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…
Author: Temitope N.
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…
Petroleum marketers have projected that the pump price of petrol could reach N800 per litre despite a decline in the landing cost of imported fuel. The projection comes amid concerns over foreign exchange fluctuations, supply chain issues, and ongoing uncertainties in Nigeria’s downstream sector. Industry sources indicate that while the cost of importing petrol has dropped due to a slight reduction in global crude oil prices, the impact has been offset by the depreciation of the naira and high operational costs. Marketers argue that without a stable exchange rate and government intervention in refining capacity, fuel prices will continue to…
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a warning about imminent heat stress in 19 states across the country, urging residents to take precautionary measures to avoid health complications. According to NiMet, rising temperatures and high humidity levels could expose people to heat-related illnesses, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting medical conditions. The affected states include parts of the North, Central, and Southern regions, where temperatures are expected to remain significantly high in the coming days. NiMet attributed the looming heat stress to changing weather patterns driven by climate change, which has led to…
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stated that its intensified crackdown on smuggling activities has led to significant financial losses for smugglers, as enforcement measures continue to disrupt illegal trade across the country’s borders. Customs officials revealed that recent operations have resulted in the seizure of contraband goods worth billions of naira, dealing a major blow to smuggling networks operating within and around Nigeria. According to the NCS, a series of intelligence-driven operations have targeted the smuggling of goods such as rice, frozen poultry, illicit drugs, petroleum products, and other prohibited items. These efforts, the agency noted, are part of…
Nigeria’s crude oil production has declined to 1.47 million barrels per day (bpd), raising concerns over the country’s ability to meet its revenue targets and sustain economic stability. The latest figures, released by industry regulators, indicate a drop from previous production levels, highlighting ongoing challenges in the oil and gas sector. The decline in output has been attributed to several factors, including pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and operational setbacks affecting major production sites. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties and underinvestment in oil infrastructure have continued to hamper efforts to boost production. Industry experts warn that without urgent intervention, Nigeria’s oil sector…