Author: Gift Ifeanyi

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…

LAGOS — In a landmark development for Nigeria’s energy security, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has finalized an offtake framework to supply up to 65 million litres of petrol daily to the domestic market. This volume not only covers Nigeria’s estimated daily consumption of 50–60 million litres but also provides a surplus of 15–20 million litres for export to West and Central African markets. The arrangement effectively transitions Nigeria from a decades-long reliance on expensive fuel imports to a self-sufficient, net-exporter of refined petroleum products. The Distribution Blueprint: A Consortium of Giant To ensure the 1.8 to 2 billion litres produced…

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has projected that the Naira will reach an exchange rate of ₦1,000 to the US Dollar “in weeks, not in months.” Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Summit on Tuesday, the President attributed this impending milestone to rigorous fiscal discipline and the “restoration of honesty” in the nation’s economic management. The President signaled that the administration’s focus is now shifting from stabilization to acceleration, underpinned by a ₦58.18 trillion budget and a renewed push for public transparency. The Road to ₦1,000: Stabilizing the Currency Tinubu revealed that the Naira’s…

LAGOS — As the Nigerian banking sector navigates a high-stakes recapitalization phase, FCMB Group has emerged as a focal point for investors seeking undervalued assets. As of February 23, 2026, FCMB shares are trading at ₦12.35, a significant 48% climb from its 52-week low of ₦8.35. Despite this rally, market analysts point to a “valuation disconnect” that suggests the stock may still have considerable room to run compared to its mid-tier peers. The Numbers: A Significant Discount The core of the “FCMB bull case” lies in its Price-to-Book Value (P/BV) ratio. While several competitors have already seen their valuations stretched…

LAGOS — As the 2025/2026 academic session continues to place an unprecedented financial strain on Nigerian households, innovative e-commerce platform Selar has launched the third edition of its Smart Hustle Initiative. By committing ₦10 million in tuition support, the company aims to provide 150 students with a “legitimate path” to success, directly challenging the growing culture of internet fraud. The initiative comes at a critical time when university and secondary school fees have reportedly spiked by up to 200%, leaving many families at a crossroads between education and economic desperation. The Grant Structure: Targeting “Key Transitions” Selar is strategically focusing…

In a historic move to bridge the global financing gap for small businesses, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched a $6 billion credit insurance facility. Announced on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, this partnership with 19 of the world’s leading insurers represents the largest capital mobilization under a single agreement in the IFC’s history. By using a risk-sharing model, the facility is designed to unlock up to $10 billion in new lending for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) across emerging markets, including high-growth economies like Nigeria. The Mechanism: Risk-Sharing to Scale Lending The facility operates on a “capital-light” model that…

ABUJA — In a major push for financial inclusion in Northern Nigeria, Entourage Integrated Trust Limited has announced the expansion of its operations into Borno, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kebbi states. This strategic move is designed to bridge the financing gap for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in regions where access to structured credit has historically been limited. With this expansion, the firm now has a presence in 29 states, supporting a growing network of over 300,000 entrepreneurs across the federation. Proximity as a Strategy: Banking Beyond Hubs Unlike many financial institutions pivoting exclusively to digital-only models, Entourage’s strategy is built…

LAGOS/ST. GEORGE’S — Optiva Capital Partners, Africa’s leading investment-immigration firm, has announced a significant milestone in global mobility for African investors. The $2.4 billion Grenada National Resort, set to open in 2027, has reached its “topping-out” ceremony, signaling the transition from structural construction to final delivery. This project is not merely a luxury development; it is a government-approved pathway for Citizenship by Investment (CBI), offering Nigerian and African entrepreneurs a strategic “Plan A” for global access, wealth preservation, and security. A Monumental Asset-Backed Opportunity The Grenada National Resort represents the single largest investment in Grenada’s history. Valued at $2.4 billion,…

UYO — Governor Umo Eno has significantly expanded his administration’s economic footprint, distributing over 10,000 sets of equipment to 2,000 entrepreneurs under the Arise Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme. The initiative, designed to bolster the local economy and foster a thriving middle class, marks one of the most substantial grassroots empowerment exercises in the state’s recent history. The Governor also utilized the platform to reiterate a strategic call to the Federal Government, seeking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s full support for the completion of the Ibom Deep Sea Port—a project viewed as the ultimate game-changer for maritime trade in West Africa. Rewarding…

LAGOS — On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Nigeria’s technology landscape stood still as Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, the visionary Chairman of Zinox Group, celebrated his 70th birthday. Known as Africa’s “Digital Torchbearer,” Ekeh’s milestone was marked not with a lavish gala, but with a characteristically forward-looking ₦10 billion philanthropic gesture aimed at securing Nigeria’s tech independence for the next generation. From President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to elder statesman Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the continent’s most influential voices converged to honor a man whose 40-year career has been the “Digital Bloodstream” of the Nigerian economy. The ₦10 Billion “Futuristic” Gift In lieu…