Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

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…

On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced a sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria. The directive — effective January 21, 2026 — instructs U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to stop issuing immigrant visas to citizens of those countries while a broad review of screening and vetting procedures is conducted. This policy affects countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America, including major nations like Nigeria, a key nation in Africa, and Russia. This change is particularly significant for Nigerians, as Nigeria is a key nation in Africa…

As Nigeria’s Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), 2025 took effect on January 1, 2026, a fresh controversy has erupted over how commercial banks are applying stamp duty charges on electronic transactions. What was supposed to be a simple reform aimed at streamlining tax collection has instead triggered widespread public frustration — with many Nigerians complaining of what is seen as “double” or excessive charges imposed by banks on everyday financial transfers. What Is This Stamp Duty Charge? Under the new tax law, electronic transfers of ₦10,000 and above attract a flat ₦50 stamp duty charge — previously labelled the Electronic Money…

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco), one of Nigeria’s largest power distribution utilities, has announced the appointment of Wola Joseph-Condotti as Interim Chief Executive Officer — a major leadership shake-up coinciding with a change in ownership and a strategic reset for the company. A New Chapter Begins: Leadership Transition at Eko Disco The board unveiled the appointment of Wola Joseph-Condotti as interim CEO on January 12, 2026, following the resignation of Rekhiat Momoh, who had served as CEO for nearly two years. The formal announcement was made at a company flagship town hall meeting led by Engineer Olubunmi Peters, Chairman…

Former Governor of Rivers State and elder statesman, Dr. Peter Odili, has openly declared his support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, affirming that the governor remains the undisputed political leader of Rivers State despite the ongoing political crisis rocking the state. Odili made this known on Tuesday at a public event in Port Harcourt, where he spoke pointedly against the backdrop of renewed political tensions and power struggles within the state’s political landscape. “Your People Are With You” Addressing Governor Fubara directly, Odili delivered a strong message of reassurance, stressing that the governor enjoys the backing of the Rivers people. “Your…

In a move that has captivated global audiences and sparked intense debate about international norms and U.S. foreign policy, U.S. President, Donald J. Trump, posted an image on his social media platform, Truth Social, portraying himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela.” The image strongly resembles a Wikipedia‑style profile, complete with Trump’s portrait, the label “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026,” and his titles as the 45th and 47th President of the United States. Context: Venezuela in Turmoil This unusual social‑media post comes amid extraordinary developments in Venezuela: Earlier in January 2026, U.S. forces carried out a major military…

Nigeria’s fiscal landscape is under mounting pressure as the cost of servicing public debt under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is projected to exceed ₦91 trillion between 2023 and 2028 — a stark indicator of the country’s widening fiscal deficits, weak revenue performance, and rising borrowing costs. Rising Debt Service: The Numbers According to budget data and projections contained in the Medium‑Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2026–2028: The federal government significantly undershot its debt service targets in the past two years, with actual outlays far exceeding budgeted amounts. In 2023, the government spent ₦8.56 trillion on debt servicing versus a budget of ₦6.56 trillion, and…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), is set to publish its January 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO), Update on Monday, January 19, 2026, offering fresh forecasts and analysis on the global economy’s trajectory. The release will be accompanied by a hybrid press conference hosted at the National Bank of Belgium in Brussels, where IMF economists will discuss the latest findings with journalists and stakeholders. The World Economic Outlook series is one of the IMF’s flagship publications, widely watched by policymakers, investors, and analysts around the world. Produced by IMF research teams, these reports provide comprehensive assessments of short- and medium-term global…

The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward enhancing safety and monitoring on the iconic Third Mainland Bridge with the inauguration of a ₦40 billion Close Circuit Television (CCTV), control centre. The unveiling took place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, marking a milestone in infrastructure security and traffic management in Lagos State. Boosting Security and Surveillance The new CCTV centre, built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is designed to provide real-time monitoring of activities on and beneath the Third Mainland Bridge. According to federal authorities, this facility is the first of its kind in Nigeria — equipped…