Author: Gift Ifeanyi

The Nigerian Presidency has spotlighted the nation’s massive gas reserves—209 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas—as a vital driver in its strategy for energy transition, industrialization, and economic diversification. Mrs. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, shared these insights in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, as the administration marks its second year in office. According to Verheijen, the Tinubu-led government is leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas resources not only to reduce dependence on oil but to drive job creation, clean energy adoption, and investor confidence. This, she noted, builds on…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged the region to end its dependence on petrol imports, spotlighting Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a shining example of African industrial capability and self-reliance. During a high-profile visit to the refinery, which boasts a massive capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, praised the facility as a symbol of private sector-led transformation and a model for the continent’s industrial future. “What I have seen today gives me a lot of hope,” Touray remarked. “Everyone who doubts Africa’s potential should come here. This is…

Muhammed Agbaje, a visionary Nigerian tech entrepreneur, is making significant strides in Africa’s tech ecosystem through his groundbreaking startup, Midupay, and his dedication to uplifting underserved communities in Ondo State with practical ICT training programs. Agbaje’s entrepreneurial journey started in web development, where he worked extensively building websites for Nigerian businesses. During this time, he identified a key obstacle: many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) faced daunting costs and complexities when trying to embrace digital technology. This insight inspired him to create Midupay — a free platform aimed at helping African SMEs easily establish an online presence and accept digital…

The Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA), a non-profit based in Abuja, has launched an ambitious new initiative aimed at empowering small and medium-sized businesses across North Central Nigeria. The program, dubbed WenA SCALE, is a high-impact pitch competition designed to identify, train, and connect promising entrepreneurs with investment opportunities that fuel business growth and regional economic development. Targeting SMEs in Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger States, the initiative will culminate in a major showcase at the 5th WenA Conference scheduled for July 2025. According to Ms. Aisha Babangida, Chairperson of WenA, the initiative is not just about pitching for funds—it’s a strategic…

In a remarkable uptick in global migration through investment, 66 Nigerians obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda between January and June 2024, contributing a combined $6.6 million to the Caribbean nation’s National Development Fund (NDF), according to newly released data from the Citizenship-by-Investment Unit (CIU). The update, delivered to Antigua’s Parliament on October 15, 2024, outlines a record-breaking 739 approved applications across all nationalities—more than double the volume recorded during the same period in 2023. Nigeria ranked third globally, behind China and the United States, and stood out as the top African contributor to Antigua’s Citizenship-by-Investment Programme (CIP) via the…

Nigeria’s travel sector is on the brink of a bold transformation with the introduction of the country’s first-ever Travelpreneur Conference and Expo—Travconexpo—a landmark MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) event designed to empower travel entrepreneurs and industry professionals. The announcement was made by Oludayo Taiwo Gideon, CEO of Aeroport Group and the visionary behind the event, during a press briefing at the Aeroport headquarters in Lagos. Travconexpo is being launched under Travconex Projects Limited, a subsidiary of Aeroport, and aims to serve as a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and professional development in the Nigerian travel ecosystem. “This will be…

In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to entrepreneurial wellbeing, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited teamed up with Ikeja Local Government and the Office of the Medical Officer of Health to host a transformative health outreach on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat. The initiative, themed “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business,” brought together hundreds of business owners from across Lagos, offering them access to critical healthcare services and reinforcing the link between good health and sustainable business success. The event provided free medical screenings, including blood pressure monitoring, ECGs, malaria and typhoid tests, urinalysis, blood sugar checks,…

Though thousands of miles separate Nigeria from Canada, the Nigerian community in Winnipeg has found a vibrant way to stay connected to home. With the Winnipeg Naija Trade Fair, Nigerians are not only preserving their rich culture—they’re putting it proudly on display. From spicy aromas to bustling stalls, the event exuded a true “Naija no dey carry last” energy, rekindling the essence of Nigerian life in a foreign land. A Marketplace Full of Home The fair, now in its second year since its debut in 2024, was a spectacular celebration of Nigerian enterprise and culture. Designed like the familiar marketplaces…

In a remarkable recognition of her leadership and impact, Onyinye Gift Ejike has been conferred the prestigious title of Fellow by the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (ICA). This honor celebrates her outstanding achievements in corporate governance, strategic business leadership, and administrative excellence — making her one of the few professionals to receive such a distinguished accolade. Ejike’s induction is not only a testament to her personal accomplishments but also a powerful reflection of her influence across Nigeria’s business and professional sectors. With a dynamic career spanning over a decade, she has made lasting contributions to banking, business consulting,…

Nigeria has slipped to 66th place in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink, dropping two positions from its 64th ranking in 2024. On the continental stage, Nigeria now ranks fourth in Africa, posting the slowest growth among the continent’s top seven startup nations with an increase of less than 6%. StartupBlink evaluates countries based on the vibrancy of their startup activity, the success and impact of those ventures, and the overall environment supporting startup growth. Despite this setback, Nigeria remains the undisputed leader in West Africa’s startup landscape, holding onto the top spot since 2021. Six Nigerian cities…

Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), has announced that preparations are in full swing for Nigeria to host the prestigious 2025 International Civil Service Conference Week. The announcement came during her keynote speech at the May edition of the monthly Walking, Jogging, and Aerobics event organized by the Federation of the Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in Abuja. The much-anticipated event is expected to draw key figures and experts in public administration from around the world, spotlighting Nigeria as a hub for global civil service collaboration. “The Conference Week will feature a variety of…

At the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for BRICS’ mission to build a fairer, rules-based international order. Nigeria joined the group as a Partner Country in January 2025, aligning itself with BRICS’ push for global financial reform and multilateral cooperation. Tuggar backed Brazil’s 2025 BRICS priorities emphasizing fairness, sustainability, and mutual respect, and cited Nigeria’s strengths—a youthful population, strategic market, peacekeeping record, and South-South cooperation—as key contributions. He acknowledged challenges to global institutions, including climate change, economic instability, and governance issues, and voiced support for reforms in global finance,…

Uyo, the vibrant capital of Akwa Ibom State, has been chosen to host the 2025 Annual Marketing Conference (AMC) and National Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN). The event is set to take place from June 19 to 21, 2025. Mr. Idorenyen Enang, President and Chairman of Council of NIMN, revealed that this year’s conference will carry the theme “Leveraging ESG in Driving Value Across Generations.” Bringing together top marketing professionals, industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and students nationwide—and beyond—the conference will focus on embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into brand leadership,…

Lagos is set to become the epicenter of African tourism innovation as it prepares to host the inaugural Travelpreneur Conference and Expo (TRAVCONEXPO) from September 19 to 20, 2025. The event will take place at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. Designed as a dynamic platform for business growth, strategic networking, and knowledge sharing, TRAVCONEXPO aims to spotlight the transformative role of innovation and entrepreneurship in shaping Africa’s travel future. Under the theme “Innovating the Future of Travel: Empowering Entrepreneurs in a New Era,” the conference will highlight cutting-edge trends including sustainable tourism, travel technology, digital marketing,…

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Abuja will host the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) from June 20 to 21. The summit will revolve around the theme: “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region.” In a statement released on Saturday, President Tinubu described WAES as a pivotal event advancing governance and cooperation across Africa. He highlighted the summit as a key pillar of his administration’s foreign policy, focusing on people-centered diplomacy, economic growth, and positioning Nigeria as a leading force on the global stage. “This summit is more than just a gathering; it’s a decisive stride towards a…

From July 21 to 23, 2025, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, will become the epicenter for founders worldwide. The Master’s Place International Church, led by Pastors Korede and Esther Komaiya, is proud to present the International Founders Conference (IFC) — an unprecedented global gathering designed exclusively for founders of businesses, startups, churches, organizations, movements, and groundbreaking ideas. This isn’t your typical church event or generic leadership summit. IFC is a prophetic, strategic, and transformational experience crafted specifically to address the unique challenges and opportunities that founders face. Why IFC? Why Founders? Founders are the dreamers and doers — the visionaries who…

Tragic flooding in Nigeria’s central west has left at least 115 people dead, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing amid fears the casualty count will rise. President Bola Tinubu confirmed the disaster on Saturday, emphasizing swift government response. From late Wednesday into early Thursday, relentless downpours triggered severe flash floods in and around Mokwa, a town near the Niger River in Niger State. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, homes swept away, and many victims’ bodies were carried downstream, complicating recovery efforts. Ibrahim Audu Husseini, spokesperson for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), explained that numerous bodies remain trapped beneath collapsed structures, and…

Toyin Kayo-Ajayi, the Canadian-based founder of the Canadian Black Farmers Association, believes Nigeria has the potential to become a global powerhouse in agriculture—if it fully taps into its natural advantages. Speaking during Channels Television’s Youth Forum, Kayo-Ajayi emphasized that Nigerian-grown produce such as yam and vegetables are in high demand internationally, pointing to a future where Nigeria could have a strong presence in global food markets. “In the next decade, Nigeria is poised to become an industrial force,” he told the audience. “That’s why I’m considering relocating back. There’s so much opportunity in agriculture alone.” The entrepreneur, who now grows…

In an increasingly connected world, cross-border logistics shouldn’t be a luxury—but for many Africans, it still feels that way. That’s what Nigerian startup Cargoplug is out to change. With roots in Nigeria and a growing international presence, the company is streamlining the global shipping experience for African SMEs, global brands, and everyday consumers—especially between key hubs like the UK, US, China, Turkey, and Nigeria. From Frustration to Innovation The journey began in 2013 when co-founders Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya and Ujama Akpata—both of whom had studied in the UK—struggled to get basic items delivered from British stores to Nigeria. The shipping options…

As electricity costs continue to rise and grid instability disrupts daily life, many Nigerians are turning to solar energy. However, the upfront financial commitment remains a major obstacle. Recognizing this challenge, Luma Power Africa is changing the game by introducing flexible financing options and a modern digital platform to make solar energy more attainable for individuals and businesses across the country. Solving the Real Problem: Affordability Over Availability While Nigeria enjoys abundant sunshine, solar adoption remains slow. The issue isn’t a lack of awareness or technology—it’s the financial strain of initial installation. A recent survey on clean energy trends revealed…