Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Most Nigerians want a strong and stable currency, and recent predictions suggest this wish might soon come true. Top leaders and business moguls, including President Bola Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, and Femi Otedola, are optimistic about the Naira’s recovery. They believe the exchange rate, currently between N1300 and N1400, could improve to around N1000 per Dollar in the near future. Why is the Naira Gaining Strength? Several key factors are helping the Naira recover its value: Increased Dollar Supply: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reports a high amount of Dollars currently available in the market. In fact, the CBN has…

Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) has further solidified bilateral economic relations between Nigeria and France through its high-level participation in the 62nd Paris International Agricultural Show (Salon International de l’Agriculture). As a leading pan-African food and agro-allied group, FMN’s involvement in this prestigious event—held from February 21 to March 1, 2026—underscores its commitment to international trade and agricultural innovation. A Strategic Partnership for Growth FMN’s role as a repeat sponsor and partner at the exhibition highlights the growing commercial synergy between the two nations. As a prominent member of the France–Nigeria Business Council (FNBC), the company serves as a bridge…

The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has unveiled the National Youth Cultural Initiative, marking a significant transition in how the country approaches its creative assets. Led by ATPN President Mr. Femi Fadina, the initiative aims to shift the cultural sector from informal, celebratory engagement toward a model of institutionalized cultural entrepreneurship. A Strategic Economic Engine The core objective of the program is to transform culture into a “disciplined economic engine.” By moving away from subsistence-level activities, the ATPN seeks to create a structured pathway for youth economic empowerment. The initiative focuses on several key vocational pillars: Heritage Tourism:…

In the Nigerian economic landscape, the primary obstacle for female entrepreneurs is not a lack of capacity, but a deficit of opportunity. While women-led businesses demonstrate immense potential, they are frequently hindered by systemic barriers—ranging from a lack of traditional collateral to the “double burden” of disproportionate caregiving responsibilities. Navigating these challenges requires a sophisticated blend of structural reform, digital integration, and resilient leadership. Evaluating Policy Effectiveness and the “Micro-Cap” Trap Current government initiatives—including SME tax reliefs, financial inclusion programs, and export incentives—have shown significant intent. However, a critical gap remains in their execution: The Scalability Gap: Impact is currently…

The Nigerian power sector is currently grappling with a severe supply crisis, as national generation has plummeted to approximately 4,300 megawatts. This decline has compelled the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to implement widespread load shedding—a strategic reduction in electricity supply—to prevent a total collapse of the national grid. By limiting the allocations provided to distribution companies, the operator aims to maintain system stability amidst dwindling output. The Feedstock Deficit A primary driver of this instability is a significant shortfall in fuel supply for thermal power stations. Data from NISO indicates a stark disparity between required and actual resources: Required…

Nigeria is currently facing a formidable housing crisis, characterized by an estimated deficit exceeding 17 million units. This shortfall—driven by rapid urbanization, high net migration, and consistent population growth—has left a significant portion of the citizenry struggling with exorbitant rents and substandard living conditions. Addressing a challenge of this magnitude requires more than just capital; it demands innovative leadership and a commitment to social impact. Archbishop Onyeka Joseph Nzekwesi, the founder and CEO of Pineleaf Estates and Properties Limited, has emerged as a pivotal figure in navigating these complexities. Strategic Intervention in the Housing Sector Under the leadership of Archbishop…

The Ashpot Startup Incubator has launched a comprehensive call for Nigerian entrepreneurs, offering a structured pathway to transition from conceptualization to commercial viability. By synthesizing high-level mentorship with strategic seed funding, the program serves as a critical catalyst for early-stage ventures looking to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian business landscape. Program Architecture and Value Proposition The incubator is engineered to provide a holistic support system for innovators. Rather than offering mere theoretical instruction, the curriculum emphasizes practical engagement and measurable progress. Key pillars of the initiative include: Strategic Capital Injection: Financial grants of up to ₦2,000,000 per participant to…

The escalating conflict in the Middle East, characterized by unprecedented tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, has placed the global energy market on high alert. For Nigeria, this geopolitical instability presents a complex “double-edged sword” scenario. While a potential surge in crude prices toward the $100–$150 per barrel range could yield a fiscal windfall of approximately $1.3 billion in March 2026, the domestic repercussions—specifically regarding energy costs and inflation—threaten to offset these gains. The Fiscal Opportunity: Revenue and Production As Africa’s premier crude exporter, Nigeria remains heavily reliant on petroleum, which accounts for over 85% of export earnings. Recent data…

In the capital-intensive sectors of marine logistics and heavy transportation, operational success is defined by technical precision and the mitigation of “interface risks.” Leading this industrial evolution is Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Chairman and CEO of Wellmann Group. Under his stewardship, the organization has transitioned from a specialized service provider into an integrated logistics titan, recognized in 2025 as one of Nigeria’s most transformative corporate entities. The Architect of Integrated Logistics Deacon Iyovwaye’s career trajectory—from a zero-capital start-up to the leadership of a multi-million-dollar enterprise—reflects a disciplined approach to business scaling. An alumnus of the University of Benin and Urhobo College,…

LAGOS/IBADAN — The legal battle between Alerzo and Moniepoint has entered a critical phase, exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s B2B e-commerce sector. Following a Mareva injunction granted by the Federal High Court in Lagos, Alerzo’s accounts remain frozen as it struggles to resolve a ₦4.38 billion debt (as of Dec 2025). This crisis highlights a painful transition for venture-backed firms: moving from “growth at all costs” to “survival at all costs” in an environment of 27% interest rates and skyrocketing logistics overheads. The Anatomy of the ₦5 Billion Disconnect In January 2025, Moniepoint extended a ₦5 billion working capital loan…

SÃO PAULO / LAGOS — As geopolitical shifts redefine global commerce in 2026, a strategic recalibration is underway between Africa’s and Latin America’s largest economies. At the forefront of this movement is the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) – Brazil chapter, which is transforming historical Afro-Atlantic ties into a modern economic bridge focused on agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy. According to NIDOA Brazil’s Secretary-General, Hon. Uche Uzoigwe, the goal is to move beyond shared heritage to “structured partnerships for trade, investment, and innovation.” The Brazilian Blueprint: Agriculture and Energy Brazil’s evolution into a global agricultural powerhouse offers a…

UMUAHIA — In a strategic move to reposition Abia State as a premier investment destination, the state government has announced the “Government Meets Business: Abia Business Roundtable.” Scheduled for March 5, 2026, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, the summit will be presided over by Governor Alex Otti, marking a significant shift toward institutionalizing Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the state. The Director-General of the Abia State PPP and Investment Promotion, Mr. Chinedum Chijioke, disclosed that the forum is designed to move beyond “optics” and address the “policy instability” that has historically hindered private sector growth in Africa. The Three…

LAGOS — A walk through a modern Nigerian supermarket like Prince Ebeano reveals a striking economic paradox: while the shelves are filled with imported brands funded by Nigerian consumers, the very retail chains and local manufacturers driving that commerce often lack a mainstream pathway for those same consumers to become co-owners. As Nigeria’s market capitalization surged 125%—from ₦55 trillion in 2024 to ₦123.93 trillion by early 2026—the “top” of the market is thriving. Yet, a structural gap remains for high-growth, cash-flow-positive businesses that sit in the “missing middle.” The “Missing Middle” Paradox Nigeria’s economic landscape is currently divided into three…

ABUJA — The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has revealed that it disbursed N179.79 billion to Nigerian exporters in 2025. Speaking at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, Managing Director Abubakar Bello described the funding as a “call to arms” to actualize President Bola Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy agenda. Represented by Dr. Babagana Musti, Bello emphasized that for Nigeria to reach a $1 trillion GDP, it must aggressively pivot from a “resource-based” mindset to an “export-led” growth model. Diversification: The Bridge to $1 Trillion NEXIM’s daily mandate is…

LAGOS — The Association of Small Business Owners in Nigeria (ASBON) has called on the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to urgently overhaul its Tax ProMax portal, labeling the digital platform a significant “burden” to the country’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Despite being designed to simplify the filing of tax identification numbers, revenue data, and monthly obligations, the portal has been plagued by technical glitches since its launch two months ago, threatening the compliance efforts of thousands of businesses. The Friction in “Seamless” Compliance ASBON President Dr. Femi Egbesola highlighted that while the initiative was promised to be a “seamless”…

At the 11th FATE Business Outlook & Annual General Meeting, the CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju, delivered a high-stakes mandate to the nation’s business leaders: shift from a mindset of local survival to one of global production. With the theme “The Good, The Bad & The Opportunities,” the summit highlighted that while Nigeria’s headline economic indicators are stabilizing, the path to true prosperity lies in entrepreneurs intentionally positioning themselves to earn foreign currency. The “African-Nigerian” Pioneering Spirit Dr. Aduloju argued that the current exchange rate environment should not be seen merely as a challenge,…

LAGOS — The Sola and Ibukun Adeyinka (SIA) Foundation has officially opened applications for the third cohort of its SIA Startup Foundry. This intensive accelerator program is designed to bridge the structural and institutional gaps facing early-stage Nigerian entrepreneurs, offering six selected ventures the chance to share a $10,000 (over ₦13 million) grant pool. As the Nigerian economy pivots toward an “export-first” and production-heavy model, the SIA Startup Foundry aims to equip founders with the “formal support systems” required to build sustainable, job-creating businesses. Program Roadmap: From Bootcamp to Demo Day Selected founders will undergo a rigorous training program designed to…

IBADAN — In a remarkable display of academic and entrepreneurial synergy, twin brothers Taiwo Samuel Isiaka and Kehinde Emmanuel Isiaka have graduated from the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI) with identical Second-Class Upper degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Their journey at UI was marked by more than just classroom excellence; the duo leaves the institution as two of its most decorated student entrepreneurs, having balanced a rigorous engineering curriculum with the successful founding of their firm, The Trills Consulting. A Shared Legacy of Excellence The brothers, both newly minted members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the…

LAGOS — In a move that has sent ripples through the Nigerian financial markets, Ojaja Pan Africa Limited, the conglomerate chaired by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has successfully redeemed its inaugural ₦9.2 billion Commercial Paper (CP) issuance. The seamless repayment—completed using internally generated resources—is being hailed as a masterclass in financial discipline, particularly as Nigeria navigates a high-interest-rate environment where the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) currently sits at a steep 27%. Proving Liquidity in a Tight Market The funds were raised under a ₦10 billion programme on the FMDQ Securities Exchange. Despite the “prohibitively expensive” cost of…

ABUJA — Despite repeated government pledges to achieve “health sovereignty,” Nigeria’s healthcare sector is facing a crisis of confidence as foreign exchange (FX) outflows for medical travel surged to $549.29 million in the first nine months of 2025. This represents an 18% increase from the $465.67 million recorded during the same period in 2024, highlighting a widening gap between policy rhetoric and the reality of local hospital conditions. The data, derived from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) quarterly statistical bulletins, underscores a persistent “trust deficit” in the domestic health system, even as the government claims to be attracting inbound…