Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has issued a directive to banks, fintech companies, and other players in the payments landscape, mandating that all payment transaction data generated within Nigeria be stored and managed domestically. This requirement is set to take full effect on January 1, 2027. This move is part of a larger regulatory strategy aimed at addressing the rapid growth of electronic payments and the rising concerns surrounding operational reliance, market concentration, transparency in ownership, and the control of essential payment infrastructure. When I first came across this headline, my deduction was this is more like a technical…

President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the Appropriation (Amendment) (No. 4) Bill, 2025 into law, which extends the implementation period of the 2025 budget from September 30, 2026, to December 31, 2026. This bill received the green light from both the Senate and the House of Representatives on September 29, 2026, and was given presidential assent the following day. The main goal of this amendment under the leadership of President Tinubu is to provide federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with an extra three months to carry out any outstanding allocations, especially for capital projects. This move aims to ensure…

The giant of Africa’s renewed quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council brings together two very different lines of thought in my view. First, it’s hard to argue against the fact that Africa is significantly underrepresented in the body that holds the UN’s most critical power over international peace and security. The second point, however, is much more complex: why should Nigeria be one of the African nations to claim a new permanent seat? This distinction is vital. Nigeria’s representatives have consistently supported the African Union’s Common African Position, which advocates for at least two permanent…

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Qu Dongyu, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), have officially announced the appointment of Luke J. Lindberg. A U.S. national and a senior official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Lindberg will take on the role of the next Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The appointment came after discussions with the WFP Executive Board, which gave its approval. Lindberg takes over from Cindy H. McCain, with WFP’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Carl Skaus, stepping in as Acting Executive Director during this transition…

On September 15, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a new visa-restriction policy aimed at foreign nationals deemed responsible for or complicit in South African laws or policies that allow for uncompensated land seizures, promote race-based discrimination, or incite imminent violence against minority ethnic or racial groups. This policy is being enacted under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which permits visa denial if the Secretary of State believes that allowing an individual entry could lead to serious negative consequences for U.S. foreign policy. This announcement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing policy…

Some numbers just grab your attention and make you pause. 100 million is definitely one of those. MTN Nigeria has just hit an impressive milestone with 100.86 million active subscriptions. To put that in perspective, Nigeria had around 195.11 million active mobile subscriptions as of July. That means about one in every two active mobile subscriptions in Nigeria belongs to MTN. That’s a huge figure. But here’s the catch. 100 million subscriptions does not mean 100 million people. If you’ve ever juggled two SIM cards, you probably get this. In Nigeria, it’s common to have one number for work, another…

The U.S. Department of State has made a major announcement regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local governments, humanitarian groups, and Congress, the United States has pledged an additional $242 million to bolster emergency response efforts, enhance preparedness, and provide humanitarian aid. With this new funding, the Department of State’s total contribution to the Ebola response now exceeds $512 million, solidifying the U.S. as the largest financial supporter of the global effort against Ebola. This announcement highlights the commitment to safeguarding…

Bolt Business, the corporate mobility division of Bolt, has seen impressive year-on-year growth in Nigeria, showcasing the rising demand for tech-savvy transportation solutions among businesses. The company’s double-digit growth over the last year underscores a larger trend in corporate mobility, as more organisations turn to digital platforms to enhance operational efficiency, cut transportation costs, and simplify employee travel management. With an expanding roster of clients across various industries, Bolt Business is establishing itself as a key mobility partner for companies looking for scalable and budget-friendly options to traditional fleet management. Market Performance and Growth Bolt Business has seen impressive double-digit…

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | July 30, 2026 — The United States has rolled out an ambitious plan aimed at strengthening its commercial, technological, and security ties across Africa. This strategy highlights the importance of transparent investments, artificial intelligence, secure digital infrastructure, modernising logistics, and empowering African-led initiatives, all discussed during the 2026 Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium (ALCS). The high-profile digital press briefing, organised by the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub, featured insights from Deputy Assistant Secretary, Mark Mitchell of the U.S. Department of Commerce and Brigadier General, Paul G. Filcek, who serves as the Director of…

The news that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has acknowledged Nigeria as one of Africa’s top players in the Artificial Intelligence (AI), sector is a significant achievement. This recognition showcases the increasing global trust in Nigeria’s digital goals and the strategic direction of its tech landscape. Hat doff to the leadership of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria — Bosun Tijani. Yet, the true test of this success won’t just be about international accolades; it will hinge on whether AI can create jobs, boost productivity, drive economic growth, and enhance the everyday lives of…

Throughout the history of every nation, there are pivotal moments when leaders choose to look ahead and prepare for future challenges rather than just reacting to the crises of the present. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions is a prime example of such a moment. This move goes beyond simply reorganising the Armed Forces; it represents a strategic shift in Nigeria’s security framework, designed to equip the military to tackle emerging threats with enhanced speed, coordination, and effectiveness. In a time when we’re faced ongoing issues like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, sabotage…

At first glance, a letter from President Donald Trump to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might seem like just another diplomatic note. However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find it could signal one of the most significant security shifts between Nigeria and the United States in decades. What sets Trump’s letter from July 6, 2026, apart from previous presidential communications is its clear stance on three major policy issues: the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to train Nigerian troops, a defense roadmap that lays out a framework for long-term military collaboration, and a direct acknowledgment of the violence…