Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Held under the theme “From Unification to Diversification: Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future,” the Enugu Gaming Conference 2025 positioned gaming not as a side hustle, but as a vital pillar of the nation’s economic backbone. Once limited to lotteries and sports betting, Nigeria’s gaming sector is evolving into a sophisticated, multi-vertical industry — marked by unified data systems, interstate collaborations, and innovations that reach far beyond lucky numbers. As participants agreed, if the goal is to grow a resilient, digitally driven economy, gaming is not just a player — it’s the team captain. The conference brought together state regulators, operators, fintech…

At the Industry Sustainability and Critical National Information Infrastructure Conference in Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), underscored the strategic importance of telecommunications as the backbone of Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, national security, and digital sovereignty. Represented by Edoyemi Ogoh, Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Dr. Maida revealed that the telecom sector now accounts for over 14.4% of Nigeria’s GDP, supporting vital industries including banking, energy, healthcare, security, education, and governance. He described telecom assets — from towers and fiber optic cables to data centers, internet exchange points, and international gateways…

At the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos, TotalEnergies stressed that Nigeria’s long-term energy sustainability cannot hinge solely on hydrocarbons but must be anchored on strategic investment in human capital. Speaking during a panel session themed “Governance and Structuring Human Resources Strategy for a Sustainable Energy Future”, Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Asset at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, said the company’s six decades in Nigeria have been built on a people-focused approach to sustainability. Bandele cited TotalEnergies’ graduate trainee programme in partnership with the Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies (IPES) at the University of Port…

In a chilling repeat of escalating violence in Nigeria’s northwest, at least 45 women and children were abducted by gunmen during coordinated overnight raids on five villages in Zamfara State, according to eyewitness accounts. The armed assailants struck late Monday, storming the community of Sabongarin Damri and expanding their assault to nearby villages including Sade, Tungar Tsalle, Tungar Sodangi, and Tungar Musa Dogo. The siege lasted until dawn, leaving residents in fear and mourning. Shehu Musa, the traditional leader of Damri, confirmed the attack in a phone interview with Reuters. “The attackers invaded the communities and kidnapped no fewer than…

The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has formally inaugurated the Planning Committee for the highly anticipated Tourism and Hospitality Summit 2025, in a ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Federal Secretariat Phase II, Abuja. Slated for November 24–25, 2025, in Abuja, the summit is being jointly organised by the Ministry and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). This strategic gathering aims to reposition Nigeria as a leading destination on the global tourism and hospitality map. Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Musawa emphasised the pivotal role of the sector in driving…

With the release of new operational guidelines for insurtech businesses, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has signalled a decisive shift toward technology-driven transformation in Nigeria’s insurance industry. The guidelines, which came into effect on August 1, 2025, mark a significant milestone in modernising the regulatory landscape and enabling the widespread adoption of digital solutions in underwriting, claims management, product distribution, and customer service. Insurtech—a fusion of “insurance” and “technology”—refers to the innovative use of tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance user experience. These…

Fidelity Bank Plc is gearing up for the third edition of its signature international business platform — the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC) — scheduled to take place from September 18 to 20 at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Georgia, USA. In a bold initiative aimed at boosting cross-border commerce and diaspora-led partnerships, the bank is collaborating with Amplify Africa, organizers of AFRICON, a premier summit celebrating African enterprise and diaspora influence. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to linking African innovation with global business opportunities. “Since launching FITCC in 2022, the event has evolved from…

Nigeria’s struggling electricity sector has taken another hit as a court-appointed receiver has been named for KEPCO Energy Resources and its subsidiary, Egbin Power—the country’s largest power generation company. This move, initiated by lenders, underscores growing concerns about the financial stability of the power industry. According to a public notice released on June 19, attorney Kunle Ogunba was appointed as the receiver/manager on behalf of creditors. The appointment comes amid an estimated ₦2 trillion ($1.31 billion) cash shortfall facing the sector. KEPCO, which holds a 70% stake in Egbin Power, is now contesting the receivership in court. Both companies have…

Despite a new 15% tariff from the United States taking effect Thursday, Nigeria remains resolute in its trade strategy, pivoting toward regional and emerging global markets. Speaking to CNN on Wednesday in Nigeria’s first official response to the tariff, Trade Minister Jumoke Oduwole framed the U.S.–Nigeria relationship as primarily energy-focused and signaled a shift toward broader trade diversification. “The global marketplace offers vast possibilities,” Oduwole said. “We’re actively pursuing trade integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In fact, our non-oil exports to African countries grew by 24% year-over-year in the first quarter.” The minister’s recent tone contrasts…

Despite the widespread adoption of mobile internet in Nigeria, thousands of local businesses remain virtually invisible in local search results — a problem that digital strategist Oladejo Elisha calls one of the biggest missed opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From hairstylists in Port Harcourt to law chambers in Lagos, many Nigerian entrepreneurs are still failing to appear in simple Google searches — especially location-based ones such as “plumber near me” or “salon in Ikeja.” But Elisha insists the issue isn’t just technical; it’s a deep-rooted awareness gap that is silently draining revenue. “People aren’t just searching random stuff…

Olusegun Adebayo, founder of HarmonyGroup, has called for a new wave of visionary entrepreneurs to step forward and play a transformative role in solving Nigeria’s persistent economic challenges. He emphasized that unlocking the country’s immense potential requires bold leadership from the private sector—not just reliance on government intervention. In a recent statement, Adebayo highlighted the contradiction between Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources and the widespread socioeconomic hardship faced by its citizens. Quoting data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), he noted that over 63% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, while youth unemployment exceeds 40%. “Our problem is…

In celebration of Black Business Month, the Nigerian Centre has launched the Washington’s Prosperity Campaign — a bold initiative to highlight the economic and cultural impact of Nigerian-American entrepreneurs and reframe immigration as a driver of prosperity in the Washington metropolitan region. The campaign draws a meaningful connection between the legacy of Black business ownership and the evolving contributions of African immigrants, particularly Nigerians, who continue to shape the economic landscape of the U.S. capital. “Washington’s Prosperity is about returning to our core values — and prosperity is chief among them,” said Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Centre.…

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has reiterated its commitment to driving inclusive economic growth by improving access to affordable credit for Nigeria’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as part of the ongoing disbursement of the N75 billion Presidential Intervention Fund. At the recent Presidential Loan Clinic for MSMEs in Abuja, BOI revealed that 662 businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received loan approvals totalling N2.9 billion, with N900 million already disbursed to 262 companies. The event was organised in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs and Job Creation. It brought…

At just a teenager, Camille Ananyi is not waiting for the future—she’s creating it. Born in Nigeria and raised between Lagos and California’s Silicon Valley, Camille has lived at the intersection of two dynamic worlds. She recalls her childhood in Lagos filled with curiosity and ambition, but lacking role models in tech who looked like her. That changed one summer when she joined a beginner Scratch coding class at CoCreation Hub in Yaba. That small experience sparked a lifelong mission. Now a student at the prestigious Menlo School in the heart of Silicon Valley, Camille has launched SPARK Tech Africa—a…

FATE Foundation has partnered with Village Capital under the Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility (AECF) to accelerate the growth of early-stage entrepreneurs in Nigeria. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem by channeling capital and support to context-specific, high-impact ventures. The AECF, a $4 million initiative backed by the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), is designed to support startups addressing local challenges around economic mobility and climate resilience in Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania. As a newly appointed venture partner, FATE Foundation will leverage its extensive local experience to identify, evaluate, and support…

Billionaire businessman Prince Dipo Eludoyin is making waves again, this time by spearheading a massive foreign direct investment (FDI) effort set to inject over $10 billion into Nigeria’s economy from China. A respected entrepreneur and Chairman of the Paragon Group—owners of the landmark Ikeja Mall—Eludoyin is leveraging decades of business ties with Chinese industrialists and multinationals to bolster Nigeria’s industrialisation drive in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. According to industry analysts, Eludoyin’s established credibility and deep corporate links in China make this large-scale investment plan not only ambitious but also highly attainable. The proposed capital inflow will…

Allied Bond Consulting has emphasized that transforming entrepreneurship education is vital to unlocking Nigeria’s economic future. The firm announced plans to host a national workshop aimed at reshaping enterprise education into a strategic tool for innovation, job creation, and long-term national development. Scheduled for August 13–14, 2025, at the NUC Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, the workshop—organized in collaboration with PIFS Conferences—will focus on creating a new model for driving economic growth through entrepreneurial education. Themed “Creating a New Model for Dynamic Growth through Entrepreneurial Education,” the event will assemble top education planners, university entrepreneurship coordinators, industry experts, policymakers, and…

Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, has stepped down as chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, marking the end of an era at the company that laid the foundation for his business empire. The change, effective from July 25, 2025, ushers in a new leadership under Emmanuel Ikazoboh, former group chairman of Ecobank Transnational Inc. The move also marks a new chapter for the Dangote family, as Mariya Aliko Dangote, the billionaire’s daughter, joins the company’s board. While Dangote Cement remains a dominant force with 52 million tonnes annual capacity across Africa—35.25Mta of which is in Nigeria—Dangote is now shifting his full…

On a Monday in Abuja, the Federal Government unveiled a bold new initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s development story — not through foreign aid or policy declarations, but by reconnecting with its greatest untapped asset: its global citizens. The Diaspora BRIDGE platform — Bridging Research, Innovation, Development & Global Engagement — was formally launched with Vice President Kashim Shettima hailing it as “a strategic alignment of global expertise with national priorities.” The project, backed by the Federal Ministry of Education under Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, offers a structured, tech-enabled approach to harness the skills and knowledge of Nigeria’s estimated 18…

Pan Ocean CFO to Spotlight Nigeria’s Private Energy Drive at AEW 2025 Seyi Oladapo, Group Chief Financial Officer of Pan Ocean and the Newcross Companies, is set to join key industry leaders at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, the continent’s foremost energy summit in Cape Town. His presence marks a significant addition to the event, bringing attention to the role of indigenous private energy firms in advancing Africa’s upstream oil and gas growth. Pan Ocean, one of Nigeria’s longest-standing private oil companies, is expanding aggressively. With a focus on innovation, the company is integrating aerial drones and ultrasonic meters to…