Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In today’s Nigeria, academic degrees no longer guarantee financial success. What truly pays—and pays well—are practical, high-income skills that match the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. As companies shift their focus from credentials to competence, skilled Nigerians are now earning ₦500,000 to over ₦2 million monthly—whether locally or through remote international gigs. If you’re aiming for financial independence and want to secure roles that truly pay, here are 10 high-value skills that are not only in demand but also accessible, even without formal education. 1. Software Engineering (₦500K – ₦2.5M/month) Software engineers power the apps and systems we…

Nigeria’s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector is set for a major leap, with market projections estimating a value of $2.61 billion by 2030, up from $1.42 billion in 2024. This surge represents a staggering 83% growth in six years, driven by the expanding influence of fintech firms and digital financial tools. This insight comes from The State of Enterprise 2025 Report by EnterpriseNGR, which explores how technology and innovation are reshaping the financial and business landscape across Nigeria. Rapid BNPL Expansion Reflects Digital Credit Revolution According to the report, the BNPL model has grown at a compound annual growth…

Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history—one shaped by a rapidly evolving digital economy and an unparalleled youth demographic. With over 60% of Nigerians under the age of 25, the country has the potential to harness this energetic, tech-savvy population to ignite economic transformation on a global scale. But achieving this vision requires one key enabler: strategic, inclusive, and accessible digital learning. As digital industries such as fintech, e-commerce, and digital services continue to flourish—making Nigeria Africa’s most funded tech ecosystem—equipping the youth with future-ready skills is no longer optional. It’s essential. In 2021 alone, Nigeria’s fintech sector…

When Irene Nwaukwa launched Infinity Health Africa, entrepreneurship was the last thing on her mind. Just a month prior, she was telling anyone who would listen that she had no intention of starting a business. But fate had other plans. “I never planned to be an entrepreneur,” she admits. “One month before, I was still saying I wouldn’t go into business.” Yet, spurred by the encouragement of colleagues and mentors, Nwaukwa took the plunge—setting out to improve access to innovative healthcare products and services across Africa. What began as an ambitious data initiative evolved into something far more essential: solving…

Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has urged young Nigerian entrepreneurs to shift focus from chasing short-term wealth to building sustainable systems that can drive national progress and long-term prosperity. Speaking to a gathering of emerging business leaders, Ekeh drew from his extensive journey in the tech industry, offering insights on leadership, nation-building, and legacy. Turning Down Silicon Valley for Nigeria Ekeh, who studied at the University of Punjab and completed a postgraduate program in computer science at Cork City University, Ireland, shared a defining moment in his career—rejecting job offers from global tech giants like Apple in Silicon…

Nigerian startup founders now have a golden opportunity to compete on the world stage, as applications for the 2025 Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) are officially open. With over $1 million in cash prizes and substantial investment opportunities available, early-stage entrepreneurs stand a chance to secure up to $250,000 in funding. A Global Stage for Visionary Entrepreneurs Co-hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Saudi Arabia’s Monsha’at (Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority), the EWC is one of the largest and most inclusive startup pitch competitions globally. Since its inception in 2019, the program has awarded more than $4 million…

As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand at a rapid pace—fueled by rising internet penetration and mobile adoption—performance marketing has become a cornerstone of business growth. Marketing spending in the country is surging, with estimates projecting an 18.7% annual increase and a total market value reaching ₦605.2 billion (US$406 million) by 2025. At the forefront of this shift is John Onuorah, a performance marketing strategist whose work is redefining how Nigerian startups scale through precision, creativity, and analytics. A Data-Led Journey Through Nigeria’s Startup Ecosystem Known professionally as John Onuorah, he has spent the last three years driving growth for…

Two of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy companies, Heirs Energies Limited and Renaissance Africa Energy Company, have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape through innovation, synergy, and homegrown leadership. The commitment was formalized during a high-level courtesy visit by Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, to the leadership of Renaissance, led by Tony Attah, Managing Director. This visit marked the first formal engagement between both entities following Renaissance’s recent transition. A Shared Vision for Indigenous-Led Transformation During the meeting, Igiehon emphasized the crucial role indigenous companies must play in shaping Nigeria’s energy future: “We are…

Mastercard is accelerating its expansion across Africa, aligning its strategy with the continent’s fast-growing digital payments market—projected to surpass $1.5 trillion by 2030, according to a new Genesis Analytics report commissioned by the company. The report highlights Africa’s favorable digital outlook, fueled by rising internet penetration, increasing financial inclusion, and growing consumer demand for secure, cashless transactions. In response, Mastercard is ramping up investments in fintech infrastructure, support for small businesses, and cross-border payment technologies, positioning itself as a catalyst in Africa’s digital financial revolution. “Africa stands at the threshold of a digital economic revolution. We are investing in the…

BAS Group, a Nigerian investment firm with interests spanning healthcare, finance, and micro-insurance, has acquired a controlling stake in Zuvy Technologies, a Lagos-based fintech startup providing invoice discounting solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the financial terms of the all-cash deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition grants BAS more than 50% ownership and full operational control. As part of the transaction, all institutional investors in Zuvy have exited, while co-founders Angel Onuoha and Ahmad Shehu will retain minority stakes but are stepping away from day-to-day management. Expanding Access to SME Credit The acquisition strengthens BAS Group’s ambitions in Nigeria’s…

As Nigeria marks World MSME Day on June 27, the spotlight falls on Wema Bank — the country’s oldest indigenous financial institution — for its enduring commitment to the growth and sustainability of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). For eight decades, Wema Bank has played a pivotal role in fostering indigenous entrepreneurship, supporting thousands of businesses through capital, capacity building, digital innovation, and strategic partnerships. MSMEs: The Backbone of Nigeria’s Economy Globally, MSMEs contribute over 90% of businesses and 60–70% of employment, according to the United Nations. In Nigeria, they account for 96.9% of all enterprises, 87.9% of employment,…

Lagos, Nigeria – June 2025 — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical Company have formally inaugurated a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to drive the implementation of local content during the operational phase of the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery. The official launch, held at the Dangote Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, marks a strategic milestone in enhancing industry collaboration and reinforcing local capacity building within Nigeria’s oil and gas ecosystem. The ceremony was presided over by NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, alongside Chief Edwin Devakumar, Group Vice President for Oil and…

The African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has officially opened nominations for the 2025 edition of its prestigious AWIEF Awards, spotlighting the exceptional achievements of women across the continent in innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Since its launch in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have served as a beacon of recognition and inspiration, honoring women who are not only breaking barriers but also driving social and economic transformation across Africa. Now in its ninth year, the awards continue to amplify the stories of women whose ventures contribute meaningfully to sustainable development, gender inclusion, and economic empowerment. Award Categories Nominations are open…

The STRIDE Campaign, founded by Abisola Lekan-Akanbi, has officially launched with a bold mission to accelerate gender parity, foster inclusion, and elevate mental health awareness for Nigerian women. The campaign’s name — Succeed, Thrive, Renew, Impact, Dominate, Enhance — encapsulates its vision: to empower women in every aspect of life and society. At the launch event, Lekan-Akanbi shed light on the hidden burdens many women carry, from imposter syndrome and isolation to systemic silencing. She emphasized the emotional cost of masking these struggles and warned that “unchecked stress can slowly break down the nervous system,” resulting in anxiety and even…

In a historic step toward national development, Nigeria and Brazil have signed a $1 billion strategic agreement designed to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, boost food security, accelerate energy reform, and strengthen defence cooperation. Signed at Presidential Villa, Abuja The landmark deal was officially announced during the Second Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership. “This partnership transcends geography—it is grounded in a shared vision between two vibrant democracies endowed with vast human and natural resources,” said Shettima. Transforming Agriculture:…

Nigeria’s fiscal health is under intense scrutiny as analysts caution that the nation may be edging into a full-fledged debt trap. Mounting concerns point to a situation where the government increasingly relies on fresh borrowing to meet maturing obligations—raising alarms over the risk of sovereign default. Over the past decade, Nigeria’s public debt has ballooned dramatically—up more than 1,000% in local currency terms. This surge is largely attributed to persistent fiscal deficits and the steep depreciation of the naira. Explosive Debt Growth and Currency Devaluation Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO), analyzed by Nairametrics Research, reveals that Nigeria’s public…

The Nigerian government has unveiled a new strategic initiative aimed at integrating micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) into the continental export market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This initiative comes through the establishment of the country’s first National Export Trading Company. The project is being jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the Nigeria Commodity Exchange, Afreximbank, and the Africa Trade and Distribution Company (ATDC). According to Minister of Trade Jumoke Oduwole, the new company is a “structural intervention” designed to streamline and scale up the export of Nigerian…

Abuja, Nigeria – Senior government officials and business leaders from the United States and Nigeria have formally inaugurated the working group meetings of the United States–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP), marking a new chapter in economic collaboration between the two countries. The launch event, held in Abuja, follows the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2024 by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Nigeria’s former Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment. The CIP is designed to strengthen commercial engagement and unlock mutual opportunities in key economic sectors. Leading the inaugural session were Ambassador Richard…

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has been honoured with the prestigious “Aviation Ground Handling Company of the Year” award by Transport Day Media, a recognition of its exceptional performance and transformative impact on Nigeria’s aviation industry in 2024. Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Transport Day Media, Mr. Frank Kintum, noted that the award underscores NAHCO’s resilience, operational excellence, and strong brand presence within the sector. In his remarks, Dr. Sola Obabori, NAHCO’s Group Executive Director for Corporate Services, expressed gratitude for the accolade, attributing it to the relentless efforts of the company’s workforce and their unwavering commitment to sustainable…

The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has called on the federal government to establish permanent, revolving intervention funds to support long-term access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. Speaking during a panel session at the 2025 MSME Forum in Abuja, NASME President Abdulrashid Yerima emphasized that short-term or one-off financial interventions are insufficient to address the structural funding constraints MSMEs face, especially in Nigeria’s challenging economic climate. Yerima acknowledged that past government support, particularly through institutions such as the Bank of Industry (BOI), has made a positive impact. However, he stressed the need…