Author: Gift Ifeanyi

High Chief Royal Ifechukwu Asianya, the Managing Director of Royal C. Investment Company (Nigeria) Limited, has transformed a 1993 apprenticeship at the Nkwo Nnewi spare parts market into a leading automotive empire. His journey is a classic testament to the “Nnewi Model” of business—starting with humility, surviving market collapses, and eventually dominating a niche. Today, Royal C. Investment stands as Nigeria’s foremost importer of fairly used Coaster and Hiace buses, serving as a critical backbone for Nigeria’s interstate and intra-city transportation networks. The Evolution of Royal C. Investment Chief Asianya’s career is marked by strategic pivots in response to shifting…

As of January 2026, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has become a massive financial operation, having disbursed over ₦161.9 billion to more than 864,000 students since its inception. While the scheme has successfully democratized access to higher education on paper, experts and policymakers are raising red flags regarding its long-term financial and strategic sustainability. The primary concern is a “structural mismatch”: the scheme currently funds thousands of students in overcrowded academic fields while Nigeria suffers from a chronic shortage of technical and vocational skills. 1. NELFUND 2026: The Data at a Glance The scale of the project is unprecedented…

On Friday, January 9, 2026, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Okpataozueora I of Oba. The ceremony took place in his hometown of Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, during the maiden Ofala Festival of Oba. The title, bestowed by the Igwe of Oba, His Royal Majesty, Engr. Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe (Eze Okpoko II), translates to “one whose wealth extends to the community” or “wealth that reaches all.” A Month of Cultural Recognition The Okpataozueora title is the second major honor for the Cubana Group Chairman in…

In a series of pointed remarks following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in December 2025, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, issued a sharp critique of the Nigerian elite’s preference for “wasteful consumerism” over industrial investment. Dangote argued that the capital currently tied up in luxury assets—specifically private jets and high-end cars—could be the key to solving Nigeria’s chronic unemployment and infrastructure gaps. The Cost of “Idle Consumerism” Dangote expressed personal frustration with the proliferation of private aviation in Nigeria, describing it as a missed opportunity for national growth. The Airport Observation: Dangote noted that parking lots at…

As Nigeria prepares for a high-stakes semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, has raised the stakes with a staggering financial incentive package. Rabiu, Nigeria’s second-wealthiest man, announced the pledges following the Super Eagles’ clinical 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals on January 10, 2026. The Incentive Breakdown The billionaire’s pledge is structured to reward both victory and offensive performance: Semi-Final Victory: $500,000 for winning the match against Morocco. Goal Bonus (Semi-Final): $50,000 for every goal scored during the semi-final. AFCON Final Victory: $1,000,000 if the team lifts the trophy. Goal…

In a nation of over 200 million people, everyday frustrations are often the greatest business opportunities. While tech startups capture the headlines, Nigeria’s “wealthy hustlers” are making millions by addressing basic needs in unconventional ways. Here is a breakdown of the “weird” but highly profitable businesses currently thriving in Nigeria. 1. The “Shit Business”: Mobile & Public Toilets Public sanitation remains a massive gap in Nigerian urban centers. Companies like Dignified Mobile Toilets (DMT) have turned a social necessity into a high-margin enterprise. The Model: Charging roughly ₦50 to ₦100 per use. The Math: In a crowded motor park or…

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment recently released its report, 2025: A Defining Year for Nigeria’s Industry, Trade and Investment, revealing that Nigeria’s trade balance has flipped into a massive surplus. Driven by aggressive reforms and the revitalization of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the country is successfully diversifying its foreign exchange sources beyond crude oil. 1. SEZs: The $500 Million Engine Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones have transitioned from “concepts” to “engines of growth.” In 2025 alone, these zones delivered: $500 Million in export revenues. 20,000+ direct jobs, strengthening industrial hubs across the country. Coordinated Oversight: The growth is…

In a move that signals strong institutional confidence in the Nigerian market, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited has officially met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new ₦200 billion minimum capital requirement for national commercial banks. By fulfilling this mandate in late 2025, the bank has positioned itself well ahead of the March 31, 2026 regulatory deadline. This achievement follows a directive issued by the CBN in March 2024, which sought to fortify the banking sector’s resilience and support Nigeria’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2031. Commitment to Growth and Stability The early recapitalization was achieved through a…

As we move through 2026, the global digital landscape has shifted from a phase of “experimentation” to one of “strategic integration.” With over 22 billion connected devices worldwide this year—on the road to a projected 31 billion by 2030—the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has become the primary engine of the global digital economy. In Nigeria, this shift is particularly pronounced. The digital economy is projected to contribute roughly $18.3 billion to the national GDP by the end of 2026, driven by a 12.5% compound annual growth rate in the IT sector. The Synergy:…

Raymond Ijeomah, a property lawyer turned real estate developer, is quickly becoming a defining voice in Nigeria’s real estate sector.1 As the founder of Fortreal Rei Limited and the Fortreal Real Estate Academy, Ijeomah has transformed a personal setback—losing his savings to a forex crash just before the COVID-19 pandemic—into a multi-continental movement for ethical real estate practice. In 2025, his leadership was formally recognized when he was named among The Guardian’s 100 Top Strategic CEOs of Nigeria’s most transformative companies. The TESS Initiative: A Holistic Vision At the heart of Ijeomah’s business philosophy is the TESS Initiative, a…

In the first week of January 2026, Mr. Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, took to social media to celebrate a “roaring start” to the Nigerian business year. Highlighting the activities of billionaires Femi Otedola and Tony O. Elumelu, Tinubu described their recent multi-billion dollar deals as masterclasses in investment discipline, timing, and the deepening of indigenous ownership in Nigeria’s strategic sectors. The Otedola “Exit Strategy”: Geregu to Banking Tinubu specifically lauded Femi Otedola for his spectacular exit from Geregu Power Plc. On December 29, 2025, Otedola completed the sale of his controlling interest in Geregu for ₦1.08…

The inaugural Kano Startup Weekend (KSW) 2025, held on December 13–14, 2025, at the Coronation Hall in Kano, marked a major milestone in Northern Nigeria’s digital journey. Organized by the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA), the event served as a high-impact launchpad for the state’s Digital Transformation Agenda (2025–2030). The weekend brought together over 1,000 participants—including founders, investors, and policymakers—to focus on the state’s priority HEAT sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, and Transportation. Interswitch: Empowering Regional Innovation As a key sponsor, Interswitch played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between early-stage ideas and market-ready solutions. Patrick Okebu, Interswitch’s…

In a significant victory for international anti-corruption efforts, the British High Commission has announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the repatriation of $9.5 million to Nigeria. The agreement, signed in December 2025 by Mark Temple, the UK’s Attorney General for Jersey, and Nigeria’s Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, marks the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership to recover illicit wealth hidden in the UK’s Crown Dependencies. This recovery follows a landmark forfeiture order issued by the Royal Court of Jersey on January 12, 2024, which determined that the funds were the proceeds of corruption involving…

In a provocative new policy paper titled “After the Repo-Man Cometh: Nigeria’s American Romance and the Don-Row Doctrine of Asset Liquidation,” Dele Kelvin Oye, Chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics (AERE), has issued a stark warning regarding Nigeria’s fiscal trajectory. Oye argues that Nigeria’s increasing reliance on the United States and international financial institutions (IFIs) like the IMF and World Bank puts the nation at risk of a “sovereignty crisis” similar to that of Venezuela. The “Don-Row Doctrine” and Asset Liquidation Oye introduces the concept of the Don-Row Doctrine, which he describes as a modern, more aggressive…

As Nigeria implements its most ambitious tax reform in decades, a detailed review by KPMG Nigeria has uncovered significant “errors, inconsistencies, and gaps” in the new laws. While the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) and Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) aim to boost the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio, KPMG warns that certain provisions could inadvertently penalize businesses and deter foreign investment. 1. The Inflation Trap: Taxing “Paper Profits” The new laws require capital gains to be calculated based on the historical cost of an asset without adjusting for inflation. The Problem: With inflation averaging above 18% over the last few years, asset…

On December 4, 2025, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) elected Engr. Leye Kupoluyi as its 44th President and Chairman of Council. In his first major policy address in January 2026, Kupoluyi signaled a strategic pivot for the 137-year-old institution: moving beyond local advocacy to championing the continental competitiveness of Nigerian businesses. As Africa transitions into a “borderless economy,” Kupoluyi argues that Nigeria—as the continent’s largest economy—must act as the “arrowhead” of African trade and industry. The 2026 Advocacy Pillar: “Evidence-Based Engagement” Kupoluyi’s tenure focuses on three key areas to strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity: Regional Dominance: Advocacy that…

In the rapid evolution of Nigeria’s digital economy, few brands have achieved the ubiquity of Glovo. Since its 2021 launch, the Spanish delivery platform has scaled to 11 cities, supported 6,000 merchants, and generated over ₦71 billion in revenue for local partners. However, by early 2026, the brand is facing a “rupture in integrity” that threatens its very foundation. As the Hausa proverb says, “Ga fili, ga doki”—”Here is the field, and here is the horse.” For Glovo, the field is a skeptical Nigerian market, and the horse is a platform struggling to maintain its stride amidst a series of…

The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has confirmed it will join the nationwide strike scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026. This action, tagged “TICS 2.0: No Implementation, No Going Back,” follows the alleged failure of the Federal Government to fulfill the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on November 29, 2025. Despite a National Industrial Court injunction issued on Friday, January 9, restraining the association from the strike, NARD leadership has indicated that the resolve of its members remains “unshaken,” with many chapters across the 91 federal and state tertiary hospitals…

The Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has officially crossed a major milestone, having disbursed over ₦270 million in grants since its launch in 2019. In its latest edition (Batch C, Stream I, December 2025), the initiative awarded grants to 30 new winners, bringing the total number of “Corpreneur” beneficiaries to 608. Implemented in partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the challenge serves as a business incubation platform that turns “serving” graduates into job creators. The Corpreneurship Challenge: 2026 Snapshot The initiative operates on a competitive “pitch” model held at NYSC orientation camps across 10 states. Participants…

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum continued his aggressive “post-insurgency recovery” agenda by disbursing N1 billion to Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Borno South Senatorial District. The disbursement, unveiled in Biu LGA, is part of a broader fiscal strategy outlined in the state’s N890.3 billion 2026 “Sustained Recovery and Growth” budget. By injecting capital directly into the hands of rural entrepreneurs, the administration aims to foster grassroots self-reliance and stabilize the local economy. The Borno South SME Package The funds were specifically allocated to business owners and vulnerable groups in the following council areas:…