Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Abuja for routine business and visa services and the rescheduling of scheduled appointments, citing heightened security concerns over potential protests in Africa giant’s capital. Authorities also issued precautionary advisories to U.S. citizens living in or visiting Abuja amid a volatile domestic and global security environment. What Happened? Embassy Closure and Appointment Rescheduling On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the U.S. Mission said that the embassy would remain closed for routine business — including visa interviews and some citizen services — until at least Monday, March 9, 2026.…

Access to quality higher education in Nigeria often comes with significant financial challenges for many students. However, recent developments at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), have brought relief and hope to several students who applied for the federal student loan scheme. The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Uduma Oji Uduma, has approved the disbursement of funds from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), to the e-wallets of eligible students who applied for the federal student loan scheme. The approval marks a significant step in implementing the government’s initiative to improve access to higher education…

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), officially announced the membership of its 2026-2027 Advisory Committee and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee in a public meeting yesterday. The EXIM Board of Directors unanimously approved all appointments, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to leveraging expertise from diverse sectors to strengthen American exports and global competitiveness. Bob Diamond, CEO and Founding Partner of Atlas Merchant Capital, will serve as Chairman of EXIM’s Advisory Committee, while Florie Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, will lead the Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee. “EXIM’s Advisory Committee and Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee play a…

In a major boost for technical education and engineering capacity in Nigeria, the Federal Government (FG), has approved ₦48 billion in funding — equating to ₦4 billion for each of 12 universities — earmarked specifically for upgrading engineering and technology facilities across the country. The announcement was made on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Implementation Committee for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Special High-Impact Intervention Projects. Strategic Aims of the Intervention According to the Minister, the initiative is designed to rehabilitate engineering workshops, laboratories,…

In a significant move that is already rippling through Nigeria’s fuel market, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has increased its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), — commonly referred to as petrol gantry price to ₦875 per litre from the previous ₦774 per litre, representing a ₦101 increase at the refinery gate. Why the Price Was Increased According to a senior official from the refinery, the adjustment was driven by recent volatility in global crude oil markets and rising replacement costs. The refinery stated that the review became necessary due to shifts in global crude fundamentals, which directly impact the cost…

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to officially swear in Olatunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP), on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This development follows the unanimous endorsement of Disu’s appointment by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC), during its meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, as confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Background to the Appointment Olatunji Disu’s journey to the top echelon of the Nigeria Police Force began with his appointment as Acting…

Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s largest cement manufacturer and one of Nigeria’s most prominent listed companies, has announced a substantial increase in its dividend payout following a dramatic rise in profitability for the full year ended December 31, 2025. The company’s decision reflects stronger earnings performance, improved margins and confidence in future growth prospects. The company reported a twofold leap in net profit, crossing the N1 trillion mark for the first time in its history, and proposed a final dividend of N45.00 per share, representing a 50% increase from the previous year. This impressive growth underscores the company’s resilience and strategic…

The global oil market is on edge as escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran have injected a significant geopolitical risk premium into crude prices. What began as regional tensions has intensified into coordinated military strikes and reciprocal threats, pushing traders to price in the possibility of supply disruptions from one of the world’s most oil-critical regions. Market Reaction: Volatility and Price Spikes In the immediate aftermath of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, global crude benchmarks have already climbed sharply: Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), futures rose through the week as conflict fears intensified,…

In a development that signals renewed air connectivity between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudi Airlines (Saudia), is set to restart direct flight operations between Jeddah and Abuja. This was confirmed by His Excellency, Yousef bin Mohammed Albalawi, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, during diplomatic engagements in Abuja this week. Scheduled Resumption: Mid-2026 or Early 2027 Ambassador Albalawi revealed that the direct route is expected to resume as early as June 2026, with a possible latest commencement by January 2027. The exact date is yet to be announced by the airline and civil aviation authorities, but…

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward expanding financial inclusion and strengthening Nigeria’s credit ecosystem with the inauguration of the Board of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP). The ceremony, held in Abuja, signals a renewed push to democratise access to consumer credit as part of broader economic reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria into a one-trillion-dollar economy. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, described consumer credit as a vital instrument for economic growth, social mobility, and human dignity. He said the establishment of CREDICORP reflects the administration’s resolve to build a trusted and inclusive credit…

Every day on our roads tells a different story. From Lagos traffic to Abuja expressways, from Port Harcourt business routes to Kano trade corridors — your car is more than a vehicle. It is your livelihood, your convenience, your freedom. That’s why Flexi Motor Insurance by emPLE Group is built differently — for real Nigerian drivers, real Nigerian roads, and real Nigerian risks. emPLE Group is uniquely positioned to reshape how Nigerians experience protection — and Flexi Motor Insurance is the product that best demonstrates that potential. The Problem with Traditional Motor Insurance Most motor insurance products fall into two…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for an additional year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. The decision reaffirms the administration’s commitment to industrialisation, domestic value addition, and the broader economic transformation goals outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda. Strengthening Nigeria’s Shea Value Chain The extension of the ban is aimed at accelerating the development of Nigeria’s shea industry by ensuring that more shea nuts are processed locally into higher-value products such as shea butter and its derivatives. Shea nuts are oil-rich fruits harvested from the…