The Federal Inland Revenue Service has accredited PricewaterhouseCoopers as a system integrator for Nigeria’s electronic invoicing initiative, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to modernise tax administration, improve compliance and enhance revenue mobilisation. The accreditation positions PwC to support businesses and the tax authority in the implementation of the national e-invoicing framework. The e-invoicing initiative is a core component of the FIRS’s digital transformation agenda, designed to automate transaction reporting, improve transparency and reduce revenue leakages. By accrediting system integrators, the tax authority aims to ensure that businesses can seamlessly connect their accounting and enterprise resource planning systems…
Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has clarified that the Port Harcourt Refining Company has been supplying diesel to the domestic market despite the refinery not being fully operational. The regulator said the development reflects interim arrangements put in place to support fuel availability while rehabilitation works at the facility continue. NMDPRA explained that the diesel being supplied from the Port Harcourt refinery complex is sourced through ancillary and blending operations within the facility, rather than from full-scale crude oil refining. According to the authority, these activities are permissible under existing regulatory provisions and are aimed at easing…
Nigeria and Israel have moved to strengthen bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and entrepreneurship, with both countries expressing a commitment to expanding knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at boosting job creation, technological advancement and economic growth. The renewed collaboration was highlighted at the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp 2026 held in Abuja, where government representatives, innovators, startup founders, researchers and business leaders gathered to explore the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of enterprise development. The programme, organised by Innov8 Hub under the theme, “From Ideas to Impact: Building AI-Enabled Ventures for the Future,” focused on equipping participants with…
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that soaring fuel prices are placing significant pressure on airline profitability, with carriers worldwide expected to face shrinking margins despite continued growth in passenger demand and industry revenues. According to IATA’s latest financial outlook, global airline profits are projected to decline sharply in 2026 as rising jet fuel costs, geopolitical tensions and operational disruptions increase expenses across the aviation industry. The association forecasts that airlines will generate a combined net profit of $23 billion this year, nearly half the estimated $45 billion recorded in 2025 and well below earlier expectations. The industry…
Nigeria’s equities market has recorded a remarkable N28.5 trillion gain over the first eleven months of 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence, improved market sentiment, and increased trading activities across various sectors. The surge underscores the resilience of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and highlights the attractiveness of local equities to both domestic and foreign investors seeking growth opportunities in Africa’s largest economy. Market analysts attribute the significant gains to a combination of factors, including robust corporate earnings, strategic policy interventions, and favorable macroeconomic conditions. Companies across banking, telecommunications, consumer goods, and industrial sectors posted strong performance figures, driving market valuations higher.…
Nigeria has emerged as the leading African exporter of crude oil to the United States, recording shipments valued at $2.57bn within the first ten months of the year. The development marks a significant boost for Africa’s largest oil producer, reaffirming its position as a dominant player in the global energy market despite persistent domestic production challenges. The surge in exports to the US reflects both the country’s improved output levels and America’s renewed reliance on West African crude to balance supply disruptions and diversify its import sources. The United States has historically maintained a fluctuating relationship with Nigerian crude, with…
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has said Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list has restored an estimated $30 billion in previously lost investment potential, reaffirming the country’s credibility in global financial markets. Cardoso stated this while addressing journalists following the announcement of Nigeria’s exit from the list, noting that the development marks a turning point for investor confidence and international financial cooperation. Nigeria was placed on the FATF grey list due to concerns over anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) compliance gaps. The classification had subjected Nigeria to…
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that it spent N17.5 trillion over the past 12 months on securing fuel pipelines and other critical oil and gas infrastructure across the country. The disclosure underscores the persistent challenges the company faces in protecting vital energy assets from vandalism, theft, and sabotage, which have historically disrupted supply, caused revenue losses, and undermined investor confidence. The investment is part of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard national infrastructure, ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, and protect government revenue. NNPCL officials explained that the funds were deployed across multiple security initiatives, including the recruitment and…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has given formal approval for the appointment of Aigboje “Abiagam” Aig-Imoukhuede as the new Chief Executive Officer of Coronation Merchant Bank, marking a significant leadership transition at one of Nigeria’s key investment and wholesale banking institutions. The approval, which follows a thorough fit-and-proper assessment by the apex bank, signals a new chapter for the bank as it seeks to strengthen its market position and deepen its financial services capabilities in an increasingly competitive and regulated environment. Abiagam’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for the banking sector, which has been undergoing reforms aimed at stabilising…
The Federal Government has certified 131 Nigerian companies under the African Quality Mark (AQM) scheme, a continental certification programme designed to strengthen the competitiveness of locally manufactured products and expand market access across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The certification, which covers 220 Made-in-Nigeria products, was presented during an award ceremony in Abuja organised by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO). The initiative is aimed at promoting compliance with harmonised African standards while enhancing the credibility and acceptance of Nigerian products in regional markets. Speaking at the…
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has projected that Nigeria could emerge as one of the world’s top five economies by the year 2100, describing the nation as a country with unmatched demographic strength, strategic influence and far-reaching economic potential. Touray made the statement during the launch of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card in Abuja, where he praised Nigeria’s leadership role in regional integration and long-term development planning. According to Touray, the transformation already taking shape within Nigeria’s economic and institutional framework is laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity. He explained that the country’s youthful population,…
The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has disclosed that 38 companies operating electricity generation facilities across Lagos State, including MTN Nigeria, Flour Mills Nigeria and several other major industrial operators, have yet to obtain the required licences or complete regulatory regularisation under the state’s electricity framework despite repeated directives from the commission. The affected firms collectively account for nearly 600 megawatts of electricity generation capacity within the state. According to LASERC, the companies were originally issued various permits and licences under the federal regulatory regime administered by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). However, following the transfer of electricity…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a Lagos-based fabrics merchant accused of orchestrating a cross-border drug trafficking network linking Nigeria and Ghana, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit narcotics distribution in West Africa. According to officials, the suspect—whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed—was apprehended during a coordinated operation carried out by NDLEA operatives in Lagos. Investigations revealed that the merchant, who operated a legitimate textiles business as a cover, allegedly played a central role in the movement of illegal drugs between Nigeria and neighbouring Ghana. The agency said the…
Funke Akindele’s latest film Behind the Scenes has taken the Nigerian box office by storm, grossing an impressive N1.1 billion in just 17 days since its release. The milestone marks another major success for Akindele, one of Nollywood’s most influential filmmakers and actors. Released nationwide earlier this month, Behind the Scenes has drawn large audiences across cinemas, driven by strong word of mouth and social media buzz. The film’s compelling storyline, high production values, and a star-studded cast have been widely credited for its commercial performance, helping it join the ranks of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films. Industry analysts say the movie’s…
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has reaffirmed its full compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and other statutory remittance requirements, dismissing concerns over alleged non-remittance of funds to the appropriate government accounts. The corporation said it operates strictly within the framework of existing financial regulations and remains committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. NDIC explained that its financial operations are guided by its enabling Act as well as relevant federal fiscal laws, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act. According to the corporation, its remittance obligations differ in structure from those of conventional revenue-generating agencies due to…
Lafarge Africa Plc has reaffirmed its dedication to community development across Nigeria by implementing projects that directly impact education, health, and social infrastructure, with a particular focus on improving learning environments in public schools. The cement manufacturing giant disclosed that its ongoing initiatives aim to provide quality education, promote social wellbeing, and empower local communities, highlighting the company’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda. The company recently completed several interventions in schools located in communities surrounding its operations, including renovations of classrooms, provision of learning materials, and installation of essential facilities such as desks, chairs, and teaching aids. Lafarge Africa…
The Federal Government has disclosed that Nigeria’s refining capacity remains hampered by multiple structural and operational constraints, with crude supply shortages identified as the most significant factor limiting utilisation by as much as 62 per cent. This revelation highlights the persistent challenges undermining the nation’s long-standing ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum product refining and reduce reliance on expensive imports. According to government officials, although Nigeria hosts several refinery assets with the potential to meet a substantial portion of domestic demand, the performance of these facilities continues to fall far below expectations. The combination of inadequate crude supply, ageing infrastructure,…
Google has announced a commitment of N3bn to strengthen Nigeria’s artificial intelligence capacity, marking one of the company’s most significant investments aimed at accelerating technological development in the country. The pledge, made as part of broader initiatives to support innovation across Africa, reflects Google’s strategic focus on expanding digital infrastructure, nurturing local talent, and promoting AI-driven solutions that can address Nigeria’s economic and social challenges. The investment comes at a time when Nigeria is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in the global tech landscape. With a growing population of young innovators, rising adoption of digital tools, and expanding…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has disclosed that commercial banks extended a total of N74.41 trillion in credit to the private sector in a single month, highlighting the continued expansion of lending activities and the central role of banks in supporting economic growth. The report underscores the resilience of Nigeria’s financial system and signals the banking sector’s readiness to provide liquidity to businesses across various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, trade, and services. According to the apex bank, the increase in private sector credit reflects sustained confidence in economic recovery, improved credit management practices, and regulatory measures designed to enhance the…
The Central Securities Clearing System has officially moved to a T+2 settlement cycle, marking a major advancement in Nigeria’s capital market and aligning the country with global settlement standards adopted by leading financial markets. The transition represents a significant step in reducing settlement delays, improving liquidity, strengthening market efficiency, and attracting more institutional investors who rely on faster and more predictable settlement timelines. With this move, transactions executed on the Nigerian Exchange and other participating platforms will now be completed within two business days after the trade date. The CSCS explained that the migration from the previous settlement framework to…