The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have announced a collaborative framework to enhance the enforcement of compulsory insurance schemes across Nigeria, particularly focusing on motor and health insurance compliance. The partnership, which was formalised during a strategic meeting in Abuja, aims to address the low level of insurance penetration in the country and ensure that Nigerians comply with statutory insurance requirements, as stipulated by law. The agencies agreed that better coordination and enforcement will not only improve national safety but also deepen public trust in the insurance industry.…
Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
The World Bank has launched a groundbreaking initiative called AgriConnect, pledging up to $14 billion by 2030 to revolutionise agricultural development across emerging economies. The programme is designed to create jobs, promote sustainable food systems, and boost private sector participation in agribusiness, with Africa — particularly Nigeria — expected to be a major beneficiary. Announcing the initiative during the World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings, World Bank President Ajay Banga described AgriConnect as a bold shift from isolated development funding to large-scale transformation that connects farms, markets, and finance. “Jobs are the most powerful pathway out of poverty, and agriculture remains central…
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a new electronic platform designed to tackle the long-standing problem of vehicle smuggling, improve transparency, and enhance revenue collection. The initiative, unveiled at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, represents a major step toward digital transformation within the service and aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing drive to modernize trade operations across the country. Speaking during the launch, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the new system would provide an efficient and transparent process for vehicle registration, duty payment, and clearance verification. According to him, the platform aims to eliminate the loopholes…
Access Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and intensifying its investments in technology to drive innovation and sustainable growth across Nigeria’s business landscape. The bank made this known during a recent stakeholder engagement session in Lagos, where top executives highlighted the institution’s renewed strategy to empower SMEs through financial support, digital solutions, and capacity-building initiatives. The bank’s Executive Director for Retail Banking, Victor Etuokwu, emphasized that SMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for a large percentage of employment and productivity. According to him, Access Bank’s goal is to…
Nigeria’s imported petrol landing cost has reportedly dropped to about N840 per litre, a decline influenced by the recent moderation in global crude oil prices and relative stability in foreign exchange rates. However, despite this reduction, pump prices across the country remain high, sparking renewed debate over the actual pricing mechanism and cost structure within the downstream petroleum sector. Industry data and market analysts revealed that the decline in landing cost is primarily due to the fall in international oil prices, which have hovered between $83 and $87 per barrel in recent weeks, coupled with the slight strengthening of the…
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending the nation’s reliance on fish importation, pledging to boost local production and create a sustainable aquatic economy. The minister made this declaration during a recent stakeholder engagement in Lagos, where he outlined plans to transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient and export-driven hub in the fisheries sector. Oyetola emphasized that the current dependence on fish imports, which cost the country billions of naira annually, is unsustainable for a nation blessed with vast marine resources. He explained that the Federal Government is developing a comprehensive…
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has unveiled a new feature on its mobile banking app that enables customers to conveniently invest in mutual funds directly from their smartphones. The innovative addition is designed to simplify investment processes, encourage savings, and promote financial inclusion among Nigerians by providing easier access to wealth-building opportunities. The bank, in a statement announcing the launch, explained that the new service would allow users to explore, subscribe to, and monitor a variety of mutual fund options from different asset management companies without visiting a branch. The initiative aligns with FCMB’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to…
Ecobank Nigeria has announced a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through access to affordable financing, capacity-building initiatives, and business development support. The partnership aims to accelerate economic growth by promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable business practices across Lagos State. In a statement issued by the bank’s Head of Small and Medium Enterprises, Ms. Carol Oyedeji, Ecobank reaffirmed its commitment to driving financial inclusion and supporting the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem. She said the collaboration with LSETF reflects the bank’s long-standing mission to provide innovative financial solutions tailored…
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to broaden the scope of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy exemptions to cover a wider range of agricultural products and exporters. The Chamber said such an expansion would not only enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural sector in the global market but also strengthen the country’s non-oil revenue base and support food security. In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director-General, Dr. Chinyere Almona, the LCCI emphasised that the existing exemptions under the levy were too limited, leaving many genuine agricultural exporters struggling…
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) sustained its bullish momentum on Tuesday, adding a remarkable ₦479 billion to market capitalisation, as investor confidence continued to soar on the back of ongoing economic and policy reforms by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The renewed optimism across sectors reflects growing confidence in the government’s macroeconomic stabilisation efforts, which have been applauded by both local and foreign investors. Market capitalisation rose from ₦92.87 trillion to ₦93.35 trillion at the close of trading, representing a 0.52 percent gain. Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 848.7 points to close at 165,492.08…
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria have called on telecommunication companies (telcos) to comply fully with the regulatory framework established by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) governing digital lending operations. The groups expressed deep concern over the increasing number of data privacy violations and unethical collaborations between some lending platforms and telcos, warning that non-compliance threatens consumer rights and national data integrity. The call comes amid growing scrutiny of the activities of digital money lenders and their partnerships with mobile operators, which facilitate access to sensitive user information without proper authorization. The CSOs, which include the Centre…
The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has rolled out a series of decisive moves to tighten the oversight of public procurement across federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), underscoring the imperative of transparency, value for money and inclusive contracting. At the heart of the drive are two linked priorities: ensuring compliance with existing procurement laws and reforming those laws to open up opportunities for indigenous contractors. In a press statement, Olajide Ipinshagba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, asserted that procurement scrutiny by the Senate is not ceremonial but fundamental to protecting the citizen-ry’s resources. He…
The Federal Government has appealed to the United Nations (UN) and other international partners for assistance in accessing a proposed $10 billion humanitarian funding aimed at addressing Nigeria’s growing humanitarian and food security challenges. The appeal was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, during a high-level meeting with UN officials and development partners in Abuja. Edu explained that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to mobilise global support and funding to tackle the multiple crises affecting millions of Nigerians, including displacement caused by insecurity, flooding, poverty, and rising food prices. She stated that…
Nigerian Breweries Plc, the country’s leading beverage manufacturer, has announced a total revenue of N1.04 trillion for the first nine months of 2025, marking a significant improvement in sales performance despite persistent inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility, and rising production costs.The company disclosed this in its unaudited financial statement for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025, where it reported steady growth in revenue driven by strong consumer demand and the resilience of its premium and mainstream brands. According to the statement, the brewer achieved a notable recovery in volume sales, supported by improved distribution networks, strategic price adjustments, and…
The Federal Government has officially launched the procurement process for port modernisation projects outside Lagos, in a strategic effort to enhance efficiency, decongest the Lagos ports, and expand maritime infrastructure across Nigeria. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, emphasizing that the initiative forms a vital part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to unlock the nation’s maritime potential and diversify revenue sources. Oyetola explained that the move aims to create a more balanced and competitive port system across the country, reducing the heavy reliance on Lagos ports, which…
A fresh controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector as independent fuel marketers have accused the Dangote Petroleum Refinery of failing to supply petroleum products despite receiving full payments for orders placed weeks ago. The marketers, under the aegis of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), expressed frustration over what they described as “delayed or unfulfilled supply commitments,” claiming that the situation is already causing financial strain and operational setbacks for several depots and retail outlets across the country. According to reports from industry insiders, several marketers had made advance payments running into billions of naira to…
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest integrated refining complex, is set to list 10 percent of its equity on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in what analysts describe as one of the most anticipated listings in Nigeria’s capital market history. The move, according to industry insiders, is part of the company’s strategy to deepen transparency, raise additional capital, and allow Nigerians to own a stake in the multibillion-dollar refinery. The decision to list comes as the refinery, owned by Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), continues to play a crucial role in reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape by reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.…
Renowned entrepreneur and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, has reaffirmed his belief that the private sector remains the most powerful engine for driving sustainable economic growth and development across Africa. Speaking at a recent high-level economic forum in Lagos, Elumelu emphasized that empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening private sector institutions are essential for creating jobs, boosting productivity, and reducing poverty on the continent. Elumelu, who is also the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), stated that the government alone cannot achieve broad-based economic transformation without the strategic involvement of the private sector. He urged policymakers to create a…
Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and indigenous energy firms to accelerate Nigeria’s gas production and achieve the nation’s energy transition goals. The company stressed that increased collaboration would enhance investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development in the country’s gas sector. Speaking at the recent Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Shell’s Managing Director, Osagie Okunbor, said that Nigeria has one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world but continues to lag in production and utilization due to underinvestment, infrastructure deficits, and regulatory bottlenecks. He noted…
The Nigerian stock market continued its bullish run on Monday, as investors recorded a remarkable gain of N1.45 trillion following sustained buying interest in major blue-chip stocks and renewed investor confidence in the economy. The positive sentiment pushed the overall market capitalization of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) to N95.2 trillion at the close of trading, up from N93.75 trillion recorded in the previous session. Data from the NGX showed that the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 1.54 percent to close at 167,842.52 points, compared to 165,286.09 points posted on Friday. The rally was largely driven by price appreciation in the…