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Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, has achieved the Information Security Management Certification from International Standards Organisation (ISO).

This certification also known as the ISO 27001: 2013 is part of the ISO 27000 family of standards which helps organisations keep information assets secure. The certification was achieved on the heels of the bank’s drive to revolutionalise the banking sector digital experience with Octopus, by putting in place a systematic approach to managing sensitive organisational information, ensuring it remains seamless, secure and available.

The Octopus platform owes numerous benefits to the users, thereby enable small businesses key into electronic payment system easily, efficient collections, social integration, retention strategy, bills payment, mobile virtual top-up, funds transfer, balance enquiry, movie show time, news.

With the introduction of Octopus, the ISO 27001: 2013 Information Security Management Certification is proof of the Bank’s demonstrated ability to consistently provide products and services that gives service consumers and customers an easily recognisable security hallmark.   

Speaking on the award received, The MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo reiterated the bank’s commitment for secured services, whilst assuring customers that their information is appropriately protected and, as such, reduces the need to undertake time consuming and costly onsite security audits reducing time and cost for both parties.

According to him, the certification demonstrates credibility and trust, which reduces customer and supply chain audit and ISO 27001 certification reduces third party scrutiny of your Information Security Management by customers and the wider supply chain.

“The achievement of ISO 27001 will differentiate two competing organisations in the market place, providing a valuable competitive advantage. Increased legislative and regulatory compliance ISO 27001 supports compliance with relevant laws such as the Data Protection Act 1998 and software copyright legislation. This in turn reduces the risk of facing prosecution and fines. An organisation’s liability in security incidents may be reduced if it is certified ISO 27001 compliant,”

He further explained that it reduces customer and supply chain audit, stating that ISO 27001 certification reduces third party scrutiny of your Information Security Management by customers and the wider supply chain.

As ISO 27001 is the current international benchmark for Information Security Management, it is increasingly recognised that compliance with the standard is supportive evidence of adequate security. Considerations and outcomes To achieve ISO 27001 certification, an organisation must produce documentation that demonstrates that it has developed an Information Security Management System that complies with the standard. Organisations should consider producing most of this documentation even if they are not going for certification as it provides a best practice approach for compliance as well. 

There are three key issues to note about the standard: Its generic requirements mean that it is applicable to all organisations, regardless of size, type or nature. However, you tailor it to the exact needs of your organisation through the information security controls that you select to implement within your Information Security Management System. It takes a flexible, risk-driven approach. It is dynamic – it focuses on continual improvement and helps the organisation keep ahead of changes both within and outside the organisation.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Stops Sales To Unregistered Marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has halted self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its plant, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.

This was disclosed in an internal mail obtained by our correspondent on Friday, signed by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department.

According to the directive, the decision is aimed at encouraging broader use of the refinery’s free delivery scheme for retail stations and blocking unregistered marketers from accessing supplies either directly or through third parties.

The company described the measure as an operational adjustment to enhance efficiency and advised marketers to embrace its Free Delivery Scheme, which allows direct shipments to outlets.

It further cautioned that any payments made after the cut-off date would not be recognised.

The message to marketing partners partly stated: “We wish to inform you that, effective 18th September 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has placed all self-collection gantry sales on hold until further notice. In light of this development, we kindly request that all payments related to active PFIs for self-collection are also placed on hold until further notice. Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”

However, the refinery clarified that its Free Delivery Scheme remains active for both existing and new customers.

“We encourage all active and newly onboarded customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational and offers a seamless delivery experience to your station,” the mail added.

The management also apologised for any inconvenience, assuring stakeholders that the move was necessary to improve operations.

The suspension comes amid an ongoing dispute involving the refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

While NUPENG has accused the company of blocking unionisation among its truck drivers despite government intervention, DAPPMAN has criticised the “free delivery scheme,” alleging it forces marketers to depend on Dangote’s fleet at commercial costs.

Dangote Refinery, on the other hand, insists the delivery model is designed to ensure stable supply and reduce costs, accusing marketers of pushing for subsidies and diversion of products. The standoff has fueled concerns around pricing, workers’ rights, and market competition.

The new policy could affect independent marketers and retail operators who have not registered for the scheme and previously relied on direct self-collection at the gantry.

Earlier report had it that Dangote reaffirmed its stance in the face of DAPPMAN’s demands, stressing it would not absorb transportation costs that marketers want classified as subsidies.

This latest clash between Dangote and DAPPMAN comes at a time of rising anxiety over fuel costs and supply logistics nationwide.

DAPPMAN, whose members own most privately run depots in Nigeria, argues that moving products from the refinery’s Lagos base to other regions involves substantial logistics and coastal shipping expenses.

In a statement issued via Dangote Group’s official X account, titled “We Stand By Our Statement on DAPPMAN … Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand”, the refinery reiterated its right to protect its operations from “misleading reports.”

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BIG STORY

Adron Homes Launches Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025 With Discounts, Flexible Payments, And December Rewards

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Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

Promo Rewards by Category:

• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration

• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses.

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BIG STORY

Dangote Replies NUPENG: Our CNG Trucks Will Create 24,000 Jobs, Drivers Earn Triple Of Minimum Wage

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Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, has dismissed claims that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is displacing workers, insisting instead that the company is creating thousands of new jobs.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the billionaire said the deployment of 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks would generate at least 24,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.

“We are not taking jobs away; we are creating more opportunities. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” Dangote said.

He explained that the refinery’s drivers are paid salaries three times higher than the national minimum wage. In addition, employees receive life insurance, health insurance that covers their spouses and up to four children, and a guaranteed lifelong pension.

According to him, the recruitment drive extends beyond drivers to include mechanics, fleet managers, and other technical professionals who will support the new fleet.

The refinery had announced the acquisition of the 4,000 CNG trucks on June 15, saying the move would strengthen its nationwide fuel distribution. By June 29, the company projected that the distribution scheme could save Nigeria over ₦1.7 trillion annually.

However, three months later, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) threatened a nationwide strike, accusing Dangote Refinery of anti-union practices. Though the union suspended a two-day strike on September 9, it warned of possible further action.

‘Refinery not opposed to unions’

Sayyu Dantata, founder of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, stressed that Dangote Refinery was open to working with NUPENG and other labour organisations.

“We are not against unions. We want to live and work alongside them. There’s no problem with that,” he said.

He noted that the refinery only became aware of the union’s grievances through media reports, despite his longstanding ties with industry unions.

“By law, unions are expected to give notice and a grace period before action. Even so, we went into dialogue. Unionism is not by force. People have the right to decide whether or not to belong,” Dantata said.

He added that the refinery welcomes all business partners without discrimination, whether they are union members or not.

“Our focus is the common man. Most of our drivers prefer independence because we ensure they earn a decent wage,” he said.

According to him, the new working conditions have elevated the social status of truck drivers in Nigeria. “For the first time, a driver can proudly tell his children that he is a truck driver and still provide them with food, shelter, and education,” Dantata said.

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