Brands/Products
Court Adjourns Rite Foods Vs NBC Suit to September 22
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The contempt proceedings suit filed by Rite Foods Limited against the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) and its managing director, Mr Mathieu Seguin, at the Federal High Court, Lagos has been adjourned to September 22, 2021.
The matter came up for the first time on July 12, 2021, before Justice Allagoa but the counsel to Rite Foods, Mr Muyiwa Ogungbenro, urged the court to fix another date for the hearing of all pending applications.
He explained that the reason for the request was because there were several applications before the court that Rite Foods needed more time to respond to.
This prayer was not objected to by counsels to the NBC, Mr Marki Mordi, and the MD of NBC, Mr Opasanya (SAN).
During proceedings, Mr Ogungbenro informed the judge that he observed that the NBC and its MD were not in court, emphasising that by judicial authorities, they are required to be in court throughout the proceedings. He asked the court to emphasize to NBC and Mr Seguin’s counsel need to have their clients in court.
In response, Mr Seguin’s counsel argued that his client would be in court at the appropriate time and that his presence was not required when he is challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
But Justice Allagoa pointed out to Mr Opasanya that his client should always be in court even when he is challenging the court’s jurisdiction and Mr Opasanya later apologized for his client’s absence.
On his part, Mr Mordi apologised for his client’s absence, stating that his client was not served with the relevant court forms for the contempt proceedings.
The contempt proceeding is an offshoot of a claim filed by Rite Foods alleging passing-off by NBC of its Fearless energy drinks.
In the claim, which is before Justice Aneke, Rite Foods obtained interim injunctions against NBC to stop NBC from advertising or promoting its Predator energy drink in a manner that is capable of infringing on its Fearless energy drink.
Rite Foods alleged that NBC has disobeyed the interim injunctions. By the contempt proceedings, Rite Foods is seeking orders committing NBC’s managing director to prison until NBC obeys the injunctions.
It will be recalled that the passing-off contention came to light sometime in March, in Form 48, and in Suit No: PHC/L/CS/92/2021, at the Federal High Court, Lagos, published on Friday, March 19, 2021, in ThisDay and Guardian Newspapers, where Rite Foods alleged that NBC has infringed on its trademark with its Predator energy drink, which has adopted a lion insignia in resemblance of the mark on its Rite Foods’ Fearless energy drinks brand, which has been using and trading with the lion imagery three years before the NBC’s Predator came into the market.
The report also contained a notice of consequences of disobedience of court order issued to NBC’s MD, Mathieu Seguin, and an ex parte order restraining the company from promoting or using any sales promotion material for its Predator energy drink in a manner that infringes or passes off or that is capable of infringing or passing off the plaintiff’s Fearless energy drink until the interlocutory application for an injunction is determined.
The case centred on Fearless energy drink which was introduced into the Nigerian market in 2017 and the Predator energy drink, a product of NBC which was introduced into the market in 2020.
It is the contention of Rite Foods Ltd, the makers of Fearless energy drink that its product, Fearless trademark is being passed-off by Predator, a product of NBC.
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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