Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In a historic move to future-proof the nation’s workforce, the Federal Government has greenlit a monumental partnership with Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited. This ambitious project aims to provide comprehensive digital literacy training to 100 million Nigerians, aligning with the presidency’s “Renewed Hope” mandate and the national digital economy strategy. The “Future Proof Economy” (FPE) Blueprint Unveiled in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the initiative is built upon the FPE Model. This framework was recently ratified as the official national standard for digital education. The rollout is divided into strategic stages: The…

In a decisive move to bridge the country’s technological divide, the Federal Government has officially established a high-level Joint Implementation Committee. This body is charged with executing the mandates of the National Conference on Digital Literacy, ensuring that the country stays on track to achieve an ambitious 95% digital literacy rate by 2030. A Multi-Sectoral Alliance for Innovation Inaugurated in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the committee represents a powerhouse of inter-agency cooperation. The group is chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Kana and draws expertise from several key ministries and agencies, including:…

In the high-stakes environment of Nigeria’s 2026 digital economy, the traditional “word-of-mouth” reputation is being superseded by a more quantifiable asset: digital discoverability. For modern entrepreneurs, the challenge has shifted from simply having a great product to ensuring that the product can be validated, compared, and trusted within seconds of an online search. The Shift from Promotion to Discovery In a marketplace crowded with millions of competing voices, “shouting the loudest” through aggressive advertising is seeing diminishing returns. Instead, a new trend is emerging where visibility acts as a strategic currency. * Credibility via Association: When a business appears within…

The Nigerian telecommunications landscape has reached a “moment of truth.” Following the turbulent tariff adjustments and service disruptions of 2025, the industry enters 2026 under a microscope. It is no longer enough to simply expand coverage; the focus has shifted to the quality of experience and the social contract between operators and the public. Here is an analysis of the seven defining issues that will dictate the sector’s trajectory this year. 1. The Value-for-Money Mandate In 2026, the justification for higher tariffs has expired. The conversation has moved to a simple demand: performance. The Regulatory “Sting”: The Nigerian Communications Commission…

In the neighborhood markets of 2026, the traditional “bag of rice” has become a relic of a wealthier past. Shoppers now negotiate for cups, slices of tubers, and individual tomatoes. This shift represents a fundamental breakdown in Nigeria’s food security—a crisis where supply chain inefficiencies and rural insecurity have transformed basic nutrition from a right into a luxury. The $10 Billion Leakage Perhaps the most staggering figure in Nigeria’s current economic landscape is the $10 billion lost annually to post-harvest waste. This isn’t just a number; it is food that literally rots before it can reach a dinner plate. The…

Lafarge Africa Plc’s Technical Skills Development Program (TSDP) 2026 is a tuition-free, industrial training initiative for young Nigerians holding an Ordinary National Diploma (OND). Over 18 months, participants receive hands-on training in key technical fields and earn a monthly stipend plus a recognised certificate upon completion, boosting employability or readiness for self-employment. Program Highlights   Monthly Stipend Trainees earn a financial allowance throughout the 18-month programme to help cover basic expenses while they train.  Full Technical Training Training combines classroom theory with practical, hands-on experience in vocational and industrial settings.  Certification On successful completion, graduates receive a Lafarge Internal Certificate, which enhances credibility with employers and in technical industries.  Industry Exposure Practical training takes…

A significant transformation has occurred in the African energy landscape as Axxela Limited transitions to entirely new ownership. Helios Investment Partners, a leading private equity firm, has successfully finalized the divestment of its 75% controlling interest to BlueCore Gas InfraCo Limited. A Clean Sweep of Ownership The deal was not limited to the majority stake. Sojitz Corporation, which previously held the remaining 25% of the company, opted to exercise its contractual rights to exit alongside Helios. This move effectively consolidates 100% of Axxela’s equity under the BlueCore banner, marking a total handover of the firm’s extensive gas and power infrastructure.…

For the average Nigerian entrepreneur, the morning routine is a frantic race against operational chaos. Between managing payroll and navigating regulatory hurdles, many business owners find themselves “flying blind” regarding their actual financial health. Enter Countam, a home-grown digital ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between chaotic survival and structured expansion. A Founder’s Journey from the Engine Room The story of Countam is deeply personal. Its creator, Kemi Osinibi, didn’t build the platform from a detached tech lab. With a professional background as a management accountant for FTSE 100 firms in the UK and major players in Nigeria’s oil and…

While primarily recognized as a titan in the global telecommunications space, IHS Towers has quietly transformed into one of Nigeria’s most impactful social investors. Since its inception in 2001, the organization has pivoted from merely building hardware to fostering human potential, launching a series of multi-sectoral initiatives that touch everything from high-tech skill acquisition to life-saving medical interventions. The Digital Talent Factory: 3MTT and Beyond In a high-stakes partnership with the Federal Government, IHS has become a primary engine for the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. By funding specialized learning hubs nationwide, the company is turning digital literacy into…

Building on a year of transformative dialogue, The Catalyst Symposium has announced a massive expansion for its 2026 calendar. Moving beyond its initial Nigerian roots, the platform—dedicated to nurturing the next generation of African visionaries—is set to touch down in 14 cities across the continent under the powerful banner, “Igniting Bold Actions.” A Year of Continental Impact Convener Arogundade Dolapo revealed that the 2026 series is designed to escalate the momentum gathered during the successful 2025 events. This year, the symposium evolves from a national gathering into a pan-African movement, making its debut in Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, and South Africa.…

As of January 6, 2026, At least 19 Nigerian banks have met the new minimum capital requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), signaling early compliance with the regulator’s sweeping banking sector recapitalisation programme ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline. The recapitalisation policy, announced to strengthen the resilience of the financial system, introduces higher minimum capital thresholds across different categories of banks—international, national, merchant, and non-interest institutions. The move is aimed at improving banks’ capacity to absorb shocks, support large-scale financing, and align Nigeria’s banking sector with global standards. International Banks Lead Compliance Six international banks have…

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in a high-impact collaboration with Wema Bank, has officially launched the 2026 Digital Skillnovation Program. Orchestrated through the Office of the Vice President, this strategic alliance is designed to transform Nigeria’s youth population into a global competitive force by bridging the gap between raw talent and market-ready expertise. A Hybrid Learning Experience Unlike traditional one-dimensional courses, the FGN-ALAT program offers a dual-layered educational approach: Phase 1: Virtual Mastery: Participants begin with remote sessions focusing on high-demand technical abilities, essential soft skills, and modern business management. Phase 2: Physical Immersion: Learning moves from the screen to…

Small-scale manufacturers, local artisans, and neighborhood retailers serve as the backbone of the Nigerian economy. Despite their importance, a vast majority operate within the “informal sector,” a status that often cuts them off from essential financial tools and government aid. To bridge this gap, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a massive free registration campaign aimed at formalizing millions of these businesses. Breaking Down the Barriers to Entry For years, the primary obstacles for small business owners have been the perceived high cost and bureaucratic complexity of official registration. By removing these financial hurdles,…

The Nigerian fuel landscape is witnessing a seismic shift as MRS Oil Nigeria moves to aggressively capture market share from the state-owned NNPC. By utilizing a strategic alliance with the Dangote Refinery, MRS has not only expanded its retail footprint but has also introduced pricing that significantly undercuts the national oil company. A New Era of Price Competition Following the full deregulation of the downstream sector, a “price war” has ignited. MRS Oil has taken the offensive, offering petrol at rates substantially lower than those found at NNPC stations. This move marks one of the most significant challenges to NNPC’s…

In the high-stakes world of Nigerian entrepreneurship, founders often find themselves trapped in a cycle of “survival mode,” managing staff and sales while flying blind on their actual financial health. Seeing this gap, Kemi Osinibi—a management accountant turned tech founder—launched Countam, an all-in-one platform designed to turn messy records into scalable business assets. The “Aha” Moment: From FTSE 100 to Lagos Startups Kemi Osinibi didn’t build Countam from a boardroom; she built it from the “engine room.” Her career spanned high-level accounting for UK giants and the Nigerian oil and gas sector. However, it was her experience running her own…

The 2025 BusinessDay Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs list has officially recognized Yonsus Global Ventures as one of the nation’s most rapidly expanding enterprises. This placement acknowledges the firm’s ability to scale operations effectively within the competitive Nigerian infrastructure market. Strategic Operational Breadth Based in Abuja, with a presence reaching into Lagos and Edo, the company has built a wide-reaching service model. Rather than focusing on a single niche, Yonsus Global manages a diverse portfolio that includes: Engineering & Technical Works: Handling everything from earthworks and drainage systems to complex civil engineering. Logistics & Supply Chain: Managing haulage, warehousing, and…

For decades, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Africa have viewed “sustainability” as a luxury reserved for multinational corporations. However, a major shift is occurring as we head into 2026. Green technology is no longer just an environmental statement; it has become a survival strategy and a competitive advantage for the continent’s most agile businesses. The End of the “Cost Center” Myth The most significant barrier to green adoption has been the misconception that eco-friendly practices drain capital. On the contrary, for the average African SME—often plagued by high energy costs and erratic power—green tech is a direct tool for…

Obinna Iyiegbu, the renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Cubana Group, has added a prestigious traditional honor to his list of accolades. Widely known as Obi Cubana, the philanthropist was officially decorated with the title “Ife-Igbo-Ji-Ka-Mba” by the Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri Traditional Council in Anambra State. The Significance of the Honor The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, was presided over by the traditional ruler, Igwe Ralph Obumneme Ekpe. The monarch explained that the decision to bestow this specific title—which translates to “The Pride of the Igbo Before the World”—was based on Iyiegbu’s massive impact on: Business Innovation: His leadership…

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has officially confirmed the appointment of Adaobi Onyedum as its Director General. Following a successful period in an acting capacity, Onyedum’s permanent role became effective on January 1, 2026. A Proven Track Record of Excellence The decision, ratified by the Chamber’s Council, comes as a result of Onyedum’s impressive performance during her tenure as Acting DG and her previous role as Director of Partnerships and Fundraising. The Chamber highlighted several key achievements during her time so far, including: Financial Growth: Successfully mobilizing over ₦300 million in funding. Trade Missions: Spearheading a high-profile UK–Nigeria trade…

Empowerment takes center stage this year as the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) officially invites early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa to join its 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme. This initiative offers a lifeline to visionary founders, providing a $5,000 non-refundable seed grant to help scale innovative business ideas into profitable ventures. Driving the “Africapitalism” Vision Built on the principle that the private sector is the engine of Africa’s growth, TEF has already invested over $100 million into the continent’s economy since 2015. With more than 20,000 alumni across 54 countries, the foundation continues to bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and the capital needed…