The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has officially launched the sale of its Utapate crude oil to global refiners, marking a significant milestone in the country’s oil export strategy. The sale is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the international oil market and help maximize the revenue potential from its crude oil reserves. Utapate crude, a high-quality grade of oil produced offshore Nigeria, has garnered interest from refiners worldwide due to its desirable properties, including low sulfur content, making it an attractive option for refineries seeking to meet environmental regulations. NNPCL has outlined plans to increase its crude exports…
Author: Temitope N.
The Organized Private Sector (OPS) has raised alarm over the exodus of 61 companies from Nigeria within the last four years, citing a hostile business environment, economic instability, and policy inconsistency as key factors driving the trend. This mass exit has sparked concerns about the country’s investment climate and its implications for economic growth, job creation, and industrialization. According to the OPS, the departing companies include both local and foreign-owned businesses across various sectors, such as manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods. Many cited rising operational costs, fluctuating exchange rates, inadequate infrastructure, and burdensome regulations as reasons for their decision to…
Travel agents in Nigeria have filed a formal petition with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), raising concerns over foreign airlines’ practice of selling tickets in dollars instead of the local currency, the naira. This move, they argue, is not only in violation of Nigeria’s financial regulations but also places an unfair financial burden on travelers and travel agents alike. The petition highlights the rising frustration among passengers who face inflated costs due to unfavorable exchange rates. Travel agents claim that the airlines’ decision to price tickets exclusively in foreign currency is discriminatory and has made air travel prohibitively expensive…
A prominent travel firm has announced plans to slash ticket prices, aiming to make travel more accessible and encourage increased tourism. This move comes as part of the company’s strategy to attract more customers and stimulate the travel industry, which is recovering from global disruptions in recent years. The price reduction initiative will apply to both domestic and international destinations, providing travelers with more affordable options to explore their dream locations. The firm has emphasized that the initiative is designed to benefit budget-conscious travelers, families, and even business professionals looking to cut costs on travel expenses. “We believe travel should…
A leading airline has called on travel agents to promote Egypt as a top-tier tourist destination, emphasizing the country’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. With a renewed focus on boosting global tourism, the airline aims to position Egypt as a must-visit location for travelers seeking diverse experiences. Known as the “cradle of civilization,” Egypt offers a rich tapestry of historical sites, including the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. These landmarks, steeped in ancient history, remain some of the most sought-after attractions for tourists from around the world. The airline highlighted…
The Auditor-General (AG) has revealed a staggering N4.6 billion in unapproved expenditures within a ministry formerly overseen by Governor David Umahi. This revelation, stemming from a detailed audit, has raised serious concerns about financial mismanagement and accountability in public office. According to the audit report, the funds were spent without proper authorization, bypassing established procedures for approval and documentation. The irregularities occurred during Umahi’s tenure as the minister overseeing the ministry in question. While specific details of the expenditures remain under review, the AG highlighted several instances where the funds were diverted or spent on projects lacking requisite approvals. The…
The IARC Summer School 2025 offers a unique five-day training program in Lyon, France, for those involved in cancer prevention and control. This opportunity includes travel expenses, accommodation, and fee waivers for selected applicants. Participants can choose from two modules: “Introduction to Cancer Epidemiology” or “Implementing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.” – Host Country: France – Duration: 5 days – Eligibility: Open to all nationalities – Deadline: January 6, 2025 – Application Link: https://training.iarc.who.int/summer-school-in-lyon-calls/ This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your career in cancer research while learning from international experts.
CERN’s Summer Student Program offers an outstanding chance for Bachelor’s and Master’s students to work on advanced projects in the fields of physics, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Running for 8 to 13 weeks from June to September 2025, this program provides a comprehensive learning experience through hands-on projects, lectures from world-leading experts, and exposure to CERN’s cutting-edge facilities. – **Fully funded** with a daily stipend, travel allowance, and health insurance. – Mentorship from top researchers and the opportunity to contribute to world-class scientific projects. – Housing assistance and integration into CERN’s dynamic international community. Who Can Apply? Open to…
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, offers a highly competitive 9-week summer internship for students with a strong IT background. The CERN openlab Summer Student Program provides a unique opportunity to work on advanced IT projects in the field of particle physics, along with an enriching lecture program. Program Overview Running from June to August 2025, the program is open to students of all nationalities who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The internship offers a hands-on experience in IT research, with the chance to contribute to groundbreaking scientific work. Benefits The program is fully funded, providing a…
The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) offers a prestigious, fully funded summer internship program for international students. The program, which runs for three months, provides an excellent opportunity for students to engage in research at one of Switzerland’s leading academic institutions. Program Overview The EPFL Summer Internship invites students to work alongside world-renowned researchers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This immersive experience enables participants to enhance their research skills, collaborate on cutting-edge projects, and experience Swiss culture firsthand. Students will receive support to cover living and accommodation expenses, making this a comprehensive and accessible…
The ETH Zurich Student Summer Fellowship (SSRF) offers an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain hands-on research experience in Switzerland. This fully funded, two-month internship, which runs during the summer, is open to students worldwide who are interested in a variety of fields, including computer science, data management, machine learning, and more. Program Overview The ETH Zurich SSRF is designed for students who want to pursue research in innovative areas like machine learning, computer systems, and data security. Participants will be mentored by leading researchers at one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions, gaining invaluable experience while contributing…
The RISE Summer Internship program in Germany is an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students from around the world to gain valuable research experience at top German universities and research institutions. Sponsored by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), this internship offers an immersive, hands-on experience in science and engineering fields, with a focus on areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and engineering. Program Overview The RISE program is a fully funded, 10-week summer internship that allows students to collaborate with leading researchers in their field of interest. The program aims to provide an in-depth research experience, allowing participants…
The DAAD University Summer Courses in Germany offer a fantastic opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in German language and culture. These courses, hosted by German state-recognized universities, are designed for undergraduate and graduate students who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills through an enriching academic experience. Overview of the Program This summer program, which runs from June to September 2025, is open to students from around the world. It is aimed at those who are already familiar with the German language and want to refine their proficiency, as the courses are conducted entirely in German. Participants will…
A major company has announced plans to host a vibrant local food festival aimed at celebrating Nigeria’s rich and diverse culinary traditions. The event, set to take place in a major city, promises to showcase the best of Nigerian cuisine, bringing together food enthusiasts, local chefs, and culinary experts to explore the nation’s gastronomic delights. The festival, which is expected to attract thousands of attendees, will feature a wide variety of traditional Nigerian dishes, including popular favorites such as jollof rice, pounded yam, egusi soup, and suya, as well as lesser-known regional specialties. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste…
The Nigerian government has given the green light for an external borrowing plan worth $2.2 billion, a move aimed at financing various critical infrastructure and development projects across the country. The approval, granted by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), comes as part of the government’s strategy to address funding gaps and stimulate growth in key sectors, including transportation, energy, and education. The decision to secure this external loan reflects the government’s continued reliance on foreign borrowing to meet its fiscal obligations and development goals. With a rapidly growing population and pressing infrastructural needs, Nigeria has been leveraging external debt to…
Nigeria witnessed a sharp rise in petrol imports in October, according to a recent report by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). This increase highlights the nation’s growing demand for refined petroleum products, despite challenges in domestic refining capacity. The report revealed that Nigeria’s petrol imports surged by a significant margin compared to previous months. This development comes amidst ongoing reforms in the energy sector and the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies earlier this year, which had previously dampened import volumes. Experts attribute the surge to several factors, including increased consumption, economic activities resuming post-subsidy adjustments, and the…
LG Corporation took center stage during the Korean National Day celebrations, receiving accolades for its contributions to innovation, technology, and cultural diplomacy. The event, held at a prestigious venue, brought together dignitaries, business leaders, and members of the Korean diaspora to celebrate Korea’s rich heritage and its global impact. The recognition of LG was a highlight of the evening, marking the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence and its role in elevating South Korea’s reputation on the world stage. Established as one of the leading multinational conglomerates, LG has consistently pushed boundaries in sectors ranging from electronics to sustainable energy solutions.…
MultiChoice Group, the leading African entertainment company, has officially written off $21 million deposited in Nigeria’s now-defunct Heritage Bank. The funds, which became inaccessible following the financial institution’s collapse, were recorded as a loss in the company’s latest financial statements. Background Heritage Bank, once a prominent player in Nigeria’s banking sector, faced operational challenges that eventually led to its closure. MultiChoice had deposited the funds as part of its regular business operations in the country. Despite efforts to recover the amount through legal and financial avenues, the company has now opted to write off the deposit as a bad debt.…
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called on Nigerian businesses to prioritize accurate branding and labeling of their products. The agency emphasized the importance of clear and truthful product information to protect consumers and enhance market credibility. Key Directives At a recent stakeholder engagement in Lagos, NAFDAC outlined specific guidelines businesses must adhere to: 1. **Clear Labeling**: All product labels must accurately reflect the ingredients, usage instructions, and expiration dates. Misleading claims could result in regulatory sanctions. 2. **Compliance with Standards**: Companies must ensure that their products meet NAFDAC’s safety and quality standards before…
FATE Foundation, a leading non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs, has called for significant improvements in Nigeria’s business environment to foster economic growth and sustainability. The organization emphasized the need for policies and structures that support businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are vital to the nation’s economy. Key Recommendations At a recent forum, FATE Foundation outlined critical areas requiring attention to ensure businesses can thrive: 1. **Streamlining Regulations**: Simplify business registration processes and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks to encourage entrepreneurship. 2. **Improved Infrastructure**: Invest in critical infrastructure such as power, transportation, and broadband to ease operational challenges for businesses. 3.…