FUNCTIONS OF DEPARTMENTS/UNITS

ONE STOP INVESTMENT CENTER (OSIC)

The One Stop Investment Centre is an investment facilitation mechanism which brings relevant government Agencies to one location, coordinated and streamlined, to provide efficient and transparent services to investors. It shortens and simplifies administrative procedures for the issuance of business approvals, permits and licenses and company incorporation thereby removing bottlenecks faced by investors in establishing and running business, and ultimately, reduces the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

In addition, the Centre provides statistical data and information on the Nigerian economy, investment climate, legal and regulatory framework as well as sector and industry specific information to aid existing and prospective investors in making informed business decisions.

1.1Structure of OSIC: OSIC is in its second phase of implementation with twenty-six (26) participating Agencies, namely:

• Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC)
• Nigerian Immigration Services(NIS)
• Nigeria Customs Service(NCS)
• Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS)
• National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion(NOTAP)
• National Agency for Food and  Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC)
• Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN)
• National Bureau of Statistics(NBS)
• Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals(FMSM)
• Federal Ministry of Finance(FMF)
• Standards Organization of Nigeria(SON)
• Federal Capital Territory Abuja(FCTA)
• Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission(NIPC)
• Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development(MMSD)
• Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA)
• The Federal Ministry of Interior(FMI)
• Nigeria Export Promotion Council(NEPC)
• Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC)
• Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs(FMFA)
• National Planning Commission(NPC)
• Department of Petroleum Resources(DPR)
• New Nigeria Development Company(NNDC)
• Odu’a Investment Company Limited
• South-east/South-south Regional Desk
• Pharmacist Council of Nigeria(PCN)
• Nigerian Copyright Commission(NCC)
• Manufacturing Association of Nigeria(MAN)

1.2                   Objectives of the Centre:

The objectives of the Centre (OSIC) include the following:

1. To substantially reduce the cost of entry into Business in Nigeria.
2. To simplify procedural steps for obtaining business approvals.
3. To shorten service delivery time without undermining the policy objectives of the participating Agencies/Ministries.
4. To ensure transparency.
5. To provide Investment Information and Advice to Investors promptly
6. To fast- track public sector reform that will result in more attractive business environment.
7. To maintain close and professional working relationship among Government Agencies/Ministries in support of investors.

2.0       DEPARTMENT OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION

The Investment Promotion department is one of the core operational departments of NIPC. The function of the department is direct marketing i.e. targeting and encouraging investors to invest in Nigeria. 

The objective is to project Nigeria as a safe country for investment, highlight investment opportunities and encourage target countries and groups outside Nigeria to invest in the economy.

            2.1 Functions

This department has the following as its major functions:

(a)       Investment Generation

§  The department coordinates the Commission’s investment missions abroad i.e. Business and Investment Forums in different regions abroad.

§  It initiates new investment projects and agreements.

§  Identifies and periodically reviews viable investment and projects for promotion.

§  Targets high net worth Nigerians for investment generation. 

(b)       Image building

This is meant to improve Nigeria’s image globally. This comprises:

Campaigns to reduce investor’s worries reverse the negative perceptions about corruption and personal safety and shall be done through the following:

§  Media and public relations activities, projecting positive side of Nigeria

§  Advertisements

§  Advisory Investment Council

§  Newsletters/publications

§  Reports and literature.

Courting multiplier persons/institutions who are not investors themselves but are agents who are in regular contact with potential investor. Some of the methods that are used to attain these include:

§  The use of professional advisors e.g. consultants, agents or representatives, lawyers.

§  Trade associations, chambers of commerce, commercial attachés.

3.0       DEPARTMENT OF INVESTOR RELATIONS.

The Department of Investor Relations (IR) provides pre-investment and after care services to prospective and existing investors.

The main objective of the Investor Relations Department include the provision of efficient support and after care services to prospective and existing investors and keep records of all foreign direct investment inflow into the country;

3.1       Functions

·         Develop detailed strategies and work plans for the provision of proactive and responsive investor services;

·         Build and maintain relationships with Nigerian embassies abroad and Commercial Counselors of foreign missions in Nigeria, to identify investor needs and facilitate site visits for prospective investor.

·         Organise and participate in incoming investment missions, seminars and workshops;

·         Identify and periodically review viable investments and businesses with a view to evolving measures to support continuous operations  

·         Coordinate all matchmaking services and arrange business meetings between local and international investors interested in forming joint ventures;

·         Carryout any other functions that may be assigned to the department by the Chief Executive Officer.

4.0 DEPARTMENT OF POLICY ADVOCACY AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS

The Department’s main responsibility is primarily to advocate for improvement in Nigeria’s investment climate by proposing appropriate policy, legal and regulatory reforms conducive to foreign investment. The objective is to create attractive legal and regulatory environment for foreign investment and doing business in general.

4.1       Functions

(a) Preparation of National Investment Policy

• Collect, aggregate existing policies
• Consultative meetings/discussions
• Comparative studies against international  best practices
• Organizing National Conference on Investment
• Coordinating Initiate approval process/documentation.

(b)  Establishment of relationship with Sectoral National Councils

• Participate and present memorandum at various sectoral National Council meetings to advance4 the course of Investors.

(c) Maintaining effective liaison with other agencies and international bodies.

5.0 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

The department of Human Resources is responsible for recruitment, staff development/training, discipline, staff welfare (covering health and housing) and industrial labour relations.

The key objective of the Department is to ensure that the Commission attracts and retains skilled and competent staff for effective and efficient achievement of its overall objectives through capacity building and provision of staff welfare for increased productivity.

5.1       Structure

The department has two divisions:

(i)        Establishment Division

This division presides over such functions as:

• Human resource planning;
• Recruitment, selection and placement;
• Compensation and reward policy implementation;
• Performance appraisals and promotions decisions;
• Development of Organizational Culture;
• Implementation of Grievance and Discipline procedures.
• Staff Pension administration

(ii)       Staff Training & Welfare Division

The functions of this division cover such aspects as:

• Training needs assessment;

• Training policy implementation to cover:

-           Induction & Orientation courses

-           Implementation and propagation of organizational culture;

-           Development of training objectives;

-           Development and implementation of training programs;

-           Evaluation of results of training programs.

• Industrial and Labor Relations;
• Staff welfare scheme – Insurance, Housing, Medical etc.;

6.0       Department of Finance and Administration

6.1                   Structure

The main focus of the department of Finance and Administration is the provision of support services needed to enable the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) operates efficiently and smoothly as an Investment Promotion agency.

The objective of the department is therefore to provide finance and administrative services for the attainment of the Vision, Mission objectives of the Commission.

The department has two divisions:

(i)           Finance & Accounts

The Finance Division is responsible for the development and control of budgets, financial management and financial accounting. One of the functions of this division is to keep the books of the Commission in accordance with established local and international Accounting Standards and Practices including:

-          Processing expenses and revenue receipts;

-          Documenting and maintaining organizational assets;

-          Preparing and managing payroll;

-          Managing procurements and Capital Expenditure;

-          Preparing and controlling budgets;

-          Preparing Final and Management Accounts;

-          Inventory Management;

-          Donor (Credit) Accounting for Project Funds.

(ii)          Administration

This division is responsible for the general administration of the Commission, which includes:

a.     Facility Management;

b.     Transport and Logistic Services;

c.     Maintenance of NIPC buildings;

d.     Security;

e.     Grounds maintenance; and

f.        Procurement.

7.0       DIRECTORATE OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/CEO

The Directorate consists of Support Units in the Commission.

7.1.1 RESEARCH AND CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT UNIT

The Research Unit is responsible for sourcing, analyzing and providing information for the purpose of investor servicing, investment generation and policy advocacy functions of the Commission. In addition to research activities, the unit also manages the Commission’s library.

While the Corporate Development arm of the unit is a central support service system in the Office of the Executive Secretary/CEO. It operates a network of horizontal and vertical functional relationships with all Departments and component units of the Commission. This is to facilitate adequate co-ordination of the planning process and ensure streamlining by management, of policies, programmes, systems and operations for the purpose of creating the necessary organizational harmony and integration in line with the vision, purpose, mission and objectives of the NIPC.

The main objective of the CD Unit is to position NIPC to effectively carryout its investment promotion activities through effective strategic planning, continuous appraisal of policies,  keeping all plans in perspective and Facilitate the emergence of a vibrant and proactive culture of excellent service delivery that enhances NIPC’s competitiveness and effectiveness as an Investment facilitation Agency.

(a)       Functions

  In line with the Commission’s mandate, the Unit’s main function is the provision of    well researched and packaged investment related information for the purpose of investment promotion. The key tasks include:

§  Undertake policy analysis

§  Conduct sector studies

§  Gather and analyze statistical data and advice other relevant departments

§  Prepare reports on matters affecting investment in Nigeria raising issues and developing recommendations for improving FDI inflow.

§  Conduct research on relevant data involving country competitiveness, feasibility studies/project profiles and investors’ perception of Nigeria and provide promotion materials e.g. brochures, investor guides, etc.

§  Track the level /quantum of FDI inflow to Nigeria

• Continuous update of the NIPC website contents.
• To spearhead NIPC Service Delivery initiatives in line the Corporate Vision and Mission of then Commission.
• To serve as a link or focal point for SERVICOM Office in the Commission
• To coordinate the preparation of periodic Corporate Reports for meeting internal and external information requirements.

7.2   LEGAL UNIT

The Unit’s mandate is to provide the Commission with professional Legal Advice and services on all aspects of its operations and to protect her interest from all foreseeable actionable courses by ensuring that the Commission carries out its mandate within the confines of the enabling Act.  

(a)       Functions:

1.      Provide advisory opinions to the Executive Secretary, the Council      and the Commission.

2.       Prepare various instruments and other non-legislative documents, subsequent interpretation of already prepared Agreements/documents.

3.      Offer legal advice and firm representation in negotiation of commercial and industrial agreements to which the Commission is a party.

4.      Produce and circulate minutes of meetings of the Management Committee meeting and ensure compliance with all statutory requirements for meetings.

5.      Advise on Commercial enterprises particularly in the areas of Joint Venture Contracts, Project Finance, and International Trade.

6.      Advise NIPC on all issues needing arbitration and arranging adequate representation at such arbitration.

7.       Liaise with the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Corporate Affairs Commission and other relevant agencies of the Government on legal matters affecting the Commission.

8.       Analyse and interpret all legal documents on behalf of the Commission.

9.            Research, review and update various legislations as they affect the Commission.  Also assist in the preparation of draft legislation emanating from the Commission or the ones that affect the Commission.

10.              Service the meetings of Council on behalf of the Executive Secretary.

11.               Liaise with external solicitors for effective representation of the Commission in all litigations.      

7.3       ZONAL COORDINATION UNIT

The main objective of the Unit is to coordinate and direct the affairs of the Zonal offices towards the attainment of the corporate objectives of the Commission.

(a)       Functions

i.                     Collection, collation and analysis of monthly reports of activities performed by each zonal office.

ii.                   Liaise with core departments of the Commission in the dissemination of information and collaboration of investment related matters originating from the zones.

iii.                  Keep the Executive Secretary informed on the activities, achievements and constraints of the Zonal offices.

iv.                Oversees the data gathering within the zones.

v.                  Performs special duties that may be assigned from time to time.

vi.                Prepares annual report on the activities of the zonal offices.

(b)       Structure

The Zonal offices are created to essentially mirror the activities of the head office at the zonal levels;

(c )      Functions of the Zones

i.                     To collect and collate investors information at the zonal level.

ii.                   To provide after care services to investors at the zonal levels.

iii.                  To   liaise with and assist the state government and other stakeholders in improving the investment climate at the zonal level.

7.4 HONORARY INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS COUNCIL (HIIC)

Mr. President established the International Investor Council in October 2004. The inaugural/preliminary meeting of the Council is expected to hold some time in the second quarter of 2005.

(a)       Membership

The Council comprised of top-level corporate Executives i.e. Chairmen or CEO’s of large foreign companies, in position to authorize or influence the investment decisions of their companies and that of their country.

The Council also included the Economic Team Members, the ES/CEO of NIPC; key relevant Ministers (Finance, Commerce, Agriculture, Communications, Solid Minerals Development, Agriculture, Power & Steel and Industry), the Economic Adviser and the CEO’s of NNPC, NEPC, and NEPA & BPE.

These high level members of the International Business community are invited to add value propel and channel the efforts of Government to the realization of the objectives envisaged.

(b)       The Role of the Council:

The new Council is to assist in communicating developments about the country to the international investment community in conjunction with the NIPC by:

• Arranging investment fora in which key officials of Government and international business people can meet to highlight Nigeria’s investment opportunities.
• Undertaking practical efforts to attract more FDI; and
• Providing general public relations and promotion on Nigeria’s improved business climate.

(c)       The Council’s Terms of Reference:

• To provide inputs that would shape future policy affecting business climate in the country and promote investment opportunities in Nigeria to the international community;
• To help increase the Government’s understanding of the factors helping or hindering investment into the country;
• To offer perspectives on developments in the international community and communicate developments within the country to the international community;
• To advise on priority areas of economic activity for the purpose of enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness as investment destination;
• To avail the Government with the dynamics of investment location decisions of the international investing community;
• To advice Mr. President on value added strategies for attracting FDI’s into Nigeria;
• To assist in promoting Nigeria’s improved business climate and attractive opportunities to the international business community;
• To assist in influencing investment location decisions of targeted potential investors in favor of Nigeria through their good offices; and
• To enhance the image building effort of Nigeria.

7.5       MULTILATERAL AND PLURILATERAL UNIT

The Unit is responsible for data collection, review and analysis of trade policies and programmes.

(a)       Functions

i.                     Fostering and promoting effective balance in exports and imports.

ii.                   Contribute to the programmes and projects of the other departments that relate to the multilateral and plurilateral matters.

iii.                  Serve as data bank on trade policies.

iv.                Develop programmes and strategies on how NIPC can benefit from multilateral institutions.

v.                  Identify, review and analyse trade policies (programmes) of Multi and Plurilateral institutions as they affect Nigeria.

7.6       INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

The IT Unit, a service Unit charged with the responsibility of ensuring effective use of all available IT infrastructures in the Commission. The objective is to provide the Commission with very efficient and reliable Information Technology backbone for all the operations and ensure efficient information flow both within and outside the Commission.

(a)       Functions

               i.            Maintaining a secured and efficient Local Area Network and provision of Wide Area Network (connecting the Zonal Offices to the NIPC local area network).

             ii.            Developing and maintaining a robust and dynamic Web Portal/Web Site for the Commission, as a medium of Internal and External Communication and publishing of the Commission’s activities.

            iii.            Acquiring and maintaining computers hardware and peripherals for the Commission.

          iv.            Acquiring and maintaining an efficient and reliable Internet Connectivity for the Commission.

            v.            Developing, Installing, and updating software needs of the Commission.

          vi.            Improving and Enhancing the PABX functionalities.

         vii.            Conducting in-house training on the use of information technology facilities for the entire staff of the Commission.

7.7 INTERNAL AUDIT UNIT

The Internal Audit Unit is responsible for ensuring the adequacy of the internal control system, adherence to Management policies, facilitating and measuring the effectiveness, efficiency and economy of policy implementation.

(a)       Functions of the Unit

The function of the Unit includes the following:

(i)                  Conduct of pre audit (vouching of vouchers and receipts before payment);

(ii)                Conduct of value for money audit;

(iii)               Ensuring the adequacy of internal control system in the Commission;

(iv)             Verification of assets of the Commission;

(v)               Ensuring adherence to Management policies;

(vi)             Annual stock taking;

(vii)            Conducting quarterly post audit of finances of the Commission;

(viii)          Advising, assisting and alerting Management on effectiveness; efficiency and economy of Management policy and activities;

(ix)              Conduct of cost benefit analysis;

(x)                Investigation, especially in areas of financial improprieties.

7.8 PRESS AND PROTOCOL UNIT

The Press and Protocol Unit is the Commission’s image building section. Its main pre-occupation is to promote, project and maintain the corporate image of the Commission. The objective is to present NIPC as a repositioned outfit effectively carrying out its mandate.

(a)       Functions

i.                     Planning and execution of the Commission’s media publicity campaigns

ii.                   Responsible for positively projecting the image programmes, policies, plans and activities of the Commission through Press Releases, press conferences feature articles, pamphlets, brochures, posters, films, photos and journals.

iii.                   Facilitates the Chairman’s and Executive Secretary’s adequate representation/ attendance at public functions.

iv.                Prepare inputs into the Commission’s annual publicity budget, and implementing same as approved

v.                  Arrange for effective media coverage of Commission’s activities

vi.                Monitoring of  daily newspapers for articles of interests to the Commission and issuing rejoinders where necessary

vii.               Issuance of Press Releases as and when authorized.

viii.             Compilation and keeping custody of records of all events involving the Commission through photo albums and video recordings

ix.                 Inserting in the media all advertisements, jingles and announcements for and on behalf of the Commission.

x.                   Initiating house journal production and printing of seasonal cards, calendars, diaries, etc for the Commission.

xi.                 Participating in all Trade Fairs and Exhibitions both locally and in.

xii.                Co-ordinate all travel and Hotel accommodation arrangements for the Commission’s guest.

xiii.              Ensure proper protocol standards in all functions organized by the Commission.