By Bon Peters

It was a garland of honour for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 11 Command and the West African Container Terminal (WACT), both in Onne, Rivers State as they were graciously rewarded at the just concluded 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Award Ceremony in Abuja over the weekend.

In a night to reward dedication, commitment, excellence, revenue generation, anti-smuggling war and trade facilitation, awards were bestowed on deserving individuals, terminal operators and other maritime stakeholders who distinguished themselves in various areas of their operations.

At the event, Onne Area 11 Command and WACT received several awards for their outstanding performances.

While the command was named the Best in Anti-smuggling Activities, WACT went home as the Best Terminal in Port Operations and Trade Facilitation.

Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller for the command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, attributed the success to the officers said men of the area.

“It’s a teamwork by all officers and men of the command. I couldn’t have done it alone if not for the role every officer and men in the Command played in ensuring public health and safety of lives,” he stated, thanking them for their contribution towards making the country safe.

Reacting on behalf of WACT, the General Manager for Government and Public Relations, Mr Innocent Ogbuji, said, “On behalf of the management and staff, we thank the NCS for the award.”

He assured that, “WACT will not rest on its oars to ensure seamless ports operations and trade facilitation in compliance with the fiscal policy of the federal government in line with international standards and best practices.”

“WACT is committed to seamless Port operations, robust synergies with stakeholders and enhancing trade facilitation,” he added.

WACT is a flagship for port operations and trade facilitation, whose investment stands at over $115 million. The terminal is equipped for effective and efficient port operations in the Eastern Maritime corridors of Nigeria.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Stakeholders in the petroleum industry in Africa will be in Lagos next year for the 9th edition of the prestigious Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC).

The event, put together by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), will take place from February 11 to 13, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.

It was stated that the three-day programme will have a robust engagement with keynote addresses from industry leaders, showcasing countries and exploring pivotal themes such as driving Africa’s energy future, plans for economic growth and SAIPEC’s African Content Series, hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for the 5th consecutive year.

According to a statement, further sessions and panels will tackle critical subjects including African gas strategies and opportunities, finance and the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion initiatives, underscoring the importance of inclusive growth across Africa’s energy landscape.

SAIPEC 2025 will showcase multi-billion dollar project opportunities across Africa and offer a vital platform for advancing the continent’s energy, oil and gas ambitions, the statement added.

With local content again as a foundational theme, the conference will attract over 6,000 industry stakeholders, including representatives from national oil companies, international oil companies, government bodies, service providers and regulators from more than 50 countries.

Notably, the SAIPEC Future Generations Conference will return, inspiring the next generation of African energy leaders, while SAIPEC Technical sessions and the prestigious SAIPEC Awards will highlight leading innovations and achievements in the sector.

A centrepiece of the event, the international exhibition will feature a dynamic showcase of technology, innovations and services across the energy value chain.

With exhibitors from around the globe, the exhibition will highlight advancements in drilling, exploration, digital technology and sustainability.

It was disclosed that attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with leading suppliers, service providers, and technology developers driving the evolution of Africa’s energy sector.

This year, host PETAN proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of leadership and innovation in Africa’s oil and gas sector.

“SAIPEC 2025 stands as a testament to our commitment to driving Africa’s energy transformation, creating sustainable growth, and fostering inclusive partnerships across the continent.

“This year’s program is our most ambitious yet, showcasing innovative strategies, regional collaborations, and groundbreaking advancements in Africa’s oil and gas sector.

“We are excited to bring together industry leaders, experts and future visionaries to shape a prosperous and energy-secure future for Sub-Saharan Africa,” the PETAN/SAIPEC Conference chairman, Mr Ibe Chubby Ibe said.

By Prince Charles Dickson PhD

How many times have you heard the phrase “No African time” and maybe if you naively wondered, what is African time? “African time” is a colloquialism that refers to the cultural tendency in some African countries, including Nigeria, to have a more relaxed attitude towards time and punctuality.

While it’s difficult to quantify the exact amount of time wasted due to “African time,” here are some common scenarios that might give you an idea: Meetings and events starting 30 minutes to several hours late (In fact, if it starts 30 minutes late, it is considered an early start). Social gatherings and parties beginning later than scheduled, delays in responding to messages or returning calls, and crass ineptitude characterized by some ridiculously flexible attitudes towards deadlines and time commitments

Keep in mind that “African time” is a stereotype, and not all Nigerians (or Africans) adhere to this cultural phenomenon. Let me state that many individuals and organizations prioritize punctuality and respect for other people’s time, but they are few in comparison.

Let’s dive deeper into the concept of “African time” and its cultural significance in Nigeria.

The term “African time” is believed to have originated from the colonial era, when Western colonizers imposed their time-keeping systems on African societies. This disruption of traditional time-keeping practices led to a more flexible attitude towards time.

The manifestations of “African Time” in Nigeria

1. Flexibility: Time is viewed as a flexible concept, rather than a rigid framework. For instance:

    – A meeting scheduled for 10:00 AM might start at 11:30 AM, with attendees trickling in at their own pace.

    – A friend might ask to meet up at 5:00 PM, but show up at 6:30 PM, expecting you to still be available.

2. Relaxed attitude: People may prioritize social interactions and relationships over punctuality. For example:

    – A family gathering might be scheduled for 2:00 PM, but the host might not mind if guests arrive an hour or two late, as long as they come with a warm smile and a willingness to socialize.

    – A colleague might show up late to a meeting, but make up for it by bringing a plate of freshly baked pastries or a bouquet of flowers.

3. Adaptability: Nigerians often adapt to changing circumstances, including unexpected delays or setbacks. For instance:

    – A sudden rainstorm might cause a traffic jam, forcing you to arrive late to a meeting. Instead of apologizing profusely, you might simply shrug and say, “Ah, the rain caught me!”

    – A power outage might disrupt a wedding reception, but the guests might simply laugh and continue celebrating by candlelight.

– A wedding reception might be scheduled for 12:00 PM, but the food might not be served until 3:00 PM.

    – A birthday party might start at 5:00 PM, but the cake might not be cut until 7:30 PM.

Painfully, this attitude strays and influences not just various aspects of daily life in Nigeria but very important aspects, imagine where start times may be delayed, and punctuality is not always expected at a doctor’s appointment, scheduled for 9:00 AM, but the doctor might not see patients until 10:30 AM. A business meeting might start 30 minutes late, but the attendees might spend the first 15 minutes chatting and laughing together.

In Nigeria, “African time” has significant implications for politics and governance, and this was the point I had said I was coming to;

1. Flexible Schedules: Government meetings, events, and even court proceedings often start late, with attendees trickling in at their own pace.
2. Delayed Decision-Making: The flexible attitude towards time can lead to delayed decision-making, as officials may not feel pressured to meet deadlines.
3. Inefficient Bureaucracy: The concept of “African time” can contribute to an inefficient bureaucracy, where tasks are completed at a slower pace.
4. Lack of Accountability: The relaxed attitude towards time can make it challenging to hold officials accountable for their actions and decisions.
5. Cultural Expectations: In some cases, “African time” is seen as a cultural expectation, where punctuality is not always valued.

On the last point above, rather than assume, I would preferably ask, how many times have you seen a top government official, a governor or a minister arrive early, or on time for a meeting, even whether business or social, it is seen as demeaning for the official or dignitary to be at the venue early or on time.

We have seen election delays like the 2019 presidential election, which was delayed by a week, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) citing logistical challenges. We have been served ‘breakfast’ of Budget Delays, as the Nigerian government has consistently failed to meet its budget deadlines. Let me not even delve into the perennial delays in infrastructure, where the construction of major infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, often experience significant delays, with some projects taking years or even decades to complete or never completed.

The concept of “African time” in Nigerian politics and governance poses several challenges, we care less about the economic consequences of delays and inefficiencies, including lost productivity and revenue. The relaxed attitude towards time erodes trust in government institutions and officials, and how it leads to inefficient service delivery, including delayed or inadequate healthcare, education, and other essential services.

As Nigeria continues to modernize and integrate into the global economy, there is a growing recognition of the importance of punctuality and time management, I have seen the widespread use of digital technologies increasing awareness of time and promoting more efficient time management.

Interactions with people from other cultures have encouraged Nigerians to adopt more rigid time-keeping practices, Nigerians will still have a way of arriving at the airport late, but will seldom go for a VISA interview late and it speaks volumes.

To address the challenges posed by “African time,” it is essential to promote a culture of punctuality and respect for other people’s time. This can be achieved by implementing efficient systems and processes, fostering accountability, and encouraging citizens to prioritize punctuality.

In conclusion, “African time” is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects Nigeria’s cultural heritage and historical context. While it presents challenges, it also painfully promotes flexibility, adaptability, and strong social relationships. By understanding and addressing the challenges posed by “African time,” Nigeria can promote a more efficient and effective governance system, ultimately benefiting its citizens and promoting economic growth and development.