Franca Obialor, branding entrepreneur and CEO of A’lor Consults Limited, has spotlighted multiple taxation as one of the greatest obstacles facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.
Speaking during the PR Tea Conference hosted by Hustle Africa in Ikeja, Lagos, Obialor expressed concern over the growing tax burden placed on businesses, warning that it’s increasingly becoming a barrier to growth, innovation, and sustainability for many entrepreneurs.
“The reality is that multiple taxes significantly increase our operational costs,” she said. “This strain makes it difficult for many businesses to survive, let alone thrive.”
Navigating Challenges Through Strategic Branding
Despite the hurdles, A’lor Consults Limited—a leading provider of affordable, high-quality signage and branding solutions—has managed to stay afloat through strategic resource management and a clear focus on delivering value-driven visibility solutions to clients.
Obialor explained that the company supports brands struggling with market visibility by offering services like billboard advertising, custom signage, and branding materials designed to set businesses apart in competitive spaces.
“We help businesses achieve powerful brand positioning that fosters customer loyalty and market recognition,” she added.
From conceptualization to final installation, A’lor Consults walks clients through every step to ensure premium signage solutions and memorable branding experiences.
Alor Apparel: Extending the Brand Experience
The entrepreneur also introduced Alor Apparel, a sister company focused on corporate clothing and urban wear. The brand caters to businesses of all sizes, providing custom-branded merchandise and promotional items that align with a company’s identity and marketing goals.
A Call for Government Support
Obialor urged the government to play a more active role in empowering Nigerian SMEs by:
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Simplifying regulatory processes
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Offering accessible loan facilities
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Providing grants and incentives to help businesses scale
She noted that while A’lor Consults has successfully secured permits from the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA)—giving it an edge in the branding sector—many startups and SMEs face bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder their growth.
“We need a friendlier business climate. Entrepreneurs are ready to drive economic growth, but we need the government to ease the way,” she said.
A Track Record of Excellence and Impact
A’lor Consults Limited has worked with a variety of prominent brands including Wheatbaker, Radisson, Trace, Interswitch, and Moniepoint—a testament to its reputation for excellence in Nigeria’s branding industry.
Obialor concluded by reaffirming the company’s inclusive, impact-driven vision, with a mission to help businesses shine through creative and strategic branding.
