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Nigeria Construction Costs Surge 20% in Five Months as Supply Chain Disruptions Drive Prices Higher

Nigeria’s construction sector has experienced a 20% surge in costs over the five-month period from December 2025 to May 2026, driven by sharp increases in building material and energy prices. This finding was disclosed in a report by Fortren & Company, authored by the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Uche. The report attributed the cost […]

Nigeria Banks NPL Ratio Hits 8.03% Seven Months After CBN Ends Forbearance

Nigeria’s banking sector experienced a further decline in asset quality in January 2026, with the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio rising to 8.03%. This marks a notable increase seven months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ended key regulatory forbearance measures that had previously allowed lenders to restructure troubled loans without immediately classifying them as […]

Nigeria’s South-South & South-East Startups Raise $10.23 Million as Ecosystem Grows to 304 Companies

Startups across Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions raised $10.23 million in disclosed funding between 2023 and 2025, marking a 29.6% increase from the $7.89 million recorded in the previous period. This data comes from the 2025 South-South & South-East Startup Ecosystem & State of Digital Jobs Report, published by #StartupSouth, which tracked startup activity, funding […]

Nairametrics Nominates MTN Nigeria, Vitafoam, and Guinness for 2026 Company of the Year Award

Nairametrics has officially announced MTN Nigeria Plc, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, and Guinness Nigeria Plc as nominees for the prestigious “Company of the Year” category at the 2026 Nairametrics Capital Market Awards. The winner will be revealed during the second edition of the event, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Civic Centre in Lagos. The […]

Nigeria’s National Payment Stack Hits 153,000 Pilot Transactions Ahead of Full Rollout

Nigeria’s National Payment Stack (NPS), the country’s next-generation payment infrastructure, has successfully processed 153,000 transactions during its pilot phase, signaling a significant step toward its full-scale rollout. The milestone was disclosed by Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), during a panel discussion at the launch of […]

UNCTAD Warns Renewable Energy Transition Needs Over $1 Trillion Yearly by 2030 to Meet Climate Goals

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has reported that the global shift to renewable energy will demand over $1 trillion in annual investments by 2030. The organization cautioned that developing economies may struggle to meet climate and energy targets without stronger foreign direct investment inflows and broader access to clean technologies. This […]

Tetracore Energy Launches Power Generation and Distribution at Atakobo Independent Power System

Tetracore Energy Group, through its subsidiary Tetracore Power Company Limited, has announced the successful commencement of power generation and distribution from Phase I of its 100MW Atakobo Independent Power Generation & Distribution System (Atakobo IPP). This milestone marks the transition of the Atakobo IPP from development into active generation, distribution, and commercial operations, further demonstrating […]

Nigerian Stocks With the Highest Year-to-Date Returns in 2026: Market Surges 60%

The Nigerian equities market has delivered a robust year-to-date return of 60.49% as of 26 May 2026, with the All-Share Index reaching a market capitalization of N160.09 trillion. Trading volumes have exceeded 87 billion shares, enabling the market to surpass the entire first-half return of 16.57% recorded in H1 2025, even before the conclusion of […]

Uganda Shuts Border With Congo as Suspected Ebola Cases Near 1,000

Uganda has officially closed its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as authorities intensify efforts to contain the spread of Ebola, following a sharp increase in suspected infections linked to the outbreak in eastern Congo. The measure was announced by Uganda’s National Task Force on Ebola Response, which cited growing concerns over […]

Meta Launches Global Subscription Plans for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Users

Meta Platforms has initiated a global rollout of subscription plans across its major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as the company intensifies efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond digital advertising. The announcement, made on Wednesday, introduces consumer-focused “Plus” plans that grant users access to additional features such as profile customization, super reactions, and story […]

Africa’s Busiest Airports in May 2026: Top 10 Rankings Revealed

Africa’s aviation market continues to experience steady expansion, driven by rising demand for both regional and international air travel across the continent. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) monthly updates, international passenger demand in Africa has been growing steadily for several months, reflecting sustained momentum in the region’s aviation recovery. This growth has […]

7 Bills That Could Reshape Nigeria’s Business Environment in 2026

The federal legislative arm of government plays a central role in enacting laws and driving reforms that can either foster or hinder investment in a host country. This is because the business environment of any nation, along with the conduct of corporate organizations, is largely shaped by existing laws and their implementation—and Nigeria is no […]

How Otedola Is Driving a Governance Reset at FirstBank to Rebuild Trust

For a 132-year-old institution that has undergone multiple transformations since its establishment in 1894, the heart of its operations—as it continues to adapt to industry shifts and regulatory changes—lies in one of its most important pivots: governance. It is widely understood that the most significant decision a financial institution makes is not a capital allocation […]

Shoppoint’s Billion Receipts Initiative Offers ₦10 Million Prize to Digitize Offline Consumer Spending in Nigeria

Shoppoint, the everyday spending rewards platform established in 2023, has unveiled the Billion Receipts Initiative, a nationwide public-interest mission to digitize one billion offline consumer receipts. This effort aims to establish Nigeria’s first data refinery for the retail economy, addressing a critical gap in market visibility. The program officially launches in June 2026 as an […]

How AI Is Reshaping Hiring Priorities for Nigerian Startups, Founders Reveal

As global anxieties over artificial intelligence displacing human labor intensify, Nigerian founders and startup operators report that AI is not necessarily eliminating jobs but rather reshaping the workforce they seek. Across sectors—from music startups building AI detection systems to cybersecurity firms automating operations—companies are increasingly prioritizing candidates who possess deep industry expertise and can leverage […]

South Africa Unemployment Rate Hits 32.7% in Q1 2026 as Job Losses Mount

Statistics South Africa has reported a further deterioration in the country’s labour market, with the official unemployment rate rising to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The latest data, released on Tuesday, points to mounting pressure on Africa’s most industrialised economy as weak job creation, […]

MTN Nigeria Returns to Profitability With N1.7 Trillion Record Profit Driven by FX Stability and Data Growth

Analysts have attributed MTN Nigeria’s return to profitability to improved foreign exchange dynamics and a strong shift toward data and fintech services. The company swung back to profitability with a record N1.7 trillion profit in 2025, reversing its pre-tax loss from the previous year. This recovery marks one of the strongest in its history, following […]

Nigerian Breweries and Nestlé Recovery: Are These Stocks Still a Buy in 2026?

Nigerian Breweries Plc and Nestlé Nigeria Plc, two prominent consumer goods entities listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), have released their 2025 audited results, revealing a faster-than-expected recovery. After enduring significant headwinds from the naira devaluation crisis in 2023 and 2024, both companies have returned to profitability, capturing investor attention. The critical question remains: is […]

Solving Lagoss Housing Crisis: Blissvilles Blueprint for Wellness-First, Tech-Enabled Homes

For years, the Nigerian property market has faced a significant crisis of confidence, caught between a severe shortage of quality housing and a choice between unattainable luxury and compromised developments. In this landscape, Blissville by Highrachy Investment & Technology Limited emerges as a definitive solution, engineering a new category of residential living focused on wellness, […]

LIRS Extends Tax Filing Deadline to April 21: What You Need to Know

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has announced a final extension to the deadline for filing individual annual income tax returns. Taxpayers now have until April 21, 2026, to complete their submissions, a decision made to alleviate pressure on the agency’s digital systems and provide filers with ample time. This adjustment follows a recent […]

Naira Gains to N1,355 at Official Forex Market Despite Falling Reserves

The Nigerian Naira demonstrated notable resilience last week, appreciating to N1,355.25 against the US Dollar in the official foreign exchange market. This figure, published on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website, represents the currency’s strongest position in recent trading sessions. The gain is particularly significant as it occurred against a backdrop of declining external […]

Nigerias Federal Government Names 48 Terrorism Financing Suspects

In a significant escalation of its counter-terrorism strategy, the Federal Government of Nigeria has publicly disclosed a roster of 48 individuals and entities alleged to be involved in terrorism financing. The Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC) formally published the list, underscoring a determined push to dismantle the economic networks that fuel extremist activities within the nation. […]

Ekiti State University Honors FCMBs Akinsanmi Falaki with Honorary Doctorate in Finance

In a ceremony celebrating excellence and impact, Ekiti State University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Finance (Honoris Causa) upon Mr. Akinsanmi Falaki, a Senior Vice President and Group Executive at FCMB. The prestigious award recognizes his distinguished career, marked by strategic leadership, financial innovation, and sustained contributions to Nigeria’s economic landscape. The conferment […]

The Stark Reality: Only 10.5% of Nigerian Women Hold Formal Salaried Jobs

A recent World Bank gender data report reveals a stark gender disparity within Nigeria’s formal labor sector. As of 2025, only 10.5% of employed Nigerian women hold wage and salaried jobs, a figure that underscores significant structural barriers to female economic advancement. This low rate of formal employment persists despite a high female labor force […]

Dangote and Otedola Meet President Tinubu on Nigerias Economic Reforms

In a high-level discussion on national economic strategy, prominent Nigerian industrialists Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote met with President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The meeting, centered on the nation’s economy and the potential benefits of ongoing reforms for its citizens, was later confirmed by Mr. Otedola via a statement on his personal […]

Iyabo Ojos The Return of Arinze Shatters Box Office Records With N104.8 Million Opening Weekend

Nollywood filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has achieved a significant commercial milestone with her latest cinematic offering. Her film, “The Return of Arinze,” generated an impressive N104.8 million in box office revenue during its opening weekend from April 3 to April 5, 2026. This performance secured its position as the highest-grossing title across Nigerian cinemas over the […]

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Appointed Africa CDC Senior Strategic Advisor

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced the appointment of Professor Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria, as Senior Strategic Advisor to its Director General. The appointment, formalized in a statement issued by the agency’s Communications Directorate, marks a significant addition to the continent’s premier public health leadership. In […]

UHOMES REITF vs UPDC REITF 2026: Performance, Value, and Which to Buy

Investors evaluating the Nigerian real estate investment trust (REIT) landscape are presented with a compelling comparison between UHomes Real Estate Investment Trust Fund and UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust Fund. Both NGX-listed entities reported strong 2025 financial results, but a significant divergence in their market performance is shaping the investment thesis for 2026. While sector […]

VAT Allocations to Nigerian States Surge 74% to N423 Billion in January 2026

Official data reveals a substantial month-on-month surge in Value Added Tax (VAT) distributions to Nigeria’s state governments. In January 2026, net VAT allocations climbed to N423.25 billion, representing a sharp 74% increase from the N242.92 billion disbursed in December 2025. This significant rebound, documented by the Nairametrics Research Team from the Office of the Accountant […]

Nigerian Stocks Soar: Q1 2026 Delivers 29.35% Return as Market Hits N129 Trillion

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) concluded the first quarter of 2026 with robust performance, extending a multi-quarter growth streak. The market delivered a 4.39% return in March, marking the fourth consecutive month of gains and propelling the total market capitalization to N129.2 trillion. This monthly advance contributed to a substantial 29.35% return for Q1 2026, the […]

Federal Government Declares Easter 2026 Public Holidays for Friday and Monday

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially designated Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to commemorate the Easter celebration. The announcement was formally made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement released on Wednesday. Minister Tunji-Ojo extended congratulations to Christians both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, […]

Beyond Cash: How Fixed Income Securities Diversify Portfolios Against Inflation and Volatility

While the adage “cash is king” underscores the importance of liquidity, maintaining substantial idle cash during periods of monetary policy shifts and currency fluctuation guarantees a loss of purchasing power. This is particularly acute in environments like Nigeria, where high inflation can erode a non-diversified portfolio by up to 20% within a single fiscal cycle. […]

Africa Technology Expo 2026 Targets $890 Million in Deals and Partnerships

The Africa Technology Expo (ATE) has announced ambitious goals for its upcoming 2026 edition, targeting a landmark $890 million in ecosystem deal activity. Scheduled for June 26–27 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos, Nigeria, the enterprise-focused summit aims to catalyze significant partnerships, investments, and enterprise contracts across the continent’s […]

Stanbic IBTC Nigeria Business Summit 2026: Unlocking Opportunities for Growth

In an era marked by complex global challenges, collaborative platforms for innovation are more critical than ever. Stanbic IBTC is set to host a defining event for the nation’s commercial landscape: the Nigeria Business Summit. This pivotal gathering will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, 01 and 02 April 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre […]

Ultimum Limited Opens New Razzl Beverage Plant in Aba, Creating Jobs and Expanding Production

Ultimum Limited, a prominent food and beverage manufacturer, has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art production facility in Aba, Abia State. This strategic move marks a pivotal moment for the company and its parent entity, the Kadji Group, signaling a significant expansion of its operational footprint within Nigeria’s competitive manufacturing landscape. The new plant, situated in the […]

How Nigeria Can Reduce Import Costs by Adding Value to Local Raw Materials

Economists Advocate for Local Value Addition to Curb Soaring Import Costs In response to the economic pressures emanating from the ongoing Middle East crisis, Nigerian economists are issuing a unified call for the federal government to prioritize building domestic capacity for adding value to raw materials. This strategic shift is seen as critical for reducing […]

How FCMB Blocked a N2.4 Billion Cyber Heist and Recovered Funds

In a significant demonstration of cyber resilience, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) successfully intercepted and recovered the majority of funds from a sophisticated N2.4 billion cyber heist. The attempted fraud, discovered in December 2025, targeted a digital product offered by the bank and initially aimed to siphon over N3 billion. This incident underscores the critical […]

Fire Destroys Vaccines and Millions in Property at Ebonyi Health Ministry

A significant fire has caused extensive damage at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health’s cold storage facility, resulting in the destruction of vital medical supplies and infrastructure valued at millions of naira. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of Friday at the ministry’s complex in Centenary City, Abakaliki, has delivered a severe blow […]

Africas Housing Crisis: 50 Million Deficit Could Soar to 130 Million by 2030

Africa’s Deepening Housing Crisis: A Deficit Set to Triple by 2030 Africa is confronting a severe and growing housing shortage, with a current deficit exceeding 50 million units. According to Festus Adebayo, Convener of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), this gap is projected to skyrocket to 130 million units by 2030 without immediate and […]

Lekki-Epe Expressway Fire Causes Widespread Lagos Power Outage, EKEDC Responds

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has confirmed a significant power outage across multiple areas of Lagos State. The disruption stems from a severe fire incident that occurred along the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Saturday. According to an official statement from the utility provider, the blaze was triggered by a collision involving a stationary gas tanker, causing […]

Ghana Rescues 44 Nationals From QNET Fraud Network in Nigeria

In a significant international operation, the Government of Ghana has successfully secured the repatriation of 44 of its citizens from a fraudulent recruitment scheme in Nigeria linked to the company QNET. The coordinated rescue underscores the ongoing threat posed by sophisticated cross-border employment scams. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration confirmed the operation […]

Pinterest CEO Calls for Global Social Media Ban for Under-16s

In a significant intervention, Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has issued a global call to action, urging governments to implement bans preventing children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. Ready contends that current industry safeguards are fundamentally inadequate to protect young, developing adolescents from digital harm. Writing in an opinion piece for […]

Trumps 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran: Reopen Strait of Hormuz or Face Military Strikes

In a significant escalation of ongoing Middle Eastern tensions, former United States President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The warning, communicated via a late-night post on his Truth Social platform and subsequently shared by the official White House X account, threatens military […]

Future-Proof Homes in Nigeria: The Essential Guide to Self-Powered and EV-Ready Design

As Nigeria’s residential landscape evolves, a leading industry voice has issued a clear directive: the homes of tomorrow must be self-sufficient and prepared for the future of transportation. Festus Adebayo, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), has emphasized that integrating independent power and electric vehicle (EV) readiness is no longer a […]

Ghana Inflation Outlook: Key Risks Ahead of March 18 Rate Decision

As the Bank of Ghana prepares for its pivotal March 18 monetary policy committee announcement, the nation’s inflation trajectory confronts new and significant external headwinds. The central bank, having embarked on a cycle of monetary policy easing since July 2025 in response to a record deceleration in inflation, now faces a complex economic landscape shaped […]

Naira Hits Four-Week High: Appreciates to N1,355/$ in Official Forex Market

The Nigerian Naira extended its recent rally in the official foreign exchange market on Monday, reaching its strongest valuation in four weeks. According to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the domestic currency appreciated to N1,355 per US dollar. This marks a notable improvement from the N1,363.5 rate recorded at the previous […]

Nigeria Customs Seizes N3.39 Billion Codeine Shipment at Apapa Port

In a significant enforcement operation, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a massive shipment of illicit pharmaceuticals. Officials seized 3,398 cartons of codeine syrup with a street value estimated at N3.39 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The command vows to ‘keep the port secure from such dangerous imports, […]

Dangote and GCL Sign $4.2 Billion Gas Deal for Ethiopia Fertilizer Plant

Dangote Industries Limited has formalized a landmark $4.2 billion natural gas supply agreement with China’s GCL Group. The deal, signed in Lagos by company President Aliko Dangote, secures the long-term energy requirements for a major upcoming fertilizer production facility in Ethiopia. This strategic partnership underscores a significant commitment to industrial development in the region. The […]

The Hidden Truth About Nigerian Treasury Bills: Real Returns After 15 Years of Inflation

For over a decade, Nigerian Treasury bills have been regarded as a premier safe haven for capital preservation. However, a stark reality lies beneath the surface of seemingly positive returns. An investment of N1 million in T-bills in 2009 would have grown to approximately N4.7 million by 2024. Yet, when adjusted for inflation, the purchasing […]

Women Leading the Rise: How Female Executives Are Shaping Nigerias Insurance Industry

While Nigeria’s insurance sector has historically experienced lower penetration than banking and fintech, it is now on a definitive growth path. Recent industry data reveals a period of significant expansion, marked by strengthening institutional foundations and robust premium generation. This evolving landscape is being actively shaped by a growing cohort of influential female executives, whose […]