It was an atmosphere of synergy, exchange of ideas, and collaboration as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, under the leadership of the Director General and Chief Executive, Mallam Farouk Salim, continues to build on the success of emerging tops on the Ease of Doing Business ranking, to present Nigerians with its latest innovations, which is the Electronic Demand and Receipt concept to make transactions easier for stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the DG stated that the electronic payment tools were conceived out of the desire to satisfy customers, as their importance cannot be over-emphasized.
Mallam Farouk, represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Aaron Tam-George, said the sensitization program was organized to enlighten stakeholders on the Electronic payment tools, the Electronic Demand Note, and Electronic Receipts (EDER).
Director Finance/Account Department, Aaron Tam-George giving the Director General’s Welcome Address at the E- demand and E- receipt Sensitization in Port Harcourt
In his words, “This Online payment scheme is designed to offer an end–to–end transactional experience for all our customers, business partners, and our internal organizational functions.”
He said the electronic mode of business payments and receipts, besides its convenience and safety, eliminates the hassles of cash logistics.
“The essence of the E –demand note and receipts is to promote the Federal Government’s policy on “Ease of Doing Business” where accountability and transparency is the watchword.
Electronic Payment is very convenient for the consumer. It lowers transaction cost, increases government efficiency, boosts financial intermediation, and guarantees financial transparency.” He said.
Mallam Farouk further stated that “the use of the E – demand note and E- receipts holds the promise of broad benefits to our economy and stakeholders.
He stated that SON was continually seeking ways to facilitate businesses by reducing or eliminating the bureaucracy associated with Public institutions.”
He posited, “We always remind ourselves that our stakeholders in the industrial sector are significant partners in our work. On this premise, we are here to educate our stakeholders on how this online payment and receiving technology will unarguably make business transactions easier.”
He charged the stakeholders to take advantage of the program to understand the Scheme and its implementation.
Earlier on, the Director of SON South – South Directorate, Mr. Usman Mohammed, in his address, said that the event is one of the initiatives of the Organisation to bring together stakeholders from various sectors of the economy to discuss. These proffer solutions ensure they have value for their money through effective service delivery.
The Director, South-South, while appreciating the DG and the SON Management for considering the value of the industries in the South–South Region and sensitizing the stakeholders on the laudable initiative, he urged the stakeholders to take advantage of the occasion and be well informed so that they can enjoy the convenience of the online transaction platforms and bring it close to their businesses.
L-R: Director of Public Relations Department, Mrs. Foluso Bolaji, Police Commissioner Rep, Customs Comptroller Rep, Head Importers, the Director, Finance/Account Department, Aaron Tam-George, the Head Importers, the Director South-South Region, U.S.Mohammed and the Director, Internal Audit, Mr. David Okon
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Eastern Zone of the Presidential Monitoring Taskforce, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent, Chief Ndukwe Tobias, described the development as a mark of “SON’s consolidation on its improved openness and communication with stakeholders in recent times.”
Present at the event were Sister Agencies, Captains of industries, Importers, Independent Accredited Firms (IAFs), Manufacturers, and Clearing Agents.
SON Officials at the event include; the Director of Internal Audit, Mr. David Okon; The Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Foluso Bolaji; The Regional Director South-South, U.S Mohammed; DD, Revenue and External Assistance, Mr. Adedayo David; Engr. Rose Madaki, Head, Onne Ports, and Borders; The Head, Inspection Compliance Department, Engr. Emmanuel Husseni, SON River State Coordinator, Engr. Lilian Gua; SON Staff, from Onne and Rivers State Officials.
