The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced a planned power outage that will affect parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as well as some areas in Kogi State. According to the company, the outage is necessary to allow for critical maintenance work on its distribution infrastructure, aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of electricity supply in the affected regions. In a statement issued on Friday, the AEDC explained that the planned interruption would occur over a specified period, with affected customers duly informed in advance to make adequate arrangements. The company noted that the outage is part…
Author: Temitope N.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed relief over the suspension of strike actions earlier threatened by aviation unions, commending the decision as a step towards maintaining stability in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Keyamo said the decision demonstrated the unions’ commitment to dialogue and the collective interest of passengers, airlines, and the overall economy. According to him, the ministry had engaged in constructive meetings with union leaders to address the grievances that led to the planned industrial action. He explained that several of the concerns raised by the unions, including welfare packages, working…
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recently introduced Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy is being tipped by financial experts as a potential game changer in the country’s efforts to deepen financial inclusion and extend banking services to millions of Nigerians living abroad. The initiative, which allows Nigerians in the diaspora to obtain BVNs without physically visiting the country, aims to remove one of the most significant barriers that have long limited their access to financial products and services in the domestic banking system. Under the new arrangement, Nigerians abroad can register for BVNs through selected international enrolment centres or…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that it seized more than 11.2 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs and arrested over 67,000 suspects across Nigeria in the last 54 months as part of its intensified crackdown on narcotics trafficking and abuse. The agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), made the disclosure during a media briefing in Abuja, stating that the achievement represents an unprecedented milestone in the agency’s history and underscores the administration’s commitment to tackling the drug menace in the country. He explained that the arrests included several high-profile traffickers, cartel leaders,…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Lagos-based pastor for his alleged role in trafficking a large consignment of cannabis from Ghana, as part of a nationwide operation that led to the seizure of 3.4 tonnes of illicit drugs. In a statement issued yesterday, NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the clergyman was apprehended following intelligence that linked him to the shipment of compressed cannabis concealed in food items for onward distribution in Nigeria. The suspect, whose name was withheld pending further investigation, was arrested at his residence in Lagos after operatives intercepted the consignment at a warehouse.…
Nigeria recorded $3.225 billion in non-oil export earnings in the first half of 2025, according to the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak. The figure reflects the country’s continued efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency and boost foreign exchange inflows through agricultural commodities, manufactured goods, and solid minerals. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Yakusak said the performance in the January–June period underscores the resilience of the non-oil export sector despite global economic headwinds, supply chain disruptions, and domestic infrastructure challenges. He noted that the sector…
The Federal Government has announced strict penalties, including a fine of up to ₦5 million and possible imprisonment, for individuals or entities found guilty of leaking confidential documents belonging to the newly established National Revenue Service (NRS). The measure, disclosed yesterday by the Ministry of Finance, forms part of new regulations designed to safeguard sensitive tax and revenue information from unauthorised access and distribution. The government said the step is necessary to protect national interests, ensure data security, and maintain public trust in Nigeria’s revenue administration system. According to the ministry, the penalty applies to both employees of the NRS…
Organisers of the upcoming Abuja International Trade and Investment Expo have set their sights on attracting more than 500 investors from around the world, in what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most ambitious business gatherings in recent years. The event, scheduled to take place in the Federal Capital Territory, aims to position Abuja as a prime hub for trade, industry, and cross-border partnerships. According to the planning committee, the expo will bring together investors, business leaders, government agencies, and innovators from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The platform will be used to showcase Nigeria’s…
A growing number of Nigerian companies are abandoning reliance on the national electricity grid, with 46 additional firms recently opting for self-generated power as rising energy costs, unreliable supply, and frequent outages continue to challenge business operations. The latest shift underscores the deepening struggles within the country’s power sector and the private sector’s increasing turn toward alternative energy solutions. The development, confirmed by industry sources and energy regulators, reflects a broader trend of businesses prioritizing operational stability over dependence on the national grid, which has been plagued by infrastructure deficits, generation shortfalls, and distribution bottlenecks. According to the Nigerian Electricity…
Bluebird, a renowned name in its industry, has marked its 30th anniversary with a celebration highlighting three decades of growth, innovation, and contributions to its field. The milestone event, held at the company’s headquarters, brought together staff, industry partners, loyal customers, and stakeholders to honor the journey from a small start-up to a leading player in its market. Speaking at the anniversary ceremony, Bluebird’s Chief Executive Officer, Helen Marshall, reflected on the company’s humble beginnings and the values that have guided its success over the years. She credited the firm’s resilience, commitment to quality, and customer-focused approach as the pillars…
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to relevant agencies responsible for the country’s economic data collation and dissemination, stressing the need to ensure that future Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reports are released promptly. This directive follows concerns raised over the negative impact of delays in the publication of such critical economic indicators on policy planning, investor confidence, and market performance. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said timely GDP reporting is a vital component of effective economic governance. He emphasized that GDP figures are not just…
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has marked a new milestone in its operational history with the celebration of its first-ever Research Day, an event aimed at promoting evidence-based decision-making and strengthening Nigeria’s tax administration through data-driven innovations. The occasion, held at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja, also featured the official launch of advanced tax data tools designed to improve transparency, compliance, and efficiency in the nation’s revenue collection system. Speaking at the event, FIRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, described the Research Day as a landmark initiative that underscores the agency’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s tax sector into a modern,…
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has witnessed a major shift as 9mobile officially announced its rebranding to T2, marking a new chapter in the company’s operations and market positioning. The move, according to the firm’s management, is part of a broader strategy aimed at revitalising its brand identity, expanding digital services, and strengthening its competitive edge in the dynamic telecom sector. The announcement was made during a high-profile event in Lagos, where company executives, industry stakeholders, and brand ambassadors unveiled the new name, logo, and corporate vision. T2’s leadership explained that the rebranding represents more than just a change of name—it signals…
Nigeria’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have plunged sharply, falling by 70% within just three months, raising concerns over investor confidence and the nation’s economic climate. The steep decline, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and improved business conditions to attract and retain foreign capital. According to the NBS capital importation report for the second quarter of 2025, total FDI stood at a fraction of the figure recorded in the previous quarter, reflecting a significant withdrawal of interest from international investors. The downturn cuts across key sectors that traditionally attract…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping pension reforms aimed at improving the welfare of Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) retirees, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The reforms, which were announced on Friday, are designed to address longstanding complaints of delayed payments, inadequate benefits, and bureaucratic bottlenecks that have affected thousands of pensioners across Nigeria. According to a statement from the Presidency, the new measures will streamline pension disbursement processes, ensure more accurate computation of entitlements, and clear outstanding arrears owed to eligible retirees. The reforms are expected to impact former public servants, including civil service…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and IHS Towers have initiated joint efforts to settle an ongoing disagreement over diesel supply, a dispute that has raised concerns about potential disruptions in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. Both parties confirmed over the weekend that constructive discussions are underway to address the issues and ensure continuity in network operations across the nation. The dispute reportedly centres on contractual and operational differences related to the provision and pricing of diesel used to power telecom base stations. With Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure heavily dependent on diesel generators due to unreliable grid electricity, any prolonged disagreement could impact…
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed widespread rumours suggesting it has halted operations, insisting that its facility remains fully functional and continues to produce and supply petroleum products at full capacity. In a statement issued on Saturday, the refinery management described the shutdown claims as “baseless and misleading,” assuring stakeholders and the public that the refinery is operating smoothly and consistently delivering products to the Nigerian market. According to the company, the refinery is currently producing and supplying an average of 40 million litres of refined petroleum products daily, meeting a substantial portion of the nation’s fuel demand. Management stressed that…
Land prices in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, have recorded a significant surge, driven by rapid infrastructure development and increased investor interest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Real estate experts and market analysts say the upward trend in property values is being fuelled by ongoing government-led and private-sector projects that are transforming the city’s landscape and expanding its urban boundaries. In recent months, several key infrastructure projects have gained momentum across Abuja, including new road networks, flyovers, expanded transportation corridors, and utility upgrades. These developments have opened up previously underdeveloped districts, making them more accessible and attractive to both investors…
Dangote Cement Plc has been crowned Cement Company of the Year, reaffirming its dominance in Africa’s cement manufacturing industry and further solidifying its reputation as a key player in the continent’s infrastructural development. The recognition was announced during a prestigious industry awards ceremony attended by leading figures from the construction, manufacturing, and business sectors. The award celebrates excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the building materials industry and was presented to Dangote Cement in recognition of its consistent market leadership, operational efficiency, and commitment to delivering quality products. Organisers of the event praised Dangote Cement for setting benchmarks in production quality,…
Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (Sterling HoldCo) has announced that members of its board of directors have collectively purchased shares worth N341.6 million, signalling strong confidence in the company’s long-term growth potential. The disclosure, made through a corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), confirmed that the transactions were executed in accordance with insider dealing regulations and transparency requirements. The company revealed that the share purchases were carried out over several trading sessions in the first week of August 2025. The filing detailed the names of the directors involved, the number of ordinary shares acquired, and the amounts paid…