Exporters across the continent have expressed disappointment over Africa’s underwhelming trade performance, despite the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Designed to foster intra-African trade by reducing barriers and creating a unified market, the AfCFTA has yet to deliver the anticipated transformative impact, leaving stakeholders frustrated over unaddressed challenges. Africa’s Trade Landscape Currently, intra-African trade accounts for just about 15% of the continent’s total trade, compared to over 60% in Europe and Asia. This disparity persists despite the AfCFTA’s potential to boost intra-regional trade by up to 52% by 2025. Exporters cite several obstacles stifling progress: Infrastructure…
Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
Jiji and Cars45, two major players in Nigeria’s tech-driven commerce sector, have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to technological innovation and customer-centric solutions at the recent Technology Innovation Awards. The event celebrated organizations pushing boundaries in tech adoption and service delivery across various industries. Acknowledging Excellence in Tech Jiji’s Recognition: Jiji, Nigeria’s leading online marketplace, was lauded for its seamless platform connecting buyers and sellers. Its innovative features, including enhanced search algorithms, secure payment systems, and user-friendly interfaces, have set it apart in the competitive e-commerce space. The company’s commitment to fostering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) has also…
The Federal Government’s 2025 budget has earmarked a staggering N24.8 trillion for debt servicing and public sector salaries, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability and the economy’s growth trajectory. This allocation represents a significant portion of the proposed N54 trillion budget and highlights the persistent challenge of balancing development needs with mounting financial obligations. A Closer Look at the Numbers Debt Servicing: The allocation for debt servicing is projected at N17.5 trillion, driven by rising domestic and external borrowing. Nigeria’s total public debt stock surpassed N100 trillion in 2024, reflecting years of heavy borrowing to finance budget deficits and infrastructure projects.…
A collaborative effort between a prominent foundation and Reckitt, a global leader in health and hygiene, aims to address the rising cases of neonatal jaundice in Nigeria. This partnership seeks to improve awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition, which remains a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality in the country. Understanding Neonatal Jaundice Neonatal jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of a newborn’s skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. If left untreated, severe cases can result in: Kernicterus: A form of brain damage caused by excessive bilirubin. Long-term Disabilities: Including hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and…
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced a policy requiring government officials and contractors to exclusively use Nigerian airlines for both domestic and international travel. The directive aims to bolster the country’s aviation industry and reduce the outflow of foreign exchange. Supporting the Nigerian Aviation Sector The policy is part of broader efforts to strengthen local airlines and ensure their sustainability in a competitive industry. Keyamo highlighted the following reasons for the directive: Economic Growth: Encouraging the use of Nigerian carriers will increase revenue for local airlines and help create more jobs in the aviation sector.…
The World Bank is expected to approve a $500 million loan to Nigeria today, as the country seeks external financing to address pressing economic challenges. The funding, if approved, will support key sectors and bolster Nigeria’s efforts to stabilize its economy amidst fiscal constraints. Target Areas for the Loan The proposed loan is aimed at addressing Nigeria’s critical developmental and structural needs, including: Economic Reforms: Strengthening fiscal policies and implementing structural adjustments to improve economic resilience. Social Safety Nets: Expanding programs to alleviate poverty and provide support for vulnerable populations. Infrastructure Development: Financing projects in energy, transportation, and health to…
The World Bank has emphasized the need for a staggering $30 trillion investment globally to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This call comes as nations grapple with the dual challenge of mitigating climate change and fostering economic growth, underscoring the urgency of massive financial mobilization for clean energy and sustainable development. The Investment Imperative The $30 trillion target represents the funding required across key sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and industry. The World Bank highlighted the following priorities: Clean Energy Transition: Scaling renewable energy infrastructure, including solar, wind, and hydropower. Sustainable Transport: Promoting electric vehicles and green public transit…
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed a total of N1.7 trillion among the federal, state, and local governments as revenue for November 2024. This marks one of the highest disbursements in recent months, driven by increased oil earnings and tax collections. Revenue Breakdown The N1.7 trillion allocation was derived from various sources, including: Oil Revenue: Higher crude oil prices and improved production levels contributed significantly. Value-Added Tax (VAT): A consistent source of revenue, reflecting growth in consumption and compliance. Corporate Tax: Increased remittances from businesses further boosted the pool. Other Sources: Income from customs duties, royalties, and non-oil…
Seplat Energy Plc has announced plans to reactivate 400 dormant oil wells as part of its efforts to boost Nigeria’s crude oil production and optimize the nation’s energy resources. This strategic initiative underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to the country’s economic growth. Unlocking Untapped Potential The 400 wells, which have remained inactive due to various operational and technical challenges, hold significant potential to increase crude oil output. Seplat aims to deploy advanced technologies and sustainable practices to maximize the recovery of these resources while adhering to environmental standards. Supporting National Energy Goals The project aligns…
A leading personal care brand has launched a campaign to promote personal hygiene among students, aiming to instill healthy habits and enhance overall well-being. The initiative, which targets schools across various regions, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining cleanliness and adopting hygienic practices in daily life. Promoting Hygiene Awareness As part of the program, interactive sessions and demonstrations are being conducted to educate students about essential hygiene habits, including proper handwashing techniques, oral care, and skincare routines. The brand has also distributed hygiene kits containing soaps, sanitizers, toothpaste, and other personal care products to encourage practical application…
International Workplace Group (IWG), a leading provider of flexible workspace solutions, has announced a strategic collaboration with a prominent financial institution to develop modern workspaces tailored to evolving business needs. This partnership aims to redefine workplace dynamics by combining IWG’s expertise in workspace management with the financial institution’s resources and reach. Transforming Work Environments The collaboration will focus on creating flexible office spaces that cater to professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking for innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional office setups. These spaces will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, high-speed internet, and ergonomic designs, providing an optimal environment for productivity and collaboration. The…
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $30 million funding package to support the development of solar power plants and other critical infrastructure projects across Africa. The initiative is part of AfDB’s broader commitment to advancing renewable energy and sustainable development on the continent, addressing energy deficits while fostering economic growth. Boosting Renewable Energy Capacity The funding aims to accelerate the deployment of solar power plants in underserved regions, providing reliable and affordable electricity to millions of households and businesses. This aligns with AfDB’s strategic objectives of increasing access to energy and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. The projects…
A recent report has revealed that Nigeria has repaid $1.22 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the past nine months as part of its obligations following the financial assistance received during the COVID-19 pandemic. This repayment underscores the country’s commitment to meeting its international debt obligations despite ongoing economic challenges. Background of the Debt The repayment relates to the $3.4 billion loan granted to Nigeria by the IMF in 2020 under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). The loan was aimed at cushioning the economic impact of the pandemic, providing liquidity to address fiscal deficits, and stabilizing the economy.…
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing maritime governance through the implementation of its blue economy policy. This policy aims to harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime and aquatic resources while promoting sustainability, environmental protection, and effective governance within the sector. Unlocking Maritime Potential Nigeria’s blue economy policy is designed to unlock the vast potential of the country’s maritime resources, which include fishing, shipping, offshore energy, and tourism. By creating a structured framework for managing these resources, the government seeks to boost economic growth, create jobs, and generate significant revenue for the nation. The policy also emphasizes…
The National Union of Telecoms Employees (NUTE) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing crisis facing the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. The union raised concerns over several challenges threatening the stability of the industry, including unresolved labor disputes, financial difficulties faced by telecom companies, and regulatory challenges. Industry Challenges Piling Up Telecom operators in Nigeria have been grappling with various issues that have had adverse effects on service delivery, employee welfare, and overall industry growth. These include rising operational costs, unfavorable regulatory policies, and frequent disruptions in service provision. The union claims that these challenges…
The Pension Funds Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has announced plans to increase pension fund investments in the country’s infrastructure sector. This strategic move is aimed at supporting the government’s efforts to bridge the significant infrastructure gap while ensuring sustainable returns for pension contributors. Focus on Infrastructure Development PenOp’s plan involves channeling a larger portion of the pension funds into key infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, power generation, and other essential services. The goal is to not only boost the economic growth of the country but also create a stable source of income for pensioners in the long term.…
A leading technology firm has launched an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution aimed at bolstering public health policy development in Nigeria. The new AI tool is designed to provide data-driven insights, improve decision-making processes, and enhance the country’s ability to address health challenges through more effective policy interventions. AI for Data-Driven Health Insights The AI solution leverages vast amounts of health data to identify trends, predict future health outcomes, and recommend targeted interventions. By analyzing data from various sources, including hospitals, health surveys, and social determinants of health, the tool can offer detailed insights into areas requiring urgent attention, such…
The Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS) has called on professional surveyors to adopt enhanced standards in their practice, emphasizing the importance of precision, innovation, and ethical conduct in the industry. This call was made during a recent conference aimed at advancing the quality and effectiveness of land surveying and geospatial technologies in the country. Emphasis on Precision and Ethical Practice The President of the NIS, during the event, highlighted that the role of surveyors is critical in shaping Nigeria’s infrastructure development and land management. He stressed that the adoption of internationally recognized standards is vital to ensure the accuracy and…
Huawei has officially launched its local cloud service in Nigeria, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure. This new service is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its cloud business across Africa and empower businesses in Nigeria with advanced technology solutions. Enhancing Digital Infrastructure Huawei’s local cloud service is designed to meet the growing demand for cloud computing services in Nigeria, offering businesses and public sector organizations access to scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions. The service will leverage Huawei’s global expertise and infrastructure while adhering to local regulations and data sovereignty requirements. Key features…
The Nigerian Naira has plunged to a new low of ₦1,745 to the US dollar on the parallel market, reflecting mounting pressures on the country’s foreign exchange market. This significant depreciation marks a sharp contrast to the official exchange rate and highlights the growing challenges facing the Nigerian economy. Factors Driving the Depreciation Several factors have been cited as contributing to the Naira’s sharp decline on the parallel market: Forex Shortage: There has been a persistent shortage of foreign exchange in the market, fueled by low oil revenue and diminished dollar inflows. High Demand for USD: As Nigeria faces rising…