Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Nigeria is raising the stakes in its digital economy by rolling out stricter Value Added Tax (VAT) rules that directly target global platforms — from Netflix and Spotify to Amazon Web Services and online marketplaces. Signed into law by President Bola Tinubu under the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, the reforms require non-resident providers of digital services consumed in Nigeria to register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), charge 7.5% VAT, and remit it locally. The move places Nigeria in line with more than 120 countries that now tax foreign digital services, signaling that Africa’s largest economy wants to capture…

Running a business without proper data is like driving blindfolded—you might move forward, but disaster is almost certain. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. While the economy is tough, one overlooked reason so many SMEs collapse is bad decision-making fueled by poor or non-existent business intelligence (BI). Owners often blame inflation, power shortages, or government policies. But behind the scenes, weak data practices—no financial records, random hiring, ill-informed product launches—cripple their chances long before the economy does. Why Data Quality Is Make-or-Break Business intelligence only works when the data behind it is solid.…

Nigeria’s capital market is in the middle of a historic transformation. During his recent state visit to Brazil, President Bola Tinubu told the leadership of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and NGX Group that his administration’s reforms are turning the Exchange into a trusted engine of growth and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s premier investment hub. “Nigeria’s markets must be a trusted engine of enterprise and prosperity. My government will continue to pursue reforms that unlock capital, protect investors, and drive innovation,” Tinubu said. From Reform to Results The results are already visible: Market values and trading volumes have nearly…

Africa’s ambition to feed itself took a bold step forward as Ethiopia sealed a landmark partnership with Nigeria’s Dangote Group to establish a massive $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, southeastern Ethiopia. The project, unveiled by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is designed to manufacture 3 million metric tons of fertiliser annually, a move expected to reduce the continent’s heavy reliance on imports and strengthen domestic food production. At the signing ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s state-owned Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) confirmed that it will hold a 40% equity stake, while Dangote Group secures 60% ownership of the venture. For Africa’s…

Imagine walking into a store and finding designer shoes priced at less than half their value. Tempting, right? That’s exactly the situation in Nigeria’s stock market today. Fifteen companies — spanning banks, insurers, real estate, and industrials — are trading below the worth of their net assets. Their average price-to-book (P/B) ratio is just 0.60. In theory, investors are paying less than a company’s actual value. But here’s the catch: sometimes a discount means a deal, and sometimes it means the product is faulty. The Banks: Strength Hidden Behind Discounts Nigeria’s major banks — Zenith, UBA, Access, FCMB, ETI, and…

In Nigeria’s unpredictable economy, companies are constantly juggling inflation, interest rate swings, and limited access to capital. For many entrepreneurs, the real challenge isn’t ambition or opportunity—it’s securing the equipment and infrastructure needed to grow. Buying assets outright or relying on bank loans is increasingly unfeasible. With borrowing costs climbing as high as 25–35%, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being priced out of traditional financing options. This is why leasing has become a lifeline. Instead of sinking scarce funds into heavy upfront investments, businesses are adopting flexible lease models that preserve cash flow while providing immediate access to tools…

Beyond the glamour and celebration, weddings in Nigeria are quietly sustaining an entire ecosystem of entrepreneurs. From caterers and dressmakers to photographers, florists, and transport operators, each ceremony brings together concentrated spending, visibility, and opportunities that many small businesses depend on. For micro and small enterprises, weddings are more than just one-day events—they create steady income streams, act as free marketing platforms, and serve as launchpads for growth. A successful wedding gig often leads to repeat bookings, referrals, and stronger professional portfolios that keep entrepreneurs in business long after the last dance. Here are seven ways Nigerian weddings drive small…

Africa’s business landscape has always demanded grit, creativity, and vision. Two new books—one from Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, the other from Indian-born tech investor Prateek Suri—show how persistence in the face of uncertainty can turn obstacles into empires. Otedola’s Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business traces decades of navigating Nigeria’s unpredictable oil sector, financial crises, and regulatory battles. Suri’s Gateway to Africa: A Visionary’s Path to Business, Investment and Innovation in Africa tells a very different story—that of a digital pioneer betting on Africa’s innovation economy and building billion-dollar ventures across fintech, real estate, and technology. Different…

Nigeria stands at a crossroads where heritage must meet innovation. In this moment, few figures hold as much symbolic and practical weight as the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo. Beyond their crowns, these monarchs carry legacies that could be harnessed to drive unity, growth, and sustainability in a rapidly changing country. Guardians of History The Alaafin once ruled over an empire that stretched across West Africa, commanding military might and an administrative structure that influenced governance for centuries. His role has long embodied political power, diplomacy, and resource management. The Ooni, on the other hand, is not…

The Founder/CEO of Mediacraft Associates, widely recognized as JE, has spent more than three decades building an exceptional career that spans marketing, broadcasting, advertising, and public relations. Today, he stands as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mediacraft Associates, Nigeria’s largest PR consultancy, employing over 50 professionals and serving as the nation’s exclusive partner of the FleishmanHillard global network. Ehiguese’s career took a decisive turn in 2003 when he established Mediacraft Associates after leaving his role as Account Director at C&F Porter Novelli. While at Porter Novelli, he played a pivotal role in managing communications for MTN during its…

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Petroleum Training Institute in Warri, Delta State, has joined forces with the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI) to host a national summit tackling Nigeria’s worsening unemployment challenge. The event, which took place virtually last Friday, carried the theme “The Unemployment Dilemma: Government or Citizens to Blame? Navigating the Job Crisis and the Future of Nigerian Youths.” Dr. Lawson Obasenu, Chief Executive Officer of RYNI, explained that the dialogue sought to push graduates and young professionals to confront the root causes of joblessness while exploring new pathways for economic growth. “This is not about…

While millions of Nigerians now have bank accounts, most still find it nearly impossible to access formal loans. The reason? Not just policy gaps — but a shortage of people who know how to lend responsibly. To tackle that problem head-on, the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) has launched the Credit Academy, a new national programme aimed at building a generation of professionals who can bridge the country’s credit divide. “We’re not just teaching theory,” FITC said in a recent statement. “We’re building a workforce that understands how to deliver inclusive, sustainable credit.” Credit Access: A Numbers Game That Nigeria…

Nigeria’s national oil company says it has almost completely stamped out crude pipeline theft following years of crippling losses. According to NNPC Limited’s Chief Executive, Bayo Ojulari, the joint efforts of defence and intelligence units have restored confidence in the country’s petroleum network. Speaking at a regional security forum in Abuja, he noted that receipts from pipelines and terminals are now “close to 100%”—a dramatic turnaround from three years ago when less than a third of oil shipments survived sabotage and theft. The transformation is most evident in the Niger Delta, long the epicenter of oil-related criminal activity. Officials say…

For decades, Nigeria’s bustling markets have thrived on cash transactions, leaving millions of traders outside the formal financial system. But a new wave of outreach is quietly rewriting that story—bringing banking directly into open-air stalls, crowded aisles, and small kiosks. At Lagos Island and Tejuosho markets, financial officers from Digitvant Microfinance Bank are skipping boardrooms and skyscrapers to sit face-to-face with traders. The goal: to teach savings, provide access to small loans, and show how digital payments can secure businesses against theft and cash shortages. “Markets are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy,” said Florence Ogunyamoju, Managing Director of Digitvant. “When…

President Bola Tinubu is heading to Brazil on Monday for a two-day official visit, a move his team says could redefine Nigeria’s economic ties with Latin America’s largest economy. According to Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, the visit is not just ceremonial but designed to secure practical partnerships that can accelerate Nigeria’s growth. He described Brazil — a BRICS powerhouse with global influence in agriculture, renewable energy, and aviation — as a natural ally for Nigeria. “This is not just another stop on the diplomatic calendar,” Dare explained in Brasilia. “It represents a…

In Nigeria’s bustling lifestyle sector, where few women have broken through at scale, Mrs. Lois Andrew Ihwo — widely known as Lola Andy — is rewriting the script. Through her twin brands, Deeutensils and Deescent Global, she has fused style with substance, building companies that not only deliver luxury but also create pathways for women, widows, and communities to thrive. What sets her apart is not just business acumen, but a dual commitment: elevating standards in kitchenware and fragrance while simultaneously investing in human capital through her Dee Ihwo Foundation. Her kitchenware business, Deeutensils — launched over 15 years ago…

For modern SaaS companies, finance is no longer just a feature add-on — it’s becoming a core differentiator. Across industries, from construction management tools to salon booking platforms, software providers are embedding payments, lending, insurance, and banking into their products. The reason is clear: embedded finance transforms SaaS from a tool into an indispensable business partner. The Business Case: Revenue, Retention, and Reach Recent research underscores the upside. A study by S&P Global Market Intelligence (commissioned by Stripe) found that customers using embedded financial features experience 20–40% higher sales within six months than peers without them. Here’s why: A contractor…

Nigeria’s digital economy push has received another boost as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) formally threw its weight behind the 5th edition of the Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS), a platform dedicated to strengthening women’s role in the country’s fast-evolving tech ecosystem. Slated for 2025, the summit will run under the theme: “IDEA TO IMPACT: Scaling Your Tech Journey & Building Entrepreneurship.” Organizers say this year’s focus reflects the urgent need to equip women with the tools, networks, and confidence required to transform bold ideas into enterprises that create measurable impact. Unlike previous editions, this year’s program…

In 2025, Nigeria isn’t just tightening its financial rules — it’s rewriting the playbook. A wave of aggressive anti-money laundering (AML) reforms is forcing both regulators and investors to rethink what risk and opportunity look like in Africa’s largest economy. International watchdogs have kept the country on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list,” but Nigeria’s accelerated progress — praised at the June 2025 FATF Plenary — signals that the narrative is no longer one of neglect, but of transition. The stakes are high: for global investors, every shift in Nigeria’s regulatory machinery alters the calculus of cost, compliance,…

From September 9 to 12, 2025, Lagos will become the epicenter of Africa’s property dialogue as it hosts the 24th Annual Conference of the African Real Estate Society (AFRES). The four-day gathering is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, academics, and industry leaders under the theme “Shaping the Future of African Real Estate Markets: Exploring Opportunities.” AFRES President Adekunle Awolaja described Africa as “the only continent that is still green,” stressing the untapped opportunities in land, resources, and innovation. He explained that the Lagos meeting will provide a platform to explore how technology, policy, and capital can be harnessed to…