Brands/Products
The Online Retail Explosion Represents a Massive Opportunity for Advertisers
By Tintin Imevbore
Over the past few years, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns, online retail has witnessed an African explosion. Faced with stay-at-home orders, many people started shopping online for the first time, while experienced shoppers increased their purchases. Those behaviours have largely stuck too.
Take Nigeria, for example. In 2021, its e-commerce market grew by 30%, and in the years leading up to 2027, e-commerce revenues are expected to grow 11.31% annually. By that point, the sector (currently worth US$7.63 billion) is expected to be worth US$11.71 billion.
It’s clear then that anyone interested in growing their retail presence should have some form of e-commerce offering (even if it’s just having a presence on a third-party marketplace). But growth in the sector doesn’t just hold promise for anyone selling products or services online. It also represents a significant opportunity for digital advertisers.
Be where your customers are
One of the biggest benefits that online retail offers advertisers is visibility. A large platform like Jumia, for example, can see more than 10 million unique visitors a day. That’s a lot of people. Beyond sheer volume, though, they’re also people who are looking to spend money. Even if they’re just browsing today, chances are they’re on those sites looking to buy something at some point.
It’s also worth pointing out that people browsing online stores spend much more time on them than on other websites. On average, people spend between 45 and 54 seconds on a website. By contrast, people can spend more than seven minutes at a time on the world’s biggest e-commerce sites.
That means that if you’re advertising on the right e-commerce platforms, your product or service will be seen by a large number of people, and those people will also be exposed to it in a setting where they are not restricted to time since online shopping is usually a leisure-based activity, meaning that people are going to do it after work hours or on the weekend. The fact that most big online retailers break their sites up into sections also makes it easier for potential customers to see advertising that’s most relevant to them.
Given that one of the key tenets of online advertising is reaching the right people with the right message at the right time, there’s clearly a strong case to be made for advertising on e-commerce stores then.
Partner with experts
It is worth noting, of course, that advertising isn’t the primary revenue source for any e-commerce platform (although Jumia’s advertising offering recently overtook fulfilment as a revenue source). That means they’re less likely to have the same seamless, plug-and-play advertising solutions that many of the biggest social media platforms have.
As a result, it’s even more critical to work with media representation partners who can ensure your product or service is seen as much as possible by your target audience. The right media representation partner should also offer transparent pricing and be able to help with brand strategy.
They will also ensure that any advertising you do on an e-commerce platform is tailored to that specific platform while complementing your advertising efforts on other channels. You don’t have to be a major advertiser to enjoy those benefits either. A good partner will work with the rates you can afford and grow with you as you expand.
Embrace consumer shifts
Ultimately, if businesses are to be successful, they need to understand and embrace shifts in consumer behaviour. And there are few shifts as significant and as fast as the move to online shopping since the pandemic. It’s also crucial for businesses to follow those shifts holistically.
This means not just having an online retail presence but also utilising online retailers as advertising platforms. Finally, it’s critical for businesses to realise they don’t have to take that journey alone and can potentially see much greater degrees of success by engaging with the right partners.
Tintin Imevbore is the Regional West Africa Manager for Ad Dynamo by Aleph
Brands/Products
P+ Beats Others to Clinch NSIA Media Intelligence Deal
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
P+ Measurement Services Limited has been chosen as the preferred agency to provide media intelligence services for the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).
P+ won the media monitoring and intelligence business after a competitive and rigorous pitch process involving four agencies.
The foremost agency, run by Mr Philip Odiakose as the Chief Media Analyst, will provide continuous media intelligence across NSIA’s operations and affiliated interests, delivering insight-driven analysis to strengthen reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and communication performance.
It was gathered that the selection process assessed strategic thinking, execution capability, and the ability to deliver timely, decision-ready intelligence.
P+ distinguished itself through its strength in near real-time media monitoring, advanced measurement frameworks, and performance audit systems designed to support complex institutions with multiple stakeholder interests.
It brings a strong and diverse portfolio spanning government institutions, financial services, development organisations, multinationals, energy, telecommunications, and NGOs. Its approach combines global best practices with deep local expertise, ensuring that intelligence is both contextually relevant and strategically useful.
Commenting on the win, Mr Odiakose noted that the process reflected the level of diligence expected from an institution like NSIA, adding that the P+ focus remains on delivering media intelligence that goes beyond tracking media mentions to explaining narratives, measuring impact, and guiding decision-making.
He emphasised that P+ will leverage its global methodologies, adapted to local realities, to provide NSIA with timely insights, clear performance evaluation, and a deeper understanding of how media perception shapes outcomes.
Also speaking, the Corporate Communications at NSIA said P+ was chosen because it demonstrated a strong understanding of its requirements and a clear ability to translate media data into meaningful insight.
The NSIA communications team noted that the firm’s proven track record across sectors, combined with its disciplined approach to measurement and evaluation, positioned it as a credible partner to support NSIA’s communication priorities and broader institutional objectives.
Brands/Products
Airtel Engages Customers on Concerns Around Data Usage, Others
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, customers of Airtel Nigeria felt more involved and loved when the telecommunications company gathered them together at the Lagos Travel Inn Hotel in Ikeja to discuss some of their concerns, especially around data usage, transparency and their experience with its services.
It was the first-ever Customer Forum of Airtel Nigeria in Lagos, where regulators, high-volume data subscribers, 5G customers, and other key stakeholders learned ways to tackle the issue of data depletion.
The event, themed Understanding Your Data: How to Take Control, also highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s ongoing investments in customer experience, including enhanced digital tools, clearer usage dashboards, and expanded retail and support networks aimed at improving transparency and accessibility.
“This is our very first customer forum, and it is more than an event. It is a bold statement that in today’s digital economy, the most important voice is the informed customer,” the Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Ismail Adeshina, said.
He emphasised that while data has become central to everyday life, from business transactions to education and healthcare, concerns around data value and consumption remain valid and must be addressed transparently.
“Data is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity as essential as electricity and water. However, as usage grows, customers are asking an important question: “Am I truly getting value for the data I purchase? This is not just a technical issue; it is a matter of trust,” Mr Adeshina added.
He further explained that evolving usage patterns, including high-definition video streaming, cloud-based applications, and background app activity, have significantly increased data consumption compared to previous years. According to him, the forum was designed as both a listening platform and an educational session to help customers better understand how their data is used.
“We are here to listen, to explain clearly, and to provide evidence. When customers understand how their data is consumed, it shifts the experience from uncertainty to control and from frustration to confidence,” he further disclosed.
On her part, the Director of Customer Affairs Bureau at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ms Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to protecting consumer interests and ensuring service quality across the industry, noting that data consumption has become deeply integrated into daily life, making any perceived loss of data a significant concern for users.
“We understand that data is central to how people live and work today, which is why concerns around data depletion are taken seriously. The NCC has put mechanisms in place to ensure that consumers receive the quality of service they deserve and that their voices are heard,” she said.
Ms Bruce-Bennett encouraged customers to take advantage of the NCC’s consumer portal, which provides guidance on data management and a platform for lodging complaints.
“There is an A to Z of data management tips available on the NCC portal, and we encourage consumers to use it. We also continue to work closely with operators like Airtel to ensure that complaints are addressed promptly and transparently,” she added.
On customer engagement and service delivery, the Customer Experience Director at Airtel Nigeria, Mr Oladokun Oye, highlighted the company’s multi-channel approach to supporting customers across the country.
“At Airtel Nigeria, customer experience is not just a function; it is embedded across everything we do. From our network design to how we communicate and resolve issues, the customer remains at the centre,” he said.
He noted that Airtel maintains one of the most extensive customer touchpoint networks in Nigeria, including over 1,000 exclusive shops, a dedicated contact centre accessible via 300, and multiple digital platforms such as the MyAirtel App, web channels, and AI-powered chatbots.
“These channels are designed to provide not just service, but clarity and understanding. We are also continuously improving our digital platforms to ensure customers can track and manage their usage in real time,” Oye added.
He further advised customers to engage only with authorised Airtel outlets to ensure service quality and protect personal information.
The Airtel Customer Forum forms part of a broader industry effort, in collaboration with the NCC, to promote data awareness, transparency in billing, and improved customer education.
By creating a platform for open dialogue, Airtel Nigeria is reinforcing its shift from a transactional relationship with customers to a more collaborative and informed partnership.
The company noted that insights from the forum will inform future improvements in service delivery, customer communication, and digital tools, as it continues to support Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and transparent digital economy.
Brands/Products
NAFDAC Warns Consumers Against Fake Colgate Brand in Circulation
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public to the distribution of unregistered and suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste brand in Nigeria.
In a public notice shared on X (formerly Twitter), the agency said its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate received a complaint regarding the sale of the products in Kaduna State by a shop owner.
Following an investigation, officials of the food and drugs surveillance organisation visited the outlet and discovered two suspected counterfeit products branded as Coglaet ActivGel 100g and Coglaet Herbal 100g. The spellings were not only the indicator, but the production standards.
According to the agency, the shop owner disclosed that the items were sourced from a door-to-door sales representative but could not provide proof of purchase.
NAFDAC stated that the products failed to meet regulatory standards for registration and quality assurance, warning that they pose potential risks to public health and safety. It also added that the stated manufacturer could be traced to Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China.
The agency confirmed that the items have been removed from circulation, while efforts are ongoing to trace those responsible for their distribution.
NAFDAC urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected sale of substandard or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest office, via its hotline or official email channels.
In a statement, NAFDAC said, “All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to conduct surveillance and mop up the unregistered and counterfeited products if found within their zones and states.
“Distributors, retailers, and consumers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.”
Consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard, falsified, or counterfeit regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, call NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322, or via email: [email protected]. For complaints, the Reforms Unit can be reached: 09097630506, 09097630507, or email: [email protected]
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