Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

Pan-African fintech company, Cellulant, has appointed Anthony Hernandez, a former executive at Xapo Bank, as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The move comes at a critical phase in the company’s evolution, as it seeks to strengthen operational efficiency, scale across African markets, and compete in an increasingly crowded digital payments ecosystem. Anthony Hernandez as Chief Operating Officer (COO), comes with over 25 years of experience across financial services and fintech, he has been brought in with a focused mandate: fix execution, improve reliability, and ensure payments work consistently at scale. A Leadership Rebuild with Purpose This hire is not…

The Nigerian Senate, via its Committee on Public Accounts, has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to explain an alleged ₦210 trillion discrepancy identified in its audited financial reports for the period 2017 to 2023. The committee has set Wednesday, April 29, 2026, as the final deadline for NNPCL’s full appearance and explanation before lawmakers at the National Assembly, Abuja. The decision followed concerns over unresolved audit queries and what lawmakers described as unsatisfactory and incomplete responses from the national oil company. How the Decision Was Reached The resolution was reached during a committee meeting chaired by Senator…

The political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections is already taking shape, with opposition figures forming alliances to challenge the ruling party. A key development is the coalition built around the African Democratic Congress(ADC), which has attracted major political actors including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. This coalition reflects a strategic attempt to consolidate opposition strength, similar to the alliance that led to the defeat of the PDP in 2015. Within this evolving political framework, Atiku’s Arise TV interview provides insight into: Leadership negotiations within the ADC His personal political future Regional power dynamics The strategy for defeating the…

The Dangote Group has refuted a widely shared social media claim that accused the Nigerian government of imposing excessive taxes on cement production. The allegation, which spread rapidly online, was wrongly credited to the company’s chairman, Aliko Dangote, and implied that government policies were largely responsible for the high cost of cement. The company’s response highlights the growing impact of misinformation on public discourse, particularly around sensitive economic issues. Origin and Content of the Viral Claim The false claim originated from a Facebook post by a user identified as Idenyi Tijani Julius. It alleged that: The federal government takes “52…

The Federal Government (FG), of Nigeria has launched an investigation into the activities of so-called “sharp sharp” loan operators—a term commonly used to describe fast, digital loan providers offering instant, collateral-free credit. These operators, often functioning as loan sharks, have come under scrutiny for alleged violations of data privacy and unethical debt recovery practices. The investigation reflects growing concerns about the intersection of financial technology (fintech), consumer protection, and digital rights in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding online lending ecosystem. Background: Rise of “Sharp Sharp” Loan Operators Digital lending platforms have gained popularity in Nigeria due to: Quick loan disbursement Minimal documentation…

Flight operations at United Nigeria Airlines have suffered another setback after a new bird strike incident—the fifth recorded in 2026—led to the grounding of one of its aircraft, heightening worries about aviation safety and the airline’s operational stability within the domestic airspace. The latest incident involved a CRJ-900 aircraft operating Flight UN0579 from Kano to Abuja. The aircraft reportedly encountered a bird strike while landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, shortly after departing from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the airline’s spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka, who disclosed that…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has officially released the names of successful candidates in its ongoing recruitment exercise for the Basic Military Training Course (BMTC), 46/2025. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the enlistment process and provides clarity for thousands of applicants nationwide who participated in earlier screening stages. Background of the Recruitment Exercise The recruitment process began with the Zonal General Aptitude Test conducted on December 5, 2025, across 15 NAF bases nationwide. The exercise attracted over 20,000 applicants, highlighting the strong interest among Nigerians in pursuing a career in the Air Force. The test was held in…

On April 13, 2026, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), headquartered in Stuttgart, publicly confirmed the launch of Flintlock 2026, a major multinational special operations exercise. The announcement was jointly made by senior leaders from Libya, Italy, and the United States. The exercise marks a significant geopolitical and military development, particularly as part of it will be hosted in Sirte, signaling Libya’s re-emergence as a cooperative security partner after years of instability. Overview of Exercise Flintlock Flintlock is AFRICOM’s flagship annual special operations exercise. It is designed to: Strengthen multinational military cooperation Improve counterterrorism capabilities Enhance operational readiness Key Features of…

The debate over Nigeria’s fuel supply strategy intensified following a controversial recommendation by the World Bank urging the country to reopen its borders for petrol (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS), imports. The proposal, which suggested that imported fuel could be cheaper than locally refined products, triggered widespread rejection from petrol marketers, refinery stakeholders, and energy experts. The controversy deepened after the World Bank withdrew and clarified its position, stating that its recommendation was not a blanket endorsement of fuel importation but part of a broader reform framework emphasizing consumer protection and social safety nets. This report integrates stakeholder reactions, policy context,…

Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production fell to an average of 1.51 million barrels per day (mbpd), in February 2026, reflecting ongoing operational challenges in the upstream oil sector. Despite the production decline, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), recorded a significant fiscal boost, remitting ₦1.804 trillion to the Federation Account within the same period. The contrasting trends highlight a critical paradox in Nigeria’s oil economy: declining output versus rising government revenue remittances driven by fiscal reforms and improved revenue retention policies. Oil Output Decline to 1.51mbpd Production Figures Average crude oil and condensate output: 1.51mbpd (February 2026)…

On 13 April 2026, the Federal Ministry of Education announced the opening of applications for the second cohort of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Programme. This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to empower Nigerian youth with practical, market-relevant skills that support employment, entrepreneurship, and national development. Policy Context and Government Commitment The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human capital development. He emphasized that the TVET Programme is a strategic intervention aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The programme reflects the…

The political landscape of Ogun State has been significantly reshaped following a major declaration by Governor Dapo Abiodun, who publicly endorsed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (popularly known as Yayi), as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election. This announcement has sparked widespread reactions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), opposition circles, and among political observers. Background to the Declaration Governor Abiodun, first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, is approaching the end of his constitutionally permitted two-term tenure. Typical in our clime politics, succession planning within ruling parties often begins years before elections, with intense lobbying,…