Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Nigeria is sitting on a “non-oil goldmine” that could generate $10 billion in annual revenue and create millions of jobs. According to Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), achieving this requires a radical shift from exporting raw nuts to aggressive local processing and industrial value addition. Speaking in Abuja ahead of the 4th National Cashew Day (January 22–24, 2026), Dr. Ajanaku emphasized that while Nigeria has the land and the talent, it is currently losing billions by shipping raw materials to Asia, where the bulk of the profit is captured. The Gap: Land…

Edo State is currently at a critical policy junction. After historical rankings of 34th and 37th in Nigeria’s subnational Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) surveys, the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration has launched a multi-sectoral counter-offensive. Central to this is the SHINE Agenda, a strategic roadmap designed to pivot the state from “stories to development.” The SHINE Agenda: A New Governance Blueprint The SHINE acronym represents the five pillars through which the administration aims to rebuild public trust and investor confidence: S – Security: Strengthening the Special Security Squad and enacting strict anti-cultism/kidnapping laws. H – Healthcare: Building a new 100-bed…

Nigeria’s business landscape has taken a significant leap toward digital integration with the official launch of CardLux, a smart business card ecosystem designed to replace the static, often-lost paper card. Introduced by Founder and Vision Architect Kayode Aibinuori, CardLux combines physical craftsmanship with a dynamic digital backbone that ensures your professional identity is always current. The “Dynamic Profile” Advantage The core innovation of CardLux lies in its ability to adapt. Unlike traditional cards that become obsolete the moment you change a phone number or job title, a CardLux card links to a live digital profile. Real-Time Updates: Users can modify…

As 2026 begins, the Nigerian business landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. Dr. Chukwuka Monye, a University of Oxford-trained innovation strategist and founder of Ciuci Consulting, has issued a stark warning: the era of waiting for “normalcy” is over. In a landmark briefing in Lagos, Monye asserted that uncertainty is no longer a cycle—it is a continuous, permanent feature of the global and local economy. From Ambition to Composure In previous decades, entrepreneurship was often defined by “boldness” and aggressive expansion.2 However, Monye argues that 2026 requires a different psychological and operational profile: Composure. The Death of the Cycle: Businesses…

Nigeria’s higher education system is facing a “paradox of intelligence”: while the country produces hundreds of thousands of university graduates annually, a persistent skills mismatch leaves many unemployed or underemployed. Employers frequently report that while graduates are academically brilliant, they lack the practical “workplace DNA” required for immediate productivity. LearnFlourish, a Nigerian EdTech startup led by Founder/CEO Oluwatobi Olaniyi, is tackling this head-on by moving beyond traditional lectures. Instead of proposing a curriculum overhaul, the platform adds a “practical layer” to existing university studies through immersive, work-based simulations. The “Simulated Career” Model LearnFlourish integrates Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) and Branching Simulations…

The Nigerian e-hailing landscape in 2025 was defined by a fierce “price war,” fluctuating fuel costs, and a significant shift in passenger habits. According to the Bolt Ride-Hailing Safety Perception Report, nearly half (47%) of passengers now use these services multiple times a week, cementing app-based transport as a critical pillar of urban mobility. As we enter 2026, here is the definitive ranking of the market leaders based on their 2025 performance. 1. Availability: The “Quantity over Quality” Battle In an environment where emergencies are common, being able to secure a ride instantly is the top priority for most users.…

As Nigeria eyes a major economic upswing in 2026, the nation’s 39.6 million MSMEs—the engine room of the economy—face a critical turning point. Contributing roughly 48% of the national GDP and 84% of employment, these businesses are no longer just fighting for survival; they are strategically repositioning to unlock long-term growth. The path forward requires a shift from informal, short-term thinking to a structured, data-driven approach. Here are the practical strategies defining the SME financial value chain in 2026. 1. Internal Governance as Investment The most effective way for an SME to access capital is to become “investment ready.” In…

In a strategic fusion of veteran business wisdom and modern technology, NairaPoint, a new Nigerian fintech platform, was officially unveiled at the prestigious Ikoyi Golf Club in Lagos. The launch held double significance, as it also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the entrepreneurship journey of Mrs. Funke Otti, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s manufacturing and construction sectors. Bridging the SME Credit Gap NairaPoint enters a competitive market with a clear mission: to democratize financial services for individuals and small businesses who have traditionally been sidelined by formal banking institutions. While payments have become seamless in Nigeria, access to credit remains a…

In a decisive move to transform Akwa Ibom State into an industrial and SME powerhouse, Governor Pastor Umo Eno has signed the ₦1.584 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law. Christened “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth,” this fiscal roadmap is designed to leverage massive public spending to stimulate private sector productivity. A Capital-Heavy Strategy for 2026 The most striking feature of the 2026 budget is its aggressive focus on development over consumption. By tilting the scales toward capital investment, the state aims to build the literal and economic foundations for long-term prosperity. 76% Capital Expenditure (₦1.167 Trillion): Earmarked for…

For many Nigerian entrepreneurs, “going green” is a noble goal that feels like a distant luxury. New research in the World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development reveals a stark reality: while awareness of environmental sustainability is growing, the structural “survival mode” of the Nigerian economy is actively stymieing action. The Conflict: Cash Flow vs. Conservation The study, which analyzed 310 entrepreneurs across the manufacturing, sales, and food service sectors, found that immediate financial pressures almost always override long-term environmental planning. When a business is fighting to cover basic payroll amidst high inflation and currency volatility, investing in solar…

In a move to transition student-led ideas into viable commercial ventures, the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) has officially disbursed a total of ₦3.5 million in support grants. This financial injection is the fulfillment of a promise made to the state’s most promising young business owners during the high-impact 2nd Students’ CEOs Trade Fair held in late 2025. From Trade Fair to Seed Funding The grant follows a competitive exhibition organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Muhammad Nuhu Nagaske. The event, which coincided with International Students’ Day, served as a launchpad…

The Young Ministers Retreat (YMR) 2025 concluded at Redemption City with a historic pivot that extended its reach from spiritual awakening to economic empowerment. In a landmark partnership with Premium Trust Bank, the retreat awarded ₦24 million (approx. $15,000+) in business grants to over 1,000 young entrepreneurs, marking a new era for the global movement. From Fasting to Financing Known for nearly a decade as a rigorous 72-hour prayer and fasting gathering, the 2025 edition integrated “marketplace ministry” into its core DNA. Convener Pastor Daniel Olawande (P.Daniel), Coordinator of the RCCG Youth Evangelists, explained that the initiative is designed to…

taj bank Plc has successfully exceeded the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new minimum capital benchmark of N20 billion for national non-interest banks, positioning itself as one of the frontrunners ahead of the March 2026 compliance deadline. This recapitalisation, mandated for all banks across categories, requires national non-interest banks to raise their minimum capital to N20 billion by March 2026. In a message to its customers, TAJBank highlighted that surpassing this milestone strengthens its ability to promote financial inclusion, support broad economic growth, and deliver innovative financial solutions. “As we step into this new phase of enhanced stability, our dedication…

In a historic move to future-proof the nation’s workforce, the Federal Government has greenlit a monumental partnership with Clergywealth Cooperative Society Limited. This ambitious project aims to provide comprehensive digital literacy training to 100 million Nigerians, aligning with the presidency’s “Renewed Hope” mandate and the national digital economy strategy. The “Future Proof Economy” (FPE) Blueprint Unveiled in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the initiative is built upon the FPE Model. This framework was recently ratified as the official national standard for digital education. The rollout is divided into strategic stages: The…

In a decisive move to bridge the country’s technological divide, the Federal Government has officially established a high-level Joint Implementation Committee. This body is charged with executing the mandates of the National Conference on Digital Literacy, ensuring that the country stays on track to achieve an ambitious 95% digital literacy rate by 2030. A Multi-Sectoral Alliance for Innovation Inaugurated in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the committee represents a powerhouse of inter-agency cooperation. The group is chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Kana and draws expertise from several key ministries and agencies, including:…

In the high-stakes environment of Nigeria’s 2026 digital economy, the traditional “word-of-mouth” reputation is being superseded by a more quantifiable asset: digital discoverability. For modern entrepreneurs, the challenge has shifted from simply having a great product to ensuring that the product can be validated, compared, and trusted within seconds of an online search. The Shift from Promotion to Discovery In a marketplace crowded with millions of competing voices, “shouting the loudest” through aggressive advertising is seeing diminishing returns. Instead, a new trend is emerging where visibility acts as a strategic currency. * Credibility via Association: When a business appears within…

The Nigerian telecommunications landscape has reached a “moment of truth.” Following the turbulent tariff adjustments and service disruptions of 2025, the industry enters 2026 under a microscope. It is no longer enough to simply expand coverage; the focus has shifted to the quality of experience and the social contract between operators and the public. Here is an analysis of the seven defining issues that will dictate the sector’s trajectory this year. 1. The Value-for-Money Mandate In 2026, the justification for higher tariffs has expired. The conversation has moved to a simple demand: performance. The Regulatory “Sting”: The Nigerian Communications Commission…

In the neighborhood markets of 2026, the traditional “bag of rice” has become a relic of a wealthier past. Shoppers now negotiate for cups, slices of tubers, and individual tomatoes. This shift represents a fundamental breakdown in Nigeria’s food security—a crisis where supply chain inefficiencies and rural insecurity have transformed basic nutrition from a right into a luxury. The $10 Billion Leakage Perhaps the most staggering figure in Nigeria’s current economic landscape is the $10 billion lost annually to post-harvest waste. This isn’t just a number; it is food that literally rots before it can reach a dinner plate. The…

Lafarge Africa Plc’s Technical Skills Development Program (TSDP) 2026 is a tuition-free, industrial training initiative for young Nigerians holding an Ordinary National Diploma (OND). Over 18 months, participants receive hands-on training in key technical fields and earn a monthly stipend plus a recognised certificate upon completion, boosting employability or readiness for self-employment. Program Highlights   Monthly Stipend Trainees earn a financial allowance throughout the 18-month programme to help cover basic expenses while they train.  Full Technical Training Training combines classroom theory with practical, hands-on experience in vocational and industrial settings.  Certification On successful completion, graduates receive a Lafarge Internal Certificate, which enhances credibility with employers and in technical industries.  Industry Exposure Practical training takes…

A significant transformation has occurred in the African energy landscape as Axxela Limited transitions to entirely new ownership. Helios Investment Partners, a leading private equity firm, has successfully finalized the divestment of its 75% controlling interest to BlueCore Gas InfraCo Limited. A Clean Sweep of Ownership The deal was not limited to the majority stake. Sojitz Corporation, which previously held the remaining 25% of the company, opted to exercise its contractual rights to exit alongside Helios. This move effectively consolidates 100% of Axxela’s equity under the BlueCore banner, marking a total handover of the firm’s extensive gas and power infrastructure.…