Economy
How to Keep Your Business Running After Working Hours
By Otori Emmanuel
Most offices operate their days from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, which only lasts during the daytime and because the cost of running a shift by servicing the office at night with an equal number of staff, if need be, might be cost-intensive, most organizations suffice to the normal routine of running an office by the daytime.
The concern is that our customers don’t sleep, when they want a solution, it can be urgent and important and the earlier they speak to someone, the more relief they get that their solution is on the way and that they can beat the deadline.
Knowing that most offices are closed after 5:00 pm and on weekends makes customers want to explore other options of reaching out to the service providers. With a business whose focus is centred on customer satisfaction and an amazing experience, there are options to keep your office running after working hours.
- Take advantage of social media pages
To run a business effectively, our online presence helps the most and involves our presence on social media channels by creating pages.
Facebook pages, for example, can be automated to reply to messages the moment a user sends an enquiry. It is made to generate a predetermined customized message. Facebook also lets the person know the possible time range within which to expect feedback and this is made possible based on the time it took the business to reply to a message, which provides a summary of the possible time of reply to the customer. This keeps the expectation of the customer that they would be replied and when the reply eventually comes, it proves the assertion that they are dealing with an organization that is customer-centric regardless of whether they are at work or not. In fact, the message can be crafted in such a way to contain a number that can be used for emergency contact.
Typically replies in a few minutes
————————————————————-
Hi, Thanks for messaging us.
We’ll get back to you soon first name, last name (of the sender)
- Auto-responder
An auto-responder is a system that organizations use to respond to a user that sends a message via email whether they are out of the office, on leave, on a special assignment or outside the country of operation, with a message informing the person of the possibility of when they are likely to read and reply their message or an option of reaching another individual in the organization that could help process their enquiry. The line below is an example of the use of an automated message using an auto-responder
Thank you for your message.
I will be out of the office until Monday, August 20, 2022.
If this is an emergency, please contact first name, last name on
xy*@*yz.com, otherwise, I will reply you on my return.
Thank you.
Yours Sincerely,
First name, last name
- A 24-hour office phone
I once read in an online forum where a customer needed a product for use first thing on a Monday morning and tried to establish contact with the supplier that they researched online, they found the office lines and called and it kept ringing without anyone picking at them the other end. They kept on researching and found another supplier who they called and got an immediate response and delivery of the raw materials to start the production at the agreed time. What is the point of having an office phone that lies in the office without anyone to engage callers? I think today’s definition of an office defies the limitation to place and gives us a meaning that refers to the person and processes which can be operated from any place and at whatever time of the day. I am of the opinion that every phone that an office use should be a mobile phone with a person that handles it and returns enquiries at any time of the day, even if it means the company would provide the handler with the opportunity of benefiting from the usage of the phone from the provision of airtime and data services, it is worth all the effort to keep the business running all day. Although the telephone etiquette still applies.
- Online Support Services
With the goal of maximizing the online platforms of an organization, all platforms must be considered. Websites should be integrated with an online support system that can be installed on a PC (Personal Computer) and on a mobile phone, which can be accessed with internet services at any time of the day.
These chat boxes are also automated to reply to messages and the user gets a notification when there is an enquiry to be answered.
- Integration of Chatbots
Chatbots function with the integration of artificial intelligence to answer questions based on the similarity, pattern or keywords consistently used by customers. This integration works as a temporary alternative to provide basic information before a human eventually connects with the customer when the chatbot has exhausted its ability with no respite to the demands of the customer. A full technologically integrated team is needed to execute this across platforms.
A sustainable business is built around the speed of attending to customers’ needs within a reasonable timeframe, the communication that helps to flatten the gap, concise information needed to make an offer and meeting with the expected date or time of delivery of the customer. When all these are in cohesion, a business can definitely become a household name.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Between $30 billion and $50 billion in investments are anticipated from 22 major offshore projects by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) from now till 2030.
Speaking at the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026) in Lagos on Wednesday, the chief executive of NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said since 2022, successive licensing rounds have opened access to some of Nigeria’s most prospective oil and gas acreages.
She made reference to the recent 2025 Licensing Round where 31 companies emerged successful bidders for 37 oil and gas blocks after progressing through a robust, data-driven and technology enabled evaluation process.
Mrs Eyesan said the 2026 Licensing Round, which is set to commence soon, is showing greater promise thanks to the transparency that has characterised licensing rounds.
“With preparations already underway for the 2026 Licensing Round, Nigeria is demonstrating that investment certainty is no longer an aspiration; it is becoming an enduring feature of our regulatory framework,” the NUPRC boss stated.
The agency’s chief, who was represented at the event by the Executive Commissioner for Development and Production, Mr Enorense Amadasu, the expected investments are expected to increase production, create jobs and strengthen energy security.
“Since 2024, the NUPRC has approved over $57 billion in Field Development Plan (FDPs) some of which have translated to Final Investment Decisions. Twenty-two major offshore projects are expected between 2026 and 2030 with an estimated investment potential of $30–50 billion.
“Beyond increasing production, these investments will create jobs, expand infrastructure, strengthen energy security and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leading global upstream investment destination,” she stated.
She noted that besides developing its proven reserves, Nigeria is building a resilient energy future by maintaining a strong pipeline of exploration opportunities that will sustain long-term growth and energy security.
Mrs Eyesan said infrastructure deficit continues to undermine Africa’s promising potential, stating that, Nigeria is, however, addressing this challenge through a series of strategies.
“We are expanding gas gathering systems, processing facilities, pipelines and export infrastructure, while promoting shared facilities, open access, third party access and field tiebacks to reduce costs, speed up project delivery, maximise the use of existing infrastructure and help bring stranded oil and gas resources into production,” the NUPRC boss stated.
Besides these infrastructure strategies, Mrs Eyesan said stronger collaboration among government, security agencies, operators, host communities and private partners; as well as the Host Community Development Trust had led to an improvement in the protection of critical energy assets which had ultimately made Nigeria’s upstream sector more resilient.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Pathway Advisors Limited has launched a N25 billion Series 3 Commercial Paper (CP) issuance for Zeenab Foods Limited, with proceeds expected to strengthen the agro-processing company’s working capital and support its short-term funding needs.
The offer, which is being issued under Zeenab Foods’ N50 billion Commercial Paper Programme, opened for subscription on August 4 and will close on August 10, 2026. Issue and settlement are scheduled for August 11, while the commercial paper will mature on August 10, 2027.
Acting as the lead arranger and issuing house, Pathway Advisors structured the 364-day instrument at a discount rate of 19.69 per cent, translating to an effective yield of 24.50 per cent. The offer has a minimum subscription of N5 million, with additional investments accepted in multiples of N1,000.
Founded in 2011, Zeenab Foods operates across rice milling, the export of processed agricultural commodities, and the supply of food products to international donor organisations, including the United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP). The company runs processing facilities in Abuja and Kano, while maintaining export liaison offices in Changsha, Guangzhou and Shanghai in China, as well as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The company has received strong investment-grade ratings from leading credit rating agencies. Agusto & Co. assigned it a short-term rating of A1 and a long-term rating of A-, while DataPro Limited rated it A1 for the short term and A+ for the long term.
According to the transaction details, Zeenab Foods has maintained a strong repayment record under both its previous N20 billion Commercial Paper Programme and the current N50 billion programme. Since 2024, the company has redeemed multiple commercial paper series ahead of maturity, reinforcing investor confidence in its financial position.
The firm has also continued to expand its production capacity to meet growing demand. Its rice milling facility now has an installed capacity of 180 metric tonnes per day following a 50 per cent expansion completed in 2025, with average capacity utilisation standing at about 85 per cent.
Zeenab Foods has also positioned itself to benefit from policy changes in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Following the federal government’s ban on raw shea nut exports in August 2025, the company leased a shea butter processing facility in Ogun State with an initial capacity of 100 metric tonnes per day. It plans to expand the facility to 300 metric tonnes daily while diversifying into soya oil processing, edible oil refining and cocoa butter production.
The organisation also expects continued growth from its long-standing relationship with the UN-WFP, supported by sustained humanitarian food demand across the Sahel region.
Pathway Advisors Limited, a Securities and Exchange Commission-regulated issuing house and financial advisory firm, said it remains focused on facilitating access to capital for businesses and supporting sustainable economic growth across key sectors of the Nigerian economy through its capital-raising and advisory services.
As MSMEs across the South-East seek opportunities for growth, market expansion and cross-border trade, Stanbic IBTC, in partnership with the Anambra State Government, convened the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour in Onitsha to equip businesses with practical solutions for sustainable growth.
The summit, organised in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, brought together government officials, business leaders, trade associations, development partners and entrepreneurs to explore practical pathways for economic growth, business sustainability and increased participation in local and international trade.
Speaking at the event, which took place on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, Honourable Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Anambra State, highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships between government, financial institutions and the private sector in creating an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
“Sustainable economic development requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. Financial institutions such as Stanbic IBTC have an important role to play by providing not only access to finance but also business advisory services, capacity building and the knowledge that enables businesses to grow sustainably,” he said.
Given Onitsha’s strategic position as a commercial hub, discussions centred on access to finance, enterprise development, business sustainability and opportunities for expansion into new markets. Stanbic IBTC’s Trade Team also provided practical insights into trade and export opportunities available to businesses operating within the South-East’s manufacturing and distribution value chains, highlighting strategies that can help enterprises improve competitiveness and unlock new growth opportunities.
Commenting on Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, said:
“We recognise the critical role businesses play in driving economic growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation. Supporting their growth remains central to our purpose of driving Africa’s growth, and we will continue to provide the solutions, partnerships and platforms they need to thrive.”
Also commenting on Stanbic IBTC’s support for Nigerian businesses, Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, said:
“Our commitment to supporting businesses is unrelenting. Through strategic partnerships and platforms such as the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour, we are connecting entrepreneurs to the knowledge, networks and financial solutions needed to scale their businesses and compete more effectively in today’s evolving marketplace.”
The summit also highlighted Stanbic IBTC’s focus on providing businesses with access to the capital, insights and connections needed to achieve sustainable growth. This commitment aligns with the strategic direction of the bank’s Enterprise Banking business, led by Olajumoke Bello, as Stanbic IBTC continues to deepen engagement with MSMEs and growth-focused businesses across Nigeria.
The Onitsha engagement builds on successful editions of the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour previously held in Katsina, Aba and Ibadan. Through the initiative, Stanbic IBTC continues to work with public and private sector stakeholders to equip entrepreneurs with practical insights, strategic partnerships and business solutions that support sustainable growth.
