Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In a decisive move signaling renewed confidence in Nigeria’s energy potential, Shell and its partner, Sunlink Energies, have given the green light to the HI offshore gas project — a $2 billion investment that could reshape the nation’s LNG landscape and reinforce Shell’s expanding global gas ambitions. Far from being just another oilfield development, the HI field stands as a cornerstone in Shell’s plan to power Nigeria LNG’s Train 7 expansion — a critical link in the chain driving Africa’s liquefied natural gas exports to the world. Once fully operational, the project is expected to deliver 350 million standard cubic…

What began years ago as a humble grill on a Lagos street has now become a movement of empowerment. Sooyah Bistro, the beloved Nigerian food brand, has stepped beyond the boundaries of the kitchen to light up the dreams of young entrepreneurs through its new initiative — “Sooyah Dreams.” The programme, which ran in early September 2025, wasn’t just about handing out cheques — it was about rewriting the story of what’s possible when courage meets opportunity. Over half a million naira was awarded to promising innovators across Nigeria who are daring to turn small ideas into thriving ventures. At…

For countless women across Nigeria, the dream of growing a business often ends at the doorstep of a bank — where funding seems out of reach. But that story may finally be changing. The Bank of Industry (BOI) has launched a groundbreaking initiative — the Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW) Fund — setting aside ₦10 billion to empower women-owned and women-led enterprises nationwide. The fund isn’t just about lending money; it’s about rewriting the rules that have long excluded women from equal financial access. Designed with flexibility and inclusivity in mind, GLOW offers guaranteed, low-interest loans with simpler requirements and…

The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Management and Administration (IEAMA) has launched a new initiative, Finance Meet Entrepreneur 2025, aimed at strengthening partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and financial institutions to accelerate Nigeria’s economic development. The event, held in Lagos, also featured the induction of new members and recognition of the vital contributions of microfinance institutions to business sustainability and poverty reduction across the country. Driving Entrepreneurial Professionalism Speaking at the launch, IEAMA’s Acting Registrar, Jerry Ibeh, said the institute is committed to redefining entrepreneurship by integrating professionalism and structure into Nigeria’s business landscape. He emphasized that one…

Nigeria must strengthen its institutions, improve data reliability, and entrench ethical leadership if it hopes to withstand future economic shocks and global uncertainties. This was the central message at the 24th Annual International Conference of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), which concluded recently. The conference, themed “Global Risks, Local Solutions,” convened leading policymakers, regulators, economists, and financial experts to examine how Nigeria can navigate global volatility while fostering resilience within its economy. Delivering his remarks, CRMI President and Chairman, Mr. Kevin Ugwuoke, underscored the urgency of adopting proactive, risk-based strategies to safeguard fiscal stability. “Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness…

As Nigeria navigates a rapidly evolving economic and corporate landscape, the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria is positioning its upcoming 2025 Annual Directors’ Conference (ADC) as a critical platform for redefining leadership and strengthening national governance. Set to take place in Abuja later this month, the conference will explore the theme “Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises.” More than just a gathering, it represents a call to action — uniting directors, policymakers, regulators, and innovators to rethink how institutions can thrive amid uncertainty. Adetunji Oyebanji, President and Chairman of the CIoD Governing Council, described the event as…

As part of this year’s EU Green Diplomacy Week, the European Union and the German Embassy in Abuja have launched the German–Nigerian Flare4Value project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at cutting gas flaring and transforming wasted energy into new industrial and economic value. The programme, implemented under H₂-diplo—a GIZ-led energy diplomacy initiative commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office and funded through the International Climate Initiative (IKI)—marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s climate and energy transition efforts. A New Chapter in German–Nigerian Climate Cooperation Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, Kristina Fuerst, Head of the German–Nigerian Hydrogen Office, described the…

When most people saw the 2020 lockdown as a pause, Ajibero Oreoluwa Eniola saw it as a launchpad. What began as a simple idea born out of boredom and curiosity during those quiet months has evolved into ABY STORE, a buzzing online retail brand that serves hundreds of Nigerians seeking style and convenience. Oreoluwa, a final-year Mass Communication student at the University of Lagos, is the vibrant mind behind the brand. What started as a small social media page selling household items and sneakers has blossomed into a full-fledged online business that connects affordability, authenticity, and accessibility in one digital…

Nigeria’s agricultural future just got a major boost — and this time, it’s all about turning small farms and food enterprises into powerful engines of national growth. At the heart of this movement is the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, which has teamed up with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to create a new lifeline for agricultural entrepreneurs across the country. Their initiative, “Funding the Future: Powering Nigeria’s Agric-SMEs,” is more than just another development project — it’s a bold step toward transforming Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape from the ground up. A Platform for Connection and…

As the world’s trade routes shift and global supply chains find new rhythms, African businesses are stepping onto one of the biggest stages in international commerce — the China International Import Expo (CIIE). For many African small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a gateway to the world’s largest consumer market and a rare opportunity to compete on a global scale. From Trade Partners to Growth Partners China’s relationship with Africa continues to deepen, with bilateral trade reaching nearly USD 295.6 billion in 2024. Yet while imports from China dominate the balance sheet, the 2025 CIIE…

In a bold leap for African innovation, Nigerian tech founders Timothy Dake and Uduma Glory have unveiled Kofounda, a groundbreaking platform that lets users create websites using only their voice. With a few spoken commands, anyone — even without coding skills — can now bring their online dreams to life. The invention, powered by Zeustek Global and ICT Solutions, recently earned international acclaim as the only African winner of Microsoft’s Generative AI Challenge, securing a $250,000 grant. It’s a defining moment for a country where millions of small and medium businesses still operate offline. A Voice for the Digitally Underserved…

A wave of transformation is emerging across Africa as Emil Ekiyor, a former NFL star turned social innovator of Nigerian heritage, introduces the InnoPower Africa Foundation — a bold initiative focused on empowering African youth through technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Unveiled in Lagos, the foundation represents the African expansion of InnoPower Indy, USA, and is built on a mission to unlock the continent’s untapped potential by merging skill development with global access to opportunities. From the Field to the Future Ekiyor’s journey from professional sports to social impact has inspired a new vision for Africa’s youth. “We’re not giving aid;…

After a 14-year pause, the Nigeria International Trade Fair (NITF) is making a historic comeback — reemerging as the nation’s signature marketplace for commerce, innovation, and regional cooperation. Scheduled for November 21–30, 2025, at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along the Badagry Expressway, the event is being hailed as the rebirth of Nigeria’s global trade identity. At the forefront of this revival is Barr. Vera Ndanusa, Executive Director of the Fair Complex Management Board, who describes the return not merely as an event but as “a restoration of Nigeria’s place as West Africa’s trade heartbeat.” Reviving a Legacy, Reclaiming…

Nearly two decades after its factory gates in Port Harcourt fell silent, French tyre manufacturer Michelin is charting a new course across Nigeria — one that trades production lines for partnerships and factories for forward-thinking innovation. From Factory Floors to Boardroom Strategy When Michelin left Nigeria in 2007, it seemed like the end of an era. Alongside Dunlop, the company had once dominated the country’s tyre scene, supplying much of the domestic demand. But economic instability, erratic policies, and an invasion of inexpensive Asian imports eroded that dominance. Within a few years, imported tyres had overwhelmed the market, and the…

In Nigeria, true wealth often hides in unexpected corners. While many young people are chasing tech startups, influencing, or trending side hustles, a different breed of entrepreneurs is quietly making millions through simple, everyday services. These ventures rarely have Instagram pages or neon signboards — yet they thrive because they meet basic needs that never go away. No fancy marketing, just steady demand and smart consistency. 1. Ladder and Scaffolding Rentals Every construction site needs access tools — ladders, scaffolds, and safety platforms — but few workers actually own them. Renting these out can turn into a daily cash machine.…

Global energy giant Shell is taking a renewed leap into Nigeria’s gas sector with the approval of a new offshore development, the HI Project, in partnership with Sunlink Energies. The move signals Shell’s long-term confidence in Africa’s largest energy market and its growing role in global gas supply chains. A New Era for Nigerian Offshore Gas The HI field, located about 50 kilometres off Nigeria’s coastline and submerged at a depth of roughly 100 metres, is expected to start pumping gas before the decade ends. Once fully operational, it will produce around 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per…

What starts as a childhood fascination can become a blueprint for business success. For Mike Oludoyi, founder of Mo Autos, a love for cars and lessons learned at home have fueled a unique entrepreneurial journey that bridges the U.S. and Nigeria. Based in Texas and Maryland, Mo Autos specializes in helping Nigerians purchase vehicles from the United States without the hassle of traditional dealerships. Unlike conventional car traders who rely on physical showrooms, Oludoyi created a fully digital platform that makes buying, selling, and importing vehicles seamless for clients across Nigeria. Although Mo Autos officially launched in 2016, Oludoyi’s experience…

In a landmark announcement in Lagos this past weekend, a Qatari business delegation, led by Sheikh Abdulrahman Hamad N. H. Al-Thani, revealed plans to channel approximately $300 billion into Nigeria over the next decade. The investment is set to touch multiple sectors, including aviation, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, oil and gas, and mining. The reception, hosted by Elan Vert Nigeria Limited, marked one of the most significant foreign direct investment (FDI) pledges in recent Nigerian history. Princess Adebowale Odutola, Chairman of Elan Vert, described the announcement as a “historic moment,” underscoring renewed global confidence in reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s…

In Nigeria’s fast-moving transport and logistics industry, few entrepreneurs have captured attention like Ituma Chukwuemeka, the driving force behind the Enviable Group of Companies. What began as a small-scale tricycle business in Abia State has grown into a multi-city logistics network, proving that vision combined with persistence can transform an entire sector. Chukwuemeka’s journey is a study in strategic growth and adaptability. Starting with a modest fleet of tricycles, he identified a gap in reliable, tech-savvy transport services and acted decisively. By 2023, this insight materialized into Enviable Logistics Limited (ELA), providing delivery, haulage, and transportation solutions to clients across…

In a resounding show of brand dominance, Dangote Group has once again proven its unmatched influence in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, emerging as the nation’s most valuable brand for 2025 with an impressive BSM Index score of 86.3. This milestone reaffirms the conglomerate’s reputation as not just an industrial powerhouse, but a symbol of resilience and excellence across Africa. Right on its heels, MTN Nigeria secured the second spot with 83.4 points, also earning the title of Most Popular Brand based on consumers’ top-of-mind recognition. Airtel Nigeria and Globacom, two telecom giants that continue to shape digital connectivity in the country,…