Author: Gift Ifeanyi

As Nigeria moves closer to its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, the results of the 2024–2025 Africa PachiPanda Challenge have highlighted a new generation of “ecopreneurs” turning environmental crises into viable business models. Launched by MTN Group in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the challenge serves as a continental incubator for tech-based solutions targeting the “food-energy-water” nexus. The most recent continental finals, held in Johannesburg, saw top honors go to innovators from Cameroon and Nigeria. 1. The Winners: From Farm Management to Waste Transformation The challenge identified and scaled solutions that move beyond theory into…

In a move that could fundamentally redraw Africa’s industrial map, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) on January 30, 2026. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of Africa’s first full-scale Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant and a nationwide charging infrastructure network. The project is a centerpiece of President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy”, aimed at shifting the nation from a consumer of imported used cars to a hub for high-value green manufacturing. 1. The 300,000-Vehicle Ambition The partnership, signed by the Minister of State for…

As of February 2026, the narrative of Nigerian business is shifting from “survivalist hustle” to “institutionalized enterprise.” During the recent induction ceremony of the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Management and Administration (IEAMA) in Abuja, Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, National President of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), issued a clarion call for Structural Entrepreneurship. Under the theme “Grooming a New Generation of Structured Entrepreneurs and Professional Apprentices for Sustainable National Development,” the event highlighted that while millions of Nigerians are “in business,” very few operate within a professional framework that ensures long-term sustainability and generational wealth transfer.…

On February 2, 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria officially launched a historic nationwide initiative to provide free training to 10 million Nigerians in financial inclusion and literacy. Flagged off by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the program is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The initiative, managed by the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), specifically prioritizes young Nigerians and women, aiming to transform them into a skilled, ethical, and digitally competent workforce. 1. The Aso Accord: Moving Beyond “Access” The…

The two-day Japan Business Support (JBS) forum held in Lagos on January 28–29, 2026, has officially set the stage for a new era of bilateral cooperation. Organized by the UNDP, this dialogue aimed to position Nigerian SMEs not just as local players, but as the primary exporters within the $3.4 trillion African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market. The collaboration comes at a time when Nigeria is aggressively seeking “technology transfer” rather than just “finished product imports” to balance its long-standing trade deficit with Japan. 1. The $1 Million Regional Spark The Lagos dialogue is part of a broader $1…

In a significant upgrade to Nigeria’s trade infrastructure, SIFAX Shipping Company Ltd. has officially launched direct Less-than-Container Load (LCL) export services to the United Kingdom. This service, established through a strategic partnership with Netcargo UK Limited, eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming transshipment through intermediary ports. For Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), this means the “London Detour” is over—goods now travel directly from Lagos to the UK, slashing both transit times and logistics costs. 1. The LCL Breakthrough: Exporting Without the Bulk Historically, many small businesses were “locked out” of international trade because they couldn’t afford to fill…

From the energy corridors of Abuja to the manufacturing hubs of Manchester, the start of February 2026 is marked by high-stakes industrial deals and a notable shift in business sentiment across major economies. 1. Nigeria: The Dangote-NNPC Gas Alliance In a move that anchors Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, three Dangote Group subsidiaries (Refinery, Fertilizer, and Cement) have signed bolstered gas supply contracts with NNPC units. Strategic Alignment: These deals, signed during the launch of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan 2026 in Abuja, are designed to power massive industrial expansion while transitioning toward cleaner energy. Economic Impact: While volumes remain…

As the dust settles from a star-studded 50th birthday celebration in Warri, Matthew Tonlagha—the Vice Chairman of Tantita Security Services and a key ally of President Bola Tinubu—has transitioned from local “pipeline protector” to a player on the global stage. Through his company, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Tonlagha has committed a monthly retainer of $120,000 (approx. ₦180 million) to Valcour Global Public Strategy, a U.S. lobbying firm led by Matt Mowers, a former senior White House advisor under the first Trump administration. 1. Strategic Influence: Why Lobby Washington Now? The contract, which runs from December 15, 2025, to June 14,…

As of February 2026, Benedict Peters has cemented his position not just as a Nigerian oil tycoon, but as a pan-African “Green Czar” and industrialist. From his humble beginnings as a geographer to founding Aiteo Group, Peters has transformed a homegrown trading company into Africa’s largest indigenous oil producer, now contributing roughly 5% of Nigeria’s total national crude output. The current year marks a critical turning point for Aiteo as it moves from stabilizing its Nigerian assets to executing massive downstream and gas projects across the continent. 1. Upstream Dominance: OML 29 and the “Nembe” Legacy Aiteo’s crown jewel remains…

For the first time since the Stanbic IBTC Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) began tracking Nigeria’s economy in 2014, the private sector recorded a contraction in the month of January. The headline PMI tumbled from 53.5 in December 2025 to 49.7 in January 2026, falling below the critical 50.0 threshold that separates growth from decline. While a seasonal dip following the festive period is typical, this particular sub-50 reading is being viewed by analysts as a “negative surprise” that signals more than just a holiday hangover. 1. The Anatomy of the 49.7 Dip The slowdown was not uniform across the economy.…

As of early 2026, Nigeria is witnessing a fundamental shift in its economic DNA. With formal employment opportunities drying up, millions of citizens are pivoting toward nano-businesses and accidental entrepreneurship. While this move signals a vibrant spirit of self-reliance, new data from Moniepoint Inc. and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) suggest it is a movement born more of “scavenging for survival” than structured wealth creation. 1. The “Investment Over Education” Paradox A defining insight from the Moniepoint 2025 Informal Economy Report is the radical shift in how low-income Nigerians allocate their micro-savings (typically between ₦200,000 and ₦500,000). The Business…

On January 31, 2026, the Expo Convention Centre at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, was transformed into a sea of red and white as Sun Newspapers Publishing Limited hosted the 24th edition of the Sun Annual Awards. Themed “Celebrating Uncommon Achievers,” the event honoured 37 distinguished individuals and two financial institutions for their transformative impact on the Nigerian economy throughout 2025. Chaired by Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, the gala served as a high-level convergence of Nigeria’s political and business elite. The Spotlight: High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu (Sun Entrepreneur of the Year) While the evening celebrated many,…

In a major boost to Nigeria’s female-led enterprise sector, Flourish Africa, the empowerment initiative founded by Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, has awarded ₦300 million in grants to 100 women entrepreneurs. The announcement was the centerpiece of the 9th Annual Flourish Africa Conference, held in Lagos under the theme “She Champions” on February 1, 2026. The grants represent the conclusion of the fourth cycle of the Flourish Africa Grants Programme, a highly competitive initiative that transforms “informal hustles” into structured, investment-ready corporations. The Rigorous Path to ₦3 Million The selection process was designed to emphasize “merit over charity,” moving away from traditional…

Nigeria’s industrial landscape received a massive boost on Monday as three major subsidiaries of the Dangote Group—Refinery, Fertilizer, and Cement—signed expanded gas supply agreements with the NNPC Ltd. These deals are a cornerstone of the newly launched Nigeria Gas Master Plan (NGMP) 2026, a roadmap designed to turn the country’s 210 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves into an industrial engine. The contracts, signed at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, align with Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative and the group’s own Vision 2030 strategy. 1. The Three-Pronged Industrial Push The expanded Gas Sale and Purchase Agreements (GSPAs) target three critical…

As February 2026 begins, the “New Year momentum” for many of Nigeria’s 41 million MSMEs is meeting the harsh reality of operational friction. While these businesses are the backbone of the nation—contributing 48% to the GDP and employing 84% of the workforce—they face a staggering 80% to 90% failure rate within their first five years. The divide between ambitious January goals and December closures often comes down to a few repeatable, yet avoidable, strategic errors. 1. The “Daily Sales” Trap vs. Cash Flow Management Many Nigerian entrepreneurs operate on a “hand-to-mouth” business model, where success is measured by daily turnover…

The Coca-Cola Company has sent a massive signal of confidence to the Nigerian market, announcing an additional $1 billion investment in its local operations. This news, disclosed by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria on February 2, 2026, underscores the beverage giant’s long-term commitment to Africa’s largest consumer base. This fresh capital injection comes on top of the $1.5 billion the company has already invested over the past decade, bringing its total recent and planned commitment to $2.5 billion. Strategic Breakdown: Where the $1 Billion is Going The investment isn’t just about making more soda; it’s about fortifying the entire “Coca-Cola…

Nigeria’s dry cleaning and fabricare industry—estimated to be worth $1.8 billion and projected to hit $3 billion by 2034—is undergoing a radical professional transformation. The recently concluded Hyper Masterclass Conference, a collaboration between LG Electronics Nigeria and the CleanAce Foundation & Academy, has set a new standard for the sector. Targeted at members of the Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association (FDPA), the event focused on shifting the industry’s mindset from survival to “audacious” growth. Strategic Highlights: Beyond the Ironing Board The conference moved past traditional laundry techniques to address the core business pillars required for a modern enterprise in 2026:…

As Nigeria pushes toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030, a new debate is taking center stage: the “Mobility Gap.” While the government is signing major trade and aviation deals, experts warn that these agreements are “half-wins” if Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, and students cannot physically cross borders to execute them. At the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2026 in Abuja and through a major statement from the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), the message to President Bola Tinubu is clear: Trade without mobility is an illusion. 1. The Reciprocity Mandate: “Open Doors Must Swing Both Ways” Sir Victor Oluwafemi, founder…

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has officially entered a new chapter in its 20-year history of celebrating talent. At a press conference in Lagos on January 29, 2026, the company unveiled a complete visual overhaul for its prestigious awards, including the debut of a third category: The Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts. This redesign isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic move to align Nigeria’s foremost intellectual platforms with global standards of distinction. The 2026 Visual Identities: Decoded The new logos are designed to represent the “fertile landscape” of Nigerian talent through distinct colors and symbolic movements. 1. The Nigeria Prize…

Nigeria’s economic trajectory for 2026 is shifting from stabilization to aggressive growth. While the federal budget of ₦58.18 trillion focuses on fiscal discipline, a new chorus is rising from the private sector: national revenue cannot grow if individual revenue is stagnant. At the 2026 Sales Power Conference (SPC 2.0) in Abuja, industry experts and the Federal Government both signaled that “practical income-generation” is the new priority for national stability. 1. The Sales Execution Crisis Femi Joshua, CEO of the African School of Sales and Management (ASSAM), delivered a blunt message: “Any business that is not selling is not in business.”…