History The people of Nigeria have an extensive history. Archaeological evidence shows that human habitation of the area dates back to at least 9000 BC. The area around the Benue and Cross River is thought to be the original homeland of the Bantu

migrants who spread across most of central and southern Africa in waves between the 1st millennium BCE and the 2nd millennium.

The Nok people are thought to have been the first inhabitants between 500 BC and 200 AD. Recorded history of Nigeria dates from 1000 AD from Kano and Katsina.

Thereafter the Kanuri, Hausa, and Fulani tribes arrived. In the 13th century, Islam was introduced by the Empire of Kanem which ran the area from the late 11th century until the 14th century.

Prosperity followed for these Hausa Kingdoms as they became important trade zones between the north and south. Trade

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exchanges would take place for slaves, ivory, kola nuts, salt, beads, coral, cloth, weapons, brass - and cowries as currency.

The politically organised Yoruba Kingdom of Oyo was born in 1400 and the Kingdom of Benin was known to have developed military, justice and artistic efficiency – seen in the prized works of ivory, wood, bronze and brass.

Coastal ports were established by traders from Europe in the 17th century until the 19th century in response to increased slave traffic to the Americas. This gruesome trade was eventually replaced by commodity trade of palm oil and timber.

From the early 19th century, the region was ruled by the Fulani Empire under Islam promulgation until Lagos was annexed by the British in 1851 and by 1886 they had taken control of the remainder of the region. The name Nigeria was taken from the Niger River running through the country.

This name was coined by Flora Shaw, the future wife of Baron Lugard, a British colonial administrator, in the late 19th century. In 1914, it became formally known as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

British Influence Administration under the United Kingdom was separated between northern and southern Nigeria, with major differences seen in religion-based “indirect” rule of

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the north while the south was widely influenced by western ideas and education. The consequences of this are still seen in modern society, culture, and politics. After World War II, Nigerian nationalism rose and independence was demanded, this saw the British Government moving Nigeria to selfgovernment representation.

Independence In October 1960, full independence was granted to Nigeria in a federation of three regions, northern, western, and eastern, retaining relative self-governance under a constitution providing for parliamentary governance. Exclusive powers lay with the federal government in defence, security, foreign relations, and policies.

Nigeria proclaimed a federal republic in October 1963 under a new constitution, and thereafter creating a fourth region, the Midwest. Nigeria has since suffered upheaval and in a number of coups and leadership changes. Here’s a summarised timeline: 1966: Government overthrown by army officials in widespread assassinations including the prime minister and premiers on January 15. Ethnic tensions rose.

1966: Another coup in July after military

government attempted to abolish federal structure. Thousands of Igbo massacred in the North resulting in growth of strong Igbo secessionist sentiment.

1967: Independent “Republic of Biafra” declared by military governor of the east, Lt. Col. Emeka Ojukwu in May resulting in military crackdown.

1970: Biafra defeated bitterly after long and bloody civil war.

1975: After relative reconciliation and focus on economic development in foreign exchange earnings and oil booms, Gen. Murtala Muhammed accused the military government of Gen. Yakubu Gowon of not following through on promises to return to civilian rule. On July 29 he staged a non-violent coup.

1976: A coup attempt saw General Muhammed assassinated on February 13. The coup was then aborted and chief of staff Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo assumed office. He modernised armed forces, developed economy with oil and stuck to the previous timeline for return to civilian rule. The number of states increased to 19 and this gradual addition continued for the next 20 years until the final number of 36 in 1996.

Second Republic 1978: New constitution signed in on September 21 and ban on political activity lifted. Political parties formed.

1979: Series of elections held and Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was elected president.

1983: Shagari and the NPN won the next elections held in August after violence and questions of vote rigging.

1983: Military overthrew the NPN on December 31 and Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari became the leader of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) who led the country.

1985: Buhari enjoyed relative popularity because of his approach to tackling corruption but was overthrown peacefully in August by Army Chief of Staff in SMC Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Babangida freed the press, released uncharged political detainees and reformed the economy.

Third Republic 1989: Political activity was restored under a new constitution for the Third Republic.

1990: Failed coup attempt in April saw 69 accused executed after secret military trials.

1990: Local government elections held in December.

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1991: State legislative elections held in December which were relatively peaceful but poorly attended.

1992: Babangida cancelled primary elections scheduled for August and September.

1993: Delayed presidential election held on June 12 had seen M.K.O. Abiola, a wealthy Yoruba businessman win in Nigeria’s most fair elections.

Babangida annulled the election and riots left over 100 dead.

1993: In August Babangida agreed to step down to an “interim government” led by nonpartisan businessman Ernest Shonekan. Elections were set for February 1994.

1993: Shonekan was forced to resign amid growing chaos as Defence Minister Sani Abacha assumed power on November 17 after cancelling elections. He dissolved political parties and failed to announce a timeline to his “promised” return to civilian rule. Sanctions imposed.

1994: The “National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)” formed by opposition to campaign for an immediate civilian rule and on June 11 Abiola declared himself president and was arrested on June 23. Abacha consolidated power and economy halted through strikes.

1995: Abacha accused over 40 military officers and civilians of a coup plot

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and the charged included prominent human rights activists and journalists.

Several death sentences were given under a military tribunal and executions included nine opposition activists.

1998: Abacha expected to keep hold of power in the boycotted sham elections of 1997 and 1998. However, he died of a heart attack on 8 June.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar replaced Abacha.

1998: Elections conducted by Independent Electoral Commission in August saw Olusegun Obasanjo, newly released former military head of state, win.

1999: Democracy in Nigeria after 16 consecutive years of military rule as new constitution promulgated before the May 29 civilian inauguration.

Obasanjo’s Administration Olusegun Obasanjo now faced a country with a stagnant economy and had to set about rebuilding democratic institutions.

Obasanjo was seen as a representative of all Nigerians. Nigeria saw improvement in human rights, democratic practice, and freedom of press.

Conflicts and friction arose between differing ethnic and religious communities over allocation of resources and the sharing of oil wealth, land and other resources. The constitution was also seen as flawed and

unfair. The 2003 national elections were hotly contended and considered greatly flawed which saw Obasanjo being re-elected.

Transition to Civilians State legislative, gubernatorial, presidential and national legislative elections were held in April 2007, which saw the participation of more than 35 political parties. Said to be flawed, violence ensued and results were petitioned. Newly-elected President Umaru Yar’Adua replaced President Obasanjo on May 29, 2007. A respected governor from Katsina in the north, Yar’Adua publicly promised to reform the electoral process and instil peace and security in the Niger Delta, specifically over spurts of violence from terrorist group Boko Haram.

After becoming sick and a prolonged absence, President Yar’Adua was released of his presidential power on February 9, 2010 which was passed to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. On March 17, 2010, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved the cabinet and appointed new cabinet ministers on April 6, 2010. After the death of President Yar’Adua on May 6, 2010; Nigerian Chief Justice swore in Goodluck Jonathan as President.

The Independent National Electoral Commission organised legislative, gubernatorial, and presidential elections in April 2011. President Jonathan and ruling party PDP won with 59 percent

although the opposition, Action National Congress, won additional governorships and National Assembly seats. The elections were considered the most successful and fair since Nigeria’s return to multiparty democracy in 1999. President Jonathan was sworn in on May 29, 2011. He has slowly been making ground in the fight against terrorism.

Government The Federal Republic government of Nigeria is modelled on the government of the United States, which gives the president executive power.

The Westminster System model influences the composition and management of the bicameral legislature with the President as both head of state and head of government in a multi-party system. The political framework is modelled

on a federal, presidential, representative democratic republic. Legislative power lies with both the government and the two chambers of the legislature - the House of Representatives and the Senate, forming the law-making body in Nigeria called the National Assembly which serves as a check for the executive arm of government.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the highest judiciary arm of government.

Nigeria actively practices the theory of the separation of powers (Baron de Montesquieu).

Legal System Law in Nigeria has multiple influences as a result of its varied history, including the rule of law, independence of the Judiciary, and British common law. The Constitution of Nigeria provides the constitutional framework for the legal system.

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There are four distinct systems of law in Nigeria: • English Law, which is derived from its colonial past with Britain; • Common law, (case law development since colonial independence); • Customary law, which is derived from indigenous traditional norms and practices; • Sharia law, used only in the predominantly Hausa and Muslim north of the country.

Climate The humid tropical climate is as a result of its situation close to the equator. This tropical climate is characterised by the hot and wet conditions associated with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Temperatures are consistently high throughout the year with only slight variations. Rainfall distribution is the important differentiating factor between the seasons and regions.

There is a prolonged rainy season in the far south, while the far north experiences long dry periods annually. Nigeria, therefore, has two major seasons, the dry season and the wet season, the lengths of which vary from north to south.

The annual total rainfall occurrence and distribution is more predominant in the south than in the north. Annual rainfall along the coast in the south-east is 4000mm while it is only 500mm in the north-east.

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Nigeria is broadly divided into the following climatic regions: • the humid sub-equatorial (southern lowlands); • the hot tropical continental (far north); • the moderated sub-temperate (high plateaus and mountains); • the hot, wet tropical (hinterland middlebelt).

Landscape Nigeria’s highest peak is Chappal Waddi at 2,419m and the two main rivers are the Niger and the Benue River which meet and spill out into the Niger Delta – which is one of the largest in the world.

Nigeria has an important biodiversity.

Many think Nigeria contains the largest diversity of butterflies in the world situated in the Calabar areas and Cross River State. It is also home to the endemic drill monkey, found only in the south-east and Cameroon.

The landscape is varied: tropical rainforest climate dominates the far south while in the south-east stands the Obudu Plateau.

The south-west and south-east consists of coastal plains. The rainforest zone has vast expanses of mangrove or salt water swamps in the south and in the north is a fresh water swamp.

The valleys of the Niger and Benue Rivers are the most significant topographical contributors in Nigeria. They are surrounded by the rugged highlands of the south-west

and the Benue hills forming the Mambilla Plateau in the south-east of the Benue are hills and mountains which form the highest plateau, Mambilla. Tragically, southern Nigeria between the Niger and the Cross Rivers has had its forest gradually disappear and replaced with grassland.

Savannah dominates in between the far south and far north. The desert-like climate of the Sahel can be found in the north and sees the Sahara Desert encroaching.

Economy A market-based economy in Nigeria has been making progress even through the hampering of instability. The oil-rich nation began following economic reforms in 2008 which are beginning to bear fruit. The former military administrations continuously failed to implement diversification and remained heavily reliant on the oil sector. The oil industry generates large capital and creates 95% of foreign exchange earnings and 80% of budgetary revenues.

After years of political instability, corruption and violence, things began to turn around for Nigeria after an IMF stand-by agreement was signed in August 2000 which saw Nigeria receiving a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and $1-billion credit from the IMF. Although Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April 2002 due to ineligibility, Abuja won a debt-relief deal in November 2005 which reversed debt of $18-billion in return for $12-billion in payments.

In line with the IMF, Nigerian government began to express political willingness to reform the economy in 2008. This has included modernising the banking system, curbing inflation, and resolving regional disputes over oil wealth distribution. Between 2007 and 2010, GDP rose greatly as a result of increase in oil exports and prices.

Economic reforms are set to continue

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under President Jonathan’s pledge and has emphasised improvement in infrastructure.

In August 2010 Jonathan unveiled a power sector blueprint including privatisation of state-run electricity generation and distribution facilities. A stronger partnership between public and private sectors is being developed for roads along with measures by the Central Bank to strengthen the financial sector after being hurt by global crises.

Trade and Investment Nigeria faces problems of an infrastructure that had been left in decay from past regimes as well as poor regulation. However, positive attributes include carefully targeted investment and expansion as a regional and international market player. Apart from the energy sector, profitable markets include specialised telecommunication providers as Nigeria has one of the fastest growing telecommunications markets in the world. The infrastructure expansion has seen the arrival of space based communications including a space satellite monitored at the Nigerian National Space Research and Development Agency Headquarters in Abuja.

The Nigerian financial services sector is highly developed and includes both local and international banks, asset management companies, brokerage houses, insurance companies and brokers, private equity funds and investment banks.

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Nigerians believe that foreign investment is vital to fulfil the vast potential and would therefore welcome any company looking for long-term investment. Opportunities for joint ventures abound. Those which focus on using local raw-materials will find even more support.

It is vital to learn about the local conditions and practices for a local presence and always select partners cautiously. The Nigerian Government has prioritised maintaining principles of democracy, security and infrastructure in order to entice all important investment.

Mining As a result of the focus on oil, the solid minerals industry in Nigeria has remained vastly untapped and underdeveloped.

Investment in the sector is being actively promoted so that a favourable environment can be created. This is evident in the efforts of the Kwara State government for example.

Government proposes that interested investors partner with local miners who already hold a mining license. Minerals found in the state include: • Gold • Limestone • Tantalite • Columbite • Cassiterite • Silica sand • Talc • Tourmaline • Mica • Garnet Investors will be assisted in the following areas: • Acquisition of land • Financing • Adequate security at the facility • Electricity supply • Infrastructure

Currently mineral mining in Nigeria only provides 0.3% of the GDP. As a result of the underdeveloped domestic mining industry, Nigeria imports minerals such as salt and iron ore which could in fact be produced in the country. Government holds rights to ownership of mineral resources and grants the exploration, mining and selling to organisations.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development regulates the mines by overseeing the management of mineral resources. The Federal Minerals and Mining Act of 1999 implements mining law. In the past, state-owned public corporations have monopolised Nigeria’s mining industry which saw productivity decline across the mineral industries. The process of selling off these corporations to investors began under the Obasanjo administration in 1999.

Agriculture Agriculture provides employment for 70% of the Nigerian population and is a major part of the economy contributing 43.64% to GDP in Q3 2011. It is being adapted by commercialisation at all enterprise levels. Major crops include beans, sesame, cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, groundnuts, gum arabic, kolanut, maize (corn), melon, millet, palm kernels, palm oil, plantains, rice, rubber, sorghum, soybeans and yams.

In 1990, over 90% of Nigerian land was discovered to be arable but only 42% of this was cultivated, with the majority under the bush fallow system to generate fertile soil.

Nearly 22% of arable land was classified as permanent pasture with the potential to support crops. Forests and woodlands cover over 24% of arable land in Nigeria, and most of this land is considered to have agricultural potential, although Nigeria has one of the

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highest rates of deforestation in the world and would have to tread carefully in line with agricultural policies to curb that.

Small-scale agriculture is common which sees scattered holdings of smallholdings which farm with simple tools. The two main agricultural groups are food crops for home consumption and those for export. After the civil war, Nigeria declined in food selfsufficiency which left room for rectification.

The most vital of these food crops are yams, cassava, sorghum and millet.

Outside of oil, cocoa is the biggest foreign exchange earner with a potential for over 300,000 tonnes of cocoa beans per year. It is however held back by lack of scale and urbanisation. Rubber comes in at second in non-oil foreign exchange earnings.

Energy Nigeria has about 35 billion barrels of oil reserves which makes it the 10th highest in the world. It is the 9th highest in gas reserves with about 5 trillion cubic metres.

Based in Lagos, Oando is Nigeria’s largest oil company and is also Nigeria’s largest non-government owned company in the energy industry. It is listed on the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Oil and gas contributors include Nigerian National Petroleum Company NNPC, Chevron Corporation, CNOOC, CNPC, Conoco,

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ENI, Exxon Mobil Corporation, GEPetrol, Petrobras, Shell, Statoil and Total. By 2025, Nigeria aims to achieve 7% renewable energy.

Nigeria is a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

The People: Kingdoms, Languages and Religion Language in Nigeria Nigeria currently has 521 languages catalogued, including 510 living languages, two second languages and nine extinct languages. English is the official language of Nigeria as a result of facilitating the cultural and linguistic unity of the country after colonisation. Native languages are mostly represented in three major African language families. Niger-Congo languages are the most common and include Yoruba, Ibo, and Hausa (which are Afro-Asiatic); and Kanuri (Nilo-Saharan). English is widely used for education, business transactions and for official purposes. English dominates exclusively in a small minority of the country’s urban elite, and some rural areas do not speak it at all.

Religion Religious freedom is granted by the constitution in Nigeria. Religious practices are varied throughout the country, with the south predominantly Christian and the north Muslim. Throughout the country are those

who practice Native religions, which involve the belief in deities, spirits and ancestors.

The unorthodox indigenous religions are often mixed into the beliefs of Muslims and Christians.

National holidays are centred on major Christian celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter, while Muslims observe Ramadan and the two Eids. Working hours vary between the north and south as Muslims do not work on Friday, their holy day.

National Pride Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent, creating a general sense of pride among Nigerians. With the largest population in Africa and holding enormous quantities of natural resources, Nigeria is the sixth largest oil-producing nation with a well-educated and industrious society. A popular Nigerian expression is “When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations catch cold.” A popular slang word is “Naija” which refers to the new era of Nigerian cultural pride and unity.

The Family Extended families working as a single unit are considered the backbone of Nigeria’s social system. The dynamics of the Nigerian family are determined by hierarchy and seniority. One’s recognised social standing is determined through extended families. The

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President Goodluck Jonathan

actions of individual members of a family influence a family’s honour, which is held in high regard. Extended family often offers support, guidance, welfare and financial aid to individual members. The extensive role of the extended family is lessening in urban areas but still creates a tradition of mutual care and responsibility between members.

Hierarchy Nigerian society is based heavily on the hierarchies of age and position, which earn and demand respect. The elderly are garnered with great respect as age is considered to denote wisdom, and they are always greeted and served first. Seniority in turn determines who holds the responsibility of decision-making.

Meeting Custom in Nigeria • Greet with a handshake and a warm, welcoming smile

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• Men place left hand on the other’s shoulder while shaking hands • It is polite to take time over greeting; enquire about general well-being • Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings • A hug and kiss is shared between close friends and family • Men generally wait for women to extend their hands first • Muslims generally do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex • Initial address is by academic, professional or honorary title and surname • Friends may address each other in a variety of ways • Use someone’s first name only after being invited to do so • Bow the head or lower eyes in respect when greeting someone evidently much older

Gift Giving Etiquette • At dinners in the host’s home, guests should bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host • An extra touch is to provide gifts for the children • Don’t use the left hand only to give gifts (either right or both) • Muslims give gifts of food and fruit at Ramadan • A man only presents a gift to a woman from a female relative of his – not himself • Gifts should be wrapped but are not always opened when received Nigerian Communication Style Style of communication varies greatly throughout the country as a result of the varied ethnic make-up. The Yoruba of the south-west use proverbs, sayings, songs and humour to emphasise meaning. The southerners generally speak more directly and use a louder

tone. Nigerians relate to more expressive faces and an empathetic expression is preferred over an indifferent or passive expression.

Nigerians are generally friendly and outgoing and communication often begins with inquiring about ones health as well as that of their family. Use of non-verbal gestures and indirect eye-contact are a big part of expression. Logic is often considered contextual and points can be made circuitously. Taking the time to get to know a Nigerian ensures one is welcomed into their inner circle.

Business Meetings Nigerians like to create personal relationships before doing business with someone.

Devoting time to get to know a potential partner on a personal level is therefore a good idea and should not be bypassed.

Initial meetings remain formal until a level of comfort has been reached, and until then a level of politeness and reservation should be

maintained. Nigerian businessmen have come to be naturally suspicious of exaggeration, which should be avoided. In that same light, a united front should always be presented between members of a team. Send agendas in advance.

Business cards • Business cards are handled with two hands or the right hand, never left • Include any advanced university degree on your business card • Make sure your title is displayed prominently • Rather print new cards than to write on your business card • Make sure to study business cards received before putting it away. www.state.gov www.kwintessential.co.uk www.ehow.com

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Cities of Nigeria There is a massive urbanisation movement currently taking place in Nigeria through rapid economic development. There have recently been a growing number of industries and factories arising in cities leading to the shift of the rural population in search of work and economic opportunity. As a result, the cities are experiencing massive growth.

The major Nigerian cities are Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Zaria, Maiduguri, Jos, Oyo, Aba, Abuja, Kaduna, Bida, Okpoko, Bauchi, Mubi, Ondo, Ife, Abeokuta, and Sagamu, among many others. Together with urbanisation, the cities are becoming increasingly modernised as a result of government involvement in infrastructure. A series of proper initiatives has welcomed the necessary developments in these cities. A common feature with most Nigerian cities is that they are located in close proximity to nature and have dense populations of both native Nigerians and foreigners. The majority have decent roads with highways

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and railways that interconnect the cities.

The cities in Nigeria also serve as important tourist destinations.

ABUJA One of the most newly developed cities in Nigeria is Abuja and is well-known for its massive construction and highrise buildings. As the Capital City of the country, Abuja is home to The Presidential Complex, National Assembly and the Supreme Court, and is served by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

As a planned city, Abuja was mostly built in the 1980s and took over as the Capital from Lagos in 1991. It is known as the best

purpose-built city in Africa and is one of the wealthiest and most expensive on the continent. The city is well-designed and aesthetically pleasing and as a result, there are a number of attractive spots for tourists.

Its notable geographical structure is Aso Rock while the popular Zuma Rock lies nearby. Other sights include the Nigerian National Mosque and the Nigerian National Christian Centre.

State: Federal Capital Territory, Central Nigeria Population: 776,298; density 1,088.8/km2 (2006) Climate: Tropical wet and dry climate

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LAGOS One of the most modern cities in Nigeria is Lagos. Popular Nigerian Singer Asa describes Lagos as “buzzing with energy but also home to a deep-rooted spirituality.

Islam thrives shoulder to shoulder with Christianity in an atmosphere of tolerance, and the turbulent city moves endlessly in an infernal and yet harmonious ballet of love and hate, laughter and violence, poverty and wealth.” Located in the southwest of the country, Lagos is Nigeria’s, and Africa’s, largest city - even rivaling Cairo with a population of 15-million people.

Lagos is the centre of Nigerian commerce and is home to many international companies and one of the country’s major ports where trading goods are transported.

Lagos is rich in culture and heritage. The impressive lagoon is home to the harbour as well as Lagos Island, among others.

State: Capital of Lagos State, South-western Nigeria Population: 7,937,932; density 7,941/km2 (2006) Climate: Tropical savanna climate; rainy season April to September with annual flooding.

ABA State: Abia State, Northern Nigeria Population: 820,900 (2004) Economy: Major industrial and transport

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hubs well connected to other cities – therefore one of the most important trading centres of Nigeria; reputable crafts.

Special info: Located along the Aba river; oil wells surround the city, separating it from Port Harcourt.

BENIN CITY State: Capital of Edo State, Southern Nigeria Population: 1,147,188 (2006) Economy: Rich in mineral products and exotic spices and is the centre of Nigeria’s rubber industry. Processing palm nut oil is a major traditional industry.

Special info: Located north of the River Benin, Benin City is one of Nigeria’s most attractive cities. The architecture of the city reflects the opulent style of the British colonial era after they were based there.

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IBADAN State: Oyo, South-western Nigeria Population: 1,338,659 (2006) Economy: Centre for trade in timber, rubber, and palm oil. Industries include agricultural processing; tobacco and cigarettes; flourmilling; leather and furniture; cattle ranches; abundant clay, kaolin and aquamarine.

Special info: Museum in the Institute of African Studies; first television station in Africa; Dugbe Market; Bower Memorial Tower; Cocoa House, first African skyscraper.

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JOS State: Plateau State, Middle-belt Population: 900,000 (2006) Economy: Tin mining; important national administrative, commercial and tourist centre Special info: University of Jos; St. Luke’s Cathedral; Museums; Golf Courses; Jos Wildlife Park; Assop Falls; Riyom Rock.

KADUNA State: Capital of Kaduna State, Northerncentral Nigeria Population: 760,084 (2006)

Economy: Industrial centre of Northern Nigeria, manufacturing products like textiles, machinery, steel, aluminium, petroleum products and bearings.

Special info: Pottery highly prized; racecourse; numerous education institutions; railway to Abuja underway.

KANO State: Capital of Kano State, Northern Nigeria Population: City, 365,525; Metro, 2,828,861; Second largest population in Nigeria

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Economy: Economic centre of the north focusing in production and export of groundnuts.

Special info: Home to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport; Dala Hill; Kurmi Market; Gidan Makama Museum Kano national monument; Durbar festival.

MAIDUGURI State: Borno State, North-eastern Nigeria Population: 1,197,497 (2007 forecast) Economy: Main trading hub for northeastern Nigeria: based largely on services and trade with a small share of manufacturing.

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Special info: two markets; a museum; Maiduguri International Airport; The University of Maiduguri one of the best-equipped universities and hospitals in Nigeria; along the seasonal Ngadda River.

PORT HARCOURT State: Capital of Rivers State, Niger Delta Population: 541,115 (urban); 1,382,592 (metro) Economy: Port was initially set up to export coal; petroleum; oil.

Special info: Lies along the Bonny River; Port Harcourt International Airport

ZARIA State: Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria Population: 408,198 (2006) Economy: Agriculture focussed: Staples are guinea corn and millet, and cash crops include cotton, groundnuts and tobacco.

Special info: Equal rail access to the seaports at Lagos and Port Harcourt; home to Ahmadu Bello University, the largest university in Nigeria and the second largest on the African continent.

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Tourism in Nigeria

Tourism is high in the government agenda in Nigeria as they seek to diversify the economy from a single-product economy in a move away from oil. A master plan has been mapped out to develop the sector which is starting to see huge growth. The vast natural and cultural heritage of Nigeria has much to offer but has been hampered under years of upheaval and lack of funding.

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Tourism will be receiving attention equal to that given to the oil and gas industry, as a matter of priority. The hope is that Nigeria will follow in the footsteps of countries like Ghana and South Africa and spend money on developing the sector and then hand it over to the private sector. Tourism is vital for Nigeria’s economic advancement and the current administration understands this.

Funding and investment would go a long way towards modernising the required infrastructure facilities which are affected by underdevelopment in some parts of the country. The impediments to tourism have been actively tackled by the new administration since assuming office.

Nigeria’s variety and vast potential in tourist attractions include large

rivers, beautiful coastline beaches, unique wildlife, natural tropical forests, magnificent waterfalls, rapidly growing cities, climatic conditions conducive to holidaying, traditional cultural heritage, monuments and arts and crafts. The untapped tourist attractions are boundless and are currently enjoyed by outsiders in search of exotic adventures and

new challenging experiences. Reforms are set to enhance professionalism in marketing and promotion of tourism on an international and local stage. This of course goes hand-in-hand with working on the country’s tarnished image.

There is a renaissance of West African tourism underway with Nigeria and Ghana agreeing to be the nucleus. The aim is to

promote the region as a multi-destination tourist centre, involving tours in the subregion. This was agreed upon in discussions held between the Director General of the National Tourism Development Corporation of Nigeria, Otunba Ausegun Runsewe, and the Ghana Tourist Board. It was agreed that West Africa can offer so much to the world tourism market and a collective effort under

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These included the provision of basic infrastructure, the concession of land for tourism development, tourism as a preferred sector receiving tax rebates and soft loans with lengthy periods of grace. The industry has a number of regulatory policies and laws to protect both tourists as well as those involved in the industry.

Nigeria has over 700km of unpolluted sandy beaches and conserves and protects eight national parks and over 10 game reserves.

the ECOWAS banner is needed to promote and market the region.

The tourism investment atmosphere in Nigeria is now positive given the abundant resources available, large market, enthronement of enduring democracy, and a package of incentive put together by government. Foreign investors and other interested individuals should take these advantages to invest in the Nigerian tourism industry for sustainable and profitable returns. Due to the importance the Nigerian government places on the tourism industry, a number of incentive strategies were adopted.

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National Parks: • Chad Basin: Covering 2,258 km² of Borno and Yobe; including part of the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands and the Sambisa Game Reserve.

• Cross River: Covering 4,000 km² of Bashi-Okwango and Oban Forest Reserves; last remaining rain forest in Nigeria.

• Gashaka-Gumti: Covering 6,731 km² of pristine wilderness mountains in Taraba and Adamawa; Nigeria’s most ecologically diverse conservation area.

• Kainji: Covering 5,382 km² of the Borgu and Zugurma Game Reserves in Kwara and Niger State; also contains the Kainji Dam.

• Kamuku: Covering 1,121 km² of Kaduna; has a typical Sudanian Savanna ecology; adjacent to the Kwiambana Game Reserve.

• Okumu: Covering 181 km² of Edo and part of the Okomu Forest Reserve; holds only one third of the rich forest it once was and is the last habitat for many endangered species.

• Old Oyo: Covering 2,512 km² of Oyo and Kwara; rich in plant, animal and cultural resources and is easily accessible.

• Yankari Game Reserve: Covering 2,244 km² of Bauchi; most pop­ular reserve in Nigeria because of beauty, size and accessibility; includes Wikki Warm Springs by Gagi River.

Popular beaches include: • Bar Beach • Calabar Beach • Coconut Beach • Eleko Beach • Ibeno Beach • Lekki Beach • Tarkwa Bay Other tourist areas of interest include: • Agbokim Waterfalls • Azumini Blue River Rose

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Benue River Valleys Birikisu Sungbo Shrine Birnin Kudu Rock Paintings Ezeagu Tourist Complex Gurara Falls Hills of Benue Idanre Hills lgbo-Ukwu Burial Sites Ikogosi Warm & Cold Springs Lake Chad Long JuJu Shrine of Arochukwu Mambilla Plateau Mbari Cultural Centre Niger River Valleys Nok Village Obudu Ranch Ogbunike Cave Oguta Lake Holiday Complex Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary Rojenny Tourist Village Sillicon Hill Yola Municipality Zuma Rock

www.onlinenigeria.com

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Nigerian Icons

Aliko Dangote Nigerian businessman extraordinaire who became Africa’s richest man as the King of Cement.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote was born on 10th April 1957 in Kano Nigeria. His business, Dangote Group, operates in Nigeria and several other African countries including Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa and Zambia. His estimated net worth lay at around US$13.8billion in 2011, ranking him as Nigeria’s wealthiest citizen and the 51st wealthiest person in the world according to Forbes. He is also the wealthiest person of African descent in the world.

Dangote Group The Dangote Group started out as a small trading firm in 1977 and has grown to become a multi-trillion naira conglomerate.

From a small business loan from his grandfather Alhaji Sanusi Dantata, Dangote began his climb into the titan he is today.

The businesses under the group include food processing (sugar, flour, salt, rice, and fish), textiles, fertiliser, real estate, oil and gas, cement manufacturing, and freight. The group also exports cotton, cocoa, cashew nuts, sesame seed, ginger and gum Arabic.

The Dangote Group is also the major sugar supplier to Nigerian soft drink, brewery and confectionary companies, therefore dominating the sugar market. This shifted the company focus from trading to industry – becoming Nigeria’s largest industrial group with the US$3-billion Dangote Sugar Refinery

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at Apapa port in Lagos, the largest in Africa and third largest in the world, importing 400,000 metric tonnes of sugar annually.

Others include Obajana Cement which is Africa’s largest cement production plant, and Dangote Flour.

The King of Cement He moved into pole position as Africa’s richest man after his fortune experienced a surge of 557% since listing Dangote Cement on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2010; also making him the biggest gainer in the world. Dangote’s cement investments across the continent were integrated with Benue Cement before listing. As the largest company on the NSE, his listing now accounts for one quarter of the total market cap with a market capitalisation of US$10billion. Although he is already the biggest cement maker on the African continent, there are construction plans for plants in Cameroon, Zambia, Senegal, Tanzania, South Africa, Congo and Ethiopia, as well as terminals in Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Liberia.

Dangote’s open-mindedness seems to be one of the biggest contributors to his success. He is known to surround himself with people of varying cultures and religions, highlighting his advocating of mutual respect and acceptance. Aliko Dangote

has run his business with determination, honesty, patriotism and an adept style of management. He has wisely invested in his country of birth, instead of hiding away his wealth in foreign countries as one may expect from a man at his level. He has insisted that his interest lies in Nigeria, and therefore so will his investments.

Philanthropy He also invests in the people of Nigeria.

He is one of the continent’s most generous men and has embraced philanthropy. In the space of one year, he has given more than $25-million to various causes. These include SMMEs as well as mentoring young African leaders and Nigerian communities affected by natural disasters. The philanthropic arm of the group is the Dangote Foundation which spends millions annually on contributions to educational and healthcare institutions, sinking boreholes and granting scholarships and fellowships.

On 14th November, 2011, Dangote was awarded Nigeria’s second highest honour, Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON) by President Goodluck Jonathan. He is married and has three children.

www.dangote-group.com

Obi Asika Obi Asika is an entrepreneur in the creative industries with a varied background in content production and distribution, technology and broadcast media.

He is the founder and CEO of Storm 360, West Africa’s leading media and entertainment company, which has been at the forefront of driving the emerging entertainment industry in Nigeria. Obi and his team have built Storm 360 into a global brand recognised as a major player in music, television, events and interactive media. Through Storm 360, Obi has been the executive producer of some of the biggest budget television projects in Africa, such as Big Brother Nigeria, The Apprentice Africa and Glo Naija Sings amongst others.

The record label, Storm Records, has managed recording artists who have won major awards across the continent including MTV Base Awards (Naeto C, Ikechukwu, Sasha), Channel O Awards (Dare, Naeto C, Ikechukwu, Sasha) and more. Storm has managed production and artists for large-scale entertainment events such as the Calabar Xmas Festival, Kwara Nigeria@50 Concert with Akon and

others. Storm 360 is also one of the very few companies in Nigeria appointed as an official Google/YouTube partner.

Obi is a leading voice in the Nigerian creative sector and is often called on by private companies, state and federal government and international organisations such as the World Bank, IFC, Corporate Council on Africa, and The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, to consult on policies and projects, lending his considerable expertise and intellectual resources.

Obi has also enjoyed a diverse and successful business career outside the creative industries. He has been a founder, partner and executive director in companies operating in procurement, oil and gas, real estate and sports management. Business highlights include: project managing all the catering for the Games Village at the COJA All-Africa games in 2003; developing the Tema Ports project in Ghana with Maya Procurement

Services; consulting to FIFA and ISI worldwide for Nigeria and West Africa from 1999 to 2002; managing sponsor rights and events for the FIFA 1999 U20 World Cup and African Cup of Nations 2000; and co-founding oil trading company PPI in 2001 which went on to trade successfully with NNPC, Banc Paribas, Trafigura, Mobil, Total, Oando, and others.

Obi sits on various company boards including ICT giant PPC, new strategic communications firm Dragon Africa, investment holding company Bladi, COSON (which is the sole recognised collection society in Nigeria), and the advisory board of digital content company, Spinlet.

Obi Asika was educated at Eton College, the University of Warwick, and the Nigeria Law School. He has an unwavering love for Nigeria, matched only perhaps by his longterm devotion to Liverpool Football Club.

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Moky Makura Moky is an entrepreneur, PR pro, TV presenter and producer, actress, publisher, writer and media queen. Her company slogan is the African maxim “until lions learn to write, hunters will tell their stories for them”.

Born in Lagos Nigeria and schooled in England, Moky Makura regards herself as Pan-African rather than defined by a single country. Although still proudly Nigerian, she lives in South Africa and is married to a Zimbabwean. She has said that Nigeria defined her, England equipped her, and South Africa has given her the opportunities.

Her passion is not limited to a single country or nationality – rather she is a proud advocator of African positivity and strives to share all that the continent has to offer.

She was shipped off to boarding school in England during the unrest in Nigeria.

She subsequently obtained an honours degree in Politics, Economics and Law from Buckingham University and then worked at a top public relations firm in London. The strong magnetic pull of the mother continent lured her back to Africa as she realised that she could never move up the ladder in the UK. After working briefly in Nigeria, she became despondent with the situation under the dictatorship of Abacha. She then came across an inspirational article on black

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South African women making a name for themselves and decided that it was the place for her to launch her dreams. She moved to South Africa in 1998 and founded her own Pan-African PR firm called Red PR which was subsequently bought by Draft FCB. Moky was the African Anchor at South African news and current affairs show Carte Blanche from 2001 to 2006. She presented numerous field reports on Africa and Nigeria in particular, including on the Nigerian Film industry as well as interviews with Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Chinua Achebe, Femi Kuti, Danny Glover and Seal.

Her television career has also included presenting African Pioneers which aired in Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and South Africa; a marketing show on Summit TV; a regular acting slot on the Pan-African M-Net drama series, Jacob’s Cross; and conceptualising, producing and presenting the Living it lifestyle TV series.

Moky also contributes to a number of African magazines, including The Business Day, Maverick Magazine, O Magazine and

Tribute Magazine. She is the author of the best-selling book entitled Africa’s Greatest Entrepreneurs published by Penguin South Africa. It is a compilation of the success stories of Africa’s top entrepreneurs. South Africa’s Greatest Entrepreneurs followed under her own publishing house MME Media Group. MME Media Group strives to create a reading culture amongst Africans. She believes there are so many stories to tell in Africa and the age-old tradition of story telling is lacking a permanent platform of transfer.

This passion for reading and writing helped develop the first 100% African romantic novel series. Nolly Books is the brain child of Moky and is based on the best-selling international series of Mills and Boon books. Nolly Books gets its name from the Nigerian film industry Nollywood and focuses on a similar idea of telling modern African stories. The idea is to create books for African women in a structured style and format but using pertinent issues and topics all within the romantic frame. They are sold at an affordable price at easily accessible outlets. Moky firmly believes that for a reading culture to be created in Africa, reading and books need to become accessible to the greater public. www.mmemedia.co.za www.nollybooks.co.za

Agbani Darego

The first black African Miss World.

Born as Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite Darego into a family of eight children on 22nd December 1982, Darego hails from Abonnema in Rivers State. When she was 10 yearsold, Darego was sent to boarding school in order to hide her from her mother’s struggle with breast cancer. Her mothers battle was lost two years later. This loss greatly prepared Darego for the future and she has stated how this strengthened her and gave her the ability to overcome various obstacles.

When she was a teenager, Darego decided to become a model and auditioned for the M-Net Face of Africa modelling competition, determined to pursue the career even through the protestations of her conservative father.

She wasn’t chosen as a finalist but her hunger for success in the industry was ignited. She appeared in print advertising for Collectables, a boutique line.

Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Her success began in 2001 when she won Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. It was widely believed that Darego replaced Valerie Peterside after she was dethroned as the reigning Miss Nigeria. This was however not the case. Darego successfully divided her time between her official title duties and her

studies in Computer Science at the University of Port Harcourt.

Miss Universe She went on to represent Nigeria in the 2001 Miss Universe competition which was in Bayamón, Puerto Rico where she finished seventh after placing among the top 10 semifinalists – the only black women among the semi-finalists that year.

Miss World 2001 Her biggest break came later that year when Darego was crowned Miss World in November 2001 at Sun City, South Africa. She had beat out Miss Scotland and Miss Aruba in the final round to become the first black African Miss World – giving her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. This win meant a lot for her home country, where her victory was widely welcomed. The exposure given to Nigeria during her year with the crown was as a result of the numerous goodwill trips and international appearances.

After her win, Darego was awarded the honour of becoming an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), which is a Nigerian National honour awarded to Nigerians who have benefitted the nation in services rendered.

After the crown Darego was forced to leave the University of Port Harcourt after winning Miss World as a result of her work schedule. She recently graduated in Psychology at the New York University. She has been signed to Next Model Management and her current agents are Ford Models in New York. She was a spokeswoman for L’Oréal cosmetics in 2002 and 2004. She was assigned as a promoter for Arik Airlines.

Darego has not forgotten her home continent and the issues she holds close to her heart. She has been committed to various philanthropic works. She was involved in the Catwalk the World - Fashion for Food in 2006, which was a worldwide campaign run by the United Nations World Food Programme and included a fashion show.

Major competitions and titles: • Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2001 (Winner) • Miss Universe 2001 (Top 10) • Miss World 2001 (Winner)

www.agbanidarego.com

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Dick Tiger Nigeria’s talented boxer, commercial risk-taker and Biafran rebel.

Retirement and death When Tiger retired from professional boxing, he found work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York as a guard. After feeling a strong pain in his back, he was tested and diagnosed with liver cancer. After news about his condition broke in Nigeria, the government immediately lifted his ban so that he could return home. Dick Tiger succumbed to the disease on December 14th 1971 at the age of 42.

Born Richard Ihetu on August the 14th 1929 to an Igbo family, Dick Tiger was a boxer from Ubahu village in Amaigbo, Nigeria. He emigrated to Liverpool and later to the United States and received the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBA).

Career Dick Tiger was one of Africa’s greatest ever fighters. He undisputedly achieved World Middleweight titles two times and the LightHeavyweight World Championship. Tiger was instrumental in keeping boxing alive in the recession of 1950s boxing. He won the World Middleweight boxing championship in 1962.

Tiger decisively beat Rubin “Hurricane” Carter three times on the 20th of May 1965, unanimously winning a 10-round decision.

He then won the World Middleweight

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title against Gene Fullmer by a 15-round decision. He then drew in 15 rounds in a rematch and then won by knockout in seven rounds in the rubber match. Tiger became a regular “in-house fighter” at Madison Square Gardens in New York City.

• In 1991 Dick Tiger was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Named The Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1962 and 1965.

• His nephew is boxer Young Dick Tiger.

• WBA Middleweight Champion from Oct 23rd 1962 – Dec 7th 1963.

• WBC Middleweight Champion from Aug 10th 1963 – Dec 7th 1963.

• WBC Middleweight Champion from Oct 21st 1965 – Apr 25th 1966.

• WBA Light Heavyweight Champion from Dec 16th 1966 – May 24th 1968.

Biafran rebel Before civil war broke out in Nigeria, Tiger had grown a portfolio of investments and had also been awarded CBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In protest to the lack of Great Britain’s support of Biafra and their cause, he returned his award. He supported Biafran secession and had received a direct commission as a Lieutenant into the Morale Corps of the rebel Army of Biafra.

His involvement with the Biafran movement resulted in the Nigerian government banning him from his home country.

Professional Boxing Stats Rated: Middleweight Height: 1.73 m Reach: 180 cm Stance: Orthodox Manager: Lew Burston Trainers: Jimmy August, Chickie Ferrera Cutman: Freddie Brown Boxing Record: • Total fights - 82 • Wins - 60 (27 Knockouts) • Losses - 19 (2 Knockouts) • Draws - 3

Benedict Chuka Enwonwu

Nigeria’s most well-known sculptor and painter.

Benedict Chuka Enwonwu was born on the 14th of July 1921 in Onitsha Nigeria.

He was Nigeria’s most famous painter and sculptor and worked during the Modern African Art movement. He is said to have been influenced by Aina Onabolu who was a pioneering Nigerian modern arts teacher and painter instrumental in the Nigerian school curriculum. Better known as Ben Enwonwu, he was an Igbo Nigerian painter and sculptor and died in 1994.

Enwonwu became the first Nigerian artist to win international acclaim in the 1950’s and 1960’s for combining traditional African elements with classical Western techniques in figurative sculptures and paintings. As a result he exhibited his sculptures all over the world, including London’s Berkeley gallery in 1947, Howard University in 1950, the Goethe-Institut in 1976 and the Museum of Contemporary Art, New York in 2001 after his death.

Ben Enwonwu was born as a twin into a family of noble heritage - of Umueze-Aroli in Onitsha. His technician father, Omenka Odigwe Emeka Enwonwu, worked with the Royal Niger Company and was a member of the Onitsha Council of Chiefs and a reputable traditional sculptor; while Ilom, his mother, was a successful cloth merchant.

His father taught Ben carving techniques and his growing interest led him to become a student of Kenneth C. Murray at the public colleges of Ibadan and Umuahia from the age of 13 to 15. He worked as an art

teacher in various schools from 1939 at the age of 18. These included the Government College in Umuahia, the Mission School in Calabar from 1940 to 1941, and Edo College in Benin City from 1941 to 1943. This was when his talent, especially in woodcarving, was first recognised. In 1944 he received a sponsorship for further study in England from the Nigerian government.

In 1944 he attended the Goldsmith College in London and then onto Ruskin College in Oxford where he attended from 1944 to 1946. He graduated with first class honours from Ashmolean College and Slade School of Fine Arts in Oxford where he attended from 1946 to 1948. He diversified his studies with postgraduate courses in anthropology and ethnography at the University of California and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

He then worked as an art advisor to the government of Nigeria from 1948 and spent the next number of years touring and lecturing in the United States. His first major exhibition was in September 1950 in London’s Appollinaire Gallery and was a resounding success receiving high praise from critics. He had a number of commissions as a freelance artist and also edited Nigeria Magazine in 1966. He became a fellow at Lagos University from 1966 to 1968. Other notable career highlights included being the cultural advisor to the newly independent government from 1968 to 1971; invited as a visiting artist to

Howard University in Washington DC; the first professor of Fine Arts at the University of Ife from 1971 to 1975; art consultant to the International Secretariat of FESTAC in Lagos 1977; opening a London studio; a fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute in London; and a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London. He had a number of private commissions which included executing portraits of famous Nigerian’s and the illustration of The Brave African Huntress Yoruba story from writer Amos Tutuola.

He is most well renowned for his work in bronze and terracotta although his greatest strength lay in his skill of drawing sculptural motion from wood grain. Among the best of his naturalistic African terracotta sculptures are the Head of Kofi and the Head of Koyi. His most well-known public monumental statue is that of Queen Elizabeth II, which is in Lagos in front of the old Federal House of Representatives. A bronze statue known as The Awakening stands outside the Nigerian Museum in Lagos. He created a series of painting’s known as Africa Dances as well as a number of large murals created for the Nigerian Corporation Building in Lagos.

Enwonwu believed that art should be a personal statement and not conform in any way. This is reflected in his works of art. His work can be seen on display in the National Gallery of Modern Art in Lagos and the Virtual Museum of Modern Nigerian Art.

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Chinua Achebe The father of modern African writing Nigeria’s best loved novelist, poet, professor and critic.

Born Albert Chin-al-m-g- Achebe on 16th November 1930 in Ogidi, an Ibo village in Nigeria, Chinua Achebe has become the most prominent name in African Literature.

His most well-known novel, Things Fall Apart (1959), is the most widely read modern African literature book.

Things Fall Apart was named after a line in William Butler Yeats’ poem The Second Coming. It tells the story of a man and his downfall in a traditional village in the 1890s and has been translated into over 50 languages. The central character is an ambitious Igbo leader whose life takes a turn for the worse when he accidentally kills a man and is banished. Set at a time when colonialism and missionaries intruded Igbo society, the novel is heavily focused on the outcomes of the missionary church and the effects of fighting against colonialism.

Achebe rejected his own British name in favour of his indigenous name, Chinua.

From Things Fall Apart, Achebe created what became known as the highly notable “African Triology” which included No Longer at Ease, and Arrow of God (A man of the People).

Achebe’s novels depict the effects of Western influence on traditional African customs and values in society. He chose to write in the English language and as a result of his political satire and impressive grasp of the language, he has become one of the most highly regarded African novelists

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writing in the English language. His use of English has been highly criticised in that it seemingly contradicts his anti-colonial narratives. However, Achebe has defended his decision as being one which would be accessible to all people across Nigeria and not confined to one linguistic group. He believes that the one benefit of colonialism was that it presented one universal language with which to interact with others from differing cultural and tribal groups.

Achebe was educated in English, History and Theology at the University College of Ibadan, which has also educated a number of other major Nigerian writers such as Wole Soyinka, Elechi Amadi, John Okigbo, John Pepper Clark, and Cole Omotso. He went on to support Biafra in the Nigeria Civil War and worked as an ambassador for their government.

Achebe delved deeper into his colonialcriticism during his now famous Chancellor’s Lecture at Amherst on 18 February 1975.

Entitled An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”, he announced the previously celebrated Joseph Conrad as having dehumanised Africans in the famous novel and therefore misrepresenting Africa.

Among Achebe’s most prominent later works is Anthills of the Savannah (1987), a story told by several narrators set in an imaginary West African state - thinly veiling Nigeria. A military officer has become President and his friends, tragic hero Chris

Oriko modelled after Okigbo and Ikem Osodi, die brutally when resisting the abuse of power. A military coup ensues and Beatrice Okah, Chris’s girlfriend, together with her community of women, returns stability to politics. This echoes Achebe’s opinion on the role of woman in politics and society.

Achebe has received over 30 honorary degrees from universities from all over the world. He has also received the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, an Honorary Fellowship of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Nigerian National Order of Merit (Nigeria’s highest honour for academic work), the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, and more recently The Man Booker International Prize and The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize. However, Achebe has never received a Nobel Prize, which many feel he is most deserving of considering the global impact of his work. This is thought to be due to his colonial criticisms, leaving Achebe to call the Nobel Prize a “European” award, although he doesn’t dispute its importance. When Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize in 1986, the first African ever to do so, Achebe celebrated with Nigerians in saying Soyinka was “most eminently deserving of any prize”.

In 1961 he married Christie Chinwe Okoli with whom he had four children. He was left paralyzed from the waist down in 1990 after being involved in a serious car accident. Achebe is currently employed at the David and Marianna Fisher University and is a professor of Africana studies Brown University. In 2012 Achebe, with publishers Penguin, is expected to release a new major book, There was a Country: A personal history of Biafra.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born September 15th 1977 to an Igbo family in Enugu, although from Abba in Anambra State. Her most notable works include Half of a Yellow Sun and Purple Hibiscus.

Adichie grew up as the fifth of six children in the house formerly occupied by Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe in Nsukka as both parents worked at the University of Nigeria.

After attending the University’s secondary school at which she excelled academically, Adichie continued to tertiary by studying medicine and pharmacy for a year and a half and editing the University medical magazine, The Compass. She then left for the United States when she was 19 after receiving a scholarship in Communication at Drexel University in Philadelphia. After her two year course, Adichie moved to Eastern Connecticut State University where she studied a degree in Communication and Political Science, graduating summa cum laude in 2001. She furthered her academic studies by obtaining her Master’s degree in Creative Writing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and then another Masters degree in African Studies from Yale University.

Purple Hibiscus was her first novel, which she released in 2003 to critical acclaim.

It was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction and won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book and the Hurston/ Wright Legacy Award. It was also short-listed for the Orange Prize and the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and long-listed for the Booker Prize.

Half of a Yellow Sun was her second novel published in 2006 and is also the title of one

of her short stories. Although Adichie was only born seven years after the end of the Biafran War, it is set before and during the war and focuses on the experiences of three main characters. The novel explores morals, post-colonialism, ethnicity, class, race and love; showing the lasting effects of the war on Igbo generations. She won the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction in 2007 and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship in 2008.

Both Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun have enjoyed print in both the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as having been released in Nigeria.

She has released numerous short-stories in fiction which have been given exposure in a number of literary journals. In 2003, she received an O. Henry Prize and in the 2005-2006 academic year, Adichie was a Hodder Fellow at Princeton University where she taught Introductory Fiction. In 2009, she published her collection of short stories, The Thing Around Your Neck. She says her next big project will see her literature focus on the experience of Nigerian immigrants in the United States.

She believes there’s a great danger in only

portraying a single story and that varying aspects need to be understood. This is particularly evident for Nigeria. She has been described as “the 21st-century daughter of Chinua Achebe,” (The Washington Post).

Adichie shows the varying facets of times of war through her African consciousness: not only that people were killed, but also that they “live, love and dream, in times of war”.

Adichie is now married and splits her time between the United States and Nigeria as she teaches regular writing workshops.

More recently, she received a 2011-2012 fellowship by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University.

www.halfofayellowsun.com

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Asa Nigerian recording singer-songwriter and pop-soul sweetheart.

Bukola Elemide was born in Paris, France to Nigerian parents in 1982. She is better known by her stage name Aṣa (pronounced Asha) which means ‘hawk’ in Yoruba.

When Aṣa was two year’s old, her family returned to Nigeria and Aṣa grew up in Lagos surrounded by her father’s music collection.

Her passion for music was stirred at an early age and Aṣa was moved by genres ranging from soul to traditional Nigerian music.

writing. Although the sound of Nigeria is what compelled Aṣa’s voice to be heard from a young girl right through her Nigerian schooling years, she returned to Paris twenty year’s later to study and her life as an artist began to bloom as her own musical style was formed. She surrounded herself with the sounds of her contemporaries, including Erika Badu, D’Angelo, Rafel Saadiq, Lauryn Hill and Angelique Kidjo.

Background and influences As the only girl of four siblings, Aṣa was given a responsibility to tend to the house at a young age. She often found herself singing rather than talking and during her school years in Nigeria, she managed to get her voice heard on radio talent shows. When she received her first round of applause, she realised the happiness it induced was something she wanted more of and she began to avidly pursue music by secretly signing up for Peter King’s School of Music where she learned to play guitar in a mere six months. She began to pick up a following among the Yoruba people.

Her musical inspirations were Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. She used these influences of her childhood later on in her own song-

Trademark sound The sound of Aṣa is a fusion of pop, r&b, world, funk, soul and reggae. She chooses to sing in both English and Yoruba. These sounds feature crisp percussion, the funk of an organ and reggae-style bass.

The turning point for Aṣa came when she met her manager Janet, who then introduced her to her producer Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo. This pairing gave Aṣa the freedom to discover her personal expression and sing about Nigeria. Her first single was Eyé Adaba, which received a lot of airtime in Nigeria.

Aṣa’s debut album Asha was released in 2007 under the ‘Naïve label’ and prominent songs included Jailer and Fire In The Mountain. The album received international recognition and she subsequently toured

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Europe, North America, Africa and Japan.

Her charisma and voice have become her trademarks – with a husky quality crooning intelligent and purposeful lyrics, resulting in her being compared to Bob Marley.

Her second album, Beautiful Imperfection came out in 2010 with its lead single entitled Be My Man. The sound of this album directly contrasts with her political and social messages explored in her first and she seemed to take a decidedly brighter, uplifting and more romantic angle in her second album.

Achievements Aṣa was chosen by MTV to become an ambassador and she has opened for major international stars including fellow Nigerian Akon, John Legend, Beyoncé and Snoop Dogg. She has also had collaborations with Nigerian artists 9ice and Tuface. www.asa-official.com

Proudly African Boosting Trade, Development and Cultural Relations across Africa.

Thapelo Letsholo, Global Village Africa

Proudly African is an initiative of Global Village Africa which is a marketing and business platform geared towards showcasing and harmonising Africa’s development, trade and cultural diversity to a global audience.

This is where the BEST OF AFRICA in business, government and non-profit organisations unite, promoting their vision and best practice in order to find the right customers, partnerships and joint ventures - in order to grow alongside the continent’s indisputable economic potential.

The initiative has an unstoppable magnetic presence with its ever growing country and sectoral window already in over 20 African states. We invite all leaders in business and government across Africa to showcase and integrate their visions and activities so as to promote inter-Africa trade, investment and technology transfer from around the globe.

We also invite all Africa’s media, trade exhibitions, conferences and business

chambers to use the platform to gain mutually beneficial exposure.

Fully unlocking Africa’s promise requires greater continent-wide economic integration and inter-trade; such as in Europe, where integration has enabled the continent to become the world’s single biggest market.

Integration and inter-trade is not only urgent, but also indispensable to unlock economies of scale and propel Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy, thus aligning the continent with the global flows of trade and finance as an equal partner.

Africa’s massive economic potential still lies largely untapped - but not for much longer. The world is coming and so is the dream of a more united Africa. We need to make sure we maximise on the growth for the benefit of all of Africa and its people.

www.ProudlyAfrican.info Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 1 Hotels and Hospitality

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Ikoyi

Hotel

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Southern Sun Ikoyi A warm welcome greets guests to Southern Sun Ikoyi in the bustling city centre of Lagos, Nigeria. Located within easy access to the central business area and Government offices, this hotel offers business and leisure travellers exceptional convenience.

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Ikoyi

Hotel

The hotel’s stylish sophistication and classic, contemporary design combined with discreet service provides an uncomplicated approach to giving guests a memorable experience.

Tastefully decorated rooms offer spacious living areas fitted with all modern amenities one may require to feel at home. Featuring a pool and fitness centre with sauna and steam rooms, the hotel caters to traveller comfort on every level.

Guests can also make use of the comprehensive Business Centre, executive lounge, banqueting and meeting facilities available.

fitted. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available on request.

ROOMS These warm and inviting hotel rooms in Lagos at Southern Sun Ikoyi offer stylish finishes and modern amenities to ensure a practical and comfortable stay.

Accommodation is spacious and features private en-suite bathrooms, all luxuriously

Mini Bar Guests are treated to a fully stocked mini bar in the comfort of their private rooms.

SERVICES & FACILITIES Catering to your comfort, services and facilities at Southern Sun Ikoyi are available to all hotel guests. Some services or facilities may not be available on the hotel premises and may incur additional costs for the guest’s own account.

Wireless Internet Access High Speed Internet Access is accessible complimentary to all hotel guests.

Business Centre This hotel has a fully equipped Business Centre with group and conference facilities.

Gym The hotel Fitness Centre is accessible to all guests of the hotel.

Swimming pool Spend the day lounging on the sun deck at our swimming pool.

Nearby Facilities • Beauty Salon • Casino • Entertainment Centre • Golf Course • Restaurants • Shopping Mall CONFERENCING Conferencing at Southern Sun Ikoyi offers a full range of services and facilities that can be tailored to suit your meeting requirements.

The following Conference equipment is available as standard. Additional services and facilities can be arranged on your behalf, on request.

• • • • • • •

Video Projector & Screen Plasma TV Wireless Microphone Voice Conferencing Flip Charts and Pens Whiteboard and Pens Video conferencing is available between Lagos Abuja and Port Harcourt.

DINING Dining at Southern Sun Ikoyi is a special

occasion with an extensive menu complemented by a fine selection of international wines. Casual lunches and light dinners can be enjoyed on the outside terrace while the stylish cocktail bar is the ideal spot for meeting colleagues and friends.

Hours of operation Monday to Friday - 06h30 to 10h30 Weekends and Public Holidays 06h30 to 11h30 Lunch and Dinner, Monday to Sunday 12h30 to 22h30 24hrs open cocktail Bar, 24hrs room service Directions From the Airport, drive straight through airport road linking Oshodi expressway to the left. Continue through Oshodi expressway linking the third mainland bridge through oworonshoki to your right. Drive straight across the third mainland bridge turning to your right to link Osborne/Ikoyi road. Link Osborne road to Alfred Rewane road (Kingsway road), then turn right to Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel after Golden Gate restaurant.

Added Values • Buffet Breakfast • 10% Service Charge • 5% VAT • 2 bottled waters in rooms daily • 2 shirts for ironing on arrival • Free Wi-Fi /Hi Speed internet Access • Secretarial Services in Business Centre • State of the Art Gymnasium • Sauna and Steam Room facilities • Swimming Pool • Loyalty Program (Frequent Guest), allows you to accumulate points that can be redeemed in any Southern Sun Hotels • Free Parking • Complimentary Ladies Pack (Pamper Box)

Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel No. 47 Alfred Rewane Road Ikoyi, Lagos Tel: +234 1 280 5200 Fax: +234 1 280 0658 reservations@southernsunikoyi.com GPS Co-ordinates : N-6.539º, E-3.4304 www.southernsun.com Best of Nigeria

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Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos V.I. Nigeria City Hotel

Photo: Kelechi Amadi Obi

Welcome to the World of Radisson Blu, in the bustling Metropolis of Lagos, Nigeria.

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Designed by famed swedish hospitality designer, Christian Lundwall and Moyo Ogunseinde of Anchorage Leisures Ltd and the first Radisson Blu Hotel in Nigeria, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel certainly stands out amongst its counterparts in Lagos.

Nestled in the waterfront area of Victoria Island, the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel offers an ideal location to use as a base whilst in Lagos. Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel is situated in the heart of the business district and close to the consulates and banking district. Guests can easily explore the exciting Victoria Island life from the prime location in Lagos.

Popular attractions within a short walk or drive from this hotel in Lagos include Bar Beach, City Mall, National Museum, Tafawa Balewa Square and the Civic Centre. The Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel provides

premier services and amenities that include a fully equipped fitness area, outdoor infinity pool and massage and steam rooms. This Victoria Island hotel’s additional services include 24-hour concierge, an extensive range of satellite TV channels, free high-speed WIFI, on-site secured parking, and One Touch Service to reach the hotel staff at the touch of a button. All you need for a successful stay!

Rooms designed with your comfort in mind Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel offers 170 rooms and suites decorated in two original styles. These spacious, modern rooms, which range from standard to elegantly furnished suites, feature spectacular views of the Lagos Lagoon or the city.

Our business class, and more spacious superior rooms offer uninterrupted views of the Lagos Lagoon as well as complimentary access to our business lounge, the 8 suites all offer spectacular waterfront views and are ideal for the executive. All rooms have both bathtubs and walk-in showers. Guests also enjoy individual climate control in their room, a mini bar, free high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel, as well as premium tea and coffee making facilities.

Practical and stylish meeting rooms equipped to ensure success “For meetings and events, we suggest the extraordinary”.

Combining state of the art meeting facilities with an excellent convenient location for business travelers and local businesses, the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel promises to be a sought-after conference, meeting and events venue.

Ideal for small to medium size meetings, the hotel offers 4 meeting rooms, 2 executive boardrooms, and a meeting suite. All meeting rooms provide natural light as well as first

rate audiovisual equipment, individual climate control, and complimentary wireless internet access.

The terrace offers a unique location for outdoor cocktail parties, with a wide range of menu options for that special occasion.

Mouthwatering meals, in an environment where simplicity and elegance fuse Offering a choice of 4 restaurants and bars, the hotel caters for all.

The Voyage Restaurant offers guests a wide range of both local and international flavours. With views of the lagoon, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in Voyage.

Located on the terrace overlooking the lagoon, the Surface Bar, provides the perfect setting for sipping sundowners, whilst the Surface Grill, serving lunches and dinners, offers delectable dishes from the lava stone barbeque. From sandals to suits - our terrace is ideal after a productive day, or when you just need to unwind.

True to its name, the View Bar and Lounge provides stunning views and a relaxing retreat whilst offering a tempting menu of light snacks and drinks. Our bars and restaurants offer world class wines and champagnes for a successful celebration. For the adventurous our cocktail menu will surely delight.

Fantastic for year round warm temperatures, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel offers a panoramic view of the lagoon from the rimflow pool. A soft breeze from the water will certainly make you feel as though the hustle and bustle of the city is miles away.

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel 1A Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island P.O. Box 71639, Lagos V.I., Nigeria Tel: +234 (0) 708 061 0000 or +234 (0) 1461 0125 Fax: +234 (0) 1461 0126 info.lagos@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com/hotel-lagos Best of Nigeria

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The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino Offering the best in luxury accommodation and entertainment in Lagos, The Federal Palace Hotel and Casino is situated on Victoria Island, Lagos in the heart of the business district.

The Hotel is stylish in design and offers 120 king rooms, 4 twin/paraplegic rooms, 12 junior suites and 14 apartments. Tailored to meet the needs of the discerning traveller, offering superior accommodation, contemporary dining in elegant surroundings and the use of the Pool Club and gym.

Guests can also enjoy a relaxing sundowner in the Ancestors Bar and Terrace.

In the opulent tradition of Sun International, the hotel offers the finest facilities and amenities. All rooms are luxurious, comfortable and spacious, with en-suite bathrooms. The hotel dĂŠcor is an eclectic blend, offering style and comfort, allowing the guest to enjoy the serenity of the hotel without feeling removed from the vibrancy and pulse of Lagos.

Accommodation: You are guaranteed a good night sleep away from the hustle &

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bustle of Lagos with its luxurious, comfortable and spacious rooms. All rooms have free Wi-Fi. Explorers Restaurant: Guests can treat themselves with a wide selection of cuisines. The restaurant now offers themed food on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Ancestors Bar: Enjoy prime steak cuts and other choice dishes in the bar’s new dining area or simply enjoy a drink to superb music.

Pool Club: With its large swimming pool, giant waterslides, 2 tennis courts, 18 hole adventure golf course, ultra-modern video games and children’s play park, provides hotel guests with a great way to relax after a day in the Lagos office.

Conferencing Facilities: The Federal Palace provides a superb facility that can accommodate both large banquets and conventions or private meeting rooms for smaller events.

The External Ballroom has an unspanned floor space of 750m2. The hotel also has eight executive boardrooms.

Casino: Experience the thrills of playing your favourite slots & tables’ games in a world class casino.

Tel: +234 (1) 277 9000 reservations@ng.suninternational.com www.suninternational.com Best of Nigeria

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Transcorp Hilton Abuja

Photo: Kelechi Amadi Obi

Explore West African culture or laze by the pool at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja hotel, located in the heart of Nigeria’s capital and five minutes’ drive from government ministries.

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Winner of the Hilton Worldwide Hotel of the Year for Middle East and Africa Region, this Abuja, Nigeria hotel boasts attentive service and spectacular surrounds. Unwind in one of the 670 art deco styled bright and airy guest rooms, or choose an Executive Room for Executive Lounge access including complimentary breakfast and refreshments throughout the day.

Situated near to a number of businesses, this Abuja hotel is just 40 minutes from Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport. Stay productive in the modern business centre, access WiFi throughout the hotel or host functions in 24 versatile meeting rooms. The hotel’s congress hall holds 1,200 guests for the grandest Abuja conferences.

Visit Abuja attractions like Aso Rock, Millennium Park or experience local life

onsite in our Handicraft Village. Revive yourself in the fitness centre and take a dip in the outdoor pool. Play badminton in the sports hall or try your luck at the Abuja Casino. Choose from eight fabulous restaurants and bars at this Abuja hotel.

Savour Mediterranean dishes at Zuma Restaurant or sample Mongolian delights from the barbecue at Oriental Restaurant.

Listen to soothing piano music at the 24hour Piano Lounge or sip on cool cocktails at Fulani Pool bar and admire this Abuja hotel’s stunning landscaped gardens.

Customer Service Tel: +234 9 4613000 Email: hilton.abuja@hilton.com www.abuja.hilton.com Best of Nigeria

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The Soul Lounge Lagos The Soul Lounge is a premier nightspot located at the heart of the cosmopolitan city of Lagos on the Island. The Soul Lounge bar was memorably opened in January 2006 by the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.

It has stood the test of time as the hospitality concept of the “House of Soul” and has continued to engage its loyal customers. With great music ranging from jazz, world music, to house, dance and hip-hop during weekend parties - there is something for everyone who wants a first-class night out. As one of the top bars in Lagos, the Soul Lounge has hosted a range of Nigerian and international stars. Many international jazz artists have celebrated their love of music in Soul Lounge, mostly appearing on Wednesday nights to celebrate the “Open Mic Nite” with the Soul Family.

The Soul Lounge Bar Grill is Located at the Palms Mall, Lekki, Lagos and prides itself in preserving class and

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hospitality. The Soul Lounge has withstood the transitional culture in Lagos and still remains the “House of Soul”.

one of the top bands in Lagos - with something for the ladies. From 7pm to late.

Our Food and Drink Menu The regular menu consists of a full traditional English breakfast, sandwiches and burgers, soups and salads, as well as feast platters and dessert cakes. The local menu comprises of Asun (goat meat barbeque), peppered snail and peppered rice.

The Soul Lounge signature dish is known as the Soul Special Combo Rice, “soul chicken yillata”, Soul Designer Rice and many others. Their range of cocktails and spirits are also celebrated.

The Soul lounge houses special events, corporate meetings and special themed parties with a red carpet and a house filled with the best people of the city of Lagos.

Thursday: Ladies’ Cafe Night hosted by popular radio hosts - a night filled with activities and music with great drink discounts. From 6pm to late.

Our Nights Monday & Tuesday Network Nite: For regular after-work drinks and networking with the Soul chef specials and house cocktails. From 6pm to 11pm.

Wed Open Mic/Ladies Nite: A Night to celebrate the ladies, fuelled by live music mixture of soul, R’n’B, Jazz and other contemporary music, lead by

Friday: Soul Party Nite with select DJs to rock the house until dawn - a mixture of club and dance music. Mingle with the fun-lovers of the metropolitan city of Lagos. From 9pm to dawn.

Saturday: Old Skool Nite is a full night event with the Soul DJ playing the classics. Food and drinks with a date with the Oldies. From 7pm to dawn.

Sunday Jazz Nite: get a chance to listen to your favourite jazz music with other jazz lovers.

The Soul Lounge Terrace The Soul Lounge Terrace is an outdoor opening for people that prefer the outdoor environment. It is an upstairs balcony built high enough for you to experience the beautiful view of Lagos.

The Soul Lounge opens from 8am until late every day of the week. Lunch hour specials are from 12 noon to 3pm.

Shop 20, Palms mall, Lekki, Lagos Email: info@soullounge-ng Tel: +234 8099788269 +234 8161341967 Twitter: @soulloungelagos Facebook: The Soul Lounge Lagos# www.soullounge-ng.com Best of Nigeria

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Terra Kulture

Founded in 2003 by Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, Terra Kulture has become the Premier destination in Lagos for visitors, students and culture practitioners seeking to learn about Nigerian arts, food, fashion, theatre and history.

Terra Kulture is Nigeria’s foremost cultural centre focused on the promotion of Nigerian Arts and Culture. With a Gallery, Theatre, Bookstore, Restaurant, Fashion House and Language School, it is also the only comprehensive Arts Centre in Nigeria.

Terra Kulture showcases artworks of internationally renowned and upcoming artists in its gallery and has organised numerous exhibitions and auctions in its eight years of existence.

Its auction house has acquired a credible reputation amongst art collectors.

Theatre at Terra is an initiative started to promote African drama and other creative performances. It has witnessed world class performances by

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famous Nigerian actors and actresses of works by such renowned authors as Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi, Chinua Achebe and many others. There are shows every Sunday afternoon and evening.

The restaurant serves local and continental dishes and boasts of a unique and exquisite African decor. The restaurant has become a destination for members of the diplomatic community, expatriates, visitors and Nigerians who seek to enjoy high quality Nigerian food in aesthetically pleasing surroundings.

The Bookstore stocks a variety of Nigerian and African literature and has a contemporary section with current journals, articles and newspapers from all over the world.

Famous Nigerian authors and writers are regular visitors here. Wole Soyinka and Chimananda Ngozi Adichie are known to visit.

In a bid to ensure Nigeria’s cultural heritage is passed on to future generations, Terra Kulture runs a language school which teaches the three prominent Nigerian languages, as well as art and crafts, Nigerian history, dance and cookery. It also organises cultural induction training courses for foreigners living in Nigeria.

Annually, over twenty schools visit Terra Kulture on excursion to learn about Nigeria’s history, art and craft.

There is always a show or event at Terra and Nigerian stars such as Davido, Dbanj, Sasha, Wiz Kid, Ice Prince, Kate Henshaw, TY, Teju Babyface, Julius Agwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo are reguar faces at this popular cultural destination.

There are ad hoc performances of live music, poetry, comedy and the spoken word. These events present a unique opportunity for professionals to network and meet people from other cultures.

Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos Tel: +234 12700588 +234 12700599 Email: info@terrakulture.com Blog: www.terrakulture.wordpress.com www.terrakulture.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 2 Travel, Tours and Leisure

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AERO - The Shining Star in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry Aero, West Africa’s 53 years young Aviation Company is a well respected aviation service provider in scheduled commercial and rotary wing (helicopter) offshore oil and gas sector operations. It has maintained the leadership position in the aviation industry in terms of innovation and operational efficiency.

Aero currently operates scheduled passenger services with the Bombardier Dash8 Q300 aircraft (a modern 50-seat pressurised turboprop aircraft) and the Boeing 737400 and 500 variants with 104 to 144 seat configurations respectively. The airline has recently enlarged its fleet with an additional Boeing 737 (fixed wing), three Eurocopter 365N2 Dauphins and one Augusta Westland AW 139 helicopter to the Rotary Wing fleet to bolster the capacity of its support for the Oil and Gas industry. This acquisition is part of

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the airline’s expansion programme to double the fleet and add new destinations. Aero’s foundation is built on delivering the highest standard of service to its customers.

Aero takes innovation as a core value, and has set the pace in the aviation business with its products which focus on convenience and consistency. Presently, the fastest growing domestic carrier in passenger traffic, Aero is determined to offer world class aviation services with affordable air fares, quality onboard services, good customer relations,

value adding online products and operational competence. Aero offers a wide range of domestic destinations. At the moment, Aero flies principally in Nigeria, and operates between Lagos and Accra twice daily. Aero operates over 50 flights a day to more than 10 destinations, including Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Warri, Benin, Uyo, Kano and Enugu with plans to open more routes particularly to West African destinations. Customers can save time and money on www.flyaero.com when

booking online. Aero aims to empower more people to fly more often by offering the most reasonable fares for business, leisure and visiting. Aero has introduced some ground breaking products that underscores its innovation drive.

Some of these products include: • Online check in • SMS/Mobile booking and payment • Book on Hold and pay through designated banks and ATM terminal • Ticket payment via point of Sale (POS) system and external travel portals • Online excess baggage

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• • • •

Online ticket voucher Online travel insurance Web mobile book and pay for flights using mobile phones SMS booking and payment

With the dynamism of cutting edge technology, Aero promises to make air travel simple, convenient, affordable and fun!

The airline offers the most robust distribution and payment system when ranked with other Nigerian airline service providers.

Furthermore, Aero, has earned the Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certificate from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

This approval authorises Aero to handle maintenance of all registered fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In effect, Aero handles maintenance for other airlines too.

The authorisation to undertake A-checks for all its B737 aircraft.

Aero also has the capability to undertake A-C Checks on all their Dash 8s. It is the only airline in West and Central Africa with this capability.

The technical unit of Aero is well established and has stores equipped with spares to maintain all its aircrafts. Its competences include coupling wheels and tyres of its aircrafts, thus saving importation costs.

Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited is without doubt a pioneer in this industry, as its initiatives have been emulated by other airlines in the Nigerian aviation sector.

For more information on latest offers, updates and contact details, please visit :

AERO CALL CENTRE: Tel: 234 (0) 1- 6284140 Email: corporate@acn.aero; www.flyaero.com 62

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Arik Air Arik Air Ltd is a privately and wholly Nigerian owned commercial airline with a commitment to the people of Nigeria to deliver new standards in aviation.

Chairman Sir Arumemi-Ikhide

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In 2002, Arik Air’s Chairman, Sir ArumemiIkhide, decided to buy a Hawker jet aircraft.

Colleagues and contacts in the gas and oil industry started using the Hawker jet to fly themselves around Nigeria. So, another jet was acquired and before long, a corporate jet business was launched. The next step was to find the right people and the right aircraft to build an airline that would set new standards and change the face of the aviation industry in Africa. Arik Air was born - an airline with whom “Nigeria and the rest of Africa would be proud to fly”.

In April 2006, Arik Air took occupation of some of the former Nigeria Airways facilities in Lagos and major reconstruction work began immediately. Arik Air also took delivery of three brand new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft making the airline the first CRJ900 operator on the African continent and the first airline to introduce new commercial aircraft into Nigeria for over 20 years. In October 2006, seven months after taking occupation of some of the old Nigeria Airways’ premises and transforming it to a state-of-the-art facility, Arik Air was

inaugurated, opening its doors to the travelling public on 30 October 2006. Over the next 36 months, additional brand new aircraft joined the growing fleet which now stands at 23 aircraft. By the end of 2011, Arik Air had successfully flown over 8.5 million passengers across a network of 43 domestic and international routes.

In April 2007, Arik Air International Ltd was established in London by Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide. Set up to develop the worldwide routes and deliver a truly global airline with world class standards, Arik Air International acts as the overseas corporate office of Arik Air. On 15 December 2008, Arik Air successfully launched its first longhaul flight between Lagos and London Heathrow, flying daily with a newly acquired Airbus A340-500, offering the highest degree of operational flexibility and unmatched passenger comfort. The aircraft offers 36 Premier Class and 201 Economy Class seats. Premier Class passengers enjoy ‘super flat’ beds equipped with 17 inch monitors and a new generation in-built massage system. It also has a communal

Group CEO and President Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide

area which comprises a bar lounge, sofas and a seat-free space for socialising.

In June 2009, Arik Air commenced operations to its second long haul destination - Johannesburg, South Africa - as well as flights to several destinations in the West African region; linking Lagos to Sierra Leone, Senegal, The Gambia as well as Benin and Ghana. November 2009 saw the launch of Arik Air’s latest international destination - New York, operating non-stop flights three times a week, between New York (JFK) and Lagos. The route is served by Arik’s flagship A340-500 aircraft, operated by partner Hi Fly Transportes Aeros S.A. of Portugal. In addition, Arik launched nonstop services between the capital cities of London and Abuja from its new home at the renovated London Heathrow Terminal 4.

In 2011 Arik became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) having successfully completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) the previous year. Towards the end of the year, Arik commenced direct flights to its first international destinations in over one year

connecting Cotonou (Benin), Bamako (Mali) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) with Lagos. One week later it became the first Nigerian airline to fly non-stop between Lagos and Luanda (Angola). With traffic rights obtained to many other international destinations across the globe, including Houston, Beijing, Paris and Sao Paulo, this is just the beginning of Arik Air’s international expansion.

Key Facts & Figures • Arik Air operates a fleet of 21 commercial aircraft, making it the largest airline in Nigeria, plus two aircraft used exclusively for charter.

• Arik Air invested over US$130-million on new aircraft in the first half of 2007.

• In October 2006, Arik Air took delivery of three brand new CRJ900 aircraft, the first new commercial aircraft to take to the skies of Nigeria in over 20 years.

• Arik Air currently serves 31 destinations domestically and internationally. It operates an average 120 flights daily.

• Arik Air carried over 150,000 passengers

•

•

• •

in the first six months of operation and more than 500,000 in its first year of operation. In July 2009 Arik Air carried its highest number of passengers in one month - 182,075. In July 2009, it carried its 3-millionth passenger and by December 2010 its 6-millionth passenger since commencement of operations in October 2006.

Arik Air is constructing a state-of-theart technical and maintenance ‘super hangar’ facility, for use by all airlines in Lagos.

Arik Air introduced a state-of-the-art Operations Control Centre (OCC) in August 2008 at its head office in Lagos, making it the second airline in the world and first in Africa to have such equipment.

Arik Air employs over 2,000 staff.

In May 2008 and October 2010, Arik Air won the International Quality Summit Award in New York, USA, (Gold and Platinum Awards respectively) in recognition of Excellence & Business Prestige.

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• In June 2009, Arik Air was nominated for ‘Airline of the Year’ at the African Business Awards 2009.

• In February 2010, Arik Air’s Chairman, Sir J.I.A. Arumemi-Ikhide was honoured at the 15th Annual ThisDay Award 2010 as one of the 50 most distinguished Nigerians, for his commitment to launch and build Arik Air. The airline also received the prestigious Nigerian Airline of the Year Award for the third successive year.

• In August 2010, Arik Air obtained International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) certification from US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allowing the carrier to operate Nigerian registered

aircraft into the USA. • In January 2011, Arik Air launched its first Frequent Flyer Programme, Arik WingsPlus.

• Arik obtained placement onto the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registry in March 2011. In the same month, it received Part 129 approval from the USA Department of Transport and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to commence operations to the United States in Nigerian registered aircraft, becoming the first Nigerian airline to receive the approval in over 15 years.

• On October 17, 2011, Arik Air became a member of International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Routes Domestic (30) • Lagos-Abuja-Lagos • Abuja-Port Harcourt-Abuja • Abuja-Calabar-Abuja • Lagos-Calabar-Lagos • Lagos-Benin-Lagos • Abuja-Warri-Abuja • Abuja-Owerri-Abuja • Lagos-Kano-Lagos • Lagos-Jos-Lagos • Abuja-Enugu-Abuja • Abuja-Kano-Abuja • Lagos-Yola-Lagos • Lagos-Maiduguri-Lagos • Abuja-Maiduguri-Abuja • Abuja-Gombe-Abuja • Lagos-Kaduna-Lagos • Lagos-Uyo-Lagos • Abuja-Uyo-Abuja • Abuja-Asaba-Abuja • Kano-Enugu-Kano International (12) • Lagos-Accra • Lagos-Freetown • Lagos-Dakar • Lagos-Cotonou-Ouagadoudou-Bamako • Lagos-London-Heathrow-Lagos • Lagos-New York-Lagos

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• Lagos-Enugu-Lagos • Abuja-Benin-Abuja • Lagos-Port Harcourt-Lagos • Abuja-Sokoto-Abuja • Lagos-Warri-Lagos • Abuja-Yola-Abuja • Lagos-Owerri-Lagos • Abuja-Katsina-Abuja • Lagos-Asaba-Lagos • Abuja-Ibadan-Abuja

• Abuja-Accra • Lagos-Banjul • Lagos-Monrovia • Lagos-Luanda • Lagos-Johannesburg-Lagos • Lagos-Douala

Arik Air Earning our wings London

N e w Yo r k

Dakar Banjul

Ouagadougou Bamako

Freetown Monrovia

Abuja

Lagos Cotonou Accra Douala

Arik Air is Nigeria and West Africa’s premier airline.

We offer more destinations throughout Nigeria, West Africa and Luanda, London, New York and Johannesburg, with over 120 daily flights from our Lagos & Abuja hubs. We operate a young and modern fleet of 23 aircraft, with average age of 5 years, all maintained in partnership with world renowned Lufthansa Technik and Iberia.

Luanda

Johannesburg

With more comfort, space and service on board, we look forward to welcoming you on board soon.

fly world class a r i k a i r. c o m Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 3 Luxury Lifestyles and Fashion

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Porsche Porsche Centre, a member of the Stallion Group, recently celebrated the opening of their new facility in Victoria Island. The group has made a significant investment in developing the most modern facility in sub-Saharan Africa to world class standards that allow customers to experience the Porsche experience as they would in any other Porsche showroom worldwide.

Highly trained sales staff undergo extensive training and regularly attend training abroad to ensure absolute professionalism and to offer customers the best advice when ordering their own custom built vehicle.

The showroom is fitted with a complete fitting lounge that boasts a full range of colour, leather and Alloy rim samples thus allowing customers to select the vehicle colour of choice and match this with the interior colour and wheels of choice, to build a truly customised vehicle with no two vehicles having the same options. A vehicle configurator allows customers to view their vehicle with both interior and exterior views as they build their vehicles and allows customers to see their vehicles in real time.

Customers have the option of test driving one of our demonstration vehicles

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prior to purchasing their vehicle so as to experience the ride and performance of each model. Not only do customers have the option of building their own custom vehicles; they can also purchase a complete range of Porsche branded clothing and accessories from the Porsche design Drivers Selection boutique in the showroom while enjoying a refreshing drink in the customer lounge.

All new vehicles have a standard two year unconditional factory warranty with the option of extending the warranty annually for up to nine years or 200,000km whichever comes first. Full service and parts facilities are available in both Lagos and Abuja with the additional quick service to be built at our show room on V.I. thus allowing customers the convenience of being able to bring their vehicle for service while they wait for their vehicle in our

coffee lounge or make use of the chauffeur drive service to drop them at work.

Full custom tailored financing options are available to suit customers needs with as little as 20% deposit and terms of up to 60 months with monthly payments as low as 398,000 Naira; making owning a Porsche more affordable.

The complete range of models is available starting with the new Boxster @ 12,200,000,00 Naira and Cayenne from 16,000,000,00 Naira through to the Panamera from 25,000,000,00 Naira. The complete model range has been fully tropicalised with extra cooling and stronger suspension to cater for the challenging driving conditions in Nigeria. The Cayenne SUV is the biggest selling in the range with the Panamera with height adjustable suspension being very well accepted due to the good ground clearance and ability to

deal with the conditions in Nigeria. Basic specifications of all models for the Nigerian market are much higher that other markets such as USA and Europe where customers would have to pay for such options. Built to the Euro 4 emission levels due to the low quality of fuel available and ensure optimum performance.

Nigerians have traditionally purchased their vehicles abroad with the perception that the vehicles are cheaper; but there are many disadvantages of buying such vehicles as they are not suited for African conditions and many experience overheating and poor air-conditioning.

The vehicles built for other markets are built to Euro 5 specifications and are not suitable for operating with the fuel available in Nigeria and therefore experience many problems with the engine management systems which can lead to permanent damage to the engine. Customers are not well informed by dealers overseas who do not have the customer’s best interests at heart as they do not have to honor the warranty and offer no after sales support.

Porsche Nigeria offer the opportunity to trade in all vehicles purchased from our dealership when customers wish to upgrade to a newer model.

Porsche Centre Lagos 179, Akin Adesola/Kofo Abayomi Street, V.Island, Lagos, Nigeria Phone: +234 9033800 www.porschelagos.com Best of Nigeria

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Exporters Targeting Nigeria’s Growing Premium Taste Nigeria is becoming a more and more important market for wine exporters. By Femi Adewunmi

Wines of South Africa (WOSA), an industry body representing the country’s wine exporters, has recently indentified Nigeria as a promising market for South African producers.

With a population of over 160-million and rapid economic growth, Nigeria is currently on the radar of various consumer focused companies. Many of the world’s multinational brewers, such as SABMiller, Diageo and Heineken, have invested in the Nigerian market. In 2014, Nigeria is expected to overtake the UK as the largest market for Guinness stout.

Nigerians are, however, also developing an increasing taste for wine.

Total volumes of wines sold in Nigeria are forecast to grow by 6% a year, although the total value will only increase by 2%.

The market is currently worth around US$300-million a year, and is expected to reach $370-million by 2015.

Sixty percent of wine sold in Nigeria is imported from Europe. South Africa is, however, the second biggest exporter

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with 22% by volume share. South African wine exports to Nigeria also grew at 12% over the past year.

According to Sapta Bhattacharyya, associate vice president of research firm Aranca, Nigerians prefer red wine, which accounts for over 73% of total volumes sold.

Importer distributors are responsible for 70% of wine distribution in Nigeria, with the rest imported directly by retailers and the hospitality industry.

Opportunities at high-end of the market A number of the world’s luxury brands have started to target wealthy Nigerians.

Last month German carmaker Porsche officially opened a new car dealership in Lagos’ Victoria Island.

Bhattacharyya estimates that Nigeria could have up to a million customers in the market for ultra-luxury products.

According to Su Birch, CEO of WOSA, wine producers should not

ignore the potential at the higher-end of the market. “Many of the global luxury brands have entered the Nigerian market and these include several famous-name spirits, as well as champagne brands whose products are being welcomed by the country’s affluent consumers.

We know anecdotally from a number of South African producers that there is a robust appetite for premium and higherpriced local wines,” she explained.

During this year’s Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum Africa in Cape Town, Mark Turner, Africa director at Massdiscounters, a division of retailer Massmart, said that when the company opened its first store in Nigeria, it was surprised by how brand-conscious the consumers were.

“One of the things that have amazed us, is that it is a very brand-conscious market … Particularly in our west African markets, in Ghana and Nigeria … it is a market that travels extensively and has access to internet. It is amazing how sophisticated that customer is.”

Challenges remain Even with growing interest in wine and rising spending power, Nigerian consumers remain very price-conscious, warns Bhattacharyya.

Before entering the Nigerian market, wine exporters should also take note of the 50% import duty as well as the cumbersome and costly bureaucracy,

which includes registration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Despite Nigeria’s large population, it is estimated that 61% of Nigerians live on less than $1 a day. Whitey Basson, CEO of pan-African supermarket group Shoprite, however, doesn’t seem too

concerned. “Even if you have 60% of the population living in poverty, 40% of the Nigerian population is still bigger than the South African population,” he told Reuters in an interview.

www.howwemadeitinafrica.com Best of Nigeria

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Arise Magazine

Photographer Bennett Raglin

Photographer Bennett Raglin

“African Icons” kicks off Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week.

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With over 19 international events under its belt - a world-class magazine that is distributed in over 27 countries - ARISE is firmly established as the most significant iconic African brand. Its “African Icons” presentation at the Lincoln Center on 6 September 2012, celebrated its return to New York to another packed house and a standing ovation from its 1,000-devoted followers and a celebrity audience including Tyson Chandler, Angela Simmons, June Ambrose, Olivia, Shontelle, Alexandra Burke, and June Sarpong.

Here’s what ARISE’s five specially selected African Icons designers had to say:

Ozwald Boateng OBE (UK/Ghana): “I wanted to support the important work ARISE is doing for African fashion. It’s good to help bring the stylistic messages of the AMFW experience of Lagos to New York. I have a good following in the States and have showed solo at NYFW three times...If you’re interested in the American consumer. NYFW is where it’s at.”

Gavin Rajah (South Africa): “My US clients appreciate my craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. By showing my luxe prêt-a-porter collection last night, it was great to fly the flag for South Africa.”

Tiffany Amber (Nigeria): “I have a special place in my heart for the ARISE shows. It felt surreal to walk down the runway again. It was like we were at a party thrown by the world. I loved it and can’t wait to do it again...”

Tsemaye Binitie (UK/Nigeria): “From the backstage production and calibre of models, to working with world-class stylists and make-up artists - and being at the Lincoln Center... It was all wow!”

Maki Oh (Nigeria): “I have put my ‘AMFW Designer of the Year’ Award on my dining table, beside an amethyst candle holder and other awards I’ve won. I was excited about the whole lineup ARISE had chosen. Great times ahead...”

Photographer Bennett Raglin

Photographer Bennett Raglin

of the first issue of ARISE Magazine on Tuesday, October 15th, 2008.

To launch the magazine in the U.S., ARISE partnered with IMG’s hugely successful, Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and created a global platform for premiere African fashion designers to show their collections. As such, this endeavour has led to various, critically acclaimed fashion shows around the world, these include: • ARISE African Fashion Collective IMG Mercedes Benz, New York Fashion Week, February 2009.

• ARISE Africa Fashion Week, Johannesburg, June 2009.

• ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week, August 2009.

• ARISE Promise of Africa Collective, NYFW, September 2009.

• ARISE Africa Collective III, NYFW, February 2010.

• ARISE L’Afrique A Porter, Paris, March 2010.

• ARISE Magazine Fashion Week, Lagos, March 2011 and 2012.

Photographer Bennett Raglin

Photographer Bennett Raglin

The five designers all participated at the ARISE Magazine Fashion Week (AMFW 2012) showcase in Lagos, Nigeria. The event was held over five days in March 2012 and featured a staggering 77 designers. Of those 77 designers who participated in Lagos, FIVE African designers won the coveted prize to showcase their Spring 2013 designs and represent the ARISE brand, as a part of its self-styled themed: African Icons.

ARISE Magazine founder Nduka Obaigbena said: “There has been a surge of interest from around the world including major UK and American brands, which is why ARISE will continue to give designers from Africa and the Diaspora, an opportunity to be put on the world’s fashion map. The world has recognised that ARISE has much to offer and has put Africa firmly on everyone’s agenda.

Once more we are proud to have supported these gifted designers and our association with IMG and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week working in partnership with us.”

London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall was the setting for the successful inauguration

For further information please contact: amfw@ariselive.com Best of Nigeria

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Deola Sagoe

In person, Deola is a personality with many layers, much like the multilayered designs she crafts. She is a wondrous contradiction, a charismatic yet serene figure, outgoing yet shy, enterprising yet protective, rebellious yet a believer in age-old traditions. With over two decades of industry-defining experience, Deola’s accolades are numerous, and the label

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has been regularly featured in various international media, including Marie Claire and Essence. In 2011 Deola Sagoe was featured in The Financial Times, CNN and most recently she was a guest on the show “Rendezvous with Zainab Badawi” alongside South African ANC Activist, Maropene Ntuli and veteran Nollywood Star, Joke Silva.

Photo: Moussa Moussa

Photo: Kelechi Amadi Obi

Deola Sagoe is a fashion visionary with a unique approach to fashion design and production that continues to inspire fashion all over the world. Using African fabrics and incorporating, almost-lost, traditional African techniques with the modern, Deola Sagoe designs have been an unwavering advocate for African Fashion.

Ori Oke: Derived from the Japanese word ‘Shibori’ and the Yoruba word ‘Aso-Oke’, both words describe methods of creating the traditional cloth of the respective cultures.This collection was inspired by the similarities Deola Sagoe sees within the Japanese and the Yoruba style of dress.

As the brand nears its quarter century, Deola Sagoe has diversified from its haute couture origins, adding several diffusion and prêt-à-porter lines and sub brands. The DEO jeans range is particularly indicative of this progression. DEO jeans are cut for the more ‘expressive’ figure, skilfully toning and sublimating your natural shape so that well… you look like a supermodel on casual Friday!

The Deola Sagoe Woman “The Deola Sagoe woman has that mysterious and engaging complexity that is a gift to all women. One day she is dead serious, the next she has the naughtiest sense of humour. One day she is all woman, the next she is ingénue. She definitely enjoys standing out, she is not a worker bee, but finds it far more interesting when everyone has a different point of view and yet everyone can still get along. She is colourful – she uses colour to mirror her mood. She is vital, energetic, not the shy, retiring, type, but she also knows the appropriate time to hold her peace. I like the Deola Sagoe woman because she’s really like a contribution to life…,” Deola Sagoe.

The Next Generation In 2011 Deola and her three daughters launched a brand new label: CLAN. CLAN offers dynamic fashion that’s easily accessible, yet savvy and distinct. The overall look is super-stylish, an essential resource for what the cool girls and guys are going to be wearing next…

It may seem obvious that the daughters of Deola Sagoe would find their way into the fashion industry. Not so if you ask the girls, the eldest of whom is just 21. Each has her own distinct career path marked out - but it must be in the blood as CLAN has grown organically, taking on a life of its own. The label recently featured in Arise magazine Fashion week 2012 and an exposé to watch out for in Tank magazine (US).

www.deolasagoe.net

Photo: Obi Somto

Photo: Moussa Moussa

Fabrics with Flavour At Deola Sagoe a major part of the brand is about developing fabrics, fabric innovation and preserving Nigeria’s heritage in fabrics.

Traditional techniques almost swept aside by the winds of modernism, have been studied and incorporated, leading to something ‘ultra-modern’ and totally fresh.

The love of fabric is why anyone that comes into contact with a Deola Sagoe design needs to touch it - explore it with the hands... not just the eyes.

“I always incorporate indigenous fabrics. I love the look of Aso-Oke and have developed a unique system where the fabric actually looks like it’s been embroidered but it’s all done on hand looms,” Deola Sagoe.

New explorations into the use of AsoOke are a trademark and why the label is recognised as a champion of the fabric.

In fact, it has been a personal mission of Deola to make the fabric more lustrous and softer as she has innovated new production techniques and skills. In 2011, Arise Magazine Fashion Week celebrated her success by giving Deola an award for her lifetime achievement in pursuit of research and development into the use of the AsoOke fabric.

Photo: Obi Somto

The Spirit of DEO Deola Sagoe is dedicated to the act of creating. Her devotion to excellence was recognised early and over time this has influenced her entire production approach, now involving not only the designs and styling, but the fabric technologies that are the grassroots.

CLAN: “Believe that you have the power... Believe that right now, there’s someone who believes in the wonder that’s you...”

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BETH Model Management Africa BETH Model Management was founded in Lagos, Nigeria in December 2005 by Elizabeth Isiorho-Aisien who introduced a bold, brilliant and professional style to modelling in Nigeria.

After a successful reign as MISS NIGERIA UK 2002/2003, with a lot of experience, passion and skill, Elizabeth birthed a multidimensional modelling agency seasoned with a team of qualified models of all ages, both male and female.

CEO and Founder, Elizabeth IsiorhoAisien is an ex model and prolific leader, impassioned with the task of grooming Nigeria’s best models and taking the industry to finer heights, with international associates in London, South Africa, Paris and New York.

She has positioned the company as one of the best in the country providing quality services for all commercial, editorial, runway and advertisement needs.

In 2007, BETH became proud representative of Elite Modelling Agency and the Elite Model Look Competition (a highly successful network and franchise worldwide) - with a winner in Nigeria to show off.

The Agency is focused on developing a recognisable modelling platform that would see young aspiring models from all over Africa expose their variant capabilities to a global audience of reputable pundits.

It is the expectation of the rebranded BETH Model Management Africa that Modelling and Fashion would prove to be a commendable outlet for self-expression and empowerment for the Nigerian Woman.

The company clientele list includes: Deola Sagoe, Bunmi Koko, Adebayo Jones, Ade Bakare, Tiffany Amber, MOMO Couture, Emmy Collins, Ituen Bassey, Lanre Da Silva, Ade Bakare, Frank Oshodi, Bridget Awosika, Jewels by Lisa, Nkwo, Samanta Cole, Mimi London, Black up, Clan, Ella & Gabby, Mangoe, Tebazil, TW magazine, Elan, WOW magazine, Genevieve, Vogue Italia, ThisDay Fashion & Music Festival 2008, Deal or no deal, Big Brother Nigeria, Arise fashion week, Unicef (Tiffany Amber Show), MTN, Globacom, Air-tel, and Nokia among many more such as in high profile events.

BETH is quickly making a name for itself in the African market as well as internationally. BETH has a high-end range of exquisite women and men for work in all areas of the fashion industry.

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For more information please contact: Address: The Studio, 71 Raymond Njoku, Victoria Island, Lagos Contact: +234 803 327 8752 www.bethmodelafrica.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 4 Banking, Finance and Investment

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Standard Chartered in Nigeria In 1965, the Standard Bank of South Africa merged with the Bank of West Africa, acquiring businesses including a banking operation in Nigeria, which dated back to 1894.

The name was then changed to Standard Bank of West Africa. Four years after the merger, Standard Bank Nigeria was incorporated locally to take over the business in Nigeria. In 1971, 13% of the share capital was placed with Nigerian investors. The end of the civil war saw a major economic upturn and as a consequence, the military government sought to increase local control of the retail-banking sector, hence the Bank’s investment in Standard Bank Nigeria (renamed First Bank of Nigeria in 1979) was reduced to 38%. Standard Chartered remained a shareholder of First Bank of Nigeria until 1996.

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Standard Chartered re-entered Nigeria in 1999 and opened to customers on 15 September 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank Plc, headquartered in United Kingdom. It now has 29 branches located in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Ota, Aba, Onitsha and Onne - offering a wide range of products and services in both consumer and wholesale banking. It employs over 700 employees and sees Nigeria as a growth centre.

Branch Network We have a steadily increasing branch network with the number of branches extending to 35 by the end of 2012.

Our branches are located in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ibadan, Aba, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Onne, Onitsha, Ota, and Kano: Lagos • No. 142, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island • No. 105B, Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island • No. 30, Warehouse Road, Apapa • No. 30, Aromire Street Ikeja • No. 37A, The Palms Mall, Lekki Peninsular • Plot 1681 Sanusi Fafunwa Street Victoria Island • No. 122/132 Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Isolo – Afprint Isolo, Lagos • No. 138, Broad Street • K23 Ikota Shopping Complex Lekki-Epe express way • No.184, Awolowo Road Ikoyi • No. 56, Town Planning way Ilupeju • No. 47, Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja • No. 35 Opebi Road, Ikeja • Shop G2 and G3, City Mall, Lagos • Plot 94, Block 24, Lekki Scheme Phase 1, Eti-Osa LGA, Lekki • Ground & First Floor, Surulere Leisure Centre, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street • 72A, Adetokunbo Ademola, Victoria Island, Lagos • Polysonic Plaza, 1B Point road Apapa Lagos • 21/22 Marina, Lagos • Plot 6/7, 1st Avenue Festac Town, Lagos Abuja • Plot 3174, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II • NUJ Premises; Plot 4 Cadastral Zone BO5 Jabi Utako District

(Sitting L-R) MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria, Bola Adesola; Group Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Peter Sands; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama; Assistant Legal Adviser to Ministry of Finance, Mr. B.M. Yusuf; (Standing L-R) Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell; British Prime Minister, David Cameron; and Trade Minister, UK, Lord Steven Green, during the signing of the MOU on Sovereign Ratings Advisory Services between the bank and the Nigerian government in Lagos.

• Tswanya Centre; Plot 1517/1518 Mohammadu Buhari Way, CBD, Garki, Abuja • Zamani Complex; 1 Zambezi Crescent; 1405 Cadastral Zone A05, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja Port-Harcourt • 143, Aba road • Plot 7, Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout Aba • 20B, Aba –Owerri road, Aba Ibadan • 102, Moshood Abiola Way Ring-Road, Ibadan Kaduna • Plot 1 & 2C Kachia Road, Kaduna

Kano • 8C Murtala Mohammed Way, Kano Maiduguri • Kachim Ibrahim way, Maiduguri Onitsha • 49 New Market Road, Onitsha Ota • Km 3, Idi-Iroko Road, Otta Onne • Free Trade Zone, Intels Compound; Onne

Tel: +234 1 2700025 Email: info@standardchartered.com www.standardchartered.com/ng Best of Nigeria

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Diamond Bank Plc Diamond Bank Plc is a leading financial institution in Nigeria with presence in the Francophone West Africa countries. The Bank is respected for its innovation in providing value-adding solutions to customers’ business needs.

Over the past 20 years, the Bank has leveraged on its underlying resilience to grow its asset base, and to successfully retain its key business relationships. Acclaimed to be the employer of choice, Diamond Bank strives to provide unequalled customer experience using the best people. The Bank has also built a culture of excellence in collaboration with like-minded organisations in Nigeria and around the world.

The Bank is strategically focused on growing the retail segment of the market by providing a wide range of lifestyle retail products and services. The Bank equally has strong focus on corporate banking, and structured to operate in four strategic business units; Retail Banking - which provides innovative products and solutions for the retail mass market, mass affluent customers and MSME (micro, small and medium scale enterprises). Business Banking - caters for the banking needs of the middle market customers.

Corporate Banking - provides services to multi-nationals and large corporations in such sectors as Oil and Gas, Power, Maritime, Manufacturing, Aviation, Telecommunication and the Public Sector - structured to do business with the Federal Government, its agencies and parastatals.

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Diamond Bank Plc remains the first African bank to be listed on the Professional Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange following $500-million Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) in January 2008.

The Bank is recognised by International Financial Corporation (IFC) as the Best Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Bank in Nigeria.

Diamond Bank Plc began as a private limited liability company on March 21, 1991 (the company was incorporated on December 20, 1990). Ten years later, in February 2001, it became a Universal Bank while in January 2005, following a highly successful Private Placement share offer; the Bank became a Public Limited Company (Plc). In May 2005, the Bank was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange while in October of the same year; the Bank acquired the former Lion Bank of Nigeria Plc, achieving in the process a seamless integration on record as the smoothest in the industry. In January 2008, Diamond Bank’s $500-million Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) was listed on the Professional Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange, further lifting the Bank’s international profile.

In furtherance of our developmental goal of bringing the largely un-banked population into the mainstream banking and in line with our retail banking strategy of bringing banking convenience to our existing and potential customers, we are rapidly expanding our branch network. To deepen our presence in the retail space in the country, we are also leveraging on our robust technology to further deploy Alternative Delivery Channels, largely e-banking solutions that ensure customer convenience.

In addition to being a member of the ATM Consortium that deploys ATMs to strategic locations outside bank premises, we increased our own ATM spread from 201 to 329 and our POS spread to 7,200 while also deepening partnership with merchants in POS deployment. The number of Diamond Bank cards in circulation rose significantly during the year. The phenomenal growth in our cards and alternative channel services has resulted in minimal queues in our banking halls, thereby boosting overall customer satisfaction.

Beyond being the first naira denominated yet internationally functional brand of VISA© cards, the Diamond Bank VISA cards are currently accepted at 29 million merchant

locations and 1.2 million ATMs both locally and internationally. The product range includes Classic, Gold and Platinum cards that employ the global standard Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV) application to ensure the cards work at all VISA merchants.

Diamond Care Tel: +234(0) 700-300-0000 E-mail: enquiries@diamondbank.com www.diamondbank.com Best of Nigeria

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Atlas Financial Group Since 1995, the Atlas Group has built a reputation for excellence providing in excess of 10,000 private and professional intermediary clients with a variety of corporate and administration services including specialist offshore structures, professional directorships and trustee solutions.

Jesse D. Hester, Chairman

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Their superior service levels has allowed them to generate a strong track record in the offshore financial services industry and their latest product solutions are set to further enhance their reputation in the market place.

Atlas Financial Group, part of the Atlas Group, has been established to provide outstanding financial products and exceptional levels of customer service to the professional intermediary in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

AFG is fully licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius to provide financial advisory services and distribute financial services products and offers a comprehensive range of private client wealth management services tailored principally for overseas residents, expatriates and internationally mobile clients.

Their product solutions have been carefully selected to meet the needs of the professional intermediary and many are exclusive in nature. AFG work closely with their suppliers to provide innovative solutions that offer clients some of the best offshore financial products available globally.

Atlas Life – offering ‘Institutional rates to the retail Market’ In addition to AFG, the Group have also established Atlas Life, an offshore life insurance company that offers international clients the ability to insure themselves and their business assets with life cover in the three major currencies – US$,£,€..

Unlike local life insurance products, Atlas Life covers clients wherever they may be, whether you are relocating internationally, travelling on business or simply going on holiday.

Atlas Life works with some of the world’s strongest reinsurers so clients can enjoy institutional rates and peace of mind knowing that any potential future claim will be dealt with promptly and professionally.

Atlas Life allows clients to enjoy living without worrying about what could be around the corner.

The Atlas Life product can be established to provide protection for mortgages, school fees and inheritance planning as well as protecting your business interests through Keyman and Partnership protection.

Lucan Toh, CEO

AFG and IDAD in Africa AFG has also secured an exclusive Africa agreement with innovative structured product supplier, IDAD of London.

Investment Design and Distribution (IDAD) was established in 2002 and develops structured investment products in conjunction with leading investment institutions. IDAD works with reputable and well-established providers to ensure access to institutional pricing and funding and has launched over 300 successful investment products over the last 10 years. The agreement with IDAD allows Professional intermediaries in Africa the opportunity to benefit from the ‘IDAD Difference’.

With global interest rates at an all- time low, many investors are no longer able to secure the returns in the bank or building society that they would like. Some have attempted to seek the potentially higher returns on offer from the stock market, but the continuing market turmoil has left many disappointed, receiving low returns or even losing money.

Structured Products are able to offer a real alternative to ‘cash’ delivered in an efficient way with no on-going charges

or fees. They can be designed to deliver attractive returns in both rising and falling markets and importantly, details of how the performance of the investment will be determined, repayment dates and any capital at risk are all set out prior to investment.

When you invest in a Structured Product the returns are clearly defined and you know exactly what you are buying so expectation of returns can be managed effectively. With no ongoing fees, the investments beat most traditional investments in terms of charges The initial sales charge is an implicit part of the structure’s design so 100% of the client’s capital is invested.

AFG – How we help the professional intermediary As a professional intermediary, we know that the needs of their clients are of paramount importance to them. Our relationship team consists of highly experienced, specialists who work with them to find only the very best solutions available in the market place.

Working with AFG gives the professional Intermediary access to many new and exclusive product opportunities and offers them ways to grow their business by providing unique, innovative solutions that can be presented to their clients.

In addition, AFG understand the importance of service and are aware of the issues intermediaries are faced with on a day-to-day basis.

Africa – The new ‘Emerging Market’ We see Africa as one of the most exciting opportunities in our future business plans and our new head office in Mauritius is testimony to our commitment to the continent. We aim to be part of the Africa success story and we see the demand for international financial products increasing significantly over the coming years.

AFG has strong distribution relationships throughout Africa and we will continue to partner with professional intermediaries throughout the continent as they enjoy a growing, but more demanding, client base in countries such as Angola, Ghana, Botswana, DRC, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

With the continent home to the largest potential workforce of under 40 year olds and the largest accumulated reserves of commodities such as gold, coal, copper, iron ore, lead, and zinc it is inevitable that the economic spotlight will fall even more on Africa and AFG is well positioned to help with and benefit from the coming Africa success story.

Africa Head Office Mauritius Tel: +230 263 0040 Email: info@afg.mu www.atlas-corp.com www.afg.mu Best of Nigeria

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Ghana and Nigeria among world’s fastest growing economies in 2012/2013 The West African nations of Ghana and Nigeria are expected to be among the world’s fastest growing economies in 2012, according to an emailed research note by Charles Robertson, global chief economist at Renaissance Capital. By Claude Harding

Robertson’s data comprises consensus forecasts and the latest estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures.

In 2011, Ghana was the fastest growing economy from a total of 43 markets included in Renaissance’s graphs. This growth was largely off the back of Ghana’s new oil industry. Nigeria had the 6th highest GDP growth, ahead of India.

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In 2012, Ghana is again expected to show the strongest GDP growth, with Nigeria in 4th position.

However, next year Ghana’s growth will slow down, while Nigeria is likely to remain in 4th position. “Finally Ghana shifts out of overdrive and gives Asia a chance to shine a little – though personally I doubt China will be growing at 9% in 2013. Around 7% to 8% looks more realistic, if only due to base effects,” notes Robertson.

In 2013, South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, is likely to grow faster than Australia. “It might be a good time for the South Africans who emigrated to Australia to sell up their inflated property prices, sell the overvalued AUD and move back to South Africa,” says Robertson.

“A lot of the emerging Europe, Middle East and Africa economies we cover are doing an awful lot better than most give them credit for.

Helped by Nigeria, Kazakhstan and Ghana, they take two to three places in the top 5 in 2011-13. South Africa consistently beats developed market commodity exporters,” says Robertson.

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Nigerian consumers upbeat about the future A few years ago I saw an advertisement for a bank at Lagos’s airport proclaiming, if I recall correctly, that Nigeria is “the happiest place on earth”. By Claude Harding

Akin Adesina

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This might just be true, if a recent poll by GlobeScan for the BBC World Service is to be believed. The survey, in which over 25,000 consumers across 25 countries were interviewed, was conducted between July and September 2011.

Respondents were asked to say whether they expect good or bad economic times in the next 12 months, and also over the next five years.

The poll found that Nigerians are the most optimistic nation among those surveyed, with 72% saying they expect “good” or “mostly good” economic conditions in the year ahead. Looking at the next five years, 73% of Nigerians expect a “continuous” or “mostly good” business environment.

Interviews were conducted with 755 Nigerians living across the country.

Although Nigeria has an abundance

Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Lamido Sanusi

Former managing director of the World Bank Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

of natural resources, it is estimated that over half of the population lives below the poverty line. Much hope is resting on President Goodluck Jonathan’s economic team to transform the economy. Jonathan has appointed former managing director of the World Bank Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as finance minister, as well as Akin Adesina, previous vicepresident of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), as his agriculture chief. Over the past few years Central Bank of Nigeria governor Lamido Sanusi has also established a reputation as a no-nonsense operator.

Overall, 59% of African respondents are upbeat about the future. Only 14% expressed a negative sentiment.

In addition to Nigeria, other African countries included in the poll are Egypt, Kenya and Ghana.

The poll found that Japanese, British, and French consumers are among the most pessimistic in the world. In Japan, only 5% expect “good” or “mostly good” times, while 60% expect “bad” or “mostly bad” times over the next year.

There are similar levels of economic pessimism in the UK and France.

“The poll suggests citizens in many industrialised economies – most notably the UK and US – see their immediate and longer-term economic prospects as bleak, and the continuing eurozone crisis will only be making matters worse. It also reveals continuing strong consumer confidence in emerging giants such as Brazil, India, and China,” GlobeScan chairman Doug Miller commented.

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Chapter 5 Security

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The World’s Leading Security Solutions Group Specialises in outsourcing of business processes in sectors where security and safety risks are considered a strategic threat.

• Fire Detection Systems • Access Control Systems • Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), Electrified fencing • Motorised gates • Automatic Bollards, wheel spikes or boom gates – Vehicle barrier/control systems • Guard houses and look-out / surveillance posts • Fibre sensing technology for movement detection on ground • Identification card printers • X-ray scanners for baggage • Speed humps Most electronic systems can report to a Joint Operations Control centre via Radio/GSM and are monitored by trained personnel on a 24 hour basis.

Secure Monitoring & Armed Response Services G4S provides a comprehensive alarm monitoring and armed response to our customers with packages developed for single residences, estates and businesses.

24-Hours Response to Security, Fire and Medical Emergencies equals peace of mind.

For a modest monthly investment you can protect your people and property.

G4S is the largest employer quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has an additional stock exchange listing in Copenhagen.

G4S has operations in more than 125 countries and over 635,000 employees. For more information on G4S, visit www.g4s.com.

The Group has operations in 28 countries in Africa. As the leading integrated security solutions provider on the continent, G4S is perfectly positioned to offer the expertise, experience and systems to ensure that the highest international standards are maintained.

Group 4 Securicor Nigeria Limited is part of the global G4S group and employs almost 5000 staff across the country in a wide range of sectors and services.

Products & Services include Security Systems G4S applies technology to enhance its operations in the following areas: • Electronic Intruder Alarm Systems

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Control Room Systems G4S has an established control centre that covers its entire operations on a 24-hour basis. Radio communication is maintained with all sites to ensure that equipments are continuously monitored and most effective reaction in crisis and emergency situations.

Maritime Services G4S offers the full spectrum of maritime security solutions to the oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria.

This includes, but is not limited to, provision of vessels and crafts for security, water transportation and other customer requirements. We also provide the requisite co-ordination and control facilities to effectively run complex maritime operations.

G4S also provides specialist maritime training services; drawing experience from highly qualified consultants worldwide, specifically tailored to crews operating in high threat environments.

These high speed patrol and emergency boats are used specifically for Maritime

rescue operations due to their capacity in delivering such services.

Pipeline Protection G4S offers an integrated solution for the protection of pipelines whether it is above ground, underground or under water.

Secure Journey Management • Highly trained personnel equipped with advanced driving training and close protection • Vehicles are equipped with mobile communications, vehicle tracking, trauma kits and extinguishers • In high risk situations, additional agents are used to provide back-up • Regular route assessments are made to identify and mitigate risks.

• Airport meet and greet service is available to assist customers with a safe and smooth passage through the airport Secure Logistics G4S delivers specialised security equipment as per customer’s needs. This includes: • Armoured personnel carriers for police • Armoured vehicles for the civilian market • Armoured cash-in-transit vehicles • High speed patrol and emergency boats • Specialised equipment for police and security companies • Staff buses • Patrol vehicles

We provide receptionists, drivers and junior to senior management staff. With our international standards that cannot be matched locally and a well designed method of selection and training of our personnel, customers can be assured that you are getting the best find in the security industry.

and periods; alternatively, “embedded” in clients’ organisations to provide immediate and impartial support to mitigate risk.

Through G4S Risk Management Africa, G4S provides consultants to a broad spectrum of international clients in different industry sectors.

Security Training To guarantee consistency and quality, G4S provide initial and continuing training to reduce the effects of skill-fade and maintain its benchmark standards of quality.

Most G4S staff have been trained to City and Guilds standard by G4S Risk Management’s own internal Training Team.

G4S creates courses that raise both profile and competencies of national staff to contribute to the Risk Management industry.

Manned Security G4S provides manned security through Outsourcing Services Limited and AssetGuard Services Nigeria Limited with a well trained and professionally managed guard force whose services are based on the G4S worldwide standards.

Fleet Management Our Fleet Management services have all the features necessary for vehicle tracking and assist in the recovery of vehicles. As a member of a worldwide market leader active in 116 countries, G4S has access to highly specialised security expertise specific to this service. There are various options to subscribe for, to increase up to 30% productivity and reduce running costs by 25%.

Risk Assessment In a rapidly changing and volatile environment, accurate and effectively delivered Risk Management enables our clients to understand the possibility of achieving success and profitability as long as their Risks are identified and accepted, in appropriate and adequate measures.

Outsourced Labour G4S provides Facility and Personnel Services with qualified, well trained and trustworthy personnel for organisations.

Embedded Consultants Highly qualified and vastly experienced consultants work to identify clients’ needs and assist them to implement any plans that evolve from the audits recommendations. Consultants can be deployed to clients for specific tasks

Secure Data Solutions Service features Scanning of paper documents • Microfilm data input • Secure document shredding • OCR-software for any quantity and type of vouchers • Latest storage technologies scan software • Pick-up and delivery service • Electronic archives can be accessed via the internet

John Donnachie (Managing Director) On +234 (0) 706 4107 147 Email: john.donnachie@ng.g4s.com Head Office Address: 22 Raymond Njoku Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234 (1) 461 5531-2 Fax: +234 (1) 462 0156 Email: enquiries@ng.g4s.com www.g4s.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 6 Property and Real Estate

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Properteam Limited Properteam Limited is a real estate marketing, development and consultancy company in Yaba, Lagos. Our strength lies in our mandate, which is to provide solution in the area of property Development, property Management, Marketing, Consultancy and Advisory services.

Our Vision Our vision is to make a positive impact on the real estate industry in Nigeria with a view to providing quality service, affordable, fussfree residential and commercial spaces for individual and corporate entities alike.

Our services The film’s policy is to make conveyance as easy, fast and straightforward as possible by providing efficient services with competitive fees. We aim to keep our client informed at each stage of the transaction.

From inception, Properteam Limited has recorded several milestones in making housing delivery as convenient as possible to client and prospective client alike. We have been able to deliver on various projects via our chain line of products and services. Properteam handles a whole range of commercial and residential property issues. These include, but are not limited to acquisition and sales of all types of commercial and residential properties.

Our services include • Buying, selling & leasing of property (Residential and Commercial)

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• • • • • • •

Consultancy and advisory services Research Property development Marketing and sales Interior Decoration Procurement Property facility Management

Property Development Properteam is in partnership with a wide range of financial institutions (banks and nonbank) and private financiers in funding and advising client on viable real estate projects development. It also brings its experience and strategic alliance to bear in construction and delivery of planned developments, working with real professionals such as Estate Agents, construction companies, architects, etc.

Marketing and Sales Sales and marketing activities are numerous and varied because they basically include everything needed to get a product off the drawing board and into the hands of the customer, we are ready to devote our attention to your particular real estate needs.

Properteam Limited Marketing and sales

team are very well trained and dedicated to providing high quality service to purchasers and sellers. We are also committed to delivering a new standard of service and innovation aimed at providing marketing and sales solutions for every aspect of real estate and streamlining the customer’s experience, making the home buying and selling process convenient, efficient and cost – effective.

Interior Decoration Customer service is our priority. We aim to provide a professional, efficient and friendly service for our clients at all times. We choose our design team very carefully for both their expert design skills as well as their patience and willingness to give clients all the help that is required to achieve the best design that will fulfill their needs. Our Installation Managers will provide advice regarding the installation of all items. They will liaise with the contractors as necessary and deal with all your concerns prior to the fitting and finishing of your project.

Our in-house team of interior experts have worked on residential and commercial projects within Nigeria and can provide you with room schemes adapted to the architecture of the building and to your individual taste.

Procurement As a Procurement Service Provider, Properteam Limited blends seamlessly with your team to complement your internal procurement resources. We can assist in a variety of tasks from strategic sourcing, benchmarking, supplier identification, implementing best practice, supplier rationalisation, supplier evaluation, electronic procurement enablement, spend analysis, contracting and negotiations.

The Procurement Services department supports the mission of our clients by purchasing quality goods and services at competitive prices, exercising proper financial stewardship for payments and providing responsive service to all our clients.

We provide a complete suite of both property management, facility and management services ranging from: • Soft services - Janitorial, Landscaping, Fumigation and Pest control, Waste Management, Swimming Pool Maintenance, etc • Hard services - Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance, Building

Structure and Fabric Maintenance, Furniture Maintenance, Power Equipment Maintenance, Diesel Supply, Fire and Security System Maintenance, etc Property management • Rent Collection and Remittance • Lease Renewal and Negotiation • Preparation and Monitoring of Schedule of Dilapidation • Lease Agreement Monitoring and Enforcement etc • Consultancy Services • Advisory and consultancy services in the industry ranging from land acquisition to development, letting, and sales • Research and Development • We ensure our involvement from the conceptualisation of proposed development to the planning and the execution of projects from our various clients Service Partners Properteam Limited already has contractual agreements with reputable and competent top of the industry corporate and individual service providers as partners for services where we do not have core competence.

Our Commitment Properteam is patterned as a “one-stop-shop” for all stakeholders in the Property world and as such is positioned to afford our client optimum satisfaction whenever they need us.

We understand that each client is unique in Its requirement and mode of service delivery so all of our services are unique and customised for each client. We deploy highly trained teams and state of the art technology with excellent customer’s relationship management to meet your specific needs and where we need complementary skills, we have developed strategic alliance and partnerships with key industry players.

Conclusion At Properteam Limited, people, service and technology are our best assets and we know that we can deliver the best in Real Estate solutions and services.

65 Queen Street off Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos Ropp House, Plot 1771 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 11, Abuja Tel: +234 01 8185869 / 8185985 08095913398 / 08096642932 Email: info@properteamltd.net www.properteamltd.net Best of Nigeria

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Five reasons why Lagos’s real estate sector is set to take-off Estimates about the size of Lagos’s population differ widely. While Nigeria’s commercial capital is officially home to around 10-million people, some believe the real figure is closer to 17-million. By Femi Adewunmi

Lagos’s rapid growth has come at the expense of good social services and infrastructure, says Alitheia Capital in a recent research report.

“Energy and water access, sewage, transportation and housing have all been adversely affected by the development of a geographically disjointed, poorly planned city,” states the report. However, over the past six years, the Lagos State Government has implemented several medium and long-term initiatives to improve social services and close the infrastructure gap.

According to Alitheia, the outcome of these initiatives is expected to bring to the fore a plethora of opportunities in the real estate sector. “The gains for the Lagos real estate market as a result of these initiatives are tremendous – increasing foreign direct investment chasing after large transactions on the back of successful pilot publicprivate partnerships (PPPs); new business and business expansion opportunities; and

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attention and interest in the city from across the globe. It is expected that these will result in a demand for varied, good quality real estate – whether office space, long and short stay accommodation, leisure facilities, larger retail malls and housing.”

The five initiatives with the most significant impact on the real estate sector are: The Mega City Plan The Lagos Mega City Plan (LMCP) has been designed as a programme to boost urban infrastructure. The Lagos State Government has approached the private sector to improve transportation, roads, waste management, water supply, power, tourism, property development and manufacturing.

According to Alitheia, “a degree of success” has been achieved. Projects related to the LMCP include the greening agenda; the Lekki-Epe Expressway redevelopment; the Iganmu-Badagry Expressway redevelopment; the building of a light rail

system; new water transportation routes; the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Eko Atlantic City project.

Public-Private Partnerships The Lagos State Office of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was established in 2008.

It aims to operate as a “one-stop shop” for prospective investors.

“Lagos is starting to enjoy the fruits of PPPs and intends to use this mechanism to fund, design, build and operate its infrastructure programmes and has several impactful projects in its pipeline, including the US$2-billion Energy City in Badagry – a project intended to meet both social and environmental objectives. The successful completion of the . . . light rail lines will result in many new possibilities for the real estate sector,” says Alitheia.

Eko Atlantic City Project Eko Atlantic City is a planned new ultrahigh density business and residential district of Lagos, built out of a 9km² parcel of land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean.

The seven sub-districts which make up the development will be linked by 20km of internal waterways offering eco-friendly public transport, efficient tramways and clear, open roads. It is expected to be home to 250,000 residents with another 150,000 commuting into the city each day. The commercial centre will be anchored by a 50-floor office development with buildings up to 35 floors permitted within this district. The Eko Mall, designed as the largest shopping centre on the continent, will be situated in the business district.

Lekki Free Trade Zone The Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is expected to be the largest FTZ in West Africa. In addition to being a FTZ, the area will include residential, commercial business and tourism districts.

Lagos State Tenancy Bill Traditionally, tenants renting property in Lagos had to fork out two to three years’ upfront payment as well as large annual fees

for facilities and back-up services. Under the new Tenancy Bill, it is unlawful for a landlord to demand or receive rent from a sitting tenant that is in excess of six months, in the case of a monthly tenant, or one year, in the case of a yearly tenant. It is also considered a crime for a sitting tenant to offer or pay rent in excess of one year, for a yearly tenant, and six months, for a monthly tenant.

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Privately rebuilding Nigeria It is widely expected that Nigeria will overtake South Africa as the continent’s biggest economy, perhaps as soon as 2018. What isn’t widely acknowledged is that this development is driven by the private sector. By Jaco Maritz

One of the projects that best illustrates Nigeria’s ambitions is the Eko Atlantic development in the country’s commercial hub, Lagos.

This is a new business and residential area to be built on 9km2 of land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. With an estimated 18 million residents, Lagos is one of the world’s

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fastest-growing cities. The city’s infrastructure has, however, not kept up with its population growth.

“Lagos has a large concentration of multinational companies and is home to almost half of Nigeria’s skilled workers. It is one of Africa’s five biggest consumer markets and boasts a higher standard of living than

anywhere else in Nigeria. Nevertheless, rapid urbanisation and population growth have introduced significant challenges for its water, waste management and sanitation infrastructure, and have put pressure on the energy supply and traffic management,” notes the Siemens African Green City Index report, published at the end of last year.

development will also have its own power generation plant, sewage treatment facilities and fresh water supply. Eko Atlantic is being developed entirely by the private sector.

The project is overseen by South Energyx Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, founded by Gilbert Ramez Chagoury, a son of Lebanese immigrants who raised all their children in Nigeria.

The Chagoury Group has numerous business interests in Nigeria, including hotels, construction and food processing.

Dredging International, a Belgium-based firm, is responsible for the reclamation of land on which Eko Atlantic is being built.

Numerous other local and international banks, consultants and contractors are also involved in the project.

“In West African terms, this is undoubtedly the largest project of its nature ever executed.

We are replacing what the sea has taken away over the past hundred years or so,” said David Frame, managing director of South Energyx Nigeria, in an interview with CNBC Africa.

What makes Eko Atlantic different from many other ambitious projects that have been announced in Nigeria is that it is not merely a plan on a piece of paper, it is actually happening. Significant areas of land have already been reclaimed.

Grand ambitions According to the developers, Eko Atlantic will be home to 250,000 people and a workplace for another 150,000. The new city is expected to have waterfront areas, tree-lined streets, efficient transport systems and mixed-use plots that combine residential areas with leisure facilities, offices and shops. The

Partnering for growth The Eko Atlantic city is a prime example of how the Nigerian government is utilising the private sector to improve the country’s infrastructure. “In common with most other developing countries, Nigeria has in the past depended on… government funding to provide infrastructure services,” says Mansur Ahmed, Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the body responsible for managing the government’s public private partnership (PPP) projects.

“The consequence of that is that the demand for infrastructure has always significantly exceeded the capacity of the government to supply [infrastructure]. Every government is affected by the financial crunch and the Nigerian government is not an exception.

“Nigeria has planned, over the next 10 years or so, to drastically upscale its economy to a middle-income level economy. And that has significantly increased the amount of investment we are obliged to make, especially in infrastructure

The Eko Atlantic development is a new business and residential area to be built on 9km2 of land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. The development will have its own power generation plant, sewage treatment facilities and fresh water supply.

– in power, transport infrastructure, water sanitation and so on. Obviously like other countries we acknowledge that the PPP process is probably one of the best ways to create the condition for increasing investment from the private sector in our infrastructure. And that is why we adopted this approach,” Ahmed explains.

Jay Ireland, president and CEO for Africa at General Electric, believes it is critical for Nigeria to improve its infrastructure in order to take the economy to the next level. “Nigeria is a microcosm for most [African] markets in that the aspect of infrastructure has got to be addressed or the economic growth will start to diminish.

You need to have the ability to get goods to and from the port – that is good road and rail infrastructure,” Ireland told African Trader in an interview.

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Jay Ireland, president and CEO for Africa at General Electric.

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Power sector reforms One of the areas where the Nigerian government is currently placing significant emphasis on private sector involvement is electricity generation and distribution.

Nigeria’s poor power supply is a major burden to the economy. Current generation is less than 6,000 megawatts (MW), whereas South Africa, the country Nigeria soon wants to overtake as the continent’s largest economy, has a capacity of over 36,000 MW. More efficient power generation will have a dramatic impact on all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“Nigeria remains woefully underpowered in contrast to other sub-Saharan African countries, as any back-to-back visit to Ghana and Nigeria will demonstrate. The lack of officially-generated power means that Nigerian businesses rely on expensive electricity from imported small generators, reducing the efficiency of all sectors of the economy,” says Charles Robertson, global chief economist at Renaissance Capital.

“Better electricity supply could free up Nigeria to grow at 10% to 11% annually instead of the 7% to 8% seen in the past decade,” Robertson adds.

The process of overhauling Nigeria’s power sector has, however, started. The government is in the process of privatising the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Canada’s Manitoba Hydro International has recently been awarded a contract to manage the Transmission Company of Nigeria for three years, during which the firm is expected to ensure seamless stabilisation of

the national grid and reduce electricity losses during transmission.

To attract investment into the power sector, the government has also started raising electricity tariffs, which were considered too low for the private sector to make a profit.

Privatisation According to the ICRC’s Mansur Ahmed, “One of the major reform initiatives in Nigeria is in the power sector where the government owned enterprises … are all being privatised.

Part of that programme is to concession out some of the hydro-electricity plants because you don’t want to privatise important hydro plants for obvious reasons. So we are indeed currently in the process of concessioning out two hydro plants … and the procurement process is going on right now.”

In April this year, Germany’s Siemens signed an agreement with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power under which Siemens will, on a case-by-case basis, consider supporting the financing of power plant projects in the country. At the same time, Siemens announced plans to build up a new service workshop for heavy duty gas turbines in the country and will support Nigeria with a study on the integration of renewables in the country’s energy mix.

Furthermore, the Nigerian company Scanpower and Siemens signed a technical partnership agreement for the construction of a 1,600 MW gas turbine power station at Lekki in Lagos State. “A reliable and affordable supply of electricity is the decisive

Lagos is one of the world’s most rapidly expanding cities, but infrastructure has not kept up with population growth.

factor in further developing Nigeria’s economy and society,” said Michael Suess, CEO of Siemens’s energy division, in a statement “The agreements shall be mutually beneficial to the economy of Nigeria via significant advancements in the power sector, as well as for the business of Siemens in one of the most important markets in Africa. Lagos, as one of the fastest-growing mega cities in the world, is seeking a significant improvement in its power supply.

“The decision of Scanpower and its joint-venture partners to build, together with Siemens as technical partner, a modern and environmentally-friendly gas turbine power station, is an essential contribution to increase the power generation capacity and the security of power supply under the framework of the privatisation of the energy sector in Nigeria,” Suess added.

The oil industry In addition to the power sector, the Nigerian government is also looking to attract the private sector to its oil industry, especially investment in new refineries. Although Nigeria is one of the continent’s largest crude oil producers, it still imports the majority of its refined petroleum.

This was one of the reasons why at the start of the year the government scrapped a fuel subsidy, which led to a doubling of the pump price of petrol, from 65 naira per litre to around 140 naira.

However, due to widespread protests, the government was forced to settle for a price reduction to 97 naira.

It is believed that higher petrol prices will stimulate investment in petroleum refineries.

“By capping the price at 65 naira, you have made it impossible for private investors to come in and set up refineries. Nobody can produce and refine petroleum products and

sell at 65 naira per litre,” Central Bank of Nigeria governor Lamido Sanusi told BBC Africa.

Early in July it was reported that US-based Vulcan Petroleum has signed an agreement to build six oil refineries in Nigeria.

Favourable environment In order to attract investment from the private sector, the government needs to ensure that investors feel secure. “We do require an enabling environment and transparency in terms of terms and conditions – something that is liberalised that enables us to invest the capital and be certain there are no changes in government policies that will affect those investments,” said Wale Tinubu, chief executive of Nigerian energy firm Oando, during the recent World Economic Forum on Africa.

“Having a good framework is important, but it is also important to have a very clear government policy in supporting PPP investment, including, where necessary, government support either in terms of upfront funding or in terms of a provision of guarantees where appropriate. But the key issue really is to make sure our projects are bankable, commercially competitive and, to that extent, the role of the ICRC first and foremost is to make sure that these projects are well developed and feasible and commercially viable,” says Mansur Ahmed.

Many would consider investing in longterm infrastructure projects in Nigeria a risky decision. However, for those that can manage the risks, the rewards could be significant.

Johan Meyer, senior vice-president of equity analysis for sub-Saharan Africa at Franklin Templeton, recently summarised the potential in Nigeria as follows: “This is a country that has been growing over the past 10 years at about 7% or 8% per year

on average in terms of GDP and it’s one of the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world.

“This is a country that generates very little electricity on its own, so most of the electricity is provided by diesel generators.

You can imagine the burden that this places on consumers, on companies and on industries in this market, and what potential, what opportunity this holds if this infrastructure constraint is lifted, how this can improve the functioning of this economy. It’s amazing the economy has managed to grow so fast with this type of issue.”

Source: African Trader

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Chapter 7 Film and Music

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Nigeria in the Movies The Nigerian Film Industry.

Enter Nollywood In the cinematographic art, Nigeria has created an enigma for the rest of the world.

Applauded passionately and criticised with vehemence, the Nigerian video film rivets and perhaps, repulses with equal measure. With Nollywood, there is always something of significant cheer and others of unmistakable jeer. Yet, no one can deny the audacious presence of this wholly Nigerian creation. The greatest tribute unarguably, to the resourcefulness of the Nigerian spirit is perhaps no more evidently manifest in the ability to midwife the emergence of the Nollywood phenomenon which came about when the adventures of restless entrepreneurs collided with digital video in the early 1990s, and most observers agree that the fallout of that collision was “Living in Bondage” a “cautionary tale about a man who gets sucked into a cult that demands the sacrifice of his wife in exchange for riches.”

There is certainly no doubt that the output of the industry has become an incredible global

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phenomenon, and even a source of pride, and a point of inspiration to many Africans.

The industry has become really a global brand expression, in a world where brands have become an increasingly important currency. In fact, the emergence of Nollywood is perhaps the first truly African initiated dialogue with the rest of the world where, you better believe, the Africans also are moderating.

The creative profundity manifested by Nollywood is a testimony also to the blossoming impacts of the digital age.

Technology has created a new currency in content and programming known as access.

According to Professor Jude Akudinobi, “Nollywood has invented a percipient paradigm for popular (that is, commercial) African cinema, equipped with novel structures of production and distribution, own star systems, stylistic innovations, representational vernaculars, as well as a restless dynamic of narratives cycles and recycling. These measures of the unique

creative license in film and home video in Nigeria are regulated by the National Film & Video Censors Board, NFVCB. About the National Film & Video Censors Board (NFVCB) The National Film & Video Censors Board established in 1994 by Act 85 is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Information.

The Board is charged with the onerous responsibility of regulating the Nigerian film industry, which has become perhaps the most significant vehicle for the export of Nigerian values and culture in a world where ideas, information and media determine not only the growth of nation states, but the control of those ideas. And, in addition, knowledge fueled by information and media have become the critical pedestals for social and economic growth.

Our Mission is to contribute to the positive transformation of the Nigerian society through the censorship and classification of films, video works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit social harm caused by films.

Our vision is to be recognised as a world class film & video regulatory agency that institutes best practices in the discharge of its duties.

NFVCB Core Goals • provide an enabling environment for the growth of the film industry through our activities; • manage the classification system to time, cost and quality standards; • provide policy advice and services to governments; • enhance confidence in and utilisation of the NFVCB classification system among existing and potential clients; • enhance community understanding, confidence and usage in relation to classification systems and outcomes; and • continually empower NFVCB staff to meet its objectives by providing the requisite internal capability in the areas of people, training, logistical support, information, financial resources and leadership.

Our Services Our main business is regulation of the content of the filmed entertainment industry in Nigeria through the censorship,

classification of films, the NFVCB also licences: • a person to exhibit, and distribute films and video works, as well as the • premises for the purposes of exhibiting films and video works, NFVCB Interventions: Owing to the dynamics that led to the growth of Nollywood, and the present challenges faced by the industry, it is altogether not unexpected that the NFVCB should apply creative regulatory approaches to assist the sector in addressing some of the barriers to sustainable long-term growth.

The Nigeria in the Movies (NIM) Story The primary instrument of the NFVCB’s intervention is the Nigeria in the Movies (NIM) initiative which is our flagship programme aimed at addressing the deficiencies in the film industry, with forward looking initiatives based on the Board’s mandate and vision. The Board believes very strongly that Nigeria should define her identity, character, image and influence from the movies’ global window. Nigeria In The Movies initiative seeks to address the salient issues of: • credibility; • authenticity, visibility; and • marketability of the Nigerian film industry.

Launched on November 10th 2006 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the NIM initiative has as its cardinal focus the uplifting of the profile of the Nigerian film industry, and ensuring the erection of a sustainable structure for long term growth. The Nigeria In The Movies initiative also addresses the salient issues of credibility, authenticity, visibility and marketability of the Nigerian film industry as a way of establishing necessary but lofty standards for which our guidelines in classification and distribution can interface with international best practices.

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Expected Outcome • To promote Nollywood as an industry of strategic national importance with global authentic influence for which the ultimate beneficiary is Nigeria.

• A new distribution Framework that will ensure a structured process and link the industry with the economic main stream in the country.

• A better appreciation of the role of movies and the application of its role in the social and economic development of Nigeria.

films and home videos through censorship and classification each year. There are three major clusters of film production in Nigeria.

These are: Lagos in the southwestern part of Nigeria, and former capital; Onitsha-Enugu within the southeastern region; and Kano the commercial hub of northern Nigeria. Despite the technical and structural deficiencies plaguing the industry, such as the high rate of video piracy, the sector accounts for well over $350 million revenues per annum in terms of economic output.

(More information on the Nigeria in the Movies (NIM) Initiative is available online on our website: www.nfvcb.gov.ng/NIM)

Film Production: Perhaps no other country or people have embraced digital filmmaking the way Nigerians have; it is almost as if the digital video camera has an inbuilt Nigerian “record” button. The time from script to market is very short and usually within a space of 4 - 6 weeks for most productions; with budgets ranging from $15,000 to $250,000 at the top end. Most films perhaps with the exception of Mahmud Ali-Balogun’s Tango with Me are shot on digital format.

The Nigerian Film Industry Market Overview: The Nigerian film industry is today the most active and biggest film industry on the African continent accounting for perhaps over 50% of the audiovisual content exchanged within the continent.

Today, the industry is reputedly the 3rd largest film industry in the world, after Bollywood, and Hollywood. The average cost of production for a film in the industry ranges between $20,000 to $250,000. The NFVCB, over the past five years, approves an average of 1,500

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Film Distribution and Marketing: The success of Nollywood is built around the direct to DVD distribution, which explains why a large majority of Nigerian films are distributed

and marketed straight to the domestic consumer. The first movies, ala Living in Bondage, Iyawo Alhaji etc were all sold straight to VHS to the consumers, and this trend continued. However with the increasing threat of piracy, and the fragmentation of the market, as well as the dire need to expand the revenue windows, in broadcasting and theatrical markets both domestic and foreign, more Nigerian producers are exploring these options.

The NFVCB has also renewed its NIM International and local road shows aimed at growing the market for Nigerian movies within the African markets, and ensuring the formal exploitation and repatriation of earnings for Nigerian film makers in the international and regional markets. The recent road show to Nairobi Kenya, headlined by Professor Wole Soyinka is a case in point. Previous road shows have gone to London, and Los Angeles, and more are billed for the future.

Film Exhibition: Slowly the theatrical exhibition is growing as more modern cinemas and multiplexes are being built in major cities across the country. Also more filmmakers are making films for theatrical release, examples are Through the Glass by Stephanie Okereke; Figurine by Kunle Afolayan; Ije by Chineze Anyaene; Tango with Me by Mahmud AliBalogun; these films have enjoyed a measure of both critical and commercial success at the Box Office, and the NFVCB is taking steps to ensure that more of such movies are given further access to screens across the country through negotiated and regulatory means.

Film Festivals: Over the last six years we have witnessed the rise of several local film festivals, and award shows instituted by government and private persons to reward excellence, and upgrade the standards

within the sector. The major festivals include the annual BOBTV show held in Abuja, the prestigious African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) established by Peace Anyiam Osigwe is another case in point, widely seen as Africa’s answer to the Oscars. Other film festivals include: the Abuja international film festival, the ION now African International Film Festival, the Lagos International Film Festival, the IRep Documentary Film Festival in the Indigenous Language Film Festival in Akure, Ondo State, and a host of others.

Piracy in the Film Industry: In Nigeria, digital technology with the burden of the piracy it offers presents us with new challenges such as the multiple DVD we see in almost all the major cities in Nigeria. Today, it is almost impossible to spot the difference between the original music or movie CD from the bootleg copies. No doubt, that fighting piracy in a rapidly converging and digital world is even more complicated requiring a change in the tools and mindset of government, industry and consumers, and in reality there is no best way to deal with this problem outside of a creative mix of trade-offs ensuring that creativity and innovation are rewarded, and those who exploit the works of others punished Emerging Trends in the Nigerian Film Industry: After over 18 years of informal funding, we are now at the cusp of a gradual introduction of institutional financing across the film value chain of production, exhibition and distribution, a development that is sure to transform the Nigerian film industry. This follows, the creation of a special creative sector intervention fund of $200m by President Goodluck Jonathan. The special fund, perhaps the largest of its kind in Africa is domiciled within the Bank of Industry and the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM).

Also the Nigeria Film Corporation and its

training arm the Nigerian Film Institute based in Jos, have both been upgraded and are reorganising and proactively placing policies and programmes to assist the industry gain new grounds. Following the introduction of the NFVCB New Distribution Framework, and its gradual adoption by the industry, Nigerian film industry is showing signs of transformation at the operating level as it begins to embrace corporatisation and organised business structures.

Opportunities for Investment in Nigerian Film Industry: The Nigerian entertainment sector, especially the film industry has been credited with the fastest growing sector accolade in the Nigerian economy, although informal at present, it yet offers investors a huge opportunity and a windfall especially for first movers who seize the opportunity to invest in a fast-growing sector of an emergent economic powerhouse. The key area of need at the moment is in the area of exhibition and distribution infrastructure, which are necessary to monetise the creative capacity of the sector.

Tel: +234 98762238 / 98762239 Email: info@nfvcb.gov.ng www.nfvcb.gov.ng Best of Nigeria

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The Best of Nigerian Music: Past, Present and Future Visions by Obi Asika It seems the world is just beginning to discover what many Nigerians have always known - that we are unique in our expressions, literature, dance, comedy, fashion, television, and of course music.

Nigerians have not yet shared our story with the world - nor have we shared it with each other. This significant lack of respect and knowledge of history is one of the things that have led to the constant disrespect that Nigerians have had to suffer when we travel.

The sentiments are echoed in the immortal words of the late Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley “one good thing about music when it hits you feel no pain” - and right now in clubs, bars, bedrooms, on radio, TV and online all over Africa, Nigerian music is hitting harder than ever. We seem to have developed a sound and feel coupled with our innate personality or ‘swagger’ that is not only infectious, but is also presenting us with a way to win new markets. Nigerian music is presenting the new face of Nigeria to the world - selfconfident, ebullient, full of personality and infectious. This advent of Nigerian ‘soft power’ is already making for an easy landing

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for our businessmen, traders and corporates as they enter new markets. A Nigerian visiting anywhere in Africa will always first be accosted with conversation about either the Nigerian music or Nollywood stars. This is a great departure from our antecedents and heralds the cusp of something major which is important that all Nigerians take advantage of - from the government, to the organised private sector, and to the informal sector.

The amazing thing is that this apparent ‘overnight’ success story has actually been over 50 years in the making. If you take a cursory look through Nigeria’s musical history from the early musings in the fifties and sixties, pop sensibilities were developing with the help of our brothers on the gold coast in Ghana. That Ghana highlife became ‘de rigueur’ and in essence when it comes to music there have never been any artificial boundaries - which is similar to our ancient

history when the drum was the main means to long distance communication - the music has always travelled and found its home. In the transition from the western influenced pop to the harder funk sounds made popular

by James Brown and others, saw the emergence of locals such as Geraldo Pino who profited from this by using the American superstar as inspiration.

Fela Kuti was initially caught up in this mix but became radicalised after an American experience, where he was exposed to the black liberation movement and their philosophy. As he embraced this new consciousness and the funk of James Brown, he created a new sound – a fusion which he named Afrobeat, akin to jazz funk with melodies, harmonies, big horn sections and incredible drum rhythms. Fela’s music contained infectious lyrics and content. It is interesting to note that at the same time the legendary American soul crooner Marvin Gaye was preparing his most important album in 1973, «What’s Going On», with its angst driven anthems and wailings on man, the struggle and the Vietnam War, Fela was prepping his entry into becoming the icon he was to be.

Fela Kuti was hip-hop before hip-hop. At the same time as The Last Poets were giving birth to Rap with Gil Scott Heron, Fela was delivering the syncopated rhythms, attitude and lyrical protests to be found in later years in the work of Rakim, Public Enemy, and The X-Clan (who even sampled Fela Kuti). This led me to coin the phrase ‘Fela is hip-hop’ many years ago when producing Felabration - the annual celebration around his music and life at the shrine.

In discussing the past, present and future of Nigerian Music there are certain artists, personalities, labels and movements that must be acknowledged: the genius and longevity of King Sunny Ade and Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey; the musicianship of Victor Uwaifo, Bongos Ikwue, and Fatai Rolling Dollar; the genius and power of Fela Kuti and Sunny Okosun; the melody of Rex Lawson, Peacocks International and Osita Osadebey; the folk music of the north driven by Dan Marya Jos and the Bongo Highlife from the east; not to forget the Apala, Fuji (which many argue is authentic African street hip-hop) and of course Afro-juju with Ayinde Barrister, Shina Peters, Adewale Ayuba and the superstar Kwam 1. All of these legends must be recognised and celebrated as having delivered the soundtrack to our lives – such as Onyeka Onwenu, the funk and soul bands of the eighties and later the reggae explosion with Ras Kimonon, Majek Fashek, Blakky, Daniel Wilson, the Mandators and others; There are so many - some of whom we have lost, such as Christy Essien most recently.

Nigerian urban contemporary music, which is driven by hot local producers and artists influenced by American hip-hop, R&B,

soul, dancehall and house music, are now creating a hybrid sound mixed with Nigerian musings in local language and slang, creating an instant connection to our people - young Nigerians and Africans. Nigerians have realised there is an opportunity and now understand how to export their sound and culture; this has happened without any major media exposure or support, but simply in their own unique viral manner.

One cannot underestimate the power of platforms such as MTV Base Africa, Channel O, Soundcity, Trace Africa, Africa Magic and others in pushing this music, sound and the accompanying lifestyle.

However it seems a story of selfconfidence and self-actualisation, grounded in the fact that we have shed our insecurities about who we are and our indifference towards our government, instead focusing on our personality. This is clearly working as Africa and the world are falling in love with this sound. It seems to warm the heart when you see Naeto C on stage in front of 15,000 in Malawi; or Flavour on constant rotation in Kenya; and Oleku by Ice Prince now on main

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rotation on Choice Fm and BNC Radio One in England. These are all part of the story and this is why the most pursued African artists by major international labels and artists are Nigerians. If you want to be relevant and get gigs in Africa, then you better seek out one of the musicians mentioned - or MI, Dbanj, 2face, Wizkid, and many others as it ensures a ready audience and some credibility. What we now want to see are African brands respecting this and focusing on building African superstars, some are already focusing on this and special mention must be made of Glo and Airtel - both of whom have supported numerous superstars. We look forward to seeing them deepening those platforms and utilising their assets in more ways than just for communication and prize draws.

There is a clear and distinct opportunity for African music, specifically Nigerian music, to explode onto the world stage.

The primary platform for this will be the mobile phone. There are almost 1-billion young people around the world who are either black, African or from the Diaspora spread throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America. This presents a special moment in history - the globally connected urban masses (thanks to Rob Marriott of Complex and the Xhango Republic for that) that are primarily linked by the hip-hop culture driven by music. It is our opportunity and time to create global convergence, as the mobile is our first screen in Africa - the music will always be in rotation, which is why Spinlet is particularly exciting.

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Spinlet is a new Finnish social mobile music service company acquired by a Nigerian private equity firm named Verod Capital and launched in Africa in December 2011. I am privileged to be a member of the advisory board and have become close to the CEO and his team through the pre-launch phases. The power and impact of what Spinlet is about to unleash is amazing - with cross collaborations, strategic engagement and positioning for African talents. There is a real sense of what will work to break all markets and most importantly the right technology to make the experience seamless. As we are able to make the music available across the continent and monetise it, then we deepen the revenue stream for artists, labels, managers, publishers and investors.

In the 1970s, Nigeria was a top six global music market with companies such as Colombia, Epic Records, Sony Music, EMI, PolyGram, and Island Records all present, Paul McCartney, Isaac Hayes and others were regularly here recording. In more recent years, Africa Express, Damon Albarn, and many others found their way to Nigeria. However our music is mainstream and doesn’t seek to be categorised as some quaint world music but rather as club bangers, radio hits, and major records. Right now I am aware of Nigerian producers and

songwriters working with the biggest artists in the world. I know that Cobhams and Don Jazzy are as good as it gets anywhere - all they need is the access. It seems the world is finally letting Nigerian music in and if that’s the case, be prepared for the Nigerian global takeover.

2012 saw Nigerian and African music showcased at the most important music platforms in the world for the first time, such as Midem in Cannes in January, the CES show in Las Vegas in January, at Music Matters in Asia, at SXSW in Austin Texas, and at the Olympics in London. Our brands have begun to license major songs to communicate real value to the market.

Consumers are ready to engage through campaigns and platforms driven by local role models and endorsers. 2012 heared more international releases, more tours and more business. The industry is becoming better regulated, and perhaps the most important thing, the sound is still evolving and the key to that is producers are still experimenting.

The real danger for the Nigerian sound is how to remain relevant and not become a fad like reggae ton. We have created global interest in our sound and some of our premium artists are receiving global and continental recognition, but there still remains a lot of work to be done. We continue the push for the establishment of a regime for

mechanical royalties’ collection and for the registration and licensing of all venues and outlets that play music: clubs, bars, buses, public transport, restaurants, radio, TV, and online blogs. We need to monetise our industry and let people understand music cannot be free. This is important in terms of the education and the information that needs to come out; our people need to be educated and our local promoters need to stop undervaluing the music.

In Nigeria we still need to build a touring circuit: stadiums, arenas, clubs, pubs, bars and smaller venues. The scale of this country, the youth demographic and the facilities mean we should have a huge live music touring industry and not the current one which is driven by brand activations. We hope that these anomalies will turn around in time. What we know is that in the last six years or so, we have proven the concept by establishing the validity and quality of shows.

Now the challenge is to get the business right and this ties to music publishing, touring, management, distribution, licensing, and performance. If we do this then we can rest assured that Nigerian and African music will deliver many «ten over ten» moments, in the words of Naeto C. We have proven the Show side of Show business works - now to the business side.

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Chapter 8 Public Relations, Media and Marketing

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bobbytaylor

because you’re buzz worthy

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The Bobby Taylor Company The Bobby Taylor Company is a public relations firm based in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria. “Because You’re Buzz Worthy”

The company’s aim is to provide clients with bespoke strategic public relations campaigns.

Specialising in brand and image building and innovative product launches to create awareness and interest in our clients, The Bobby Taylor Company works with a wide variety of clients in a range of sectors including entertainment, fashion, beauty, lifestyle and corporate companies.

Some of the past and present clients include Fela! On Broadway, Music Meets Runway 2011, ARISE Magazine Fashion Week 2012, Nneka, Miss Nigeria 2012, Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012, Summer Jam Fest 2012, TickleBay and Cakes By Tosan.

The range of services offered comprise of public relations consulting, event management consulting, creative advertising consulting, online marketing, brand/image building, damage control/crisis management, media buying and hospitality.

The unique selling proposition of The

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Bobby Taylor Company leverages on the strength of their diverse network of media partners, affiliates and contacts.

Collaborating with affiliates worldwide enables The Bobby Taylor Company to guarantee clients the appropriate media attention, which helps achieve the best possible results.

The Bobby Taylor Company is aware of the need to build and give back to the community and take corporate social responsibility as seriously as their everyday work. They are committed to the development of various communities and continually support events and projects that bring about social change.

The Bobby Taylor Company has a dedicated team to maintain creativity and quality control over all projects.

The Bobby Taylor Company’s mission is to deliver individually tailored public relations campaigns that are creative, memorable, effective and dynamic.

bobbytaylor

because you’re buzz worthy

Working closely with media affiliates to ensure clients get the best possible publicity to ensure success, The Bobby Taylor Company stay true to their motto “Because You’re Buzz Worthy” and aim to create an excitement and media ‘buzz” around clients.

You can contact us: Email: bobbytaylorconsulting@gmail.com Tel: +234 7069596951 Twitter: @theBTCompany Facebook: The Bobby Taylor Company Best of Nigeria

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More China, Less Oil Africa’s richest man has made billions of dollars, now he wants to give a lot of it away.

There was a buzz around the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as the star of African business shone over his constellation of stocks and shares.

Outside the traffic was thundering, inside there was a spring in the step.

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest and most famous billionaire, was on a tour of the exchange, where four of his companies are listed. The Dangote Group, the largest conglomerate in West Africa, accounts for around a quarter of the market capitalisation of the exchange. In March, FORBES estimated his net worth at $11.2billion, making him the world’s 76th richest billionaire. It may be even more, according to the man himself.

Dangote stood, with a row of dignitaries, overlooking the packed trading floor. The traders kept one eye on their screens, as they gazed up in

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www.forbesafrica.com

admiration. Captured in one room: an African creator of wealth and the Africans who make money from trading shares of that wealth. Dangote rang the closing bell to celebrate the opening of his newest cement plant. On this day, there were 4,483 trades and 2.62billion naira that changed hands.

In early April 2012, news came that Dangote planned to list his $11billion cement business on the London Stock Exchange. He will free-float 20% of the company in 2013. It will be the first-ever listing by the company outside Nigeria.

“We will execute this plan latest by the end of 2014. We have planned to spend $70billion in terms of investment in fertilizer petro-chemicals. We intend to have about 55 to 60 million tons of cement, in terms of production, within sub-Saharan Africa. We haven’t decided

yet on North Africa but we are still negotiating to buy a ready-made plant...”

In this expansion, could there be acquisitions in Africa?

“If you are really going to make acquisitions in Africa it has to do with either cement or with some solid minerals like coal or limestone… We have been looking almost everywhere within sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa. We are trying to fully establish ourselves in our local market, local domain before we can ask out there because we really don’t want to have too many balls in the air. We want to capture our market first before we start targeting other areas,” he says.

Export will drive expansion, according to Dangote.

“The first priority is to export. We have built some factories across West Africa and some of them are still under construction.

The main intention for us is to export to the other West African countries because when you export from Nigeria you enjoy the export incentive, which is about 30%. You also enjoy the non-payment of duty in the other destinations… We are thinking about targeting to the tune of 5 million tons in exports.”

Dangote is among the most unassuming of the scores of millionaires I’ve interviewed over the last 30 years. He is quiet and assured with a steady gaze; you need a cool head in Nigerian business these days. In the last few months, there has been a severe national strike, against the removal of fuel subsidies, along with bombings in the north.

“I am not really concerned. Most of these challenges that we are facing today… there are several other countries that are facing the same challenges and economically they are doing very well,” he says.

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Nigeria’s insidious power shortage hobbles its fast-growing economy. Nigeria has around 5,000MW to share among nearly 150 million people; Africa’s biggest economy, South Africa, generates nearly 40,000MW for nearly 50 million people and still struggles to keep the lights on.

Power stations are rundown and the thermal coal industry—usually the cheap prop of electricity generation across Africa— is almost non-existent in the land where oil is king. Dangote admits this dearth of power holds back his country.

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“People are actually underrating the economy of Nigeria. You will see the economy of Nigeria at work when we are able to deliver power... we will double GDP growth. Look at Kano, the state where I come from, we have a small amount of power to be shared amongst its population (between 17-18 million). If you empower them you will definitely see a massive difference,” he says.

Why doesn’t Dangote plough his millions into power generation?

“We are always ready to invest in power,

but you know there must be rules of the game to be played by everybody.”

One of the rules of the power game is the cheap cost of electricity supplied by the national grid. Dangote bemoans that Nigerians leave the lights and air conditioning on when they leave their homes.

Raising the price of electricity will lead to more attractive tariffs to lure business people to invest in more power. This is likely to be a difficult problem for the Nigerian government to manage.

The Nigerian minister for power, Bart Nnaji, plans to double the output of 5,000MW by 2013 but he would have increased electricity tariffs by at least 8% before the end of May. The coal industry died in the 1960s, when railway engines turned to diesel, Nnaji plans to revive it by putting it in private hands. Chinese investors are building a railway between Kano and Lagos to haul coal.

In April, Dangote announced his first investment in electricity. He will plough $7 billion into Nigerian power, petro-chemicals

and mining. This will include a 2,000MW hydro power station at Shiroro, in Niger State.

In the next four years, the investment will also go towards a new deep water port, in Ogun State—the first deep water port to be built in Nigeria since the 1970s—which will ease the pressure on the docks at Lagos.

“We ought to look at what China has done in the last 25 to 30 years and copy that… All African countries need to concentrate on infrastructure…”

These investments are likely to strengthen the economy, but Dangote feels Nigeria should be thinking about direction as well as strength.

“It is unfortunate for us that everybody is looking at oil… We have more gas than oil…

Oil is just a fraction and if you look at the earnings of Nigeria in 2010 it was $15 billion, what we are going to produce in cement this year is going to be $5 billion, so why are we asking ourselves about oil?” he says.

“I will look at gas, but not to just get and sell the gas because that will only

make you a living. You can do a lot in petro -chemicals, fertilizer, you can also diversify into agriculture. Even now with the tiny little agriculture we have it contributes about 43% of the GDP.” Dangote has unshakable faith in the Nigerian entrepreneur and believes his country’s economic fortunes are linked to this national penchant for risk taking.

“I went to Brazil on business the other week and I went out to buy something and the first shop I went to was run by a Nigerian. You see, normally a Nigerian by nature does not work for anybody. A Nigerian will always try to do his best and work for himself and by giving them power you are going to empower them and you will be shocked by what this economy can do. It will be much more than the boom of telecoms where in 2000 we had only 436,000 lines and this year we have more than 96 million lines.”

Dangote believes Nigerian entrepreneurs should hold master classes for other Africans.

“When you look at our economy 25 years back it was controlled by Indians and Lebanese. Right now, almost 90% of our economy is in our own hands and we are making it happen,” he says.

Now that Dangote has made his money, he wants to give it away. In April, he gave $500,000 to victims of munitions blasts in Brazzaville, Congo, which killed at least 282 people.

“As a businessman and entrepreneur I want to be remembered for doing a lot of massive challenging things and succeeding in them but I think I would like to be remembered more in terms of doing charitable things,” he says.

From Lagos, to Johannesburg, to London most people agree that Aliko Dangote—an icon for African businesspeople—is doing well and will continue to do so for many years to come.

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Honing your competitive edge African Trader is an independent journal focusing on business conditions and opportunities in Africa. Published five times yearly, African Trader is essential reading for anyone involved in trade development in Africa.

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African Trader is an authoritative journal, featuring contributions from subject specialists, policy-makers, government and business representatives. As a result, it: • Provides a comprehensive overview of business conditions and developments in Africa; • Promotes marketing, trade and business opportunities in Africa; • Encourages Foreign Direct Investment into Africa by providing investors with accurate, relevant information; • Highlights import and export opportunities for African and international entrepreneurs; • Creates networking opportunities for all SMMEs; and • Profiles companies, products and services across Africa.

Content Appearing in each issue are informed articles on a wide range of issues, highlighting developments and opportunities throughout the continent. Regular features focus on new projects and products in all sectors, especially agriculture, transport and logistics, commerce, industry, tourism and technology.

The in-depth focus on countries in Inside Africa provides the most up to date regional information, essential for informed decision making.

Distribution Channels Its carefully targeted distribution strategy makes African Trader a powerful promotional medium, offering advertisers the opportunity to reach decision-makers throughout Africa and the rest of the world.

• First and business class airline lounges; • First and business class African and International airlines; • Exhibitions and Conferences; • African Government Departments and NGOs; • Professional Bodies and Institutes throughout Africa; • Foreign Chambers and Embassies; • African universities and libraries; • African Trader's database - 1000s of companies across all industries in Africa.

Target Audience • Business people, investors and top government officials flying first and business class across Africa • African and International leaders and decision makers operating across all sectors and regions of the continent • Aid and development organisations • Funding institutions and investors • Decision makers in government

THOMSON PUBLICATIONS Postal: Postnet Suite 77 Private Bag X10015 - Code 2125 Contact: Dean Thomson Cell: +27 83 649 6466 E-mail: dean@thomsonpub.com subs@africantrader.co www.africantrader.co Best of Nigeria

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How we made it in Africa makes waves internationally A young South African media company received international recognition in 2011 for leading the way in business reporting on Africa.

How we made it in Africa www.howwemadeitinafrica.com, published by Maritz Publishing, was one of the three shortlisted publications in the Media of the Year category of the Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards. The two other nominees were Reuters and The Africa Report, both established organisations that have been in business for decades.

Best of Nigeria chats with Jaco Maritz, publisher of How we made it in Africa, to find out more about this ground-breaking publication.

Tell us more about How we made it in Africa How we made it in Africa was launched in April 2010. The website is aimed at African business people and foreign investors with an interest in the continent. Through our network of journalists across the continent, the publication gives business people a better understanding about Africa’s business environment. We also seek to

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inspire through insightful interviews with African entrepreneurs and business people.

Despite the upbeat title of the publication, we don’t necessarily ‘promote’ Africa as a business destination, but rather aim to give our readers a balanced perspective of Africa’s opportunities and challenges.

Why did you decide to launch How we made it in Africa in the first place?

Africa has gone through significant changes over the past decade. Through better political leadership and regulatory reforms, the continent is slowly but surely transforming from a place of famine and war into an attractive business destination.

Countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia are now among the fastest growing economies in the world.

Despite this, Africa remains a challenging place to do business. How we made it in Africa goes beyond the news headlines to give business people the required information to make a success of their ventures on the continent.

How does the publication make money?

All revenue is generated through online advertising – both banner adverts and advertorials. There is an increasing number of South African and international companies looking to expand into the continent. With a loyal readership comprising African business people and foreign investors, How we made it in Africa is the perfect platform for these firms to promote their brands, products and services. Numerous blue-chip advertisers such as Standard Bank, Siemens and Imperial Logistics have used How we made it in Africa to promote their brands. We also cater for smaller firms looking to grow their African footprint.

Across the world newspapers and print magazines have to deal with falling readership and lower advertising revenues; but how open are companies to the idea of digital advertising?

We’ve managed to stay in business for over two years now, so brands are definitely prepared to spend money on

HOW WE MADE IT IN AFRICA Insight into business in Africa

online campaigns. Look, digital advertising is not much different from print, the only difference is the advertisement is seen on a screen instead of a printed page. What makes online advertising more exciting and cost-effective is the fact that everything can be tracked and measured. Clients pay a set amount for the number of people that view their adverts – nothing more, nothing less.

We can also target their advertisements to specific countries, or even cities, and tell them how many people clicked on their banner.

That said, I still don’t think companies are taking full advantage of the digital medium. Brands give millions of rands to advertising agencies to produce the perfect television advert, but it doesn’t seem like the same degree of attention is given to digital campaigns. A company cannot send us a banner advertisement comprising only its logo and expect massive results. Just as television adverts need to stand out from the competition, digital campaigns also need to be creative and attract the reader’s attention.

We try to help clients as much as we can, but at the end of the day we are a publisher, not an advertising agency.

And then lastly, How we made it in Africa was shortlisted as one of the three finalists in the Media of the Year category at the 2011 Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards. This is a remarkable achievement for such a young publication. Tell us more about the awards.

Thanks. Yes, it was a great experience. We feel privileged to have been recognised in this way. We are a young publication and the nomination only motivated us to work harder and bring better stories to our readers. Still, it is good to know that all those nights with only two hours of sleep and unhealthy amounts of coffee did not go unnoticed.

Unfortunately Reuters snatched the top honours at the ceremony that took place at London’s Landmark Hotel. However, considering that How we made it in Africa had been in existence for barely 12 months at the time of the awards, we don’t feel too bad about losing out to a 150-year-old news organisation such as Reuters.

Direct Line: +27 21 801 1975 info@howwemadeitinafrica.com www.howwemadeitinafrica.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 9 Broadcasting

OVER 100 CHANNEL 10 RADIO STATIONS

ENTERTAINMENT AND MOVIES

SPORT

DOCUMENTARIES KIDS AND TEENS 132

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LIFESTYLE

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Consolidated Media Associates Entertainment is a universal product. It was with this simple realisation that Consolidated Media Associates (CMA) was built into the African giant that it has become today.

Starting from humble beginnings in the 90s, doing what other independents have done has never been enough, as CMA has always sought to push the envelope. Seeing that the African audience desires a plethora of content ranging from music and urban culture, to African movies, fashion, soaps and series, CMA is at the forefront of providing premium entertainment content for all with all its key brands: Soundcity provides top drawer content featuring music videos from all over the continent and the world, urban culture

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events, concerts, and everything in between, compered by a standout team of presenters.

Villagesquare is the top content feature channel of Africa’s biggest movies, and movie-themed content, primed to shine the best light on the African movie scene.

Televista is the one-stop shop for all soaps, series, and telenovelas from all over the world; beautiful stories told over a period and styled with the entertainment of the discerning African viewer in mind.

Spice chronicles fashion, style, lifestyle, nutrition, beauty tips and products.

ONTV is a terrestrial powerhouse in terms of providing engaging television content to homes all over Nigeria.

From cable television platforms to the terrestrial TV, CMA has strategically positioned itself as the most visible and satisfying independent medium of entertainment programming for the Nigerian and African entertainment consumer.

CMA is an umbrella company for Soundcity, Spice TV, Villagesquare, Televista, and ONTV.

5, Ayo Jagun Street Lekki Phase 1 Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria Taj@cmagroup.tv Tel: 234-8034030705 www.cmagroup.tv Best of Nigeria

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ONTV Nigeria is filled with so much to offer in television programming, ONTV is out to level the field and make sure the best is within reach of the common man.

Rising the position of a fledgling, the Television channel has risen to become a major player, and top draw for the Nigerian viewer seeking premium television content.

Taking programming off our premier channels and bringing them closer to families who do not have the chance to watch cable television at leisure, ONTV has proven to be

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a powerful force to reckon with that other Nigerian terrestrial television stations already give grudging respect.

ONTV has been on a roll since it first transmitted in 2011, offering the best of select programming to offer from Soundcity, Televista, Village Square Television, and Spice Television.

ONTV

ONTV has successfully gained ground in the minds of the Nigerian TV audiences without distinguishing. From Cartoons to Soap Operas, Telenovelas to the best Nollywood movies, to the latest in world fashion, no matter who you are, if you tune in, you’re sure to be up to speed with the rest of the world.

ONTV has a simple vision... if you have a television, then you have to get the best the screen can offer.

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Soundcity “Music is a language only the soul understands” - Roald Dahl

Africa is presently going through a change of guard and the youth are fast taking their place in this new landscape. These young men and women, upwardly mobile and savvy, are the core audience of the popular Soundcity brand. Recognizable Nigerian musical acts like Tuface Idibia and D’banj

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get a lot of airplay as far east as Kenya and Congo, and as far South as Zimbabwe and South Africa, which in turn have their musical acts like Fally Ipupa and Freshly Ground popularized in Nigeria. Soundcity plays a powerful part in this cultural exchange. The presence of the Soundcity and Soundcity

Premium on popular cable television brands like Dstv gives it a powerful reach to Africans both home and abroad. As a vehicle of popular culture, rather than just focus on the established acts, upcoming talents of the music industry are given a shot alongside the recent releases of major stars.

Soundcity’s efforts go further than the airing of popular music videos and interviews with popular acts. Regional and international concerts are also organized, supported and aired by Soundcity.

The content of our broadcasts do not stop at local African music. The global

music scene is also well represented, with the latest music from the United States, England, and the rest of the world taking center stage.

Africa is kept up to speed with not only its best sounds but also the best music the world at large has to offer.

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Televista The world has always been looking for stories to follow; stories of drama, of romance, of revenge, of the human experience in all of its fascinating turns.

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Televista brings these stories closer than ever to the continent. Sourcing the best content from all around the world, Televista helps make the world smaller and within reach. From the more obvious soap opera viewers (Housewives and students) to the less obvious (middle management to top management executives), Televista makes

sure your daily fix of drama is ready and on air. Our audience may be African but their appetite is global - with the more passionate serials from Latin America to dramatic offerings from all over Africa, Televista has something for everyone.

Taking it further, our audience is also interested in the news behind the series,

the episodes, the actors and personalities.

Televista has over the years proven to be the key series brand not only in Nigeria but also the rest of the continent.

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Villagesquare Television “To be wise is to know who you are... and what is good for the world is good for my country.� - Ali Mazrui

Rebecca Richman Cohen, director and producer of WAR DON DON

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African film has a history of almost a hundred years and the industry has gotten even stronger since the rise of contemporary African movies in the early 1990s. Since then the audience of this unique grassroots movement has grown to become a recognized industry within world cinema.

Our audience is as diverse as it is ever changing - from elementary school students to blue-collar workers to executives and CEOs, our viewers come from all walks of life. Both from within the continent and Africans, Villagesquare audiences actively seek content with an appeal to local culture.

Villagesquare Television goes beyond just the popular new releases and goes to the heart of the African story: telling by way of showing the early classics as well as

interviewing the legends of African movie scene.

Villagesquare Television viewers enjoy more than movies and interviews, they also get to experience the openings of big-ticket African films and get to know of the latest African movies shot around the world.

A friend of the industry, Village Square Television shares the personal side of the African movie glitterati, from their shopping habits to their home lives and weddings.

They are all a part of the African story.

Twitter: @villagesquareTV Facebook: Villagesquare Television www.villagesquare.tv Best of Nigeria

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Spice TV The African lifestyle has gotten more stylish, more flamboyant, more diverse and more international.

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Over the last decade African fashion has made incredible strides from experimental designs to more functional everyday wear.

Spice Television has been there covering the offerings of the more established fashion houses as well as the emerging brands.

From university undergraduates to business executives, the single and fabulous to housewives, Spice television is consistent in feeding our audience’s curiosity about the next big trend. And there is a good reason for this: as the African fashion scene has gotten stronger in the international scene, from Chris Aire’s diamond encrusted work that is popular among the bright stars of the international entertainment scene to the American first lady recently spotted in the work of Duro Olowu, a Nigerian designer, the African designer is now a regular feature in various fashion events around the world. Spice television covers these new and emerging trends.

Major African fashion hot spots Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa are especially at the centre of Spice Television’s spotlight.

From spotlighting fashion weeks to the unveiling of seasonal collections, if it is worthy of note, we share it with the rest of the continent and the continent follows closely for the next big fashion statement.

And then there is the night scene, the newest bars and clubs, and featurettes on African society’s brightest personalities.

For every bright colour, every native fabric brought into mainstream fashion, every style coming into circulation for the first time or making a comeback, Spice Television is there to share everything and remind Africa there is much to be proud of today, everyday.

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Chapter 10 Energy, Oil and Gas

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Looking to Operate in Nigeria?

Look no further, We believe in Nigeria.

Bristow Helicopters Ltd. Bristow Group Inc. provides helicopter services to the offshore energy industry primarily in Europe, West Africa, North America, and Australia. Its helicopters are used principally to transport personnel between onshore bases and offshore production platforms, drilling rigs, and other installations, as well as to transport time-sensitive equipment to these offshore locations. The company also offers helicopter flight training

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services to commercial pilots and flight instructors through its Bristow Academy; In addition, it provides military training; and helicopter repair, engineering support, airport management, maintenance and support, and search and rescue services. The company provides its helicopter services to integrated, national, and independent oil and gas companies. As of March 31, 2012, it operated a fleet of 556 aircraft.

The company was formerly known as

Offshore Logistics Inc. and changed its name to Bristow Group Inc. in February 2006. Bristow Group Inc. was founded in 1969 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Ltd provides services to the Independent Oil & Gas Companies IOCs and National Oil Companies NOCs in passenger transportation (Production and Drilling rig Crew-Changes); external load carriage; Search and Rescue and medical evacuation. Bristow currently

has the highest market share due to its commitment to providing the safest and most reliable air transport service to oil and gas companies.

Our Solution to Clients • Efficient crew change • Reduction in Exploration and Production Cost • Fast and efficient Medical Evacuation • Safe and performance driven engineering Services

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National cadet pilots undergoing training at Bristow Academy Our Service to Nigeria • Provision of vital helicopter services in support of Oil and Gas exploration and production work.

• Training of Nigerians as pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers. This is a major part of its • Nigerianization programme. This remains unsurpassed by any aviation company in the last 25 years.

• Domestication of maintenance of aeroplanes and helicopters up to D-Check level in Nigeria through its maintenance; repair and overhaul organisation.

Our Performance “Target Zero” is our value promise to our clients. Bristow, through its “Target Zero” program will ensure; Safety; Reliability – reduce client’s production costs; and OnTime-Departure performance.

In keeping with our “Client Promise” to deliver Target Zero – Accident; Downtime and Complaints , Bristow has developed a scorecard (called Client Value Added Card CVA) to track and manage our drive towards the delivery of superior safety and customer service to our clients. Our service to each client is measured on Safety; Reliability and

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Customer Complaints. Bristow believes that when Target Zero is achieved on these measures, it will substantially reduce exploration and production costs of her clients. Bristow partners with clients to look for ways to improve crew-change planning and aircraft utilisation which ultimately impact our clients’ production cost. An example of the Client Value Added CVA Scorecard is shown below.

Schlumberger is the world’s leading oilfield services company supplying technology, information solutions and integrated project management that optimise reservoir performance for customers working in the oil and gas industry.

Schlumberger employs 110,000 people representing over 140 nationalities and working in approximately 80 countries, including Nigeria.

In 1956 Schlumberger logged the first oil well in Nigeria, and has since grown to provide a full range of services to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Schlumberger is a core provider in the deepwater segment, and its Nigeria Integrated Centre of Excellence addresses problems of production from mature fields (both onshore and offshore) and deep water well placement and recovery challenges amongst others. It has operated as a locally incorporated company since 1970.

For more information, visit www.slb.com.

Your Service Partner in Nigeria Schlumberger is committed to excellence and we conduct business in a safe, ethical, and socially responsible way; positively impacting the people, economy, and society. In Nigeria, we maintain our commitment towards achieving excellence in execution of our services; while striving to meet and surpass formal local content obligations. Through collaboration with Nigeria’s oil and gas industry stakeholder’s and Schlumberger Oilfield Services Reservoir Characterisation Group

Wireline

Drilling Group

Reservoir Production Group

Drilling & Measurements

Well Services Artificial Lift

Testing Services Geoservices

Completions

WesternGeco PathFinder

Sand Management

Data & Consulting Services

Bits & Advanced

Services

Technologies Water Services

Schlumberger Information Solutions

Drilling Tools & Remedial

Subsea Surveillance

Dynamic Pressure

Carbon Services

Management Flow Assurance

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Research Centers

Schlumberger Cambridge Research Schlumberger Dhahran Carbonate Research Schlumberger Moscow Research Schlumberger Stavanger Research Schlumberger-Doll Research

“We provide our clients with the best in class technology and services that enables them to maximise oil and gas production through our global technological strength and practices that are executed locally in Nigeria with excellence and we remain a progressive and contributing partner to our host communities”. by sharing our knowledge, competencies, and expertise, our journey contributes to the advancement of Nigeria’s economy, people and society. The diversity of our people is our greatest strength and differentiator. We are a local company in our approach and our Nigerian employees contribute to this diversity by bringing their unique talents to workforce at home and abroad.

Human Capital Development and Economic Partnership with Nigerian Businesses: We are in the business of developing local human capital through our recruiting and training practices and educational initiatives and programs that benefit future generations. Developing the local economy is an integral part of Schlumberger’s philosophy in Nigeria.

Building excellent partnerships, alliances, and relationships with local companies, suppliers and vendors continues to be a priority for Schlumberger in promoting sustainable business in Nigeria. We are working to develop a strong and competitive Nigerian supply chain industry to ensure the quality of the services we deliver.

Commitment to Health of Nigerians: The impact of Schlumberger’s presence in Nigeria extends beyond our contribution to the people and economy. At Schlumberger, we also share our worldwide best practices including Health, Safety & Environment HSE with our local partners, suppliers and community. We have a culture of reaching out to our communities through health and educational initiatives. Our in-house malaria prevention program is an example; the program focuses on raising awareness, equipping employees with malaria kits to self-diagnose and providing access to expert medical contacts on malaria. The HSE for Youth, an extension of this program is growing fast in communities we service in Nigeria, educating the youth about malaria prevention and treatment methods to reduce fatalities from malaria.

Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development (SEED): This is a worldwide

Eke U. Eke, Group Managing Director West Africa

initiative providing resources such as computing hardware, connectivity and volunteers to inspire a passion for science education to schools in locations where we operate. In Nigeria, our latest SEED project called “One Laptop per Child,” provided each child and teacher in two schools located in the Niger-Delta with a web-enabled laptop computer equipped with dedicated educational software. SEED is expanding into provision of science laboratories, science project contests and other scientific learning enablers.

Advanced Scientific Education for Women: Schlumberger’s Faculty for the Future program is another initiative that provides funding for doctorate degree studies to women university lecturers.

Grant recipients return back to Nigeria, to continue their academic career and inspire other young women towards a passion for science education.

We continue to work with our clients in an atmosphere of teamwork, innovation and value creation. Putting your trust in our expert team will guarantee that the needs for oilfield services in Nigeria are met with excellence, allowing the industry to reduce its risks and generate higher economic value.

Schlumberger Nigeria is a global company with local execution strength, roots and practices that are powered by local multitalented and multi-national workforce. For Schlumberger Excellence in Execution is about making excellence our most steadfast habit.

It’s about ensuring that we perform flawlessly on every job we do—the first time, every time.

Schlumberger Oilfield Services 17/19 Idowu Taylor Street Victoria Island P. O. Box 1625, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234 1 2619200 / 2612679 www.slb.com Best of Nigeria

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Desicon Engineering Limited Desicon Engineering Limited is an indigenous oil services company which was founded on a commitment to excellence, value, and reliability.

Desicon Commercial Office, Lagos

Desicon Engineers

With Head Quarters in Port Harcourt and a commercial office in Lagos; Desicon is located at the nerve centres of the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria.

A dependable Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) solutions provider; we are able to reduce project timelines through the synergy harnessed from longstanding relationships with key International Buying Houses, in-house and external expediting, planning and engineering teams that ensure we always deliver projects on time.

We are local content partners with Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited (SCNL); a structural mentoring program that grants us access to the technical proficiency and equipment of one of the world’s largest oil services companies.

We have implemented an investment plan to increase capacity, which has already begun with the establishment of separate work teams capable of executing large scale projects simultaneously. We are equipped with the most modern electrical and instrumentation calibration and test laboratories. We also boast of a fully Mobile Double Stage Vacuum Transformer Oil Treatment Plant designed for on-site use to completely regenerate insulating oils in energised or de-energised power transformers.

WHAT WE DO

Overview of OGP Train 2 at OML 58 - E&I Works by Desicon

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Electrical and Instrumentation We offer Electrical & Instrumentation construction, installation, and commissioning services. We recently deployed a full spectrum of E&I services on the 180MW Open Cycle Afam Power Plant in Rivers State which included construction, procurement, installation, and commissioning. We have entered into technical partnerships with several Multinational companies including Saipem (SCNL), Switchgear and Instrumentation, Tamini Transformer to boost our technical expertise and develop a project management

structure that optimises project execution and delivery to our clients. Desicon also carries out E&I maintenance services with a team of highly trained professionals with the experience and competence to solve malfunctions.

Our fixed and mobile workshops are equipped with electrical and instrumentation testing equipment. We ensure we perform necessary tests before proceeding with any maintenance or repair works.

Procurement The procurement department plays a vital role in ensuring that our clients are able to minimise downtimes during planned shutdowns or turnarounds, and also when unexpected challenges occur. We guarantee competitive pricing, priority placement on manufacturers’ production lines, and delivery as scheduled.

We also offer a door to door service, eliminating any risk to the client.

We have exclusive partnerships with two European Buying Houses, both of which have an established record of delivering on time-bound and cost effective procurement orders. Furthermore, we are able to deliver specialist procurement on the petrochemical and drilling & exploration segments through our partnerships. We understand that speed is essential with procurement; our expeditors ensure we meet project timeline targets.

Scope of Supply; • Pipes • Valves • Flanges & Fittings • Heat Exchange Tubes • Strainers • Stainless Steel Special Grades • Electrical & Instrumentation equipment and spares • Transformers EPC Temporary Camps One of our focus areas is in the construction and installation of EPC Temporary Camp Sites.

The insulated prefabricated modular buildings are self supporting and only require perimeter concrete foundations for erection. Owing to their ease of installation and a wide variety of intended use, the prefabricated buildings are ideal for the construction of oil and gas, engineering, and construction camps.

HDD Horizontal Directional Drilling is an area we are embarking on with a technical partner that has vast international experience. Some of the benefits of HDD compared to conventional

Camp Housing units using Modular concepts by Desicon Civil & Construction Works (DCCW)

Fully Equipped Mobile Calibriation Workshop

methods include minimal surface disturbance as the working area is confined only to entry and exit side pits. Projects can be executed without damage to or difficulty from surface obstacles or existing utilities, including community unrest. It can also reduce project time drastically.

TRACK RECORD Project: Olero Creek Restoration Project Client: Chevron Nigeria Limited Scope: E&I Installation and Commissioning

Subsea cable lying Project: OML58 Upgrade Project Client: Total E&P Nigeria Limited Scope: E&I Construction and Installation Logistics Expediting Project: Afam Open Cycle Power Plant Client: Rivers State Government Scope: E&I construction, Installation, and Commissioning Project: Ebocha Early Gas Recovery Client: National Agip Oil Company Limited

Scope:

E & I Installation and Calibration Construction of Electrical Lines

Project: Gbaran Ubie Equipment Procurement Client Shell Petroleum& Development

Company Limited Scope: E& I Installation Procurement Desicon is an ISO (9001:2008) certified organisation with a focus on continuous improvements to its processes in order to exceed client expectations.

Commercial Office: 6B, Oko Awo Street Off Adetokunbo Ademola Street Victoria Island, Lagos Tel: +234 1 4638348 Operations Office: 87, Woji Road G.R.A. Phase2 Port-Harcourt, Rivers State Tel: +234 84 360996 Fax: +234 84 330997 www.desicongroup.com Best of Nigeria

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The Oando Group Oando PLC is sub-Saharan Africa’s leading indigenous integrated energy group that symbolises performance, integrity, service excellence, and professionalism.

The company is reputed for offering world-class services and is presently listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Drilling operations aboard OES teamwork, Oando’s flagship rig From its origins as a traditional downstream petroleum marketing company, Oando has transformed into an integrated energy group with investments across the energy value chain. Through dynamic vision, dedicated leadership, and consistent value creation, Oando’s subsidiaries are now market leaders in their respective sectors.

Oando Exploration & Production Oando Exploration & Production Limited is a leading indigenous Exploration and Production company and the first indigenous company with a participatory interest in a deep offshore producing asset. The company has investments in 13 oil and gas assets and is committed to investing more funds in the acquisition and development of near term assets. The company conducts all its operations in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Oando Energy Services Oando Energy Services Limited is Nigeria’s

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foremost oilfield services company that prides itself in delivering tailored services to its clients through methods that promote efficiency, productivity, and lower operating costs. The company provides three product services, namely – drilling and completion fluids, drill bits and engineering services, and drilling rigs. With four swamp rigs in its fleet, Oando Energy Services is the largest indigenous drilling services provider now successfully operating in an arena that was previously the preserve of International Service Companies (ISC).

Oando Gas & Power Oando Gas & Power Limited is the pioneer of natural gas distribution in Nigeria bridging the infrastructure gap to help actualise the Nigerian government’s gas flare-down initiative. The company has successfully constructed and is operating a 100km gas pipeline grid in Lagos, with gas supplied to over 100 industries. This infrastructure is helping companies cut energy costs by an

average of 50%, and another 128km gas pipeline grid is nearing completion in South Eastern Nigeria.

Oando Marketing Oando Marketing Limited is Nigeria’s leading oil retailer with operations in West Africa, offering a wide range of services and products to people and businesses through over 600 retail outlets and commercial channels. Its other assets include: three aviation depots, seven Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plants, one grease plant, two bitumen plants, two lubricant plants, and eight terminals with a combined capacity of over 150-million litres.

Oando Supply & Trading Oando Supply & Trading Limited is Africa’s largest independent and privately-owned petroleum products trading company. With a presence in the world’s leading products and freight market, the company procures and trades a broad range of products such as Jet

The City Gate of Oando’s 128KM natural gas pipeline in Calabar, Nigeria A1, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Gasoline, Dual Purpose Kerosene, Diesel, Low/High Pour Fuel, Naphtha, Base oil, and Bitumen. The company’s clientele includes international and national oil trading companies in major African countries and the Mediterranean.

While it boasts a diversified portfolio and robust asset base, Oando is devoted to the principles and implementation of good corporate governance, and recognises the value of long-term business prosperity and ensuring accountability to its shareholders.

Oando is also the first indigenous energy company to sign the Pact Against Corruption Initiative (PACI) and the Convention for Business Integrity (CBI).

Oando aims to transform its host communities through innovative community relations and corporate social responsibility.

Through numerous scholarships and an Adopt-A-School programme the organisation strives to improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of its host communities primarily through education. This initiative has transformed several schools into environments conducive to learning which promote academic excellence, as Oando seeks to support over 100 schools across West Africa by 2015.

Oando’s strides in changing the energy landscape have been recognised locally and internationally. Some of the awards won by the company include: • 2003 and 2004: “Quoted Company of the Year” by the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

• 2008: “The most outstanding independent energy company in Africa” at the African Oil Week, South Africa.

Pupils of a public primary school under the Oando Adopt-a-School program

OES Integrity, One of Oando’s four rigs • 2010: “Company of the year” by the CWC Group, organisers of the Nigeria Oil & Gas (NOG) Conferences.

• 2010: “Best oil & gas deal in Africa”

by EMEA Finance, London, United Kingdom.

• 2011: “Company of the year” by the CWC Group, organisers of the Nigeria Oil & Gas (NOG) Conferences.

Oando PLC 2, Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: +234 (1) 2601290-9 +234 (1) 2702400 Email: info@oandoplc.com www.oandoplc.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 11 Technology and Communications

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MTN Nigeria With over 43 million subscribers and more than $10billion invested in fixed assets and facilities nationwide, and a further $1.3billion earmarked for network investment in 2012 alone, MTN Nigeria (MTNN) has led the growth in the voice market since 2001 and is now pursuing new growth opportunities in the data and ICT space.

The MTN Nigeria Head Office, Golden Plaza Building, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.

An MTN Nigeria Mast Installation

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MTNN was awarded a GSM license by the Nigerian Communications Commission on February 9 2001, and on May 16 2001, MTN became the first GSM network to make a call in Nigeria. Shortly afterwards, in August 2001, MTN began full commercial operations.

In 2001, MTN ventured into the Nigerian market with tentative steps. There was apprehension among investors about the turbulent political climate, the blights on the economic landscape, and the spate of social discontent that could plague the growth of a successful business.

Still, the company chose to take a leap of faith - to invest billions of dollars in a sector with no forerunners in the country from whom to learn, to look

beyond the peculiarities of the Nigerian operating environment, focusing instead on the unique potential of the people - on the creative power of the bold Nigerian spirit, which in spite of the negative representations of the country, remained positive and vibrant.

MTN chose to harness this potential, to partner with this passionate and resilient people and through its presence, products and services, create a platform for socioeconomic development. Eleven years later, it is this win-win philosophy - that the success and growth of the company is tied to the well-being of the people and the communities where it operates - that have contributed significantly to positioning MTN as Nigeria’s leading

telecommunications provider. MTN has revolutionised the way Nigerians live, work and play and today, provides mobile telephony services to millions of Nigerians, connecting whole communities with each other and with the rest of the world. Indeed, MTN Nigeria has achieved such growth that it is now an international benchmark for what can be achieved in the telecommunications industry in an emerging economy.

MTN’s leadership position in the area of network coverage, expansion and state of the art infrastructure is evident. As a result of massive investments, MTN Nigeria now has the most expansive network coverage, spread across 2,394 cities, towns and villages in all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). MTN also provides network coverage to 87.96% of Nigeria’s land mass, while over 85.49% of the population have access to its services.

MTN also employs over 6,000 individuals and operates an extensive distribution chain with over 120 Trade Partners, 16 service centres and 71 connect stores, and an informal chain of over 72,000 sales outlets.

As the company progresses with its operations, guided by its approach to doing business in a way that stimulates economic development and builds a stable society, MTN continues to make concerted efforts towards improving the quality of life in the communities where it operates and ultimately contributing to the overall development of the nation.

That is why MTN invests in areas of need and gives back to society through its corporate social investment vehicle – the MTN Foundation. The MTN Foundation was created in May 2005, to spearhead a robust corporate social responsibility agenda. The Foundation - which is funded by up to 1% Profit after Tax from MTNN – currently has 319 project sites in 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. MTN was the first telecommunications company in Nigeria to establish a Foundation.

The scope and depth of MTN’s unique model of CSR is constantly expanding; adding true value to society through corporate governance and targeted wide-impact corporate social investment initiatives in the areas of Health, Education and Economic empowerment.

A cross section of students at Lagelu Grammar School, Agugu, Oyo State, a beneficiary of the MTN Nigeria Foundation Learning Facility Supply project.

A Haemodialysis centre in a General Hospital in Lagos State, one of 12 centres established by the MTN Nigeria Foundation in various hospitals spread across the country.

The Data Operator Room at the MTN Nigeria Switch, Ojota, Lagos, the largest switch installation in the world.

Everywhere you go, MTN’s initiatives and projects demonstrate that it is a company that believes in Nigeria’s inspiring past, vibrant present and promising future.

Indeed, even with the triumphant, positive stories available today despite daunting odds, MTN is confident that the Best of Nigeria is still to come!

MTN Nigeria Communications Limited Golden Plaza Building Falomo-Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria www.mtnonline.com Best of Nigeria

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Aviat Networks Aviat Networks is the wireless expert in advanced IP network migration, building the foundation for the 4G/LTE broadband future and enabling wireless transformation around the world.

Our Markets Wireless public and private telecommunications operators need to be able to offer leading edge services and expand into new and emerging markets in order to position themselves for the future. Unfortunately they lack the time, resources, or local expertise to tackle new opportunities, while protecting their existing business given constrained resources and ROI pressures.

Mobile service providers also have a new sense of urgency to invest in their backhaul network to avoid the capacity crunch that is being driven by the explosion in bandwidth demand as a result of the introduction of new smart devices and the evolution of networks to LTE. At the same time these operators must address the so-called “Revenue Gap� – the widening divergence between increasing network operational costs and flat subscriber revenue.

All around the world service providers and network operators are also now planning to introduce new broadband services or simply lower network operational costs to strengthen their competitive position.

From Africa throughout Asia and in the USA, operators are building networks that extend simple voice or new broadband data services to un-served or under-served communities, and are seeking to implement new technologies such as Smart Grids, often funded by government stimulus funds.

Our Solutions Aviat offers best-of-breed transformational broadband solutions that provide operators with the speed and agility to seize new service and market opportunities, while optimising legacy investments, which fuels sustainable growth, as well as operational peace of mind.

With a rich legacy of innovation and technical expertise, we deliver complete wireless solutions to build, expand and evolve communications networks globally.

Our products and services extend from the core to the edge, private and enterprise networks to broadband mobility, planning to execution.

Our LTE-ready microwave backhaul solutions provide the most comprehensive IP transport features of any other wireless backhaul solution in its class, giving operators the peace of mind that the solution that they deploy today will provide a smooth migration path to all-IP networks needed

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tomorrow, extending life of their existing infrastructure and without having to make a risky early leap to all-IP. Our Advantage Our global reach and strong portfolio accelerates time to market and ensures a scalable, high-performance network. Unlike monolithic telecommunications vendors who subscribe to a “one size fits all” approach to serving operators - large and small - which results in vendor lock-in, Aviat is known for its highly individualised transformation experience that nets better results.

In an environment of uncertainty and unrelenting competitive pressures, Aviat has the experience and agility to anticipate what’s coming to help our customers make the right choices so that their investments today aren’t left stranded tomorrow. Because we’re thinking ahead, our products and services are designed for flexible evolution, so no matter what the future brings operators will have all options that they need to move forward and thrive.

And with local presence on the ground worldwide, our migration experts understand specific local requirements and customs.

We work by the side of our customers with personal attention and collaboration to understand and meet the unique challenges of their business and markets.

We make Broadband Networks Work Aviat Networks is enabling the broadband future. From fixed networks to broadband

mobility, from TDM to all Ethernet/IP, from public to private, from planning to managed services, from the core to the edge – we help customers create, expand and manage the best networks for their markets and their bottom lines.

Our key solutions include: IP Mobile Backhaul - we enable mobile service providers to transform their backhaul networks to meet the explosive growth in new HSPA/4G/LTE-based mobile broadband data services, improve their network capacity, efficiency and flexibility, while also critically reducing their overall operational costs. Our innovative and market-leading Eclipse™ and WTM® microwave transport solutions provide a smooth migration path from existing TDM-based backhaul infrastructure to all-Ethernet/IP. Our solutions combine highly scalable capacity architecture to support future traffic growth, built-in network intelligence and resilience, while delivering fibre-like performance and reliability, even under the toughest conditions.

Aviat Networks Corporate Head Office Plot 274 Ajose Adeogun Street Victoria Island, Lagos Tel: +234 1 270 1923-4 +234 1 817 9790 Fax: +270 1 270 1888 Email: info.nigeria@aviatnet.com Best of Nigeria

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Can mobile banking boost financial inclusion in Nigeria?

Mobile network operator Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform has been at the forefront of this revolution. Since its launch in 2007, M-Pesa’s growth has been astounding – to date over 14 million Kenyans have used the service. There are currently also close to 40,000 M-Pesa

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agent outlets throughout Kenya, compared to not much more than a thousand traditional bank branches.

In 2010, M-Pesa users transferred an estimated US$7billion, equivalent to 20% of national gross domestic product (GDP).

Similar services have also been introduced in various other countries on the continent.

“From a virtually non-existent base five years ago, it is estimated that there will be upwards of 350million users of mobile money transfer services in Africa in 2015,” said

In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with around 167million people, mobile banking has been relatively slow to take off. This is, however, changing. Last year the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued the first operating licences to 11 companies to provide mobile banking services.

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has been one of the country’s star performers over the past decade.

According to Standard Bank, Nigeria is already the world’s tenth largest mobile market. South African mobile operator MTN closely studied the Nigerian market for three years before it entered the country in 2001. Today MTN Nigeria has over 40million subscribers, its biggest market out of the 21 countries where it operates.

Many other brands such as Glo, Airtel and Etisalat have also launched operations in Nigeria.

Handset manufacturers are also viewing Nigeria as an important market.

Recently Nokia partnered with the Nigerian government to stimulate the growth of the information and communication industry in the country. According to media reports, James Rutherfoord, vice president of Nokia for west and central Africa, said despite the significant growth of the industry, a sizeable proportion of the population were yet to be connected by mobile.

Standard Bank analyst Simon Freemantle.

“Mobile money offers a swifter, safer and more cost effective means to transfer money, and has been revolutionary in the manner in which it has extended financial services to the informal economy.”

Mobile banking – the key to financial inclusion Mobile banking has the potential to have a significant impact on financial inclusion in Nigeria. A 2010 study by Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA), a financial sector development organisation that promotes financial inclusion in Nigeria, found that only 25.4million adults, or 30%, have a bank account. Yet there are over 90million mobile subscribers, highlighting the opportunities.

“A large number of income earners do not presently maintain banking relationships with any fi nancial institution, but they do have mobile phones. Our mobile money service will provide a lot of them with an effective channel to conduct their daily transactions, whilst supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure their fi nancial inclusion,” said Segun Agbaje, managing director of Guaranty Trust Bank at the launch of its mobile banking partnership with MTN.

Stanbic IBTC, Standard Bank’s Nigerian unit, recently pointed out that “mobile money solutions will play a major role in integrating Nigeria’s huge informal economy, which is driven by small-scale farmers, traders, craftsmen and other types of small and medium size businesses, into the formal economy”.

Since the CBN granted the licences, there has been a flurry of activity in the industry. Unlike in Kenya, Nigerian mobile network operators are only allowed to provide the network infrastructure for mobile banking and cannot directly receive any deposits. They must also allow their subscribers to use any mobile payment service of their choice. This has led to numerous deals between the banks, network operators and other mobile payment providers. The banks and other providers need the network operators to provide the infrastructure for their mobile banking services, while operators are keen to offer mobile banking as part of their value propositions.

“Creating a functional mobile money model can be complicated, especially in a country like Nigeria, calling for a collaboration from two distinct domains, telephony and banking, as well as for

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partnerships with a variety of players such as agents, some unfamiliar, to manage cash collections and disbursements and promote adoption,” said Stanbic IBTC. Not a game for the boardroom Tayo Oviosu, a Stanford University MBA, is the man behind the Paga mobile banking platform. The service currently has more than 87,000 users, but it is Oviosu’s vision to have over 40 million customers by 2015.

“I was frustrated about carrying cash around whenever I was in Nigeria. It didn’t help that 60% of the ATMs are based in Lagos and most of them are constantly not working,” Oviosu explained in an interview. “Mobile money seemed obvious given the number of phones in Nigeria. My frustrations led to the birth of Paga.”

Paga allows users to transfer money, purchase airtime and pay their bills.

“Our mission is to deliver innovative and universal access to financial services. We fundamentally believe that technology should be built to fit into people’s lives rather than the other way around,” he

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says. “Paga has been designed to work on the most basic SMS enabled phone and without the need to download any application to your phone. Simplicity is key.

If you can send an SMS, then you should be able to type in a few words and digits to send or receive money.”

With increasing competition in the industry, signing up a quarter of Nigeria’s population is set to be a mammoth task.

However, the company recently got a financial boost that could go some way in helping it achieve its goals. Earlier this month, Paga received a US$2million grant from EFInA. “By bringing low-cost services to every neighbourhood, we believe we can help bring a large number of Nigerians out of poverty and improve living standards. We have chosen Paga for this grant because of the robustness of their plans and strength of their team.

We are confident that by working together we can achieve our mutual goal of universal access to financial services for

Nigerians,” commented Modupe Ladipo, executive director and managing director of EFInA. Oviosu believes that building an agent network is one of the biggest challenges facing the company. Agents are responsible for new customer registration, loading cash into customers’ Paga accounts and processing cash withdrawal requests. “To really get this business right, our goal is to have an agent down the street from every consumer in Nigeria. And that means that we have to put feet on the ground to go and recruit those agents and to manage those agents. It is not just about recruiting them, but it is managing them.

And that is actually the tough work of this business,” he said in a recent television interview.

Another firm looking to profit from Nigeria’s emerging mobile banking industry is Fortis Mobile Money. The company is an associate of Abuja-based Fortis Microfinance Bank, which was established in 2007.

Fortis is the only company with a microfinance background that have thus far received a mobile banking licence from the CBN. Its focus will be on providing mobile banking services to Nigeria’s unbanked in the rural areas as well as underserved city dwellers. It plans to have 100,000 agents across the country over the next year or so, a tall order by any measure.

“The game of mobile money is not going to be played in the boardroom or the armchair. It is a game of getting into the trenches, setting up the agents, getting the deals and just making the service available in the communities,” said Henry Nwawuba, CEO of Fortis Mobile Money. “For us, mobile money and agency banking is the next step in reaching the mass market and bottom of the pyramid.”

“For … Fortis Microfinance Bank … it was increasingly challenging to provide basic financial services to the unbanked populations, which is naturally our constituents to access loans, savings and repayments. With mobile financial

services, we were able to reach more people in currently underserved and unserved communities efficiently and effectively ...”

Nwawuba added.

The company already has a deal with MTN and it is in the process of partnering with the other network operators. Smartphone users can, however, download the Fortis Mobile Money app that can be used on any network.

But are there too many players in Nigeria’s mobile banking industry? Nwawuba suggested that Nigeria’s huge unbanked population informed the CBN’s decision to license many operators. “I think the market is quite large. What the CBN has done is let as many people in as possible, because of the dearth of financial services and to accelerate financial inclusion.”

Little awareness The majority of Nigerians still have a lack of knowledge about mobile money. In a 2012 survey, EFInA found that “awareness of mobile payment is low among the banked … and absent among the unbanked”.

However, when the concept was explained to respondents, most applauded it.

Respondents were worried about issues such as accidently sending money to a wrong number or what would happen to their money if their phone were to be stolen.

Awareness of mobile money payment providers is generally also low. Many respondents said that although they have seen billboards for products such as Paga and U-Mo, they still don’t understand how these services work.

A cashless society Nigeria’s central bank has introduced measures to reduce the amount of physical

cash (coins and notes) circulating in the economy. As part of the Cashless Lagos initiative, those living in the country’s commercial hub now have to pay a ‘cash handling charge’ on daily cash withdrawals or cash deposits that exceed N500,000 (US$3,200) for individuals and N3,000,000 ($19,100) for companies. The plan is to roll out the policy across the country in 2013.

Mobile banking is one of the electronic payment platforms identified by the central bank to reduce the amount of cash in circulation. Other payment instruments include cheques, internet banking systems, payment cards and point-of-sale (POS) stations.

According to the CBN, the policy was introduced to lower the cost of cash. “There is a high cost of cash along the value chain – from the CBN and the banks, to corporations and traders; everyone bears the high costs associated with volume cash handling,” said the bank. Other reasons include reducing the risks of cash-based crimes and bringing more money into the formal economy, which will improve the effectiveness of monetary policy in managing inflation and encouraging economic growth.

Conclusion Mobile banking has proved to be a viable business in Africa. Last year Kenya’s M-Pesa contributed $203million to operator Safaricom’s total revenues. While Nigerian mobile money operators have a lot of work to do in rolling out agents and educating their customers about the benefits of their offerings, those who manage to survive should be in line for handsome returns.

Source: African Trader

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Chapter 12 Entrepreneurship

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Nigeria – A Nation Of Business People Nigeria is considered by many as one of Africa’s most promising investment destinations.

The West African state boasts of a high GDP growth rate, ongoing economic reforms and a 167 million population. But what is it really like to do business in Nigeria? How we made it in Africa’s Dinfin Mulupi speaks to Nigerian entrepreneurs about the opportunities, challenges and potential in the country. By Dinfin Mulupi

Jason Njoku CEO and Founder of iROKO Partners

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Nigeria has numerous investment opportunities. Jacob Ajayi, co-founder of Flying Antlers, a digital technology company, reckons that Nigeria’s technology sector for instance, is evolving very fast with a few innovations that have become success stories and are being consumed globally.

Seyi Taylor, founder of online and mobile advertising service Bloovue, concurs. “There has certainly been quite a bit of excitement around here, especially in the past two to three years. I am very impressed with the level of enthusiasm in the technology sector,” says Taylor.

Although Nigeria is increasingly on the radar of foreign investors, the local population is also highly entrepreneurial and keen to invest in their own country. “There is no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit among

the Nigerian population. We are a nation of businessmen,” notes Ladi Delano, CEO of Bakrie Delano Africa, a partnership between the British-Nigerian entrepreneur and Indonesia’s Bakrie Group with the intention of investing US$1-billion in Nigeria over the next five years.

However, despite the opportunities, Nigeria poses many challenges that can hinder the efforts of investors. Delano explains that there is a perception among foreign investors that the Nigerian market has political and security risks. However, he says infrastructure is the country’s biggest challenge.

“Investors could be hampered by infrastructure not keeping pace with economic growth. That challenge, however, is a function of success and a growing pain, which has been an issue

T-W Photography Limited

for all rapidly growing and industrialising nations over many decades,” says Delano.

Jacob Ajayi laments that for small businesses, securing financing is easier on paper than in practice. “Nobody wants to trade business with someone who is just starting up. Bigger companies are not giving smaller ones the opportunity to grow. Real government support for budding entrepreneurs is not yet there,” he says. Seyi Taylor narrows down Nigeria’s limitations to: power, payments and people.

“I find that the challenges in getting (and retaining) great human resources are extremely damaging. I suspect this is not just a Nigerian problem, it is pan-African. My fear is that unless we prepare another generation for the challenges of the knowledge economy, Africa could find itself not living up to its potential,” warns Taylor.

Though these challenges could limit the growth of business, they have also provided opportunities and fuelled entrepreneurship amongst young Nigerians who are facing massive unemployment.

“We keep complaining that the government is not helping, no infrastructure, no capital and so on. The irony is that the smart ones are turning the negative complaints into solutions. They provide what the government doesn’t and we pay to enjoy it,” says Jacob Ajayi.

These entrepreneurs remain optimistic about Nigeria’s future.

“Apart from the security challenges we have been facing, I’m bullish on Nigeria. The commodities boom has been good for the macro-economy but we definitely need more reforms for the effects to trickle down and allow Nigeria to achieve its full potential,” notes Seyi Taylor.

Jacob Ajayi expects the economy to become more robust in terms of consumption and investment. The next step, he says, is for Nigeria to transform from a predominantly consuming nation to a manufacturer of goods.

“Foreign investors are taking more interest in the country and local companies are also working on operating on a larger scale. We just don’t want to be the consuming market. We also want to create a production market – take care of the needs of our people and also export finished products,” says Ajayi.

Jacob Ajayi , COO Flying Antlers

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AIM GROUP AIM Group Limited is an integrated Multi-Disciplinary Company established on November 20, 1979. The principals of the AIM Group have a history in Nigeria that dates back to 1886 when the Grandfather of the Group’s chairperson resided in Lagos in 1886.

The Group operates from its ultra-modern owned office facilities at its Headquarters in Victoria Island Annex, Lagos - with Regional and Staff Accommodation facilities in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. AIM Group has satellite offices in various States in the Country. The current workforce of AIM Group is over 1100 colleagues. Email: info@ aimgroup.us AIM Consultants Ltd, AIM Architects & Engineers Consultants Ltd and AIM Integrated Architecture & Consultants Ltd (subsidiaries of AIM Group) commenced operations in Lagos in 1979 and 1980 respectively, and extended their presence to Abuja in 1980, becoming two of the major integrated consultancy firms established in the new Federal Capital, to participate in its long-term development in buildings and

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infrastructural projects. Email: info@aimconsultants.com AIM Consultants has the primary objective of planning and designing for the built environment and the harnessing of natural resources, and has been rendering services in Urban & Regional Planning, Architecture, Engineering (Transportation, Highways, Ports and Airports, Irrigation and Agriculture, Water Resources, Dams, Sewage & Water Treatment Plants, Oil & Gas facilities, General Civil Works, Power Supply, Marine Engineering, Dredging, Land Reclamation and Inland Waterways), Quantity Surveying and Project Management.

AIM Consultants aims for success and targets to always optimise clients’ interests and quest for excellence.

AIM Consultants came to the limelight in 1982, when AIM won an international competition for the design & supervision for

the National Mosque and Support Complex in Abuja. Since then, the Company has executed a number of National and International projects and the recipient of many awards such as IMOPTECH in 2002 for Quality and Excellence – WB, and Business Initiative Direction International Star Award for Quality and Commitment in 2009 in Frankfurt.

The Group has a subsidiary for Real Estate Development, Narelli International Ltd., incorporated in 1991 to develop the AIM Group properties.

AIM Group also has subsidiaries in Broadcasting & Communications, promoting several FM Radio Stations (Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info FM), ISP Broadband (Coollink) and Cybercafés (Cool Cafés).

COOL FM is a 24 hr Hit Music Station with a family format that brings a blend of urban, adult contemporary and new trend Nigerian

AIM Group Ltd.

and African Music artists with a fusion of global and national news, topical issues, sports interviews etc.

WAZOBIA FM as the number one PIDGIN language station in Africa, WAZOBIA FM is the All Age Group People’s Station with a vibrant blend of indigenous artists. WAZOBIA FM was tagged by CNN in August, 2011 as the No.1 Station in Africa. NIGERIA INFO is Nigeria’s first Talk Station, with news and Sports with live commentaries. info@coolfm.us; info@ wazobiafm.com; info@nigeriainfo.fm COOL FM, WAZOBIA FM and NIGERIA INFO FM together reach a population of almost 70 million in Lagos, Rivers, FCT, Kano and adjoining States, capturing over 45% of the audience in Lagos and environs, 60% in Rivers and environs, around 40% in Abuja and environs and 15% in Kano, thus giving advertisers the opportunity to cover all social classes and age groups.

AFRICA CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING TV will be launched early 2013.

Coollink was incorporated in 2001 as an Internet Service Provider with its head-office located in Lagos and its different branches spread nation-wide: Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. Coollink ensures the highest level of customer responsiveness and service quality, a trait which has earned us long-standing relationships with our customers.

In December 2009, Coollink signed a partnership with Yahsat (a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Co., the investment arm of the State Government of Abu Dhabi), to promote and deliver YahClick, a breakthrough Ka-Band broadband service for users in Nigeria. The Yahsat 1B (Y1B) satellite is able to achieve cost-effective bandwidth supply with smaller terminals (74 and 98cm), which will provide the highest speed internet access with the lowest monthly fees. Email: info@coollink. us.

AIM Group diversified into the food industry by opening Chocolat Royal on November 20, 1994. It quickly positioned itself as the

first authentic French Patisserie in Nigeria by serving all sorts of confectionery goods: Bakery, Chocolate, Ice Cream, Danish “viennoiserie”, American donuts and sandwiches. It gradually introduced a new desert culture to Nigeria and became a pioneer in the country’s confectionery industry.

Chocolat Royal has grown tremendously ever since thanks to its continuous dedication to quality and its loyal customers - always eager for more. It has won many awards including the B.I.D (Business Initiative Direction) International StarAward for Quality in 2003 in Geneva and the International Platinum Star for Quality in 2006 in Paris.

Café Royal opened its doors in 2003 in response to the large demand of its customers to provide an intercontinental restaurant.

It blossomed from a small tea room to a beautifully designed and intricately considered restaurant. With a new venture in hand; the Group spread its expertise to savory goods: salads, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, charred broiled hamburgers, spiced grilled fish, Swahili Suya, Middle Eastern Shawarma and many healthy plates. After a few years of design, renovation and construction, the new Café Royal re-opened its doors on January 20, 2009, as the only one of its kind - with a new location and larger menu.

Along with the opening of the new Café Royal, came Pleasures, a fashionable gift boutique that celebrates the “pleasure of giving” and also the “pleasure of receiving”.

Métisse Pan Asian Restaurant symbolises the culmination of years of experience. It launched an entirely new menu in October 2011. Métisse gathers the wonderful foods and flavours of Pan-Asian cuisine from SouthEast Asia. It gives a taste of the five flavours of food: pungent, sweet, sour, bitter and salty.

The healthy dishes are simple and aromatic and come in a large variety to appeal to a wide range of taste buds and are guaranteed to suit any lifestyle, from gourmet to gourmand.

Métisse will both widen ones repertoire and excite the passion with an unforgettable aftertaste. Email: contact@royalteas.com.ng

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Olam – from small Nigerian trading outfit to global commodities giant Agribusiness and food company Olam might not be a household name, but there is a good possibility that some of the products in your cupboard were handled by the company at some stage during the journey from farm to finished product. An interesting fact about this global commodities powerhouse is that it has its roots in Nigeria.

Olam was established in 1989 in Nigeria. The company started by exporting raw cashew nuts to India. The business soon added cotton, sheanuts and cocoa beans to its trading portfolio. Today Olam is a massive company with operations throughout the world. Its headquarters are currently in Singapore, where it is also listed on the stock exchange.

Olam operates a complex web of businesses across the globe. It trades in commodities such as coffee, cocoa, nuts, rice, cotton and wood products, to name a few. It is also involved in the processing of many agricultural products. The company has a direct presence in 65 countries.

Africa remains important Despite Olam’s global footprint, Africa still remains important to the group’s operations. It operates in 24 countries on the continent. “Africa remains a significant and strong sourcing point for us for a lot of raw commodities. We are trying to add value in Africa as much as possible,” said M.D.

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Ramesh, Olam’s regional head for southern and east Africa, in an exclusive interview with How we made it in Africa.

Ramesh has been at Olam almost since the company’s inception. In 1992 he started working for Olam in Nigeria. He then established operations in Benin, after which he relocated to India to manage the company’s interests in the country. From India Ramesh was transferred to Europe to launch Olam’s marketing offices in Holland and France. After a spell in Ghana, he moved to South Africa in 2004 to take up his current position.

Olam has recently announced a string of new deals across the continent. Last month the company said that it plans to partner with the government of Gabon to develop rubber plantations in the country; in February, the president of Ghana inaugurated Olam’s new state of the art wheat milling facility in the country; and the company recently also opened a cashew processing plant as well as a dairy facility in Ivory Coast. Olam doesn’t only export commodities from Africa, but

also imports significant volumes of products such as rice and sugar from other parts of the world into the continent.

Packaged food – tapping into Africa’s middle class Olam has also ventured into the production of branded food items, targeting Africa’s growing middle class. The company’s packaged foods business is currently focused on five key markets, namely Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Ivory Coast and the MBTN cluster (Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo and Niger). “This choice is based on the relative size and scope of these markets on a stand-alone basis, as well as Olam’s significant presence and back-end strengths in these markets,” said the company in an earlier statement.

In 2007, Olam launched Tasty Tom tomato paste in Nigeria. According to the company it is currently West Africa’s second largest player in the tomato paste category.

Olam also produces numerous other food products, including noodles, biscuits, pasta, and seasonings.

“We are clear about the fact that there is a fast growing middle class across the continent … Such a growth implies that husband and wife work. A lot of the cities, which now take up a lot of the population of Africa, are comprised of households where they have both family members working, therefore convenience foods are extremely important,” said Ramesh.

Various international food companies have recently invested in Africa. Last year, South Africa’s Tiger Brands formed a food production joint venture with the East African Group of Companies of Ethiopia. It also bought Deli Foods Nigeria Limited, a company engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of biscuits for the Nigerian market.

UK-based Silk Invest, through its Africa Food Fund, a private equity fund focusing on processed food, beverages and quickservice restaurant companies, has invested in a confectionary company in Egypt. In a recent webcast, Silk Invest said that it is also looking to invest in a biscuit and pasta manufacturer in Ethiopia.

Large quantities of packaged food consumed in Africa are currently being imported. This presents major opportunities for local manufacturing.

“If you take Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a big consumer of biscuits – they love biscuits.

60% to 70% of the annual consumption of biscuits in Ethiopia is imported. There is one small company based in the UAE . . . that has quadrupled its earnings within three years by exclusively exporting biscuits to Ethiopia,” said Waseem Khan, Silk Invest’s head of private equity.

As competition in Africa’s food industry heats up, Olam could have an advantage in the fact that it already has strong logistics networks into the rural areas where it sources its raw commodities. It can use the same trucks that transport the raw commodities to distribute food items. “As you can imagine, carrying more goods on the same distribution chain actually only subsidises the cost of the distribution chain,” explained Ramesh.

Ramesh said that being a great food company in Europe does not naturally guarantee success in Africa. “I believe that for companies to succeed in Africa, you need to know less about the technicalities of producing food; you need to know much more about how to handle, live and engage with the environment … The environment in Tanzania is very different from the environment in Ghana, it is very different from the environment in Senegal, it is extremely different from the environment in Mali. You have to adapt, you have to learn, you have to manage. And Africa is not one country.”

“We do not say that we have mastered

the continent, we are still learning, we have lost a lot of money learning it, we have paid our fees,” Ramesh added.

www.howwemadeitinafrica.com Best of Nigeria

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Chapter 13 Nigeria Expansion

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ECOWAS The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen countries, founded in 1975. Its mission is to promote economic integration in “all fields of economic activity, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions, social and cultural matters...”

The Institutions of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) are as follows: • The Commission • The Community Parliament • The Community Court of Justice • ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) The ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, more often called The Fund, are its two main institutions designed to implement policies, pursue a number of programmes and carry out development projects in Member States. Such projects include intra-community road construction and telecommunications; and agricultural, energy and water resources development.

ECOWAS Commission The Heads of State and Government broke with the past by their decision to

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The 15 ECOWAS Member States

The Republic of BENIN BURKINA FASO

transform the ECOWAS Secretariat into a Commission. The difference goes beyond a name change and an increase in the number of officers at the management level. After thirty years of existence, ECOWAS finds itself at cross-roads.

Changes have already been underway with the support of development partners.

These initiatives have been boosted by the Heads of State and Government when they endorsed institutional transformation covering all ECOWAS Institutions.

By implementing this transformation process which should reposition ECOWAS vis-à-vis the West African populations to whom pledges have been made, the leaders of the region have taken the destiny of their institution into their own hands. Indeed, by subscribing to the vision of the founders of ECOWAS, they have taken ownership of the objectives designed to improve the living conditions of the citizenry, ensure economic growth and create an environment conducive to development and integration.

By becoming a Commission with enhanced powers and Commissioners in charge of smaller and clearly defined sectors, the ECOWAS Secretariat will have more impact and become more visible in Member States. Regarding the Community

Parliament, the restructuring is designed to make it more efficient by providing it with relevant management support. Similarly, the Community Court of Justice is being re-organised to have its judges also concentrate on their core competences.

Rebirth of the institution to ensure development and integration through: • adapting to the international environment; • playing a more effective role in the integration and development process; • a President, Vice-President and seven Commissioners; • a smaller and more clearly defined sector for each Commissioner; • supporting Member States to build their capacities for programme implementation; • a predictable rotation system based on equity, transparency and functionality; • acknowledging consequences of the restructuring process; • consolidation of the Community spirit; • enhancement of the powers of the Commission; • strengthening of supra-nationality; and • adoption of a new legal regime (decisions directly applicable in Member States and by the Institutions).

The Republic of CABO VERDE The Republic of COTE D’IVOIRE The Republic of GAMBIA The Republic of GHANA The Republic of Guinea The Republic of Guinea BISSAU The Republic of LIBERIA The Republic of MALI The Republic of NIGER The Federal Republic of NIGERIA The Republic of SENEGAL The Republic of SIERRA LEONE TOGOLESE Republic

www.ecowas.int Best of Nigeria

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Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce The Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce is one of the most dynamic Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria. Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce (NSACC as it is fondly called) is a bilateral organisation that was formed in May 2000 to promote trade relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

The Nigerian South African Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Members

Foluso Phillips Chairman

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Since the inauguration of NSACC, trade between the two countries has grown tremendously, this is a testimony to the fact that NSACC has been a veritable economic tool in the growth of trade between Nigeria and South Africa. In the year 2000, the level of trade between the two countries was at $16million; in the year 2011 the level of trade had gone up to over $3.6billion.

Furthermore, NSACC has been a catalyst to the increasing number of South African Companies doing business in Nigeria and also in Nigerian Companies doing business in South Africa. We bring together regularly, Government and Private bodies. This is done through our sector led events and topical forums.

The membership strength of the Chamber as at December 2011 was three hundred and five financial members,

all of which are corporate members.

We have an impressive 95% member retention rate. Membership comprises fully Nigerian owned firms, South African firms and those with ownership by both Nigerian and South African investors.

NSACC’s member profiles cover almost the whole spectrum of business activities in Nigeria, including: banking/ finance services; manufacturing; insurance; advertising; accounting/ auditing; management consulting; airline services; broadcasting; engineering; law; freight; hospitality; health/ pharmaceuticals; oil and gas; property; telecommunication; stock brokering; and information technology. Membership is also spread all over the country with specific presence in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Ibadan and Onitsha.

Toyin Cameron Executive Secretary We have an increasing number of South African firms that have indicated interest in joint partnership with Nigerian firms and other forms of economic cooperation. This is further facilitated by our regular Trade Missions, and our collaborations with the Economic Arm of the South Africa High Commission in Nigeria. We work with the South Africa’s Department of Trade officials in Nigeria and we constantly receive Trade Delegates from South Africa.

The objectives of NSACC are lofty but are quite achievable. They are to: promote bilateral trade and investment between Nigeria and South Africa; to represent members affected by changes in Nigeria and /or South African legislations; to serve as an interactive lobby for Nigerians and South Africans having commercial interest in Nigeria through the organising of regular monthly business breakfasts. Prominent Nigerian and South African business personalities are invited to speak on topical matters of trade and providing an ideal, enabling environment for business relationships and information exchange.

Other objectives of NSACC are: to conduct regular sector specific seminars with the aim of encouraging members to meet and discuss problems of mutual interest; to maintain close liaison with officials in government departments and representative bodies concerned with furthering Nigerian-South African trade and industrial relationships; to publicise the views of the Chamber on matters of common interest in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter; ‘NSACC news’ and the Chamber website; to hold a data bank of information to members wishing to obtain advice on matters relating to Nigerian-South African trade and industry, to update regularly a relevant list of contacts for Nigerian and South African importers and exporters. NSACC also notifies members of current South African and Nigerian trade fairs and specialised exhibitions and provides reference to domestic and foreign supply

sources and information on tariffs and customs procedures.

For International Business partnerships; enquiries about South African Businesses; creation of a platform for contact making, and other business related features; the solution is at your fingertips - NigerianSouth African Chamber of Commerce - your one stop solution to International Trade. Visit our website - www.nsacc.org. ng - for regularly updated information on our forums and events.

Contact Person: Toyin Cameron (Executive Secretary) The Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce Flat 4B Manuwa Courts Apartment 5 Manuwa Street, S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria Email: t.cameron@nsacc.org.ng nsacc@nsacc.org.ng Tel: +234 17 755 765 Cell: +234 81 698 226 62 www.nsacc.org.ng Best of Nigeria

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Fast-tracking expansion into Africa Many companies have considered expanding into Africa over the years, but few have actually taken the plunge because the challenges include different political systems, many languages, cultural boundaries and a lack of developed infrastructure.

But now there’s an easier way, thanks to the formal alliance between African Trader and Quantum Business Development.

Dubbed Quantum Business Africa, the new firm combines the extensive business development knowledge of Quantum Business Development with the long experience gained

by African Trader, while monitoring the many successes and failures of both indigenous and multinational businesses on the continent and establishing its own presence in these markets.

According to Dean Thomson, publisher of African Trader, the old adage that “Africa is not for sissies” rings very true when transacting business on the continent. But, he says, the potential gains are not to be sneezed at – particularly while the developed world is struggling under the weight of a financial crisis.

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Land of opportunity “The fact of the matter is that six of the ten fastest growing economies in the world are in Africa and the sub-Saharan region of the continent is expected to expand at an average of 5.5% this year. When you consider the anaemic economic growth rates available in other parts of the world, it’s a no brainer to expand into Africa,” he says.

However, Thomson isn’t advocating wholesale and thoughtless expansion into the so-called dark continent.

Far from it, he argues that a careful and considered approach is warranted, which is where Quantum Business Development and its founder, Dudley Peacock, comes in.

He provides the necessary business and financial management expertise, project management experience as well as sales

and marketing knowledge necessary to make a success of virtually any business in Africa.

“Quantum Business Africa combines the benefits of business development best practice with my three decades of experience conducting business on the continent. And it puts that all at the disposal of local companies wishing to expand into Africa so as to take advantage of the phenomenal economic returns that are available in various African markets,” says Thomson.

Quantum Business Africa takes advantage of these unique skills and offers a tiered consultancy approach, advising companies on appropriate expansion strategies at board level, developing a methodology to implement the growth

phase and providing the tools and insights needed to successfully carry out African expansion. Its services also include a communication strategy to reach the widest possible audience, market research and extensive insight into how business works in Africa.

Seeking new markets Quantum Business Africa co-founder Dudley Peacock, suggests that business expansion opportunities are drying up in developed markets and that conditions are still challenging in the aftermath of the global financial meltdown.

“As a result, many companies want to move into Africa, which is seen as the final frontier and largely untapped, offering great opportunities to access a new and growing consumer base, an increasing need for infrastructure as well as being rich in mineral resources,” he says.

“However, it can be very difficult to get off the ground successfully on this continent,” says Thomson.

“Companies can run into a variety of challenges, including different political systems, many languages, cultural boundaries and a lack of developed infrastructure.”

As Peacock explains, Quantum Business Africa has been established primarily “to aid companies in overcoming these obstacles” and is “uniquely positioned to offer advice on moving into, or expanding in Africa”.

Tailored offering Quantum Business Africa offers a business development, sales and marketing strategic consultancy with a specific focus on subSaharan Africa. Quantum Africa’s expertise ranges from aiding companies expand sales, develop their business and create an expansion strategy. It also offers turn-key communication solutions and a platform for exposure to new target markets.

Its services also include a communication strategy to reach the widest possible audience, market research and extensive insight into how business in Africa works. The company has established a three-tier offering: Advisory: A basic expansion plan that has been developed based on a review of the business and market intelligence.

About Dean Thomson Dean Thomson is the publisher of African Trader. He has been in the publishing industry for some three decades and has gained extensive knowledge of the entire value chain, including post-production, advertising, layout and design. This experience has also garnered him an important network of business connections as well as subject specialists.

Thomson’s vision for Quantum Business Africa is to help his clients take advantage of the phenomenal economic returns that are available in African markets.

Full consulting: Quantum Business Africa is directly involved in its client’s expansion and provides services such as sales procedures, accounting, brochures and training. This is a more hands-on involvement than advisory.

Communications package: A 12-month advertising contract with African Trader at a special consultancy rate which is combined with a brochure, press release and acts as a kick start for expansion.

About Dudley Peacock Dudley Peacock has been involved in his own business interests and consulting roles since 1992. He has a BSc Honours Degree in Business Studies and a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. He follows a continuous professional programme (CPD) and has studied more than 70 topics, including accounting, project finance, business planning and sales and marketing. He has been involved in general and financial management, project management, business expansion and training.

Dean Thomson +27 83 649 6466 +27 11 886 8606 dean@quantumbusinessafrica.com Dudley Peacock +27 82 780 4088 +27 10 215 0119 dudley@quantumbusinessafrica.com For more information visit www.quantumbusinessafrica.com Best of Nigeria

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Participators Index Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited______________________________________________________________ 58 African Trader_________________________________________________________________________________________ 128 AIM Group Limited_____________________________________________________________________________________ 178 Alto Leasing___________________________________________________________________________________________ 68 Arik Air Ltd_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 64 Arise Magazine Fashion Week____________________________________________________________________________ 76 Atlas Financial Group___________________________________________________________________________________ 88 Aviat Networks________________________________________________________________________________________ 168 BETH Model Management Africa_________________________________________________________________________ 80 Bobby Taylor Company_________________________________________________________________________________ 118 Bristow Group - Bristow Nigeria _________________________________________________________________________ 152 Consolidated Media Associates_________________________________________________________________________ 140 Deola Sagoe___________________________________________________________________________________________ 78 Desicon Engineering Limited____________________________________________________________________________ 160 Diamond Bank Plc______________________________________________________________________________________ 86 Diplomat Africa Magazine_______________________________________________________________________________ 126 DStv Mobile___________________________________________________________________________________________ 138 ECOWAS: The Economic Community Of West African States_______________________________________________ 184 Federal Palace Hotel & Casino___________________________________________________________________________ 50 Forbes Africa__________________________________________________________________________________________ 122 G4S - Group 4 Securicor Nigeria Limited__________________________________________________________________ 94 How we made it in Africa_______________________________________________________________________________ 130 Martini_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 193 MTN Nigeria__________________________________________________________________________________________ 166 MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd________________________________________________________________________________ 132 NFVCB - the National Film and Video Censors Board of Nigeria ________________________________________ 108, IBC Oando Group_________________________________________________________________________________________ 162 OLAM _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 180 ONTV________________________________________________________________________________________________ 142 Porsche Centre Lagos___________________________________________________________________________________ 70 Properteam Limited_____________________________________________________________________________________ 98 Proudly African ____________________________________________________________________________________ 43, BC Quantum Business Africa_______________________________________________________________________________ 188 Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos V.I._________________________________________________________________ 48 Schlumberger_________________________________________________________________________________________ 158 Soundcity____________________________________________________________________________________________ 144 Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel________________________________________________________________________________ 44 Spice TV______________________________________________________________________________________________ 150 Standard Chartered_____________________________________________________________________________________ 84 Storm 360 Degrees_________________________________________________________________________________35, 114 Televista______________________________________________________________________________________________ 146 Terra Kulture - Nigerian Cultural Centre____________________________________________________________________ 56 The Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce________________________________________________________ 186 The Soul Lounge Lagos_________________________________________________________________________________ 54 Transcorp Hilton Abuja__________________________________________________________________________________ 52 Villagesquare Television________________________________________________________________________________ 148

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