How Anambra is making junior secondary education skills-driven

In classrooms across Anambra State, a quiet transformation is taking place as junior secondary students who once moved from one theory-heavy lesson to another are now being exposed to learning that looks and feels different. Some are handling basic electrical components, others are learning how everyday technology works, while a growing number are being introduced to creative and technical crafts that have clear economic value. Education in the state is being reimagined, not as a pathway that ends with certificates alone, but as one that begins early with practical capability.

This shift follows the state government’s decision to integrate a broad range of entrepreneurial and vocational learning areas into the Junior Secondary School curriculum. Announced in Awka by the Post-Primary Schools Service Commission, the reform introduces hands-on skill development into mainstream schooling, ensuring that students begin to understand how knowledge translates into work, income and innovation while they are still in school.

Rather than isolating skill acquisition as an optional or post-school activity, the new curriculum blends practical learning into everyday instruction. Students are now exposed to how renewable energy systems are installed and maintained, how mobile phones are repaired, how clothing is designed and produced, and how digital tools can be used to solve real problems. Creative fields sit alongside technical ones, while emerging areas such as robotics and information technology reflect the realities of a fast-evolving global economy.

At the heart of the reform is a deliberate shift away from an education model that prioritises examinations over usefulness. Speaking at the programme’s launch, the Chairperson of the Post-Primary Schools Service Commission, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, described the initiative as an effort to raise young people who are equipped to create value for themselves and for society. The emphasis, she noted, is not simply on preparing students to search for jobs, but on giving them the foundation to generate opportunities.

Education specialists in attendance, including voices from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, agreed that the demands of today’s economy require more than traditional classroom instruction especially with technology reshaping how work is done and how businesses are built. They argued that early exposure to practical problem-solving and technical thinking is no longer optional but essential.

Anambra’s move also reflects a broader national shift in how basic education is being reconsidered in Nigeria. Recent changes to the national curriculum have placed greater importance on vocational and trade-based learning at the junior secondary level. What distinguishes Anambra’s approach is how deliberately the state has aligned these reforms with local realities, focusing on skills that respond directly to energy needs, digital expansion and everyday services that drive the informal and formal economy.

The initiative builds on earlier investments by the Soludo administration aimed at strengthening the education sector. With expanded access to free education, large-scale teacher recruitment, upgraded science laboratories and increased funding for schools have laid the groundwork for a curriculum that is not only ambitious but increasingly practical.

As with any major reform, challenges remain such as ensuring adequate equipment, trained instructors and consistent delivery across schools will test the system in the months ahead but yet among educators and policymakers, there is a shared belief that the direction is right.

By introducing practical skill development at the junior secondary level, Anambra is redefining what foundational education can achieve. The classroom is no longer just a place for abstract learning, it is becoming a space where students begin to discover how knowledge connects to real life, real work and real opportunity.

Nigeria Moves to Formalise Traditional Medicine with Nationwide Practitioner Database

In a decisive step toward bringing structure and credibility to Nigeria’s vast traditional medicine landscape, the Federal Government has begun the systematic documentation of traditional medicine practitioners across the country.

The initiative, led by the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), aims to establish a comprehensive digital registry that captures practitioners, their locations, areas of practice and the products they offer. The move is widely seen as a foundational reform designed to professionalise a sector that a good percentage of Nigerians rely on daily.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director-General of the NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, described the project as long overdue, noting that traditional medicine remains an alternative form of healthcare in Nigeria despite operating largely outside formal regulatory systems.

“About 80 per cent of Nigerians depend on traditional medicine, particularly in rural communities where access to conventional healthcare is limited,” Emeje said. “Yet, the ecosystem has lacked basic organisation, visibility and verification.”

From Informal Practice to Verified Records

According to Emeje, the agency began building the digital database roughly eight months ago. The process goes beyond simple registration, incorporating physical verification of practitioners’ clinics, services and products. Once verified, practitioners will be issued unique identification numbers, similar to licence numbers used by professionals in orthodox healthcare.

“This is how credibility is built,” he explained. “In pharmacy, a licence number instantly tells you who I am, where I practise and whether I am certified. Traditional medicine in Nigeria has lacked that clarity, and we are now addressing it.”

The documentation exercise is designed to cover all 774 local government areas nationwide. A pilot phase has already been completed in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State, serving as the model for nationwide rollout.

Standardisation as the First Pillar

Emeje emphasised that documentation is the cornerstone of standardisation, which in turn will enable regulation, research, education and integration into the broader healthcare system.

“Once we know how many practitioners there are, where they operate and what services they provide, we can plan better, regulate better and support the sector more effectively,” he said.

The pilot project is expected to be presented to the National Assembly for consideration, with full implementation dependent on funding approval.

Aligning Nigeria with Global Best Practice

The reform drive comes on the heels of Emeje’s appointment in December 2025 as Co-Chair of the World Health Organisation’s Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. He said the Nigerian initiative aligns closely with WHO’s global push for member states to develop credible databases for traditional medicine practitioners.

Nigeria, he added, is already benefiting from its active role in shaping international policy discussions on traditional medicine, positioning the country as a key African voice in the sector.

Research, Education and Integration

Beyond documentation, Emeje highlighted chronic underinvestment in traditional medicine research, noting that global funding remains below one per cent despite the sector serving the majority of healthcare users worldwide.

“Research funding in traditional medicine does not reflect its real-world importance,” he said, adding that Nigeria intends to leverage WHO’s renewed focus to attract funding, generate scientific evidence and validate the safety and efficacy of natural medicines.

Education and standard-setting are also central to the strategy and that is why the NNMDA School of Traditional Medicine is working toward accreditation and quality assurance for training programmes, with the goal of preserving indigenous knowledge while strengthening it through research and formal learning.

“Our objective is not to replace traditional knowledge, but to recognise it, document it and help it thrive within a structured system,” Emeje said.

He pointed to countries like China and India as examples of how traditional medicine can be successfully integrated into national healthcare systems through deliberate policy, education and research support.

As Nigeria advances this agenda, Emeje said his role at the WHO would help ensure that both Nigeria and Africa play a more influential role in global collaborations, policy formulation and capacity building in traditional medicine.

“Traditional medicine has always been part of who we are,” he said. “What we are doing now is giving it the structure it needs to grow, gain trust and contribute even more meaningfully to national and global health.”

$60m Recycling Project Signals New Era for Nigeria’s Plastics Industry

Nigeria is set to host one of Africa’s most advanced plastic recycling facilities as Polysmart Packaging Limited rolls out a $60 million investment aimed at reshaping how plastic waste is managed and reused across the country.

The project, described as one of the largest private-sector investments in recycling infrastructure in Nigeria, is expected to come on stream in phases, beginning in the first quarter of 2026 and reaching full operational capacity by mid-year. When completed, the plant will significantly expand local recycling capacity and position Nigeria as a key player in sustainable materials production in West Africa.

At full scale, the facility will be able to process up to 100,000 metric tonnes of mixed plastic waste annually. This includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as well as other commonly used plastics such as HDPE, LDPE, and polypropylene. In practical terms, this means billions of used plastic bottles and containers that would otherwise end up in landfills, waterways, or open dumps will be recovered and converted into valuable industrial inputs.

A major focus of the investment is the production of food-grade recycled PET, also known as rPET. This material is widely used in beverage bottles and food packaging and must meet strict international safety standards. By producing certified rPET locally, Polysmart is addressing a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s manufacturing ecosystem, where food and beverage companies have relied heavily on imported raw materials.

Industry analysts note that Nigeria consumes several hundred thousand tonnes of PET annually, driven largely by the fast-moving consumer goods and beverage sectors. Local production of high-quality recycled resin could reduce foreign exchange pressure, shorten supply chains, and improve price stability for manufacturers.

The new plant will be powered by advanced sorting and recycling systems designed to separate plastics accurately and process them efficiently. These technologies allow different types of plastic to be recycled simultaneously, improving output quality and reducing waste during processing. The result is recycled material that can compete with virgin plastic in both performance and safety.

Beyond manufacturing, the project is expected to have a strong impact on jobs and small businesses. Thousands of direct and indirect roles are projected across waste collection, aggregation, logistics, equipment operation, maintenance, and quality control. Informal waste pickers and community-based collectors are also likely to benefit from a more structured and reliable demand for recyclable materials.

Environmental impact data highlights the scale of the opportunity. Recycling one tonne of PET can save up to 60 per cent of the energy required to produce virgin plastic and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With the expanded capacity, Polysmart estimates carbon savings running into hundreds of thousands of tonnes over time, alongside reduced pressure on crude oil resources used in plastic production.

Nigeria currently generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, with recycling rates still in the single digits. Large-scale facilities such as this are seen as critical to closing that gap and moving the country closer to a circular economy, where materials are reused rather than discarded after a single life cycle.

The investment also reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s industrial and environmental reform space. As global brands tighten sustainability requirements across their supply chains, locally available recycled materials are becoming increasingly important. Projects of this scale help ensure that Nigerian manufacturers can meet those standards without sourcing inputs from abroad.

With construction timelines already defined and technology procurement underway, the Polysmart expansion stands out as a concrete example of how private capital, environmental responsibility, and industrial growth can align. 

More than a recycling plant, the project represents a shift toward treating waste as an economic resource and positioning Nigeria at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing in the region.

Nigeria to Tap Domestic Markets for N900bn in January Bond Auction

Nigeria’s Federal Government will return to the domestic fixed-income market in January 2026, seeking to raise N900 billion through a reopening of existing sovereign bonds as part of its ongoing funding and yield-curve management strategy.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) confirmed that the auction will be held on January 26, with settlement scheduled for January 28. The offering spans medium- and long-dated Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds, providing investors with duration options across key benchmark maturities.

The issuance will be drawn from three outstanding instruments: the 18.50 per cent FGN bond maturing in February 2031, the 19.00 per cent FGN bond due in February 2034, and the 22.60 per cent FGN bond maturing in January 2035. The DMO is targeting subscriptions of N300 billion, N400 billion, and N200 billion respectively.

Bonds will be issued in units of N1,000, with a minimum subscription threshold of N50.001 million. While coupon rates are fixed, successful bids will be allotted at yields determined by market clearing levels, inclusive of accrued interest. Coupons are paid semi-annually, with principal repayment structured on a bullet basis at maturity.

The planned auction follows strong sovereign issuance activity in 2025, when total FGN bond allotments exceeded N5 trillion, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s most liquid local-currency debt markets.

Bond reopenings remain central to Nigeria’s domestic borrowing framework, allowing the government to efficiently raise funds, deepen secondary market liquidity, and strengthen benchmark pricing along the yield curve. For investors, the instruments offer predictable cash flows, sovereign credit backing, and regulatory clarity.

Participation in the auction will be conducted through authorised Primary Dealer Market Makers (PDMMs), including:

Access Bank Plc; Citi Bank Nigeria Ltd.; Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd.; Ecobank Nigeria Ltd.; FBNQuest Merchant Bank Ltd.; First Bank of Nigeria Ltd.; First City Monument Bank Ltd.; FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd.; Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Ltd.; Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd.; Stanbic IBTC Bank Ltd.; Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd.; United Bank For Africa Plc; and Zenith Bank Plc.

FGN bonds benefit from multiple statutory incentives. They qualify under the Trustee Investment Act, are exempt from corporate and personal income taxes, and are listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange. For deposit money banks, the bonds also count as liquid assets and carry the full faith and credit of the Federal Government.

The January auction underscores Nigeria’s reliance on domestic capital markets to support budgetary needs while offering local and offshore investors access to high-yielding, naira-denominated sovereign assets.

IMF Upgrades Nigeria’s 2026 Growth Outlook to 4.4% as Reforms Gain Traction

Nigeria’s economic prospects for 2026 have improved, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raising its growth projection to 4.4 percent, up from the 4.2 percent estimate issued in October 2025. The upward revision signals a more favourable assessment of Nigeria’s medium-term outlook, even as global economic conditions remain mixed.

The updated forecast was released in the IMF’s January 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update, which reviews economic developments across countries and regions. According to the Fund, Nigeria’s stronger outlook is not an isolated case but part of a broader reassessment of economic performance across Sub-Saharan Africa, where growth expectations have also been revised upward.

The IMF explained that Nigeria’s improved projection comes after a period of intense economic adjustment. In its October 2025 report, the Fund had expressed concern over high inflation, fiscal pressures, and deep structural weaknesses weighing on the economy. Since then, Nigerian authorities have continued policy reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal coordination, restoring macroeconomic balance, and improving productivity across key sectors.

These ongoing reforms, the IMF noted, are gradually supporting economic stability and helping to lift growth expectations for the medium term. However, the Fund stressed that structural reforms remain critical for sustaining growth in Nigeria and other emerging and developing economies, particularly reforms that enhance productivity, broaden the revenue base, and reduce economic vulnerabilities.

Nigeria’s upgraded outlook also reflects wider regional trends. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth for 2025 has been revised upward from 4.0 percent to 4.1 percent, while the 2026 forecast has been increased from 4.3 percent to 4.4 percent. This points to a broadly shared recovery across the region rather than country-specific gains alone.

At the global level, the IMF projects economic growth of 3.3 percent in 2026 and 3.2 percent in 2027, largely consistent with the estimated 3.3 percent expansion recorded in 2025. The Fund said the global outlook reflects a balance between downside risks from shifting trade policies and positive drivers such as technology-led investments, including artificial intelligence, supported by relatively accommodative financial conditions.

The IMF also expects global inflation to continue easing, with headline inflation projected to decline from 4.1 percent in 2025 to 3.8 percent in 2026, before falling further to 3.4 percent in 2027. This downward trend is expected to provide greater policy flexibility for governments and central banks worldwide.

Overall, the IMF’s decision to raise Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast from 4.2 percent to 4.4 percent underscores growing confidence in the country’s reform path. 

While challenges persist, the revised outlook suggests that consistent policy implementation and sustained structural reforms could strengthen Nigeria’s growth trajectory in the years ahead.

MAX raises $24m to scale electric mobility in Nigeria

Capital is increasingly flowing toward African companies that can pair scale with discipline, and MAX is positioning itself squarely in that category.

The Nigerian mobility financing company has secured $24 million in fresh funding, structured as a mix of equity and asset-backed debt, to accelerate its expansion into electric mobility and supporting infrastructure. For investors, the raise reflects more than growth capital; it underscores confidence in a business model built around predictable demand, improving unit economics, and long-term structural relevance.

MAX operates at the intersection of mobility, technology, and financial inclusion. Its core proposition is simple but powerful: democratize vehicle ownership for Africa’s vast informal transport workforce. Through a technology-driven rent-to-own platform, the company connects drivers to vehicles, increasingly electric, while bundling financing with essential services such as insurance, healthcare access, professional training, maintenance, and emergency response. This integrated approach turns drivers into mobility entrepreneurs rather than short-term users, strengthening retention and lifetime value.

The latest funding round attracted equity backing from Equitane DMCC, Novastar, and Endeavor Catalyst, alongside asset-backed debt from the Energy Entrepreneurs Growth Fund (EEGF) and other development finance partners. The blended structure reflects a maturing operation, where debt finances revenue-generating vehicle assets and equity supports platform expansion, technology, and regional growth.

Operationally, MAX is deploying capital into areas that directly reinforce margins and defensibility. These include scaling its electric two- and three-wheeler fleet, expanding battery-swapping and clean energy infrastructure, and deepening proprietary fleet management and Internet of Things (IoT) systems. These tools allow real-time asset tracking, tighter credit controls, and higher fleet utilization, all critical in asset-heavy mobility businesses.

A central pillar of the investment case is cost economics. As fuel price volatility continues to pressure driver incomes across African cities, electric vehicles offer lower daily operating costs and more predictable earnings. MAX’s early move into clean-energy mobility positions it to benefit from this shift while aligning with growing regulatory and climate-finance tailwinds.

Crucially, the company has confirmed profitability in Nigeria. In a sector where many mobility startups remain dependent on subsidies, MAX’s ability to generate positive returns in a challenging macroeconomic environment sets it apart. Management says this performance validates electric mobility in Africa as commercially viable today, not a future experiment.

MAX’s ambitions extend well beyond a single market. The company is targeting support for up to 250,000 drivers by 2027 and aims to exceed $150 million in annual recurring revenue as it expands across West and Central Africa. Its platform also supports enterprise and regulatory technology solutions, enabling compliance and data integration for corporate and institutional partners.

Founded in 2015 by Adetayo Bamiduro and Chinedu Azodoh, MAX has undergone a deliberate strategic reset to reach this point. Originally focused on broad vehicle subscription services, the company streamlined operations about a year ago, exited underperforming verticals, implemented cost controls, and reduced its workforce by roughly 150 employees, around 30 percent of staff, to improve capital efficiency and focus on electric mobility.

That discipline now underpins its physical infrastructure. MAX operates an assembly facility in Ibadan with capacity to produce up to 3,600 electric vehicles per month, spanning both two- and three-wheel models. Local assembly reduces exposure to import volatility, shortens deployment timelines, and improves cost control as the fleet scales.

The company’s journey has been supported by a strong network of global investors over time, including Novastar Ventures, Yamaha, Mastercard, Goodwell Investments, Alitheia Capital, Techstars, and Breakthrough Energy. The latest $24 million raise builds on earlier milestones, including a $31 million Series B round in 2021 and more than $40 million previously secured in institutional debt and bonds.

For business and investment audiences, MAX represents a shift in how African mobility companies are being built. It is not merely financing vehicles or operating fleets; it is constructing a full-stack mobility platform designed around Africa’s economic realities. 

As capital becomes more selective, models that combine technology, asset-backed revenues, financial inclusion, and profitability are likely to define the next phase of the continent’s electric mobility story, with MAX firmly in that conversation.

Nigeria Defeats Egypt on Penalties to Win Bronze at AFCON 2025

The Super Eagles of Nigeria capped off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Egypt 4–2 in a dramatic penalty shootout to claim the bronze medal after a tense goalless draw in regulation time.

Played with intensity, composure, and mutual respect between two African giants, the third-place playoff saw both teams cancel each other out over 90 minutes. Clear chances were limited, defenses stood tall, and neither side found the breakthrough, setting the stage for a decisive penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, emerged as the undisputed hero. The shot-stopper produced two crucial saves, denying Egypt’s biggest stars, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, and swinging momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favor. With nerves of steel, Ademola Lookman stepped up to convert the decisive spot kick, sealing a memorable victory for the Super Eagles.

Under the guidance of coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria displayed remarkable calm and belief during the shootout, capitalizing on Egypt’s missed penalties to secure third place. The result underlined the team’s resilience, mental strength, and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.

This victory is historic. It marks Nigeria’s ninth bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations, further cementing the Super Eagles’ reputation as the most consistent team in AFCON history. No other nation has matched Nigeria’s sustained presence at the latter stages of the competition, with repeated semifinal qualifications and an unmatched record of third-place finishes.

Beating Egypt to secure bronze at AFCON 2025 is far more than a consolation prize, it is a concrete reminder of Nigeria’s enduring pedigree, competitive spirit, and ability to rise on the biggest continental stage.

Borno’s digital transformation is driving faster, smarter public healthcare delivery

In Borno State, healthcare reform is no longer being measured only in promises or policy documents, but in data points, digital dashboards, and the steady disappearance of paper files. From patient registration to laboratory diagnostics, a growing number of public health facilities are now operating with Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), signalling a shift toward a more accountable and data-driven healthcare system.

The scale of that shift became evident during a recent high-level assessment of five digitally enabled facilities in Maiduguri. Moving quietly through wards, pharmacies, laboratories, and administrative units, those overseeing the state’s health reforms took stock of how digital systems are functioning in real time. The focus was not ceremonial as operations were scrutinised, drug supply chains were checked for quality and consistency, renovated infrastructure was examined, and frontline staff were observed as they worked within the new digital framework.

Early findings suggest that the investment is beginning to yield measurable gains. Digitised records are reducing duplication, shortening waiting times, and improving continuity of care across departments. In laboratories, EMRs are supporting more accurate diagnostics, while referral processes are becoming easier to track and coordinate. At a system level, the technology is strengthening disease surveillance and enabling faster access to reliable health data, critical in a region where timely response can save lives.

These changes are part of a broader public investment strategy aimed at delivering better healthcare outcomes for a fast-growing population. By prioritising digital infrastructure in public hospitals, the state is laying the groundwork for improved efficiency, transparency, and planning. Health data that once took weeks to compile can now be accessed in near real time, supporting better clinical decisions and policy responses.

The reforms extend beyond technology as a major structural shift is underway through the integration of the formal sector into the contributory healthcare scheme. This move, informed by lessons drawn from other states that have implemented similar models, is expanding the scheme’s financial base and improving its long-term sustainability. It also increases the pool of beneficiaries, making healthcare coverage more inclusive and predictable.

Across the five facilities assessed, the improvements were visible not only in patient-facing services but also in the supply and management of drugs and medical consumables. Strengthening this backbone of the healthcare system is critical, as consistent access to quality medicines remains one of the strongest indicators of effective service delivery.

Within the Borno State Contributory Health Care Management (BOSCHMA), the agency driving the programme, confidence is growing that the EMR platform will deliver long-term value. Beyond easing the workload of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, the system enables remote monitoring of facility performance and standardises data collection at the point of care. For researchers and planners, it opens up access to structured health data, supported by safeguards for confidentiality and accountability.

Utilisation figures are already pointing in a positive direction as more than 60 per cent of enrolled beneficiaries have accessed healthcare services under the scheme, an early indicator of trust and functionality. Enrollment has also become easier, with digital self-registration allowing residents to sign up directly online, reducing administrative barriers and delays.

Taken together, these developments reflect a healthcare system moving steadily from manual processes to measurable outcomes. 

As digital coverage expands to more primary healthcare centres and enrollment continues to grow, Borno’s health reforms are positioning data not just as a tool for record-keeping, but as a foundation for saving lives and delivering quality care at scale.

EU removes Nigeria from high-risk financial list, boosting investor confidence

The European Union has removed Nigeria from its list of high-risk financial jurisdictions, a decision that resets how Nigerian-linked transactions are treated across Europe and signals renewed confidence in the country’s financial safeguards. 

Once the change takes effect on January 29, 2026, banks and businesses within the EU will no longer be required to apply heightened scrutiny to dealings involving Nigeria, easing a long-standing friction point in cross-border finance and trade.

For years, placement on the EU’s high-risk list meant tougher compliance checks, additional documentation, and longer processing times for payments tied to Nigeria. These measures, mandated under EU anti-money laundering laws, often raised costs for exporters, slowed remittances, constrained correspondent banking relationships, and dampened investor appetite. This removal is expected to make financial flows between Nigeria and Europe more efficient, with tangible benefits for businesses, fintechs, and financial institutions operating on both sides.

The decision follows a broader recalibration at the global level. In 2025, the Financial Action Task Force, the international body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, removed Nigeria from its grey list after determining that the country had addressed key weaknesses in its AML/CFT framework. That assessment paved the way for the EU’s move, as the bloc’s own high-risk list closely mirrors FATF designations.

According to the European Commission, Nigeria’s delisting reflects progress made across supervision, enforcement, and institutional coordination. Regulators strengthened oversight of financial institutions, improved risk-based monitoring, and enhanced the use and sharing of financial intelligence. These reforms helped resolve concerns that first led to Nigeria being placed under increased monitoring in 2023 and restored confidence in the effectiveness of its financial controls.

Nigeria’s removal was announced alongside that of other African countries, including South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Mali, and Tanzania, while new jurisdictions were added to the EU list. The changes were informed by decisions taken at the FATF’s June and October 2025 plenary meetings, underscoring the link between global standard-setting and regional regulatory action.

For Nigeria, the timing is significant especially as Africa’s largest economy seeks to attract foreign capital, expand non-oil exports, and deepen integration into global financial markets, the easing of EU compliance barriers offers a practical boost. European partners stand to benefit from lower transaction costs and clearer risk assessments, while Nigerian firms gain smoother access to trade finance, payments infrastructure, and investment channels.

The development has been welcomed by Nigerian officials. The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, described the delisting as a major win, pointing to its implications for growth, investment, and international perception. While formal government statements are still expected, the move has already been received positively across financial and business circles.

Although the delisting marks an important milestone, it is not an endpoint especially as maintaining the confidence of international regulators will depend on sustained enforcement, continuous supervision, and ongoing coordination among Nigerian institutions. 

For now, however, the EU’s decision represents a clear shift from caution to confidence in how Nigeria is viewed within the global financial system, opening the door to smoother engagement with one of its most important economic partners.

Paystack steps into regulated banking with Ladder Microfinance Bank acquisition

Paystack has taken a decisive step beyond payments with the acquisition of Ladder Microfinance Bank, signalling its entry into regulated banking in Nigeria and a broader shift in its long-term strategy.

The deal grants Paystack a microfinance banking licence, allowing it to directly accept deposits, extend credit, and offer regulated financial services, functions it previously handled through partner banks. The institution will operate as Paystack Microfinance Bank (Paystack MFB), running as a standalone regulated entity within the Paystack group.

The company plans to begin with lending products tailored to businesses, an area where access to financing remains limited despite widespread participation in the digital economy. By drawing on transaction data from merchants already using its platform, Paystack is positioned to design credit products that better reflect real business activity. Consumer lending and additional financial services are expected to follow in later phases.

Beyond lending, Paystack MFB will also serve as an infrastructure provider through banking-as-a-service offerings. These products will enable companies to build financial tools, treasury systems, and embedded banking features without securing their own licences, expanding Paystack’s role in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem.

The acquisition places Paystack in direct competition with digital lenders, neo-banks, and traditional microfinance institutions that already combine payments, deposits, and loans. However, Paystack enters this space with nearly a decade of experience supporting businesses across Africa, giving it a data-driven advantage as it moves deeper into regulated finance.

Following earlier moves into consumer services with its Zap app, the Ladder Microfinance Bank acquisition underscores Paystack’s evolution from a payments processor into a full-stack financial services company, one aiming to support Nigerian businesses not just at the point of payment, but across growth, liquidity, and long-term financial resilience.

Nigeria moves to pass Africa’s first economy-wide AI law

Nigeria is on the brink of a defining moment in its digital evolution, as lawmakers move to pass a sweeping law that would place the country among the first in Africa to formally regulate artificial intelligence across the entire economy.

The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, expected to be approved by the National Assembly before the end of March, would shift Nigeria from voluntary AI guidelines to enforceable, economy-wide rules. The legislation is designed to close a regulatory gap that has existed since the release of Nigeria’s draft national AI strategy in 2024, at a time when AI adoption is accelerating across finance, public services and private industry.

If enacted, the law would grant regulators extensive authority over data use, algorithms and digital platforms that increasingly shape decision-making in both the public and private sectors. A core feature of the framework is its risk-based approach: higher-risk AI systems, such as those used in finance, public administration, surveillance and automated decision-making, would be subject to deeper scrutiny than lower-risk applications.

Developers of such systems would be required to submit annual impact assessments detailing potential risks, mitigation strategies and performance metrics. Regulators, in turn, would have the power to demand information, issue compliance directives, and suspend or restrict AI systems deemed unsafe or non-compliant.

For the first time in Nigeria, AI deployments could also carry direct financial consequences. The bill allows authorities to impose penalties of up to ₦10 million or as much as 2% of an AI provider’s annual revenue generated in Nigeria, marking a significant step toward accountability even though enforcement details are still being clarified.

Beyond oversight, the proposed law seeks to balance regulation with innovation. It introduces regulatory sandboxes that would allow startups, research institutions and other organisations to test AI systems under supervised conditions, ensuring that local innovation is not stifled as governance tightens.

According to Kashifu Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the intent is to regulate AI early rather than react after problems emerge. He argues that clear safeguards and guardrails are essential to ensure AI systems operate within acceptable ethical and societal boundaries, while also enabling authorities to detect and contain misuse.

Nigeria’s approach mirrors emerging frameworks in other parts of the world, emphasising transparency, fairness and accountability throughout the AI lifecycle. While several African countries have published AI strategies, few have moved toward comprehensive, enforceable legislation. That places Nigeria at the forefront of AI governance on the continent.

The implications extend beyond national borders. A clear legal framework could reshape how multinational technology companies, from US-based firms like Google to Asian cloud providers, design and deploy AI products in Africa’s most populous country.

If passed, the bill would signal Nigeria’s ambition not only to harness artificial intelligence for economic growth and improved governance, but also to shape how the technology is built, deployed and trusted, setting a potential benchmark for AI regulation across Africa.

Nigeria’s Carbon Bet: How Climate Policy Is Becoming a New Engine of Growth

Nigeria is making a calculated wager on climate markets, one that blends environmental ambition with hard economic logic. At the centre of this strategy is a newly activated carbon market that the government believes can generate as much as $2.5–$3 billion annually over the next decade, while repositioning Africa’s largest economy as a serious player in global climate finance.

This is not a symbolic climate pledge. It is a structural shift in how Nigeria plans to fund development, modernise energy systems, and monetise its vast natural assets at a time when traditional climate aid is proving inadequate.

From oil giant to carbon trader

Speaking to global investors and policymakers at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu framed Nigeria’s carbon market as a development opportunity rather than a climate constraint. The message was clear: climate action, if properly designed, can unlock capital, spur industrial growth, and create new income streams for communities.

That vision is now underpinned by policy. In October 2025, Nigeria approved its National Carbon Market Framework, followed by the launch of a National Carbon Registry and the operationalisation of a Climate Change Fund. Together, these reforms establish the rules for carbon credit registration, verification, issuance, and trading, areas that have historically undermined trust in carbon markets across the Global South.

The aim is credibility. By strengthening emissions reporting and transparency, Nigeria wants its carbon credits to meet international quality standards and attract buyers in both voluntary and compliance markets.

How the market is expected to work

At its core, a carbon credit represents one metric ton of carbon dioxide avoided, reduced, or removed from the atmosphere. Nigeria plans to generate these credits across a wide range of sectors: forestry, renewable energy, clean cooking, agriculture, waste management, and industry.

The government will initially prioritise participation in voluntary carbon markets and international trading, while laying the groundwork for a domestic emissions trading system and carbon tax in the future. Oversight sits with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), chaired by the President, supported by a dedicated carbon market office responsible for approvals, registries, and market supervision.

Nigeria is not starting from zero. It already has 57 registered voluntary carbon projects, mostly in household energy, renewables, and forestry, with about 5.8 million tons of credits issued so far. The new framework is designed to rapidly expand that pipeline, this time with clearer incentives and tighter governance.

Incentives designed to crowd in capital

To attract investors wary of past failures in global carbon markets, Nigeria is deploying fiscal carrots alongside regulation. The framework allows for tax exemptions on carbon credit revenues for up to ten years, accelerated capital allowances for low-carbon assets, and deductions for research and development linked to emissions reduction.

Officials argue that these measures remove long-standing structural risks that have discouraged private capital, while signalling that carbon markets are now a core part of Nigeria’s economic strategy, not a side project.

This approach aligns with broader climate financing initiatives already underway. The government has outlined a $500 million climate-resilient infrastructure platform, a $2 billion national climate investment platform, and a $50 billion sub-regional green bond, which was nearly fully subscribed. Multilateral partners are also active: the World Bank is implementing a $750 million programme to expand clean electricity access to more than 17.5 million Nigerians.

Energy transition meets social development

Nigeria’s carbon strategy is closely tied to its energy reforms. The Electricity Act of 2023, which decentralised power generation and distribution, has opened the door for renewable energy solutions in rural communities, off-grid health centres, schools, and markets.

According to President Tinubu, the country’s energy transition plan deliberately integrates climate mitigation, industrial growth, and social development into a single framework, an attempt to avoid the false choice between development and decarbonisation. The long-term target remains net-zero emissions by 2060, alongside universal access to modern energy.

Taking the case global

At COP30 in Brazil, Vice President Kashim Shettima reinforced this narrative, describing Nigeria as a hub for nature-positive investment in the Global South. He said proceeds from carbon markets and the Climate Change Fund would be reinvested into community-led reforestation, blue carbon projects, sustainable agriculture, and coastal ecosystems.

Shettima also used the platform to push for reforms beyond Nigeria’s borders, calling for grant-based finance, debt-for-nature swaps, and expanded use of Article 6 carbon mechanisms under the Paris Agreement. His argument was both moral and economic: countries that contributed least to climate change should not be left to finance global public goods alone.

Domestically, Nigeria is already scaling nature-based solutions. Initiatives such as the Great Green Wall, which spans 11 frontline states, a Forest Landscape Restoration Plan targeting over two million hectares by 2030, and a Marine and Blue Economy Policy are all being folded into the carbon market ecosystem.

Betting against a fragile global market

Nigeria’s timing is bold and risky. Global carbon markets have shrunk sharply since 2021 amid concerns over project quality and corporate pullback from climate commitments. Yet analysts expect long-term demand to rebound, with global carbon credit supply potentially expanding 20-35 times by 2050 as markets reset around integrity and impact.

Several African countries have moved to tighten control over carbon markets in pursuit of greater national benefit. Nigeria’s approach is more expansive: instead of renegotiating old deals, it is building an institutional architecture designed to scale quickly while meeting international scrutiny.

Whether the bet pays off will depend on execution, especially enforcement, transparency, and community inclusion but the direction is unmistakable. Nigeria is no longer treating climate policy as an external obligation. It is reframing it as a tool of economic statecraft, one that could unlock billions in investment, create green jobs, and anchor the country’s role in the next phase of global climate finance.

If successful, Nigeria’s carbon market could offer a compelling counter-narrative: that climate action, when rooted in local development priorities, can be a source of growth rather than sacrifice.

Nigeria Launches Lagos Gold Refinery, Discloses Imminent Commissioning of $600m Lithium Plant

Nigeria is quietly redrawing its minerals map.

The launch of a high-purity gold refinery in Lagos and the imminent commissioning of a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State signal a deliberate shift away from the export of raw minerals toward domestic value creation. For a country long defined by resource extraction with limited industrial payoff, the move represents a structural rethink rather than a routine policy announcement.

The Lagos refinery, now operational, places Nigeria among a group of African countries capable of refining gold to international standards locally. More importantly, it anchors a broader strategy: three additional gold refineries are already at different stages of development, pointing to an emerging national refining network rather than a standalone project.

Lithium adds a different, more strategic dimension. As demand for battery minerals accelerates globally, Nigeria’s decision to process lithium domestically positions it within the clean-energy value chain rather than at its margins. The Nasarawa plant, valued at $600 million, underscores the government’s intent to capture industrial value from minerals that are increasingly central to global economic and geopolitical calculations.

These developments were outlined by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during engagements with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh. The discussions reflected Nigeria’s evolving posture, from resource holder to investment and technology partner.

Beyond infrastructure, the government is pressing reforms that address longstanding constraints in the sector. Mineral traceability, environmental and social standards, mine-pit remediation and clearer monitoring frameworks are being elevated as core pillars, aimed at boosting investor confidence and curbing illegal mining.

A joint Nigeria-Saudi working group, established after the 2025 Future Minerals Forum, is expected to translate these priorities into actionable agreements, particularly in capacity building, advanced exploration and technology transfer.

Taken together, the gold and lithium projects suggest a broader recalibration of Nigeria’s economic strategy. Rather than chasing export volumes, the focus is shifting toward industrial depth and relevance in global supply chains, especially those tied to the energy transition.

For Nigeria, the refinery floors in Lagos and the lithium facilities in Nasarawa are not just industrial assets but early indicators of a country seeking to turn mineral abundance into sustained economic advantage.

Terra Industries’ $11.75M Raise and Nigeria’s Defence Tech Emergence

For decades, conversations about African security have largely been framed elsewhere in Western capitals, foreign defence firms, and external intelligence networks. Yet in Abuja, a new kind of company is challenging that pattern, quietly and deliberately, from the heart of Nigeria.

Terra Industries, founded by two young Nigerian engineers, has emerged from stealth with an $11.75 million capital raise, signalling not only investor confidence in a startup, but a broader belief that Africa can design, build, and control the technologies required to protect its own future.

At a time when Nigeria is expanding its energy infrastructure, mineral extraction, and industrial capacity, Terra’s story offers a different narrative of national capability: one rooted in engineering, manufacturing, and sovereign intelligence.

A Nigerian Response to a Continental Problem

Africa is industrialising at speed. Across the continent, infrastructure investment now approaches $100 billion annually, while Nigeria remains central to this expansion, powering homes, industries, and regional supply chains, yet this progress has come with mounting risks.

Across land borders, coastlines, and remote interior regions, terrorism, organised crime, sabotage, and illegal extraction have placed critical assets under constant threat and the cost is staggering. Industry estimates suggest Africa loses hundreds of billions of dollars every year to infrastructure disruption and insecurity.

For Nathan Nwachuku, Terra’s co-founder and chief executive, this imbalance between economic ambition and security reality was impossible to ignore.

Nigeria, he believed, did not suffer from a lack of talent or resolve. What it lacked was locally controlled technology, systems designed for African terrain, African infrastructure, and African sovereignty.

Rather than exporting the problem, he chose to build the solution at home.

Building from Abuja, Not Importing from Abroad

Founded in 2024 alongside Maxwell Maduka, a former Nigerian Navy engineer, Terra Industries was conceived as more than a defence contractor. It was designed as a defence technology prime, vertically integrated, software-driven, and manufactured on the continent.

From its base in Abuja, Terra designs and builds autonomous systems that secure infrastructure across air, land, and maritime domains. These include aerial surveillance platforms, unmanned ground vehicles, intelligent sentry towers, and maritime monitoring systems capable of protecting offshore and underwater assets.

What binds these systems together is ArtemisOS, Terra’s proprietary, AI-powered operating system. The platform enables real-time data fusion, threat detection, autonomous mission planning, and coordinated response, even across vast and difficult environments where traditional security models struggle to function.

Crucially, ArtemisOS is built around data sovereignty. Intelligence collected through Terra’s systems remains under the control of African operators, reducing dependence on foreign intelligence pipelines.

This distinction has allowed Terra to compete and win against long-established global defence firms, offering faster deployment, tighter hardware-software integration, and on-the-ground operational support.

From Concept to Critical Infrastructure

Terra’s technology is no longer theoretical. Its systems are already protecting nationally significant assets across Nigeria and beyond, including power generation facilities, mining operations, and industrial sites tied directly to economic stability.

Among its deployments are major energy installations in Nigeria’s south and north, as well as mineral operations spanning West Africa. Collectively, these assets are valued at over $11 billion, a scale that places Terra among the most operationally advanced defence startups on the continent.

The company’s revenue model blends system deployment with recurring income from data processing, analytics, and orchestration, providing long-term sustainability rather than one-off contracts. It has already generated millions of dollars in commercial revenue and secured its first federal-level government engagement.

Global Capital, Nigerian Control

The $11.75 million funding round was led by 8VC, the U.S. venture firm founded by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, with backing from a mix of global investors spanning Silicon Valley, private equity, and strategic defence capital. Angel investors also participated, alongside African funds that recognised the significance of building such a company locally.

Despite this international backing, Terra’s centre of gravity remains firmly Nigerian.

The company operates a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Abuja, staffed largely by African engineers and technicians. Many members of its technical team have prior service in Nigeria’s armed forces, ensuring that product design reflects operational realities rather than abstract theory.

Maduka himself grew up within Nigerian naval environments before serving as a UAV engineer, while Nwachuku represented Nigeria in international physics competitions before founding a high-growth education platform as a teenager.

Their paths converge in Terra: a company where Nigerian experience is not an afterthought, but the foundation.

Manufacturing Security, Creating Value

Unlike many technology firms that offshore production, Terra manufactures on the continent by design. The company views defence manufacturing not just as a security imperative, but as an industrial opportunity, creating skilled jobs, building advanced capabilities, and retaining intellectual property within Africa.

While Terra plans to expand its software and commercial leadership presence in London and San Francisco, production will continue to scale in Nigeria, with additional facilities planned across the continent.

For Maduka, the objective is clear: Africa should not merely consume security technology; it should produce it.

Reframing Nigeria’s Global Image

Terra Industries’ rise challenges a familiar narrative. Nigeria is often discussed in the context of insecurity, yet here is a Nigerian company confronting that reality with engineering, data, and manufacturing discipline.

It represents a quieter story, one that rarely dominates headlines of Nigerians building systems that protect infrastructure, stabilise economies, and reduce dependency on foreign solutions.

In doing so, Terra is not only securing assets. It is reshaping how Nigeria is perceived: not as a perpetual risk environment, but as a source of strategic capability.

As Africa’s industrial expansion accelerates, the question is no longer whether security will matter, but who will control it.

From Abuja, Terra Industries is offering a distinctly Nigerian answer.

Nigeria Outclass Algeria to March into AFCON Semifinals

There are nights in football when a team does more than win, it reveals clarity, belief, and direction. Under the lights of the Grand Stade de Marrakech, Nigeria delivered a commanding display, defeating Algeria 2–0 to secure a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Coming into the quarterfinal, the Super Eagles carried the weight of recent disappointment after missing out on World Cup qualification. Yet in Marrakech, that narrative faded quickly. From the opening moments, Nigeria played with sharpness and intent, moving the ball decisively, winning duels across the pitch, and refusing to allow Algeria settle into any rhythm.

Nigeria’s dominance in the first half went unrewarded on the scoreboard but not unnoticed. Akor Adams came closest to breaking the deadlock when he curled a well-taken effort just over the bar eight minutes before the interval, a moment that hinted at what was to come rather than dampening Nigeria’s momentum.

The breakthrough arrived almost immediately after the restart. Just 85 seconds into the second half, Victor Osimhen rose to meet a deep cross from Bruno Onyemaechi, directing his header back across goal. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane misread the flight of the ball, and Nigeria capitalised without hesitation as Osimhen registered his fourth goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Nigeria extended their lead with a move that captured the team’s cohesion and confidence. Osimhen, already on the scoresheet, turned provider, slipping an intelligent pass into the path of Akor Adams. The Sevilla forward showed composure, rounding Zidane before calmly placing the ball into an unguarded net.

From there, Nigeria tightened their grip on the contest. Algeria searched for a response but found none, repeatedly denied by a disciplined Nigerian back line that allowed no clear scoring opportunities. Adams nearly added a third late on, his header from another Osimhen delivery striking the left-hand post, but the miss did little to alter the balance of the game.

This was a performance defined by organisation, intensity, and collective purpose. Nigeria looked quicker in transition, stronger in the challenges, and united in their defensive work, overwhelming an Algerian side that never found a foothold in the match.

The victory sends Nigeria into the final four, where they will face host nation Morocco in Rabat on January 14. With momentum building and confidence restored, the Super Eagles move one step closer to continental glory, carrying belief, balance, and renewed ambition into the decisive stages of the tournament.

CRIMMD brings Nigeria’s history closer to everyday life

The atmosphere at the opening of CRIMMD’s newly relocated museum was less ceremonial and more communal, an intentional reflection of the institution’s philosophy that history should live among the people who made it. Conversations flowed easily between scholars, artists, activists, and creatives, all drawn by a shared belief that Nigeria’s cultural memory must be preserved, interpreted, and made accessible to everyday life.

At the heart of the gathering was a recognition and appreciation of CRIMMD's founder, Dr. Raphael’s decades-long engagement with Nigerian arts, heritage, and historical documentation. 

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the occasion and Programme manager at United Nations Habitat, Prof. Falade described this commitment as both scholarly and deeply human, noting that culture, when properly curated, does more than inform, it reshapes perception and identity. He emphasized that the museum’s mainland location was no accident especially with a significant percentage of Lagos residents living and working on the mainland, situating the museum there brings history out of elite or distant spaces and into the rhythm of daily life. Heritage, he stressed, is not an abstract concept reserved for academic circles, but a shared resource that belongs to communities.

This philosophy aligns with CRIMMD’s curatorial approach. Rather than focusing solely on grand artifacts, the museum places strong emphasis on everyday objects, tools, documents, photographs, and personal effects that tell intimate stories of social change, creativity, and resilience. Such collections reflect broader global museum trends, where institutions increasingly prioritize social history and lived experience as vital historical records.

The Director of the Goethe-Institut Nigeria, Dr. Nadine Siegert, described CRIMMD as a “transition museum,” one that bridges memory and modernity. She explained that objects used in daily life often survive political shifts and generational change, making them powerful carriers of history. Drawing from personal experience, she recalled creating a small museum in her childhood home, using ordinary items to tell stories. Seeing that same instinct translated into a full-scale institution, she said, was both moving and significant. She reaffirmed the Goethe-Institut’s ongoing support and acknowledged the Ford Foundation’s role in funding the museum’s relocation, an investment that strengthens cultural infrastructure and long-term public access.

CRIMMD’s growing influence was evident in the breadth of its audience. The event attracted a broad mix of influential voices from across Nigeria’s cultural and academic landscape. Among those present were cultural archivist Jahman Anikulapo and Prof. Adisa Ogunfolakan, Founding Curator of the Natural History Museum at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, alongside Prof. Ben Ezeohagwu, Chancellor of African American University. Also in attendance was renowned activist Joe Okei-Odumakin, further underscoring the significance of the occasion. They were joined by professionals from publishing, tourism, education, and the creative industries, reflecting the museum’s cross-sector relevance.

Beyond symbolism, the numbers tell their own story. Cultural institutions in Nigeria increasingly attract thousands of visitors annually, particularly as public interest in heritage tourism and identity-driven storytelling grows. Museums like CRIMMD contribute not only to education but also to the creative economy, supporting research, exhibitions, public programming, and intergenerational learning. By operating outside traditional power centers and prioritizing inclusivity, CRIMMD positions itself as both a cultural archive and a civic space.

As the doors of the museum open to a wider public, its mission is clear: to ensure that Nigerian history is not frozen behind glass, but actively engaged, questioned, and celebrated. In doing so, CRIMMD reinforces a simple but powerful idea, that when culture is placed within reach, it becomes a living force shaping national consciousness.

Nigeria Launches 24-Hour Unmanned Fuel Stations in Major Industry First

Nigeria has taken a significant step in modernising its fuel retail sector with the rollout of 24-hour unmanned fuel stations, introducing round-the-clock self-service refuelling powered by locally developed technology.

The initiative is being led by Auwalu Abdullahi Rano (A.A. Rano) Nigeria Limited, one of the country’s leading downstream oil and gas companies. The newly unveiled stations are fully digitalised, featuring smart fuel-dispensing systems that allow motorists to refuel and make instant, contactless payments without the presence of fuel attendants.

Speaking in a statement released in Kano, Chairman of A.A. Rano Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, described the project as a major leap in fuel retail operations and customer experience. He disclosed that the self-dispensing fuel pumps are being deployed through a strategic partnership with Petrosoft Limited, a Nigerian technology company specialising in oil and gas management systems.

Under the agreement, Petrosoft will roll out its automated fuel station technology across A.A. Rano’s more than 200 retail outlets nationwide. The deployment will extend beyond major cities to border communities across Niger, Chad, Benin and Cameroon, significantly expanding access to modern fuel retail infrastructure.

According to Rano, the first set of unmanned fuel stations is scheduled to commence operations from January 2026, enabling motorists and motorcyclists to refuel and complete transactions independently at any time of the day.

He explained that the technology is designed to reduce operational inefficiencies, minimise the loss of man-hours, and improve transparency in fuel dispensing, assuring customers that they receive the exact volume paid for at every transaction.

Commenting on the development, Chief Executive Officer of Petrosoft Limited, Dr Joshua Denila, said the project demonstrates the growing capacity of Nigerian-built technology to address long-standing challenges within the country’s fuel retail market.

“Our fuel dispensing and payment systems are developed locally and built to international standards,” Denila said, noting that the solution is scalable and capable of improving efficiency from single retail stations to large fuel depots across Nigeria.

The launch of unmanned, 24-hour fuel stations marks a notable milestone in Nigeria’s downstream sector, reinforcing the country’s shift towards technology-driven service delivery, operational transparency and improved consumer confidence.

Jersey to repatriate $9.5 million to Nigeria

Nigeria’s ongoing governance and institutional reforms are yielding tangible results, with over $9.5 million in previously seized funds set to be returned following a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the Bailiwick of Jersey.

The agreement, confirmed in Abuja in January 2026, reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s political leadership, accountability frameworks, and commitment to transparent asset recovery and utilisation. It marks another milestone in Nigeria’s broader effort to reclaim public resources and reinvest them in national development.

The funds, which had been held abroad following earlier investigations, were formally cleared for repatriation after legal processes concluded. Their release is widely seen as recognition of Nigeria’s improved governance climate and its ability to engage international partners through structured, credible agreements rather than protracted disputes.

Crucially, the recovered sum will be channelled into infrastructure development, specifically the final phase of the Abuja–Kano Road, a strategic highway linking the nation’s capital with one of its most important commercial corridors. The project underscores Nigeria’s renewed focus on translating recovered assets into visible economic value for citizens.

This latest recovery builds on earlier asset return arrangements that have supported major national projects, including the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge, both now completed. Collectively, these outcomes highlight a shift from asset loss to asset recovery, driven by institutional strengthening and clearer governance processes.

Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the development as evidence that Nigeria’s reforms are working. He emphasised that Nigeria’s engagement with international jurisdictions is increasingly defined by trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.

The successful execution of the memorandum also signals that Nigeria is firmly on the right path, building confidence globally while prioritising national interest at home. As economic and political stability continues to deepen, the country is demonstrating that responsible leadership and reform can unlock long-standing gains, even beyond its borders.

Adedamola Ajibola Emerges DevOps Professional of the Year at NITA 2025

Behind every smooth digital payment is a complex system working quietly in the background. At the 11th Nigeria Technology Awards (NITA) 2025 in Lagos, one of the professionals responsible for keeping those systems stable and reliable was brought into the spotlight. Adedamola Ajibola, a DevOps and Platform Engineer at Interswitch Group, was named Excellence in DevOps & Infrastructure Automation Professional of the Year.

The award honours technology professionals whose work delivers real, measurable impact. For Ajibola, that impact is felt daily across Africa, where millions of financial transactions depend on the platforms he helps to build, optimise, and scale.

At Interswitch, Ajibola works on some of the company’s most critical systems, including its switching infrastructure, lending services, smartcard processing platforms, and ACI-based payment routing systems. These platforms form the backbone of digital payments for banks, fintechs, merchants, and everyday users. Through careful engineering and automation, his work has improved transaction success rates, reduced system delays, and made deployments faster and more reliable.

According to the NITA awards panel, Ajibola stood out for his strong focus on high-availability systems and DevOps automation, as well as his ability to deliver performance improvements at scale within Nigeria’s financial services ecosystem. His contributions have helped strengthen the reliability of digital payment infrastructure in an industry where downtime is simply not an option.

Speaking after the award, Ajibola described the recognition as a reflection of collective effort rather than individual achievement. He emphasised the importance of resilient infrastructure in supporting Africa’s fast-growing fintech sector and reaffirmed his commitment to building systems that can grow with demand.

Beyond his professional role, Ajibola is also invested in developing future tech talent. He supports digital skills and inclusion programmes such as W.TEC, TEV4Dev, and TechNow Global, mentoring young people and helping individuals with developmental disabilities gain practical digital and creative skills.

Now in its 11th year, the Nigeria Technology Awards remains one of the country’s leading platforms for celebrating excellence in technology. As Nigeria strengthens its position as a fintech and innovation hub, professionals like Ajibola highlight the importance of strong technical foundations behind visible digital progress.

His recognition at NITA 2025 is a reminder that while innovation often grabs headlines, it is reliable infrastructure and the engineers behind it that keeps the digital economy running.

Honouring the Fallen, Celebrating the Living: A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Armed Forces Day

Every January 15, Nigeria pauses to reflect on the cost of its security and the men and women who bear that burden. For decades, the day has been framed largely around loss , a solemn roll call of soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. That tradition is now evolving.

The Defence Headquarters has introduced a new identity for the occasion, renaming it Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, a move that signals a broader interpretation of what the day represents. Rather than focusing solely on fallen heroes, the revised title embraces both memory and recognition, honouring those who paid the ultimate price while celebrating those who continue to serve on the frontlines today.

Explaining the shift, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the change reflects the realities of modern military service in Nigeria. According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria believes it is important to acknowledge active personnel whose daily sacrifices help preserve the country’s territorial integrity and protect lives and property, even as the nation remembers its fallen defenders.

January 15 remains the official date designated by the Federal Government for the observance. In the days leading up to it, a series of activities are held nationwide, culminating in a ceremonial parade and wreath-laying event that symbolises both honour and remembrance.

Historically, Armed Forces Remembrance Day has been marked by sombre ceremonies across the country, with wreaths laid in memory of soldiers who died in service. While that core tradition remains unchanged, the new name reflects an intentional effort by the military to strike a balance , ensuring that remembrance does not eclipse appreciation for those still in uniform.

Major General Uba also appealed to media organisations to adopt the new title in future reporting, describing accurate usage as part of a broader partnership between the Armed Forces and the press. He acknowledged the media’s continued support, particularly in the coverage of security efforts, and expressed optimism about deeper collaboration going forward.

The renaming, though subtle, carries symbolic weight. It redefines January 15 not only as a day of mourning, but also as a moment of national gratitude, one that looks back with respect and forward with recognition for those who continue to stand guard over the nation.

Nigeria’s Growth Window: Why PwC’s 4.3% GDP Forecast Signals More Than a Number

Nigeria may be entering a delicate but meaningful growth phase, as projections for 2026 point to an economy that is stabilising enough to expand , though not without constraints. According to PwC Nigeria’s Economic Outlook 2026, the country’s real Gross Domestic Product is expected to grow by about 4.3 per cent, a figure that reflects cautious optimism rather than exuberance.

The projection places Nigeria broadly in line with multilateral expectations. The World Bank, in its latest Africa’s Pulse report, forecasts growth of around 4.4 per cent between 2026 and 2027, underpinned by rising activity in information and communications technology, financial services, and real estate. Together, these forecasts suggest a convergence of views that Nigeria’s economy is finding firmer footing after years of volatility.

Stability First, Growth Next

PwC’s outlook is anchored on a key assumption: that recent improvements in macroeconomic stability will hold. The firm notes that inflation is expected to moderate gradually, while the naira is projected to remain broadly stable. External reserves have strengthened, and foreign-exchange reforms have helped reduce distortions that previously clouded pricing, investment decisions, and access to capital.

These gains, achieved largely in 2025 through tighter monetary management and FX market adjustments, are already reshaping how businesses plan for the future. According to PwC, companies are reassessing investment timelines, cost structures, and funding strategies in response to a more predictable operating environment.

Yet, the outlook remains far from complacent. Persistent fiscal constraints continue to limit public spending flexibility, placing greater pressure on efficiency, disciplined capital allocation, and balance-sheet resilience across both the public and private sectors.

Where Growth Is Likely to Come From

PwC’s analysis suggests that Nigeria’s growth momentum in 2026 will not be evenly distributed. Expansion is expected to remain concentrated in services and selected capital-intensive sectors, particularly those less exposed to household purchasing power constraints. ICT, finance, real estate, and segments of the digital economy are likely to outperform, while sectors dependent on broad-based consumer demand may face headwinds from affordability pressures.

This uneven growth pattern, PwC argues, raises the premium on sector selection. Businesses that align capital deployment with areas of structural growth, rather than cyclical rebounds, are more likely to benefit from the evolving economic landscape.

The Strategic Imperatives for Business Leaders

Against this backdrop, PwC Nigeria outlines a clear agenda for corporate leaders heading into 2026. The firm emphasises the need for selective investment bets across attractive sectors and regions, coupled with rigorous scenario planning to manage macroeconomic and geopolitical shocks.

Digital transformation also features prominently. PwC points to accelerating adoption of digital tools and responsible artificial intelligence as a competitive necessity, not a luxury. At the same time, as reforms move from policy design to execution, regulatory and tax compliance are becoming more critical to sustaining long-term value.

Seven Forces Shaping 2026

PwC’s Economic Outlook 2026 identifies seven interconnected themes that will define Nigeria’s economic performance in the year ahead. These include the effectiveness of monetary policy, fiscal sustainability and reform execution, global economic and geopolitical conditions, domestic security and social pressures, uneven sectoral growth, consumer affordability challenges, and the expanding influence of the digital economy and AI.

On the global front, PwC projects world economic growth at around 3.1 per cent, with merchandise trade growth slowing to approximately 0.5 per cent. For Nigeria, this global environment matters. Oil prices, capital flows, and access to foreign exchange will remain key transmission channels influencing growth and FX liquidity.

Domestically, while improved monetary effectiveness has reduced volatility and clarified pricing signals, unresolved fiscal pressures, security concerns, and weak household demand continue to shape sector outcomes.

From Stability to Sustainable Growth

Commenting on the outlook, PwC Nigeria’s Country Senior Partner, Sam Abu, notes that the central question is no longer whether stability has improved, but how it is converted into durable growth. He describes the current environment as one that offers businesses greater predictability for planning and investment, provided they position themselves strategically.

Similarly, PwC Nigeria’s Partner and Chief Economist, Olusegun Zaccheaus, underscores that Nigeria’s growth prospects will depend on disciplined capital allocation and realistic expectations. With global trade slowing and domestic constraints persisting, growth is likely to be steady rather than spectacular but potentially more sustainable.

Taken together, PwC’s 4.3 per cent forecast is less about headline numbers and more about what lies beneath them: an economy cautiously transitioning from turbulence toward stability, and from stability toward opportunity. How well Nigeria navigates that transition in 2026 may define its growth trajectory for the rest of the decade.

Nigerian Law School Appoints First Female Director-General

For more than six decades, generations of Nigerian lawyers have passed through the Nigerian Law School under a leadership structure that never changed in one crucial respect. Since the institution was founded in 1962, its highest office had never been occupied by a woman. That long-standing pattern is about to shift.

Dr Olugbemisola Odusote will assume office as Director-General of the Nigerian Law School on 10 January 2026, marking a historic first for the institution. Her emergence is not the result of a sudden appointment from outside, but the culmination of a career built almost entirely within the Law School system itself.

Her relationship with the institution began in 2001, when she joined as a lecturer. Over the years, she became part of its internal architecture, moving through roles that shaped curriculum delivery, academic policy, and campus administration. She served as Head of the Academic Department, Director of Academics, Head of Campus, and later Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus. By the time her appointment was announced, she had already spent more than two decades inside the system she is now set to lead.

That internal progression reflects a broader pattern increasingly favoured in education leadership: continuity over disruption. Research across higher and professional education systems shows that leaders who rise from within institutions tend to deliver steadier reforms, preserve institutional memory, and maintain stakeholder confidence, particularly in highly regulated environments such as legal training.

Dr Odusote’s academic formation further reinforces this profile. She earned her law degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 before completing a PhD in Law at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. Her scholarly interests in public law and the administration of justice align directly with the mandate of the Nigerian Law School, while her experience as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University adds an international dimension to her work.

Beyond academia, her professional engagement has extended into the policy and regulatory space. She has served on committees of the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association, placing her within the ecosystem that shapes legal training standards and professional accreditation in Nigeria. These roles are expected to be central to her work as Director-General, which includes coordinating academic leadership across all campuses and serving as a key link between the Law School and bodies such as the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Only within this context does the wider significance of her appointment fully emerge. Over the past decade, global data has consistently pointed to measurable advantages associated with women in senior leadership roles. Studies by organisations such as McKinsey and the World Economic Forum indicate that institutions with women at the top often show stronger governance outcomes, better policy continuity, and improved organisational stability. In education-focused institutions, these trends are even more pronounced, with female leadership frequently linked to long-term planning and human capital development.

Nigeria has not been isolated from this shift. Across the judiciary, academia, and public service, women are increasingly occupying senior leadership positions, often at moments when institutions require consolidation rather than experimentation. In the legal sector, this growing presence has coincided with renewed emphasis on ethics, professional discipline, and training quality.

Against this backdrop, Dr Odusote’s appointment reads less as symbolic and more as strategic. The Nigerian Law School is facing rising enrolment, expanding campuses, and heightened scrutiny over the quality and relevance of professional legal training. In such an environment, leadership that combines institutional memory with proven administrative capacity becomes a critical asset.

Her tenure begins at a moment when the demands on Nigeria’s legal education system are intensifying and that makes this historic first not just a marker of progress, but an alignment with leadership models whose effectiveness is increasingly supported by evidence.

One Million Digital Trainees: The Numbers Behind FG’s Biggest Skills Bet Yet

Nigeria’s plan to train and certify one million citizens in digital and emerging technology skills is unfolding against a backdrop of urgent demographic and economic realities. With one of the youngest populations in the world and a rapidly digitising global economy, the initiative is less a policy experiment and more a necessary recalibration of national priorities.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 25, while youth unemployment and underemployment remain persistently high. At the same time, global estimates from the World Economic Forum show that more than 85 million jobs could go unfilled worldwide by 2030 due to skills shortages, many of them digital and Nigeria is positioning itself to close part of that gap.

Nigeria’s Digital Skills Gap by the Numbers

Despite strong mobile penetration, Nigeria still faces a significant digital literacy shortfall. UNICEF estimates that fewer than half of Nigerian youths possess basic digital skills, while advanced competencies such as coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital design remain limited to a small segment of the population.

The Federal Government’s target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 is therefore ambitious. To put this into perspective, reaching one million trainees represents a major acceleration compared to previous skills programmes, many of which operated in the tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands.

Why One Million Matters

Training one million Nigerians is not an arbitrary figure. At scale, it begins to influence labour-market outcomes. Research by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) suggests that every 10 per cent increase in digital skills adoption can lead to productivity gains of up to 3-4 per cent in developing economies.

For Nigeria, even modest productivity improvements across sectors such as services, creative industries, fintech, e-commerce, and public administration could translate into billions of naira in added economic value annually.

A Funding Model with Measurable Implications

Unlike many previous government-led skills initiatives, this programme is fully funded and implemented by Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited, with the Federal Government providing policy backing and coordination.

This structure matters. Public-private delivery models have been shown by World Bank development reports to reduce rollout delays by up to 30 per cent compared to fully state-funded programmes, particularly in large, decentralised countries. For Nigeria, where execution speed often determines impact, this model could prove decisive.

The Future Proof Economy (FPE) Framework in Practice

The adoption of the Future Proof Economy (FPE) model as the national framework for digital literacy delivery reflects a shift away from static training curricula. The FPE approach emphasises adaptability, continuous upskilling, and relevance to emerging job markets.

Globally, McKinsey estimates that up to 50 per cent of today’s work activities could be automated by 2030. Training Nigerians only for today’s tools would limit long-term impact; training them to adapt to new technologies expands economic resilience.

Inclusion as a Growth Multiplier

The programme’s prioritisation of youths, women, underserved communities, and persons with disabilities carries measurable economic significance. Data from the World Bank shows that closing gender gaps in digital access alone could increase GDP in developing economies by up to 1.5 per cent annually.

In Nigeria’s case, improving digital inclusion in rural and marginalised communities could unlock new labour pools, expand digital entrepreneurship, and strengthen regional economies that have historically been excluded from high-growth sectors.

Coordination at Scale: Why Governance Will Matter

The Joint Implementation Committee brings together representatives from multiple ministries, agencies such as NITDA and TETFund, state governments, ICT professionals, and civil society. Large-scale skills programmes globally succeed or fail on coordination.

OECD studies indicate that multi-stakeholder governance structures improve programme completion rates by up to 20 per cent when monitoring, evaluation, and reporting are clearly defined. The committee’s mandate to oversee performance tracking will therefore be central to credibility and outcomes.

What Success Will Look Like in Measurable Terms

The real indicators of success will extend beyond enrolment figures. Key metrics will include:

•Completion and certification rates

•Regional and gender distribution of beneficiaries

•Employment outcomes within 6–12 months of training

•Growth in digital startups and freelance participation

•Adoption of digital tools in SMEs and public services

If even a fraction of the one million trainees transition into higher-value digital roles, the ripple effects across income levels, innovation, and tax revenues could be substantial.

The Bigger Picture

This initiative signals a shift in how Nigeria is investing in growth: from physical assets alone to human capital at scale. In a global economy where talent increasingly determines competitiveness, training one million Nigerians in digital skills is not just timel,it is strategic.

If execution matches ambition, the programme could redefine Nigeria’s workforce profile, strengthen its digital economy, and reinforce its position as a leading source of digital talent in Africa.