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At a time no decent country would touch Nigeria with a long pole, much less taking interest in its economy, no thanks to a debt overhang of $35 billion ( since forgiven ), a rating as one of the most corrupt nations in the World (recently improved rating ); China waved off the risks and took the plunge. The first sign was the upsurge in the number and size of Chinese restaurants springing up at most unusual spots in major cities in the country. Next was China Town’, an unofficial export free zone, providing dump sites (markets) for cheap, but largely substandard textile products from Chinese factories. Before long and in the quest to expand its frontier of business in Nigeria , China moved from the backwaters of the informal sector, and literally invaded the economy, searching for trade and investment opportunities. The plunge has paid off. China in the last nine years has become a strategic player in the Nigerian economy. Placed side by side with new cr...

The country has witnessed an increase in the number of golf courses. This is a positive development as Golf is one game that befits both the old and the young. It is a game that shapes character and defines personality, erroneously thought to be the game of the rich and privileged. These were some of the lines I learnt from Silver Oforgu, the Public Relation Officer, Ibori Golf Course and Club, Asaba when I paid a visit to the emerging city on the river Niger recently. According to him, there are programs designed to encourage the young to cultivate Golf through their youth development program. This three week program comes up shortly before the Governor’s Cup every year. Let us call it the Golf Advantage Program (GAP). In few years as these young ones develop their skills in the sport (gradually gaining recognition as the game that would usher in sports tourism to the country), most of them would end up as members of Ibori Golf Course or other courses playing amateur or professional g...

Having your company or business registered confers some credibility on it. This gives the business a unique identity. Registration of businesses in Nigeria is the responsibility of the Corporate Affairs Commission, which has its head office in Abuja but has branches in most states of the federation. The CAC accredits the following categories of professionals for the registration exercise: the lawyers, chartered accountants and chartered secretaries. You need to engage the service of one those professionals to register your business. It is, however, important you understand the issues involved and the choices you have to make. For instance, you need to decide on a business name, business type, issues relating to membership and ownership of a business etc, to avoid making mistakes. According to CAC, registration is divided into three parts under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. They include registration of business names, incorporation of companies and registration of incorporated ...

For most people in Nigeria, traveling to Cotonou, Benin Republic means smuggling contraband goods, bringing in used vehicles of more than ten years old or as an emergency getaway for wanted coup plotters, human rights activists and corrupt politicians on the run. Well, Benin Republic has assumed a new international status with flurry of business and leisure activities (especially in its commercial city of Cotonou). Relative security and safety of lives coupled with an enabling business environment has contributed to the surge. Now, Nigerians and foreign residents desirous of a quiet and exciting weekend with family drive to Cotonou. Many are locating their offices there too. Most times, these business and getaway trips turn to nightmares as you reach Seme, the border crossing between Nigeria and Benin Republic. A journey that should take an hour becomes three or more hours, as you are questioned by law enforcement agents on both sides. If you want a relatively stress- free crossing, no...

Actis commends Chamber for deepening Nigeria/South African Relationship The Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has been commended for its role in deepening the understanding between Nigeria and South Africa. Speaking at a Breakfast Forum of the Chamber, sponsored by UBA Metropolitan Life Insurance, Mr. Simon Harford, CEO, Actis, while making a presentation on Multilateral Financial Support for Private Sector Development in Nigeria, stated that the Chamber had played a pivotal role in the relationship between business people from both countries, noting that both stood to gain a lot from each other. He said that the business relationship between Nigeria and South Africa was exciting, and would get more exciting in the next few years, as lots of companies from South Africa now saw reasons to invest in Nigeria, with the success recorded so far by South African companies in Nigeria. According to Harford, Actis would help to build the image of Nigeria, using the success tha...

IBG Nigeria/Infoplus (www.ibgnigeria.com) has joined hands with Benin Marina Hotel, formerly Benin Sheraton Hotel (www.benin-marina.com) to provide you with a relaxed weekend offer, away from hustles and bustles; at the Benin Marina Hotel situated right at the beach in Cotonou, Benin Republic. The hotel prides itself on its superb cuisine, attentive staff and luxurious accommodation. Enjoy a game of tennis, tee off on the golf course, relax by the pool or have a drink at the bar. Please find hereafter the weekend package rates. Accommodation on half board basis, standard room, including 1 buffet breakfast per person in "le POPO" restaurant + lunch or dinner at Tanekas restaurant + taxes. * Single occupancy : 74,000 CFA (USD 178) * Double occupancy : 93,000 CFA (USD 224)) * Rates are up to June 2008. USD rates are subject to change NB : All drinks during meal are in extra and charged upon consumption Check-in time : 3.00 pm Check-out time : 1.00 pm Late check-out: - Until 3.00...

One of the basic tools to achieving the Millennium Development Goals is Information and Communication Technology. This terminology has commonly been used to refer to newer technologies of wireless phones, networked computer and internet other than the more traditional communication media such as radio and television. However, digital convergence has brought in devices to the market that increasingly blur the distinction between old and new ICT in what may be referred to as Communication revolution. Communication revolution is profoundly democratic and liberating, leveling the imbalance between large and small, rich and poor, urban and rural, educated and uneducated, old and young, male and female among other exclusions. It is about opportunities and increasing human contact. It enhances a knowledge-based society and makes it easier to learn new things and acquire new skills. It amplifies brainpower and has the power to change social and physical space. It has the potential to raise the...