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Rollout of 90,000km fibre optic network begins soon

Nigeria is to begin the rollout of a 90,000-kilometre fibre optic network across Nigeria in weeks.

Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani, who made this known in Abuja yesterday, described the move as one of the country’s most ambitious digital infrastructure projects that would transform broadband connectivity nationwide.

The minister also announced that Nigeria would on October 1 launch an alphanumeric postcode system and start the deployment of about 3,700 telecommunications towers to provide network coverage for more than 20 million Nigerians in communities without access to telecommunications services.

He spoke after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the progress of three flagship digital transformation projects being implemented by his ministry.

Tijani said the government has completed the resource mobilisation and contractual processes required for the fibre project and therefore is ready to deploy it across the country.

He said: ‘We’re now at the point where, in a few weeks, we should start to lay that fibre, so people will start seeing us around the country deploying the fibre. This is going to transform Nigeria for good.

‘This is a project where every state, every geopolitical zone, every local government and every ward in this country will be covered with fibre optic cables, which will transform the quality of connectivity.’

The minister said he thanked President Tinubu for policy reforms that have strengthened the communications sector, including the designation of digital infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, tariff adjustments and tax harmonisation.

He added: ‘I think our sector has been extremely fortunate. With Mr President, as you can imagine, he’s given us quite a few things that the sector has been demanding for a long time.

”Whether it’s the Critical National Infrastructure designation for all digital infrastructure, or the slight adjustment in tariff, which you’ve seen, the tax harmonisation, which the sector has been asking for.

‘I think it’s probably the sector that is most appreciative of this government because when we came in, the sector was contributing between 16 and 18 per cent to our GDP, but today that sector is tracking close to 21 per cent, so it’s a significant growth.’

On the postcode, he explained that the move would place Nigeria among a small number of nations using the advanced addressing technology.

‘Nigeria will be amongst maybe 10 or 15 countries in the world with alphanumeric postcode. It’s the latest design in the postcode system where we can now identify every property in this country. We’re hoping to launch that one on the 1st of October,’, said Tijani

According to him, the system will assign a unique address to every building, making deliveries faster, boosting e-commerce, strengthening security and improving public service delivery.

2027: No political party can stop Wike, Arewa youth group tells ADC

The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence has declared that no political party can withstand the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, in the 2027 general elections, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most formidable political strategists.

The group made the assertion in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Chairman, Haruna Bature, in response to a recent statement by the Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on the 2027 elections and Wike’s political role.

It said that although every political party has the right to express its views, it was necessary to ‘set the record straight’ in the interests of peace, unity and democratic engagement.

According to the group, Wike’s political trajectory, from serving as a Local Government Chairman and Chief of Staff to completing two terms as Governor of Rivers State and now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has demonstrated his capacity for leadership, grassroots mobilisation and the delivery of democratic dividends.

It maintained that Wike’s achievements in infrastructure development, youth empowerment and political organisation have earned him widespread goodwill across political, ethnic and regional divides, insisting that his political structure and popularity make him a force that no political party can easily contend with in the 2027 polls.

The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence urged the ADC and other political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of overheating the polity, stressing that the build-up to the next general election should be driven by issue-based campaigns, respect for democratic institutions and peaceful coexistence.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful democratic engagement, adding that elections should remain a contest of ideas rather than a platform for insults or intimidation.

It, however, expressed confidence that Nigerians would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 elections by rewarding competence, capacity and character at the polls.

Tanzania startups are on course for first ever $100 million funding year

Tanzania’s startup ecosystem could be on course for its first $100 million annual funding milestone, with industry players saying the momentum built during the first half of 2026 has created a realistic opportunity to achieve the target-provided the country sustains investor confidence and strengthens support for innovation.

The optimism follows the country’s strong performance in attracting $52 million in startup funding between January and June this year, according to data published by Africa: The Big Deal, making Tanzania Africa’s fifth-largest startup funding destination during the period.

Chadema proposes religious-led reconciliation as clerics point to lack of political will

As the opposition party Chadema proposes that religious leaders spearhead national reconciliation efforts, clerics have expressed readiness to mediate while warning of significant operational hurdles.

According to religious leaders, the primary obstacles to a successful outcome are a lack of political will among the conflicting parties, an absence of readiness to engage in genuine dialogue, and an unwillingness by political actors to compromise on held positions.

Political analysts argue that the prerequisite for any credible mediation is rebuilding trust between the government and religious bodies, following recent public friction that exposed mutual suspicion. The developments follow a meeting held by President Samia Suluhu Hassan with leaders of 18 registered political parties to discuss national matters, including political reconciliation and the revival of the New Constitution writing process.

Chadema stance

Speaking on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the party’s headquarters in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, Chadema secretary-general, Mr John Mnyika, said while the party maintains its core political stance, it believes respected religious leaders possess the moral authority required to steer national healing.

“Those previously tasked with reconciliation have failed because while preaching peace, state organs and political opponents continue hostilities. We must read the signs of the times. As things stand, the nation requires healing and collective prayers led by Muslim and Christian clerics,” said Mr Mnyika.

Mr Mnyika argued that religious leaders command greater public trust and societal acceptance than state-appointed committees currently handling reconciliation talks.

“Religious leaders should sit together, pray for the nation, call for repentance, and guide the country through this healing process,” he said.

He added that trusted domestic spiritual leaders could act as internal reconcilers alongside international mediators to resolve the country’s ongoing political impasse.

“Spiritual guidance is needed now more than ever. We thank the clerics who have spoken out and request that they continue standing against injustice with their prophetic voices,” he stated, adding that the political environment affects the entire nation, not just Chadema and the ruling CCM.

Clerics’ perspective

The National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata) executive council chairman, Sheikh Khamis Mataka, said religious leaders stand ready to advise and reconcile conflicting groups, provided the political actors demonstrate genuine commitment.

“For reconciliation to succeed, the primary parties involved must demonstrate readiness to be reconciled. If they show true political will, religious leaders are prepared to fulfill that duty,” noted Sheikh Mataka.

Addressing concerns over political bias among certain clerics, Sheikh Mataka suggested using universally respected spiritual leaders to build consensus and maintain public peace.

The Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) secretary-general, Reverend Moses Makunzo, echoed the sentiment, noting that national stability requires all stakeholders to compromise.

“Remember that religious leaders are also human and hold differing views. The fundamental question is whether those in power, political leaders, and their parties are willing to relinquish entrenched positions to sit at a common dialogue table,” stated Rev Makunzo.

He emphasized that clerics rely on persuasion and dialogue, but their efforts remain constrained if political leaders refuse to listen to one another.

Expert analysis

A political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof George Kahangwa, welcomed the proposal to involve religious leaders but stressed that trust between the state and religious institutions must first be restored.

‘A process of reconciliation between the government and religious leaders must precede broader national mediation, given recent public exchanges that signalled mutual mistrust,’ observed Prof Kahangwa.

He noted that independent religious figures are better suited to mediate than retired political leaders, who are often perceived as loyal to their respective political parties.

‘Utilising religious leaders is preferable to involving retired political figures who carry partisan baggage. A select group of prudent spiritual leaders with firm principles can execute this duty with high integrity,’ he said, recommending the establishment of a formal reconciliation commission with a neutral secretariat.

Concurring with the analysis, the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) executive director, Ms Anna Henga, noted that while citizens maintain faith in spiritual leaders, identifying universally trusted figures remains a challenge.

‘The key question is how we select trusted religious leaders for such a sensitive task. Priority should be given to clerics who have consistently defended truth and justice without fear or favour,’ said Ms Henga, adding that some religious figures have compromised their standing in recent years by failing to address societal injustices.

Four main UK companies offering visa sponsorship to foreign workers

The United Kingdom remains a top destination for skilled professionals worldwide in 2026, but recent immigration reforms have made securing visa-sponsored employment increasingly competitive.

Stricter policies, including higher salary thresholds, more demanding English-language requirements and tighter limits on eligible occupations, now mean that foreign workers must approach the UK job market with greater precision and awareness.

What foreign workers should know

Employment with a company licensed to sponsor visas does not automatically guarantee sponsorship. Eligibility depends on the specific role on offer, and applicants must meet all relevant immigration criteria set by UK authorities.

Prospective workers are advised to carefully review employers’ current vacancies, confirm that the role qualifies for visa sponsorship and ensure they meet the required salary and skill levels before submitting an application.

Here are four major employers that offer visa sponsorship for eligible positions.

1. NHS

Sector: Public

Visa sponsorship: Yes, for eligible roles

Routes: Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas

The National Health Service remains one of the UK’s biggest employers and a major source of sponsored employment for international workers.

The NHS recruits professionals across healthcare, technology and other specialist areas, with doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and IT specialists among those who may find eligible opportunities.

However, applicants should note that overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers was closed in July 2025. The Health and Care Worker route remains available for eligible healthcare professionals.

2. Tesco

Sector: Private

Visa sponsorship: Yes, for eligible roles

Route: Skilled Worker visa

Tesco is one of the UK’s largest private-sector employers and offers opportunities across technology, logistics, data, management and other specialist areas.

While most entry-level retail positions do not qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship, international applicants may find eligible opportunities in highly skilled areas.

Candidates must meet the relevant salary, occupation and immigration requirements before they can qualify for sponsorship.

3. Amazon UK

Sector: Private

Visa sponsorship: Yes, for eligible roles

Route: Skilled Worker visa

Amazon has a large presence across the UK and employs workers in areas including software engineering, cloud computing, technology, logistics and operations.

The company continues to invest heavily in its UK operations, creating opportunities across different parts of its business.

For foreign workers, sponsorship is generally linked to eligible professional and highly skilled positions, with applicants required to meet the applicable salary and occupation requirements.

4. BT Group

Sector: Private

Visa sponsorship: Yes, for eligible technical roles

Route: Skilled Worker visa

BT Group remains an important employer for professionals working in telecommunications and technology.

Despite efforts to streamline its workforce, the company continues to recruit for specialist positions in areas such as cybersecurity, engineering, artificial intelligence and IT.

International graduates and experienced professionals may find sponsorship opportunities where their qualifications, occupation and salary meet the requirements of the Skilled Worker route.

Is Gilas a priority?

Gilas head coach Tim Cone has a big problem. He has limited time to get the national team ready for the coming FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window late this month. Then, there’s another FIBA window scheduled in November. The challenge is for Gilas to pick up enough wins to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar next year since at the moment, the team is not in the magic circle of eight to advance. Another challenge is to defend the Asian Games championship in Aichi-Nagoya on Sept. 19-Oct. 4. Host Japan is mustering its forces to wrest the crown with NBA players Rui Hachimura, Yuki Kawamura and Yuta Watanabe leading the charge alongside naturalized player Josh Hawkinson and crack point guard Yuki Togashi. China is another threat as it was dethroned by Gilas in the previous Asian Games and is on a mission of redemption.

What’s bothering Cone even more than the opposition is finding out who’s available to play. Kai Sotto is clearly the best Filipino big man today but apparently, playing for Gilas isn’t a priority. He claims to be pursuing his NBA dream but didn’t play in the recent NBA Summer League. Sotto is mulling the possibility of joining a US NCAA D1 team under a rule that allows pros to play in college if within five years from high school graduation. He’s now 24 with experience in the Australian and Japanese pro leagues. How feasible is this route to the NBA for Sotto? There is talk that Sotto will agree to play for Gilas if the price is right, meaning he won’t settle for the usual allowance given to national players as his asking salary for a FIBA window is reportedly in six dollar figures. Let’s hope this talk isn’t true because if it is, Sotto will lose his image as a national treasure and go down in basketball history as an unpatriotic mercenary.

AGF Fagbemi tasks Legal Aid Council on prison congestion, rights violation, others

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has asked the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON) to tailor its activities toward addressing the challenge of prison congestion and rights violation in furtherance of the Federal Government’s objective of deepening access to justice for the poor.

Fagbemi said the Legal Aid Council serves as the moral compass of the nation’s justice delivery system, noting that in a society where economic disparities can hinder the assertion of basic rights, it was the duty of LACON to ensure that poverty is never a bar to justice.

The AGF spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while inaugurating the governing board of the LACON, led by the immediate past Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Suleiman Durosinlorun Kawu (retired).

Fagbemi charged the board to provide strong policy direction so that the LACON’s management could aggressively deploy operational mechanisms-including the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) and the Court Duty Solicitors Scheme (CDSS)-to reduce detention facility congestion, clear court dockets, and safeguard fundamental human rights at early contact points.

He noted that LACON’s mandate ‘is directly central to the legal reform agenda of the Federal Ministry of Justice and the priority areas of the President.

The AGF said, ‘Access to justice is not a luxury; it is a prerequisite for national security, public trust, and socio-economic harmony. The Ministry remains fully committed to supporting the Council through policy coordination, inter-agency advocacy, and institutional strengthening.’

Fagbemi advised the board members to familiarise themselves with extant regulations and circulars, as issued by the Offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Head of Civil Service of the Federation on the relationship between a supervising Ministry, Governing Board and Management of a Parastatal, in order to avoid conflict.

He added, ‘I must emphasise that your role is strategic oversight and policy direction, and not administration.

‘Your oversight functions are limited to adopting policy measures to support the mandates of the council and ensure their activities are pursued with efficiency, in order to achieve maximum impact.

‘Please note that the Board is not to descend into or interfere with the day-to-day management of the Council.

‘Your tenure will ultimately be measured by the strength of the strategic policies you institute, the institutional credibility you build, and the lives you touch.

‘You can count on my support and continued engagement to ensure that we achieve a justice system that is accessible to all irrespective of financial status,’ Fagbemi said.

Responding on behalf of the other board members, Kawu commended President Bola Tinubu for honouring them with the task to serve the country, assuring, ‘We will work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in us. The board shall work to extend access to justice.’

He said members of the board plan to meet on Thursday, following which they will interface with the management of the organisation to strategise on how to address the tasks ahead.

Justice Kawu said, ‘We have six zonal offices and 36 state offices. Our plan is to examine the possibility of extending legal aid services to all the 774 local government areas, including all the development areas.

‘It will require more resources, recruitment of staff, of lawyers and collaborating with other stakeholders to get pro bono services, especially in rural areas.

‘We have a lot of people unrepresented. We have a lot of people in police cells without anybody knowing what is happening to them.

‘We intend to go to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria to find out exactly what is happening, who has run foul of the law and how we can assist them,’ he said.

On the issue of funding, Justice Kawu noted that both the federal and state governments are required to fund the organisation, but that they plan to work with all stakeholders to ensure that there are adequate funds to carry out the tasks ahead.

Meet five Nigerian actresses behind multi-million-naira movie productions

Nollywood has evolved into a billion-naira industry, with many actresses stepping behind the camera to produce films that have achieved remarkable commercial success. While numerous actresses have ventured into filmmaking, only a select few have produced films with publicly reported box office earnings running into hundreds of millions and, in some cases, billions of naira.

Here are five Nigerian actresses whose film productions have made a significant mark at the Nigerian box office.

1. Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most successful filmmaker at the box office. The actress and producer has consistently broken cinema records with blockbuster productions that continue to redefine commercial success in Nollywood.

Her 2020 film Omo Ghetto: The Saga grossed more than N636 million, becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time. She later surpassed that feat with Battle on Buka Street, which earned over N668 million. In 2023, A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nollywood film to cross the ?1 billion mark before finishing its cinema run with more than N1.4 billion. She went on to break her own record with Everybody Loves Jenifa, while Behind the Scenes became the first Nigerian film to surpass N2 billion at the Nigerian box office.

2. Iyabo Ojo

Seasoned actress, filmmaker and entrepreneur Iyabo Ojo has steadily built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s successful actor-producers. Although she has been producing films for over two decades, she reached a new commercial milestone with her 2025 epic, Labake Olododo.

Produced by Iyabo Ojo and directed by Biodun Stephen, Labake Olododo enjoyed a successful theatrical run, grossing over N200 million at the Nigerian box office after a strong opening weekend. The film ranked among Nollywood’s highest-grossing releases of 2025, further cementing her reputation as a producer capable of delivering commercially successful cinema productions.

3. Toyin Abraham

Toyin Abraham has established herself as one of Nollywood’s leading filmmakers through a string of commercially successful productions.

She found success with the Alakada franchise and The Ghost and the Tout series, both of which recorded impressive performances in cinemas. Over the years, her productions have consistently ranked among Nollywood’s top box office performers, generating hundreds of millions of naira in ticket sales and reinforcing her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most commercially successful producers.

4. Omoni Oboli

Omoni Oboli has successfully combined acting, writing and filmmaking to build an impressive production career spanning several years.

Her Wives on Strike franchise became a fan favourite and enjoyed successful cinema runs, while The Uprising: Wives on Strike further strengthened her reputation as a commercially successful producer. Through these and other theatrical releases, Omoni Oboli has established herself as one of Nollywood’s respected filmmakers with a proven record of producing successful cinema titles.

5. Mercy Aigbe

Mercy Aigbe made a successful transition into cinema production with films that resonated with audiences across Nigeria.

Her debut cinema production, Ada Omo Daddy, grossed more than N200 million, making it one of her highest-grossing Nollywood films of 2023. She followed it with Thin Line, further strengthening her presence as a producer and proving she is among the new generation of actor-producers making a notable impact at the Nigerian box office.

As Nollywood continues to expand, these actresses have demonstrated that success in the industry extends beyond acting. Through strategic storytelling and commercially successful productions, they have helped shape the growth of Nigeria’s film industry while delivering some of its biggest box office hits.

Philippines, Canada to hold next FTA talks in September

The Philippines and Canada, which are set to hold the next round of free trade agreement (FTA) talks next month, are on track to conclude negotiations within the year.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty told reporters on the sidelines of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines’ forum, that the next round of FTA talks between the Philippines and Canada is scheduled next month.

The fourth round of FTA negotiations will be held in Canada.

Gepty said the parties conducted the third round of FTA talks also in Canada late last month.

‘Our third round is very successful…In terms of progress that we achieved, it’s very substantive,’ he said, noting that the talks covered market access for goods.

Gepty expressed hope that the FTA’s text would be stabilized during the fourth round.

He also said that the parties are on track with the target to conclude FTA negotiations within the year.

The Philippines and Canada launched FTA talks in October last year.

Once completed, the FTA with Canada would be the Philippines’ first free trade deal in North America.

In 2025, trade between the Philippines and Canada reached $2.15 billion.

Philippine exports to Canada amounted to $1.31 billion last year.

Meanwhile, goods imported by the Philippines from Canada were valued at $840 million in 2025.

The Philippine government is pushing for more FTAs to expand its export markets and open opportunities for Philippine businesses.

Last month, the Philippines concluded negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Chile. This marks the country’s first FTA in Latin America.

The Philippines also expects to conclude negotiations for its FTA with the European Union this year.

PCCI-NCR to convene nation’s top businesses, government leaders at Metro Manila Business Conference 2026

Premier conference to drive solutions on energy, trade, security, AI and regional competitiveness toward a stronger and more resilient ASEAN.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – National Capital Region (PCCI-NCR) will gather the country’s foremost business executives, government leaders, diplomats, policymakers, investors, and industry experts for the Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC) 2026, to be held on August 3 to 4, 2026, at the Fiesta Pavilion, The Manila Hotel.

Carrying the theme, “Navigating Energy, Trade, and Security for Resilient Business and Stronger ASEAN,” the two-day conference will serve as the country’s premier platform for advancing policy dialogue, fostering public-private collaboration, and generating practical solutions that will strengthen business resilience, accelerate economic growth, and reinforce ASEAN competitiveness.

As the Philippines continues to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by energy transition, geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and changing trade dynamics, the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector has never been greater.

MMBC 2026 responds to this imperative by providing a high-level platform where leaders can exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships and develop forward-looking solutions that will strengthen enterprise competitiveness and position the Philippines as a key driver of growth within the ASEAN region.

Against the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain global economy, MMBC 2026 will serve as the country’s premier platform for strategic dialogue between the public and private sectors. More than a gathering of leaders, the conference is where policies are influenced, investments are catalyzed, and cross-sector partnerships are forged.

By convening the nation’s foremost decision-makers alongside regional and international stakeholders, MMBC 2026 seeks to transform today’s challenges into opportunities that will drive sustainable growth, strengthen economic resilience, and elevate the Philippines’ leadership within the ASEAN community.

The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and panelists, including Cabinet officials, Metro Manila local chief executives, ASEAN ambassador, business leaders, economists, technology experts, and industry champions who will share their perspectives on today’s most pressing economic issues. Discussions will cover critical areas such as competitive cities, energy security, regional trade and investment, government services for enterprises, organizational development, economic security, artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and CEO leadership in times of disruption.

Among the conference highlights are:

LGU Leadership Panel on building competitive and investment-ready cities;

Energy Plenary on accelerating the country’s energy transition and strengthening energy security;

ASEAN Ambassador Roundtable on regional trade, investment, and economic integration;

Government Services Forum showcasing programs that accelerate business growth;

Chamber Development Forum highlighting best practices and regional competitiveness across the five PCCI areas;

CEO Fireside Chat featuring some of the country’s most respected business leaders discussing resilience, innovation, and leadership;

Economic Security Forum addressing geopolitical risks, fiscal policy, and national competitiveness; and

AI and Future Workforce Session exploring how businesses can prepare for the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The conference will culminate in the presentation and adoption of the MMBC 2026 Resolutions, reflecting the collective recommendations of the business community to help shape policies that promote investment, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth. These resolutions will reinforce PCCI’s continuing role as the voice of Philippine business and its commitment to building a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient ASEAN.

For more than three decades, the Metro Manila Business Conference has served as PCCI-NCR’s flagship business forum, convening leaders from government, industry, academia, and the diplomatic community to address emerging challenges, influence policy and create opportunities that advance the country’s economic agenda.

As the conference marks its 34th edition, it continues its legacy of championing dialogue, innovation, and collaboration that contribute to a more competitive Philippines and a stronger ASEAN.