Author: Gift Ifeanyi

The momentum is building for the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Science, with an unprecedented 112 submissions now officially handed over to the Prize’s Advisory Board to begin the adjudication process. Widely regarded as Africa’s most prestigious and lucrative science award, the prize offers a substantial reward of $100,000 USD. This year’s theme—“Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technologies for Development”—aims to uncover breakthrough solutions that will accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy. Sponsored by the Nigerian LNG Limited (NLNG), the competition attracts entries from scientists both within Nigeria and across the globe, recognizing innovations that drive industry…

As Nigeria approaches the 300th meeting of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) scheduled for May 19-20, fresh inflation data places the bank’s firm monetary stance under the spotlight. Although a slight decline in inflation offers some relief, it is generally expected that the CBN will maintain its high Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 27.5%, a level not seen in decades. Economists argue that the CBN’s tight monetary policies have only had limited impact on Nigeria’s stubborn cost-push inflation. The main drivers—high fuel prices, ongoing insecurity disrupting supply chains, and heavy dependence on imports—are structural problems…

Investor confidence surged on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) last week, fueled by easing inflation and strong first-quarter corporate results. The all-share index (ASI) rose 0.9%, closing at 109,710.37 points, while market capitalization expanded by N613.99 billion to N68.95 trillion — marking a robust 6.59% return year-to-date. This positive momentum is attributed to the dip in April inflation to 23.71%, which has lifted sentiment ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee meeting scheduled for May 19–20. Investors are optimistic about potential policy shifts that could further stimulate economic growth. Sector Performance Highlights: Consumer Goods: Led the…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace their diversity as a foundation for national stability and accelerated development. Speaking on Sunday in Rome, President Tinubu received members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and delivered a powerful message urging leaders at all levels to work diligently for the welfare of the people. “If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope lies in stability and progress,” the Muslim president stated. Marking a historic moment, Tinubu noted the significance of being Nigeria’s president during the inauguration of a new pope in Rome.…

For many African professionals and business owners, the digital economy isn’t just an idea—it’s their new reality. Whether applying for remote jobs, registering businesses on global platforms, or setting up payment accounts like Stripe, one simple detail often determines if you get through smoothly: your phone number. A number with a +234 prefix can sometimes trigger verification hurdles or skepticism on U.S.-based platforms. But with a U.S. phone number, those barriers vanish. Suddenly, you’re seen as ready to do business—no matter where you are in the world. It’s more than just digits; it’s your key to better conversions, smoother onboarding,…

Craftsmen and small business owners in Kano State have raised alarm over ongoing power outages, warning that the unstable electricity supply is severely hampering their operations. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, several affected residents shared how the power challenges are reducing productivity and driving up their operational costs. Malam Idi Ali, a welder from Kofar Ruwa, revealed he spends about N5,000 daily on fuel to keep his generator running due to the unreliable power supply.“We hardly get power for two hours a day. I’ve lost customers because I can’t meet deadlines. It’s becoming unbearable,” he lamented. Similarly, Amina Rabiu, who…

Lagos shimmered with elegance and joy over the weekend as renowned journalist, publisher, and media mogul Dele Momodu commemorated his 65th birthday with an opulent celebration attended by Nigeria’s elite. Held on Victoria Island, the event drew an impressive guest list of top dignitaries—including royalty, business moguls, state governors, and foreign diplomats—all gathered to pay tribute to one of Nigeria’s most iconic media figures. Clad in a majestic black traditional outfit, Momodu made a grand entrance, accompanied by his elegant wife Bolaji and their son, to thunderous applause from the crowd. A Night of Tributes, Surprises, and Star Power One…

Entrepreneurs, investors, and expatriates in Nigeria can now enjoy quicker, hassle-free access to government services through a newly launched online platform by the Federal Ministry of Interior. The digital service—part of the government’s broader public service reform initiative—streamlines applications for Nigerian citizenship, business permits, and expatriate quotas, eliminating long wait times and excessive paperwork. What You Can Do on the Platform: Whether you’re establishing a business, onboarding foreign experts, or seeking formal recognition as a Nigerian citizen, this new platform simplifies the process with: Accelerated approval for business permits User-friendly access to expatriate quota services Completely online application and tracking…

Two years into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the much-anticipated N200 billion intervention fund for manufacturers and small businesses has yet to deliver meaningful results—despite its promise to revive sectors strained by fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms. Initially unveiled in July 2023, the intervention was meant to channel N75 billion to large-scale manufacturers and N125 billion to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), providing access to subsidized credit and cushioning the impact of the president’s economic policies. Stalled Progress and Delayed Relief Although the administration began disbursing N50,000 nano grants in April 2024, larger loans—up to N1 million for…

US Unveils Strategy to Boost Trade and Investment Ties with Africa The United States has announced a renewed commitment to strengthening economic ties with Africa through increased exports, investment, and commercial cooperation, aiming to eliminate trade imbalances and foster shared prosperity. Speaking at the 2025 AmCham Business Summit in Abidjan, Ambassador Troy Fitrell, the acting head of the U.S. State Department’s Africa Bureau, revealed a new Commercial Diplomacy Strategy designed to deepen economic engagement across the continent. Rethinking Trade with Africa Fitrell noted that Africa’s economic potential remains underutilized by the United States. “Africa should be among our largest trading…

In a strategic bid to enhance the growth of small businesses in Nigeria, Bujeti, a financial operations platform designed for African enterprises, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Together, they aim to revolutionize how Nigerian SMEs manage their finances and access funding. This collaboration is set to arm small and medium-sized enterprises with essential digital tools for budgeting, expense tracking, and financial planning—helping to build structured and transparent operations that appeal to funders and scale effectively. A Digital Transformation for Nigeria’s Business Backbone Despite contributing over 46% of the…

Beneath the glitter of gold chains, designer clothes, and TikTok braggadocio lies a dark and deeply troubling trend. A growing number of young Nigerian men—self-styled as the BM Boys (short for blackmail)—have built an online empire around a grim business: digital extortion. Rather than promoting music, lifestyle, or fashion, these individuals are flaunting the proceeds of a cybercrime that preys on the vulnerable—primarily teenage boys from countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Sextortion as a Career Path The playbook is chillingly calculated. BM Boys pose online as attractive young women and initiate flirtatious conversations with unsuspecting…

Neveah Limited, a Nigerian powerhouse in commodity exports and trade, has been named the 21st fastest-growing company in Africa, according to the 2025 Financial Times ranking of the continent’s top-performing firms. The company also emerged as the top contender in the Metals and Mining sector, solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in Nigeria’s industrial evolution. A Rapid Rise Amid Economic Uncertainty Neveah’s inclusion in this prestigious list signals its remarkable rise within Africa’s dynamic and often challenging business landscape. In the face of macroeconomic instability, inflation, and currency volatility, the company has not only survived—but thrived—with consistent revenue growth…

In a country where economic uncertainty often overshadows opportunity, few institutions have dared to reshape the business climate as boldly as Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTBank). Known for its international presence and pan-African strategy, GTBank has grown beyond the confines of traditional banking to become a driving force behind Nigeria’s entrepreneurial evolution. A Different Kind of Bank While Nigeria’s financial sector has historically prioritized large corporations and high-value clients, GTBank has chosen a different path—one that centers on inclusivity and innovation. From its Lagos headquarters to branches across Africa and the UK, GTBank is building not just a bank, but…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down in Rome, Italy, on Saturday to attend the official inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church and the 267th Bishop of Rome. The Nigerian leader’s aircraft landed at Mario De Bernardo Military Airport around 6 p.m. local time, where he was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, along with officials from Vatican City and the Nigerian Embassy in Italy. According to Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s presence at the ceremony follows a personal invitation from the Vatican’s Secretary of State,…

Dyna.Ai, a global frontrunner in AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS), has officially commenced operations in Nigeria with an exclusive event titled “Nigeria Dyna Day”—a closed-door gathering held at Four Points by Sheraton in Lagos. With the theme “AI Unleashed: Revolutionising Nigeria’s Financial Future,” the launch brought together top-tier professionals and decision-makers from fintech, telecom, government, and other strategic sectors. The event marked a significant step in aligning advanced AI solutions with Nigeria’s evolving digital finance ecosystem. Nigeria: The Strategic Starting Point In his welcome address, Tomas Skoumal, Dyna.Ai’s Chairman and Co-President, underscored Nigeria’s vital role in the company’s global expansion plans. “For us,…

The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has announced that its 2025 annual conference will take place on June 2, 2025, in partnership with World Health Expo Lagos (formerly Medic West Africa). This year’s event is themed:“The Creative Catalyst: Driving Sustainable Healthcare Solutions in West Africa.” According to PSHAN’s Managing Director, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the conference will focus on the intersection of creativity, business innovation, and healthcare transformation. She explained: “Nigeria’s creative industry is one of the most dynamic and resilient sectors today. This conference aims to leverage its success stories and innovative approaches to reimagine how we invest…

Let’s get one thing straight—events are not parties. They are not calendar fillers or ceremonial routines. They are high-impact instruments of influence, storytelling, and strategic communication. When approached with intention, events become public relations powerhouses—shaping perception, driving policy, attracting capital, and positioning brands as thought leaders. If your organization touches power, policy, influence, or profit—and you’re not using events as strategic levers—then you’re missing out on credibility, visibility, and long-term influence. I’ve seen this firsthand—from oilfields in the Niger Delta to the corridors of national policy in Abuja. The question isn’t if events matter—it’s how well you’re using them. Let’s…

At the recent Entrepreneurship Development and Growth Excellence (EDGE) Conference hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lekki Royale, thought leaders, innovators, and over 1,000 attendees converged—both virtually and physically—to unlock strategies for building resilient, scalable, and profitable businesses. As a globally respected network with over 110 years of history and chapters in more than 116 countries, JCI continues its mission of cultivating the next generation of visionary leaders. The EDGE Conference is one of its key initiatives to equip young entrepreneurs with the mindset, tools, and insight to lead with impact. Held over two days in Lagos, the hybrid event…

The Nigerian property market is set to take center stage on June 4, 2025, as Propertyplus hosts its flagship Real Estate Conference and Awards, drawing together top investors, experts, and stakeholders eager to unlock the sector’s immense untapped opportunities. With the theme “Real Estate: The Untapped Goldmine in Nigeria,” the high-profile event promises to spark transformative dialogue around the evolving dynamics of the real estate industry—a sector increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of economic growth and wealth creation in the country. Leadership and Vision at the Forefront The gathering will be hosted by Engineer Dr. Valentine Buraimoh, Executive Chairman of…