News
Nigeria adopts 3-word addresses.
Nigeria’s postal operator, NIPOST, has announced the adoption of the innovative global addressing system -what3words.
According to reports, Nigeria is the seventh country in the world to adopt what3words and the third in Africa. The system is already used for mail distribution in Mongolia, Saint Martin, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Tonga and Solomon Islands. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with about 184 million inhabitants, it is the most populous country on the continent and the seventh in the world.
Nigeria’s poor addressing system means that only 20% of its inhabitants receive mail at home. 79% of households and businesses can not receive deliveries on their doorstep and the remaining 1% receive their mail using one of the 478 000 mailboxes across the country. A postal code system exists, but only 5% of the mail uses it correctly, hindering the efforts of NIPOST to improve its quality of service.
An addressing solution
Determined to improve this situation, NIPOST has set an ambitious target of increasing home delivery to 70% over the next 2 years and 90% by 2020 through the Mail for Every House (MEHI – “home delivery for every household”) and the adoption of what3words. This innovative global addressing system has divided the world into 57 000 billion square meters of 3 mx 3 m, each with a unique address of 3 words. This means that every home and business in Nigeria has a simple and accurate address, easy to remember and use.
“Nigeria’s poor addressing system means that only 20% of its inhabitants receive home mail”
Available in 14 languages, with many others under development, what3words is used in more than 170 countries by governments, postal services, logistics companies, emergency services and NGOs, as well as individuals. These addresses are more accurate than traditional postal addresses, simpler than landmarks and easier to communicate and remember than GPS coordinates. The system has built-in error detection and is available through a free mobile application and API integration. The system also works offline without data connection.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with what3words and to have chosen their addressing solution that offers tremendous opportunities,” said Dr. Bisi Adegbuyi, Postmaster General of Nigeria. “Better addressing is essential in NIPOST’s strategy to transform, innovate and deliver more services to the broader population across the country.”
E-commerce potential
Young people represent 62% of the Nigerian population, which is reflected in the significant increase in cross-border electronic commerce in the country; 53612 parcels and packages have been processed in 2016 (about 200 per day), a 70% increase since 2014. At the national level, the e-commerce market currently represents $ 12 billion, but there is still considerable potential for growth. With improved infrastructure, innovation around payment systems and a reliable addressing system, Nigerian e-commerce could be developed on a very large scale.
“With a growing e-commerce ecosystem, Nigeria is a very interesting country to work with,” said Chris Sheldrick, CEO and co-founder of what3words. “Postal services play an essential role in building a strong economy. NIPOST is resolutely forward-looking and is taking steps to modernize and strengthen its capabilities and its range of services. “
News
Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
News
Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
News
Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
-
Politics5 days ago
Oyo Rep. Member, Akinmoyede Appoints Three More Aides
-
Crime & Court1 week ago
EFCC Chair Raises Alarm on Rampant Fraud in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
-
Health6 days ago
Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
-
Politics4 days ago
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls