Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

In a significant display of U.S. diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker has embarked on a high‑level foreign visit spanning four countries from January 21 to 29, 2026. The trip reflects a broad set of U.S. foreign policy priorities, including security cooperation, religious freedom advocacy, economic engagement, and multilateral cooperation on global crises. Nigeria: Joint Working Group, Security, and Investment Partnerships The first leg of Under Secretary Hooker’s trip is in Abuja, Nigeria, where she leads the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group—a bilateral mechanism established to bolster cooperation on…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally sworn in the newly appointed Chairman and 37 Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), marking a significant step in revitalising one of Nigeria’s key constitutional bodies responsible for promoting fair representation in federal appointments and public sector opportunities. Inauguration Ceremony at the Presidential Villa The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the President administered the oath of office to the new FCC leadership, including the Chairman, Hulayat AyoOmidiran, and commissioners representing the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory…

In a significant regulatory update effective January 1, 2026, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has issued operational licences to six new Internet Service Providers (ISPs), raising the total number of authorised operators in Nigeria’s ISP market to 231. This development comes at a time of intensifying competition in Nigeria’s internet and broadband space, driven by aggressive market activities from traditional mobile network operators (MNOs) — such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and T2 (9mobile) — and high-growth satellite broadband entrants, particularly SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. Who Are the New Licensees? According to NCC data and industry reporting, the newly…

Nigeria’s digital lending industry is facing its most decisive regulatory crackdown yet as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), intensifies enforcement against Digital Money Lending (DML), operators that have failed to comply with established rules.  The move marks a critical phase in the Commission’s efforts to sanitise a sector long plagued by consumer abuse, regulatory loopholes, and unethical practices. Rise of Digital Money Lending and Regulatory Concerns Over the past decade, digital money lenders—popularly known as loan apps—have flourished in Nigeria, providing fast, collateral-free credit to millions of consumers. While these platforms helped bridge financial inclusion gaps, they…

Nigeria’s treasury bill market is showing signs of renewed investor confidence, with yields on short‑term government securities moderating as demand for naira assets strengthens. The latest secondary market data reveals a notable dip in average yields, reflecting improved sentiment in the fixed‑income space and a broader shift toward local currency investments amid evolving macroeconomic conditions. Understanding Treasury Bills and Yields Treasury bills (T‑Bills), are short‑term debt securities issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on behalf of the Federal Government to fund short‑term obligations and manage liquidity in the financial system. They are widely considered low‑risk instruments since they…

What began as a geopolitical curiosity has rapidly escalated into a major international dispute involving the United States, European powers, NATO allies and even Russia. The flashpoint is Greenland, the vast Arctic island that is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and holds substantial strategic, economic and military value due to its location in the Arctic Circle. U.S. President, Donald Trump, has reignited and intensified controversy by publicly pursuing U.S. acquisition—or in some arguments, control—of Greenland, citing its strategic importance for U.S. and global security. This initiative, framed by Trump as a measure against perceived Russian and Chinese…

First, what is changing? Inflation measures how fast prices are rising. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is adjusting how it calculates inflation so that temporary or unusual price jumps do not create misleading spikes in the official figures. This does not mean prices will suddenly fall. It means inflation data should better reflect what people are actually experiencing over time. What This Means for Everyday Nigerians 1. A clearer picture of the real cost of living When inflation numbers jump sharply because of one-off events—such as seasonal food shortages or short-term supply disruptions—it can make things look worse (or…

The Nigerian banking sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which issues licences to financial institutions based on capital strength, operational scope, and regulatory compliance. Banks receive licences that determine the breadth of their operations — from purely domestic activities to international banking. 1. Types of Banking Licences in Nigeria Nigerian banks are broadly categorised by licence type: International Banking Licence What it means: Authorises the bank to operate both within Nigeria and internationally — including cross-border services and branches in other countries. Requirements: Higher capital thresholds (historically around ₦500 billion in paid-up capital). National Banking Licence…

In early January 2026, Nigeria unveiled a $2 billion energy transition fund as part of a broader strategy to accelerate a just and inclusive move away from fossil‑fuel dependence toward clean energy and climate‑resilient infrastructure. The announcement — made at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week by President Bola Tinubu — signals a strategic shift in how our nation mobilises capital to tackle energy poverty, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build sustainable economic growth. 1. The Climate Finance Architecture: What the $2 Billion Means a. Core Components of the Fund National Climate Change Fund: Targeted for a $2 billion capitalisation, this fund will support projects that cut…

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), has officially reaffirmed that January 31, 2026, is the statutory deadline for all employers operating in Lagos State to file their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year. This annual filing obligation is a key part of corporate tax compliance and is backed by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 (NTAA). Legal Basis and Statutory Requirement In a statement issued by the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, the agency reminded employers that the requirement to file annual tax returns is not optional but a mandatory legal obligation under the NTAA…

In a major development for traditional governance in Oyo State, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has been inaugurated as the inaugural chairman of the newly reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs — a position that comes after years of inactivity and legislative amendment. The ceremony took place on Thursday at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Ibadan. Notably, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, one of the most senior traditional rulers in the state, was conspicuously absent from the event, drawing attention from observers and stakeholders alike. Revival of…

In a significant policy shift, the European Union (EU), has delisted Nigeria, South Africa, and four other countries from its official roster of “high-risk third-country jurisdictions” — a designation applied to nations considered to have strategic deficiencies in anti-money-laundering (AML), and counter-terrorist-financing (CFT) frameworks. The decision, published by the European Commission on 9 January 2026, takes effect on 29 January 2026 after review by the European Parliament and Council. Which Countries Were Removed — and Why The EU’s action follows a series of global regulatory developments, particularly decisions by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard-setting body on…