Author: Gift Ifeanyi

President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms are fueling the biggest bond rally in emerging markets, as Nigeria’s debt surges with 26% returns this year—outpacing global peers. Why Investors Are Flocking Back  Stable Naira: Volatility dropped from 23% to 4.6% since December. Slowing Inflation: Down for 3 straight months to 22.2% (June 2025). Revenue Surge: Govt income up 43% in H1 2025, with tax reforms boosting collections. Moody’s Upgrade: Nigeria lifted from Caa1 to B3—now on the cusp of “investable” status. “The optics are finally constructive,” says Matthew Reed (Bank of Africa UK). “Currency stability removes a major hurdle for global investors.” The Tinubu Effect Since May 2023, tough reforms have reset Nigeria’s fiscal health:  Axe on fuel subsidies –…

Nigerian fashion icon Seyi Adekunle (Seyi Vodi) has fired back at skeptics questioning his wealth after his lavish 50th birthday celebration, exposing what he calls “a society poisoned by poverty mentality.” The Core of His Argument  Global Comparison: *”Philipp Plein built a billion-dollar empire starting just 3 years before me. Why isn’t Nigeria asking why I’m* not a billionaire yet?” 24 Years of Grind: No private jets, no shortcuts—just “sleepless nights, cross-border hustles, and relentless consistency.” Mindset Crisis: “When hardship is normalized, success becomes suspicious.” Hard Truths About Nigerian Society  Suspicion Over Celebration: “People ask, ‘Is it only fashion funding him?’—but never ask if their own mindset is funding…

Cynthia Okafor Ogochukwu, Founder and CEO of TWC Lifestyle Boutique, turned her love for fashion into a thriving business that redefines men’s style in Nigeria. What started as a solution to the scarcity of ready-made, high-quality menswear has grown into a brand synonymous with confidence, class, and convenience. “I wanted to create a space where men could shop effortlessly for standout pieces—no stress, no compromises,” she shares. Keys to Success in a Tough Economy  Consistency Over Hype – “I didn’t chase overnight success; I focused on steady growth.” Customer-Centric Approach – Listening to feedback and adapting to needs. Social Media Mastery – Leveraging Instagram and TikTok to build trust…

Leading app growth agency Yodel Mobile by NP Digital has teamed up with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women to enhance HerVenture, a free mobile learning app designed to support women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. As part of its pro-bono charity initiative, Yodel Mobile will provide App Store Optimization (ASO) services at no cost, helping the app reach more women in underserved communities. Why This Matters  HerVenture offers bite-sized business training on finance, e-commerce, and networking—critical skills for women entrepreneurs.  Nigeria is a key market, where access to traditional business education is limited.  ASO support will improve the app’s visibility and downloads, driving real impact. “We’re proud to use our expertise to…

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has urged the Federal Government to replicate the Naira-for-Crude policy across other sectors, calling it a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. Speaking during a visit by Industry Minister Jumoke Oduwole to his $20B refinery complex in Lagos, Dangote praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms while outlining bold plans to cut fuel costs and boost industrial productivity. Why the Naira-for-Crude Policy Works  Stabilizes the Naira – Reduced forex pressure, less exchange rate volatility Boosts Local Refineries – Ensures steady crude supply in local currency Attracts Investment – Predictable policies restore business confidence “Pricing crude in naira is a masterstroke. We’re already seeing stability in forex rates, which helps businesses plan better,” Dangote said. Key Developments…

The Alarming Numbers  SME default index plunged from 0.5 to -7.2 (Q2 2025)  Household loan defaults dropped from 3.9 to -7.0  MPR held at 27.5% for third straight meeting Why This Is Happening Nigeria’s aggressive monetary tightening, aimed at taming inflation (still at 28.6%), is now squeezing small businesses: Higher borrowing costs – Loans become unaffordable Thin profit margins – SMEs struggle with cash flow Delayed economic relief – Reforms yet to trickle down “The real economy is suffocating,” warns Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company. The World Bank’s Take Despite the strain, the World Bank backs Nigeria’s reforms, praising: FX liberalization Fuel subsidy removal Private sector focus “Nigeria is Africa’s cornerstone. Bold reforms…

Nigeria’s mining sector recorded a staggering 533% revenue jump from N6 billion in 2023 to N38 billion in 2024, but industry leaders warn this growth could stall without critical incentives for operators. What Drove the Revenue Surge? Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake credited three key factors: Stricter licensing regulations Value-addition policies Crackdown on illegal mining However, Dele Ayankele, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), argues these gains could multiply with targeted incentives to boost production volumes. The Incentive Debate While applauding the minister’s reforms, MAN highlights: Global demand for energy transition minerals is rising High licensing fees are pushing out small-scale miners Only foreign-backed operators can afford new costs Royalty-based growth (tied to production)…

The United Kingdom has launched a game-changing intervention to tackle Nigeria’s chronic export rejections, injecting expertise and funds to upgrade the country’s quality infrastructure and unlock duty-free access for 3,500+ products under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme. Why This Matters  30% of Nigerian exports currently fail international standards  $1B+ potential in leather sector alone by 2025  Pilot focus on tea, coffee, cashew & leather – sectors with high global demand The UK Blueprint Institutional Upgrade Strengthening SON, NiNAS with cutting-edge testing labs Deploying British technical experts to Nigerian SMEs Implementing National Quality Policy SME Empowerment Hands-on training for 1,200+ businesses by 2026 Solving metrology gaps in measurement standards Creating export-ready certification pathways Leather Sector Transformation…

Olusola Onoja, founder of DMC Fashion Academy and a trailblazer in Nigeria’s fashion scene, has been recognised by the Rotary Club of Ibadan Gold for her transformative work in fashion education and entrepreneurship. With 18+ years of experience, Onoja has not only built a reputation for innovative designs but also dedicated herself to uplifting underserved communities through vocational training. Through her academy, she has democratized fashion education, offering free training programs and fostering inclusivity for aspiring designers from all walks of life. In her acceptance speech, Onoja stressed the role of sustainability, innovation, and leadership in fashion, sharing her vision of a connected industry where designers, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers collaborate for growth.…

Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola is pulling back the curtain on his rags-to-riches journey with his new book, Making It Big, now available for pre-order. Priced at $27.99 (hardcover) and $19.99 (paperback), the memoir blends personal anecdotes with hard-earned business lessons—from his first billion to dramatic losses and comebacks. Readers who order within 10 days of August 18, 2025, will get early delivery. More Than a Memoir Otedola calls the book a “guide for the next generation”, offering candid insights into his mindset during crises, like losing his fortune and rebuilding it. On social media, he teased: “Doors are opening for African entrepreneurs like never before. This is the story of how…

Nigerian PR powerhouse SoMe Solutions is marking its 9th anniversary with a groundbreaking initiative: The Unicorn Project, a ₦20 million campaign to catapult one exceptional women-led business into the spotlight. Partnering with PremiaBN, the program offers a rare blend of strategic PR, mentorship, and funding access—all designed to transform a promising brand into a national success story. Why This Matters While Nigeria’s startup scene grows, female founders often struggle for visibility. The Unicorn Project flips the script by targeting under-the-radar businesses with high potential but limited resources. As the team notes: “We’re not looking for polished pitches—we want raw talent ready to scale.” The Prize Breakdown The winning brand gets: ₦20M in…

Mrs Ngozi Enite-Okoro, Founder of Tu2minis Global Services Ltd., has issued a powerful call to action for women entrepreneurs: “In today’s competitive landscape, quality and compliance aren’t just checkboxes—they’re your ticket to global markets.” Speaking exclusively to NAN in Abuja, the business leader revealed how regulatory awareness is transforming Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, with 60+ success stories emerging from her workshops—including trademarked brands, CAC-registered businesses, and NAFDAC-certified products. Why Compliance Matters Now More Than Ever Enite-Okoro outlined 5 game-changing benefits of regulatory adherence: Consumer Trust – Certified products attract loyal customers Market Expansion – Compliance opens doors to AfCFTA and UK trade Funding Access – Banks/investors favor structured businesses IP Protection – Safeguards your brand’s uniqueness…

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day pledge materialized today as the Federal Government launched YouthCred, a transformative credit program under CREDICORP, designed to empower young Nigerians with responsible access to loans—starting with 400,000 beneficiaries, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. Why YouthCred Matters  Credit Culture Shift: Moves Nigeria from cash-only mindset to formal credit economy Digital-First Approach: Platform live at www.youthcred.com Education + Access: Mandatory financial literacy training before loan approval First-Tier Beneficiaries: NYSC Corps Members: Loans for relocations, devices, or startups Employed Youth: Credit tailored to entry-level salaries Young Entrepreneurs: Business growth financing By the Numbers  400K Nigerians to benefit in initial phase ₦50B estimated credit injection by…

Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark move for Africa’s insurance sector, British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) CEO Graeme Trudgill concluded a strategic tour of Nigeria—the first by a sitting BIBA chief—to forge alliances that could reshape one of the continent’s most underdeveloped yet high-potential markets. Why Nigeria? The Untapped Opportunity  1% Penetration: Despite a ₦1T (£500M) premium income, 99% of Nigerians lack insurance Digital Leap: Mobile platforms could onboard 40M+ retail clients Broker Dominance: 500+ local brokers control commercial lines, but need tech upgrades Trudgill’s Mission: • Align UK-Nigeria regulatory frameworks • Transfer BIBA’s consumer trust-building playbook Launch cross-border training for 500+ broker firms Key Meetings…

VP heads to Ethiopia with 3-goal plan: Thought leadership, global partnerships & private-sector solutions* Abuja/Addis Ababa – Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Ethiopia for the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit, where Nigeria will push for radical reforms to tackle food insecurity, boost agricultural value chains, and attract critical investments to transform Africa’s food economy. Nigeria’s 3-Pronged Agenda  1. Thought Leadership: Position Nigeria as Africa’s voice on food system innovation 2. Global Partnerships: Align UN/EU funding with local farming priorities 3. Private Sector Mobilization: Shift from government-led to business-driven solutions Key Summit Focus Areas: Coffee Value Chain: Unlocking Nigeria’s untapped $500M export potential Climate-Smart Farming: Drought-resistant…

Lagos, Nigeria – At the Titans of Tech Conference 2025, industry leaders sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s crippling broadband deficit, revealing that 70% of Africans lack reliable internet access—a gap costing Nigeria $15 billion annually in lost economic potential. The Stark Reality of Nigeria’s Digital Divide  Speed & Cost Crisis: Internet speeds 5-10x slower than developed nations Data costs 4x higher per Mbps 40% of ISP expenses spent on diesel for generators  Economic Impact: Every 10% broadband boost = 1.4% GDP growth (World Bank) 30% coverage increase = $19B direct value + $45B multiplier effect Current losses equal 4× combined health/education budgets The Human Toll  “I lost a life-changing opportunity because my internet failed…

Warsaw/Lagos – In a strategic shift that could redraw global oil trade routes, Poland’s PKN Orlen has purchased its first-ever Nigerian crude cargo (130,000 tonnes), set to arrive in mid-October, as Eastern Europe accelerates its move away from Russian energy supplies. Why This Matters  Geopolitical Shift: Poland cut Russian oil imports to 2005 lows in 2023 Market Opportunity: Nigeria’s unsold crude finds new European buyer Economic Boost: Could open $1B+ annual trade corridor Key Quote: “If tests confirm optimal yields, Nigerian crude will become a staple in our diversification strategy.” — Daniel Obajtek, PKN Orlen CEO The Numbers Behind the Deal  130,000 tonnes: Maiden Nigerian shipment volume Mid-October: Expected arrival in…

Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria’s commercial capital is set for its worst power crisis in years as a 25-day planned blackout kicks off, threatening to paralyze businesses, spike energy costs, and wipe out hundreds of billions in economic activity. Why the Lights Are Going Out  Maintenance Work: TCN fixing Omotosho–Ikeja West 330 kV line Duration: July 28 – August 21 (8 am–5 pm daily) Affected Areas: Entire Ikeja Electric coverage zone (most of Lagos) Eko DisCo areas (Lagos Island, Agbara, parts of Ogun) The Staggering Economic Toll  N13 trillion: Lagos’ monthly electricity spend (Official estimate) Manufacturers: Forced to switch to diesel at 4x grid power cost Hospitals/Hotels: Face N50M+/day extra generator expenses DisCo Losses: Ikeja/Eko to forfeit N206B combined…

Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria’s oil industry is set for a November rebound, with exports scheduled to reach 1.876 million barrels per day (bpd) – the highest level since May 2024 and a 17% increase over last November’s figures, according to latest loading programs. Key Drivers of the Surge  Big Four Grades Lead Recovery: Forcados, Bonga, Bonny Light & Qua Iboe collectively rising to 822,967 bpd (from 728,258 bpd in October) Highest combined output since June 2024  New Production Boost: Egina Field (operated by France’s Total) launching this month Expected to add 200,000 bpd by December First major deepwater expansion in 3 years By the Numbers  1.876M bpd – November export target (59…

Lagos/Dubai – At just 27, Abdul-Qawiyy Hammed has achieved what most spend lifetimes chasing: a luxury watch brand with 565,000+ waitlisted customers, a $1M/day eCommerce record, and a consulting firm charging $250,000 per client. But his journey began with N2,000 airtime sales on the streets of Ibadan. The Making of a Maverick  Age 8: Became family breadwinner after parents’ divorce Age 11: Started with N2,000 airtime hustle Age 13: Invested N40,000 savings into mother’s clothing business Age 19: Hit $1M in single-day eCommerce sales Age 27: ThePhnyxWatches – luxury brand inspired by his phoenix-like rise ThePhnyxWatches Phenomenon: 565K+ global waitlist (bigger than Rolex’s annual production) Expanding into Europe, MENA, and North…