The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have committed to jointly tackle the influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and harmful substances into the country.

The post Customs, NAFDAC strengthen ties to tackle counterfeit drugs appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

  By Charles Akpeji, Jalingo The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has raised alarm over the reported suspension of a mosque construction project at Ede High School in Osun State, describing the development as a serious violation of religious

The post MPAC condemns alleged halt to mosque construction in Osun appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has stated that the input of citizens is necessary in the ongoing public hearings on constitutional amendment. Sani made the remarks when members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Constitution Amendment paid a

The post Public hearing is key to constitution amendment, says Uba Sani appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

Another wind of time has blown me to the University of Abuja, I once tagged as the only federation university in the country. Yes, in my commentary on the curious policies that preceded the first major Visitor’s intervention...

The post Land grab: Why Uni-Abuja needs presidential protection appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is considering offloading its state-owned refineries after years of costly rehabilitation efforts that have yielded limited results.

The post After $3b repairs, NNPC may sell Nigeria’s 445,000 bpd refineries appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The Labour Party (LP) has declared its 2027 presidential ticket open, stating that no politician will be favoured in the process of picking

The post Labour Party declares presidential ticket open appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

Search for Common Ground and its consortium partners are making significant progress in implementing an 18-month peacebuilding initiative titled “Community Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta” across Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States. The project, funded

The post EU-funded project targets criminality in Niger Delta appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The fluctuating price of tomato in the country has been attributed to seasonal harvest, changing weather, limited labour, and high cost of input.

The post HortiNigeria fingers poor storage, seasonal harvest to fluctuating tomato cost appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

Congolese-American philosopher, poet, linguist, and novelist, Valentin-Yves Mudimbe, died on 21 April in the US at the age of 83. A chain-smoking polyglot said to have mastered 10 languages, he was best known for his 1988 book, The Invention of Africa, which

The post Africa’s philosophical polyglot appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

The section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway inward Lagos was barricaded on Saturday by police operatives as part of the enforcement of an order restricting vehicular movement in Lagos State, which is observing the local government elections scheduled for today, July

The post Police barricade Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as Lagos holds LG election appeared first on The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.

Networking isn't just about making connections – it's about building relationships that can open doors to opportunities, collaborations, and growth. Here are some key tips for mastering networking within the Nigerian business community:

1. Strategic Event Attendance: Choose networking events wisely, focusing on those that align with your industry, interests, and goals. Look for conferences, seminars, trade shows, and industry-specific gatherings where you're likely to meet like-minded professionals and potential collaborators.

2. Elevator Pitch Perfection: Craft a concise and compelling elevator pitch that succinctly communicates who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart. Practice delivering it confidently so that you can make a memorable impression in any networking setting.

3. Genuine Engagement: Approach networking with authenticity and a genuine interest in getting to know others. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and find common ground to foster meaningful connections. Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just collecting business cards.

4. Utilize Social Media: Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to expand your professional network and stay connected with industry peers. Share valuable insights, engage with relevant content, and participate in online discussions to establish your presence and credibility.

5. Follow Up Relentlessly: Don't let valuable connections slip through the cracks. Follow up promptly after networking events with personalized messages expressing gratitude for the conversation and expressing your interest in staying in touch. Offer value by sharing relevant resources or insights that demonstrate your expertise and willingness to contribute.

6. Give Before You Receive: Approach networking with a mindset of generosity and reciprocity. Look for ways to offer assistance, support, or valuable connections to others without expecting immediate returns. Building goodwill within your network can lead to unexpected opportunities down the line.

7. Diversify Your Network: Seek out networking opportunities beyond your immediate industry or circle. Embrace diversity in your connections, including professionals from different backgrounds, industries, and perspectives. A diverse network can offer fresh insights, innovative ideas, and new opportunities for collaboration.

8. Be Persistent and Patient: Building a robust network takes time and effort, so don't get discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Stay persistent in your networking efforts, consistently showing up, following up, and nurturing relationships over time. The seeds you plant today may blossom into fruitful opportunities in the future.

In the vibrant landscape of Nigerian business, exceptional customer service isn't just a nicety – it's a competitive advantage that can set your brand apart. Here are some strategies to elevate your customer service game:

1. Listen Attentively: Encourage your team to actively listen to customer feedback, whether it's positive or negative. Every comment is an opportunity to learn and improve.

2. Respond Promptly: In today's fast-paced world, timely responses are crucial. Aim to address customer inquiries and concerns as quickly as possible, even if it's just to acknowledge receipt and provide a timeline for resolution.

3. Empower Your Team: Equip your employees with the authority and resources they need to resolve issues on the spot. Trusting your team to make decisions empowers them to provide better service and fosters a sense of ownership.

4. Personalize Interactions: Treat each customer as an individual with unique needs and preferences. Use their name, remember past interactions, and tailor your approach to make them feel valued and appreciated.

5. Go the Extra Mile: Surprise and delight your customers by exceeding their expectations. Whether it's a handwritten thank-you note, a small gift, or a personalized recommendation, little gestures can leave a lasting impression.

6. Be Transparent: Honesty and transparency build trust. If something goes wrong, acknowledge the mistake, apologize sincerely, and outline the steps you're taking to rectify the situation.

7. Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess your customer service processes and solicit feedback from both customers and employees. Look for areas where you can streamline operations, eliminate pain points, and enhance the overall experience.

Remember, exceptional customer service isn't just about resolving complaints – it's about building meaningful relationships that keep customers coming back for more. By prioritizing service excellence, you can cultivate a loyal customer base and drive long-term success for your business in Nigeria.

1. Follow industry influencers, blogs, and publications to stay informed about the latest trends.
2. Experiment with new marketing channels and tactics to reach your target audience.
3. Analyze your competitors' marketing strategies to identify opportunities and avoid pitfalls.
4. Continuously test and optimize your marketing campaigns based on data and customer feedback.
5. Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars to network and learn from experts.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for personal well-being and business success. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Time Management: Implement effective time management techniques, prioritizing tasks and setting boundaries to ensure a healthy balance.
• Stress Management: Manage stress through exercise, meditation, and other relaxation techniques, ensuring you remain focused and productive.
• Self-Care: Prioritize self-care, ensuring you get enough rest, eat well, and engage in activities that promote personal well-being.
• Delegation: Delegate tasks and responsibilities to trusted team members, freeing up time for personal and professional growth.
• Support Network: Build a strong support network, including family, friends, and colleagues, to provide emotional and practical support.

Starting a graphic design studio in Nigeria can be a lucrative venture for creative professionals. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you launch your graphic design studio:

1. Skills and Training: Develop strong graphic design skills through formal education or self-study. Familiarize yourself with design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, and stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
2. Business Planning: Create a detailed business plan outlining your graphic design studio's concept, target market, services, pricing strategy, and marketing approach. This plan will serve as a roadmap for your business.
3. Legal Requirements: Register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to operate legally. Obtain necessary permits and licenses required for graphic design businesses in Nigeria to ensure compliance with regulations.
4. Space and Equipment: Determine whether you will operate from a physical studio or work remotely. If operating from a physical studio, secure a suitable space and invest in necessary equipment, such as computers, printers, and software.
5. Service Offerings: Develop a range of graphic design services tailored to your target market, such as branding, print design, digital design, and web design.
6. Client Acquisition: Develop a sales and marketing strategy to attract clients. Utilize social media platforms, local community events, word-of-mouth referrals, and partnerships with businesses to reach potential clients.
7. Client Relationships: Focus on building strong relationships with your clients. Engage with them regularly, solicit feedback, and address any concerns promptly to maintain a positive reputation.
8. Professional Development: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to provide the best possible service to your clients.
9. Financial Management: Implement sound financial practices to track expenses, manage cash flow, and price your services competitively. Monitor your business's performance and adjust strategies as needed to optimize profitability.

One of the easiest and cheapest cottage agric businesses you can start without stress is a catfish smoking business.

There are several catfish farmers in Nigeria today, so getting catfish to smoke is not a problem. All you need to start this business is skill and determination.

You don’t have to be a catfish farmer, you might not even have an idea of how fish grows but you can make big money smoking fish for fish farmers.

This is a business for both fish farmers and non-fish farmers.

Smoking fish can be easy if you follow some basic steps.

The four basic steps in smoking fish are :cleaning, curing, smoking and drying.

Tips on smoking catfish

The first step in your fish smoking business is to obtain some fresh fish.

If it doesn’t look FRESH or smell FRESH or feel FRESH, it probably isn’t, and it will make your finished product taste bad.

Use fresh fish.
Smoking will not hide old fish. The quality will be reflected.

Catfish harvest is categorize into two namely; melange (unit weight between 300g-600g) and table size (600g-above),the price/kg of melange is sold for N600 and above N800 and above for table size as at today.

The pocket size of your target audience will determine the type in terms of size of fish to smoke.

After harvesting (as a farmer) or purchasing (as a non farmer) your fresh catfish, put them in a container and add a reasonable amount of cooking salt and cover the container with a lid and place a heavy object on the lid to prevent the fish from getting out of the container.

Leave for about 30 minutes after which all the fish must have been dead then you can start the steps mentioned above.
CLEANING

•     clean fish, removing the gills and intestine.

•     Wash in clean water.

BRINE AND CURE

what is brine?  Basically, brine is salt and water.

Soaking the fish in brine will achieve a few things:

•    It will firm up the flesh to be less mushy.

•    It will draw out any old blood, which will improve the taste.

•    It will add some saltiness to the fish in the right amounts; this is desired.

•    It will add some additional flavoring to the fish.

•    The cure will ensure that we are protected from the deadly botulism bacteria, especially since this is a relatively low temperature cooking environment.

(Brine recipe • 1/2 gallon good clean spring water • 3/4 cup kosher salt (or plain salt, but not iodized salt)

SMOKING AND DRYING
•     Prepare smoker.  Too much smoke will cause the fish to taste bitter. Use just enough wood to maintain a steady smoke. There are various kinds of oven. We shall discuss that in another article.

Click to read more https://catfishpreneur.wordpress.com/2018/09/20/how-to-start-a-smoked-fish-business/#:~:text=The%20four%20basic%20steps%20in,%2C%20curing%2C%20smoking%20and%20drying.&text=The%20first%20step%20in%20your,Use%20fresh%20fish.

The Nigeria International Agricultural Expo NIAEXPO 2024 is set to be a groundbreaking event that will bring together key players in the agricultural industry from around the world. This expo will serve as a platform for showcasing the latest innovations technologies and practices in agriculture.

NIAEXPO 2024 aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among farmers researchers policymakers and industry experts. It will provide a unique opportunity for participants to network learn about new trends in agriculture and explore potential business opportunities.

URBANPARTY 6.0 hosted by URBANDRINKS.NET marks our sixth edition—a quarterly event bringing together top-tier professionals executives and visionaries across industries. Our goal is to cultivate connections share ideas and spark innovative collaborations. Previous editions have welcomed over 1600 guests featuring EXCEPTIONAL MUSIC, CAPTIVATING ART EXHIBITION, INVIGORATING DANCE, PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES all complemented by your favorite WINE and SPIRITS.

The Huawei IdeaHub Experience is an event that introduces tecnology on another level to the corporate world. The event encompasses different kinds of solutions like Smart School Solutions, Board Room Solutions, etc.

SewMeExpo, where Fashion and Art meet. Over 200 Fashion Designers under 1 roof and over 10,000 clients. 

NIGERIA GOLDEN HEARTS AWARD, recognizes and celebrate the achievements of women who leads, inspire, motivate and generally impact on the Society directly or indirectly, women who uses their influence or work space to make a difference in the society.
It also celebrates women of great minds from diverse industries, Women who knows how to balance their home and work space.

LinkedInLocal events are organic meetups, hosted by members all over the world. They provide the platform and opportunity for networking, community building, learning, industry trends, deals making and sharing best practices for using LinkedIn.
Since 2019, LinkedInLocal Abuja has been the biggest networking event for LinkedIn users in the Abuja metropolis, hosting business leaders, public sector executives, young and old professionals, entrepreneurs and all.
It's about making momentous conversations and meaningful connections.
To register: https://braveiconsglobal.com/linkedinlocalabj.html

Make the Zuma Kids FunRun your family tradition!
The course begins at Area 1 Bridge and ends at the Old Parade Ground Area 10 and includes scenic views along nearby residential streets. The race will begin at 9:00 am. The race will conclude with other activities, including local merchants, food trucks, kids’ zone, music and a festive atmosphere etc.

Whether you're a food vendor, guest, food competitor looking to showcase your culinary skills, sponsor, partner, collaborator, or volunteer, UFF is the place to be.
Experience loads of fun activities such as music, game shows, raffle draws, cooking competitions, seminars, and masterclasses at an affordable price. Indulge in delicious food at discount prices and explore fresh produce also available at discounted prices. 

'The Zone' is hosting a games fest on the 26th of May and it's a get together for adults to play a variety of amazing games, socialise, and have an awesome experience! So, if you're a dedicated gamer, looking for a day of excitement, or just looking for an opportunity to defeat your friends in multiple rounds of games and likely win CASH PRIZES and GIFT ITEMS - this event is for you! Come with your friends, play some awesome games, engage in friendly competitions, show off your gaming skills and earn some bragging rights amongst your friend group!

Lagos Freedom Fest 2024 is a live music and cultural event organized to celebrate Nigeria's independence and diversity. The event is hosted by Tenstrings Music Institute in collaboration with Freedom Park Lagos.

The event will assemble a minimum of 1000 guests and will run from 5 pm until 9 pm - flagging off with cultural activities during the day and a live concert in the evening.