Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains uncertain as the country awaits a response from FIFA over its request to relocate group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico. The request, submitted by the Iranian government, seeks a venue change amid rising geopolitical tensions and security concerns linked to the tournament. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Minister of Sport, confirmed that Tehran is yet to receive official feedback from FIFA. “Our request to relocate Iran’s matches to Mexico is still valid, but we have not received any response. If accepted, Iran’s participation will be certain,” he…
Author: Elvis Eromosele
The African Export-Import Bank has approved a $10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme (GCRP) to cushion African and Caribbean economies from the economic shocks triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East. The facility, endorsed by the bank’s board, is designed to protect trade, stabilise financial systems, and support businesses grappling with disruptions linked to the crisis, which intensified on February 28, 2026. The conflict has sent shockwaves across global markets, with African and Caribbean countries particularly exposed due to their reliance on imports such as fuel, fertiliser, and food, as well as critical shipping routes like the Strait of…
Nigeria’s pension assets recorded their strongest monthly growth on record in February 2026, rising by N1.39 trillion to hit N29.43 trillion, according to data from the National Pension Commission. The sharp increase from N28.04 trillion in January surpasses the previous record of N1.18 trillion set in January 2024, signalling a new phase of rapid, market-driven expansion in the pension industry. The growth was driven by a combination of fresh inflows and valuation gains, particularly from equities, which played a central role in boosting overall returns. Domestic equity investments rose significantly to N5.41 trillion, reflecting increased exposure to the Nigerian stock…
Early data from major auto markets suggests electric vehicles (EVs) are enjoying a renewed surge, with rising global fuel prices, linked to tensions in the Middle East, pushing more consumers toward battery-powered alternatives. However, analysts caution that it remains uncertain whether this momentum can be sustained. In the UK, EV sales hit a record high in March, with 86,120 units registered, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders. Plug-in hybrids led the growth, recording a 47 per cent increase. Industry experts say the spike reflects growing consumer anxiety over volatile fuel prices. Colin Walker of the Energy and…
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the introduction of new policies and regulatory changes, in a move aimed at protecting businesses from sudden disruptions. The directive was announced in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, the Council’s Director-General. According to PEBEC, the decision forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve regulatory quality, promote policy consistency, and enhance Nigeria’s ease of doing business environment. The council stated that the suspension will remain in effect until all MDAs fully comply with the Regulatory Impact Analysis…
Kemi Adeosun, former Minister of Finance, has disclosed that the Federal Government uncovered about 45,000 ghost workers after integrating the Bank Verification Number (BVN) into its payroll system. She made this known during a recent policy dialogue at the Citadel School of Government in Lagos, where she spoke on the role of technology in enhancing public sector efficiency. Adeosun, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from November 2015 until her resignation in September 2018, explained that the government’s wage bill was its largest expenditure at the time, significantly affected by inefficiencies in the civil service. According to her, earlier…
Nigeria’s labour market remains heavily tilted against women in formal employment, with only 10.5 per cent of employed women engaged in wage and salaried jobs as of 2025, according to the latest gender data report by the World Bank. The figure underscores the overwhelming concentration of women in informal and vulnerable work, despite their strong participation in the labour force. According to the report, about 80.7 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 and above are economically active. However, the majority are engaged in low-quality jobs that offer limited income security, stability, or social protection. The disparity becomes clearer when…
Nigeria’s business environment remained in expansion territory in March 2026, but momentum weakened significantly as economic pressures intensified across key sectors. This is according to the latest Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) released by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, which showed that the Current Business Performance Index fell sharply to 101.2 points in March from 117.2 points recorded in February. Although the index remains above the 100-point benchmark that signals expansion, the steep decline underscores a slowdown in the pace of growth. Compared to March 2025, when the index stood at 106.6 points, current performance also reflects softer year-on-year growth. The…
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to open the Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge to the public this week, marking a significant milestone in efforts to ease traffic congestion across key corridors in the state. The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Monday by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. According to the statement, the bridge is among several landmark projects scheduled for commissioning during the two-day visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Lagos on Wednesday and Thursday. The Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge is designed to address persistent traffic bottlenecks along the Ojota,…
By Ishola N. Ayodele, fimc-CMC, ME “The burden of understanding in communication does not lie with the audience; it lies with the communicator.” Ishola Ayodele In April 2017, employees of United Airlines forcibly removed Dr. David Dao from a fully booked United Express flight. The CEO’s initial defensive response describing the brutalised passenger as “disruptive and belligerent” was widely decoded as callous, amplifying outrage on social media far beyond the incident itself. Within weeks, the company lost $1.4 billion in market value. That episode marked the beginning of my Communication without Communicating series. Similarly, the recent post titled “HOW EL…