GRBusiness
NIS in the eye of storm over complicity in the visa-on-arrival issues
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has witnessed many changes since it was taken out of the Nigeria Police in 1958. However, this is the first time NIS will be in the eye of the storm over complicity concerning allegation over the indefinite suspension of the issuance of biometric visa-on-arrival to foreigners who enter Nigeria from countries without bilateral agreements with Nigeria.
However, investigations by the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, had revealed that the NIS had suspended the biometric visa-on-arrival and had issued the “ordinary visa-on-arrival’’ to visitors coming into the country.
But in a swift reaction, the Deputy Comptroller of NIS, James Sunday, in a media report had denied the suspension of visa-on-arrival allegation.
Besides, media reports had also revealed that NIS had appointed private organsiations, Online Integrated Services and New Works, to collect charges on its behalf without remitting same into the appropriate account at the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN], which contravened the Treasury Single Account [TSA] guidelines.
While Sunday denied the allegation of the indefinite suspension of the issuance of biometric visa-on-arrival to foreigners coming into Nigeria from countries without bilateral agreements with Nigeria, he did not deny the appointment of two private organisations, Online Integrated Services and New Works, contracted by NIS to collect revenue on its behalf.
On its website, OIS says “it is the official partner of a number of diplomatic missions and a specialist Nigerian visa and passport application agency. It also partner international schools and act as a bridge for Nigerian students who wish to acquire quality education in top-rated schools abroad”.
The other private firm, New Works, is not listed as a company on the internet.
However, the Deputy Comptroller explained that the visa-on-arrival policy is an Executive Order to promote the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria and as such cannot be suspended.
“There is no way NIS can suspend the biometric visa-on-arrival because the service is meant to improve ease-of-doing business in Nigeria. The biometric on visa-on-arrival is the same. What it means is that visa has been turned into electronic format. The federal government has no intention of suspending it.
“The biometric was introduced to intensify effort in making things easy for the foreigners and more features will soon be added to the visa in order to capture individuals biometrically”, he said in an interview.
The Deputy Comptroller further said that the government is making efforts to revive the economy of the country and that the Ease of Doing Business policy is one of the avenues to attain that feat.
The reason “we are doing the biometric is to intensify the security of the country and it is an international best practice”, he explained further.
Due to the non-activation of the foreign currency element of the TSA scheme after six years, all MDAs collecting foreign currencies are required to remit foreign-denominated currencies directly into accounts designated to them at the CBN.
However, reports have it that many MDAs have been contravening this by running accounts for this purpose in various commercial banks.
Industry expert and MD/CEO of Innovectives Limited, an e-payment company, Emmanuel Agha was quoted as saying NIS has a history of thwarting government initiatives.
According to Agha, for instance, the payment for the issuance of international passport has been removed from the TSA system.
He noted that the non-commencement of the foreign currency phase of the TSA is perhaps because some persons in the current government were profiting from it.
Shedding light on the matter, the President of Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria [ISPON], Dr. Yele Okeremi said that if the allegation that some private firms were charging new arrivals into Nigeria, it is another threat against the success of TSA, which arguably is this current government’s greatest accomplishment.
Meanwhile, on June 12, 2018, the federal government introduced the biometric visa-on-arrival, which costs foreigners $110, but was suspended a day later due to controversies concerning the charges.
Source: TechEconomy.ng
Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises(SMBs) are the backbone of most economies accounting for 90% of businesses, over 70% of employment, and 50% of global GDP, according to the United Nations. They drive growth, innovation, and job creation worldwide.
In Nigeria, they play a crucial role in stimulating local economies and contributing to the country’s GDP.
Recognising their impact, WhatsApp is committed to empowering SMBs with the tools to succeed through the WhatsApp Business App, by reaching their customers where they already are.
WhatsApp continues to be the best way for people and businesses to get business done in Nigeria. With its efficient features, the WhatsApp Business App has become an indispensable tool for small businesses, helping them streamline communication, enhance customer engagement and drive sales. And we know customers love communicating with businesses over WhatsApp too, as nearly 80% of people globally message with a business at least once a week.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimise your business operations, here are five essential WhatsApp Business features that can elevate your efficiency and customer interactions.
1. Catalog – Showcase Your Products and Services
Gone are the days of sending multiple images and descriptions individually to customers. With the Catalog feature, you can create a digital storefront where customers can browse your offerings within WhatsApp. This is just like a mini-website which makes it easier to showcase your products, prices and descriptions in an organised way.
How to Use It: Go to Business Tools > Catalog. Add product images, videos, names, descriptions and pricing.
2. Quick Replies – Save Time on Repetitive Questions
Answering the same customer questions repeatedly? Quick Replies let you create preset responses for frequently asked questions, saving you time and ensuring fast customer service.
How to Use It:Go to Settings > Business Tools > Quick Replies. Create and save responses such as a greeting message or order confirmation. Use the shortcut “/” to insert a quick reply in any chat
3. Labels – Stay Organised and Track Conversations
Managing multiple customer interactions can be overwhelming, but the Labels feature helps by categorising chats in different ways, such as order status or customer type. You can create labels with different colors or names and add the conversations to an entire chat. This keeps your inbox organised and ensures no customer is left waiting.
How to Use It: Open a chat, tap on the three-dot menu > Label Chat. Assign relevant labels like New Customer, Order Placed, Pending Payment.
4. Away Messages – Engage Customers Even When You’re Away
Never miss a customer inquiry again. Away Messages allow you to set up a greeting or away message, ensuring customers receive timely responses even outside business hours.
How to Use It: Go to Business Tools > Away Message / Greeting Message. Set up a custom message and schedule when it should be sent.
5. Meta Verified – For Enhanced Protection and Account Support
A paid subscription that helps your business build credibility with new audiences, Meta Verified can help drive more engagement and grow your brand. With Meta Verified, you’ll receive enhanced account support, can use WhatsApp across multiple devices and easily create a professional WhatsApp web page that’s tailored to you.
How to Use It: Go to Settings or Business Tools > tap Meta Verified.
WhatsApp Business is packed with features designed to help small businesses grow, stay organised, and engage with customers effortlessly. By leveraging these features, you can enhance your customer experience, increase efficiency and ultimately drive more sales. Start your own journey with the WhatsApp Business app here.
Bolt, the leading ride-hailing platform, on Thursday, 19th of March hosted an Iftar gathering in Kano to bring together Muslim drivers during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event was not only an opportunity to share a meal but also served as a platform for open dialogue, feedback exchange, and community building within the Bolt driver network.
The Iftar event, held in recognition of the significance of Ramadan, reinforced Bolt’s commitment to supporting its driver-partners and fostering inclusivity across all communities. The gathering provided an environment for drivers to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and engage directly with the Bolt team in a collaborative discussion about improving their experience on the platform.
Speaking during the event, Osi Oguah, the general manager for Bolt Nigeria said: “At Bolt, we recognize the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our driver-partners.
This Iftar event was more than just a meal, it was a chance to connect, listen, and understand the challenges and needs of our drivers in Kano. We appreciate their dedication, especially during this sacred period of Ramadan.”
Drivers in attendance expressed their appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the sense of belonging and recognition the event fostered. Many also welcomed the opportunity to discuss ways to improve their overall experience on the Bolt platform, making it a productive and meaningful engagement for all participants.
Nura Muhammed, a driver-partner said: “We want to say thank you to Bolt for this initiative, if my knowledge serves me right, this is the first time a ride-hailing company will organize such an event in Kano. This event has also made it possible for us to share some feedback to them physically and we drivers mostly get to connect through our online platform but today, we’re able to meet physically, mingle and exchange pleasantries”
Bolt remains committed to strengthening driver engagement and well-being, and this Iftar gathering is part of a broader effort to continuously support and empower driver-partners across Nigeria.
Finance
Flutterwave Powers Local Businesses in Ghana Through Pay With Bank Transfer
Reporter: Ikenna Ugwu
Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company in Africa, has broadened its reach in Ghana through the integration of Pay With Bank Transfer, done in partnership with Affinity Bank.
With over 115 million bank transfer payments recorded in Ghana in 2023, this move will ensure that Flutterwave businesses in Ghana can now receive payments seamlessly and securely through a rapidly growing payment method. While Mobile Money leads as the preferred payment type for everyday transactions in Ghana, the recent growth in transactions for Pay With Bank Transfer symbolizes the expanding payment options available for Ghanaian businesses.
Flutterwave has a track record of driving innovation in the African finance ecosystem, and this new development promises versatility, thereby expanding the pool of customers available to businesses. As a preferred payment method, it also promises faster payments while providing access to a more secure process of transacting which benefits both the sender and the receiver (business).
“We are excited to extend our services to the Ghanaian market” says Olugbenga Agboola, Flutterwave Founder & CEO“At Flutterwave, we are driven by the vision of building Africa’s economy. By making payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer available for everyday use, we are expanding access to payments and enabling local businesses to thrive in the economy”
By establishing this strategic partnership, Flutterwave aims to drive the adoption of the Pay With Bank Transfer option in Ghana, using virtual accounts to allow for secure and transparent payments. This will provide enterprises and small businesses with a simpler way to receive payments and give their customers a seamless process of making payments.
Geoffrey Fiador, Manager, Country Operations and Partnerships, at Flutterwave stated: “By delivering essential payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer for businesses in Ghana, we’re providing an easy way for them to increase their revenue opportunities to grow their businesses. ”
This announcement comes at the heels of Flutterwave’s recent approval by the Bank of Ghana to provide inward remittance services. With a track record of success across Africa, Flutterwave continues to be a trusted partner for businesses in over 34 countries, providing the tools and expertise necessary for success in the dynamic African market.
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