by SNGZ | Nov 4, 2014 | Events, News
On the occasion of the First Year Anniversary Lecture of the Slovenian-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce with the theme: Prospects, opportunities and challenges of doing business in Nigeria, which was held at the Chamber of commerce and industry in Slovenia on 21st of October, 2014 witnessed about 25 Slovenian companies, Institutions and other interest groups.
At the beginning of the plenary section Mr. Aleš Cantarutti, director of the International relations department of the Chamber of commerce and industry of Slovenia, host institution in the event welcomed the participants. In his opening remarks, Mr. Cantarutti, said the cooperation between the CCIS and SNCC is vital and important in increasing the knowledge about opportunities in doing business in Nigeria and Vice versa as well as promoting economic relations by cooperating with City Chambers and other institutions in Nigeria. He said CCIS and SNCC will work together to take a delegation of Slovenian companies to Nigeria in the near future. He further indicated that the cooperation between Slovenia and Nigeria in terms of exports to Nigeria has increased by 20% at a face value of 6 million euros in 7 months. In conclusion, he expressed the problem Slovenian business community has in engaging their Nigerian partners, especially in the area of entry visa to Slovenia. He said they are in talks with relevant institutions to address the problem.
Opening remarks were further given by Mr. Janez Podobnik, acting director general of the International Center for the promotion of enterprises (ICPE), an institution which is also one of the founding members of the Chamber.
A representative of another founding member, namely Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Budapest, Hungary was presented by Mr. R. Obioma Nzewuji, Senior Counselor/ Head of Chancery, who greeted Slovene entrepreneurs and delivered a message from His Excellency, Ambassador Eddy Onuoha, Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Budapest, Hungary. In his address, he emphasized the importance of greater economic bilateral relations between both countries. He said the Embassy in partnership with SNCC is prepared to help Slovenian companies establish in Nigeria.
The opening address was lastly has given by Mr. Fred Uduma, president of the Slovenia–Nigeria chamber of commerce, who thanked all of the attendees, organizers and sponsors of the event for their engagement and interest shown in connecting both countries. He said, the event is packaged to commemorate the establishment of the Chamber as well as to open new vistas of business cooperation and raise awareness of the growing business opportunities in Nigeria. Furthermore, he said, Our Mission, We Strive to take you there, and our vision to be the platform for genuine, positive and real trade and investment drive, reflects on the achievements and strong network built during this one year of operation. Our two point strategy of building foundation and maximizing trade and investment is a key indicator of our effort to build reliable and sustainable partnerships, as well to play a key role in matters that will promote sustainable concept in education, entrepreneurship, innovations, import and export, technological development and transfer, foreign direct investment and economic diplomacy.
He expressed that, despite the challenges of Human resources and financial resources faced by the chamber, his team is irrevocably committed to be professional and efficient in delivering our tasks and will continue to exert our best endeavors to bringing Slovenian companies closer to the Nigerian market, establishing true and reliable partnerships, increasing the chamber network base and creating a unique platform for direct B2B meetings and information exchange. In conclusion Mr. Uduma said, the future of the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce is one that is advancing and accomplishing the aims and objectives upon which it was established which will result to a stronger economic relations between Slovenia and Nigeria.
It was a formidable pleasure to listen to the lecture of Engr. Emeka Unachukwu, president of the Port Harcourt Chamber of commerce, industry, mines and agriculture and CEO of Morflex energy and power Ltd. In his presentation titled Prospects, opportunities and challenges of doing business in Nigeria, he firstly introduced quantitative indicators of Nigerian economy and continued with sectors presentation: oil and gas, agriculture, power, mining, ICT, infrastructure, hospitality, healthcare, and advised for investment and other kinds of cooperation with members of Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Slovenian business community and Port Harcourt chamber, located in city of 7 million inhabitants, and all around Nigeria. He expressed his wiliness and preparedness to support the effort of SNCC to increase Slovene export to Nigeria and greater friendship which once ought to be compared with these to Italy, Austria and Germany.
After his lecture Slovenian companies Agito, Gecko, Geoportal and Sinergise presented their products ans services.
The First Year Anniversary Lecture of the Slovenian-Nigerian chamber of commerce was closed with words of appreciation by Mr. Uduma to all the stakeholders, partners, sponsors and participants.
End of the plenary section was followed by B2B session and informal conversation between participants and guests.
Present at the event was SNCC legal adviser Barrister Tony Ayavoro with whom we had a field tour of companies across Slovenia.
Slovenia–Nigeria chamber of commerce in its effort to promote and facilitate trade and investment between the two countries will do its best to attract more stakeholders at the 2nd anniversary lecture in 2015 and on other meetings in the next months.
For pictures, visit the gallery section of our webpage www.slovenia-nigeria.eu
Sponsored by:
SARP d.o.o
by SNGZ | Nov 4, 2014 | News
Expression of Interest (EOI) to Bid For A Digital TV System Comprising Set Top Box (STB) Software & Integrated Digital TV (IDTV) Broadcast Services to Deliver A National Common STB IDTV Control And Consumer Access Fee Mechanism; And Critical Additional Services Over The Digital Terrestrial And Satellite Networks In Nigeria.
1.0 The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is the regulatory authority for the broadcasting industry in Nigeria. The Commission is mandated by Section 2(1) of the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Cap. N11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004 to license, monitor, regulate, and conduct research into broadcasting in Nigeria
2.0 The Transition from Analogue to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting in Nigeria is the most significant development since the advent of broadcasting in Nigeria in 1959, and would impact more than 22million TV households across Nigeria, Therefore, the distribution of Set Top Boxes (STBs) which will make the viewing of digital terrestrial television signals possible on existing Analogue TV sets, presents also major challenges, as well as opportunities for the Nigerian Television industry. Given the size of the Nigerian market, the government has approved a policy that mandates the local assembly/manufacture of STBs.
3.0 However, the distribution of STBs by unscrupulous entrepreneurs or STB manufacturers could use the opportunity offered by the Digital Switch over (DSO) to offer inferior quality non-compliant STBs to unsuspecting consumers in an effort to maximise profits. The National Broadcasting Commission has therefore proposed the introduction of a National Common Set top box Platform system that will not only protect the investment of the local STB manufacturers, but also provide a platform for the introduction of many new Value Added Services, such as; interactive services, interactive advertising, new video services and e-Government services etc.
4.0 This will ensure that only type approved STBs and other integrated Digital Television Sets (IDTV) that conform to government standards and specifications are able to receive DTT transmission.
5.0 The Commission also intends to introduce an annual Digital Content Access Fee whereby a viewer will be required to make an annual payment in order to be able to view digital TV channels, and requires a system that allows the Commission to manage access to the service on a receiver based on the payment of this fee, The Commission is requesting for expression of interest from companies that will provide such a system that enables collection of the digital content access fee and restricts viewing to households from which a digital content access fee payment has been received.
6.0 The Commission is willing to consider proposals for delivering this digital content access fee system but the winning solution is likely to incorporate the ability to manage, distribute and present additional services to the receiver in order to benefit viewers who have paid the digital content access fee. Such services are likely to include:
- An Electronic Programme Guide (EPG);
- Functionality which allows video content to be booked for recording, directly from the EPG;
- Interactive news / information services including public information services e.g. health, education;
- Pushed video and audio content to be stored internally or externally to the receiver,
- A system whereby video content can be broadcast and automatically stored on the STB (or on an attached memory device) for later elective playback. Such a system can be accessible for public information content and elective content e.g. movies;
- Functionality whereby video content can be recorded by the user on the STB (or on an attached memory device) for later elective playback;
- Functionality whereby live video content can be “trick played” (paused, rewound, etc.);
- A system to enable additional user services and games;
- A system which allows an option for the STB to offer connected
services including Video on Demand (VOD) and other applications if
the household is connected to the internet; and
- Functionality which allows the individual addressing of the STB thus allowing content to be withheld or restricted upon payment of a digital content access fee.
The system would be required to manage the publication of multiple services and to allow the end-user selection of which services to collect and store, It should be possible for the system to mark a service for mandatory storage and presentation on the STB e.g. Emergency Alerts, health or education information.
7.0 It is the Commission’s view that in so far as the EPG controls access by viewers to television services it forms part of the conditional access system. Provision of listing on the EPG and other related functions controlling viewer access and the purchase of television services is therefore regarded as a technical conditional access service which requires regulation by the Commission through a licensed operator. There is consequently an obligation to offer such services on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis.
8.0 The Commission understands that the EPGs have value in economic, cultural and social policy terns. Economically, they can support well placed channels by facilitating audience access. Culturally, they can support easy access to culturally valued content such as Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) content and Nigerian-originated content in news, current affairs, children’s television, documentaries and quality drama. Socially, to promote the acquisition or pursuit of knowledge and for dissemination of news and information of public interest with a wider reach.
9.0 In this regard, the Commission wishes to invite Expression of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified, experienced and competent local and/or international entities to specify and deliver the requirements. Groups or Consortiums are acceptable.
10, The EOI shall include indicative proposals including the following:
- a proposal for a means by which the STB software will be made available to multiple manufacturers / suppliers to maintain an open and competitive market The addition of the STB software will not significantly increase the cost of the STB over typical market rates,
- a proposal by which the necessary broadcast systems will be made available to channel operators to distribute the textual, graphical, video, audio and EPG information on the Network, including equipment and licensing costs; and
- a proposal for a secure means by which only devices authorised by the NBC will be able to receive the services.
- It is likely that the successful bidder will be able to demonstrate experience of deploying similar systems in low cost and in Analogue Switch Off Please include any relevant experience from your company in the EOI.
Eligibility Criteria
An applicant seeking a licence for the operation of the services shall neither be a religious organization nor political party and not be adjudged bankrupt, or entered into a scheme of arrangement with creditors,
The applicant shall provide the following information:
- name of Company and contact details – physical address, telephone, functional email address and website address;
- Company profile (company history, relevant experience, services etc.);
- Certificate of Incorporation;
- Certified copy of Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association;
- Undertaking to pay licence fees;
- Undertaking to comply with the National Broadcasting Commission Act, Nigerian Broadcasting Code, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Legal Framework and Regulations as developed by the Commission and may be amended from time to time and other applicable Regulations and licence conditions for the operation of the services;
- Reference letter from the Company’s bankers; and
- 3 year Financial Plan including projected income and estimated end user cost.
- Successful applicant shall be invited to formally apply for a licence to operate the services in Nigeria.
Term Of Approval
An approval of a company by the Commission for the provision of the service shall be for an initial period of five (5) years commencing from the date of issuance of such approval by the Commission, subject to renewal for another term
- Additional Information
Expression of interest should be forwarded in one sealed envelope marked at the top left corner and boldly written “NBC/288/V0L.XXW7 – DCAF& EPG ON DTT,” and hand delivered, posted by registered mail or sent by courier to reach the address below on or before November 31, 2014 by 12.00 noon. Opening of the Expression of Interest shall take place immediately after 12noon on that stated date at the NBC Headquarters.
The Secretary Tenders Board
National Board
National Broadcasting Commission
Plot 20 Ibrahim Taiwo Road (by Aso Villa)
Asokoro Abuja
P.M.B 5747, Garki Abuja
- For enquiries on issues pertaining to this EOI, write to the above contact or send an email to: info@slovenia-nigeria.eu
- The sealed envelope referred to above shall contain the original in one (1) envelope and clearly marked “ORIGINAL” and 4 copies, each of them clearly marked “COPY” in another envelope. In the event of any discrepancy between the original and the copies, the original shall prevail.
- NBC shall reserve the right to verify the authenticity of claims made by the interested companies and to disqualify any company based on false or unverifiable claim or information.
- NBC shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by interested companies in preparing the Expression of interest. This advert serves as invitation to the representatives of the companies that are submitting Eol as well as anyinterested Non-governmental Organisation and members of the general public who may wish to witness the Eol opening exercise.
- The NBC reserves the right to inspect or verify claims/information submitted as it deems necessary. Similarly, the Commission is not bound to shortlist arty company and reserves the right to annul the process when unforeseen and justifiable developments warrant such action, without incurring any liability and assigning reasons thereof.
- That at any time the Commission discovers that the information submitted for prequalification is false, the Commission reserves the right to disqualify the company.
For participation and other inquiries, contact us:
Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce
Address: Dunajska Cesta 104, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Gsm: +386 40 171 774,
Phone: +386 820 548 54 ,
Fax: +386 820 548 55
E-mail: info@slovenia-nigeria.eu or sncc.sngz@gmail.com
Web: www.slovenia-nigeria.eu
by SNGZ | Oct 22, 2014 | News
KŽ | On 22, okt 2014
Danes je Mestno občino Koper obiska tričlanska delegacija iz Nigerije – glavni namen vljudnostnega obiska je bil raziskati možnosti sodelovanja med državama in priložnosti za vlaganja na različna področja delovanja.
Fred Uduma, predsednik Slovensko-Nigerijske Gospodarske zbornice iz Ljubljane, Emeka Unachukwu, predsednik Nigerijske Gospodarske zbornice Port – Harcourt in Barristers Tony Ayavoro iz odvetniškega studia Josan so v Koper prišli v okviru uradnega obiska naše prestolnice, ki je včeraj gostila predavanje ob prvi obletnici ustanovitve Slovensko – Nigerijske Gospodarske zbornice v Ljubljani. V imenu Mestne občine Koper jih je v prostorih občinske uprave uradno sprejel podžupan Peter Bolčič in jim ob priložnosti postregel s krajšo predstavitvijo samega mesta, občine ter razvitosti obalnega gospodarstva.
Goste je zanimalo predvsem na kakšen način bi lahko državi oziroma posamezna mesta znotraj države sodelovala, katere so tiste prave možnosti, priložnosti in izzivi medsebojnega sodelovanja in kje imata državi skupni interes. Nad Koprom ter nadaljnjo vizijo razvoja mesta in njegovega gospodarstva so bili navdušeni, predsednik Nigerijske Gospodarske zbornice Port – Harcourt Emeka Unachukwu je našo Obalo označil celo za skriti zaklad, ki ga je šele treba odkriti. Kot je še dejal, se lahko Nigerija od Kopra marsikaj nauči, pri čemer je mislil predvsem na številne naložbe, infrastrukturne projekte in seveda vizijo nadaljnjega razvoja samega mesta.
V spremstvu podžupana Petra Bolčiča je nigerijska delegacija obisk nadaljevala v Luki Koper, nato pa še v Vinakoper, sami pa so se nato odpravili skozi Izolo in Portorož nazaj v Ljubljano.
by SNGZ | Sep 28, 2014 | News
The president of The Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce Mr Fred Uduma and Ambassador Muhamadu Sani Yunusa, Deputy Head of Mission, Nigerian Embassy Budapest, Hungary on the 25th of September, 2014 welcomed in Ljubljana 8 Man delegation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria. Among the delegates was the INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, OFR and Col. MK Hammanga (Rtd). The 8 man delegation in a working visit to Slovenia paid visit to CETIS d.d
The Chamber in its effort to promote Slovenian businesses welcomed the delegation as a step forward in Slovenia-Nigeria business relations.
