Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

On February 25, 2026, Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Thomas ‘Tommy’ Pigott, announced a sweeping new round of U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s weapons procurement networks and the maritime “shadow fleet” that facilitates the regime’s illicit oil trade. The measures represent one of the most comprehensive recent efforts to constrain Tehran’s access to materials, revenue, and logistical channels that support its ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons programs. The action, taken pursuant to Donald Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, underscores Washington’s intent to intensify economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran’s military-industrial infrastructure and the financial pipelines that sustain it. Targeting Global Weapons…

At a February 25, 2026 briefing of the United Nations Security Council, Andrew Curiel, Deputy Political Coordinator at the United States Mission to the United Nations, delivered remarks underscoring both progress and persistent challenges in the Central African Republic (CAR). Speaking before the Council, Curiel thanked the briefers for their insights and highlighted what he described as a “key milestone” in the country’s stabilisation process: the historic elections held in December. These elections, conducted with the support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African…

The cryptocurrency market has gained notable momentum in recent sessions, with Bitcoin (BTC), and Ethereum (ETH), leading a broad market rally fueled largely by investor speculation around U.S. policy developments and macroeconomic signals. Recent data shows the crypto market climbing around 2–6%+ in a single session, pushing total market capitalization back above key psychological levels. BTC has rebounded near $68,000–$69,500, while ETH has seen double-digit gains on some sessions, outperforming many mid-cap altcoins. Policy Speculation: The Main Catalyst 1. U.S. Political Signals Boost Sentiment Positive political developments and statements coming out of Washington have been a significant catalyst: Remarks from…

The decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), to 26.5% at its 304th Monetary Policy Committee meeting marks a modest but meaningful shift in Nigeria’s monetary environment. For consumer markets, the implications could unfold gradually across credit access, spending behaviour, pricing, and business activity. Here’s a detailed look at what it means for Nigerian consumers and retailers. 1. Consumer Purchasing Power: Gradual Relief Although a 50-basis-point cut is relatively small, it signals the beginning of potential easing after a prolonged high-interest regime. What This Means: Slightly lower lending rates over time. Potential…

Strategic Capital for a Competitive Era WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Board of Directors of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), has approved a new slate of strategic investments aimed at strengthening U.S. critical mineral supply chains, enhancing global energy security, and reinforcing sovereignty and stability among key allies and partners. The approvals underscore DFC’s expanding role as a cornerstone of American economic statecraft—deploying private capital in support of U.S. foreign policy priorities while maintaining financial discipline. “Today’s approvals underscore DFC’s disciplined approach to advancing America’s strategic interests abroad grounded in financial sensibility,” said DFC CEO, Ben Black. “Thanks to…

Lagos, Nigeria — February 2026 — As Nigeria prepares for the pivotal 2027 General Elections, the political battlefield is no longer confined to rallies and polling units. Campaign victories will be shaped by media dominance, digital influence, strategic storytelling, and disciplined public engagement. In 2027, visibility will determine viability. Narrative will determine electability. For presidential aspirants, governorship candidates, National Assembly contenders, and political parties preparing for the 2027 race, Fishe Limited provides a structured, high-level political communications partnership designed to build influence, protect reputation, and maximise voter’s engagement nationwide. The 2027 Political Communication Reality The 2027 election cycle will be…

The Nigerian naira has quietly secured a weekly gain against the U.S. dollar, marking a rare positive phase in its volatile forex journey — a development that should not be understated given the currency’s protracted struggles over recent years. Across both the official foreign exchange market and the informal (parallel) market, the naira has strengthened as holders of the U.S. dollar are increasingly forced to sell at a loss, rather than ride out the currency’s recent uptick. Many speculative investors who bought dollars at higher rates earlier are now facing financial pain as the greenback weakens — a visible sign…

When the next outbreak strikes, whether Lassa fever in the dry season, cholera after flooding, or a novel virus yet unknown; Nigeria may be better prepared than ever before. The reason is not dramatic. It is not a new vaccine discovery or a breakthrough laboratory. It is infrastructure — quiet, strategic, and transformative. Nigeria now has functional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs), in about 86 percent of states – 32 out of 37 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Under the leadership of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), this expansion marks one of the most…

Nigeria’s digital economy is expanding at remarkable speed. From mobile banking to cross-border e-commerce, millions of Nigerians now rely on smartphones not just for communication, but for commerce, payments, and personal data exchange. It is within this rapidly evolving landscape that the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has launched a probe into Temu, the Chinese-owned e-commerce platform, over alleged violations of user data protection laws. The investigation signals more than a regulatory inquiry—it represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, consumer rights, and the accountability of global tech platforms operating within African markets. The Stakes: Millions of Users, Massive…

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have taken a dramatic turn off the pitch, following a formal petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), over alleged player ineligibility. With global attention fixed on the case, confusion intensified this week after unconfirmed reports claimed that FIFA had already ruled in Nigeria’s favour — a claim the NFF has firmly denied. Here’s everything to know about the developing situation. The Background: A Crushing Playoff Defeat Nigeria’s Super Eagles were eliminated from the decisive African qualifying playoff after losing to DR…

In a public notice on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC), issued a strong directive to its customers to submit valid tax or identification details on or before February 20, 2026, warning that failure to do so could lead to disruption of electricity service. The move comes in response to provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), which took effect on January 1, 2026, and introduces new requirements for invoicing and tax compliance across the Nigerian economy. What the New Requirement Involves Under the law, all invoices — including utility bills such as electricity — must…

In January 2026, organisations operating in Nigeria suffered an average of 4,701 cyberattacks per organisation per week — the highest figure recorded across Africa — according to the Global Threat Intelligence Report by Check Point Research. This marks a 12% year-on-year increase in attack volume and a rise from 4,622 weekly incidents recorded in the final month of 2025, highlighting escalating pressure on digital defences. This figure far exceeds both the African continental average of 2,864 attacks per organisation weekly and the global average of 2,090 attacks per organisation weekly, underscoring Nigeria’s disproportionate exposure within the continent. Why Are Attacks…