General
Nigeria Seeks Effective Pan African Quality Policy
The need for a robust and effective Pan African Quality Policy to drive the attainment of Africa’s development goals, which are closely aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, has been emphasised by Nigeria.
Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Edet Sunday Akpan, made this call on behalf of the country while presenting a keynote address at the opening of a two-day consultative workshop for developing a Pan-African Quality Policy held recently at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
He noted that the need to develop a Pan-African Quality Policy was derived from AGENDA 2063 of the African Union: the blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future.
Speaking on the Standardization and Quality Infrastructure experts from Central, North and West Africa, Mr Akpan stated that the presence of quality infrastructure was essential for a mutually beneficial, free movement of goods and services across national, regional and continental borders. These he said, are however contingent upon clear and approved quality policy documents at National, Regional and Continental levels for proper guidance.
The Permanent Secretary stated that Africa’s flagship programmes are technology based and futuristic in design against the background of the fourth industrial revolution, adding that the sustainability strongly depends on adherence to standards and quality.
Mr Akpan said the coming into effect of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement further emphasises the need for the development of a robust Pan-African Quality policy document to ensure synergy, reduce duplication of efforts, ensure harmonization of standards and conformity assessment procedures in order to position Africa towards becoming a dominant player in the global arena.
He disclosed that a draft Nigerian National Quality Policy document coordinated by his Ministry was awaiting the approval of the Federal Executive Council and enumerated Nigeria’s strides in the harmonization of standards and conformity assessment procedures within the Economic Community of West African States and the Continent under the auspices of the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO).
Nigeria, he stated, was proud to host the consultative workshop on the draft of a Pan-African Quality Policy for West, North and Central Africa with the objective of harmonizing the outcomes with a similar workshop in Nairobi Kenya held on 22nd and 23rd July for East and Southern Africa.
Mr Akpan then requested the diligent contribution of the individual and collective expertise of the delegates in developing a robust and effective Pan-African Quality Policy document to position Africa.
In his remarks at the occasion, Chairperson of the Pan African Quality Infrastructure, Dr Hermogene Nsegimana, invited the experts from Central, North and West Africa to take ownership of the draft quality policy document to meet the aspirations of the continent in substantially increasing intra-African Trade as well as promoting greater competitiveness of made-in-Africa products with the rest of the world.
He expressed regret that it took about 27 years after the African Union resolution on the need for the development of a Pan African Quality Policy document.
However, he commended the massive representation by experts from member states of the AU, describing the coincidence of the workshop with the coming into effect of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement as timely.
Welcoming the participants earlier, Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Mr Osita Aboloma, enumerated some of the quality infrastructure projects already delivered by his organisation.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
All private transmission connected to the national grid must register and get authorisation to operate, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has declared.
In a statement, the electricity regulatory body in Nigeria directed owners of private transmission substations used by bulk electricity consumers to obtain an Independent Electricity Transmission Network Operator (IETNO) Permit before operating or connecting to the grid.
It was disclosed that this latest development, which became effective March 9, 2026, is to strengthen oversight of privately owned substations connected to Nigeria’s national grid.
NERC further said the directive was introduced to improve grid reliability, safety, and operational visibility following frequent transmission line trips reported by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
Under the order, NISO must submit to NERC a comprehensive list of all existing Private Transmission Substation Owners (PTSOs) and notify them of the provisions of the order within five days.
Existing PTSOs must apply to NERC for an IETNO permit within 45 days, while new PTSOs must obtain the permit before connecting to the grid, as non-compliance attracts regulatory sanctions.
NISO will deploy IoT-based metering systems at substation interconnection points within 120 days.
Further, operators must submit monthly operational reports, while NISO will conduct inspections to ensure compliance.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The annual retreat for business managers and executives organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) will take place from April 16 to 18, 2026, at the AAE & T Hotel, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
This year’s edition is themed The Resilient Enterprise, People and Systems: Building and Managing Businesses that Outlive Seasons, Cycles and Crises.
The programme aims to equip leaders with the insights, tools, and networks required to build resilient organisations in an increasingly complex business environment.
It will provide a unique platform for executive-level engagement through high-level conversations, peer learning sessions with experienced leaders, strategy reflection workshops, and curated networking opportunities.
Expected to attend are industry leaders, senior executives, and business managers from across sectors. They will explore strategies for sustaining organisational performance through leadership transitions, economic cycles, regulatory shifts, and market disruptions.
Participants will also benefit from interactive discussions focused on strengthening corporate governance, developing agile leadership capabilities, and building organisational systems that can withstand periods of uncertainty and transformation.
A notice from NECA said the event is open to both members and non-members, with participation fees set at N300,000 for members and N320,000 for non-members. Discounts will also be available for Gold and Silver members, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Interested participants are encouraged to register via the official registration link to secure their place at the retreat, which promises to deliver valuable insights and connections for executives seeking to build enterprises capable of thriving through seasons of change and uncertainty.
The Director-General of NECA, Mr Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, noted that by convening business managers and senior executives in a collaborative learning environment, the association aims to contribute to the development of stronger, future-ready enterprises that can drive economic growth, create jobs, and support national development even in the face of evolving global and local challenges.
He added that the retreat will provide executives with the opportunity to step away from daily operational demands and engage in deeper strategic conversations with peers and industry experts.
“The theme of this year’s retreat speaks directly to the realities businesses face today. Across sectors, organisations are navigating leadership transitions, regulatory shifts, economic pressures, and technological disruption.
“What distinguishes enduring enterprises is their ability to build strong systems, develop capable leaders, and create organisational cultures that can adapt and respond effectively to change,” the NECA chief said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In further demonstration of its unwavering commitment to its workforce, Nigeria’s foremost power generation company, Egbin Power Plc, has unveiled 80 new residential housing units for employees within its plant premises in Egbin, Lagos State.
This comprises 40 fully furnished three-bedroom apartments and 40 furnished studio apartments, all designed to contemporary standards.
The units feature modern infrastructure and thoughtfully planned utilities, creating a safe, comfortable, and conducive living environment that supports both employee productivity and family well-being.
This strategic investment underscores the company’s philosophy that a well-supported workforce is fundamental to sustained operational excellence.
The new housing units are part of a holistic strategy to cultivate a stable, motivated, and future-ready workforce.
This strategy extends beyond infrastructure to encompass robust career development and recognition. Over the past three years, Egbin Power has promoted 112 employees across various cadres, reinforcing a culture that rewards merit, performance, and long-term dedication
“At Egbin Power, our people are our most valuable asset. Even amidst the prevailing liquidity and operational realities within the broader power sector, our focus on employee welfare has remained deliberate and consistent.
“This significant expansion of our residential estate is a tangible expression of that commitment.
“It is one of several key initiatives aimed at ensuring our employees feel genuinely supported, allowing them to thrive both personally and professionally,” the chief executive of Egbin Power, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, said.
Initiated in 2025 and completed in January 2026, this project is the latest milestone in Egbin Power’s structured and ongoing approach to enhancing employee welfare. It reflects the energy firm’s dedication to fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, secure, and motivated.
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