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Showing posts from 2009

Park Inn Hotel To Open in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Stay @ the Park Inn Hotel while on visit to the Olumo Rock and other attractions in Ogun State. The Rezidor Hotel Group announces two new Park Inn hotels: The Park Inn Luxembourg City featuring 99 rooms is scheduled to open in Q4 2010, and the Park Inn Abeokuta in Nigeria with 173 rooms will welcome the first guests in Q4 2010. "These signings further underline and strengthen the ambitious growth of our dynamic mid market brand Park Inn", comments Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. "Launched in early 2003, Park Inn today comprises more than 130 hotels with more than 24,500 rooms in operation and under development across Europe, Middle East and Africa". The Park Inn Abeokuta follows recent signings Rezidor has made in the emerging market of Nigeria - the group already develops hotels in the capital city Abuja and in Lagos. Abeokuta (meaning "under the rocks") is a major commercial centre in Ogun State 75 kilometres north of Lagos. The city's

Kentucky Fried Chicken Comes To Town!

Wondering why this should make a headline in Nigeria? Well, it has not been easy trying to convince Franchisers, especially US Franchisers, of the business opportunities in Nigeria. They would rather go elsewhere! Are they capitulating as a result of the economic meltdown in those 'preferred climes' or have suddenly realised the fast foods market potential in Nigeria? The future belongs here. Only time will tell. Lagos Insider announces the coming of the Colonel to town. It reads... When we go abroad, one thing we secretly look forward to is all that deliciously delicious, totally bad for you, junk food. And, on your behalf, we've been tracking reports that a global chain is opening in Lagos - and now it's official! Kentucky Fried Chicken, inventors of the original, dipped in batter, southern deep fried chicken are now here. While their City Mall location may be less than ideal (you wouldn't know it from their brisk - start up - business) it's relatively centra

SAFE CITY SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE: A DIFFERENT KIND OF MISSION TO ISRAEL.

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Every year, Nigerians of the Christian faith go on pilgrimage to Israel. This year, about twenty thousand Nigerians are expected to make the trip This was not the case with the trio of Ndudi Osakwe, Patrick Keku and Unuigbe Irheren. They traveled to Israel on a different mission. The reason for their visit was to attend a conference on Safe City Solutions held in Tel Aviv, Israel, November 30 to December 1, 2009. Safe City has been defined to be a city that implements the simplest norms necessary for a quiet, safe life, free of concern about personal security. The vision of a safe city is that of a city free of street urchins, violence, sale of alcoholic products in motor parks, hawking of pornographic materials on highways and street corners. It is a city whose residents cooperate and respond to every violation of the norm as established by the government, a city that responds quickly to robberies, youth at risk, dysfunctional families. A safe city contributes to effective education o

Invitation to African Logistics Companies and Freight Forwarders.

A Good Movie Starts With A Good Plot. Though the US National Intelligence Agency predicted that the world economy would shift to the Far East especially India and China by the year 2025, it is happening very quickly. According to the Economist, China would become the world's second largest economy in 2010, with a sustained GDP growth of 8.6%. Would not you rather do business in such an economy? Slowly but surely, China meandered its way from being a cheap source of clothing and consumer items to becoming a major player in the key sectors of the economy including oil and gas, transportation, telecommunications, construction and energy etc. Now, you have the opportunity to be visible in 2010. Infoplus/IBG Nigeria has secured the mandate of JC Trans to locate, screen and qualify discerning African Freight Forwarders and Logistics companies looking to make a difference in 2010. JCtrans.net is a leading logistics website set up to provide global networking services for freight forwarde

A shot at 2010 (Case study, Nigeria)

'Of one thing we are certain: if there is any one part of the world that possesses the potential for exponential growth in the coming few decades, it is the African Continent' (The Economist). ...and we add 'with Nigeria as one of its emerging economies'. A slow but steady growth of up to six percent should be expected in 2010. Watch out for our analysis on Nigeria in 2010 as this year comes to an end. For inquiries and help on Doing Business in Nigeria, email ibgnigeria@gmail.com or nosakwe@ibgnigeria.com

Indonesian Companies Arrive Lagos.

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Having heard of the acceptance of Indonesian products in Nigeria, based on the successful market entry of Indomie instant noodles and Nutri-C flavored drinks, (both market leaders in their sub-sectors), Indonesian companies are coming in droves. Sixteen Indonesian companies have arrived in Lagos to participate in the Lagos International Trade Fair, 2009 edition. We wish them good luck! In the picture, Biotama's Anthony talks to Fidelis Olise, Fitzel Consulting

N-I-G-E-R-I-A (Opportunities Awaiting Discovery)

This land is vast, with wealth far beyond measures, For who can count the value of the whole? Our teeming millions surely are our treasure! Let us with courage plan and set our goal. This nation's strength grows as we work together. One people blessed, forever, heart and soul! (Poem by Nigerwife, Mrs Doris Fafunwa , 82 years old American wife of Professor Babatunde Fafunwa, retired University don and former Nigerian Minister for Education). Exploit the business opportunities in N-I-G-E-R-I-A N -Natural Resources (Minerals such as Tantalite, Coal, Kaolin, Bitumen, Tar Sand, etc) I -Information and Communication Technology (Business Process Outsourcing, WIMAX, Rural Telephony, Internet, e-Government, Distance Learning, Computers, Software etc) G -Oil and Gas (Gas Masterplan, Marginal Fields, Local Content, Spare Parts etc) E -Energy (including Environment, Waste to Energy, Solar, Wind, Biogas, IPP etc) R -Resorts (Hospitality including Hotels, Golf Courses, Theme Parks, Meetings, Con

1st Safe City Conference holds in Israel

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'The local community probably doesn’t care about global problems or even national problems when they have local crime to contend with. Local surveys and statistics show that theft and burglary, prostitution, violent crime, street gangs...are the real issues communities care about'. Globus Gate Group & M.K. International Security Consulting in cooperation with "Safe City" Solutions Ltd., are honored to invite you to take part in the: “Israel Gateway” 2009 – the 7th Israel foreign trade Conference, Hosting, The 1st Israel "Safe City Solutions" Conference to be followed by the "Experience Israel" tour Venue: David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv, Israel Date: November 30-December 6, 2009. Infoplus/IBG Nigeria is an international business facilitation outfit and oversees the business operations of the International Business Group in Nigeria and the sub-region. We have been authorized by the organizers of the Israel Gateway 2009 to lead a delegatio

Delta state, Nigeria...unending business opportunities!

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Time magazine has selected 'Africa, business destination' as one of the 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now , a collection of ideas in response to the changing global economy. Would not you rather consider Delta state in Nigeria for Business? With its highly literate population, a proposed world class Information Technology/business park, a free trade zone, cargo airport and relative peace in the region, Delta state is worth your consideration if you are thinking of doing business in Nigeria. Yes, Delta means BUSINESS! . From the left are Senator Patrick Osakwe, Hon. Azuka Osakwe and wife, Pharm. Chinyere Osakwe at a reception in honour of the Honorable Commissioner,Delta State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Azuka Osakwe. To reach the 'big heart' as Delta is fondly called, email Ndudi Osakwe on ibgnigeria@gmail.com .

Good Thinking! Lagos streets lined with solar lights.

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Lighting up the streets of a mega city such as Lagos is a welcome development. The benefits are many: a. Perceived safety and security of residents and visitors. b. Reduces crime by improving visibility. c. Boosts surveillance efforts by the law enforcement agencies. d. Increases street usage especially by women and the elderly, extend commercial activities into the night and boost travel and tours e. Strengthens community cohesiveness, especially in residential estates, informal social control and signals community investment by the Government f. Improves aesthetics and night beautification of streets and in estates g. Increases outdoor sporting activities such as walk and strolling leading to general improved well-being of the people in the community/location Adopting solar lighting is good thinking! The use of solar street lights reduce the burden on grid transmissions. Nigeria, with a population of over 140 million people scattered over a land mass of about one million square kilo

Change of Baton at the Austrian Commercial Office, Lagos, Nigeria

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It was five years ago that Dr Albrecht Zimburg arrived Lagos, Nigeria as the Commercial Counsellor of the Austrian Embassy and charged with the Herculean responsibility of overseeing the commercial concerns of Austria in several parts of Africa, with Lagos, Nigeria as the outpost. If we go by the number of persons that turned up at the send forth party and the reactions received from the invitees, it would be safe to conclude that Dr Zimburg came, saw and conquered.It is incumbent to note that during his tenure in office as the Commercial Counsellor, Austria-Nigeria trade volume rose astronomically. He would be missed by many Nigerian business people such as Dr Olu Adeleye of Daid Group of Companies, Engineer Olu Okunriboyo and Najim Atallah of Arbitech Nigeria Limited amongst others that saw him as their mouthpiece to reach their prospective business partners in Austria. The business community present at the reception/send forth party was taken by the enthusiasm of the new Commercial

The Palms Shopping Mall...Nigeria's business success story.

By the time you finished reading this piece, your attitude to doing business in Nigeria would have changed except if you have the mindset of the Egyptian Pharaoh. We have culled this interview by Trade Invest with Prakash Pantham, a director in Persianas, owners of the Palms Mall to buttress our point that Nigeria remains an investment destination for investors with 'balls'. Are you? Then look no further! Read the excerpts below. For the detailed interview, visit http://www.tradeinvestnigeria.com/feature_articles/158330.htm Why do you think has The Palms shopping mall been so successful? First of all, the absence of any modern shopping malls in Nigeria has led to a great demand for such a development. Secondly, and most importantly, we have managed to maintain the international standards of operations and maintenance at The Palms consistently through the years, providing the retailers an opportunity to invest and grow their businesses over a longer period of time. We have been

It is Small World in Nigeria!

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Small World is an annual event usually held in February by the Expatriate and Foreign Residents Community in Nigeria to raise funds for charity organizations supported by the various nationalities. Hundreds of thousands of US Dollars are raised at the event from gate takings, corporate and embassies sponsorship. This is possible because they feel welcomed in Nigeria and have the urge to give back to the country many of them now call their home. Food, drinks and culture of the various nations are shared amongst the more than five thousand guests invited to grace the occasion. It is a high profile event looked forward to by all Expats and Foreign Residents in the country especially Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria. It is hoped that through this community from well over 80 countries worldwide, foreign direct investment and good will would flow into Nigeria. Moreover, overseas companies can take advantage of the reservoir of their very educated and highly skilled natives married to Nig

Creating an Urban Oasis from Stress in Lagos, Nigeria*

For many foreign businesses, entering the West African market equates to uncertainty. Plagued with corruption, weak political institutions, economic instability, and a whole host of other concerns that are singled out in the media, West Africa has it share of problems. Nonetheless, with problems, comes opportunities to expand the economic market , and the California-based Bluefield Associates Inc (the proud manufacturer of Clear Essence Skin Care), is using this opportunity to provide much needed holistic, wellness, and relaxation services to the residents of Lagos, Nigeria. According to Ms. Maisha Scott, the Vice President for Africa for Bluefield Associates, Inc- one of the partnering companies behind the spa project - Nigeria has the largest population of any African country and is growing; as soon as you walk the streets of Lagos, its commercial capital, you feel the effects of this trend. In addition to the residents, Lagos serves as home for many diplomats, expatriates, telecommu

HOW CORPORATE AMERICA REALLY VIEWS AFRICA.

The US Chamber of Commerce mission of the Africa Business Initiative is to engage the U.S. business community on policies that foster foreign direct investment in Africa, to facilitate trade between the United States and African countries, and to expose the U.S. business community to the continent’s vast economic opportunities. In partnership with Baird’s CMC, an inside-the-boardroom survey of attitudes toward corporate investment in Africa among leading U.S. corporations was conducted. An excerpt of the executive summary has been presented here for your information, while you may access www.uschamber.com/international/mideast for details. • U.S. executives point out that Africa is only one of many possible destinations that American corporations consider for investment. Investment is highly competitive, and many countries are vying to become the destination of choice for capital. That said, U.S. companies in some sectors, particularly technology, now regard Africa as the last front

Coming to Nigeria? Mind the Gap!

London residents and visitors to the city, using the Underground , are familiar with the phrase ‘Mind the Gap’, a warning to train passengers of the sometimes significant gap between the train door and the station platform We have informed you about the opportunities available in Nigeria for discerning investors and daring entrepreneurs to make money in the country. We have also given you several reasons why the time is now to consider giving franchise to Nigeria; one of the reasons being the pool of well educated and experienced repatriates (Nigerians in Diaspora) coming back home to roost. So many reasons abound why Nigeria remains a country awaiting discovery…abundant natural resources, huge market, gateway to ECOWAS, highly literate population, good for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) etc. It is however also important that we alert you of the increase in kidnapping activities in the country. Now Nigeria ranks number 6 in the World kidnapping list! According to a news report by T

Rapid Access Franchise Finance (RAFF)

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At times like this, all you need is RAFF.

CommunicAsia 2009 and the Nigerian ICT- related Mission to Singapore

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SINGAPORE...where else? 'Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) offers one of the best regulatory agencies in the World for countries wanting to play catch-up in embracing new convergence technologies' (Hamadoun Toure, Secretary General, International Telecom. Union) In collaboration with Orissa Associates, award winning Singapore based international business consulting outfit, Infoplus/IBG Nigeria is proposing an ICT related Mission to Singapore, June 13-21, 2009. This timely Mission has being put together by us to heighten the awareness and participation of the Nigerian community, both private and public on the utility of ICT as a socio economic development tool. To raise its head in the comity of nations in terms of ICT, countries have been advised to brace up and make use of the opportunities offered by ICTs for development and enhancing competitiveness. Experts have pointed out that ICT has become an essential instrument in the attainment of the UN's Millenn

DUBAI BUSINESS SUMMIT

Infoplus/IBG Nigeria and All Eyes on Africa (Maryland USA) invite you to Dubai Business Summit. Venue: JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai, UAE Date: June 15-20, 2009 Dubai would remain relevant in global business for many years to come. The aim of the Dubai Business Summit is to assist with market entry into Dubai. So, establish your presence there by getting a foothold. Participants are from the US, UAE and Nigeria/Africa. Take advantage of the networking opportunities the summit presents. The summit would investigate business opportunities in the sectors as below: • Property • Retail Trade • Oil & Gas • Tourism • Health Care • Logistics and other services There would be a pep talk on recession proof investments in Dubai. Sites visits, tours and desert safaris are part of the package. Register now as spaces are filling up quickly. Call Ndudi Osakwe on 080 2353 0007 or email him on ibgnigeria@gmail.com

CNN's documentary misses new face of Lagos

It was about time to leave house two mornings ago when I heard a reporter on the Cable Network News (CNN) mention 'Lagos'. I stopped to listen. It was a story on the worst places for expatriates to work in the world, and apparently, Lagos topped the list. The report was based on Business Week's findings and other places mentioned included Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and some city in India but we had pride of place as the very worst host of all the world's countries to expatriates. The reporter, whose name I can't recall at the moment, told the CNN desk anchor he was trying to reach an expatriate in Lagos who would talk about his experiences here. He didn't forget to throw in a jibe when he said the difficulty in reaching that expatriate confirmed his theory about the state of affairs in Lagos. According to the reporter, the issues in Lagos included severe crime, horrendous traffic and many other major problems. He finally got through to the Lagos expatriate and it tu

TIME TO CONSIDER GIVING OUT FRANCHISE TO NIGERIA

I felt agitated after reading the Moody’s report on the state of the US economy. The report states that there will be a lot more bankruptcies. Moody's places 283 companies on its bottom-rung list, up from 157 a year ago. Companies exposed to consumer spending have it toughest. The industries most represented on the list are media, automotive, retail and manufacturing. Companies in the most acute danger are those with reduced cash flow and a high debt load. A lot of big, well-known companies are in danger. On the list: Advanced Micro Devices; AirTran; AMR (parent of American Airlines); Chrysler; Duane Reade; Eastman-Kodak; Ford; General Motors; JetBlue; Krispy Kreme; Palm; R.H. Donnelly; Reader's Digest Association; Rite-Aid; UAL (parent of United Airlines); Unisys; and US Airways. Many of the other firms on the list are second- or third-tier suppliers to automakers, airlines, and other troubled firms. Being on the list doesn't mean a firm is destined for bankruptcy. But it

Export-Import Bank of the United States Affirms Continuing Financing Support for U.S. Exports to Nigeria

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) remains open to help finance U.S. exports to Nigeria, contrary to published reports in Africa. (In the recently released country limitation schedule effective February 26, 2009, Nigeria’s private and public sectors were qualified to receive all levels of support). "Ex-Im Bank remains positive about financing U.S. exports to Nigerian buyers," said J. Joseph Grandmaison, the member of the Bank's board of directors who focuses on promoting financing of U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa. "In fact, at this moment, we have a number of pending transactions in Nigeria and are looking forward to doing even more business there." In Fiscal Year 2008 Ex-Im Bank authorized approximately $197 million of loan guarantees and export credit insurance for export sales to Nigeria, with exposure in Nigeria totaling about $327 million. In June, 2008, Ex-Im Bank more than doubled the size of its Nigerian Ba

Nigeria, Ethiopia top African investment index

Nigeria and Ethiopia topped a new index of African potential investor destinations on Wednesday, with the survey organisers saying the continent offers good potential growth even against the global economic crisis. The world‘s poorest continent had seen an investment boom in recent years, but flows into the region are seen drying up as the global financial crisis and falling commodity prices take the shine off what were seen as promising frontier markets. Business consultancy, African Rainbow‘s Star of Africa index ranks 53 African countries in terms of their investment potential in various fields, with its creators arguing that potential growth in energy, water and communications consumption could amply reward investors taking the risk, Reuters reported on Wednesday. ”It is for investors to make sure they don‘t miss a trick by overlooking a country they would otherwise have missed,” Chief Executive of African, Rainbow, Katharine Pulvermacher, said. ”Africa is going to overtake the Mid

Nigeria Trade Fairs 2009

FEBRUARY Name: Specialized Education Fair (SEF) Date: 16th – 22nd February 2009 Venue: Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Organizer: Aulic Nigeria Limited Nature: Specialized Name: Office Exhibition (OE) Date: 16th – 20th February 2009 Venue: Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Organizer: Aulic Nigeria Limited Nature: Specialised Name: International Job Fair (IJF) Date: 16th - 20th February 2009 Venue: Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Organizer: Aulic Nigeria Limited Nature: Specialized Name: Spirituality Expo (SE) Date: 16th - 20th February 2009 Venue: Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Organizer: Aulic Nigeria Limited Nature: Specialized Name: Delta Domestic Trade Fair Date: 19th February-2nd March 2009 Venue: Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Warri Organiser: Delta State Chambers of Commerce and Industry Nature: General MARCH Name: 30th Kaduna International Trade Fair Date: 6th-15th march, 2009. Venue: Kaduna International Trade & Investment Centre, Kaduna Organiser

Lagos State, Nigeria Marches Forward

We do not need official statistics to recognize the strides that Lagos state is taking to change the face of Greater Lagos Area. Other states could be doing greater things but Lagos remains the cynosure of our eyes, perhaps being the commercial hub of Nigeria or because of its enormous population that has bestowed on it a mega city status. Being a mega city in itself is troubling as it suggests that infrastructure has to be enough for the teeming population that call Lagos their home. Further, it has to be attractive enough to retain its commercial hub status and to attract new ones. It is therefore newsworthy to read of several projects embarked upon by the state government to meet with the infrastructure needs of the people in the 21st century. Realizing the weight of the tasks ahead, the state has equally called on the private sector and foreign investors to consider Lagos state for their business, providing opportunities for franchising, concessions and adoption of projects such a

NIGERIA IN 2009

That Nigeria’s economy would be in a dire strait in 2009 is no longer news; not with the fall in the price of petrol in the international market and the much talked about and already pinching global economic meltdown. Capital flights by foreign investors to bail out parent companies in their ailing economies have not helped matters. According to Dr. Mailafia, former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the global recession will have seven major effects on the Nigerian economy. First, as an immediate consequence, it is likely to aggravate the ongoing stock market crisis. Recently, it was reported that foreign portfolio investors have withdrawn some US$15 billion from our capital markets. Such massive withdrawals compound the crisis of confidence which will further complicate the capital market recovery process. Secondly, dwindling petroleum prices mean a severe reduction in foreign exchange earnings, which, in our case, derive overwhelmingly from the petroleum sector. Some ex