The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen quality assurance and certification systems, warning that weaknesses in product standards and export processes are limiting Nigeria’s ability to maximize gains from international trade. In its latest Foreign Trade Review, the NESG acknowledged Nigeria’s strong trade performance in the first quarter of 2026 but stressed that structural challenges continue to undermine the country’s export competitiveness and value retention. According to the group, improving product quality, streamlining export certification procedures, and enhancing port efficiency are essential steps toward expanding non-oil exports and strengthening Nigeria’s position in global…
Author: Elvis Eromosele
Xpress Payment Solutions Limited has processed transactions worth trillions of naira in its 10 years of operation, saying its next phase of growth will be driven by emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Mr Wale Olayisade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Xpress Payment Solutions Limited, disclosed this at a public lecture organised as part of the company’s 10th anniversary celebrations in Lagos. Speaking on the theme, ‘A Decade of Innovation, A Future of Possibilities,’ he said the firm’s journey reflects the rapid transformation of Nigeria’s payments ecosystem and the increasing adoption of…
Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Lebara Nigeria, has launched LebaraPlay, a digital entertainment platform designed to deliver premium mobile-first content while creating new opportunities for Africa’s fast-growing creative industry. The launch forms part of Lebara Nigeria’s broader expansion strategy following its entry into the Nigerian telecommunications market and signals the company’s ambition to evolve beyond traditional connectivity services. According to the company, LebaraPlay will offer users access to a wide range of entertainment content, including microdrama series, music, lifestyle programmes, and other short-form digital content tailored to the preferences of modern mobile audiences. The platform is open to both Lebara subscribers…
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has launched an upgraded members’ web application database and introduced a new insurance scheme for truck operators as part of efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s maritime haulage sector. The association said the enhanced digital platform was developed entirely by its in-house technical team without the involvement of external software developers, underscoring its commitment to innovation and digital transformation. According to AMATO, the upgraded database is designed to strengthen the integrity of membership records, improve operational efficiency, and support better decision-making within the industry, particularly around activities at Lagos ports.…
The Federal Government has disbursed more than N13 billion in interest-free loans to 7,450 academic and non-academic staff across public tertiary institutions under the 2025/2026 Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF). The Federal Ministry of Education announced the completion of the latest funding cycle in a statement issued on June 19, revealing that beneficiaries were drawn from 153 public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. The ministry also disclosed that applications for the 2026/2027 cycle of the programme will open at the end of June 2026. Administered by the Bank of Industry (BoI), the TISSF provides interest-free loans of…
As part of activities marking World Food Safety Day, MAGGI engaged stakeholders across its value chain through a series of immersive experiences designed to deepen understanding of the journey from ingredients to table and reinforce the collective responsibility required to uphold food quality and safety. The engagements brought together suppliers, distributors, consumers, journalists, and digital content creators, reflecting MAGGI’s commitment to transparency and continuous stakeholder engagement. Through interactive sessions and firsthand experiences, participants gained valuable insights into the processes, partnerships, and standards that contribute to delivering quality products to millions of Nigerian households. During the engagements, suppliers explored MAGGI’s quality…
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has warned that the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will significantly increase demand for data and connectivity, making resilient telecommunications infrastructure, cybersecurity, and public trust indispensable to Nigeria’s digital future. Speaking at the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE 4.0), Adebayo said AI is poised to transform virtually every aspect of modern life, from education and healthcare to financial services, commerce, and governance. According to him, discussions around AI must extend beyond software applications and algorithms to address the underlying digital infrastructure required to…
FirstBank, West Africa’s leading financial institution and champion of financial inclusion, has announced the next edition of its SMEConnect Webinar, a capacity-building initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and business owners. The virtual event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, June 25, 2026, and will bring together industry experts, policymakers, and financial professionals to provide practical insights on business growth and financing opportunities. Held quarterly, the SMEConnect Webinar is one of FirstBank’s flagship platforms for empowering entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. This edition is themed “Funding Your…
The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria’s first nationwide learning assessment will hold from June 29 to July 3, 2026, as part of efforts to measure learning outcomes across basic and secondary education. The exercise has been declared National Learning Assessment Week, according to the Federal Ministry of Education. A statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, confirmed that the assessment will be conducted across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ministry explained that the assessment is designed to generate reliable data on students’ learning achievements to guide education…
The Federal Government says it is mobilising about N200 billion in share capital from cooperative societies across Nigeria to support the take-off of the proposed Cooperative Bank of Nigeria. Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this on Thursday during the North-West Zonal Engagement of the Ministerial Advocacy Tour on Cooperative Bank of Nigeria Share Capital Mobilisation and Cooperative Sector Digitalisation Drive in Kaduna. According to him, the initiative is designed to create a cooperative-owned financial institution that will expand access to credit and financial services for millions of cooperative members across the country.…