Author: Gift Ifeanyi

KATSINA — The Katsina State Government has announced a massive ₦31 billion intervention package within its 2026 fiscal framework, specifically targeting small businesses, young graduates, and vulnerable households. The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Malik Anas, revealed the details during a briefing in the state capital, noting that the allocations are the cornerstone of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s “Building Your Future” agenda. ₦10 Billion for MSME Expansion In a move to decentralize industrial growth and stimulate local production, the state has earmarked ₦10 billion exclusively for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Goal: To expand access to…

LAGOS — A new era of Transnational Education (TNE) has officially taken root in Nigeria. The Bridging Borders Project, supported by the British Council, recently showcased the results of a high-impact collaboration between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and three of Nigeria’s premier academic institutions: the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), and Covenant University. The initiative, led by Prof. Pascal Anosike, aims to move entrepreneurship education (EE) beyond the classroom and into the realm of global best practices, ensuring Nigerian graduates are not just job seekers, but globally competitive job creators. Formalizing Global…

ADDIS ABABA — In a strategic move that underscores the growing interconnectivity of African markets, Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has joined forces with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to back a $10 million risk-sharing facility for Ethiopia’s Dashen Bank. Announced on February 17, 2026, this partnership is designed to tackle the “credit crunch” facing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia. By providing a safety net, the agreement allows Dashen Bank—one of Ethiopia’s leading private lenders—to lend more aggressively to high-potential but underfunded sectors. The Mechanics of Risk-Sharing The facility operates through an unfunded risk-sharing guarantee. The IFC, with support…

ABUJA — At the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) meetings on February 19, 2026, Nigeria’s top economic leaders delivered a stark message to the global community: the world’s “financial plumbing” is broken for emerging markets. Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso and Finance Minister Wale Edun argued that high costs and settlement delays are no longer just technical nuisances—they are systemic barriers to economic sovereignty. “Payment Systems are the Heart of Inclusion” Governor Cardoso framed the modernization of payment systems as a prerequisite for national development. Under the Payment System Vision 2028, Nigeria has moved to replace aging infrastructure with the…

ABUJA — Nigeria is not just surviving its current economic challenges; it is actively evolving through them. This is the perspective of Onyeolu Israel Chima, a prominent entrepreneur and strategist, who argues that a fundamental shift is occurring in how Nigerians perceive and create wealth. In a recent statement that has sparked conversation across the business community, Chima noted that the nation’s future belongs to a new breed of “builders, creators, and strategists” who are moving away from traditional hustle in favor of structured, long-term systems. From “Hustle” to “Structure” The core of Chima’s observation is a transition from accidental…

While local headlines focus on Nigeria’s industrial and oil ambitions, the international stage is shifting rapidly. From high-level phone calls between Abuja and Berlin to fiscal warnings in Paris and trade tensions in Madrid, here is the global context affecting the 2026 economic landscape. Nigeria & Germany: Reviving the Power Dream In a pivotal nine-minute phone call on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu and the newly inaugurated German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, resolved to breathe new life into the stalled Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). The deal, which involves the German conglomerate Siemens, aims to overhaul Nigeria’s fragile power-transmission network. Chancellor Merz pledged…

LAGOS — For Jumia Nigeria, the current uptick in digital transactions isn’t just a rebound; it is the blueprint for a permanent shift in Nigerian consumer behavior. Following a period of economic recalibration, the e-commerce giant is reporting a surge in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and order volumes, signaling that online shopping is moving from a luxury convenience to a national habit. Temidayo Ojo, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, believes the “recovery” phase is over, replaced by a new era of consumer confidence. “Confidence translates into spending,” Ojo remarked. “More importantly, it translates into habit. Our focus is on making e-commerce…

LAGOS — The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that there is “no going back” on its transition to a 100% cashless environment across all Nigerian airports. Following a high-level meeting with the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), FAAN Managing Director and CEO, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, reiterated that the directive will take full effect by the February 28, 2024 deadline. The move follows a Treasury Circular issued in November 2025 by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, mandating all federal agencies to cease physical cash collections to enhance transparency and curb revenue leakages.…

ABUJA — For many Nigerian entrepreneurs, the greatest threat to their business isn’t the competition—it’s the “scattered notebook.” To bridge the gap between informal trading and structured accounting, a new all-in-one management software, AR Pro365, has launched in the capital, promising to turn WhatsApp into a powerful financial command center. The software arrives at a critical time for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) struggling with stock discrepancies, delayed payments, and the perennial question: “Am I actually making a profit?” The WhatsApp Breakthrough The standout feature of AR Pro365 is its deliberate integration with WhatsApp. Recognizing that the messaging app is…

LAGOS — For the millions of small businesses that form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, the traditional bank statement has long been a barrier rather than a bridge. However, a significant shift is underway in 2026, as fintech leaders like FairMoney Microfinance Bank (MFB) replace physical collateral with “digital footprints.” New data from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) confirms the high stakes of this transition: in 2025, SMEs represented 96% of all businesses, contributed over 48% to Nigeria’s GDP, and accounted for 84% of total employment. Yet, despite this dominance, the “missing middle”—businesses needing between…

ABUJA — While episodic instability often dominates the headlines, a deeper examination of Nigeria in 2026 reveals a “structural vitality” that is redefining the nation’s power. Beyond the drama of politics lies a reservoir of strength found in its people, its culture, and a quiet but persistent economic evolution. As Nigeria’s population surpasses 242 million this year, the narrative is shifting from seeing youth as a liability to recognizing them as a “latent power” that is currently driving a bottom-up transformation of the country. The Demographic Engine With a median age of just 18.3 years, Nigeria possesses one of the…

KANO — In a major boost to higher education and entrepreneurship in Northern Nigeria, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bayero University Kano (BUK). The agreement, worth ₦1.5 billion, is specifically designed to support postgraduate students at the Dangote Business School (DBS). Unveiled during a signing ceremony at the school’s main auditorium on February 17, 2026, the funding is structured as a five-year commitment to alleviate the financial burden on future business leaders. The 50% Tuition Lifeline Starting with the 2024/2025 academic session, the foundation will disburse ₦300 million annually over five…

SURULERE — In the vibrant hubs of Lagos and beyond, a new economic blueprint is being written—not in corporate boardrooms, but on smartphones. Ayo Balogun, 23, is a face of this transformation. From her bedroom in Surulere, she runs a thriving thrift empire, bridging the gap between supply and demand with nothing more than an Instagram page and a data plan. Ayo’s story is not an isolated “hustle”; it is the reality for a generation navigating a labor market where formal roles are scarce, but digital opportunities are boundless. The Informal Giant According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),…

LAGOS — A seismic shift is occurring within Nigeria’s boardrooms. As of February 2026, the daughters of the nation’s industrial titans are no longer just “understudies”—they have officially taken the reins of some of Africa’s largest conglomerates. From telecommunications to oil and legal practitioners, these 2nd-generation female leaders are redefining legacy, proving that family businesses can honor their foundations while evolving to meet the demands of a $100 billion national growth strategy. The Dangote Dynasty: A New Era of Succession In a major reshuffle announced on February 17, 2026, Aliko Dangote promoted his three daughters to senior executive roles, signaling…

ABUJA — For Nigeria’s millions of informal retailers and market vendors, the barrier to growth has often been the lack of a “tiny” financial push. The Petty Traders Grant Support Programme 2026 has emerged to fill this specific gap, offering non-repayable seed capital to those at the very foundation of the nation’s economy. Unlike complex industrial loans, this initiative is designed for the “everyday” entrepreneur—the roadside provision seller, the mobile tailor, and the market stall operator—prioritizing speed and accessibility over paperwork. Simplified Funding for the Informal Sector The programme’s most significant feature is the removal of the “CAC Barrier.” Recognizing…

LAGOS — For years, the phrase “Nigeria happened to me” has been used by citizens as a shorthand for systemic failure and personal frustration. In a bold psychological pivot, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) is launching a new project of the same name—”Nigeria Happens To Me”—designed to reclaim the narrative by showcasing Nigerians who are thriving in business and creative sectors despite the odds. The project is a collaboration between the NOA and the Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF), led by anti-corruption advocate Akin Fadeyi. The campaign aims to “amplify” the faces of resilient entrepreneurs, selling their success stories to the…

CAIRO – The global financial compass is shifting toward sustainability, and emerging markets are no longer just following the map—they are drawing it. Speaking at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) conference in Egypt, Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), delivered a clarion call for a unified, transparent, and innovative approach to climate-aligned capital. Addressing a high-level panel on “Capital Mobilization for Sustainability, Transition, and Resilience,” Popoola outlined a future where emerging economies transform structural hurdles into competitive advantages. Bridging the “Infrastructure Gap” in Data While the appetite for sustainable assets is surging globally, Popoola acknowledged…

LAGOS — A series of high-stakes opportunities and infrastructure reforms have converged this week, signaling a coordinated push to transition Nigeria’s youth from the sidelines into the heart of the global economy. From multi-million naira skill development grants to a radical overhaul of how small businesses export their goods, the barriers to economic participation are being systematically dismantled. UNICEF Calls for Architects of Youth Livelihoods In a major move to address unemployment, UNICEF Nigeria has officially opened a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a large-scale Youth Skill Development and Livelihoods initiative. Unlike traditional training programs, this mission is laser-focused on…

LAGOS — For global investors eyeing Nigeria, “potential” is no longer the primary currency. The new gold standard is predictability. At the recently concluded European Business Chamber Nigeria (Eurocham) Annual Conference and Expo, a recurring theme echoed through the halls: while Nigeria’s recent economic reforms have sparked a flicker of optimism, only the steady hand of consistent policy will turn that spark into a sustainable flame of long-term capital. Beyond the Announcement Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, cut through the diplomatic chatter during a roundtable on European business perspectives. Addressing the gap between policy and practice, Klinke emphasized…

ABUJA — Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest industrialist, has delivered a blunt ultimatum to Nigeria’s economic planners: the nation’s industrial dreams will remain a “poverty trap” unless the government solves the chronic crisis of electricity and protects local factories from the “dumping” of foreign goods. Speaking at the national launch of the National Industrial Policy 2025, themed “From Policy to Productivity,” Dangote addressed a room of top-tier officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima. While he praised recent reforms for stabilizing the Naira and boosting investor confidence, he insisted that policy documents alone cannot turn wheels in a factory. The Electricity “Retreat”…