The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has successfully removed a dredging pipe obstructing navigation on the state’s waterways. The move was part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and improve the free flow of water transport in Lagos. The dredging pipe, which had posed risks to boat operators and commuters, was identified as a major hazard along a frequently used route. LASWA officials, in collaboration with marine safety teams, carried out the operation to clear the obstruction and restore safe passage for watercraft. According to LASWA, the removal of the pipe aligns with the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Lagos…
Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been honored with a prestigious award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the development and management of Nigeria’s inland waterways. The award highlights the manager’s leadership in enhancing water transport efficiency, safety, and infrastructure within the Lagos region. Under the manager’s tenure, NIWA Lagos has implemented key initiatives aimed at improving waterway navigation, regulating boat operations, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. These efforts have been instrumental in reducing accidents and promoting the use of inland waterways as a viable mode of transportation. The recognition comes at a…
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed that Northern Nigeria is benefiting from 52% of the ongoing road construction projects across the country. He made this known while addressing concerns about regional infrastructure development, emphasizing that the federal government is committed to ensuring balanced road projects nationwide. According to Umahi, the large share of projects in the North is part of the government’s strategy to enhance connectivity, boost economic activities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. He noted that several major highways, bridges, and rural road networks are currently under construction, with significant progress recorded despite…
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to suspend the newly introduced 4% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charge on imports, warning that it will worsen production costs and stifle business growth. In a statement, LCCI argued that the additional levy would place an undue burden on importers, manufacturers, and consumers, leading to higher prices of goods and increased inflation. The chamber stressed that businesses are already struggling with multiple taxes, forex instability, and rising logistics costs, making it difficult to absorb further financial pressures. The CISS charge, introduced as part of the…
A new report by Nigerian data analytics firm, Mustard Insights, has revealed that 44% of businesses in the country reduced their workforce in 2024 due to economic challenges and operational constraints. The report, based on a nationwide survey of companies across various sectors, attributed the layoffs to rising inflation, foreign exchange volatility, high production costs, and declining consumer spending. Many businesses, particularly in manufacturing, finance, and retail, struggled to maintain profitability, leading to widespread job cuts. Industry experts have raised concerns over the impact of these workforce reductions, warning that high unemployment rates could further weaken economic growth and increase…
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent dismissal of workers by the Ibadan and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies, calling it an unjust and unacceptable move. According to reports, hundreds of employees were laid off without due process, sparking outrage among labor unions and affected workers. The NLC has accused the electricity distribution companies (Discos) of disregarding labor rights and failing to provide adequate severance packages for those affected. In response, workers at Kaduna Electric staged a protest, demanding immediate reinstatement and fair treatment. The NLC has vowed to take further action if the Discos do not reconsider…
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has emphasized that tolling is a crucial component for maintaining and expanding Nigeria’s road infrastructure sustainably. According to the agency, implementing toll systems on major highways will generate the necessary funds for road maintenance, reduce reliance on government funding, and enhance the overall quality of transportation networks. Speaking on the issue, BPE’s Director-General, Ayodeji Gbeleyi, stated that tolling would provide a steady revenue stream for road repairs and new projects, ensuring that Nigerian roads remain in good condition without straining public finances. He added that private sector participation in road infrastructure development is key…
The World Bank has called on the Federal Government to tackle key obstacles hindering private sector growth in Nigeria, stressing that reforms in critical areas could unlock billions of dollars in investment and drive economic expansion. In its latest assessment, the global financial institution highlighted issues such as inconsistent policies, inadequate infrastructure, forex shortages, and high operational costs as major constraints affecting businesses in the country. It emphasized that without urgent interventions, private sector-driven economic recovery could be stalled. The World Bank advised the government to create a more stable policy environment, improve access to credit, and enhance ease of…
A professional development group has launched a new initiative aimed at empowering women in leadership and communication, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in various industries. The program, designed to support career growth and personal development, seeks to bridge the gap in female representation in executive and managerial roles. Through a series of workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking events, participants will receive hands-on training in effective leadership, strategic decision-making, and persuasive communication. Organizers emphasized that the initiative is tailored to help women build confidence, navigate workplace challenges, and take on leadership responsibilities with greater impact. The initiative has…
In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), insurtech company emPLE has announced a special initiative to provide free insurance coverage for female-owned businesses. The initiative is aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs by offering financial protection against unforeseen risks, helping them sustain and grow their businesses. The program, which will run for a limited period, is designed to cover various business risks, including theft, fire damage, and liability claims. According to emPLE, the goal is to empower women in business by reducing their financial burdens and encouraging them to focus on expansion and innovation. Speaking on the initiative, the company’s spokesperson…
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has praised Moniepoint for its rapid growth and impact, describing it as a strong example of the country’s thriving fintech sector. The minister highlighted how the company’s success reflects Nigeria’s potential as a major player in the global digital economy. Moniepoint, a leading financial services platform, has gained prominence for its role in providing seamless payment solutions to businesses and individuals. Its extensive network of point-of-sale (POS) terminals and digital banking services has significantly improved financial inclusion, particularly in underserved areas. According to the minister, fintech companies like Moniepoint are driving economic…
A Nigerian fintech user has shared how OPay’s NightGuard feature prevented him from losing his entire savings to fraudsters. The customer, who recounted his experience, explained that cybercriminals attempted to drain his account during late-night hours, but the security measure stopped the unauthorized transactions. NightGuard, a recently introduced feature by OPay, is designed to protect users from fraudulent activities by restricting large transactions during high-risk hours unless explicitly authorized. According to the user, he received multiple alerts of attempted withdrawals while he was asleep, but thanks to the system’s automatic security block, the transactions did not go through. With increasing…
Oando Plc has been named the preferred bidder for the lease of the Guaracara Refinery, a major step in the company’s ongoing expansion in the oil and gas sector. The selection positions Oando to take over operations of the refinery, located in Trinidad and Tobago, as part of efforts to revamp and optimize its refining capacity. The bid process, overseen by the Trinidadian government and relevant industry regulators, was highly competitive, with multiple international firms vying for the lease. Oando’s selection underscores its growing influence in the global energy market and its capacity to manage and enhance refining infrastructure. The…
A group of companies has joined forces to support vulnerable children through educational initiatives, skill development programs, and welfare assistance. The partnership aims to provide long-term solutions that improve the lives of disadvantaged children, particularly those affected by poverty, neglect, or displacement. The collaboration brings together businesses from various sectors, including finance, technology, and manufacturing, with each contributing resources such as funding, mentorship, and digital learning tools. According to organizers, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap in access to quality education and equip children with the skills needed for a better future. Beyond academics, the program includes vocational training…
The House of Representatives has called for the suspension of the recent subscription rate hike by DStv, citing concerns over affordability and consumer protection. Lawmakers argued that the increase places an additional financial burden on Nigerians already struggling with economic challenges. During a plenary session, members of the House expressed dissatisfaction with MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, for implementing the price adjustment without adequate consultation or regulatory approval. They emphasized the need for fair pricing and urged relevant government agencies to intervene. The lawmakers also raised concerns about the lack of flexible subscription models, such as pay-per-view, which would…
A new report has revealed that the federal government is losing an estimated N120 billion annually due to illegal private jet charter operations. The findings indicate that unregistered operators are bypassing regulatory fees and taxes, depriving the government of significant revenue. According to industry experts, many private jet owners engage in unauthorized commercial operations without the necessary permits, exploiting loopholes in aviation regulations. These illegal charters, often arranged discreetly, offer services at lower rates than licensed operators, creating unfair competition in the sector. Aviation regulators have expressed concerns over the impact of these activities, not only on government revenue but…
The federal government has encouraged women to take advantage of opportunities in the capital market to achieve financial independence and long-term wealth creation. Officials emphasized the need for increased female participation in investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, highlighting their potential to provide stable returns and economic security. Speaking at a financial literacy workshop, government representatives stressed the importance of informed investment decisions, urging women to seek professional guidance and leverage digital platforms for easy access to market trends. They noted that despite the growing number of women in entrepreneurship, many still shy away from capital market investments…
Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, were among the key dignitaries present at the rebranding event of Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA). The event marked a new phase for the organization as it continues its mission to drive financial inclusion and innovation in Nigeria. During the event, Shettima emphasized the federal government’s commitment to expanding financial access, particularly for underserved communities. He highlighted the role of fintech and digital banking in bridging the financial gap and fostering economic growth. Sanusi, a strong advocate for financial inclusion, commended EFInA’s contributions to improving access to…
The President has appointed Taiwo Ogunjimi as the new Accountant-General of the Federation, marking a significant leadership change in the nation’s financial management. Ogunjimi, a seasoned financial expert with years of experience in public sector accounting, is expected to bring stability and efficiency to the role. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the government is focusing on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability in managing public funds. As the chief financial officer of the federal government, Ogunjimi will oversee budget implementation, treasury operations, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with national and international financial standards. Analysts view his selection as…
The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) has paid tribute to its founding president, honoring his contributions to the development of corporate communications and public relations in Nigeria’s banking sector. The late pioneer, whose leadership laid the foundation for ACAMB’s growth, was remembered for his dedication to promoting professionalism and ethical standards in the industry. In a statement, ACAMB described its founding president as a visionary who played a critical role in shaping the association’s mission and fostering collaboration among corporate affairs professionals in the financial sector. His efforts were instrumental in strengthening the reputation of banks through…