Infostride News, in collaboration with the Lagos State government, kicked off the extensive rehabilitation project for the Third Mainland Bridge, with an estimated value of N21.074 billion. The official launch took place in Lagos on a Wednesday and was graced by the presence of the Federal Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. The rehabilitation plan outlined by the Minister of Works included a budget allocation for the project, necessitated by an expanded scope of work. This expansion involved the complete replacement of the bridge deck’s asphalt to a standard two inches, aimed…
Author: Temitope N.
MTN Nigeria has recently concluded its Series 8 & 9 commercial paper issuance program, successfully securing a substantial amount of N52.9 billion. This development is part of the company’s larger N250 billion commercial paper program, initiated on April 7, 2022, and later revised to the increased figure on August 22, 2023, with the objective of mitigating debt costs and diversifying funding sources. According to documents obtained from the NGX website by Infostride News, MTN Nigeria’s fundraising goal of N52,895,846,000 for both Series 8 and 9 was fully subscribed by eager investors. The commercial papers, with durations of 182 days and…
Inlaks, a renowned ICT infrastructure and systems integrator in Sub-Saharan Africa, has recently unveiled its Dormant Accounts Management system on the Temenos Exchange, an ecosystem that integrates various fintech solutions. This move signifies a significant step in the financial technology landscape, positioning Inlaks as a key player in addressing challenges related to dormant accounts for financial institutions. The Inlaks Dormant Accounts Management Solution stands out as a robust and agile application designed to facilitate the remote re-activation of accounts from the comfort of users’ homes. This innovative tool not only tackles concerns surrounding internal and external fraud but also ensures…
Infostride News is excited to share the latest collaboration between Sheevolution Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young girls in underserved African communities, and Bankly, a lifestyle banking platform. The two organizations recently joined forces to launch the inaugural edition of “Girl Enterprise Day – Economic Empowerment for the African Girl” on November 4, 2023, in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide microbusiness grants, foster financial inclusion, and assess business funding readiness for young girls, all made possible through the partnership with Bankly. The one-day event was thoughtfully designed to…
Infostride News reported that, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), vandalism has been a significant factor contributing to 13% of power-related accidents in the first three quarters of 2023. The statement was made by Engr. Idris Aminu Idris, the SM in charge of Engineering Performance and Monitoring at NERC, during a meeting held on November 8 with Health and Safety Managers within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). In addressing the issue, Engr. Idris emphasized the need for Distribution Companies (DisCos) to collaborate with relevant security agencies to mitigate incidents of vandalism. Furthermore, Engr. Idris highlighted the importance…
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, under the Federal Government’s directive, has forged a strategic alliance with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based computing education charity. This collaboration aims to introduce Code Clubs across Nigeria, catering specifically to students aged 7 to 17. These extracurricular programming clubs are meticulously crafted to cultivate a new breed of digitally literate and innovative young minds in the country. The Code Clubs, set to launch initially in 17 knowledge exchange centers, will subsequently expand their footprint to cover other locations across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The Ministry envisions these clubs…
On November 9, Infostride News reported that Saudi Arabia is poised to embark on a series of significant financial agreements with African nations, totaling over $500 million. The announcement was made during the ongoing Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh, where top Saudi officials outlined their commitment to fostering economic ties and making substantial investments across the African continent. According to Infostride News, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan disclosed that the Saudi Fund for Development is set to finalize agreements worth 2 billion riyals ($533 million) with various African countries. The emphasis on collaborative efforts with partners is highlighted, with a…
Ghana, in its efforts to sustain its cocoa industry amid financial challenges, is exploring a $400 million borrowing proposition from cocoa traders. This strategic move is in response to the hurdles encountered by the Ghanaian government in securing its usual annual loan from international banks, compounded by the ongoing debt restructuring process. In a report by Infostride News, the Ghana Cocoa Board, also known as Cocobod, acts as the principal regulatory authority overseeing the cocoa industry in the country. It has initiated talks with various traders, including industry giants like Olam Group Ltd. and Barry Callebaut AG, to secure much-needed…
PZ Cussons Nigeria, as reported by Infostride News, has recently disclosed a staggering exchange rate loss of N44.5 billion during the first quarter of the financial year ending August 2023. This revelation, gleaned from its latest group financial statements, underscores the significant impact of forex unification on the financial health of corporations operating in Nigeria. The substantial exchange rate loss experienced by PZ Cussons has cast a long shadow over the company’s financial performance, resulting in an operating loss of N40.2 billion for the same period. This represents a significant downturn from the N734.9 million operational profit recorded just one…
The Nigerian Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has revealed alarming statistics concerning pipeline vandalism and its financial implications for Nigeria. Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, disclosed these findings during a keynote address on pipeline security, oil theft, and their impact on economic growth at the 2023 International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference in Abuja. This issue is of paramount importance, and addressing it is essential for rebuilding trust in the oil industry, restoring investor confidence, and promoting economic growth. Over the past five years, from 2017 to 2021, Nigeria has witnessed a staggering 7,143 cases of pipeline…
The Kano State Government has demonstrated a significant commitment to advancing its infrastructure and healthcare initiatives by allocating over N40 billion for various development projects within the state. This substantial investment underscores the government’s dedication to improving the lives and well-being of its citizens. This financial allocation was officially announced in a press release issued by Baba Halilu-Dantiye, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Kano State, on a Tuesday. The announcement followed the deliberations and decisions made during the eighth session of the State Executive Council (SEC), where key projects were given the green light and funding was approved…
A substantial portion of the impoverished and vulnerable population in Nigeria may find themselves excluded from the Federal Government’s cash transfer program. The World Bank has revealed that less than one percent of these individuals possess a National Identity Number (NIN). This revelation, contained in the Implementation Completion and Results Report on the National Social Safety Nets Project, has raised concerns about the reach and effectiveness of the program. The World Bank’s report, recently made available and reviewed by Infostride News, outlines the target of having 20 percent of individuals registered in the National Social Registry equipped with a valid…
In a grandiose and star-studded event held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, itel, one of Africa’s foremost mobile phone brands, basked in the glory of receiving the prestigious title of “The Most Outstanding Mobile Phone Brand in Consumer Engagement” at the BrandCom Awards Event 2023. The event, which unfolded on a night of pure glamour, was a celebration of excellence in the fields of marketing, branding, and consumer engagement, aimed at acknowledging the brands that have excelled in connecting with their customers in profound and impactful ways. This illustrious recognition is a testament to itel’s unwavering commitment…
Fabian Lojede, the co-founder of Taranis Novus, a renewable energy startup, emphasized the necessity for the Nigerian government to establish a comprehensive policy framework regarding carbon credits. This policy, he argued, is instrumental in fostering the adoption and proliferation of renewable energy solutions within the country. In a conversation with Infostride News in Lagos, Lojede stressed that a well-defined carbon credits policy would serve as a powerful incentive for companies to embrace and invest in renewable energy, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s pursuit of its goals outlined in the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP). As outlined in the REMP, Nigeria has…
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, commonly referred to as Africa’s Global Bank, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) not only in Nigeria but across the African continent. The bank’s senior management reiterated this commitment during the official inauguration of the 37th Lagos International Trade Fair (LIFT) in 2023, an event organized by the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) under the theme, ‘Navigating Economic Challenges, Forging a Path to Prosperity,’ held in Lagos State. UBA has proudly served as the headline sponsor of the Lagos International Trade Fair since 2019, and…
The pursuit of revitalizing the Nigerian economy and propelling it towards the ambitious $1 trillion GDP target, spearheaded by the Tinubu administration, undoubtedly hinges on attracting substantial local and foreign investments. Achieving this aspiration necessitates a profound transformation of the financial intermediation landscape within the country. At present, Nigeria’s banking industry appears ill-equipped to furnish the necessary capital to fulfill the nation’s investment demands. According to information provided by the Center for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), the banking sector’s credit extended to the private sector in Nigeria stood at a mere 20.6% of the nation’s GDP as of…
The Debt Management Office (DMO) has officially initiated the subscription process for the Federal Government of Nigeria’s two-year and three-year bonds for the month of October, offering an attractive interest rate of up to 13.4%. This significant financial development was disclosed through an official statement published on the DMO’s website. The subscription period is set to extend over a five-day window, commencing on November 6th and concluding on November 10th, 2023. Investors who participate in this offering can expect the bonds to mature on November 15th, 2025, and November 15th, 2026, for the two-year and three-year bonds, respectively. The statement…
A Federal High Court in Abuja has imposed a fine of N5 million on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its assertion that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State possessed a counterfeit discharged certificate. This legal judgment, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, unequivocally ruled that the Director General of the NYSC and the corps itself, who were defendants in the lawsuit, were guilty of distorting crucial facts. The judge subsequently confirmed the authenticity of the certificate submitted by Governor Mbah to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), validating it as a legitimate document issued by the NYSC. Justice Ekwo’s…
Captain Ibrahim Mshelia, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of West Link Airlines, has shared his valuable insights and recommendations regarding the construction of the second runway at the Abuja Airport. In a recent interview with journalists in Lagos, Mshelia underscored the importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines and standards, emphasizing that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should play a central role in directing the entire construction process. While expressing his satisfaction with the long-awaited plan to construct a second runway at the Abuja Airport, Mshelia raised concerns about the need for regulatory oversight to ensure that the project aligns…
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed his strong disapproval of the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the 2023 general election, asserting that the highest court failed to consider the overwhelming evidence presented to it. Obi conveyed his concerns during a press conference held on Monday, where he accused both the Supreme Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of altering the rules of the game as the election’s umpires. It’s worth recalling that the Supreme Court concurred with the September 6 decision of the Presidential Election Petition Court on all counts. Justice Inyang Okoro, heading a seven-man…