Author: Joy Ananias

Nigerian startups attracted significant venture capital funding this month. Investors funded fintech, agritech, and health-tech innovations nationwide.Analysts observed increased confidence in local entrepreneurs. They credited improved regulatory clarity and expanding digital markets. Fintech companies dominated funding rounds recently. However, agritech startups gained strong investor attention.Founders emphasized scalability and regional expansion strategies. Consequently, cross-border partnerships increased steadily across West Africa. Startup incubators reported rising application numbers. Young innovators continue presenting market-driven solutions.Investors demand clear revenue models and governance standards. Therefore, founders prioritize sustainable business structures. Experts predict sustained funding momentum throughout 2026. Nigeria remains Africa’s leading startup destination, driving innovation across…

Nigeria’s automotive stakeholders are intensifying efforts to strengthen local manufacturing.The Federal Government and industry leaders have urged the Bank of Industry to expand funding support.They specifically want financing for motorcycle and tricycle production. The appeal emerged during a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos.The National Automotive Design and Development Council convened the meeting to advance the Import Deletion Programme.This programme promotes replacing imported components with locally manufactured alternatives. Participants included manufacturers, dealers, associations, and financial representatives.They collectively demanded affordable credit lines and strategic incentives.Such measures, they argued, would accelerate domestic production capacity. According to NADDC Director-General Joseph Osanipin, the initiative aligns with…

GigaLayer has acquired Registeram to expand its digital infrastructure footprint. The acquisition strengthens its position in Nigeria’s cloud and domain services market. It also signals a broader strategy to consolidate reliable infrastructure across Africa. Registeram has operated in Nigeria since 2008. Its customers will continue accessing existing services without disruption. However, GigaLayer will gradually integrate these services into its infrastructure platform. Consequently, clients will benefit from improved performance and enhanced security. The integration will also boost redundancy and technical support systems. According to Founder and CEO Ahmad Mukoshy, the deal reinforces local infrastructure development. He explained that the company aims…

Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc has announced progress toward commercial gold production in Nigeria. The company confirmed delivery of its pilot gold processing plant. It has also begun test runs at the Libeli Mine site. Consequently, the firm transitions into active mining and gold processing. Commercial production is scheduled to commence in May 2026. The milestone follows over four years of intensive geological exploration. During this period, the company secured statutory mining titles and approvals. It also engaged regulators to ensure full compliance. Furthermore, the firm strengthened its operational readiness strategy. Japaul Gold holds four mining leases across Taraba, Niger,…

NEM Insurance Plc has launched the third edition of its She Means Business competition, reinforcing its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs across Nigeria. The initiative highlights the company’s dedication to strengthening women-led businesses and promoting inclusive economic growth nationwide. The competition commenced on February 16, 2026, and will close on February 28, 2026. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their entries before the deadline. Through this programme, the insurer continues to champion entrepreneurship while advancing financial inclusion among women at the grassroots level. In this edition, three exceptional female entrepreneurs will each receive a ₦250,000 cash grant to expand their…

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. interim manager Igor Tudor has vowed to revive the club’s struggling season. He described Tottenham’s current league position as unacceptable. The North London side currently sits 16th in the Premier League table. Tudor replaced Thomas Frank following a disappointing run of results. The club dismissed Frank after a difficult eight-month spell. Since then, Spurs have aimed to steady their campaign before the season ends. However, Tudor faces an immediate challenge against Arsenal F.C. in the north London derby. The high-stakes clash will test his tactical flexibility and squad depth. Despite mounting pressure, Tudor insists excuses will not…

Nigeria women’s national football team will face Cameroon women’s national football team in two international friendlies. The matches form part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams will meet in Yaoundé on February 28 and March 3. The fixtures will help coaches assess squad strength and tactical readiness. Moreover, the games will strengthen regional football rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that arrangements for the friendlies have been finalized. Officials stated that collaboration with Cameroon’s federation ensured smooth planning. Consequently, the Super Falcons can now focus fully on competitive preparation. Nigeria…

Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon. Authorities announced that Ramadan 1447 AH will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The confirmation followed verified moon sighting reports across the Kingdom. Islamic tradition requires physical sighting of the crescent moon. Therefore, religious authorities carefully monitored the skies before making the declaration. Once confirmed, officials promptly informed citizens and the global Muslim community. Ramadan marks the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide observe fasting from dawn until sunset throughout the month. In addition, believers dedicate more time to prayer, reflection, and charitable acts. The holy…

The Nigeria Customs Service has denied allegations of foreign exchange rate manipulation. The agency clarified that it does not determine rates for import or export valuation. Instead, it applies official rates transmitted directly by the Central Bank of Nigeria. In a public statement, Customs explained how exchange rates operate within its system. The Service stated that its digital clearance platform, B’Odogwu, automatically receives approved rates. Therefore, it does not generate, alter, or adjust foreign exchange figures. Officials emphasized that the apex bank remains solely responsible for rate determination. Furthermore, the Service noted that the system applies rates uniformly nationwide. This…

The Financial Reporting Council FRC of Nigeria has announced that registration under the National Audit and Assurance Firms Register will become mandatory from April 1, 2026. The move is designed to strengthen oversight, enhance transparency, and improve confidence in Nigeria’s financial reporting system. The directive applies to all audit and assurance service providers operating within the country. Under the new requirement, statutory audit firms must register through the Council’s official online portal before the March 31, 2026 deadline. In addition, firms offering assurance-related services must update their regulatory profiles to remain compliant. The regulation extends beyond traditional auditors and includes…