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FCCPC Investigates Three Steel Firms Over Substandard Products, Unfair Practices

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Substandard steel

By Adedapo Adesanya 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has visited three steel manufacturing firms to investigate the alleged production of substandard iron rods and alleged involvement in other trade anti-competition practices.

The affected companies are African Foundries Limited (AFL), Ogijo, Lagos; the Monarch Steel Mill Limited, Sagamu, Ogun, and the Kam Steel Integrated Company, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr Adamu Abdullahi, who led the operation, told journalists on Friday at the premises of AFL, that the agency’s visit to the three companies was informed by intelligence that they might be involved in unfair and anti-competitive practices.

The visit was a joint operation of FCCPC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Mr Abdullahi said the team was there to take samples of their products and examine their records to determine what they do.

“There have been reports of false, misleading, deceptive as well as unfair market practices. Some manufacturers would produce 10mm iron rods but label and market the same as 12mm iron rods. This practice is among the major causes of building collapse in Nigeria.

“We are talking about the issue of safety of Nigerians, which is the core essence of consumer protection. We have to ensure the safety of our population. What is happening in the building space is worrisome to the government and all well-meaning citizens. So, we have to look at their process to find out if they are cutting corners. If they are doing so, we will apply the full wrath of the law. That is why we are here,” he said.

Commenting on the companies’ attitude during the fact-finding mission, Mr Abdullahi said all three companies were very cooperative with the commission.

“That is why we had no issues. Naturally, we would expect that their lawyers would have advised them that our laws allow this process,” he added.

He emphasised that the FCCPC was still at the fact-finding stage and was yet to find any of the companies liable.

“We are still at the information gathering stage after which we have to go back to our office and allow forensic experts to look at the information that we returned with. Whatever they take out from all the materials we have gathered will then guide our findings,” he said.

Mr Abdullahi revealed that the agency was working in collaboration with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), to ensure compliance with industry standards.

“We have held meetings with them and they have given us technical advice on what we should look out for during these fact-finding trips. And that is exactly what we are doing,” he added.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Re-introduces Self-Service Channels

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Stanbic IBTC Pension App

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The self-service channels of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers designed to streamline processes and provide easy access to pension management services have been re-introduced.

The subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc said it brought back the options as part of its commitment to enhancing customer experience by providing innovative solutions, putting them in control of their financial future.

The chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mr Olumide Oyetan, reiterated the firm’s dedication to improving pension management by enhancing ease and efficiency.

“By getting acquainted with and utilising these options to their fullest, customers can enjoy the benefits of flexibility and independence,” he stated.

Mr Oyetan further underscored the organisation’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve pension management for customers, ensuring the availability of the self-service channels 24/7 for checking account balances, updating personal details, or making enquiries seamlessly.

“These self-service channels empower customers to take control of their experience as we aim to meet and exceed their expectations through these user-friendly platforms,” he stated.

Business Post reports that one of such channels is MyPension Portal, accessible via the company’s website www.stanbicibtcpension.com.

It offers customers a user-friendly platform to manage their pension details effortlessly. This portal allows for easy updates of personal information, requests for reference letters to submit at schools and embassies, and the ability to switch between investment funds.

It also provides the convenience of accessing and requesting statements at any time, relieving customers of unnecessary stress and paperwork.

In addition, the Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers module on the Mobile App, available for download on Google Play Store and App Store, enables users to view their pension account balance, track contributions and investment performance, monitor recent transactions and contributions, and receive alerts for important pension account updates.

For those who prefer SMS access, customers can simply text “Help” to the shortcode 30388 from their registered mobile phone to receive instructions on performing various tasks via SMS.

The company has also streamlined the process for using contact numbers, allowing customers to connect to the Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for comprehensive guidance on a wide range of enquiries and transactions.

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Holiday Shoppers Spend $1.2trn Online

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Salesforce Holiday Shoppers $1.2trn

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A report released by Salesforce has revealed that about $1.2 trillion was used for shopping across the globe during the just-concluded Christmas and New Year holidays.

It was stated that the United States accounted for $282 billion, with data based on an analysis of 1.5 billion shoppers and 1.6 trillion page views across the Salesforce Platform.

The report indicates that the better-than-expected holiday shopping season was powered by surges in mobile and social commerce alongside increased consumer spending after months of saving in the first half of 2024.

However, shoppers have already sent back $122 billion in merchandise, with consumers and retailers leaning into the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and agents to enhance holiday shopping experiences through product recommendations and personalised order support, influencing $229 billion – or 19 per cent – of all online orders.

“Retailers had a robust holiday season, but a 28% rise in the rate of returns compared to last year is a cause for some concern,” said Caila Schwartz, Director of Consumer Insights at Salesforce. “Retailers who have embraced AI and agents are already seeing the benefits, but these tools will be even more critical in the new year as retailers aim to minimise revenue losses on returns and reengage with shoppers.”

It was gathered that about $229 billion of global online sales were influenced by AI and agents in the form of product recommendations, targeted offers, and conversational customer service support, with 19 per cent of holiday purchases influenced by consumers engaging with AI and agents, a 6 per cent increase from 2023.

In addition, shoppers used AI- and agent-powered chat for customer service 42 per cent more than they did during the 2023 holiday season, and over $122 billion of global purchases have already been returned, up 28 per cent from last year.

It was noted that this increase is partially due to trending consumer behaviours like “try-on hauls” and bracketing (buying an extra size above and below your standard size).

Salesforce projects that retailers will likely see this number grow to $133 billion – presenting an important opportunity for brands to use agents to make the returns process easier and more tailored to specific customer needs.

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FreshSight Communications Assures Clients Tailored PR Services

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FreshSight Communications

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A new Public Relations (PR) agency, FreshSight Communications, has promised to offer tailored services to its clients, as it joins the highly competitive industry.

According to the co-founder of the company, Mr Justice Mmadubugwu, FreshSight Communications will provide top-notch PR services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses, organisations, and individuals seeking to amplify their brand presence and reputation.

He also expressed confidence in working with media partners to share compelling stories, promote innovative ideas, and spark important discussions that affect society.

“We are excited to introduce FreshSight Communications to the Nigerian market.

“Our goal is to become the leading PR agency for businesses seeking to establish strong relationships with their target audiences and stakeholders,” Mr Mmadubugwu stated.

FreshSight Communications said its services include media relations and crisis communications; brand management and reputation enhancement; digital PR and social media management; event management and planning; content creation and copywriting; and artist/influencers management.

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