Nigeria’s security crisis is spreading across multiple regions as insurgents, criminal networks and politically linked armed groups continue to exploit gaps in state security, according to SBM Intelligence. In its latest security assessment, the research and intelligence firm examined recent incidents involving Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, Lakurawa in the North-West, armed groups in the South-East and criminal networks operating across the South-South and South-West. SBM warned that although recent military operations have weakened some insurgent and criminal networks, the groups remain capable of regrouping, adapting their tactics and exploiting communities with limited security presence. SBM said a…
Author: Elvis Eromosele
Nearly one in five Nigerian creative professionals spend more than half of their working time each week on administrative tasks instead of creative work, according to a new report by NECLive. The finding is contained in the State of Nigeria’s Creative Economy 2026 report, which surveyed 377 professionals across eight creative sectors and examined the structural challenges limiting the industry’s growth. The report found that 19.6% of respondents spend more than 50 per cent of their weekly productive time on non-creative administrative activities. Overall, 83 per cent said they lose at least 10% of their productive time each week to…
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has urged the Federal Government to sustain Nigeria’s economic reforms but shift its focus from macroeconomic stabilisation to productivity, job creation and improved living standards. The group said reversing the reforms would undermine investor confidence, weaken fiscal stability and destabilise the foreign exchange market. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Dr Muda Yusuf, its Chief Executive Officer, CPPE said the reform programme should remain on course but its implementation must be continuously reviewed and adjusted in response to emerging realities. “CPPE believes that reversing the reforms would be…
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are preparing to move back to the United Kingdom later this month, in a surprise return that could mark a new chapter for the couple and their relationship with the Royal Family. The couple plans to relocate from the United States to a private, non-royal residence outside London, according to reports. Their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are expected to begin attending a British school in September. King Charles III was informed of the planned move on Sunday. However, there are no plans for Harry or Meghan to…
By Babafemi Ojudu I have read, watched and listened to several diatribes against Gboyega Oyetola following the recent political developments in Osun State. Interestingly, many of the harshest attacks have come not from members of the opposition—Accord or the ADC—but from within his own party, my party. I know Gboyega Oyetola very well. I have studied him both from a distance and at close quarters. Whatever anyone may say about his politics or the consequences of his decisions, I do not believe that Oyetola is a bad man. He is not bad at all. I am prepared to stake my…
The #FixPolitics Initiative has warned the Nigerian authorities to be careful with their transparency policy on foreign aid, so it does not turn into state control. In a statement, the Executive Director, #FixPolitics Africa, Anthony Ubani, asserted that legislation must be judged not by the attractiveness of its title, but by the powers it creates, who exercises those powers and how they can be used. On this basis, the #FixPolitics Initiative called for the withdrawal of SB.1034 in its present form. According to #FixPolitics, the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034) sounds, from its title, like legislation…
The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to American citizens ahead of a planned protest by retired Nigerian military personnel over outstanding pension adjustments. The protest is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with demonstrators expected to gather around the Ministry of Defence in Abuja. In an alert issued on Tuesday, August 18, the embassy warned that the demonstration could lead to traffic congestion and temporary road restrictions, particularly around Olusegun Obasanjo Way and adjoining routes. The embassy advised U.S. citizens to avoid the protest area, use alternative routes and exercise caution around large gatherings. According…
The planned Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has received a major boost with the completion of a $1 billion underwriting programme ahead of the proposed listing. The funding arrangement comprises a $600 million private placement that has already been completed and funded, alongside a further $400 million underwriting commitment to support the refinery’s planned IPO. The programme was structured by Marob Strategies and Consulting DIFC Ltd and Lilium Capital Group. The development could strengthen the capital markets foundation for what is expected to be one of Africa’s most significant industrial listings, while opening the…
South Africa’s Standard Bank Group is in talks to acquire a stake in Nigerian fintech giant OPay ahead of the company’s proposed $4 billion initial public offering in the United States. Bloomberg reported that Africa’s largest bank by assets is considering an investment in OPay before the fintech proceeds with its planned US listing, citing people familiar with the discussions. The potential deal has not been concluded, and there is no guarantee that an agreement will be reached. The size of the proposed investment and the percentage stake Standard Bank is seeking remain unclear. OPay declined to comment on the…
May & Baker Nigeria Plc has disowned a purported investment scheme branded “M&B Equity Stake,” warning investors and members of the public not to fall victim to fraudsters using the company’s name. The pharmaceutical company issued the warning in a public notice dated August 17, 2026, following reports that individuals and entities were allegedly soliciting investments from the public while claiming to represent May & Baker. The company said it has no connection with the promoters of the scheme and does not operate, endorse or support any investment programme outside its official communication channels and regulatory disclosures. May & Baker…