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Energy stakeholders call for decentralised electricity systems to address Nigeria’s rural power gap.
Solar-hybrid mini-grids and performance-based subsidies proposed for underserved communities.
Productive-use projects could create electricity demand while raising rural incomes.
Main Story
Energy stakeholders have called for greater use of decentralised electricity systems and income-generating energy projects to expand access to power in underserved rural communities across Nigeria.
The stakeholders, Mosho Adekunle, an energy policy analyst, and Dr Diana Nwajei, a development economist, made the recommendations in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Adekunle said conventional grid expansion remained costly in sparsely populated communities and should be complemented by interconnected solar-hybrid mini-grids.
He proposed deploying the mini-grids in areas served by underperforming electricity distribution companies, allowing operators to make use of existing infrastructure while improving supply reliability.
According to him, private operators could provide round-the-clock electricity under regulated, cost-reflective tariffs, while state-level electricity reforms could speed up licensing and deployment.
“Subnational regulation can drastically reduce administrative delays and allow states to independently map and develop underserved communities,” he said.
Adekunle also called for digital, performance-based subsidy systems under which government and development funds would be released after electricity connections had been verified.
He said the approach could help agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) reduce abandoned or “ghost” projects and improve the impact of public investment.
Nwajei, however, said expanding electricity access would be more sustainable if power supply was connected directly to economic activities capable of generating income.
She recommended productive-use energy projects such as solar-powered cold storage, grain mills, irrigation systems and electric mobility to create consistent demand for electricity from mini-grid operators.
According to her, integrating electricity into rural value chains could improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and increase household incomes.
The Issues
Nigeria’s rural electrification challenge is not only about connecting communities to power but also about making electricity systems financially sustainable.
Linking electricity supply to businesses, farming and other productive activities can create regular demand and provide users with income to pay for services. Decentralised systems could also provide an alternative where extending the conventional grid is economically difficult.
What’s Being Said
“Electrification becomes more sustainable when communities can use power to produce, earn income and pay for continued service.” – Dr Diana Nwajei, development economist.
“Subnational regulation can drastically reduce administrative delays and allow states to independently map and develop underserved communities.” – Mosho Adekunle, energy policy analyst.
What’s Next
Nwajei recommended Pay-As-You-Go systems, mobile-money platforms and smart meters to allow low-income households to pay incrementally according to their electricity consumption.
She also proposed community-owned micro-utilities, combining concessional financing with equity contributions from local cooperatives.
According to her, giving communities an ownership stake could strengthen commitment to electricity infrastructure, discourage vandalism and support long-term maintenance.
Bottom Line
Nigeria’s rural power gap may require a shift from grid expansion alone towards decentralised systems linked to productive economic activity. Stakeholders say stronger community participation, digital payments and performance-based financing could also improve the sustainability of rural electrification projects.
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OPay has denied claims that it plans to shut down its Nigerian operations.
The fintech company has commenced legal action against individuals allegedly responsible for circulating the false announcement.
OPay said it has engaged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police and other relevant regulatory and security agencies.
The company said its services remain fully operational across Nigeria.
OPay disclosed that it opened more than 26 new offices across the country in 2026.
The company warned Nigerians against relying on unverified information circulated on social media.
Main Story
Financial technology company OPay has reassured Nigerians that it has no plans to shut down or exit the Nigerian market, following the circulation of a false announcement claiming that the company would cease operations from September 1, 2026, The company made the clarification during a live town hall meeting organised on Wednesday after the alleged shutdown notice triggered concerns among customers and other stakeholders on social media.
The meeting brought together journalists, OPay ambassadors and social media influencers as the company sought to address the misinformation and reassure customers, merchants and business partners that its platform remains operational, Speaking during the event, OPay’s Chief Technology Officer, Dotun Daniel Adekunle, said the company was concerned about the potential consequences of misinformation on Nigerians who rely on its platform for financial services.
Adekunle said financial technology companies operating within the financial inclusion ecosystem have a responsibility to maintain public confidence, warning that the spread of unverified information could undermine trust and potentially expose customers to financial risks, He stated that OPay remained fully committed to Nigeria and had no decision to suspend its operations.
“OPay is here, OPay is operating, and OPay is going nowhere. The message circulating is false. There is no decision to shut down operations in Nigeria,” Adekunle said, He urged customers to disregard any message suggesting that OPay was going on leave or preparing to exit the country.
Adekunle also highlighted the company’s continued expansion in Nigeria, noting that OPay had opened more than 26 new offices across the country during 2026, “This year alone, we opened over 26 new offices across Nigeria, and our teams are on the ground,” he said.
The Issues
The controversy arose after a message circulated on social media purporting to be an official communication from OPay and claiming that the fintech company would shut down its Nigerian operations from September 1, 2026, The company said the message did not originate from OPay and was designed to appear as an authentic corporate announcement.
OPay argued that misinformation of this nature could have serious consequences for a financial institution, particularly if customers act on false information by withdrawing funds, abandoning accounts or making other financial decisions based on the fabricated announcement, The incident also highlights the wider risks posed by misinformation within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital financial services sector, where millions of customers depend on fintech platforms for payments, transfers and other financial transactions.
What’s Being Said
OPay’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, said the company had formally contacted relevant regulatory, law enforcement and security agencies over the publication, According to Rokosu, the company has provided evidence to the authorities investigating the matter and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
He said the alleged publication had the potential to create fear, cause financial losses and undermine confidence in OPay, Rokosu also confirmed that OPay had commenced legal proceedings against those allegedly responsible for the false information, “This is not about silencing anyone. No individual should believe social media provides immunity from legal consequences where there is evidence of unlawful conduct,” he said, The legal counsel further argued that freedom of expression does not protect malicious falsehoods or deliberate attempts to cause financial harm.
What’s Next
OPay is expected to continue cooperating with the relevant security and law enforcement agencies as investigations into the source and circulation of the alleged false announcement proceed, The company has also urged customers to rely on its official communication channels and other credible sources when verifying information concerning its operations, For OPay, the immediate priority is to restore and maintain confidence among customers, merchants, agents and business partners following the social media controversy.
Bottom Line
OPay has firmly rejected claims that it is preparing to shut down its Nigerian operations, describing the purported September 1 shutdown announcement as false, With the company confirming that it remains operational, opening new offices and pursuing legal action against those allegedly behind the misinformation, OPay is positioning the incident as a matter of protecting customer confidence and the integrity of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem.
World Bank to support reforms to Nigeria’s electricity tariff and subsidy frameworks.
The reforms are aimed at restoring financial sustainability in the power sector.
Nigeria has more than 86 million people without access to electricity, according to the World Bank.
Electricity sector tariff shortfalls were estimated at $2.45 billion by the end of 2025.
The World Bank plans to support both on-grid and off-grid electricity solutions.
Its six-year framework targets electricity access for more than 32 million Nigerians.
The bank will help attract private capital into generation, transmission, distribution, mini-grids and solar systems.
The reforms come amid ongoing efforts to address liquidity challenges in Nigeria’s electricity market.
Main Story
The World Bank Group has announced plans to support reforms to Nigeria’s electricity tariff and subsidy frameworks as part of efforts to restore financial sustainability in the country’s power sector, The commitment was contained in the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering the 2026 to 2032 fiscal years.
According to the framework, the bank’s intervention will focus on improving electricity access and reliability for households and businesses through both on-grid and off-grid solutions, The World Bank said its support would include reforms targeting electricity tariffs and subsidies, competitive investment planning and stronger regulation of the power sector, The institution noted that Nigeria has the world’s largest electricity access deficit, with more than 86 million people currently without access to electricity.
The Issues
The financial sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity sector remains a major challenge, The World Bank estimated that tariff shortfalls reached $2.45 billion by the end of 2025, contributing to the liquidity problems affecting the sector, For years, electricity tariffs were kept below the actual cost of supplying power, with the Federal Government expected to cover the resulting shortfalls.
However, the failure to fully settle those obligations has contributed to financial pressure across the electricity value chain, Frequent power outages have also forced households and businesses to depend heavily on generators, increasing operating costs and reducing productivity.
What’s Being Said
The World Bank said tariff and subsidy reforms would be combined with measures designed to attract private investment into Nigeria’s electricity market, The bank plans to support project preparation, transaction structuring and competitive processes aimed at attracting private capital into generation, transmission and distribution, It will also continue supporting the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up platform, which is designed to expand investment in mini-grids and standalone solar systems, The World Bank said its combined on-grid and off-grid interventions under the framework could provide electricity access to more than 32 million Nigerians.
What’s Next
The World Bank is expected to work with the Federal Government, regulators and private-sector investors on implementing the reforms over the six-year partnership period, Attention will likely remain on how tariff adjustments and subsidy reforms are structured to balance financial sustainability with electricity affordability for consumers, The bank will also support the development of public-private partnerships and investment frameworks across the electricity value chain.
Bottom Line
The World Bank is backing a major restructuring of Nigeria’s electricity financing model, with tariff and subsidy reforms at the centre of efforts to resolve the sector’s liquidity crisis. The success of the plan will depend on whether Nigeria can attract sufficient private investment while improving electricity access, reliability and affordability for consumers.
APC in Eredo LCDA has commenced door-to-door mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The exercise will cover communities and wards across the Lagos council area.
The party says the campaign will combine voter sensitisation with direct engagement with residents.
Main Story
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, has commenced door-to-door mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC Chairman in Eredo LCDA, Mr Waliyu Ismail, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.
Ismail said the exercise was aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots support and informing residents about the policies and programmes of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He said party leaders would use the mobilisation to engage residents directly, explain government programmes and listen to concerns within communities.
“We have taken the campaign to the grassroots because the people remain the foundation of every successful election,” Ismail said.
He said the exercise would extend across communities and wards in Eredo LCDA to ensure eligible voters were reached.
“Our objective is to ensure that we reach the people at the grassroots.
“We are going from house to house and community to community because direct engagement remains an effective way of mobilising support,” he said.
The Issues
The mobilisation reflects the APC’s effort to strengthen its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 election through direct engagement with voters.
Ismail said the party would use the exercise to highlight what it described as the developmental achievements of the APC-led government, particularly in infrastructure and economic reforms.
He also said the engagement would give party leaders an opportunity to hear residents’ concerns rather than relying solely on broader campaign activities.
What’s Being Said
“We want to interact directly with our people, listen to their concerns and remind them of the developmental strides of the APC-led government.” – Waliyu Ismail, APC Chairman, Eredo LCDA.
“We are confident that the achievements of President Tinubu will speak for him.” – Waliyu Ismail.
What’s Next
Ismail said the mobilisation would continue across Eredo LCDA as the party seeks to maintain contact with residents and build support ahead of 2027.
He urged APC members to remain united and committed to the party’s grassroots activities.
“We must remain united, focused and committed to our party.
“With unity and effective grassroots mobilisation, I am confident that APC will continue to enjoy the confidence and support of the people,” he said.
Bottom Line
The APC in Eredo LCDA has begun house-to-house mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, combining voter sensitisation with direct engagement with residents. The party says it will use the exercise to promote the Tinubu administration’s policies and strengthen its grassroots support.
GITEX Global CEO Trixie LohMirmand says Nigeria must turn its AI ecosystem into globally competitive businesses.
More than 200 investors with over $200 billion in assets are expected at GITEX Nigeria 2026.
NITDA says Nigeria is expanding fibre, cloud and computing infrastructure to support the technology economy.
Main Story
Nigeria must move beyond developing its artificial intelligence ecosystem and focus on building technology businesses capable of competing in global markets, GITEX Global CEO Trixie LohMirmand has said.
LohMirmand made the call at the opening of GITEX Nigeria 2026 in Lagos on Wednesday, describing global market access as the next major test for the country’s technology ecosystem.
She said Nigeria had made significant progress in startups, AI, creativity, funding and digital infrastructure but needed to convert that progress into businesses capable of attracting international customers, capital and partnerships.
According to her, Nigeria must also shift from primarily consuming AI technologies developed elsewhere to creating solutions that generate value internationally.
“Consuming AI just makes for a market. When you start to create AI, it makes you a superpower.
“Talent needs access to markets, startups need customers, while innovation requires capital and investor confidence,” she said.
LohMirmand said GITEX was designed to connect Nigeria’s technology ecosystem with international markets and disclosed that registrations for the 2026 edition had attracted participants from more than 90 countries.
She said more than 200 investors with assets exceeding $200 billion were expected at the event, alongside international participants including 23 companies from Moscow, nine Canadian companies and nine startups from Lebanon.
She said the international participation could expose investors and technology companies to Nigeria’s market, policies, talent and opportunities while giving Nigerian businesses access to international networks.
The Issues
LohMirmand said Nigerian startups needed to focus on sustainable growth rather than stopping at recognition or startup creation.
“It is not just celebrating the startups. This is only the first mile. Startup creation without sustainable growth would limit its economic impact,” she said.
She urged businesses and investors participating in GITEX to convert contacts made at the event into investment, partnerships and market opportunities.
She also called for stronger cooperation among government, private-sector companies and investors, saying the benefits of the technology event should extend beyond its duration into policymaking, education, startup development and technology exports.
“GITEX is not an exhibition. It is an economic infrastructure that supports the technology ecosystem,” she said.
What’s Being Said
“Consuming AI just makes for a market. When you start to create AI, it makes you a superpower.” – Trixie LohMirmand, CEO, GITEX Global.
“Talent needs access to markets, startups need customers, while innovation requires capital and investor confidence.” – Trixie LohMirmand.
What’s Next
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, said the government was taking steps to prepare Nigerians for a technology-driven economy.
Abdullahi identified human intelligence as Nigeria’s greatest resource and said technologies including AI, the Internet of Things, robotics and blockchain could increase productivity across key sectors.
He also highlighted certification and software testing as measures for improving trust in Nigerian technology products and helping startups secure corporate and government opportunities.
Abdullahi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved Project Bridge for the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure, alongside efforts to expand cloud and computing capacity.
He urged international technology companies to invest and build in Nigeria and called on local innovators to develop products that can serve markets beyond the country.
“Building in Nigeria does not mean you are limiting yourself to Nigerian market, but positioning yourself for the African market.” – Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General, NITDA.
“Build to solve our immediate problems in Nigeria, but with the intention of scaling to Africa and to the world.” – Kashifu Abdullahi.
Bottom Line
GITEX Global is urging Nigeria to turn its growing AI and technology ecosystem into businesses capable of competing for international customers and capital. Government officials say expanded digital infrastructure, skills and quality assurance will be important to making that global ambition possible.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan says AI-driven disinformation threatens the credibility of the 2027 general election.
Commission is auditing its electoral technology and considering a mock presidential election.
INEC says its response will focus on faster, clearer information rather than restricting legitimate journalism or civic dissent.
Main Story
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence to create and spread disinformation could threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the warning in a keynote address at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Amupitan, who was represented by National Commissioner Sani Adam, said generative AI had made manipulated video, audio and images cheaper to produce and increasingly difficult to detect.
He cited documented cases of manipulated political content during recent elections in West and East Africa, including material circulated during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election.
According to him, such content can reach millions of social media users before it is verified, while algorithmic micro-targeting can allow different and conflicting messages to be directed at specific groups of voters.
He said the challenge was therefore not limited to fabricated content but also involved creating an information environment in which voters could receive conflicting narratives without a common factual basis.
Amupitan said public confidence in INEC would depend partly on how well voters understood and trusted information about the electoral process, including the integrity of the ballot, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and result sheets.
He said the deployment of BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) was intended to strengthen confidence by allowing citizens to view polling-unit results before the collation process.
However, he acknowledged that the 2023 election showed how technological failures could themselves become a source of public distrust.
The Issues
The growing use of generative AI creates a particular challenge for election management because manipulated political material can be produced and distributed rapidly, making verification difficult before false information gains traction.
Amupitan said INEC was therefore undertaking a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems, including system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery planning.
The commission is also exploring a mock presidential election ahead of 2027 to test accreditation, result transmission and results viewing under conditions similar to election day.
Amupitan said INEC had proposed a substantial budget for the 2027 election, with significant allocations for technology and election operations, including new accreditation devices to replace equipment lost or damaged during the previous election.
He said full release of the funds was still awaited, although INEC’s ICT team had begun engaging manufacturers on procurement while preparations for the technology audit and possible mock election continued.
What’s Being Said
“INEC’s credibility now rests as much on how information about its processes was understood and trusted, especially on the integrity of the ballot, the BVAS and result sheets.” – Prof. Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.
“Solutions adopted elsewhere must be adapted to Nigeria’s own realities of internet access, language diversity and institutional trust.” – Prof. Joash Amupitan.
Amupitan said INEC would seek to counter disinformation by providing better and faster information rather than restricting legitimate journalism or civic dissent.
What’s Next
INEC will continue preparations for the 2027 election alongside its technology audit and budget finalisation.
The commission is also considering a mock presidential election to test key electoral technology and procedures before the general election.
Amupitan said INEC would strengthen its approach to electoral technology and transparency while taking account of Nigeria’s internet access, linguistic diversity and institutional environment.
Bottom Line
INEC says AI-generated disinformation has become a significant threat to public confidence in elections ahead of 2027. The commission is responding with a technology audit, possible mock presidential election and a focus on faster public information rather than restrictions on legitimate civic and media activity.
IPMAN says petroleum marketers in Anambra are facing alleged illegal levies and harassment by government agents.
Marketers pay a harmonised annual levy of ₦145,000 per outlet under the state arrangement.
The association warns it may suspend operations if the alleged harassment continues.
Main Story
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has accused agents of the Anambra State Government of imposing illegal levies and harassing petroleum marketers despite an approved harmonised tax regime.
IPMAN made the allegation on Wednesday at its Annual General Meeting in Awka, where the association called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and protect businesses operating in the state.
Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, said the state government had approved a harmonised annual payment of ₦145,000 for each filling station.
He said the amount covered property tax, business premises, local government council and signage charges, and that marketers were complying with the approved arrangement.
However, Anyaso alleged that government agents continued to issue additional demand notices to filling station operators.
He said the ₦145,000 charge was already higher than what marketers paid in other states within the association’s zone.
According to him, marketers in rural areas of Enugu pay between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 annually, while those in city centres pay about ₦120,000.
Anyaso also alleged that some local government authorities were interfering with filling station operations and that consultants engaged to collect revenue were creating additional difficulties for marketers.
He further alleged that the state Ministry of Petroleum Resources was introducing additional charges, including a Petroleum tax renewal, despite marketers already paying federal petroleum-related charges.
The Issues
IPMAN said the additional demands were increasing operating costs for petroleum marketers at a time when the business was becoming less profitable.
Anyaso said the association had agreed to comply with taxes and levies formally approved by the state government but objected to charges it described as illegal.
The dispute centres on whether additional charges being demanded from filling stations fall within the approved harmonised levy or represent separate revenue demands by government agencies and consultants.
The association also raised concerns about the involvement of local government authorities and consultants in revenue collection from petroleum businesses.
What’s Being Said
“We agreed on N145,000 per year for every outlet, which covers property tax, Business Premises, Local Government Council and Signage but we are getting illegal demand notices from agents under this government.” – Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman, IPMAN Enugu Depot Community.
“Anambra is becoming a problem state for the union as most of the challenges come from the state.” – Ikechukwu Nwankwo, Southeast Zonal Vice President, IPMAN.
“We may have to shut down operations for a while to get the attention of Mr Governor.” – Ikechukwu Nwankwo, Southeast Zonal Vice President, IPMAN.
What’s Next
Nwankwo appealed to the state government to support petroleum marketers, saying rising operating costs and lower margins were putting pressure on their businesses.
He said marketers could consider temporarily shutting their operations if the alleged harassment continued.
The Chairman of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria in Anambra, Izukanne Chibuike, also called for an end to what he described as incessant harassment by unknown agents.
Chibuike, however, commended Soludo for approving the harmonised levy and said petroleum dealers would continue to comply with approved taxes and government policies.
Bottom Line
IPMAN wants the Anambra Government to stop alleged illegal levies and harassment of petroleum marketers, arguing that the additional demands are worsening an already difficult business environment. The association has warned of a possible temporary shutdown if the dispute is not resolved.
NADF has trained 4,000 tractor operators and mechanics to support Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation programme.
Federal Government is deploying 2,000 tractors and more than 9,000 implements and spare parts.
Government says financing, maintenance, skills and accountability are critical to sustaining mechanisation.
Main Story
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has trained 4,000 tractor operators and mechanics to support Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation programme, the Federal Government has said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this on the sidelines of the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Rwanda, where discussions focused on sustainable agricultural mechanisation and resilient food systems.
Kyari said the trained personnel would provide the skilled manpower required to operate and maintain agricultural machinery being deployed across the country.
He said the government was deploying 2,000 tractors, alongside more than 9,000 agricultural implements and spare parts, through a service-provider model.
According to him, the model is intended to improve farmers’ access to mechanisation while ensuring more efficient use and management of agricultural equipment.
The minister said training operators and mechanics was necessary to ensure that investments in machinery translated into increased farm productivity, employment and improved food security.
He commended NADF for strengthening the mechanisation drive through skills development.
Kyari said the government’s approach went beyond purchasing and distributing equipment, stressing that sustainable mechanisation also depended on financing, equipment utilisation, maintenance systems, skilled personnel and accountability.
The Issues
Nigeria’s mechanisation programme faces the challenge of ensuring that agricultural equipment remains operational after deployment.
The government’s decision to combine equipment deployment with operator and mechanic training is aimed at addressing the skills and maintenance requirements needed to keep the machinery in use.
Kyari also identified irrigation, dry-season farming, climate-smart agriculture and soil health as areas receiving government investment to increase food production and strengthen resilience.
He added that support was being provided to displaced farmers returning to agricultural production.
What’s Being Said
“Our shared objective is not simply to put more tractors on the field but to build a sustainable system of finance, utilisation, maintenance, skills and accountability around them.” – Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
“Building a resilient and competitive food system ultimately requires bringing land, water, technology, finance and markets together within a coordinated framework capable of withstanding shocks, raising productivity and delivering sustainable prosperity.” – Sen. Abubakar Kyari.
What’s Next
Kyari called for greater private-sector investment and stronger partnerships across the agricultural value chain.
He said government would need to create an enabling environment for investment in agricultural production, processing, technology, logistics and markets.
The minister said Nigeria’s large and youthful population, expanding domestic market and agricultural potential could provide economic opportunities if public investment, private capital, technology, infrastructure and human capacity were better aligned.
Bottom Line
The Federal Government is pairing the deployment of 2,000 tractors and more than 9,000 agricultural implements with skills development, with 4,000 operators and mechanics already trained through NADF. The government says sustained mechanisation will depend on financing, maintenance, skills, utilisation and accountability, not equipment procurement alone.
Guinea-Bissau voters have provisionally approved a new constitution with 70 per cent voting in favour.
The reforms give the president power to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet.
Parliament would be reduced from 102 to 65 seats under the new constitution.
Main Story
Voters in Guinea-Bissau have provisionally approved a new constitution that expands presidential powers and changes the country’s electoral system ahead of a presidential election scheduled for December.
The National Electoral Commission said 70 per cent of voters backed the reforms, while 30 per cent voted against them. About 544,060 people participated, representing almost 60 per cent of registered voters.
Under the new constitution, the president would have the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet, replacing the current arrangement under which parliament names the prime minister.
The president would also be able to create or abolish ministries and dissolve parliament in the event of a grave political crisis.
The referendum was held under a military government that came to power after a coup in November 2025. The country’s main opposition party, the PAIGC, boycotted the vote and questioned the safeguards surrounding the process.
PAIGC leader Domingos Simoes Pereira said the referendum’s supporters were seeking to “kill our freedom and bury our democracy.”
A spokesperson for the military government could not be reached for comment.
The Issues
The constitutional changes would significantly alter the balance of power between Guinea-Bissau’s presidency and parliament.
Parliament would be reduced from 102 seats to 65, while the number of electoral constituencies would fall from 29 to 12.
The reforms would also introduce a five-year residency requirement for presidential candidates, who would have to have lived continuously in Guinea-Bissau during the five years preceding an election.
The referendum has therefore given the military government provisional backing for changes to the country’s political and electoral framework, although the opposition’s boycott raises questions about the breadth of political participation in the process.
Reports from the capital, Bissau, said polling stations were largely empty during Sunday’s vote. Some residents told local media they were unaware that the referendum was taking place or did not understand its purpose.
Pereira made the statement in a video message urging opposition supporters to reject the referendum process.
What’s Next
The provisional referendum result provides the military government with a basis for implementing the proposed constitutional changes ahead of the presidential election scheduled for December.
The reforms would reshape the powers of the presidency, parliament and the electoral system if implemented as approved.
Bottom Line
Guinea-Bissau voters have provisionally backed a new constitution that strengthens presidential powers and reduces the size of parliament. The vote comes ahead of December’s presidential election and was boycotted by the country’s main opposition party.
Global annual grid investment needs to rise from about $400bn to $600bn by 2030, the IEA estimates.
Grid projects can take eight to 10 years or more in Europe and the United States.
The electricity sector will need an additional 1.5 million workers by 2030.
Main Story
Energy experts have stated that global electricity grid investment needs to increase by about 50 per cent to roughly $600 billion annually by 2030 as electrification, renewable energy and rising data-centre demand put pressure on power systems.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that annual investment must rise from about $400 billion currently to meet the infrastructure requirements of the emerging electricity-intensive economy.
The figures were highlighted at the CIGRE 2026 Paris Session, which brought together more than 15,000 electricity-sector experts from 100 countries and 330 exhibitors.
The session focused on the need to accelerate grid development and coordinate investment, technology, regulation and workforce development across the electricity value chain.
The pace of infrastructure delivery remains a major constraint. According to the IEA figures cited at the session, extra-high-voltage transmission lines can be permitted and constructed in about 1.5 years in China and around three years in India.
Comparable projects in Europe and the United States can take eight to 10 years or longer.
CIGRE said addressing the gap will require transmission and distribution system operators to coordinate network planning and operations, while utilities, manufacturers and technology providers increase equipment production, innovation and industrial capacity.
Regulators and public authorities will also need to provide investment frameworks that support infrastructure development while considering affordability and public acceptance.
The Issues
The growing demand for electricity is increasing pressure on existing power networks as transport, industry and buildings become more electrified and renewable generation expands.
The speed at which new grid infrastructure can be planned, approved and constructed therefore becomes critical to the pace of the energy transition.
The sector also faces a workforce shortage. About eight million people are currently employed in constructing, maintaining and operating electricity grids globally, while the IEA estimates that another 1.5 million workers will be required by 2030.
What’s Being Said
“No plan B, no planet B,” – Konstantin O. Papailiou, President of CIGRE.
The statement was made in a call for collective action to develop the power systems required for the future electricity system.
What’s Next
CIGRE said it is using its technical working groups and the CIGRE Fund for Innovation and Education to support research, scholarships and training aimed at strengthening the electricity sector’s skills base.
The organisation is also calling for closer cooperation among network operators, utilities, manufacturers, technology providers, regulators and public authorities as new grid infrastructure is developed.
During the Paris Session, the French Minister of Industry, Mr. Martin, visited the CIGRE exhibition after being invited to the FIERE event. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in responding to the current wave of electrification.
Bottom Line
The global shift towards greater electricity use is creating a major infrastructure requirement, with annual grid investment needing to reach about $600 billion by 2030. The scale of the challenge will depend not only on capital, but also on faster project delivery, industrial capacity and a larger skilled workforce.
Ten Nigerian growth-stage companies were selected from more than 1,000 applications.
The businesses operate across healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, food, tourism and technology.
Participants will receive mentorship, investor support and access to potential follow-on funding.
Main Story
Cascador has selected 10 Nigerian growth-stage companies for its 2026 ScaleUp Programme, following more than 1,000 applications from businesses seeking support to expand their operations.
The 12-week programme is focused on companies with established traction and growth potential across Nigeria’s real economy and technology-driven sectors.
The selected businesses are Venco, SunFi, ColdHubs, EHA Clinics, Beauty Hut Africa, BEYOND Fitness, Ziba Beach Resort, Tulay Africa, Maanj Agric and Finger Chops.
Their businesses cover areas including digital infrastructure for residential communities, solar energy, cold storage, healthcare, beauty commerce, fitness, tourism, critical minerals, agriculture and food manufacturing.
Cascador said the selection reflects a shift in its ScaleUp Programme towards growth-stage businesses that have demonstrated traction and are positioned for further expansion.
The cohort will receive one-on-one support from investors, international and African experts, and strategic partners. Participants will also be eligible for follow-on funding through Cascador’s Catalytic Fund.
The fund deploys up to $5 million annually in growth capital through local-currency debt, equity and guarantees in partnership with Sterling Bank.
The programme combines two weeks of in-person sessions, including the kickoff and pitch week, with 10 weeks of virtual sessions involving founders and their leadership teams.
Participants will also compete at a Live Pitch Day for an opportunity to receive $50,000 in prizes.
Trish Thomas, CEO of Cascador, said the programme would help the selected founders strengthen their businesses and prepare for their next stage of growth.
“The founders in our 2026 ScaleUp program reflect the ambition, resilience and entrepreneurial talent driving Nigeria’s economy forward. Their businesses are already creating jobs, generating value and spurring growth across some of the country’s most important sectors,” she said.
Thomas said Cascador’s focus was to provide the training, mentorship, networks and leadership skills required to help the businesses expand.
The 2026 cohort has a 60 per cent female-founder representation and includes founders from five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions, according to Cascador.
Chude Osiegbu, CEO and Co-Founder of Venco, one of the selected companies, said participation in the programme would support the company’s expansion into new cities and countries.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of Cascador’s 2026 ScaleUp Program. The mentorship, resources and networks the program provides will accelerate our growth to transform how residential and commercial communities operate across Africa,” he said.
Cascador said it had supported 70 ventures since 2019, with those businesses collectively raising $125 million in capital. Its alumni served more than 1.7 million customers in 2025 alone.
David DeLucia, Co-Founder of Cascador, said the latest cohort represented an opportunity to help established businesses grow sustainably and generate lasting economic value.
The Issues
The programme targets businesses that have moved beyond the early-stage phase and are seeking capital, expertise and networks to expand.
The participating companies span several sectors, giving the cohort exposure to different growth challenges and market opportunities across Nigeria.
The funding component also gives selected businesses a potential route to additional capital beyond the 12-week programme.
What’s Being Said
“The mentorship, resources and networks the program provides will accelerate our growth to transform how residential and commercial communities operate across Africa.” – Chude Osiegbu, CEO and Co-Founder, Venco
“The founders in our 2026 ScaleUp program reflect the ambition, resilience and entrepreneurial talent driving Nigeria’s economy forward.” – Trish Thomas, CEO, Cascador
“The next chapter of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial story will be about what happens when proven businesses get the support they need to scale.” – David DeLucia, Co-Founder, Cascador
What’s Next
The selected companies will undergo the 12-week ScaleUp Programme, combining in-person and virtual sessions with mentorship, investor engagement and strategic support.
They will also participate in a Live Pitch Day, where they will have the opportunity to compete for $50,000 in prizes, while eligible companies can pursue follow-on funding through Cascador’s Catalytic Fund.
Bottom Line
Cascador has chosen 10 Nigerian growth-stage companies for its 2026 ScaleUp Programme, giving businesses across key sectors access to mentorship, networks and potential growth capital as they prepare to expand.
Chain Reactions Africa won the Large Consultancy category in the inaugural Africa Consultancy Performance Index.
The Lagos-based firm ranked third overall among Africa’s top five PR consultancies.
Its ranking was based on business performance, creative impact, innovation, talent and industry leadership.
Main Story
Chain Reactions Africa has been ranked the third-best PR consultancy in Africa in the inaugural Africa Consultancy Performance Index, while taking the top spot in the Large Consultancy category.
The Lagos-headquartered independent consultancy received the recognition at PRAXIS Africa during Africa PR Week in Nairobi on August 26, 2026.
South Africa’s Retroviral, Dialogue Communications, Clockwork and Burson Africa were also among the five highest-ranked consultancies.
The index, developed by Earned First, assessed firms across five areas: business performance; creative impact and client outcomes; innovation and thought leadership; talent and culture; and industry leadership.
Chain Reactions Africa recorded particularly strong results in business performance and creative impact and client outcomes, according to the organisers.
The ranking comes against the backdrop of improved financial and business performance by the consultancy. In 2025, the firm recorded 18.5 per cent revenue growth and increased its workforce from 44 to 53 employees. It also reported a 60 per cent success rate in winning new business.
Founded in 2010, Chain Reactions Africa operates across strategic advisory, creativity, technology, research and cultural intelligence.
Its recent work includes communications around LAMATA’s intra-city electric rail project, NIVEA’s SABI hygiene education programme and Indomie Heroes.
The consultancy said NIVEA’s SABI programme contributed to a 40 per cent increase in sales, while the Indomie Heroes campaign helped reinforce the brand’s focus on children and youth development.
Technology and audience research have also become part of its operations through Ara by Prophet, an AI and cultural-intelligence platform, and ÀRÁMÀNDÀ, an audience-intelligence and research platform.
Arun Sudhaman, Founder and CEO of Earned First, said the index was intended to provide a broad assessment of consultancy performance rather than focus solely on individual campaigns or awards.
The latest ranking adds to Chain Reactions Africa’s previous recognition at international and continental industry awards, including a second-place overall finish at the SABRE Awards.
Israel Opayemi, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, said the result demonstrated that an independent African consultancy could compete with larger international firms.
“To be recognised alongside and ahead of some of the biggest names on the continent is particularly meaningful. It tells us that an African independent consultancy can build world-class capability, compete with global heavyweights and remain deeply rooted in the realities and possibilities of our continent.” – Israel Opayemi, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa
The Issues
The Africa Consultancy Performance Index evaluates PR consultancies beyond individual campaigns, using business performance, client outcomes, innovation, talent and industry leadership as its five assessment areas.
Chain Reactions Africa’s third-place overall ranking places an African independent consultancy among established firms and global PR networks operating across the continent.
What’s Being Said
“This means a lot to us at Chain Reactions Africa. We are deeply grateful for this recognition. It represents more than a ranking; it is an acknowledgement of the journey we have taken, the people who have built this consultancy and the ambition we continue to have for African communications.” – Israel Opayemi, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa
“To be recognised alongside and ahead of some of the biggest names on the continent is particularly meaningful. It tells us that an African independent consultancy can build world-class capability, compete with global heavyweights and remain deeply rooted in the realities and possibilities of our continent.” – Israel Opayemi, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Africa
What’s Next
The recognition places Chain Reactions Africa among the leading PR consultancies assessed in the inaugural continental index.
The consultancy is expected to build on its existing focus on strategic advisory, creativity, technology, research and cultural intelligence as it expands its work across African communications markets.
Bottom Line
Chain Reactions Africa has won the Large Consultancy category in the inaugural Africa Consultancy Performance Index and ranked third overall, placing the Nigerian independent consultancy among the continent’s top-performing PR firms.
U.S.-based investors account for about 60 per cent of external capital entering Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
The U.S. has remained the largest source of external tech investment in Nigeria over the past decade.
U.S. companies are also supporting technology skills development and business growth in Nigeria.
Main Story
U.S.-based investors account for about 60 per cent of external capital entering Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, the U.S. Consul General in Lagos, Brandon Hudspeth, has said.
Hudspeth made the disclosure on Wednesday at a GITEX Nigeria panel discussion titled, “From Startup to Scale-Up: Building Globally Competitive Businesses through U.S.-Nigeria Partnerships”.
He said U.S.-based investors had remained the largest source of external capital for Nigeria’s technology ecosystem over the past 10 years, with funding coming from major American companies and venture capital firms.
“For the past 10 years, U.S.-based investors have consistently been the largest source of external capital in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.
“U.S. sourced funding accounts today for 60 per cent of all external capital entering the Nigerian tech ecosystem, and it is coming from everywhere,” Hudspeth said.
He listed Visa, Google, Mastercard, Microsoft, Uber and PayPal among major U.S. companies contributing to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, alongside smaller American venture capital firms.
Hudspeth said the scale of existing investment showed the potential for stronger partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and U.S. companies.
He said deeper collaboration could support job creation, service delivery and economic prosperity in both countries.
“I know that there is a collaboration that will bring prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic and deliver services on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.
The Consul General said U.S.-Nigeria partnerships were also helping both the public and private sectors accelerate innovation, scale businesses and develop solutions capable of competing in global markets.
He said American technology companies were supporting the development of Nigeria’s technology talent through skills and capacity-building programmes.
“U.S. companies are working today to help build the Nigerian talent pool. Companies like Google, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft are training hundreds of thousands of people in the tech and AI sectors,” he said.
Hudspeth said the U.S. Consulate in Lagos was working to support technology companies, promote inclusive prosperity, facilitate business partnerships and connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with American counterparts.
He said these efforts were being pursued substantially through the U.S. Commercial Investment Partnership.
“At the Consulate, we are working to support these entities, drive equal prosperity, facilitate deals and bring Nigerian entrepreneurs together,” he said.
Hudspeth urged Nigerian entrepreneurs and U.S. technology companies to deepen their collaboration in developing innovative solutions and creating new opportunities.
He expressed optimism that discussions at GITEX Nigeria would lead to further investment and partnerships between Nigerian startups and American companies.
“I believe that among us today are the developers of the next six unicorns on the continent of Africa,” he said.
The Issues
U.S. investment is playing a significant role in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, according to the Consul General, with American funding accounting for about 60 per cent of external capital entering the sector.
Beyond funding, the partnership involves skills development, capacity building, business connections and support for Nigerian companies seeking to scale.
What’s Being Said
“For the past 10 years, U.S.-based investors have consistently been the largest source of external capital in the Nigerian tech ecosystem.” – Brandon Hudspeth, U.S. Consul General in Lagos
“U.S. sourced funding accounts today for 60 per cent of all external capital entering the Nigerian tech ecosystem, and it is coming from everywhere.” – Brandon Hudspeth, U.S. Consul General in Lagos
What’s Next
Hudspeth said the U.S. Consulate would continue working to facilitate business partnerships and connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with U.S. companies.
The discussions at GITEX Nigeria are expected to expose further opportunities for collaboration and investment between Nigerian startups and American technology companies.
Bottom Line
U.S.-based investors account for about 60 per cent of external capital entering Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, according to the U.S. Consul General, highlighting the scale of American participation in the country’s technology sector.
FWF wants the Federal Government to implement the full consequential adjustment of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
The group says workers are owed arrears, allowances, promotion arrears and other entitlements.
It also called for a salary review amid rising living costs.
Main Story
The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has urged the Federal Government to fully implement the consequential adjustments arising from the ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage and settle outstanding arrears owed to federal workers.
The forum also called for the payment of outstanding allowances and other entitlements linked to the revised wage structure, which took effect in 2024.
The demand was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and jointly signed by FWF National Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze, and General Secretary, Ogundele Ayodele.
The forum alleged that the new minimum wage had not been fully implemented across the federal public service, claiming that only ₦40,000 was added uniformly to salaries across different levels.
It said the adjustment did not reflect the full consequential increase expected from the revised minimum wage.
“The situation had weakened workers’ purchasing power and worsened their living conditions amid rising costs of food, transportation, accommodation and other essential services,” the forum said.
According to FWF, federal workers have been seeking the full consequential adjustment since the implementation of the new minimum wage in July 2024.
The group specifically demanded the immediate implementation of the outstanding 40 per cent peculiar allowance and payment of all arrears arising from the new wage structure.
It also called for the settlement of promotion arrears and other outstanding financial obligations owed to workers.
“Workers should not continue to bear the burden of delayed implementation,” it said.
FWF said the Federal Government should urgently resolve all outstanding issues associated with the implementation of the new minimum wage and ensure that workers receive a salary structure that reflects its consequential effect.
The forum further called for a review of workers’ salaries, arguing that prevailing economic conditions had made current earnings inadequate for federal employees.
It said a comprehensive salary review would help address the rising cost of living while improving workers’ welfare, productivity and efficiency in the public service.
The Issues
The dispute centres on the extent to which the ₦70,000 minimum wage has translated into consequential salary adjustments for federal workers.
FWF says outstanding adjustments, allowances and arrears have not been fully resolved and that delays have affected workers’ purchasing power amid higher living costs.
What’s Being Said
“The situation had weakened workers’ purchasing power and worsened their living conditions amid rising costs of food, transportation, accommodation and other essential services.” – Federal Workers Forum
“Workers should not continue to bear the burden of delayed implementation.” – Federal Workers Forum
“Workers deserve a fair and equitable salary structure that reflects the consequential effect of the N70,000 minimum wage.” – Federal Workers Forum
What’s Next
FWF wants the Federal Government to implement the outstanding consequential adjustments, pay the 40 per cent peculiar allowance and settle promotion arrears and other outstanding entitlements.
The forum is also seeking a broader review of federal workers’ salaries to reflect prevailing economic conditions.
Bottom Line
Federal workers are demanding full implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage adjustments and payment of outstanding entitlements, arguing that the current implementation has not adequately reflected the new wage structure.
PBAT Mandate Elders Forum says fuel subsidy reversal would reduce funds for infrastructure.
The group says subsidy removal has increased government revenue and improved fuel availability.
It urged Nigerians to remain patient with the economic reforms.
Main Story
The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, an All Progressives Congress (APC) group, has warned that any attempt to reintroduce fuel subsidy could reduce government revenue and stall infrastructure development across Nigeria.
Chief Demola Ijabiyi, State Chairman of the forum, gave the warning on Wednesday in Akure during its quarterly meeting.
Ijabiyi said the removal of fuel subsidy had freed additional resources for governments at all levels to finance critical infrastructure projects.
He cited major road projects linking Ondo State with neighbouring states as examples of infrastructure development he attributed to increased government revenue following the subsidy removal.
“Bring back the subsidy and there will be paucity of funds. Many of these projects will suffer, and we do not want that,” he said.
Ijabiyi also said fuel availability had improved since the removal of the subsidy, arguing that Nigeria was no longer experiencing prolonged queues at filling stations.
He said black-market activities and labour-related disruptions associated with fuel scarcity and difficulties in paying workers’ salaries had also reduced.
According to him, fluctuations in petrol prices were largely influenced by developments in the international oil market rather than domestic policies.
“The price of crude oil has an international dimension that is beyond Nigeria’s control. Global events determine the direction of prices,” he said.
Ijabiyi said geopolitical tensions affecting global crude oil supply routes had continued to influence oil prices internationally.
He also recalled that subsidised petrol had previously been smuggled across Nigeria’s borders, resulting in the country indirectly subsidising fuel consumption in neighbouring countries.
The forum chairman warned that restoring subsidy, whether directly or indirectly, could create an unsustainable fiscal burden and return the country to a situation where a substantial share of government revenue was used to fund petrol subsidies.
The Issues
The forum’s argument centres on the fiscal implications of reversing the fuel subsidy policy.
Ijabiyi said reduced government revenue following a return to subsidy could affect funding for infrastructure projects and other government responsibilities.
He also linked the subsidy debate to fuel availability, cross-border smuggling and the volatility of international crude oil prices.
What’s Being Said
“There is no free subsidy anywhere. Someone must bear the cost, and we should not return to a system that consumed huge national resources.” – Chief Demola Ijabiyi, State Chairman, PBAT Mandate Elders Forum
“We are in a period of transition from economic challenges to prosperity. The reforms require patience, but the long-term gains will outweigh the temporary difficulties.” – Chief Demola Ijabiyi, State Chairman, PBAT Mandate Elders Forum
What’s Next
Ijabiyi urged Nigerians to remain patient with the ongoing economic reforms, which he described as a transition towards long-term prosperity.
He also called on APC leaders in Ondo State to set aside political differences and unite behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The forum chairman urged party members to prioritise reconciliation and mobilisation and called for restraint in public communication, warning against personal attacks.
Bottom Line
The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum says restoring fuel subsidy would place additional pressure on government finances and could undermine infrastructure projects and other gains it attributes to the subsidy removal policy.
Niger State Bans Intra-State, Inter-State Movement of People, Vehicles Over Coronavirus
Key Points
NSITDEA signed an MoU with Wecrin Inc./Africa Talent Collective to establish a digital talent pathway.
The initiative will identify, assess and match qualified Niger State technology professionals with international employers.
The partnership is expected to create opportunities in software, cloud computing, AI and other emerging technologies.
Main Story
The Niger State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NSITDEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wecrin Inc./Africa Talent Collective (ATC) to connect digital professionals in the state with global employment opportunities.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday in Minna, is expected to support the proposed Niger State Digital Talent Bridge, a talent pipeline designed to identify, assess and match qualified technology professionals with potential international employers.
Suleiman Isah, Director-General of NSITDEA, said the partnership was part of the state government’s efforts to connect its growing pool of technology professionals with opportunities in international markets.
“This creates a three-part opportunity: connect Niger State talent to global jobs, expose the State to international technology companies, and bring new knowledge into the public sector,” he said.
Isah said the partnership would also enable the agency to better understand the skills required by international employers, allowing future training programmes to be shaped around actual labour-market demand.
He said the initiative was expected to create pathways for remote work, internships and direct employment with international companies, particularly in software, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies.
According to him, women participating in the agency’s TechSis programme are also expected to benefit through access to international job opportunities, giving the programme a stronger economic dimension.
Isah said the partnership could also strengthen engagement between Niger State and Japanese technology companies in deep technology, innovation and knowledge exchange.
“One of the expected outcomes with long time-term and valuable opportunity is strengthening engagement between Niger and Japanese technology companies in the area of deep technology, innovation and knowledge exchange and others,” he said.
He said Niger State was seeking not only to connect its technology professionals with overseas employers but also to use international relationships to attract companies, investment, technical expertise and partnerships into the state.
“If the partnership works as intended, the agency could gradually build a recognised pool of professionals who have been assessed and can be recommended to international employers,” he said.
Under the agreement, Wecrin Inc./ATC will provide the international connection through its involvement in recruitment and the global talent ecosystem, as well as its experience working across African markets.
Isah said the arrangement was intended to provide access to employers, credible assessment and a trusted recruitment pipeline that had previously been lacking.
He said the initiative represented a shift from simply training young people in digital skills towards creating direct pathways to employment, income generation and professional development.
“The initiative marks a shift from simply training young people in digital skills to creating direct pathways to employment, income generation and professional development,” he said.
The Issues
The partnership links digital skills development in Niger State with actual employment opportunities in international markets.
It also gives the state agency access to information on the skills international employers require, which could influence the design of future training programmes.
Beyond employment, the arrangement is intended to create links with international technology companies and support the movement of knowledge, investment and technical expertise into the state.
What’s Being Said
“This creates a three-part opportunity: connect Niger State talent to global jobs, expose the State to international technology companies, and bring new knowledge into the public sector.” – Suleiman Isah, Director-General, NSITDEA
“The initiative marks a shift from simply training young people in digital skills to creating direct pathways to employment, income generation and professional development.” – Suleiman Isah, Director-General, NSITDEA
What’s Next
NSITDEA and Wecrin Inc./ATC are expected to develop the proposed Niger State Digital Talent Bridge, including mechanisms for assessing and matching qualified professionals with international employers.
The partnership is also expected to support opportunities for remote work, internships and direct employment, while strengthening links with Japanese technology companies.
Bottom Line
The NSITDEA-ATC partnership is designed to move Niger State’s digital-skills programme beyond training by creating a structured pathway for qualified professionals to secure international employment and attract technology opportunities into the state.
Uber will discontinue its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2.
The company said the decision followed a review of its business priorities and investment focus.
Uber said the exit was unrelated to the recent FAAN directive on airport e-hailing operations.
Main Story
Uber will discontinue its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2, the company announced on Wednesday.
Lorraine Onduru, Head of Communications, Uber East and West Africa, said the decision followed a review of the company’s evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
Onduru, in a statement issued in Lagos, said the decision was limited to Nigeria and Uganda and would not affect Uber’s operations in other African markets.
“Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity,” Onduru said.
She said the company’s immediate priority was to support drivers, riders and employees affected by the discontinuation, adding that Uber had begun communicating directly with them about transition arrangements.
Active drivers will receive a token of appreciation as they leave the platform, while rider support will remain available for 21 days after operations cease to resolve outstanding and transition-related issues.
Uber for Business services in Nigeria will also be discontinued as part of the exit, with the company contacting affected partners about the transition.
On data privacy, Onduru said rider information would continue to be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and Uber’s data protection policies.
She said data would be retained only for legally required periods, while appropriate security controls would remain in place.
Onduru also clarified that Uber’s decision to leave Nigeria was not linked to the recent directive by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.
According to her, the decision was driven by the company’s broader review of its business priorities and investment focus across Africa.
The Issues
Uber’s exit will affect riders, drivers, employees and business partners that currently rely on its platform in Nigeria.
The company has indicated that its transition measures will include support for affected stakeholders, a token of appreciation for active drivers and continued rider support for 21 days after operations end.
The discontinuation will also extend to Uber for Business services in Nigeria.
What’s Being Said
“Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity.” – Lorraine Onduru, Head of Communications, Uber East and West Africa
What’s Next
Uber will communicate directly with affected employees, drivers, riders and business partners on arrangements for the transition.
Rider support will remain available for 21 days after operations cease, while the company will continue to apply its data protection and security requirements to rider information.
Bottom Line
Uber is ending its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2 as part of a broader review of its African business priorities, while maintaining that the Nigerian exit is unrelated to the recent FAAN directive.
MTN will provide selected routers at no cost to young people in the South-East.
The devices, valued at up to ₦60,000 each, will require beneficiaries to subscribe to applicable data plans.
The initiative targets techies, students, entrepreneurs, remote workers and digital creators.
Main Story
MTN has partnered with The Block Hive, a technology hub in Nsukka, Enugu State, to provide at least 5,000 free internet routers to young people across the South-East.
The initiative is aimed at supporting techies, students, remote workers, entrepreneurs and digital creators who require internet access to participate in the digital economy.
Callima Inino, MTN’s South-East Regional Representative, announced the company’s commitment during a meeting with The Block Hive team in Enugu on Wednesday.
Inino said selected 4G and 5G routers, which cost up to ₦60,000 each, would be provided to eligible beneficiaries at no cost.
He, however, said beneficiaries would be required to subscribe to the applicable MTN data plan attached to their selected router packages.
“MTN representatives and agents will be present at the South-East Blockchain & Games Week 2026 event across all the build stations the event is setting up in all states of the South-East.
“We will be providing information about the available router options and facilitating access to eligible offers as well,” he said.
The router distribution will be facilitated through The Block Hive and selected technology community activities, including the South-East Blockchain & Games Week 2026 scheduled for September 16 to 19.
Speaking at the meeting, Kevin Okoye, Founder and CEO of Ginakev Labs, which established The Block Hive, said the initiative was designed to remove the upfront cost of acquiring internet equipment for young people.
He said the technology ecosystem in the South-East was growing rapidly but young people continued to face practical barriers, including unreliable electricity, inadequate workspace and limited internet infrastructure.
“The Block Hive was created in part to address these challenges by providing reliable power, internet connectivity, co-working facilities, training, event and co-living apartment infrastructure to the technology community,” he said.
Okoye said the initiative would use The Block Hive’s existing technology community and Ginakev Labs’ network to reach beneficiaries across the region.
He said GIDA, the education and skills-development arm of Ginakev Labs, had trained more than 10,000 young people in digital skills and blockchain technology since 2020, with many receiving fully funded scholarships supported by the Ginakev Foundation.
According to him, The Block Hive complements the training programme by providing developers, entrepreneurs, students, creators and remote workers with a physical environment to learn, work and collaborate.
Okoye said MTN’s support would help ensure that the cost of internet equipment did not prevent young people with the skills and ambition to work from participating in the digital economy.
The Issues
Access to reliable internet remains an important infrastructure requirement for young people working, studying and building businesses through digital platforms.
The initiative targets one of the practical barriers identified by The Block Hive, although the source does not provide details on the criteria that will determine eligibility for all 5,000 beneficiaries.
The routers will also require ongoing subscriptions to applicable MTN data plans, meaning the devices will be provided free while connectivity will continue to involve a recurring cost for beneficiaries.
What’s Being Said
“If someone has a laptop, has the skills and has the ambition to work, the last thing we want is for the cost of getting a router to become the reason they cannot participate.” – Kevin Okoye, Founder and CEO, Ginakev Labs
“MTN representatives and agents will be present at the South-East Blockchain & Games Week 2026 event across all the build stations the event is setting up in all states of the South-East.” – Callima Inino, MTN South-East Regional Representative
What’s Next
MTN representatives and agents are expected to attend the South-East Blockchain & Games Week 2026 across the build stations being established in the states of the South-East.
They will provide information on available router options and facilitate access to eligible offers.
The event, which is scheduled for September 16 to 19, is being co-convened by Okoye and builds on the Ethereum Enugu Hub conference organised in 2025.
Bottom Line
MTN’s planned distribution of at least 5,000 free routers is intended to lower the upfront cost of internet access for young people participating in the South-East’s growing technology ecosystem.
