Abba Abubakar Aliyu

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), would be leading conversations on Nigeria’s renewable energy strategy which is a component of broader energy transition strategy of the federal government

The 2026 Oriental News national conference with the theme, “Carbon Capture: Accelerating Decarbonization Initiatives In Nigeria’s Extractive Industry Through Broad Regulatory Reforms” is bringing together top energy companies and experts as well as key government agencies to exchange innovative ideas on how to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector and engage in knowledge sharing along individual industry perspectives.

The conference scheduled to hold on the 23, of July 2026, at Radisson Blu, Ikeja Lagos, also has a Sub Theme: Addressing Finance Challenges, Investment Strategies, Operational Sustainability and Climate Change Management.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, would engage critical stakeholders,including energy expert, industry leaders and financial institutions on the agency’s efforts in minimizing carbon emissions through expanded renewable energy development.

Nigeria drives its renewable energy transition through the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.

The country prioritizes decentralised solar power, green manufacturing, and massive multilateral investments to combat grid fragility and end its heavy reliance on petrol and diesel generators.

Launched to achieve net-zero, the ETP leverages a \(\$410\) billion investment strategy focused on expanding grid capacity, promoting clean cooking, and modernizing the power sector.

The Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) is a major \(\$750\) million World Bank-backed facility aimed at providing electricity to over 17.5 million unserved Nigerians via solar home systems and mini-grids.

The REA, is rapidly deploying community-based solar mini-grids to bypass fragile national transmission lines and directly empower rural businesses and healthcare centers, and this would be the focus of Aliyu’s key presentations at the conference.

Nigeria is prioritizing local manufacturing of solar panels, inverters, and standalone renewable systems to create jobs and build domestic supply chains.

The government offers policy incentives—such as tax holidays for independent power producers and specialized feed-in tariffs—to attract private capital into the renewable sector.

The global oil and gas industry operators are working assiduously to reduce emissions and Nigeria is also facing similar pressures to bring down the scale of emissions across all critical sectors of the economy.

Every year Oriental News Nigeria, a leading news Online platform provides opportunity for discussions among critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy, finance and industrial sector of the economy to discuss regulatory issues, investment opportunities with the aim to support both private and public led initiatives to improve economic growth and development.

Now in its 5th year, the 2026 conference is seeking to promote environmental sustainability by addressing actions and challenges facing operators in the extractive industry, particularly in the country’s oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing sectors.

The conference would convene operators in the oil and gas industry to exchange ideas and decarbonisation solutions that align with operational needs.

The summit will focus on the industry challenges of harmonising environmental commitments with business performance.

Growing demands for sustainability have long underscored the need for the oil and gas sector to reduce its environmental impact. Now, with the emergence of innovative solutions, the industry is entering a transformative phase — reimagining the future of energy.

One of the key highlights of the summit is the presentation of case-studies from major industry players who have either achieved significant progress in their decarbonisation goals or are well on the path to success.

It brings all sides of the business together: vendors, oil and gas producers and suppliers. It gives an opportunity to hear different points of view on the same issue and find what suits the company best and it will offer unique opportunity to stay ahead of decarbonisation trends, connect with industry leaders and turn sustainability goals into operational strategies.

The topic seeks to interrogate regulatory frameworks, decarbonisation pathways initiated by operators, and financing gaps that has led to slow progress towards promoting meeting the country’s zero emissions targets.

The conference aims to foster dialogue on energy transition with the opening ceremony to be hosted with key presentations by the guest speaker and keynote speaker who will address the theme of the conference.

There will be panel discussions by stakeholders from broad spectrum of petroleum industry, manufacturing, financial sector, regulatory agencies among others.

This aspect of the discussion will include thematic dialogues, policy exchanges, and joint segments, potentially incorporating hybrid or digital elements for broader access and sustainability.

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Thousands of Nigerians have commended LOTUS Bank for successfully hosting the 2026 edition of its flagship Souq Programme, which concluded on Sunday with many participants benefiting from highly subsidized ram sales and several exciting raffle draw rewards.

The two-day lifestyle and commerce event brought together customers, vendors, business owners, and families in a vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, entertainment, networking, and community engagement ahead of the festive celebrations.

One of the major highlights of the programme was the highly anticipated Flash Ram Sales, where several lucky attendees purchased rams at heavily discounted prices, with some sold for as low as ₦20,000.

One of the beneficiaries, Muhammad Salaudeen, praised LOTUS Bank for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, especially considering the rising cost of livestock and prevailing economic realities.

“This initiative by LOTUS Bank is truly commendable. Buying a ram for ₦20,000 in today’s economy is something many people would not imagine possible,” he stated.

Another beneficiary, Daud Abdulhameed, also commended the non-interest financial institution for supporting families and creating opportunities for people during the festive season.

“At a time when many people cannot afford the rising prices of rams and other essential items, this gesture by LOTUS Bank shows genuine care and support for the community,” he said.

The Souq Programme also featured a bustling marketplace with vendors showcasing fashion items, food, fragrances, accessories, household products, and festive essentials, alongside a Kiddies Arena, Games Centre, and an exclusive VIP/HNI Lounge for premium guests.

In addition, the Bank showcased its Hajj and Umrah Savings Product, designed to help customers conveniently plan and save towards future pilgrimage exercises.

Speaking during the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LOTUS Bank, Dr. Isiaka Ajani-Lawal, stated that the Souq Programme reflects the Bank’s commitment to supporting communities, businesses, and customers beyond traditional banking.

“The Souq Programme is more than an event; it is a platform that creates opportunities, supports businesses, and delivers meaningful value to families and communities,” he said.

Also speaking during the opening session, the Chairman of LOTUS Bank, Alhaja Hajara Adeola, expressed delight at the impressive turnout and engagement recorded throughout the programme.

“This initiative reflects the values LOTUS Bank stands for — inclusion, ethical enterprise, community support, and shared prosperity,” she stated.

Industry stakeholders noted that the successful hosting of the 2026 Souq Programme further reinforces LOTUS Bank’s position as a customer-focused and culturally connected non-interest financial institution committed to ethical banking, innovation, and sustainable value creation.

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What was once a domain dominated by minimalism and single-image clarity is now being reshaped by multi-layered visual compositions. These banners, filled with multiple images, attempt to compress entire narratives into a single frame—blending emotion, product identity, and storytelling context in one glance.

Yet, as this trend gains momentum, it has also sparked intellectual debate among professionals in economics, finance, and communication strategy.

During a recent interaction with The Ameh News, The Ameh News posed a critical question around whether crowded visual banners represent strategic innovation or visual overload in modern IMC systems.

Responding to the inquiry, economist Celestine Ukpong observed that the shift reflects broader behavioral changes in information consumption rather than a mere design preference.

According to Ukpong, today’s digital audiences are operating in “compressed attention cycles,” where information is processed rapidly and often non-linearly. In his reflection, he noted that crowded visual banners are an economic response to scarcity—specifically, the scarcity of attention. By packing multiple visual cues into a single frame, marketers are effectively attempting to maximize informational yield per second of viewer engagement.

However, he also cautioned that efficiency does not always guarantee effectiveness. “When too many signals compete at once, the cost of interpretation rises,” he implied, suggesting that poorly structured visuals may reduce cognitive clarity and weaken message retention.

From a financial and compliance perspective, chartered accountant Peter Adebayo offered a different but complementary viewpoint. He linked the trend to accountability in marketing expenditure and return on investment (ROI) optimization within corporate communication budgets.

Adebayo noted that organizations are increasingly under pressure to justify marketing spend with measurable engagement outcomes. In this context, crowded visual banners become a strategic attempt to consolidate messaging—reducing the need for multiple campaigns while increasing exposure within a single asset.

However, he emphasized discipline in execution. “The problem is not the use of multiple images,” he suggested, “but the absence of hierarchy and structure in how they are deployed.” Without clear visual prioritization, he warned, brands risk communicating noise instead of narrative.

From a broader industry perspective, integrated marketing communications specialists argue that this evolution represents a convergence of storytelling formats. Rather than separating brand messaging across print, digital, and social platforms, crowded visual banners allow for synchronized storytelling within one visual environment.

Still, the tension remains unresolved.

Design experts continue to debate whether this approach enhances or undermines clarity. Advocates see it as a necessary adaptation to fragmented attention economies. Critics see it as a shortcut that risks eroding visual discipline.

What is clear, however, is that the modern banner is no longer a passive design element. It has become a contested space where psychology, economics, and communication strategy intersect.

As brands continue to navigate this terrain, the success of crowded visual banners will depend less on how much they show—and more on how intelligently they organize what is shown.

In that balance between density and clarity lies the next phase of integrated marketing communications evolution.

Economist Celestine Ukpong and FCA expert Peter Adebayo weigh in on the growing use of crowded visual banners in integrated marketing communications, highlighting benefits, risks, and evolving audience behavior in digital storytelling.

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The recent report in The Guardian Nigeria on alleged vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s airports, and more pointedly the remarks attributed to aviation commentator John Ojikutu, raise a concern that goes beyond aviation security itself. It raises the question of responsibility in public discourse, especially when national security is involved.

Let me be clear from the outset: security concerns must always be taken seriously. Intelligence alerts such as those referenced by the Nigeria Customs Service regarding possible threats from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province are not matters to trivialise. They demand vigilance, coordination, and professionalism from all relevant authorities. However, what they do not require, and what they certainly do not benefit from, is sensational amplification based on outdated assumptions and incomplete knowledge. This is where Mr Ojikutu’s commentary becomes deeply problematic.

For some time now, he has consistently described Nigerian airports as “porous,” often with sweeping generalisations that do not reflect current operational realities. In the present instance, he again leans heavily on a 2004 audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation to justify conclusions about today’s security posture. That position is not only outdated; it is misleading.

Aviation security is one of the most dynamic fields in global operations. Over the past two decades, significant changes have occurred worldwide, driven by evolving threats, technological advancements, and continuous ICAO audit cycles. Nigeria has not been an exception. To anchor present-day conclusions on assessments conducted over twenty years ago is to ignore the very nature of how aviation security evolves.

More concerning is Mr Ojikutu’s tendency to reduce a complex, layered security architecture to simplistic narratives. His repeated emphasis on perimeter fencing, particularly the distinction between “perimeter fence” and “security fence”, creates the impression that aviation security can be judged on a single visible parameter. It cannot.

Henry Agbebire, Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN noted that the security at modern airports is built on multiple interdependent layers, spanning intelligence sharing, access control, passenger and baggage screening, surveillance systems, and inter-agency coordination. Much of this operates beyond public visibility for a reason. To isolate one component and declare systemic failure is not expert analysis; it is an oversimplification that risks misinforming the public.

It is also important to address the issue of currency of knowledge. Mr Ojikutu is not presently embedded within the operational frameworks of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria or any aviation security agency. He is not part of the ongoing coordination mechanisms, nor is he privy to the intelligence-driven measures currently in place. Yet, his assertions are often delivered with a level of certainty that suggests otherwise.

In a field as sensitive as aviation security, this gap between perception and access matters. Governments across the world do not, and should not, publicly disclose the full extent of their security arrangements. The same applies in Nigeria. The absence of publicly available details is not evidence of inaction; it is a fundamental principle of security management. To interpret it otherwise, as Mr Ojikutu frequently does, is to misunderstand the discipline entirely.

Beyond the issue of accuracy lies an even more critical concern: the unintended consequences of alarmist commentary. When influential voices repeatedly describe national infrastructure as vulnerable, they do more than critique; they shape perception. Such narratives can undermine public confidence, affect airline and investor sentiment, invite unnecessary international scrutiny, and, most critically, provide hostile actors with a reinforced perception of opportunity. This is why words matter. In security discourse, they matter profoundly.

None of this is to suggest that experts should remain silent. On the contrary, informed and constructive critique is essential to strengthening institutions. But expertise must be demonstrated not just in what is said, but in how, when, and on what basis it is said. Mr Ojikutu, given his experience, should know this better than most.

What is required at this moment is not alarm, but alignment. Not speculation, but engagement. If there are genuine concerns, the appropriate course is to seek updated information, interface with relevant authorities, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing improvements; not to rely on residual knowledge and present it as current reality.

Nigeria’s aviation sector, under the guidance of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and in coordination with agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, continues to evolve in line with global best practices. These efforts are deliberate, continuous, and, where necessary, discreet. Security is not a spectacle; it is a system. And that system is strengthened not by recurring declarations of vulnerability, but by informed collaboration, responsible communication, and a shared commitment to national interest.

At a time when vigilance is paramount, we must ensure that our voices, especially those regarded as experts, do not become inadvertent instruments of the high risks we seek to prevent.

Henry Agbebire, Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN, writes from Lagos.

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The far-reaching growth blueprint, tagged “Vision 2030: Supercharging Dangote Group for Long-Term Success,” was presented to the leadership of the African Export-Import Bank on March 31, 2026. The plan lays out a structured, two-phase execution strategy spanning 2025–2028 and 2028–2030, combining deep capacity expansion in core industries with bold diversification into infrastructure and digital assets.

Refinery Expansion to Anchor Growth

At the centre of the strategy is a major upgrade of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, widely regarded as Africa’s largest single-train refinery. The Group plans to nearly double its refining capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day—an expansion that could significantly alter global fuel supply dynamics and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

Industry analysts note that such a scale-up would not only consolidate Nigeria’s position as a regional refining hub but also strengthen foreign exchange earnings through refined product exports.

Fertiliser, Food Security and Agro-Industrial Push

Complementing its energy ambitions is an aggressive expansion in fertiliser production. Dangote Group is targeting an increase from current levels to 12 million tonnes annually—four times its existing capacity. If achieved, this would position the company as the world’s largest producer of urea fertiliser, with far-reaching implications for agricultural productivity and food security across Africa.

This strategy aligns with broader continental efforts to boost local food production and reduce reliance on imports, particularly amid global supply chain disruptions.

The Group’s investments will also extend to cement manufacturing, rice production, and broader food processing, reinforcing its dominance in essential consumer and industrial goods.

Strategic Bet on Infrastructure and Digital Economy

In a notable shift, Dangote’s Vision 2030 places significant emphasis on infrastructure and digital transformation. Planned investments in ports, pipelines, gas distribution networks, mining, and power generation are expected to address longstanding bottlenecks in Africa’s industrial value chain.

Equally significant is the Group’s entry into data centres—an emerging sector critical to Africa’s digital economy. With rising internet penetration, cloud computing demand, and fintech growth, analysts say this move positions Dangote to tap into one of the fastest-growing segments of the global economy.

Pan-African Expansion Gains Momentum

Dangote’s continental expansion strategy is already gaining traction. In late 2025, the Group commissioned a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Ethiopia’s Somali Region in partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings. The facility is expected to produce approximately three million tonnes of fertiliser annually, strengthening regional supply chains and supporting East Africa’s agricultural sector.

Afreximbank Backing Signals Confidence

Speaking during the presentation, Dangote highlighted the critical role played by Afreximbank in supporting the Group’s long-term ambitions. He recalled the bank’s early backing of the refinery project, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in Africa-led industrialisation.

“Our vision has always been to build for Africa, by Africans. With partners like Afreximbank, we are creating capacity that reduces dependence on imports and keeps value within the continent,” he said.

In his remarks, George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Afreximbank, emphasised the importance of scaling industrial capacity across Africa. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, underscoring the urgency for Africa to build self-reliant production systems.

$2.5bn Financing Deal Signed

The strategic engagement culminated in the signing of a $2.5 billion financing facility underwritten by Afreximbank. The facility forms part of a broader $4 billion senior syndicated term loan to support the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals project.

Financial analysts view the deal as a strong vote of confidence in Dangote’s long-term vision and execution capacity, particularly given the capital-intensive nature of refinery and infrastructure projects.

Economic Impact and Outlook

Economists say Dangote’s $40 billion investment plan could serve as a catalyst for industrial growth, job creation, and foreign direct investment inflows across Africa. By integrating energy, logistics, agriculture, and digital infrastructure, the Group is building a vertically integrated ecosystem capable of driving sustainable economic transformation.

However, experts also caution that execution risks, regulatory frameworks, and macroeconomic stability will play critical roles in determining the success of the Vision 2030 agenda.

Still, the scale and ambition of the plan mark a defining moment for Africa’s private sector. If realised, Dangote Group’s expansion could accelerate the continent’s shift from resource dependency to value-added industrialisation—placing Africa on a firmer path toward economic self-sufficiency.

Dangote Group unveils a $40bn investment plan targeting $100bn revenue by 2030, with major expansions in refinery capacity, fertiliser production, infrastructure, and data centres across Africa.

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Nigeria’s aviation sector received a strong vote of confidence on Wednesday as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) reaffirmed its commitment to building a safe, transparent, and investor-ready airspace system capable of supporting aircraft financing and leasing growth.
Speaking at the Nigeria Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) 2026, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NAMA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar, declared that institutional strength, regulatory certainty, and operational efficiency are now central to Nigeria’s aviation transformation agenda.
The speech, delivered on his behalf by Rita Aigbadon, Director of Legal at NAMA, at the Federal Palace Hotel, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at restoring investor confidence and unlocking capital into the aviation ecosystem.
Addressing a high-level audience that included government officials, global financiers, aircraft lessors, and aviation stakeholders, Umar stressed that the future of aviation in Nigeria depends on a clear alignment between capital, confidence, and credible institutions.
“No aviation system grows without capital. No capital comes without confidence. And no confidence exists without strong institutions,” he stated.
Airspace Stability as Investment Backbone
Umar positioned NAMA as a critical enabler of aviation investment, noting that the success of aircraft acquisition and leasing arrangements hinges on a safe, efficient, and predictable air navigation system.
He explained that beyond air traffic management, NAMA provides the operational certainty required for airlines to plan effectively and for investors to commit funds with reduced risk exposure.
“Safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it is an economic enabler,” he emphasised, noting that investor decisions are increasingly tied to system reliability.
Legal Certainty and Institutional Reforms
A major highlight of the address was the emphasis on strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks—an area reinforced by Aigbadon’s role as chief legal officer of the agency.
Umar disclosed that Nigeria is aligning its aviation systems with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), while also improving regulatory clarity, enforcement mechanisms, and institutional coordination.
He acknowledged that past inconsistencies created uncertainty for investors but assured stakeholders that deliberate reforms are now addressing those gaps.
“Predictability, enforceability, and data integrity are no longer aspirational. They are becoming operational realities within the Nigerian aviation system,” he said.
Infrastructure Modernisation Gains Momentum
The NAMA boss further revealed that the agency is undertaking significant upgrades across Nigeria’s airspace infrastructure, including enhanced surveillance systems, modern communication architecture, and expanded navigation capabilities.
He noted that digital transformation is also underway, with the integration of real-time monitoring systems, automation, and data-driven decision-making processes.
According to him, these investments signal that Nigeria is evolving into a dynamic aviation market capable of supporting long-term capital inflows.
Human Capital Development at the Core
Umar underscored the importance of skilled manpower in sustaining aviation safety, noting that NAMA continues to invest heavily in the training and certification of air traffic controllers, engineers, and technical personnel.
He assured investors that the agency is building a workforce defined by competence, discipline, and accountability—key pillars required to manage high-value aviation assets.
Cross-Sector Collaboration to Reduce Risk
Recognising aviation’s growing link with other industries, particularly oil and gas logistics, Umar disclosed that NAMA is strengthening coordination with critical institutions such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
He explained that improved inter-agency collaboration is essential to eliminating regulatory fragmentation and reducing systemic risks that could discourage investment.Nigeria’s Untapped Aviation Potential
In a direct pitch to investors, Umar described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most promising untapped aviation markets, driven by rising passenger traffic and expanding regional connectivity.
However, he cautioned that opportunity must be matched with strong institutional assurance.
He assured stakeholders that NAMA and its partners are committed to enforcing compliance, strengthening oversight, and reviewing arrangements that do not align with national interest or operational efficiency.
From Dialogue to Action
Umar called on participants to move beyond discussions and develop structured, bankable partnerships that will translate into tangible outcomes, including aircraft acquisitions and expanded airline operations.
“As regulators and service providers, we are ready to facilitate, but we will insist on standards. Growth without structure creates instability,” he warned.
Building a Sustainable Aviation Future
In his closing remarks, Umar challenged stakeholders to consider the sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation system in supporting long-term investments.
He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and institutional strengthening will ensure consistent reliability.
The NAAIS 2026 summit is widely seen as a strategic platform to reposition Nigeria as a leading aviation investment destination in Africa, with NAMA playing a central role in shaping that trajectory.
NAMA assures global investors of stronger legal frameworks, improved airspace infrastructure, and enhanced safety systems to drive aircraft financing and aviation growth in Nigeria at NAAIS 2026.
Nigeria’s NAMA highlights reforms, legal certainty, and airspace modernisation at NAAIS 2026, positioning the country as a key aviation investment hub in Africa.

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In an era where corporate reputation can shift overnight and public perception shapes market outcomes, the role of Communication Managers is being redefined—and, according to industry experts, urgently needs repositioning at the highest levels of decision-making.
Despite the growing importance of strategic communication, many organizations still treat departments such as Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Brand and Communications, and Marketing Communications as support units—extensions of the Managing Director’s office rather than drivers of business strategy.
This structural gap, experts warn, leaves organizations vulnerable in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Dr. Ejike Nduilo, Founder of HenryJValeens PR Agency, has called for a decisive shift, urging organizations to elevate Communication Managers from operational roles to strategic partners with a permanent seat in the boardroom.
In a statement, Nduilo criticized the traditional perception of Communications as reactive, describing the function as often treated like a “high-end fire extinguisher—kept close to the Managing Director’s office and only deployed during crises or when a message needs polishing.”
According to him, this approach has not only limited the effectiveness of Communication Managers but also fueled the misconception that the function is merely a cost center with little or no direct impact on business performance.
“Communication is still widely seen as an afterthought,” Nduilo said. “Decisions are made first, and then the Communication Manager is asked to package or defend them. That model is no longer sustainable in today’s business environment.”
The Risk of Strategic Blind Spots
Nduilo warned that excluding Communication Managers from decision-making processes is akin to operating without visibility in turbulent conditions.
Organizations that fail to integrate communications into their governance structures, he said, are effectively “flying blind”—unable to anticipate reputational risks, stakeholder reactions, or the broader implications of their actions.
With the speed of information dissemination and the influence of digital platforms, a single misstep can escalate into a full-blown crisis within hours, affecting brand value, investor confidence, and customer loyalty.
Communications as a Strategic Asset
At the core of Nduilo’s argument is the recognition that reputation has become one of the most valuable assets in modern business.
Brand equity, stakeholder trust, and public perception—once considered intangible—now directly influence financial performance and long-term sustainability.
By participating in boardroom deliberations, Communication Managers can provide real-time insights into reputational risks and stakeholder expectations, helping organizations make decisions that are not only profitable but also credible and defensible.
“They should not just communicate decisions,” Nduilo emphasized. “They should help shape them.”
Bridging the Gap Between Leadership and Reality
Another critical role of Communication Managers, according to the HenryJValeens PR Agency founder, is bridging the disconnect that often exists between executive leadership and external realities.
Boardrooms, he noted, can become echo chambers, insulated from the perspectives of customers, employees, regulators, and the media.
Communication professionals, by the nature of their work, are uniquely positioned to provide this “outside-in” perspective—ensuring that strategic decisions reflect real-world expectations and sentiments.
They also play a vital role internally, aligning employees with corporate direction and ensuring that organizational changes are clearly understood and effectively implemented.
Redefining Value Creation
Nduilo further challenged the long-standing classification of Communications as a cost center, arguing that the label stems from its limited, reactive use in many organizations.

From shaping executive thought leadership to building long-term trust with the public, Communication Managers contribute significantly to business growth and resilience.
Navigating the “Polycrisis” Era
The call for greater inclusion of Communication Managers also comes at a time when businesses face overlapping global challenges—from economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions to social and environmental pressures.
Nduilo described this as a “polycrisis” environment, where decisions carry far-reaching consequences beyond immediate financial outcomes.
“In this environment, organizations need more than operational efficiency—they need strategic foresight,” he said. “Communication Managers bring the ethical, social, and reputational lens required to navigate these complexities.”
Rather than focusing solely on feasibility, they ask deeper questions about perception, accountability, and long-term impact.
A Call to Action
For Nduilo, the solution is clear: Communication Managers must be integrated into the highest levels of corporate governance.
This shift, he argued, will enable organizations to move from reactive communication to proactive strategy—where narratives are shaped at inception, not repaired after the fact.
“The boardroom is where the story begins,” he concluded. “If Communication Managers are absent at that stage, organizations risk losing control of their narrative when it matters most.”
As businesses navigate an increasingly transparent and fast-paced world, the message from HenryJValeens PR Agency is unmistakable—communication is no longer just about messaging; it is about leadership, strategy, and survival.
HenryJValeens PR Founder Dr. Ejike Nduilo calls for Communication Managers to be elevated to boardroom level, warning that sidelining them exposes organizations to reputational and strategic risks.
He urges firms to move Communication Managers into boardrooms to shape strategy, manage risks, and protect corporate reputation.

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In a rapidly evolving global economy where disruptions have become the norm rather than the exception, Nigerian journalists covering commerce and industry have been urged to deepen their understanding of supply chains, logistics, and trade dynamics to improve the quality of economic reporting.
The call was made during a high-level webinar titled “Beyond the Headlines,” organised by Multimix Academy for members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN). The training forms part of the academy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at strengthening industry-focused journalism in Nigeria.
Delivering the theme paper, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Multimix Academy, Dr. Madu Obiora, emphasised that modern journalism must evolve beyond surface-level reporting to embrace the complexity of supply chains that underpin economic activities.
According to him, the training was specifically designed to equip commerce and industry correspondents with the technical knowledge, vocabulary, and analytical frameworks required to report accurately on logistics, supply chains, and trade flows across Nigeria and the African continent.
“Every major economic story today has a supply chain behind it,” Obiora noted, stressing that journalists who understand this reality are better positioned to explain developments rather than merely report them.
Understanding the Core: Logistics vs Supply Chain
A key takeaway from the session was the need to clearly distinguish between logistics and supply chain management—two concepts often used interchangeably but fundamentally different in scope.
Logistics, participants were told, focuses on the movement of goods from one point to another. Supply chain management, on the other hand, is a broader ecosystem that connects suppliers, manufacturers, ports, customs processes, financial systems, digital platforms, and the final consumer.
This distinction is critical for journalists seeking to provide clarity in their reporting. Without it, stories risk oversimplification, missing the deeper interconnections that shape economic outcomes.
Every Economic Story Is a Supply Chain Story
From inflation and exchange rate volatility to import restrictions, export growth, and commodity shortages, the webinar underscored that no economic issue exists in isolation. Each is the result of complex flows of goods, capital, and information across interconnected systems.
For instance, delays at ports, rising transportation costs, or disruptions in production hubs can cascade through the economy, leading to higher prices and reduced availability of goods. Understanding these linkages enables journalists to move beyond headlines and uncover root causes.
Africa’s Growth Hinges on Supply Chain Efficiency
The session also highlighted the central role of supply chains in Africa’s economic transformation. With initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area driving regional integration, efficient logistics systems are no longer optional—they are foundational.
Trade corridors, agricultural value chains, energy distribution networks, and manufacturing ecosystems all depend on how effectively goods move across borders and within countries. Journalists who understand these dynamics can better interpret policy decisions and their real-world implications.
Technology Is Reshaping the Narrative
Participants were also exposed to the growing influence of technology in supply chain management. Tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital freight platforms are increasingly driving efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in global trade.
However, the complexity of these technologies often creates a gap between industry developments and public understanding. Journalists, therefore, have a crucial role to play in translating these innovations into accessible and relatable stories.
Compliance and Regulation: The Hidden Drivers
Another critical area discussed was trade compliance. Global supply chains operate within strict regulatory frameworks that include sanctions, export controls, rules of origin, and port procedures.
These factors often determine whether goods move seamlessly or face costly delays. For journalists, understanding compliance provides deeper insight into trade disruptions and enhances the accuracy of reporting on international and domestic commerce.
Crisis Reporting Through a Supply Chain Lens
The webinar further emphasized that crisis reporting is increasingly synonymous with supply chain reporting. Events such as pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, labour strikes, and climate-related disasters disrupt supply chains before their effects are felt by consumers.
Shortages, price spikes, and economic instability are often the visible outcomes of earlier breakdowns within the chain. Journalists equipped with supply chain knowledge are better able to trace these disruptions and provide comprehensive coverage.
Data Journalism Meets Trade Intelligence
In an era of data-driven storytelling, supply chain insight offers a powerful complement to trade statistics. Import and export figures, cargo volumes, and shipping data are only meaningful when placed within context.
Behind every dataset lies a narrative—why imports are declining, why exports are increasing, or why certain trade routes are underperforming. By combining data analysis with supply chain expertise, journalists can produce more impactful and explanatory reports.
The message from the webinar was clear: the future of commerce and industry journalism lies in understanding systems, not just events.
Journalists who master logistics and supply chain management do more than report the news—they interpret trends, connect complex variables, and elevate public discourse. In doing so, they play a vital role in shaping informed conversations around policy, trade, and economic development.
For Nigeria and the broader African continent, where logistics efficiency directly influences competitiveness, this level of reporting is not just valuable—it is essential.
As economic landscapes become more complex, the ability to go beyond the headlines and explain the forces driving them will define the next generation of impactful journalism.
Nigerian journalists are urged to deepen knowledge of supply chains, logistics, and trade dynamics to improve economic reporting, following a Multimix Academy webinar.

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