Google has opened applications for the 10th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, reinforcing its push to support Africa-based startups building AI-driven solutions. In a statement released on Thursday, the tech giant said applications will remain open until March 18, 2026. The 12-week accelerator programme is a hybrid, AI-first initiative targeted at Series A startups that are either headquartered in Africa or developing products focused on the African market using artificial intelligence and machine learning. According to Google, startups selected for the cohort will gain access to its AI expertise and technical infrastructure, mentorship from experienced AI…
Author: Elvis Eromosele
The Lagos State Government has approved over ₦140 billion for social protection programmes, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and ensuring that vulnerable residents are not left behind in the state’s development journey. Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, disclosed this at the Lagos State Social Protection Partners Forum, describing the allocation as a strong signal of the government’s dedication to shared prosperity. According to her, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is driving an extensive social agenda through more than 20 social-focused Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and over 90 targeted social interventions across the…
Investor appetite for Nigerian Treasury Bills surged on February 4, 2026, as total subscriptions at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Primary Market Auction (PMA) soared to ₦4.59 trillion, nearly four times the ₦1.15 trillion on offer. The auction marked the highest subscription level since December 2024, underscoring investors’ determination to lock in elevated yields amid tightening liquidity conditions and expectations of future rate adjustments. Ayodeji Ebo, Managing Director of Optimus by Afrinvest, said the strong demand reflects investors’ preference for securing yields above 20 per cent while they remain available. “This level of subscription shows disciplined liquidity management…
Ademola Lookman made a dream start to life at Atletico Madrid, scoring on his debut and providing an assist as Diego Simeone’s side thrashed Real Betis 5–0 to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Thursday night. The Nigerian winger opened his account in the 37th minute, capping a dominant first appearance at the Benito Villamarín, where Atletico overwhelmed their hosts from start to finish. The emphatic win booked Atletico a place in the last four, alongside holders Barcelona, 2024 winners Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad. Beyond the result, the goal marked a significant personal milestone for Lookman. It…
The Senate on Wednesday rejected proposals for the electronic transmission of election results and a 10-year ban on vote buyers and other electoral offenders, as lawmakers amended key sections of the Electoral Act during clause-by-clause consideration. On result management, the upper chamber voted against the full electronic transmission of results, opting instead to retain electronic transfer as provided under the 2022 Electoral Act. Senators said the distinction was necessary to avoid legal and operational ambiguities. Lawmakers also struck out a provision proposing a decade-long disqualification from contesting elections for individuals convicted of vote buying and related offences, describing the…
BY BOLUWAJI ONABOLU Lagos state’s recent imprisonment of 13 youths for three months for open defecation and urination in Agege and Alimosho is not just misguided—it’s self-defeating and unjust. While the government’s zeal to keep Lagos clean is understandable, criminalising a biological necessity in the absence of public toilets exposes systemic governance failures and deepens inequality. Instead of imprisoning citizens for the state’s lapses, Lagos and other Nigerian states must adopt sustainable, rights-based solutions that address the root causes of open defecation. Prison for poo is a case of a broken system punishing the poor. Nigeria’s sanitation crisis is stark.…
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has introduced a Strategic Electoral Intelligence Framework aimed at helping the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rebuild public trust and reverse declining voter turnout ahead of the 2027 general elections. The framework, described as a homegrown solution, is designed to complement technology-driven reforms by addressing perception gaps, credibility concerns, and weak stakeholder engagement that have persisted since the 2023 elections. Speaking on Wednesday at INEC headquarters in Abuja during the Commission’s first-quarter consultative meeting with media executives, Professor Emmanuel Samu Dandaura, NIPR Acting President, said restoring confidence in elections requires more than…
Nestlé Nigeria Plc has been awarded the highest level of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The company achieved Security and Safety status under the NCS AEO programme, a certification valid for five years that recognises its compliance with trade regulations, supply chain security requirements, and global best practices. The certification followed a rigorous evaluation process, including detailed customs audits and on-site operational assessments. Out of 391 applications received nationwide, only 35 companies were granted full certification, with even fewer achieving the Security and Safety status. Highlighting the significance of this milestone at the recent…
In response to the rapidly growing pace of digitisation, the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the enforcement of data privacy and protection in the telecommunications industry. The MoU provides a structured framework for both organisations to formalise a shared commitment to advancing data protection and regulatory synergy in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Dr Aminu Maida, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), noted that data protection and privacy regulations have become important to the future of the communications industry and that effective regulation of…
VAT allocations shared by the Federal Government, states and local government areas (LGAs) rose sharply to N7.73 trillion in 2025, up from N6.11 trillion in 2024, representing a 26.46 per cent year-on-year increase. The figures are based on Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) data compiled by Nairametrics Research from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). Of the total VAT distributed in 2025, the Federal Government received N1.16 trillion, states shared N3.77 trillion, while LGAs received N0.71 trillion, reflecting the same 26.46 per cent growth across all three tiers of government. The rise in VAT allocations…