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Again, Goodwin Ceramic FZE Calls Attention Of Customers Over Fraudsters Ignoble Acts 

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

 

Goodwin Ceramic FZE located in Ogun State Nigeria, has raised the alarm over suspected fraudsters using the name of the company to carry out nefarious activities, including using it to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

In a letter signed and stamped by Goodwin Ceramic FZE, titled: “Disclaimer,” which was made available to our reporter, Goodwin Ceramic FZE warns: “This is to bring to the attention of the general public, the fraudulent activities of individuals illegally using the name Goodwill Ceramic to scam unsuspecting members of the public.”

The signed letter further states: “Goodwin Ceramic FZE with brand names, ‘Goodwill Ceramics, Mansion Ceramics,’ located at Guangdong free trade zone, Igbesa, Ogun State, does not conduct business via internet, WhatsApp, or any social media platforms.

“We also do not sell products directly to individuals. All our products are sold only through officially registered distributors who maintain an active account with the company, verify legitimate distributors, and call 07067331811.

“Anyone claiming to represent Goodwill Ceramics on the internet or social media platforms such as YouTube, Google, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, etc, is a fraudster! These accounts are fake and should be completely disregarded.”

Goodwin Ceramic FZE further warns members of the public, “Do not engage with any individual or platform claiming to be Goodwill Ceramics outside our official distribution network. Verify all transactions through our registered distributors, report any suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency or our official customer service.”

Social media fake account on Facebook

 

Social media fake account on Google map

 

Cell phone numbers of scammers

 

Social media fake account on YouTube

Dangote Refinery Symbolises Hope for Africa ―ECOWAS President

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… We’ve capacity to meet ECOWAS’s petroleum needs ―Dangote

 

Towering over the Lekki Free Zone on the edge of the Atlantic, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is more than just a feat of engineering; it has become a symbol of ambition, vision, and industrial self-reliance for an entire continent. Now, that promise has been affirmed by the region’s highest political and economic bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

 

During a high-level visit to the state-of-the-art 650,000 barrels-per-day facility, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, declared the refinery a beacon of hope for Africa’s future, and a clear demonstration of what the private sector can achieve in the drive for regional industrialisation. The delegation also included ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Sediko Douka; Commissioner of Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma; Director of Private Sector/SME, Dr Tony Luka Elumelu; and Dr Touray’s Chief of Staff, Hon Abdou Kolley, among others.

“What I have seen today gives me a lot of hope, and everybody who doesn’t believe in Africa should come here. Visiting here will give you more hope because this is exactly what our continent should focus on,” Dr Touray remarked, visibly moved by the scale and sophistication of the facility. “We have seen something I couldn’t have imagined, and really the capacity in all areas is impressive. We congratulate Alhaji Dangote for this trust in Africa because I think you do this only when you have the trust, and he has a vision for Africa, and this is what we should all work to encourage.”

 

Dr Touray noted that the refinery, which produces fuel to Euro V standard, is critical for enabling the ECOWAS region to meet its 50ppm sulphur limit for petroleum products—a standard many imported fuels fail to meet, posing health and environmental risks across member states.

 

“We are still importing products below our standard when a regional company such as Dangote can meet and exceed these requirements,” he said. “The private sector must take the lead in ECOWAS industrialisation.”

 

The ECOWAS Commission President used the visit to call for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector, stressing that policy decisions must reflect the real challenges and opportunities experienced by African industrialists.

“We believe our visit also serves as an opportunity to hear directly from Mr Dangote, about what the private sector expects from the ECOWAS community,” Dr Touray remarked, noting that as ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, the community is more committed than ever to bringing the private sector to the table—to listen to their perspectives and to understand how best to create an environment that works for them.

 

“We cannot continue to make decisions on behalf of the private sector from a distance. Visits like this provide us with first-hand experience and direct insight into the challenges they face—challenges that authorities and government officials must work to address,” he added.

 

Dr Touray said the time is ripe for the region to pursue an industrial strategy capable of addressing deep-rooted challenges such as youth unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.

 

“We often speak about poverty eradication and youth employment, but the government alone may not have the capacity to achieve these goals. Only the private sector can deliver the scale of impact required, and it is essential that we listen to them, understand how these objectives can be met, and identify the bottlenecks they face so that they can be effectively addressed. This is the only realistic path to creating jobs and fostering genuine prosperity across our economies.”

 

He pledged the Commission’s full support for enabling regional giants such as Dangote Group to access wider ECOWAS markets and urged other African nations to follow Nigeria’s example by building infrastructure that serves the continent, not just individual countries.

 

“Once again, I congratulate the Dangote Group and commit that ECOWAS Commission will do everything to open up the ECOWAS market for them, if not the entire African continent.”

 

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, led the ECOWAS delegation on a detailed tour of the facility, explaining the challenges and milestones involved in bringing the world’s largest single-train refinery to life.

 

He reiterated his longstanding position that Africa’s continued dependence on imported goods is unsustainable and hinders economic sovereignty.

 

“As long as we continue importing what we can produce, we will remain underdeveloped,” Dangote said. “This refinery is proof that we can build for ourselves at scale, to global standards.”

He noted that the Dangote Refinery is fully equipped to meet the petroleum needs of Nigeria and the entire West African region, countering claims that the facility would not produce enough for local and regional demand.

“There have been many claims suggesting that we don’t even produce enough to meet Nigeria’s needs, so how could we possibly supply other West African countries? But now, they are here to see the reality for themselves and, more importantly, to encourage other nations to embark on similarly large-scale industrial projects,” he said.

 

Noting that Africa will benefit greatly by encouraging trade among its countries, especially through value addition to the continent’s abundant resources, Dangote stressed how the refinery has helped Nigeria to bring down the cost of refined products and production costs across many sectors of the economy.

 

“Last year, when we began diesel production, we were able to reduce the price from N1,700 to N1,100 at a go, and as of today, the price has crashed further. This reduction has made a significant impact across various sectors. It has supported industries, benefited those of us in mining, and provided vital relief to the agricultural sector. The effect has been far-reaching,” he said.

 

He also noted that Nigerians are benefiting from local refining as the price of petrol has dropped significantly compared to neighbouring countries.

 

“In neighbouring countries, the average price of petrol is around $1 per litre, which is N1,600. But here at our refinery, we’re selling at between N815 and N820. Many Nigerians don’t realise that they are currently paying just 55% of what others in the region are paying for petrol. We also have a much larger initiative in the pipeline, something we’ve not yet announced but Nigerians should know that this refinery is built for them, and they will enjoy the maximum benefit from it,” he said.

 

He emphasised that this price reduction is a direct result of local refining, which continues to improve fuel affordability while enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on imports.

FISH PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION SYSTEM

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By Prof. John Abiodun Daramola

Fish are processed in many different ways in different parts of the world. Heavy salting, freezing, drying, hot smoking, canning and pasteurisation are all recognised methods of fish preservation. All affect the microorganisms on the fish in different ways and will result in a different type of microflora and different risks from spoilage organisms and pathogens.

However, traditionally processed fish products (TFPs) are reported to carry high potential risk for human health for halophilic pathogenic bacteria, histamine and parasites (Köse, 2010).

The key to any preservation system is for the producer to understand how the process works and what needs to be controlled to get a safe stable product. For example, a correctly processed canned fish will be commercially sterile and can be stored at ambient temperatures for long periods without spoilage or risk to consumer safety. Once the can is opened, the contents become open to contamination and as there is usually no preservative within the product and the contaminating microorganisms will be able to grow.

Therefore, canned fish products should be consumed shortly after opening. In dried or frozen fish, the microflora is prevented from growing by the storage conditions used and the product may have a long shelf life in the preserved state.
Bacterial contaminants of fish and seafood

The most common cases of food poisoning which involve fish and seafood usually occur as a result of eating contaminated prawns or other shellfish. Oysters is a good example of seafood which some people enjoy consuming whilst raw, but these often contain bacteria which are likely to cause food poisoning and other similar conditions. These shellfish filter seaweed and algae from the surrounding water but bacteria which live in this water get to enter the oyster during the filtration process. Consequently, these bacteria then take root inside the fish. Usually, it is easy to think of food poisoning as an issue associated with contaminated chicken, beef or pork but unfortunately, fish is included. For example, Escherichia coli is a bacterium that is present in nearly all types of shellfish as a result of contact with water contaminated by raw sewage.

Five bacterial species namely: Staphylococcus aureus, klebsiella sp. Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp. are the major bacterial pathogens associated with post-harvest fish spoilage. According to the findings by Gram and Huss (2001), who reported that these microorganisms were the major causes of microbial spoilage of fresh fish after capture and the microbial count on different media suggests contamination. The total bacterial count on fish rarely indicate the quality of the fish but it gives an indication of the risk of spoilage induced since each of these microorganisms had different ways of affecting health conditions of consumers of such contaminated fish (Gram et al., 2000).

Conversely, Miller et al., (1973) observed that not all bacteria present on fresh fish are spoilers but there are certain active spoilers which are the major pathogens associated with fish spoilage.
The presence of Klebsiella and Salmonella spp. in the fresh fish samples is an indication that the water used for processing was faecally contaminated. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus, a normal flora of skin and mucous membrane of humans can be attributed to human contact during handling and processing (Dalgaard et al., 2006).

Staphylococcus aureus produces a variety of extra cellular enzymes and toxins that have been found to be responsible for food poisoning and can rapidly develop resistance to many antimicrobial agents and pose health risk with therapeutic problems (Thrower, 2000 and Abolagba et al, 2011). However, Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium causes botulism, is considered as the most harmful of these bacteria (Long, 2009).

Fungal contaminants of fish
Dried fish has a storage life of several years and thus gives fungi a greater opportunity to contaminate it. Fungi are omnipresent in the environment, being found wherever water, suitable organic nutrients and an appropriate temperature occur. They secrete enzymes outside their body structure and absorb the digested foods (Prescott et al., 1999). The growth of filamentous fungi in foods and food products results in waste and is costly as well as sometimes hazardous.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by moulds that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and animals (Bennett and Klich, 2003). Drying to moisture content below 15% prevents the growth of many spoilage microorganisms while mould growth is only suppressed at 10% moisture content (Buere, 2005).

Fafioye et al. (2002) studied the fungal infestation of five traditionally smoked dried freshwater fish in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria and isolated and identified eleven different fungal species of which Aspergillus flavus was the most frequently encountered fungi on the fish species. Also, in a study of mycoflora of smoke-dried fishes sold in Uyo, Eastern Nigeria by Adebayo-Tayo et al. (2008), twelve different fungi specie were found to be associated with the smoke-dried fish samples. The associated fungi were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus tereus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Absidia sp, Rhizopus sp, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp, Cladosporium Sp, Penicillin italiculum, P. viridatus, Candida tropicalis and Fusarium moniliformis. Similarly, Junaid et al (2010) in a study aimed at isolating and identifying the fungi associated with stockfish, showed that seven different fungi species were found.

However, moulds may be present without producing any toxin (Bennett and Klich, 2003), but the presence of toxigenic fungi increases the risk for mycotoxin production (Jacobsen et al., 2008). The reason being that even though the fungus is no longer alive, while it was growing, it can produce mycotoxin which can poison the food (Wong, 2007). Mycotoxins greatly resist decomposition or being broken down in digestion so they remain in the food chain and even temperature treatments such as cooking and freezing, therefore, do not destroy the mycotoxins.
Viral contaminants of fish
Numerous viruses of human or animal origin are found in the environment and infect people via water and food: bivalve molluscs, vegetables and prepared foods are classified by the World Health Organization as priority hazards. Hepatitis A virus (HAV), genogroup GI, GII, and GIV norovirus (NoV), enterovirus (EV), rotavirus (RoV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), adenovirus (AdV), and bocavirus (BoV) have been detected in food (especially shellfish), water samples and surface swabs by nested (RT) PCR, real-time PC.

Prof. Daramola is the HOD Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Bells University of Technology, Ota,Ogun state

I’ll Invest Greater Funds To Uplift Vulnerable Africans – Dangote

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Africa’s business mogul and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, has vowed to invest more money to aid the upliftment of vulnerable populations across Nigeria and Africa.

 

The Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation revealed that he intends to uplift the less privileged as part of his philanthropic efforts to give back to society.

 

The respected entrepreneur was named among the top 100 philanthropists listed by TIME Magazine on the 22nd of May, alongside other global personalities like Michael Bloomberg, David Beckham, Stephen Curry, Melinda Gates and Oprah Winfrey.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of the TIME100 Impact Dinner held at ASPIRE at the One World Observatory in New York City, USA, Dangote declared that his investment in key sectors like Health, Education and Economic empowerment form part of his foundation’s main priorities.

Investing in nutrition, health, education, and economic empowerment is our contribution to setting Africans up for success,” he said.

 

Among Dangote’s ongoing efforts to make life easier for Africans is a $100 million multi-year initiative to combat severe childhood malnutrition.

 

Every year, his foundation spends $35 million on average on several initiatives across Nigeria and Africa. This is coming after he equipped the Aliko Dangote Foundation with $1.25 billion, with the sole purpose of giving back to a continent that played such a vital role in his success.

 

100 public figures from 28 nations have been honoured for their philanthropic efforts in 4 categories: Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers, and Innovators. TIME referenced Dangote’s remarkable growth over the years, having amassed lots of billions via ventures in cement, agriculture, and oil refining in Nigeria.

Education is another key area where the business mogul is making his mark. He recently announced a $10 million donation to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, based in Kano State.

 

His crucial investments in education include offering vocational training, providing scholarships at the secondary and tertiary levels, and delivering yearly fellowships through the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme.

 

“We need to create the next generation of African leaders. My mother instilled in me the ethos of giving back, which inspired my philanthropy 30 years ago. I trust my three daughters will continue this legacy, just as they will continue to grow our business and impact. I want to be known not just as Africa’s richest person but also as its biggest philanthropist,” he added.

Meet Paul Jeremiah, a multi-talented IITA-trained farmer making the difference 

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

As millions of Nigerians groan under the current economic hardship, foisted on us by the sudden, rash removal of fuel subsidy back in May 2023 with the spin – off effects of high inflation rate, spiralling into the escalating costs of transportation, food items, sundry consumables and services, there are a few young entrepreneurs defying the odds to succeed as problem – solvers. We need to glean a lesson or two from them.

 

One of such is the 29 year-old Paul Godswill Jeremiah.In a recent encounter he revealed some facts about his professional background, what he currently does and his vision for the future. As the wise ones say, it is always good to hear from the horse’s mouth. He has therefore, responded to related questions. The taste of the pudding is really savoured in its eating. So, enjoy the conversation, in his own words:

 

On his background he stated that: “I’m from Akwa Ibom, but based in Lagos. I’m a student running a part – time programme at the University of Lagos, Distance Learning Institute (DLI).currently at the 300-Level studying Public Administration. My professions include photography, solar power gadgets installation, poultry farming as well as a marketer.

 

With specific regards to poultry farming he stated that: “My experience at the training was that I learnt to be a problem – solver as an entrepreneur, based on what to produce, how to produce it and who to produce them for.

 

“I learnt on how to become a successful poultry farmer, how to take care of the birds such as broilers, layers and cockerels. I also learnt of how the pen – house must be kept clean, which is going to be a daily routine. In the course of this training the platform became an eye- opener of what I did not know. But now I know and I understand what it takes to be an agribusiness poultry farmer. “

 

Furthermore , he shed more light of what he gained during the period of his IITA training program. Said he: “In the course of the training we were asked to write down our weaknesses and our fears, so as to face them, of which I did. I penned it down saying that ‘I can’t stand the smell of the faeces. But working on it helped me to overcome that challenge.”

 

Giving insight into what the IITA Training Program is all about he explained that: ” It is a youth empowerment program where we have department which is classified into three. We have the *Poultry class, the Aquaculture* and the Horticulture.”

 

When it comes to some relevant lessons he learnt, not just for production but that of sales he explained that: ” The number one key weapon to be a successful farmer is that one must have a good customer relationship which would lead to very fast and reliable services. Also, one must treat the customer as king. In fact, customers are very important to me because I place my client as the top priority.”

 

He decided during the training to focus on just poultry farming for now. But he needs government ‘s financial support to push his vision forward. As he stated : ” I need capital to expand the poultry business so I can put to use on what I have learnt “

 

On what the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, means to him, he has this to say: “IITA is more than an institution to me. It is a beacon of hope and progress. To me, it represents a place where knowledge, innovation, and passion for agriculture come together to create real impact. My time with IITA has opened doors to new perspectives, inspired a deep appreciation for research-based solutions, and strengthened my commitment to transforming agriculture in Africa.

 

” It is a community that nurtures growth, encourages collaboration, and empowers individuals to be part of something bigger than themselves. IITA has not only shaped my career path but has also instilled in me a sense of purpose and pride that is in contributing to sustainable development.”

 

 

On his piece of candid advice to the younger generation he highlighted that: “My advice to the Nigerian youth is this: First, discover your purpose and don’t wait for opportunities to come over to you. Try and create them by yourself. It is also important to learn a skill and mix wit the right people.”

 

On his plans for the future, he stated that: “Looking ahead, my goal is to grow both personally and professionally. I aim to continue developing my skills, embrace new learning opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to my community and country. I plan to pursue a career that aligns with my passions, whether in agriculture, entrepreneurship, or social impact, and use that platform to create solutions and empower others.

 

“In the long term, I hope to be a role model for the next generation—someone who not only achieves success but also uplifts others along the way. My future is driven by purpose, guided by values, and fueled by a deep desire to make a lasting difference.”

 

All said, it has become necessary for young Nigerians to reshape their vision away from fraudulent and frivolous lifestyles of yahoo yahoo, engaging in ritual murders for come-quick naira or getting involved in drug trafficking, to that of full focus, learning skills, resilience to succeed against all manner of challenges and standing tall to achieve success, as Jeremiah is currently doing. A word should be enough for the wise.

Dangote reveals how Nigerian govt earns big from Dangote cement sales

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    Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has shed light on the significant revenue the Nigerian government earns from his flagship business, Dangote Cement.   Speaking at the 2025 Taraba International Investment Summit held on May 21, Dangote disclosed that the government receives 52 kobo for every N1 generated through the production and sale of cement.   “I’m sure it might be shocking to you to know that the federal government of Nigeria, not even the state, makes more money from, for example, our cement business. For every N1 we turn around, 52 kobo goes to the federal government of Nigeria,” the entrepreneur said. He said governments benefit from investments, whether private or public, when they create conducive environments for businesses to operate and pay taxes.   “We always say that the government has no business in business. If it’s true, they don’t have business in business. Though, how are they going to make money, educate people, you know, do the hospital, road, infrastructure? It’s through what? Taxes,” Dangote said.   “Have you ever heard of the American government owning an oil block? No, the American government doesn’t own an oil block. And they are the biggest producers of oil today in the world. But they make their money through taxes.”   He added that foreign investors are unlikely to invest in a country unless local investors thrive. Dangote said the group would continue to invest in Nigeria to create jobs and support local communities.    

Breaking:Dangote Refinery announces fresh petrol price slash nationwide

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In a move that promises some relief for Nigerian motorists, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

 

The new price now ranges from N875 to N905 per litre, depending on the location.

 

The announcement was made on Thursday via the refinery’s official social media channels. According to the statement, the adjustment reflects a N15 per litre cut across all regions and applies to both urban and rural retail points.

 

In the earlier pricing template, Lagos residents paid N890 per litre, while prices rose to N920 in the North East and South-South regions.

A breakdown of the revised prices shows, Lagos: N875, South-West: N885, North-East: N905, North-West & Central: N895, and South-South & South-East: N905

 

The Dangote Refinery urged consumers to purchase fuel only from its partner outlets and encouraged Nigerians to report non-compliance via its hotline: +234 707 470 2099 or +234 707 470 2100.

 

“Our quality petrol and diesel are refined for better engine performance and are environmentally friendly,” the company stated in the notice.

 

Our correspondent gathered the new reduction follows the return of a refund benefit policy offered to its customers earlier this week.

The development comes hours after The PUNCH reported that independent oil marketers resumed large-scale importation of petrol, as fresh data shows that over 496.17 million litres of petrol were brought into the country within nine days.

 

Findings using the Tanker Position Report, a document that tracks oil tankers’ movement and was obtained from Blue Sea Maritime by our correspondent on Monday, revealed that 370,000 metric tonnes of petrol were discharged at various depots. These products berthed at seaports between May 11 and 20, 2025.

 

On Monday, the 650,000 Lekki-based facility said the naira-for-crude deal allowed it to reduce the price of petrol, which translates to reduced costs at the pumps.

This is even as the company affirmed that the prices of petrol will remain affordable and stable.

 

They said that despite the fluctuations in global crude oil prices, it has consistently reduced the price of petrol.

 

The company, in a release signed by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the decision to maintain price stability reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigerian economy and alleviating the burden on consumers from the increase in fuel prices by maintaining price stability.

 

(Punch)

 

BREAKING: Founder Of Defunct Diamond Bank, Paschal Dozie Is Dead

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Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85 from an undisclosed ailment.

Dozie was born in 1939 in Egbu village, Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. He was born into the family of Charles Dozie, a Catholic Catechist.

Dozie attended Our Lady’s School Emekuku where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). He subsequently attended Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

After obtaining his high school certificate, he travelled to London where he studied economics at the London School of Economics and obtained a BSc in economics. Subsequently, he attended City University in London where he studied operational research and industrial engineering and obtained a master’s degree in Administrative Science.

Pascal Dozie began his career as an economist at the National Economic Development Office in the United Kingdom. He was also a part-time lecturer at the North Western Polytechnic, London. Between 1970 and 1971 he served as a consulting economist at the African States Consulting Organisation in Uganda.

In 1971 after he left his job in Uganda, he relocated to Nigeria at the request of his mother. In 1971 after his return to Nigeria, with his experience in Econometrics and Industrial Engineering he launched his first company, the African Development Consulting Group (ADCG). ADCG had worked with companies such as Nestle and Pfizer. He was subsequently hired by Clement Isong, then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to conduct some studies on the Co-operative and Commerce Bank.

Review of Pathogenic Contaminants of Fish and Sea foods

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By Prof. John Abiodun Daramola

 

Overview of finfish, shellfish and contamination

Fish and shellfish are very important proteinous portion of the human diet worldwide. They come in extremely varied food products with numerous fish species, from marine and freshwater, from cold temperate and warm tropical waters, farmed or wild and processed or preserved in different ways. The above variations affect the microbiology of the fish, shelf life and safety.

Proper handling of fish between capture and delivery to the consumer is a crucial element in assuring final product quality. Also the standards of sanitation, method of handling, the time and temperature of holding fish are all significant quality factors. With a few exceptions, freshly caught fish are considered free of pathogenic bacteria of public health significance. The presence of bacteria harmful to man generally indicates poor sanitation in handling, processing and the contamination is almost always of human or animal origin.

On the other hand, food is considered to be microbiologically unsafe owing to the presence of microorganisms which may invade human body (e.g Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, etc) and also those that produce toxins ingested with a food such as Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum and Bacilus cereus (Ofred, 2009). A number of microbiological tests of fish and fish products are used by authorities to check that the microbiological status is satisfactory. The purpose of these tests is to detect pathogenic bacteria or indicator organisms of faecal pollution such as Escherichia coli or other types of general contamination or poor handling practises (coliform bacteria, faecal streptococci, total viable count). However, microbiological testing can be costly and time consuming.

The microbiology of fish and fish products is complex and covers a wide range of both quality and safety related issues. When fish are alive, the muscle tissue is considered to be sterile, but after death, the barriers to microbiological invasion begin to break down and bacteria are able to grow more freely, although will be rarely found within deep muscle tissue. After the fish is caught and dead, the microflora may begin to change due to the varying environmental conditions.

Meanwhile, the term fish processing refers to the processes associated with fish and fish products between the time fish are caught or harvested and the final product delivered to the customer. The central concern of fish processing is to prevent fish from deteriorating and this should remain the underlying factor. Fish processing can be subdivided into fish handling-which is the preliminary processing of raw fish and the manufacture of fish products. Another natural subdivision is the primary processing level involved in the filleting and freezing of fresh fish for onward distribution of fresh fish and the secondary processing that produces chilled, frozen and canned products for the retail and catering outlets. Canned fish are fish which have been processed, sealed in an airtight container such as a sealed tin can and subjected to heat. Fish products are preserved using almost every food processing technique that has ever been developed (drying, smoking, freezing, canning, fermenting, high pressure processing) and of course, there is the increasing trend towards the consumption of high quality raw fish in the form of sushi.

Procedures for ensuring fish and seafood safety

The same rules about food safety and preparation apply to fish as with any other food products. If fish is left out on a work surface for any period of time, then it will decay or “go off” very quickly. Raw and cooked fish must not come into contact with each other due to the risk of cross contamination. This means using separate utensils and chopping boards for raw and cooked fish and wiping them down after use. Fish needs to be cooked thoroughly and at the correct temperature. One exception to this is sushi. The sushi is a popular Japanese dish which consists of raw fish, e.g. salmon, rolled in rice and seaweed. It is available in restaurants and as ready prepared packs in supermarkets. Generally, this is safe to eat as long as the fish used has been cooked or if raw, has been frozen beforehand in order to kill off any parasites.

Despite the wide range of canned fishery products that are available, there are relatively few operations which are unique. The correct pre-process handling techniques and refrigerated storage conditions of all fish for canning have much in common (in fact, there is very little difference in the handling methods of fresh fish and processed fish). Similarly, with the seaming, with retort operating procedures and post-process handling of containers, the methods adopted are independent of the type of the product. The purpose of retorting-that is to achieve a shelf-stable and safe product by the application of lethal heat remains the same for all canned fishery products. It is understandable that there are common guidelines which discourage manual handling of all processed wet containers and recommend that all retort cooling water be chlorinated.

There is a direct and unavoidable relationship linking raw material quality and end product quality and this holds as much for the production of canned fish as it does for fish which is bought fresh and prepared at home. Because handling conditions immediately after catching are responsible for rapid loss of the “fresh” quality, the quality of canned fish suffers whenever the raw material is temperature abused or physically damaged between catching and thermal processing. This means that the quality criteria considered desirable by cannery management when they assess their raw materials ought to be the same as those chosen by consumers when they purchase fresh fish. Fish for canning can be trimmed to remove bruises and other localised flesh defects. As the quality of fish deteriorates from the moment of death, all that can be hoped for by good handling is to retard the rate at which undesirable, quality degrading, changes occur.

All of the pre-treatments ought to be carried out under conditions of good manufacturing practise, which means that the rudimentary steps of process hygiene should be implemented. Satisfactory control of contamination from operating surfaces and raw materials is achievable with regular cleaning (i.e., by washing the product, cleaning the line and ancillary equipment) and limiting the duration of exposure at temperatures suitable for growth of spoilage microorganisms.

In summary, seafood safety tips involve carefully buying from a reputable seller, keep seafood cold and live shellfish alive, refrigerate live shellfish properly, do not cross-contaminate and cook seafood thoroughly (Schmutz et al., 2020).

Professor John Abiodun Daramola is the HOD, Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology as well as the Director, Centre for Agricultural Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CATES) Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Access Bank Champions Stronger Alliances to Propel Intra-Africa Trade at Inaugural Africa Trade Conference

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Cape Town, South Africa – March 12, 2025: Access Bank PLC, today, convened leading policymakers, business executives, and industry stakeholders in Cape Town for the maiden Africa Trade Conference, a platform dedicated to unlocking the continent’s vast trade potential. The conference serves as a strategic response to the shifting global trade landscape, emphasising Africa’s need to build resilient economies through deeper regional collaboration and enhanced financial and trade infrastructure.

Addressing participants, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank PLC, highlighted the need for Africa to take control of its economic destiny by fostering deeper collaboration, investing in financial infrastructure, and creating homegrown solutions that drive sustainable growth.

Ogbonna underscored the shifting dynamics of global trade and increasing need for Africa to look inward. The world, he noted, has become more fragmented, with rising nationalist tendencies and supply chain disruptions that have disproportionately impacted the continent. These challenges, he argued, present an opportunity for Africa to strengthen its trade networks, support local businesses, and build the resilience needed to compete on a global scale. However, for this vision to become a reality, several structural barriers must be addressed.

One of the critical issues Ogbonna identified is the challenges businesses face in securing capital. While many African enterprises have the ambition to scale, the excessive cost of financing often inhibits their ability to expand. He advocated a financial services sector that is designed to empower businesses, making capital more accessible and affordable.

“Many businesses on the continent struggle to find capital or access to capital and the right structure of capital, and when they do find it, the cost of capital is so significant that it makes it unbelievably expensive for them to be able to raise capital and still do business competitively. That has to change. We have to create a financial services sector that empowers businesses, one that makes it easier and seamless for businesses to be able to access capital, to able to invest in growth, invest in innovation, and of course, the muscle they need to expand beyond their local boundaries. It is clear that we need to create a network of Africa financial giants who are willing to create homegrown solutions to support the continent in achieving the objectives that we have set for ourselves.”

Beyond financial constraints, limited access to market intelligence remains a major hurdle. Many African businesses lack the necessary insights to identify trade opportunities beyond their local markets. Leveraging technology to enhance information-sharing can bridge this gap, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and seize growth prospects across the continent.

Apart from capital, Ogbonna highlighted the critical role of access to information. Many businesses struggle to find the data and intelligence necessary to make informed decisions and identify opportunities beyond their national borders. He stressed that leveraging technology to bridge this gap will be instrumental in driving cross-border trade and creating a more connected Africa. He also addressed the issue of trust between trading partners, noting that historic challenges, inconsistent regulations, and varying standards have contributed to a lack of confidence in intra-Africa trade. Overcoming this scepticism, he affirmed, requires deliberate efforts to harmonise standards, foster cooperation, and shift perceptions about the quality of African goods and services. He urged African businesses to take pride in what they produce, invest in local industries, and reject the notion that products made on the continent are inferior to those from elsewhere.

The chief executive  also emphasised the urgent need to modernise Africa’s trade routes and infrastructure. Drawing on historical examples, he pointed out that Africa once had well-established trade corridors that connected it to the Middle East and Asia. Today, however, inefficient transport networks and regulatory bottlenecks make it easier for businesses in Angola to trade with Portugal than with South Africa or Nigeria. He called for a renewed commitment to building the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks necessary to facilitate seamless trade across the continent, ensuring that goods, services, and capital can move freely between African nations.

Closing his address, Ogbonna challenged attendees to take concrete action toward realising Africa’s economic potential. He urged governments, financial institutions, and businesses to leverage platforms like the Africa Trade Conference to drive meaningful change. The goal, he emphasised, should be to create an Africa where businesses thrive, financial inclusion is a reality, and homegrown solutions set global benchmarks.

“Ultimately, let’s collectively agree that we will create value working as governments, financial services sector and businesses, leveraging our collective power to make the Africa we truly are proud of a reality,” he said.

The Access Bank Africa Trade Conference represents a significant step toward fostering dialogue, building partnerships, and driving policy initiatives that support Africa’s economic transformation. As the continent continues to navigate global uncertainties, events like this serve as a reminder that Africa’s future lies in its ability to collaborate, innovate, and build a sustainable trade ecosystem that benefits all.

Streaming link: Africa Trade Conference – 25

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About Access Bank PLC

Access Bank PLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning three continents, 24 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.

Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings PLC, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998 (now Nigerian Exchange (NGX)). The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 20 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks.

As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.

About Africa Trade Conference

Africa Trade Conference serves as a dynamic platform where industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders across the trade ecosystem come together to shape the future of commerce on the continent. By fostering dialogue on innovative trade solutions, sustainable practices, and market-expanding strategies, the forum underscores Access Bank’s commitment to unlocking Africa’s immense potential.

Participants will engage in insightful discussions, forge strategic partnerships, and explore opportunities that drive inclusive growth, positioning Africa as a pivotal player in global trade.

Access Bank invites you to join industry leaders, innovators, and other key players across Africa’s trade ecosystem at the Africa Trade Conference 2025.