Nigeria has been ranked among the world’s top 10 contributors to global economic growth in 2026, according to new data released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF report places Nigeria sixth globally, with the country projected to contribute 1.5 per cent to global real GDP growth next year, putting Africa’s largest economy ahead of several advanced and emerging economies, including Germany, Brazil, and Indonesia. The ranking aligns with comments by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who said on Friday that “the balance of power is changing,” while sharing IMF data showing emerging economies increasingly driving global growth. According…
Author: Elvis Eromosele
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the deadline for the submission of employers’ annual tax returns by one week, moving it from January 31 to February 7, 2026. The extension was announced on Friday by Dr. Ayodele Subair, Executive Chairman of LIRS, who said the decision was taken to give employers additional time to complete and submit accurate tax filings. Subair noted that while the statutory deadline for filing employers’ annual returns remains January 31 each year, the service approved a short extension to ease compliance and encourage accuracy. He urged employers across the state to…
The Senate has fixed Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for the final consideration and passage of the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill. The target date was announced by the Senate Committee on Appropriations at a special session held on Friday, as lawmakers rolled out a detailed timetable to fast-track scrutiny of the budget proposal. To meet the deadline, the committee approved February 2 to 13 for budget defence sessions by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at the committee level. In a move aimed at transparency and public participation, the Senate has also scheduled Monday, February 9, 2026, for a public…
Airtel Africa recorded a sharp rise in profit after tax, which climbed to $586 million in the nine months ended December 31, 2025, up from $248 million in the same period of 2024. According to the company’s nine-month financial results released on Friday, the strong performance was driven by higher operating profit as well as derivative and foreign exchange gains of $99 million, compared with $153 million in FX and derivative losses in the previous year. Group revenue in reported currency rose 28.3 per cent to $4.67 billion, while revenue in constant currency grew 24.6 per cent. The stronger…
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has commiserated with a Fellow of the Institute and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, over the death of his mother, Hajiya Fatima Wasa Dada. In a condolence message, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the late matriarch as a woman of rare selflessness and integrity whose values continue to resonate through the lives she touched. Dr. Neliaku noted that Hajiya Dada’s exemplary lifestyle was reflected not only in her children but also in the many individuals she mentored and influenced over the years. “We take solace in…
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Abia State Chapter, has elected Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, FNIPR, as its new State Chairman, marking a historic milestone for the professional body. Ralph-Nwachukwu was elected on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Police Officers’ Mess, Umuahia, following the completion of the tenure of the immediate past executive council led by Deacon Olunkwa Felix. The election was supervised by the National President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, who was represented by Dr Ahmed Sajoh, FNIPR, Chairman of the Council Committee on Chapter Support and Development. Congratulating the newly elected officers, the Abia State Commissioner…
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, has officially unveiled plans for its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Summit, scheduled to hold on March 12 and 13, 2026. According to the programme, activities on Day One will take place at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, while Day Two will be hosted at the International Convention Centre, Awka. Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, assured stakeholders that the institute would deliver an event marked by excellence, describing it as a defining attribute of Anambra State. The unveiling…
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as part of efforts to accelerate economic growth through technology and communications. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Governing Board of the NCC, led by its Chairman, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, at Lagos House, Marina. Sanwo-Olu said Lagos remains open to investment and will go beyond expectations to encourage growth in technology, communications and other key sectors of the economy. “We are not a government that is averse to investment,” the governor said. “Technology and communication represent the next…
Nigeria has completed 60 per cent of its planned 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic deployment, marking a major step in the country’s drive to expand broadband access and power its digital economy. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, disclosed this in Abuja while speaking at an event to mark Global Privacy Day, attended by technology leaders, policymakers and data protection advocates. The fibre project, unveiled in August 2025, is one of the most ambitious digital infrastructure initiatives in Nigeria’s history. According to Tijani, significant groundwork has already been completed, with funding fully secured for the entire project. “When I…
Moniepoint Inc. has crossed a major milestone in Nigeria’s financial services landscape, disbursing over ₦1 trillion in credit to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2025, as it marks a decade of supporting small businesses and deepening financial inclusion. The disclosure forms part of the company’s 2025 Year in Review, which highlights a year of rapid growth and expanding impact across Nigeria’s informal and formal business ecosystem. Moniepoint revealed that businesses accessing its credit facilities recorded average growth of over 36 per cent, underlining the transformative effect of accessible financing on small enterprises. With more than 6 million active businesses…