The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced that its 2025 annual conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference, which is the ninth edition, is themed: Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects.
A press statement by the Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the conference planning committee chairman, Danlami Nmodu as saying that the event was aimed at generating actionable strategies for bridging the gap between electoral promises and effective governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Nmodu who doubles as the Deputy President of GOCOP also revealed that the conference will feature a distinguished keynote speaker and panel discussions.
Nweke recalled that past GOCOP conferences had hosted prominent speakers including Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto who delivered the 2019 lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward”.
In 2021, Mr. Boss Mustapha, then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, keynoted the Conference in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. He spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria”.
In 2022, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered the keynote titled “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”
The 2023 edition which held in Abuja had the theme, Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability, was keynoted by Professor Uche Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market.
GOCOP, a professional body comprising 119 member organisations, was founded to uphold the tenets of journalism in the digital age. Its members are seasoned editors and senior journalists who have transitioned from traditional media to online publishing.
The statement noted that “the conference offers unique sponsorship opportunities for brand visibility, media recognition, and networking with high-level journalists, editors, and policy influencers.
Through a partnership with GOCOP, organisations demonstrate their commitment and promotion to ethical journalism and responsible media, the statement said.
GOCOP 2025: Conference on Governance Challenges, Prospects Set for October 9
NCC Advances Cybersecurity Framework to Safeguard Nigeria’s Telecom Infrastructure
L-R: President, International Youth Parliament, Hon. Promise Digos; Chief Executive Officer, Megamore Wireless Limited, Amin Dayekh; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Abraham Oshadami; Head, Cybersecurity and Internet Governance Department, NCC, Babagana Digima; Chief Executive Officer, Cybernover, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye at the 2nd Cyber Security Stakeholder Workshop Hosted by the Nigerian Communications Commission in Abuja.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is firming up a cybersecurity framework for securing digital infrastructure and enhancing online safety for consumers in the Nigerian communications industry.
The framework, with likely implementation timeline by telecom licensees set for 2026, will address security challenges arising from the emerging technologies towards creating a more secure digital economy in Nigeria.
During the second phase of the cybersecurity framework development meeting with relevant stakeholders, hosted by the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, following the initial meeting held earlier in the year, NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Abraham Oshadami, stressed the need for a water-tight approach to addressing the sophistication of cyber threats in the industry.
Oshadami said given the increasing digitalisation of services, the rapid growth of data exchange, and the sophisticated nature of modern cyber threats, the need for a robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework has never been more urgent.
According to him, as emerging technologies reshape the landscape, cybersecurity now extends beyond the traditional triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), adding that intensifying geopolitical tensions and increasingly sophisticated threats are heightening risks to critical infrastructure irrespective of whether they are built on interconnected devices or legacy systems.
“Both state and non-state actors are targeting essential sectors—including ours – through coordinated cyber and physical attacks. These attacks frequently target control systems and data integrity, underscoring the critical risks posed to operational technology (OT)—especially in our sector.
“As cyberthreats evolve, they endanger not only system performance but also human safety, amplifying the severity and consequences of disruptions to vital communications infrastructure. Cybersecurity now encompasses human safety and must address the real risk to people’s lives when a system is attacked or compromised,” he said.
While emphasising the need to develop the framework, Oshadami said as telecommunications industry continues to serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, its critical role in national development, economic transformation, and societal interaction makes it a strategic asset and unfortunately, a prime target for cyber threats.
Oshadami further explained that the second stakeholders meeting on the cybersecurity framework was to present the progress made since the initial meeting, including the refined framework based on stakeholder input; and to further validate key components, design principles, and implementation strategies of the proposed framework, among others.
The ECTS stated that as the national regulator, the NCC remains committed to an inclusive and consultative process, recognising that sustainable cybersecurity outcomes can only be achieved through shared responsibility and strong public-private partnerships.
“With your continued expertise, insight, and collaboration, we are confident that we can co-create a framework that not only secures our digital infrastructure but also fosters innovation, competitiveness, and long-term industry growth,” he said.
The presentation of the proposed framework by the Chief Executive Officer of CyberNover, the consultants to the Commission on the project, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, further provided details of the framework to stakeholders at the invents, cutting across representatives of telecom licensees and government agencies in the digital economy ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the NCC’s Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, Babagana Digima, while stating that the project is supported by the World Bank, commended all stakeholders for their input, saying while it was expected that the proposed framework will be finalised by end of third quarter of 2025, its implementation is expected to take off in early 2026.
The forum provided a platform to consolidate a shared understanding of the strategic relevance of the proposed cybersecurity framework in enhancing national cybersecurity preparedness and sector resilience; and review and refine the preliminary inputs gathered during the first engagement, incorporating technical perspectives and sector-specific concerns, among others.
Northwest: The Lion’s Share of Tinubu’s Projects
By Tanimu Yakubu
Director-General
Budget Office of the Federation
The Lagos Illusion
The viral chart bundles together national infrastructure—federal highways, coastal transport corridors, and legacy roads—and labels them “Lagos-only projects.” By that logic, the Kano–Maiduguri expressway could be called a “Maiduguri-only project.” It is a sleight of hand that ignores the truth: these are national arteries, not local trophies.
When disaggregated, Lagos’ actual exclusive projects—airport fencing, Carter Bridge works, localized upgrades—stand at about ₦1.2 trillion.
The much-touted ₦2.7 trillion are federal highways and transport links that pass through Lagos but serve the entire federation.
In short, Lagos is not swallowing the budget; Nigeria is being stitched together through infrastructure.
The Northwest Reality
The real numbers paint a starkly different picture:
- North West: ₦97 trillion (over 40% of all approvals)
- South South: ₦41 trillion
- North Central: ₦13 trillion
- South East: ₦407 billion
- North East: ₦400 billion
- South West (excluding Lagos): ₦604 billion
In other words, the Northwest—not Lagos—holds the lion’s share. It is the President’s single largest beneficiary.
Correcting Propaganda
The viral infographic by Daily Trust exaggerates Lagos’ share while downplaying the North’s gains.
Tinubu’s Northwest Compact
Let us speak plainly: without the Northwest, there would be no Tinubu presidency. The President knows this. He has not forgotten, nor has he been ungrateful.
Consider the Kaduna Power Plant (255MW). Conceived under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, it languished in abandonment for years.
Today, under President Tinubu, it is being revived and put back on track. This is not just a power project—it is a symbol of continuity, respect, and reward for the North.
Add to that the Kaduna–Kano expressway, the Kano–Maiduguri highway, the Sokoto–Illela corridor, and massive investments in education and security infrastructure. These are not footnotes. They are the backbone of a deliberate Northwest-first investment strategy.
This is not neglect; it is recognition. It is gratitude made concrete, kilometre by kilometre, megawatt by megawatt.
Propaganda vs. Progress
The danger of the viral infographic is not just statistical error—it is deliberate incitement. It pits Lagos against Kano, Southwest against Northwest, as though one region’s progress must mean another’s exclusion. That is not budgeting. That is blackmail.
But Nigerians are wiser. The records show: Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial hub, rightly upgraded.
The Northwest is Nigeria’s electoral fortress, richly rewarded.
Every region receives its share, because Tinubu budgets for one economy, one country, one people.
Conclusion: Records, Not Rumors
History will not remember the viral graphics. It will remember the farmers in Katsina whose produce reaches markets in Lagos, the power that lights up Kaduna through Yar’Adua’s plant, revived by Tinubu, and the schools and hospitals springing up across Sokoto and Zamfara.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not marginalized the North. He has trusted it, invested in it, and rewarded it.
That is the record. That is the fact. That is the truth.
And no infographic, however colorful, can bury it.
From Devaluation to Domination: How Tinubu’s Exchange Rate Reforms Turned the Naira into Nigeria’s Export Engine
By Tanimu Yakubu
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration dismantled Nigeria’s rigid foreign exchange regime in 2024, critics were quick to call it a currency collapse. The naira plunged to ₦1,800 per dollar in March 2024, and headlines screamed of economic freefall. But beneath the noise, a deliberate, high-risk economic recalibration was underway—one that has now begun to pay off in spectacular fashion.
By August 2025, the naira had clawed its way back to ₦1,525/$1, marking a 15.28% strengthening in just five months—an annualised pace of nearly 48.9%. This wasn’t luck; it was policy. Increased oil receipts, swelling diaspora remittances, and the clearing of over $4 billion in foreign exchange backlogs restored investor trust. The unification of Nigeria’s FX windows created a single, transparent market rate—finally letting the currency find its realistic value.
Why does this matter? Because a realistic exchange rate does more than please economists—it changes the very arithmetic of trade. Nigerian goods, once overpriced in dollars due to an artificially strong naira, suddenly became bargains on global markets. A bag of sesame seeds, cocoa beans, or even processed chocolate instantly cost less in New York, Mumbai, or São Paulo, without the Nigerian farmer or factory owner earning less in naira terms.
The result was swift and striking. Non-oil exports jumped from $2.696 billion in H1 2024 to $3.225 billion in H1 2025—a 19.62% year-on-year growth. And this wasn’t just a “price illusion.” Export volumes rose from 3.83 million to 4.04 million metric tonnes, proof that foreign buyers weren’t just paying more for the same goods—they were buying more goods, period.
A perfect “sweet spot” had emerged:
- For buyers abroad, Nigerian goods were cheaper than competitors’.
- For exporters at home, the naira value of earnings soared, enabling reinvestment into value-added processing—turning raw cocoa into chocolate bars, raw sesame into bottled oil.
- For the economy, the export surge pumped foreign exchange back into the system, strengthening the naira without eroding its competitiveness.
The feedback loop is textbook economics:
- FX Reform → Realistic Naira
- Cheaper USD Prices → Export Boom
- Export Boom → FX Inflows
- FX Inflows → Naira Stability
- Naira Stability → Investor Confidence & Long-Term Growth
What’s remarkable is that this cycle feeds itself. As Nigerian goods win more market share globally, the inflow of export dollars reinforces naira stability. That stability lowers risk for investors, inviting portfolio and capital inflows that further bolster reserves.
The critics who cried “worthless naira” missed the bigger picture: a floating currency is not a sign of weakness—it is a tool for national competitiveness. By refusing to prop up the naira with scarce reserves and instead letting market forces work, the Tinubu administration has set the stage for a sustainable, export-driven growth path.
If Nigeria stays the course, the naira’s recovery won’t just be about exchange rates—it will be the story of an economy finally learning how to turn its currency into a competitive weapon on the world stage.
Yakubu is the Director-General of Budget Office of the Federation
Stanbic IBTC Bank PMI: New Order Growth Hits 19-month High
Growth in the Nigerian private sector continued to gain momentum during August as customer demand improved and inflationary pressures softened. Sharper increases in output and new orders were recorded, although rates of expansion in purchasing activity and employment eased.
Meanwhile, business confidence softened but firms remained optimistic that output will increase over the coming year. The headline figure derived from the survey is the Stanbic IBTC Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).
Muyiwa Oni, Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank commented: “Business activity increased further in August and has remained above 50 points for the ninth consecutive month. The increase in business activity was driven by sharper increases in output and new orders.
Notably, output (56.8 points vs July: 56.1 points) increased in line with customers’ willingness to commit to new projects, while the growth in new orders (58.3 points vs July: 57.3 points) quickened to a 19-month high amid reports of increasing customer demand. Given these higher new orders, firms expanded their staffing levels for the third consecutive month.
The opening of new branches and marketing plans are also supporting firms’ optimism that output will increase over the coming year. Elsewhere, input cost eased to its lowest level since March 2023 even as the latest increase is still above the series average.
In line with this, the rate of increase in output prices moderated for the fourth consecutive month in August and the slowest since April 2020. The continued moderation of input and output prices still suggests that inflation is likely to remain soft in the near term, and may incentivize the MPC of the CBN to switch to an accommodative monetary policy by September from the current neutral stance.
Indeed, we estimate headline inflation to moderate further in August to 21.45% y/y – 21.63% y/y, and possibly settle at 17.19% y/y – 17.92% y/y by November.
Accordingly, we still expect up to 150 bps cumulative rate cut in 2025. Nigeria’s rebased economy shows real GDP increasing by 3.13% y/y in Q1:25 – slower than the 3.76% y/y revised growth in Q4:24 – and also the lowest since Q1:24 when the economy grew by 2.27% y/y.
At 78.6%, relative to 70.0% in Q4:24, services contributed the most to GDP growth in Q1:25, but agriculture shrank to 0.5% in Q1:25, from 19.7% in Q4:24. Industries in Q1:25 contributed an impressive 20.9%, from 10.4% in Q4:24, in line with our long-held view that industries should start contributing more to real GDP growth from 2025 amid the structural shift introduced into the sector by the operations of Dangote Refinery. Overall, the Nigerian economy is still on track to grow by 3.5% y/y in 2025 from 3.4% y/y growth seen in 2024 supported by softer inflation, improvement in FX liquidity conditions, and structural reforms.”
Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.
At 54.2 in August, the headline PMI was above the 50.0 no-change mark for the ninth month running, signalling a sustained improvement in the health of the Nigerian private sector. Moreover, the latest reading was up from 54.0 in July, pointing to a solid strengthening of business conditions and one that was the most pronounced since April.
The rise in the headline index primarily reflected sharper expansions in output and new orders, with rates of growth hitting four- and 19-month highs respectively. Panelists reported stronger customer demand and a greater willingness among clients to commit to new projects. Output increased across three of the four broad sectors covered by the survey, the exception being manufacturing.
While firms continued to expand staffing levels in response to higher new orders, the rate of job creation was only slight and softer than that seen in July. Companies were nonetheless able to deplete outstanding business for the first time in five months.
A slower increase in purchasing activity was also registered in August. Nonetheless, input buying rose markedly in response to improving customer demand, with positive expectations for the future also encouraging firms to accumulate inventories.
Expectations for output growth over the coming year reflected predictions of higher new orders, the opening of new branches and advertising activity. Sentiment eased for the second month running, however, and was relatively muted. Inflationary pressures waned midway through the third quarter. The pace of increase in purchase prices slowed for the fourth consecutive month and was the weakest since March 2020. Meanwhile, the pace of staff cost inflation eased to a three-month low. Where wages increased, panelists linked this to incentives for faster project delivery and cost-of-living payments.
In line with the picture for input costs, the pace of output price inflation also eased in August, slowing for the fourth month running to the weakest in almost five-and-a-half years. The latest rise was also softer than the series average, despite remaining marked as companies passed higher costs through to their customers.
Union Bank of Nigeria Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank
Union Bank of Nigeria, one of the nation’s longest-standing financial institutions, today announced the successful completion of its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, following final approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This milestone concludes a process that began with the signing of a Share Sale Agreement in 2021 and positions Union Bank as an even stronger force within Nigeria’s financial services sector. Under the terms of the merger, Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s operations and assets.
The combined institution will continue to operate under the Union Bank brand, while Titan Trust Bank ceases to exist as a separate entity.
With an expanded footprint of over 293 service centres and 937 ATMs nationwide, supported by strengthened digital channels, Union Bank is poised to deliver enhanced value across retail, SME, and corporate segments. The merger combines Union Bank’s trusted heritage with Titan Trust’s agility and innovation, creating a platform for sustainable growth and broader financial inclusion.
Union Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, described the development as “a pivotal moment in our 108-year journey, and a launchpad for delivering greater value to our customers. By blending stability with innovation, we are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians and to be their most trusted financial partner.”
Also speaking on the transaction, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Bayo Adeleke, said: “This is a new era of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity. By bringing together the strengths of both institutions, we are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, shareholders, and communities while advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.”
The Bank has assured customers that there will be no disruption to existing services. Account details remain unchanged, and customers will continue to access a full suite of products and services seamlessly, with an accelerated push towards enhanced digital solutions.
This strategic consolidation strengthens Union Bank’s market position, unlocks operational synergies, and underscores its ambition to deliver a modern, robust, and inclusive banking experience for all.
Stakeholders Seek Collaboration by Regulators, Operators to Advance Fintech, Financial Inclusion in Nigeria
L-R: Dr. Olayinka Olutola, Director General/CEO, Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals; Maureen Chigbo, President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers; Mr. Paul Ehiagbonare, Chief Digital Officer, Accion Microfinance Bank Ltd; Prince Cookey, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Business Journal; Mr. Afeez Ramoni, Head, of Data and Innovation and representative of Chairman, NGX Group; Mrs. Bukola Ifemade, former Chairperson, Lagos Area Committee of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers and Dr. Jeff Duru, Managing Director/CEO, Universal Insurance Plc during the 2nd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable ’25, on the theme, ‘Fintech & Financial Inclusion: The Opportunities & Challenges for Nigeria’ held in Lagos on Friday.
Stakeholders at the 2nd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Roundtable 2025 have called for collaboration by regulators and operators to advance sustainable growth of fintech ecosystem and financial inclusion in the country.
Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) in his remarks as Chairman of the event, said Nigeria has emerged as one of Africa’s most vibrant fintech ecosystems in the last decade.
“We have witnessed the rise of mobile payments, digital lending platforms and wealth management applications that have transformed how Nigerians access and interact with financial services. At the Nigerian Exchange Group, we have recognised this trend not as a disruption to be resisted, but as an opportunity to be embraced. Our mission has always been to democratise access to investment opportunities and to deepen participation in the capital market. To achieve this, we have consistently opened our doors to fintech innovation.”
On the role of NGX in driving financial inclusion, Kwairanga stated:
“From deploying API-driven market data solutions that allow fintech companies to seamlessly integrate trading information into their platforms, to creating regulatory sandboxes that encourage innovation, and supporting digital trading applications that provide retail investors with direct market access, we have worked deliberately to ensure that fintech inclusion in the capital market is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.”
During the panel session, the stakeholders agreed that harmonisation of relevant policies by such regulatory agencies as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) will ensure public confidence and mitigate various operational risks in the fintech space.
Dr. Olayinka Odutola, Director-General/CEO, Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (AERMP) commended the rising level of fintech and financial inclusion practice in the country, insisting however that the greed factor remains a potent danger in the market.
“Fintech and financial inclusion have started very well in Nigeria but we must consider the greed factor in terms of risks and cyber breaches. People can hack into systems and engage in identity fraud. People-risk is a major risk. Prevention is still better in terms of players and institutions to contain digital fraud.”
Odutola bemoaned the regulatory fragmentation in the system and called for harmonisation of policies and information sharing by the CBN, SEC, NDIC, NAICOM and NIMC to protect both operators and institutions in the system. He lamented that data privacy and ethical hacking are still under-rated.
Dr. Jeff Duru, the Managing Director/CEO of Universal Insurance Plc stated that both fintech and insurtech provides great opportunities for the insurance market in terms of financial inclusion.
“There is little level of financial inclusion in the hinterlands but fintech and insurtech will close the gap in the area of insurance penetration. Insurance companies alone cannot handle financial inclusion. There must be collaboration to ensure reality and no longer a talking point.”
Duru added that both fintech and insurtech are tools to grow the business of insurance in Nigeria in terms of speed, which is a critical issue for operators because it builds trust.
Mrs. Bukola Ifemade, the former chairperson, Lagos Area Committee of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), said the Council is passionate about insurance penetration through fintech and financial inclusion.
“We believe in collaboration. We are making efforts on insurance penetration through the deployment of fintech and financial inclusion.”
In her submission, Ms. Maureen Chigbo, President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) raised the issue of credible communication in the expanding space of fintech and financial inclusion in the country.
“Communication is key in advancing financial inclusion and fintech operations in Nigeria. We need to combat the rising level of misinformation and disinformation in order to deal with the issue of trust in the system.”
Chigbo added that the emerging online publishing community stands ready to combat such communication threats and become a veritable tool for businesses to market their products and services for sustainable growth of the Nigerian economy.
“Fintech can also support human capital development through training, re-training and financial literacy programs in schools and communities.”
Inspenonline Unveils Think-tank on NIIRA, Insurance Sector Recapitalisation
As the insurance sector witnesses a new dawn with the enactment of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, Inspenonline has unveiled a Think-tank platform to help harness the knowledge required to maximize opportunities provided in the Act.
The Publisher/Editor of Inspenonline, Chuks Udo Okonta, said the research-based initiative tagged: Insurance Industry’s Think-tank on NIIRA and Recapitalisation would help provide robust data required to accelerate the growth of the industry, adding that the data would be obtained from Chief Executive Officers of insurance companies, shareholders and policyholders.
He noted that the contributions from these stakeholders would be published on a designated page – Think-tank, adding that the contributions would be published every day, whilst a communique would be developed from the views raised by contributors and be circulated.
He submitted that the individuals would be given an opportunity to share their contributions through an interview or a questionnaire, stating that harnessed reports would be published both on print and visual channels.
He implored stakeholders to support the initiative, which was conceived to help bolster exchange of knowledge and build a robust knowledge bank for the industry.
He also maintained that the insurance industry needs research-based initiatives to enable it soar to lofty heights, stressing that no sector can grow effectively without in-depth research.
SanlamAllianz, Cornerstone, emPLE, Enterprise Life, Leadway, Lasaco Throw Weight Behind IMT 4.0
The fourth edition of Insurance Meets Tech (IMT 4.0) has garnered strong support from industry leaders, further solidifying the event’s position as the premier platform for exploring the intersection of insurance, technology, and culture.
Leadway Assurance, Enterprise Life, Cube Cover, and emPLE have signed on as Gold Sponsors, while SanlamAllianz serves as the Official Insurer. Cornerstone Insurance joins as the Innovation Partner and Lasaco Assurance lends its backing as a Bronze Category Sponsor.
Complementing these are the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) and the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), both of which have been confirmed as Institutional Partners.
Speaking on the significance of this support, Odion Aleobua, Convener of IMT Conferences, said: “The calibre of sponsors and partners for IMT 4.0 reflects the industry’s collective commitment to shaping a future where innovation, digital adoption, and lifestyle relevance are at the heart of insurance. With this level of backing, IMT 4.0 is set to deliver its boldest impact yet.”
Themed “Innovating for the New Trybe”, IMT 4.0 will highlight the opportunities for technology-driven insurance models that resonate with today’s customers, especially Millennials and Gen Z.
A major highlight will be the Executive Dialogue to be led by the Commissioner for Insurance (CFI) Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, themed “NIIRA: A New Era Beckons”, which will dissect the recently released NAICOM Insurtech Guidelines and their implications for the future of Nigeria’s insurance sector.
Alongside executive sessions, IMT Redefined will blend culture, lifestyle, and Afrobeats to creatively position insurance as a tool for protecting aspirations, businesses, and everyday living.
The conference will take place at the Balmoral Hall, located at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
NCDMB, Coppercrux Engage South-South Youths on CNG Technologies, Opportunities in Value Chains
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in collaboration with Coppercrux Limited in Port Harcourt flagged off a 5-day Awareness and Capacity Building Workshop for youths in the South-South region on compressed natural gas (CNG) technologies and the associated value chains.
Areas covered on Day 1 of the training programme include “Introduction to CNG and Energy Transition: Awareness, Importance and Benefits,” “Presidential CNG Initiative: An Overview,” and “Economic Opportunities for Youths in the Green Energy Sector,” with interactive sessions during intervals for questions and answers between participants and resource persons.
In a welcome address at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the workshop was of strategic importance to the Board in the pursuit of its core mandate of capacity building and its implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative, a critical component of Federal Government’s programme for energy security, job creation and environmental sustainability.
He charged the 50 participants in the workshop to take full advantage of the training, pointing out that CNG as a relatively new energy source in Nigeria has enormous opportunities that could significantly transform individual lives and usher in economic growth and industrialisation in the wider society.
The Executive Secretary, represented by Mr. Kingsley Neyin, a Deputy Manager in the Executive Secretary’s Office, who said that under the specialised training being provided, participants would understudy industry experts and have sufficient exposure to industry practices as would fit them for efficient operations in the oil and gas sector.
“Some will seek employment and others could take off as entrepreneurs,” he explained, while urging them to access the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS) to register whatever skills and capacities they have acquired as individuals or as companies.
In the first presentation of the workshop, Professor Aminu Bayawa Muhammad, of the Department of Energy and Applied Chemistry, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, examined different aspects of the topic, “Introduction to CNG and Energy Transition: Awareness, Importance and Benefits,” with special focus on the global energy challenge, CNG vs. LNG vs. LPG, energy transition, as well as benefits.
He noted that the world has continually transited from one source of energy to another, beginning from the earliest times, and that the conventional fuels of the present, notably, coal, petrol, and diesel, among others, have become increasingly harmful as a result of greenhouse emissions and the associated global warming. CNG, he explained, is a transition fuel as the push for cleaner energy progresses.
According to him, “the global shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to renewable energy sources of energy like solar and wind…is a journey, not an overnight switch.”
He listed benefits of CNG to include environmental sustainability, performance (given the high-octane rating of CNG, which enhances engine efficiency), safety in terms of the strength of CNG tanks, lower fuel and maintenance costs.
In conclusion, he stated that “CNG is a proven, safe, and readily available alternative fuel,” and that it plays a crucial role as a transition fuel.
In an overview of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Dr. Dagwon Y. Wang, an Associate Professor of Accounting and Public Finance at ANAN University, Kwali, Plateau State, said the Federal Government is deliberate in its CNG programme, seeking clean energy and reduced emission to support its climate goals.
Other key targets of Government include investments, job creation, and lower transportation costs. He said trainees would carry out part of their programme in conversion centres alongside other activities to enhance their understanding of the CNG value chains.
On economic opportunities for youths in the green energy subsector, a facilitator of the workshop, Mr. Adejo Joshua, pointed out that within the value chains are manufacturing (of CNG cylinders, components, kits, etc.), conversion (of vehicle engines), equipment supply, and servicing, among others.
At the macro-economic level, he noted, the CNG Initiative would boost import substitution, infrastructure development, and innovation in transportation. According to him, entrepreneurial opportunities also abound in areas such as CNG retrofitting centres, eco-friendly product design, CNG sales and distribution, as well as Information Technology (IT) software.
In his conclusion, he stated that “green energy is more than just a climate solution; it’s a youth empowerment accelerator.”
In a vote of thanks, a participant, Mrs. Eniola Shittu, expressed profound appreciation to the NCDMB for the workshop which, according to her, “takes us through a world of possibilities.” She also thanked the facilitators and resource persons for the zeal they have demonstrated in the training.
Fidelity Bank Champions Africa’s Export Growth at FNITCC Atlanta 2025
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has announced plans to convene a high-level panel of seasoned experts to chart a strategic roadmap for promoting African exports in global markets.
The panel session, titled “Laying the Tracks: Strengthening the Institutional Infrastructure for Africa’s Trade Promotion,” is scheduled for Day 2 of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC)—Saturday, September 20, 2025—at the Omni Atlanta Hotel, Centennial Park, Georgia, USA.
Confirmed speakers include Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council; Shaquana Teasley — Founder & CEO, Agate Solutions (U.S.); Titus Olowokere, Executive Director of the US-Nigeria Business Council; Affie Braimoh, Founder of Sac Fruits and former Commissioner of Industry, Trade & Cooperatives, Edo State; and Sebastine Osita, CEO of GIG Logistic Technologies Ltd.
Isaiah Ndukwe, Divisional Head of Export and Agriculture at Fidelity Bank Plc, stated, “As Nigeria’s leading financial institution in the non-oil export sector, Fidelity Bank Plc is driving sustainable growth and delivering measurable impact across Africa’s trade corridors. Through tailored financial solutions, market access platforms such as FNITCC, and capacity-building initiatives like our Export Management Programme, we are reinforcing our strategic role in strengthening the export ecosystem and empowering businesses to thrive globally.”
He added: “The upcoming panel session at FNITCC is a timely intervention to address the institutional gaps that hinder Africa’s full participation in global trade. For us at Fidelity Bank, strengthening our trade infrastructure is more than an economic imperative—it’s a continental priority.”
Hosted in collaboration with AFRICON—the leading global forum for African innovators and change leaders—FNITCC Atlanta is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 20, 2025. The event is expected to attract over 3,000 participants, including investors, trade agencies, exporters, and diaspora professionals. It is expected to facilitate trade and investment transactions exceeding US$500 million.
In addition to panel discussions focused on enhancing African exports in international markets, FNITCC Atlanta will offer a variety of seminars and panels featuring prominent figures such as Mustafa Chike-Obi, Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc; Aishah Ahmad, Global Finance Leader and former Deputy Governor (Financial System Stability), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Abba Bello, Managing Director of Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM); and Olasunkanmi Owoyemi, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sunbeth Global Concepts Nigeria Ltd.
Further highlights include dedicated deal rooms, an exhibition showcasing African products and services across agriculture, extractive industries, fashion, creative sectors, and professional services; as well as targeted matchmaking sessions connecting US buyers, investors, and partners.
Interested participants are encouraged to register for the conference at www.fidelitybank.ng/fnitcc .
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
NAICOM, CAC Partner for 12- Month Recapitalisation Timeline
The Management of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) paid a courtesy visit to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Barr. Hussaini Magaji SAN, at his office in Abuja. The meeting centered on discussing the implementation of the Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, with a focus on collaborative efforts to ensure a smooth transition.
The Commissioner for Insurance (CFI) expressed gratitude to the Registrar General for the warm reception and acknowledged the CAC’s management for their ongoing support and collaboration. He highlighted key provisions of NIIRA 2025, emphasizing the importance of CAC’s support in meeting the 12-month timeline for recapitalization stipulated in the Act.
In response, the Registrar General thanked the CFI and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a robust economy. He noted the long-standing partnership between CAC and NAICOM in promoting the growth of the Nigerian economy. The Registrar General assured the CFI of CAC’s support for the insurance industry reforms, pledging to collaborate with NAICOM to:
– Issue guidelines to facilitate the recapitalization process
– Enhance data exchange between the two agencies
– Provide concessions and expedited clearance where necessary
This visit underscores the commitment of both agencies to work together in driving the growth and development of the insurance industry in Nigeria.
Fidelity Bank to Host Eduthrive Conference to Empower School Owners Ahead of New Academic Session
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to convene key stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector for Eduthrive, an inspiring two-day conference designed to equip school owners with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the upcoming academic session.
Themed “Positioning Your School for Growth,” the event will take place from August 28 to 29, 2025, at the Fidelity SME Hub, 22 Lanre Awolokun Street, Gbagada Phase 2, Lagos. It will feature panel discussions, stakeholder engagement sessions, and networking opportunities, including participation from the Lagos Office of Education Quality Assurance. The program is tailored to support sustainable growth and operational excellence in the education sector.
According to Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, “Running a profitable educational institution today requires a blend of academic expertise and smart entrepreneurial skills. From keeping pace with evolving standards to upgrading facilities and paying competitive salaries, the financial demands on school administrators are significant.
“For many, the difference between surviving and thriving lies in having the right support. That’s what makes Fidelity Bank’s offerings for the education sector unique—we continuously curate products and services that empower school administrators and stakeholders across the education value chain.”
The Eduthrive Conference is the latest in Fidelity Bank’s series of impactful initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the bank launched the Lighting Young Minds initiative, donating solar-powered school bags to pupils in public primary schools. This intervention, hailed as a game changer, enables children to study safely at night without relying on candles or kerosene lamps.
In addition, Fidelity Bank has hosted education-focused webinars with themes such as, “Strengthening Child Education through Parent-Teacher Partnerships” in 2024 and “Maintaining Education Standards Amidst Current Economic Realities” in September 2024.
These initiatives reflect the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting educational institutions through financing, capacity development, branding, and digital platforms.
“The Eduthrive event presents an opportunity to unpack Fidelity Bank’s tailored solutions for the education sector—solutions that address real challenges and unlock growth potential,” added Ede.
For more information and registration, visit https://bit.ly/Back-to-SchoolReadiness2025
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards
Japan Designates City of Kisarazu as Hometown for Nigerians
Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s charge d’affaires and Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu with the certificate that designates Kisarazu Nigeria’s hometown.
The government of Japan has named the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians willing to live and work in the country as part of its strategic efforts to deepen cultural diplomacy, promote economic growth and enhance workforce productivity.
Under this new partnership, announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development, the Japanese government will create a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work.
Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.
Japan International Co-operation Agency, in a ceremony, also named the cities of Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture the hometown of Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture the hometown of Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture the hometown of Mozambique.
Through the arrangement, Japan looks to strengthen exchanges with the four African countries by officially connecting municipalities with existing relations with those nations.
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, also the Acting Ambassador to Japan, and Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu, received the certificate from the Japanese government naming Kisarazu the hometown of Nigerians.
The four cities will foster a foundation for two-way exchanges for manpower development that will add value to the economic growth of Japan, Nigeria, and the other three African nations.
Local authorities hope that the designations will increase the population of their cities, contributing to their regional revitalisation efforts.
Kisarazu was the official host town of the Nigerian contingent for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The team conducted their pre-games training camps and acclimatisation in the city before moving to the Olympic village, in the COVID-19 delayed Olympic Games.
In his opening address at the TICAD9, where he announced $5.5 billion in new investment in Africa, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasised the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative efforts for Africa’s development.
The Prime Minister outlined Japan’s focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged the challenges of Japan’s ageing population but emphasised that locally rooted solutions are essential for Africa’s development.
“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at the TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa”.
He appealed to African countries to assist Japan as it grapples with the challenges of a declining population and shrinking agricultural land.
Tinubu Lauds Petrobras’ Imminent Return as Nigeria, Brazil Ink MoUs to Boost Economic Ties
President Bola Tinubu on Monday welcomed Petrobras’s imminent return to Nigeria, five years after Brazil’s state-owned oil company halted its joint venture operations.
At a joint press conference in Brasília during his State Visit to Brazil, President Tinubu said Petrobras’ return would reignite economic cooperation in the energy sector between the two countries.
“We have the largest gas repository. So- I don’t see why Petrobras doesn’t join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible. I appreciate President Lula’s promise that this will be done as soon as possible,” he said.
During the state visit, Nigeria and Brazil signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen trade, diplomacy, science, aviation, and finance cooperation.
President Tinubu praised President Lula’s commitment to revitalising the partnership between the two countries, noting that Nigeria’s economic space remains a virgin land, full of opportunities for Brazilian companies.
He acknowledged Embraer’s efforts in addressing the critical challenges of local airline operations in Nigeria, primarily through establishing a Service Centre to serve as a hub for the subregion in essential repairs and maintenance of its ever-increasing fleet in Nigeria.
President Tinubu recalled his previous engagements in Brazil and emphasised the urgency of moving beyond symbolic ties to concrete economic cooperation.
“Honourable Ministers of both countries, members of the Brazil Business Group, I have listened carefully to my friend, President Lula. We had a lengthy discussion. We talked about history and about African and Brazilian heritage.
“We tried to see why we are not at the level we wanted. We have allowed some problems and activities in the past to deter us from making progress and fulfilling our promises. But today we say that is the end of that.
“This is my third visit to the country. First, the visit to attend the G20. Second, on climate change, BRICS. And today, an official and state visit was very emotional.”
Highlighting the areas of cooperation, the President underscored Nigeria’s readiness to partner with Brazil on technology transfer, food security, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
“Today, we are fighting and working hard to bring our sovereignty to the level of expectation that we as a nation, the most populous, the most dynamic country, Nigeria, share with Brazil. We need to share—technology transfer, energy, economy—so that Brazil can continue to widen the opportunities for us to embrace Africa. Africa is the new frontier.
”There is no other way to do it than to embrace it with technology, fast development, research, food sovereignty, and manufacturing.”
The President stressed the need for investment and knowledge exchange on healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
“We have elevated this promise to the path of reality, as you have seen in various MOUs. I don’t know why the manufacturing of generic drugs, which Brazil has done deeply and far, cannot be in Nigeria.
”I don’t see why the technological superiority of Brazil is not shared with Africa. We assured each other that only we can develop our economies to help our sovereignty.”
The President assured investors that Nigeria’s economic reforms are yielding results.
“The reforms I’ve embarked upon since I took over in Nigeria have been very impactful. It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming.
”It’s getting clearer to the people. We have more money for the economy, and there will be no more corruption. We have the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria here. You don’t have to know him before getting the foreign exchange you need. The speculators are out. In our currency market, the door is open for businesses,” he said.
President Lula welcomed the restart of the Brazil-Nigeria relationship.
“At a time when protectionism and unilateralism have returned, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their bet on free trade and productive integration. We continue to be dedicated to building a world of peace, free from hegemonic impositions.
“There are many possibilities for synergy between the world’s two largest countries with Black populations. Agriculture and livestock, oil and gas, fertilisers, aircraft, and machinery, among others, represent wide avenues for cooperation”.
He spoke further on the BASA agreement: “Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies. We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and São Paulo”.
Following a two-hour expanded bilateral meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and MOUs at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília.
Nigeria is Brazil’s 49th largest export destination, with trade totalling nearly US$2.1 billion in 2024. Brazil exported almost US$1 billion to Nigeria, primarily sugar and jams, and imported US$1.1 billion, mostly fertilisers.
President Tinubu attended a state luncheon hosted at the Itamaraty Palace following the press conference.