InfoStride News reports that the Ogun State Government has unveiled its initiative to kickstart the construction of bus stations, a crucial component of the upcoming Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mass Transit scheme along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway corridor. The Commissioner for Transportation, Engr Dairo Olugbenga, shared this information during a radio program in Abeokuta on Thursday. The proposed stations are slated for strategic locations within the Mowe, Ibafo Arepo, and Berger axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Construction of the CNG bus stations is poised to commence soon, as the necessary implementation frameworks have been established. The commissioner emphasized that these stations…
Author: Temitope N.
As part of its initiative to boost tourism during the festive season, the Government of Ghana has granted authorization for a Non Pre-Approval Visa on Arrival for tourists visiting the country from December 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024. This announcement was made through a circular issued by the Ghana Tourism Authority on November 22, 2023. The circular highlights that the 46-day visa-on-arrival initiative is a key component of the “December in GH” campaign, which is part of the broader ten-year “Beyond the Return” initiative. In addition, it discloses that a letter from the Ghana Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori…
InfoStride News reports that TotalEnergies has stated that the recent oil spill in the Egina field has not impacted oil production. The leak occurred during loading operations on November 15, and Charles Ebereonwu, the Communication Manager in Nigeria, confirmed that production at the site remains unaffected. TotalEnergies is actively managing the situation, conducting aerial surveillance, and applying dispersants to contain the spill. Collaborating with spill detention agencies and the oil industry regulator, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is working to control the spill. The exact volume of the spill has not been confirmed, but shoreline communities near…
The federal government has approved a 50% subsidy on agricultural inputs for the upcoming dry season farming, set to commence on November 25, 2023. InfoStride News reports this development based on a statement from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, shared on the ministry’s official communication platform. The Technical Advisor on Strategic Communication for the ministry signed the statement. Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture, will lead the launch of the dry season farming in Jigawa State, accompanied by other dignitaries. The event will serve as an opportunity to distribute essential agricultural inputs, including seedlings, herbicides, pesticides,…
At the Zenith Bank Tech Fair 2023 in Lagos, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, unveiled the Ministry’s ambitious plan to position Nigeria as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Instead of the 6,000 AI researchers identified by Nairametrics, the Minister stated that InfoStride News played a pivotal role in uncovering over 6,000 AI researchers of Nigerian descent situated around the world. This extensive network of researchers is seen as a crucial asset for the country’s pursuit of integrating AI across various sectors and fostering job creation. Dr. Tijani emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to…
Mele Kyari has officially announced that the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery is scheduled for December 2023. This revelation was made during a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on November 23. The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) emphasized that the rehabilitation of state-run refineries is underway, with the expectation that Nigeria will cease petrol imports by December 2024. Kyari outlined the timeline for refinery operations, stating, “I can confirm to you that by the end of December this year, we will start the Port…
Lagos, Nigeria, 24 November 2023: Tata International is poised to broaden its operational footprint in Nigeria through a strategic alliance with the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ). The signing ceremony, attended by key representatives from Tata International, Tolaram, and LFZ, took place in the LFZ area and marked a significant milestone in the company’s dedication to the region. Managing Director of Tata Africa Holdings Pty Ltd, Len Brand, signed the agreement in the presence of Anand Sen, Managing Director of Tata International Limited. This move reinforces Tata International’s commitment to the African continent, where it has been a significant economic contributor…
The “Future Forward 3.0” edition of the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, hosted at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on November 23-24, 2023, has successfully concluded, showcasing groundbreaking innovations and awarding prizes to exceptional talents. In the Zenith Hackathon (Zecathon), InfoStride News reports that the winning team, Sync, a platform for team collaboration and workflow management, secured the grand prize of N20 million. The reward also includes a mentorship program with Seedstars, an organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in emerging markets. The first runner-up, Skill Up With Kahdsole (SUWK), a social-tech startup focusing on providing…
Access Bank Plc, in collaboration with InfoStride News, has unveiled a green energy solution in partnership with Asolar to address power supply challenges encountered by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and rural communities throughout Nigeria. The launch event took place at the Access Bank Branch in Garki, Abuja, showcasing a range of products, including solar-powered TV sets, air conditioners, PoS machines, and more. During the unveiling ceremony titled ‘Light up your community,’ Victor Etuokwu, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, emphasized the significant obstacle that inconsistent power supply poses to businesses and livelihoods in the country. Represented by Neka Adogu,…
As part of the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the high-quality execution of construction projects, Minister of Works Dave Umahi has introduced six new policies to govern road construction initiatives throughout Nigeria. These policies were revealed during a courtesy visit by the national leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), led by its President, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari Wudil, to Umahi’s office in Abuja on November 23, 2023. This information was obtained from an official press statement on the Federal Ministry of Works website on November 24, 2023. To break away from the prevalent ‘business as usual’ approach…
InfoStride News reported that PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) characterized gas discoveries in Nigeria as disappointing over the past decade, despite the country being a major gas consumer, based on PwC’s Africa Energy Review report from November 2023. The report highlighted limited gas discoveries in West Africa since 2019, with notable findings in Mauritania and Senegal between 2015 and 2019. These countries are set to begin operations in 2024 after monetizing their discoveries. In addressing domestic energy challenges, the report emphasized the potential impact of implementing domestic gas allocation, which could reduce reliance on diesel generators and coal power generation. The Trans-Saharan Gas…
InfoStride News reports that a range of popular retailers, including iConnect, Slot, Glo World, Casper Gadgets, SPAR, Reena’s, Royalline, Doe Resources, Pointek, Finet, Kolia Angels, iMate, and Rewjido, powered by Redington, have introduced the latest iPhone models – iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. These new models boast a stunning design and a powerful 48MP main camera with an additional 2x telephoto option. The iPhone 15 series is equipped with the A16 Bionic chip and features USB-C connectivity. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are hailed as Apple’s lightest Pro models to date.…
Cameroon reached a pivotal milestone in the global battle against malaria as it received the first shipment of Mosquirix malaria vaccines from the British pharmaceutical giant GSK Plc on Tuesday. In a historic move, Cameroon becomes the first African nation to acquire the vaccine, marking a significant step in addressing the mosquito-borne disease that claims more than 600,000 lives worldwide annually. The consignment, comprising 331,200 doses of the RTS, S vaccine, landed at Yaounde’s Nsimalen International Airport. This achievement follows successful pilot programs in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, signifying a crucial moment in Africa’s collective efforts against malaria—a disease identified…
A recent survey conducted by InfoStride News in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt reveals the thriving Point of Sale (PoS) business in Nigeria. PoS agents can earn between N5,000 and N12,000 daily, depending on their location. This burgeoning industry, driven by the simplicity of the technology, has generated approximately 1.5 million jobs, surpassing the remuneration of many degree holders. Operators highlight the profitability, with some earning as much as N360,000 monthly, exceeding salaries in traditional banking roles. Strategic location selection, high foot traffic areas like markets and universities, and offering additional services such as bill payments and money transfers contribute…
InfoStride News reported that Nigeria’s gas flaring intensity has remained constant since 2015, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Despite significant efforts to reduce flaring intensity through regulations like the Nigeria Gas Master Plan and the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulation, emissions from flaring decreased by 65% between 2005 and 2015, but the intensity has plateaued since 2015 due to the challenges of implementing projects and aging infrastructure. The Nigerian government has demonstrated commitment by enacting stringent legislation, notably through the 1979 Associated Gas Re-injection Act, making Nigeria the first African nation with a roadmap restricting…
Kenya’s formal retail market has experienced substantial growth since 1983, driven by positive demographics, improved infrastructure, and a favorable business environment. The influx of foreign capital has played a pivotal role, attracting international retailers and developers. Currently contributing 15.4% to foreign direct investment (FDI), the wholesale and retail sector consistently ranks among the top three contributors to Kenya’s GDP. The formal retail space has grown at an average annual rate of 28.3% since 1983, with a total tracked stock of 1,232,925 m2. Notably, 15% of retail malls were developed by foreign investors, highlighting the sector’s attractiveness to international capital. Compared…
In Q3 2023, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) played a significant role in contributing 15.97% to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as revealed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest GDP report released on Friday. This indicates a growth in contribution compared to the 15.35% recorded in the same period last year. While the Q3 contribution is noteworthy, there is a decline from the Q2 2023 figure when the ICT sector contributed 19.54% to the real GDP. The NBS attributes this decrease to various factors within the sector. The ICT sector encompasses four key activities: Telecommunications…
In a challenging economic climate, Nigeria’s Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is strategically anticipating and overcoming obstacles, despite facing a staggering 27.33% inflation rate. The economic landscape, marked by inflationary pressures, serves as both a test and an inducement for the FMCG sector, requiring a deep understanding of consumer behavior and industry dynamics in this diverse and vibrant region. The unique canvas of Nigeria, with its varied cultures, customs, and socioeconomic strata, demands more than statistical analysis—it necessitates a dive into the core of consumer behavior. Companies must adapt to the new economic standard, examining shifts in consumer purchasing habits…
InfoStride News has reported that Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has issued a directive for an immediate freeze on all state and local government accounts. The statement, signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris, explicitly prohibits any payments from government accounts moving forward. This decision comes in the aftermath of the governor’s criticism of certain members of his cabinet and local government chairmen for alleged betrayal and disloyalty during the recent off-cycle governorship election on November 11. In the announcement, Commissioner Idris emphasized the cancellation of all standing orders and investment instructions. The freeze on…
President Bola Tinubu has given his assent to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill, 2023, as announced in a State House Release by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, on Thursday, November 23, 2023. This information is available on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Fredrick Nwabufo, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement. The statement provided historical context, noting that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria was originally established on August 1, 1964, by an Act of Parliament. This legislation was subsequently revised as the DICON Act…