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A Simple Way to Reduce Financial Effect of Loss of Employment on Everyday Nigerians

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Loss of Employment

By Gbolahan Oluyemi

The loss of employment is a common event in people’s career. The circumstances leading to loss of employment could be voluntary, involuntary or triggered by an event. 

An employee’s loss of employment could result from the termination of employment, voluntary resignation, or retirement due to age or health condition.

For resignation and retirement, the effect of the loss of employment is usually manageable because the employee had adequate notice of the impending loss of employment. Such employee would have activated steps to mitigate the effect of the impending loss of employment.

For retirement, a loss of employment due to retirement is protected by the Pension Reforms Act 2014.  The legislation ensures that every employee that retires from employment receives an allowance from their pension fund account domiciled with a pension fund administrator.

However, in cases of involuntary loss of employment such as termination of employment by the employer, it translates into an outright loss of income for the employee.

The most common effect of impromptu loss of employment is that the employee becomes incapable of sustaining his/herself financially.

Although Section 7(2) and Section 16 (5) of the Pension Reforms Act allow an employee to withdraw 25 per cent of his/her pension fund after four months of loss of employment and inability to secure another job, the provision is insufficient for three reasons:

The provision does not consider how the employee will survive and settle his/her financial obligations in the first four months of unemployment.

Secondly, one of the challenges of the contributory pension fund scheme is inflation. There is a possibility that the value of the fund may be depleted at retirement by inflation. Hence, withdrawal of 25 per cent from the fund due to temporary loss of employment is an additional burden for the employee in his/her retirement era.

From interactions with few persons who have accessed the fund due to a temporary loss of employment, the process is cumbersome.

Due to the pandemic, numerous employees suffered an involuntary loss of employment. The situation is worse because it is difficult to get another job in the middle of an unpredictable pandemic.

Since the outbreak, both public and private institutions are struggling to meet their targets and corporate obligations. The situation remained unchanged despite the reported gradual recovery of the economy.

Employers who are unable to sustain the payment of staff salaries are constrained to either downsize their workforce or introduce pay-cut to the employees.

Unfortunately, the disengaged employees are at the receiving end with little or no protection other than their personal savings.

Indisputably, cushioning the financial effect of temporary involuntary loss of employment is an issue that should feature at the top of the agenda of every discourse on the improvement of our employment laws.

The most beneficial way to diminish the effect of unemployment due to job loss is for the legislature to enact a law mandating compulsory employment insurance for all employees. The objectives of the proposed legislation should be:

To create a social security system that provides adequate welfare for all Nigerian employees without placing a financial burden on government revenue;

To create and structure a privately administered insurance scheme that will cater for our teeming population in the unlikely event of their loss of employment;

To ensure that through the legislation, the employment of all Nigerians is insured and secured with unemployment benefits payable by the Insurer for at least six months immediately preceding the loss of employment.

Every employee should be compelled by the proposed law to subscribe with one per cent of his/her annual pay as a premium for an employment insurance product offered by an insurance company licensed by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

The benefit of the subscription is that in the event the employee suffers a loss of employment, the insurance company pays the employee 50 per cent of his/her monthly salary every month for either a period not exceeding six months or till he/she secures another job i.e. if the employee secures another job before six months.

This proposal will relieve the operation of Section 7(2) and Section 16 (5) of the Pension Reforms Act and ensure that more funds are reserved for an employee after retirement.

Secondly, the proposal will guarantee that an employee earns an income in the first six months preceding the loss of employment.

Thirdly, it will drive the insurance business and attract more investment to the insurance sector.

Lastly, it will relieve the government of the burden of catering for the welfare of Nigerians who lost their jobs either due to the pandemic or due to other circumstances.

It is recommended that employers are mandated by the proposed law to deduct the premium and remit the premium to the employees’ preferred insurance company.

Consequently, failure to remit the deducted premium renders the employer liable to the extent the insurance company would have been liable in the event there is a loss of employment. It is expected that voluntary loss of employment such as resignation is excluded from benefits.

As an incentive for employees, subscribers for five consecutive years without making a loss of employment claim should also be entitled to some welfare benefits from the insurance company.

Should the National Assembly have thought in this direction while enacting the Pension Reforms Act in 2014, employees would have been less negatively impacted by the loss of employment that followed the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The need for government palliatives and support programs would have been minimal. The insurance companies would have mopped up the effect of the pandemic on employments and probably recoup their losses from the re-insurance companies. However, it is not late to enact legislation that addresses the challenges.

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Airtel AI Spam Alert Tackles an Urgent Telecom Problem

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Airtel AI Spam Alert Service

By Faedat Temideni

In Nigeria today, unwanted messages have evolved from a mere annoyance into a serious security risk. From deceptive investment opportunities to phony bank notifications, spam communications have transformed into complex frauds that target unsuspecting victims.

For numerous Nigerians, starting the day with several spam messages has turned into a regular occurrence. Telemarketing offers, questionable lottery prizes, and phishing schemes inundate mobile inboxes, frequently inundating users with unsolicited messages. Although some communications are simply annoying, others are designed to mislead and take advantage.

In recent years, there has been a rise in fraudulent SMS messages, where scammers mimic banks, government bodies, and reputable companies to obtain sensitive information from people. A report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) indicates that financial fraud via mobile channels has resulted in substantial monetary losses, causing unsuspecting victims to lose millions of naira.

Consider the scenario of Adebola, a civil servant in Lagos, who got an SMS purporting to be from her bank, urging her to click a link and refresh her account information. Just moments after complying, she noticed that her account had been breached, resulting in thousands of naira being withdrawn before she could respond. Tales such as Adebola’s emphasize the necessity for a strong approach to tackle SMS fraud and unwanted spam messages.

Airtel’s Spam Alert Service: A Historic Innovation

Acknowledging the critical necessity to tackle this problem, Airtel Nigeria, in March 2025, launched its Spam Alert Service, a creative system intended to screen spam messages before they reachusers. The service utilizes Artificial Intelligence built by Airtel to examine incoming SMS, detect suspiciouspatterns, and alert users accordingly.

Airtel’s Spam Alert Service Works in Three Key Ways

Quick Identification: The system automatically identifies suspected spam messages.

User Alerts: When a suspected fraudulent message is detected, users receive an alert notifying them of the potential spam.

User Reporting Feature: Customers can report spam messages by forwarding them to a dedicated short code, helping Airtel enhance its spam alert mechanisms.

With the launch of the Spam Alert Service, Airtel is not only protecting its customers but also strengthening trust in mobile communication. By helping to curb SMS fraud, Airtel ensures that users can engage with their mobile devices with a much-reduced risk of falling victim to SMS scams.

According toAirtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh,the AI Spam Alert Service demonstrates the priority the company places on user security. “We understand that spam messages are more than just an annoyance, they pose real threats to individuals and businesses. So, our Spam Alert Service is part of a broader effort to ensure a safer and more secure digital experience for our customers,”MrBalsingh said.

An Urgent Call to Action

As Airtel takes the lead in the fight against spam and SMS fraud, mobile users must remain vigilant. Customers are encouraged to report suspicious messages and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. Additionally, businesses must adopt best practices in digital communication to ensure their messaging systems are not exploited by fraudsters.

With initiatives like the Spam Alert Service, Airtel is setting a new standard for mobile security in Nigeria. In a world where digital threats continue to evolve, proactive measures like this ensure that users can communicate safely, free from the fear of falling victim to SMS scams.

The battle against spam and fraud is far from over, but with Airtel’s Spam Alert Service, Nigerian mobile users now have a powerful ally in safeguarding their communication channels.

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Can Urban Farming Contribute Meaningfully to Nigeria’s Food Security?

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Urban Farming

By Diana Tenebe

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces a complex web of food security challenges. Soaring food inflation, exacerbated by climate extremes, persistent insecurity in food-producing regions, and an inadequate supply of nutritious foods, has pushed millions into acute hunger. Despite vast agricultural resources, the country ranks low on the Global Food Security Index, underscoring a critical need for innovative solutions. Amidst this backdrop, urban farming, often dismissed as a niche activity, is gaining traction as a strategy to enhance food security, create income opportunities, and promote sustainable practices in urban areas.

Urban farming, encompassing a range of practices from rooftop gardens and vertical farms to community plots and aquaculture, offers the potential to localise food production, reduce reliance on distant supply chains, and enhance access to fresh, nutritious produce. As Nigerian cities continue to urbanise, converting agricultural land to other uses, the importance of maximizing food production within urban limits becomes crucial.

One of the most immediate and impactful contributions of urban farming is its ability to enhance food availability and access. By cultivating crops within city limits, fresh produce can reach consumers more quickly, drastically reducing post-harvest losses and transportation costs. This localised production directly addresses issues of food scarcity, especially for vulnerable urban populations who often struggle with the high cost and limited availability of fresh food. Successful initiatives in Lagos for instance have demonstrated how urban farms can become reliable sources of fruits, vegetables, and even protein through urban livestock and aquaculture for surrounding communities.

Beyond mere availability, urban farming plays a crucial role in improving nutritional outcomes and dietary diversity. Access to fresh, diverse produce encourages healthier eating habits, helping to combat prevalent issues like protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. When families cultivate their own food, they gain greater control over its quality and freshness, often opting for more nutritious varieties. This direct link between cultivation and consumption can lead to a measurable increase in dietary diversity within urban households.

Urban farming is not just about subsistence; it holds substantial economic promise and fosters job creation. It directly generates employment opportunities in various stages, including planting, harvesting, processing, and distribution. Small-scale urban farmers can sell their surplus produce at local markets, generating income and fostering entrepreneurship. This can be particularly impactful for Nigeria’s large youth population, offering a viable path to employment and self-reliance in a landscape of high unemployment. Initiatives that provide training and access to markets, like “FarmInTheCity” in Lagos, exemplify how urban farming can blossom into full-scale enterprises.

Urban farming contributes significantly to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Innovative urban farming techniques, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, are inherently resource-efficient, using less land and water compared to traditional agriculture. They also reduce “food miles,” significantly lowering carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. Additionally, urban green spaces created by farming initiatives can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance urban biodiversity. This makes urban farming a crucial component of climate adaptation strategies, helping cities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts that affect traditional agriculture.

Finally, community gardens and collaborative urban farming projects serve as powerful tools for fostering community cohesion and social impact. They provide shared spaces where residents can connect, build knowledge, and foster a sense of community pride and ownership. These initiatives can also serve as educational platforms, promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about local food systems. This collaborative spirit can be particularly beneficial in diverse urban settings, breaking down social barriers and strengthening community bonds.

For Urban farming to work in Nigeria, policy support and integration are crucial. Governments at all levels need to recognize urban farming as a legitimate and vital part of the food system. This involves developing supportive policies, streamlining land-use regulations, and integrating urban agriculture into city planning. Second, capacity building and education are essential. Investing in education and training programs is vital. Access to finance and technology is a significant factor for urban farmers. Innovative financing models, perhaps incorporating “pay-as-you-grow” schemes for technology adoption, are needed. Also, leveraging technology like mobile apps for market access can significantly boost productivity. Lastly, adequate infrastructure, including reliable energy sources and efficient storage facilities, is crucial to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure the economic viability of urban farms.

Urban farming in Nigeria is more than just a passing trend; it can represent a tangible and impactful pathway towards enhanced food security. By embracing innovative approaches, fostering supportive policies, and empowering urban communities with the necessary resources and knowledge, Nigeria can unlock the immense potential of its cities to feed their populations, create economic opportunities, and build a more resilient and sustainable future. The revolution of urban farming, if nurtured effectively, can indeed contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s quest for food security.

Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store

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Beyond the Final Whistle: Peter Rufai and the Cost of Being a Legend

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Beyond the Final Whistle: Peter Rufai

By Timi Olubiyi, PhD

The retirement from professional football, frequently glorified with illusions of legendary status and awards, reveals a contrasting reality upon closer examination, particularly in Nigeria.

Amidst the exciting goals and passionate stadium cheers exists a worrisome reality: numerous Nigerian footballers conclude their careers insufficiently prepared, financially insecure, physically impaired, and mentally overlooked.

Many retired Nigerian footballers, despite having earned significant sums of money during their careers, find themselves struggling financially soon after retirement. This is largely due to a lack of proper financial planning, poor investments, and the mismanagement of their earnings.

This post-retirement crisis of depression has affected even some of the nation’s most renowned figures, including Peter Rufai, the former Super Eagles custodian who once captivated spectators with his talent and tenacity.

Despite representing Nigeria internationally, and at the World Cup, notably and more recently Peter Rufai, has encountered the harsh reality of neglect following his retirement, and this has been the prevailing trend amongst football retirees.

Peter Rufai’s narrative resonates with the experiences of many former footballers who once bore the aspirations of a nation but now endure hardship, grappling with health complications and minimal assistance. The typical Nigerian player, throughout his career, frequently encounters a combination of inadequate money management, insufficient education, lack of appropriate legal guidance, and absence of long-term strategic planning.

Many of the players enter the illusion that they will leverage their talents, huge savings appear to be significant amounts, but fail to secure the stability of their retirement, despite all. In my opinion, these retirement failures are due to a lack of financial education and investment literacy, which leads to eventual poor retirement.

Nigerian footballers, in contrast to their colleagues in more developed footballing nations who enjoy strong player unions, pension schemes, and financial consulting services, frequently find themselves unsupported. Even injuries suffered over their career years often resurface later in life, accompanied by costly therapies that become unaffordable.  The abrupt shift from fame and significance to anonymity and irrelevance imposes a psychological burden that few individuals are equipped to confront.

Numerous accounts also exist of former celebrities in the Nollywood and music industry. After retirement, they reside in deteriorated circumstances, soliciting public aid, or passing away discreetly without access to fundamental healthcare. This condition is rooted in a structural issue, originating from a football administration that favours immediate success over the long-term well-being of its sportsmen.

Moreover, the absence of organised retirement planning or transitional programs for footballers by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports signifies a neglect of the persons who have elevated Nigerian football’s prominence.

In simple terms, many retired Nigerian footballers do not benefit or have pension schemes or long-term financial plans after their playing careers end.

In contrast, football associations in countries like England or Spain provide players with comprehensive retirement programs and pension plans to ensure they remain financially stable even after they retire.

The harsh reality of retirement for Nigerian footballers is a growing concern that demands immediate attention. Therefore, a multifaceted strategy is urgently required to halt this slide.

Initially, financial education should be integrated into player development programs at the grassroots level, instructing young players on the significance of budgeting, investing, and saving.More so, mental health programs and education must be introduced to help retired footballers cope with the psychological challenges of retirement.

Secondly, the NFF should formalise retirement savings programs, pension schemes, and compulsory health insurance for all players representing clubs and the national team.  Furthermore, a welfare department inside the NFF must be formed to monitor and assist retiring athletes, guaranteeing they are not left to manage alone.  The government should enact legislation mandating retirement benefits and post-career healthcare access for national legislators, acknowledging their contribution to the country as a national duty.

Public-private partnerships may be utilised to establish a Footballers’ Retirement Fund, financed through endorsements, league earnings, and sponsorships.  Former athletes may transition into coaching, mentoring, or ambassadorial positions, so as to ensure both financial compensation and continued significance.

Corporate entities and NGOs should participate by establishing post-career training programs in entrepreneurship, coaching, and sports management.

Peter Rufai, who previously endeavoured to promote fitness and youth development during his lifetime, could have received enhanced support to establish a legacy of mentorship programmes if the appropriate structures had been implemented.

In conclusion, without implementing systemic reforms, Nigerian football will continue to celebrate stars on the pitch but neglect them after they retire. Therefore, the government, the NFF, football clubs, and other sports federations must collaborate to establish a sustainable support system for sportspeople, ensuring they are financially secure, emotionally supported, and equipped with the skills needed to succeed after their sporting careers. Without these reforms, many Nigerian sports icons will persist in facing a bleak reality as they transition from playing to retirement.

The call for reform is not just about securing the future of Nigerian athletes; it is about recognising their contributions and making sure that their lives after sport are as dignified and fulfilling as their careers. Rest in peace, Peter Rufai, the legend!

How may you obtain advice or further information on the article? 

Dr Timi Olubiyi is an Entrepreneurship and Business Management expert with a PhD in Business Administration from Babcock University, Nigeria. A prolific investment coach, columnist, author, adviser, seasoned scholar, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), Member of the Institute of Directors, and Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) registered capital market operator. He can be reached on the Twitter handle @drtimiolubiyi and via email: [email protected], for any questions, reactions, and comments.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author,Dr Timi Olubiyi and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of others.

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