Author: Gift Ifeanyi

As Nigeria’s fabricare industry eyes a growth trajectory toward $3 billion by 2035, LG Electronics Nigeria and the CleanAce Foundation & Academy have set a new benchmark for professional excellence. The partnership recently hosted the Hyper Masterclass Conference at the Providence Hotel in Lagos, themed ‘Making Audacious Moves in 2026’. The event brought together members of the Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association (FDPA) to transition the sector from “informal laundry” to a high-tech, structured industry capable of large-scale wealth creation. 1. Wisdom-Guided Boldness: The CleanAce Vision Founder of CleanAce Foundation & Academy, Mr. Eniibukun Adebayo, opened the conference by redefining…

As Nigeria marks the start of 2026, the conversation around technology has shifted from merely consuming foreign tools to building a sovereign AI ecosystem. Kehinde Opara, a senior software engineer at Upperlink Limited, has issued a compelling call to action: Nigeria must treat Artificial Intelligence not just as a “software trend,” but as critical infrastructure—on par with electricity and the internet. This vision aligns with the Federal Government’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), released in September 2025, which serves as the blueprint for Nigeria’s leap into the “epoch of technological empowerment.” 1. Local Talent, Local Solutions Opara emphasizes that the…

In a high-profile meeting on February 2, 2026, billionaire entrepreneur and socialite Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana) officially transitioned from a business powerhouse to a strategic political player. Hosting Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at his Abuja residence, Cubana accepted his appointment as the South-East Coordinator for the City Boy Movement (CBM). This move marks a significant shift in the South-East’s political landscape, as the movement gears up for early mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections. 1. Strategic Engagement: “Influence from Within” Addressing the mixed reactions from the public—particularly from those who see the South-East as…

On February 3, 2026, Nigeria reached a landmark milestone in its journey toward energy stability with the launch of a ₦501 billion bond. This is the first tranche of the Federal Government’s massive ₦4 trillion Power Sector Bond Programme, designed to clear a decade of “legacy debts” that have historically paralyzed the electricity market. This move is a “decisive reset” for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), aiming to move from a state of perpetual liquidity crisis to a sustainable, investor-led market. 1. Breaking the Debt Cycle The primary mission of this bond is to settle verified, overdue payments owed…

Newly surfaced documents from the “Epstein Files” released in early 2026 have shed light on a surprising chapter in the financial dealings of the late American financier, Jeffrey Epstein. The documents reveal that in 2010, Epstein explored the possibility of “lifting” Nigerian crude oil—a high-stakes trade that involves purchasing large volumes of oil directly from the source for international resale. In an email exchange with a contact identified as David Stern, Epstein discussed the intricacies of navigating the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). However, despite his attraction to the massive profits associated with Nigerian oil, Epstein ultimately backed out. The…

As of February 4, 2026, Abia State has entered a high-velocity phase of urban and economic reform. Following the weekly State Executive Council meeting, the administration of Governor Alex Otti announced a suite of projects designed to solidify Aba’s reputation as the “Japan of Africa” while modernizing the state’s public infrastructure. 1. The Aba SME Village & Innovation Hub The government has officially approved the establishment of a dedicated SME Village and Innovation Hub in Aba. This facility is more than just a marketplace; it is a strategic urban planning tool. Target Occupants: The village will primarily house computer dealers,…

As Nigeria moves deeper into 2026, the MTN Foundation is aggressively tackling the digital divide within the SME sector—the “engine room” of the national economy. The Phase 7 of the ICT and Business Skills Training, which kicked off on January 5, 2026, is currently in its final week, equipping 6,000 young Nigerians with the tools to survive and thrive in a tech-driven market. With over 61,000 applications received in late 2025, the program highlights a massive demand among Nigerian youth for practical, “sovereign” digital competencies. 1. The “Kaizen” Approach to Digital Growth The training, facilitated by the Learning Core Company,…

In a bold move that signals the rising global ambition of indigenous Nigerian firms, Shoreline Group, led by energy entrepreneur Kola Karim, has completed the acquisition of producing oil assets in the United States. Announced on the sidelines of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 in Abuja, the deal marks a rare instance of a Nigerian independent operator exporting its “homegrown” operational know-how to the American market. 1. Strategic Rationale: “Immediate Barrels” and Predictability While most indigenous firms focus on the Niger Delta, Karim emphasized that the U.S. entry is about immediate cash flow and operational stability. Asset…

On February 4, 2026, the Nigerian tech ecosystem celebrated a significant milestone as the sixth cohort of the Standard Chartered Women in Tech (WIT) Nigeria officially graduated. In partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University, and Village Capital, the program has reaffirmed its commitment to closing the gender gap in technology and entrepreneurship. Since its launch, the program has trained over 50 founders and awarded more than $250,000 in seed funding to women-led ventures, driving both job creation and socio-economic empowerment. 1. The $50,000 Grant Winners Out of 12 finalists who underwent an intensive 12-week accelerator, five outstanding…

In a major announcement on January 27, 2026, the World Bank unveiled a massive $250 billion global procurement window, specifically urging Nigerian businesses to compete for a share of over 40,000 annual contract opportunities. Speaking at a high-level procurement seminar in Lagos, Ms. Gallina Vincelette, World Bank Vice President for Operations Policy and Country Services, emphasized that these opportunities are not limited to projects within Nigeria but span the entire globe. This invitation marks a significant shift, positioning Nigerian firms not just as local contractors, but as competitive international players in infrastructure, health, education, and technology. 1. Nigerian Firms: Already…

As of February 5, 2026, the Nigerian fintech landscape has gained a new contender focused on ethical, high-speed lending. Andray Finance Limited, an indigenous firm founded in 2024, has officially unveiled its suite of digital loan products. Designed to bypass the “bureaucratic bottlenecks” of traditional banking, Andray’s model targets the underbanked—including micro-entrepreneurs, artisans, and salary earners—who often face sudden cash flow shortages but lack the collateral or credit history required by commercial institutions. 1. The Product Suite: From “Payday” to “Nano” Andray Finance has structured its offerings into two primary categories to address distinct financial pressures: Andray Payday Loans (Short-Term…

As Nigeria moves closer to its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, the results of the 2024–2025 Africa PachiPanda Challenge have highlighted a new generation of “ecopreneurs” turning environmental crises into viable business models. Launched by MTN Group in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the challenge serves as a continental incubator for tech-based solutions targeting the “food-energy-water” nexus. The most recent continental finals, held in Johannesburg, saw top honors go to innovators from Cameroon and Nigeria. 1. The Winners: From Farm Management to Waste Transformation The challenge identified and scaled solutions that move beyond theory into…

In a move that could fundamentally redraw Africa’s industrial map, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) on January 30, 2026. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of Africa’s first full-scale Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant and a nationwide charging infrastructure network. The project is a centerpiece of President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy”, aimed at shifting the nation from a consumer of imported used cars to a hub for high-value green manufacturing. 1. The 300,000-Vehicle Ambition The partnership, signed by the Minister of State for…

As of February 2026, the narrative of Nigerian business is shifting from “survivalist hustle” to “institutionalized enterprise.” During the recent induction ceremony of the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Management and Administration (IEAMA) in Abuja, Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, National President of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), issued a clarion call for Structural Entrepreneurship. Under the theme “Grooming a New Generation of Structured Entrepreneurs and Professional Apprentices for Sustainable National Development,” the event highlighted that while millions of Nigerians are “in business,” very few operate within a professional framework that ensures long-term sustainability and generational wealth transfer.…

On February 2, 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria officially launched a historic nationwide initiative to provide free training to 10 million Nigerians in financial inclusion and literacy. Flagged off by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the program is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The initiative, managed by the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), specifically prioritizes young Nigerians and women, aiming to transform them into a skilled, ethical, and digitally competent workforce. 1. The Aso Accord: Moving Beyond “Access” The…

The two-day Japan Business Support (JBS) forum held in Lagos on January 28–29, 2026, has officially set the stage for a new era of bilateral cooperation. Organized by the UNDP, this dialogue aimed to position Nigerian SMEs not just as local players, but as the primary exporters within the $3.4 trillion African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market. The collaboration comes at a time when Nigeria is aggressively seeking “technology transfer” rather than just “finished product imports” to balance its long-standing trade deficit with Japan. 1. The $1 Million Regional Spark The Lagos dialogue is part of a broader $1…

In a significant upgrade to Nigeria’s trade infrastructure, SIFAX Shipping Company Ltd. has officially launched direct Less-than-Container Load (LCL) export services to the United Kingdom. This service, established through a strategic partnership with Netcargo UK Limited, eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming transshipment through intermediary ports. For Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), this means the “London Detour” is over—goods now travel directly from Lagos to the UK, slashing both transit times and logistics costs. 1. The LCL Breakthrough: Exporting Without the Bulk Historically, many small businesses were “locked out” of international trade because they couldn’t afford to fill…

From the energy corridors of Abuja to the manufacturing hubs of Manchester, the start of February 2026 is marked by high-stakes industrial deals and a notable shift in business sentiment across major economies. 1. Nigeria: The Dangote-NNPC Gas Alliance In a move that anchors Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, three Dangote Group subsidiaries (Refinery, Fertilizer, and Cement) have signed bolstered gas supply contracts with NNPC units. Strategic Alignment: These deals, signed during the launch of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan 2026 in Abuja, are designed to power massive industrial expansion while transitioning toward cleaner energy. Economic Impact: While volumes remain…

As the dust settles from a star-studded 50th birthday celebration in Warri, Matthew Tonlagha—the Vice Chairman of Tantita Security Services and a key ally of President Bola Tinubu—has transitioned from local “pipeline protector” to a player on the global stage. Through his company, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Tonlagha has committed a monthly retainer of $120,000 (approx. ₦180 million) to Valcour Global Public Strategy, a U.S. lobbying firm led by Matt Mowers, a former senior White House advisor under the first Trump administration. 1. Strategic Influence: Why Lobby Washington Now? The contract, which runs from December 15, 2025, to June 14,…

As of February 2026, Benedict Peters has cemented his position not just as a Nigerian oil tycoon, but as a pan-African “Green Czar” and industrialist. From his humble beginnings as a geographer to founding Aiteo Group, Peters has transformed a homegrown trading company into Africa’s largest indigenous oil producer, now contributing roughly 5% of Nigeria’s total national crude output. The current year marks a critical turning point for Aiteo as it moves from stabilizing its Nigerian assets to executing massive downstream and gas projects across the continent. 1. Upstream Dominance: OML 29 and the “Nembe” Legacy Aiteo’s crown jewel remains…