Category: Business Day

PalmPay is stepping up its investment in youth development as Nigeria faces a widening gap in the digital skills needed to participate in the country’s increasingly technology-driven economy.

The financial technology company said its youth-focused programmes are designed to address some of the barriers facing young Nigerians, including limited digital skills, weak financial literacy and inadequate access to workplace experience and career opportunities.

The push comes as Nigeria’s large youth population faces growing pressure to acquire skills that can translate into jobs, entrepreneurship and financial independence.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), only about seven percent of young people aged 15 to 24 in Nigeria possess basic information and communication technology skills, underscoring the scale of the challenge as businesses and public services become increasingly digital.

For PalmPay, the skills gap makes youth development more than a corporate social responsibility initiative. The company sees investment in young people as part of building the workforce and entrepreneurial capacity that Nigeria will need to sustain economic growth.

‘At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. Unlocking their potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria,’ Chika Nwosu, managing director of PalmPay Nigeria, said.

One of the company’s initiatives is its Graduate Trainee Programme, which gives young graduates exposure to the workplace while allowing them to develop professional skills and gain experience in the fast-changing technology and financial services industry.

PalmPay is also using financial education as another route to youth empowerment.

Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, the company provides practical lessons to members of the National Youth Service Corps on saving, budgeting, spending and protecting their money.

The programme targets young Nigerians at a critical transition point, when many are moving from education into employment, entrepreneurship and greater financial responsibility.

PalmPay’s youth strategy also includes initiatives targeted at young women.

Its Purple Woman programme provides opportunities for internships, learning and professional development, with a focus on increasing female participation in the technology sector.

The initiatives reflect a broader shift in the way youth empowerment is being approached by companies operating in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Rather than focusing only on financial support, the programmes combine skills, workplace exposure, financial knowledge and access to professional networks.

That approach is particularly important as employers increasingly require workers who can use digital tools, manage money effectively and adapt to changing business models.

For Nigeria, the challenge extends beyond getting young people into the labour market. The country also needs to ensure that its growing youth population has the skills required to contribute productively to an economy increasingly shaped by technology, digital finance and entrepreneurship.

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has also identified skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion as priorities in its youth development agenda.

PalmPay said its long-term objective is to contribute to that wider effort by giving young Nigerians practical opportunities to build careers and make better financial decisions.

A graduate who gains workplace experience can build the foundation for a professional career or business. A Corps member who develops stronger financial habits can carry those skills into adulthood. A young woman who gains access to professional networks can increase her chances of participating in the technology sector and potentially create opportunities for others.

The company said these outcomes demonstrate why youth empowerment should be viewed as an investment in Nigeria’s economic future rather than simply as a social intervention.

As Nigeria works to close its digital skills gap, the ability of businesses, government and other institutions to provide young people with relevant skills and meaningful opportunities will become increasingly important.

For PalmPay, International Youth Day provides an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to that effort, with the company positioning its youth programmes around a broader goal: helping young Nigerians become skilled, financially informed and better prepared to participate in the economy.

Zipline is seeking to deepen its role in Nigeria’s healthcare system by expanding the use of autonomous logistics to tackle persistent gaps in the distribution of medicines, vaccines, and other critical medical supplies.

The company, which began operations in Nigeria in 2022, says it has served more than six million people across three states, completed over 190,000 deliveries, and delivered more than 6.5 million vaccine doses.

As Nigeria continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure, in this exclusive interview, Anthonio (Tonio) Pinheiro, the newly appointed Country Director of Zipline Nigeria, told BusinessDay’s Chinwe Michael that the bigger challenge is ensuring that existing facilities can consistently access the products they need.

Pinheiro, who previously worked as director of marketplace operations at Andela and later as chief operating officer and operating partner at Ingressive Capital, said Zipline’s strategy is focused on building long-term logistics infrastructure rather than running short-term technology pilots.

He discusses Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure gaps, Zipline’s government partnerships, the economics of scaling autonomous logistics, and why drones are only one component of the company’s broader healthcare supply-chain infrastructure.

You recently assumed the role of Country Director for Zipline Nigeria. What have been your biggest observations about the operating environment so far?

My biggest observation is the scale of both the opportunity and the ambition. Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest healthcare systems, and governments are looking for practical ways to improve access and service delivery.

Operating at this scale requires patience, local knowledge, and close partnership. Success is not simply about deploying technology. You have to understand the realities on the ground, earn the trust of healthcare workers, and build something that fits into the health system.

That is how we approach our work at Zipline. We are not building a temporary solution. We are building infrastructure that health workers, governments, and patients can depend on over time.

Nigeria has seen significant investment in health infrastructure over the years, yet challenges remain. From your perspective, where are the biggest gaps today?

Pinheiro: Nigeria has expanded its health infrastructure, including primary healthcare centres, teaching hospitals and diagnostic facilities. However, population growth and the cost of maintaining power, equipment, staffing and medical supplies have grown faster than the resources available.

The challenge is not simply a lack of investment. It is making sure that existing facilities can function consistently and have the products they need when patients arrive.

A health worker should not have to refer a patient elsewhere because a medicine, vaccine, or unit of blood is unavailable. Our role is to strengthen the logistics behind the health system so facilities can request what they need and receive it quickly, rather than holding large amounts of stock that may expire or go unused.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2022, we have served more than six million people across three states, completed over 190,000 deliveries, and delivered more than 6.5 million vaccine doses. Those figures matter because they represent more patients receiving care closer to home and more health workers able to treat people when they arrive.

How does Zipline work with public-sector stakeholders, and what have you learned about implementing technology-driven solutions within government systems?

Everything we do starts with partnership. We don’t operate alongside the public health system, we become part of it. We work with federal and state governments to understand their priorities and integrate our infrastructure into existing healthcare systems.

We’ve learned that successful innovation isn’t about replacing public systems; it’s about strengthening them. Technology creates the greatest impact when it’s aligned with government priorities, embedded into existing workflows, and designed to solve real operational challenges.

That’s why our partnerships are built for the long term. Together with the government, we’re creating more resilient health systems that deliver better outcomes for citizens.

Infrastructure projects often struggle to move beyond pilot stages. What does it take to scale a logistics network sustainably across multiple states?

Sustainable scale comes from proving value, building trust, and delivering consistently over time. Governments don’t scale technology because it’s innovative; they scale infrastructure because it’s reliable and delivers measurable results.

We’ve seen this approach work successfully across Africa, and that is why governments continue to choose us. The results speak for themselves – including a reported 51 percent reduction in maternal deaths, up to 84 percent reduction in severe acute malnutrition, a 60 percent reduction in the duration of vaccine stockouts, and economic development that can literally be seen from space.

Ultimately, lasting scale isn’t about running successful pilots, it’s about building a trusted national infrastructure that governments, healthcare workers, and communities can depend on every day.

What role can private-sector innovation realistically play in addressing some of Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges?

Private-sector innovation can play a major role, but only when it is aligned with public priorities.

Governments define public priorities and provide the policy framework. Companies like Zipline contribute technology, operational expertise, and the ability to build and manage complex infrastructure efficiently.

When those strengths come together, we can improve service delivery, create high-skilled local jobs, strengthen national capability, and help governments deliver better outcomes for citizens.

Before joining Zipline, you worked with technology startups through Andela and Ingressive Capital. How does building physical infrastructure compare with scaling digital businesses?

Many of the leadership principles are the same. You need capable people, disciplined execution, and a clear understanding of the customer.

The main difference lies in the consequences of failure. With physical healthcare infrastructure, each delivery can affect patient care. Reliability is therefore not simply a product feature; it is an operating requirement.

Physical infrastructure also depends on more stakeholders. You are working across regulation, government, supply chains, engineering, healthcare facilities, and local communities. That makes relationships and execution as important as technology.

What misconceptions do people often have about autonomous logistics and its application in markets like Nigeria?

The first misconception is that people see drones when they should see infrastructure.

Autonomous drone delivery is only one part of Zipline’s work. We operate an end-to-end logistics system that includes warehousing, inventory management, cold chain, order fulfillment, delivery, and digital track and trace.

Together, these systems help governments move medical products more efficiently and respond to demand in real time.

The second misconception is that advanced autonomous technology is better suited to developed markets. In reality, African countries have been among the first to deploy autonomous logistics at a national scale.

That is because the need is clear. When the technology is integrated into public health systems and paired with local talent, it can expand access, reduce waste, and help facilities provide more consistent care.

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has arrested a suspected terrorist logistics courier and recovered approximately 21,000 rounds of 7.62 × 39mm ammunition during a patrol operation in Cameroon’s Far North Region.

The operation was carried out on August 10, 2026, by personnel of the National Gendarmerie stationed at Hilé-Alifa, under Sector 1 of the MNJTF.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Moussa Goudja, was intercepted in the Dougoum Silio area of Logone while allegedly transporting the ammunition for onward delivery to Ambdego.

According to the MNJTF, the ammunition was concealed in three containers disguised as containers used for petroleum products in an apparent attempt to evade detection by security personnel.

This, represents a significant seizure of ammunition believed to have been destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Basin, potentially disrupting their ability to replenish their weapons and sustain attacks.

Iweha Onyenonachi, Acting Chief Military Public Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lt. Col. , disclosed the development in a statement issued on August 11.

The military said preliminary investigations had established that Goudja was transporting the ammunition to Ambdego when security forces intercepted him.

‘The suspect is currently in the custody of one of the national security agencies for further investigations,’ the statement said, adding that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attempted movement of the ammunition were ongoing.

The seizure comes amid intensified efforts by security forces operating under the MNJTF to disrupt terrorist supply chains and prevent the movement of weapons, ammunition and other logistical materials to armed groups active across the Lake Chad Basin.

Saidu Audu, Force Commander of the MNJTF, commended the Cameroonian security forces in Sector 1 for what he described as a successful operation.

Audu said the interception had disrupted an attempt to transport a substantial quantity of ammunition to terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad Basin area.

He stressed the importance of intelligence-led operations and strengthened cooperation between the MNJTF and national security agencies in dismantling terrorist logistics networks.

‘The Multinational Joint Task Force remains committed to strengthening intelligence-led operations and enhancing cooperation with national security agencies to deny and disrupt terrorist logistics networks while promoting peace and security across the Lake Chad Basin area,’ the statement said.

The MNJTF also warned individuals involved in supplying logistics to terrorist groups, as well as their sponsors, to abandon such activities, stressing that security agencies would continue to pursue them regardless of the methods or disguises used.

It urged all sectors of the joint task force to intensify patrols and clearance operations aimed at disrupting terrorist networks and securing the Lake Chad Basin.

The Lake Chad Basin, which encompasses parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, has remained a major theatre of operations against insurgent groups, with security forces across the region seeking to prevent the movement of fighters, weapons, ammunition, food and other supplies that enable terrorist organisations to sustain their activities.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered more than N115 billion in outstanding statutory levies owed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies, following investigations into queries contained in the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) 2021-2023 Oil and Gas Sector Audit Report.

The recovery, covering the period between 2021 and 2023, comprises N76.883 billion and $81.076 million in outstanding 3 percent statutory levies due to the NDDC, the EFCC told the Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday.

The disclosure was made by the EFCC representative, Francis Oka-Phillips Usani, when he appeared before the Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo-led committee as part of the Senate’s ongoing investigation into the findings contained in the NEITI audit report.

Usani said the commission investigated 43 oil companies, with 24 companies operating within the Niger Delta found to have outstanding liabilities to the NDDC, while the remaining 19 companies were cleared of the queries.

‘At the commencement of investigation, EFCC invited 43 oil companies out of which 24 operating within the Niger Delta, were found to have outstanding liabilities in the sums of N76,883,705,907.17 billion and $81,076,655.00 million while the remaining 19 other oil companies were given clean bill of health,’ he said.

According to him, the commission’s investigation and pressure on the affected companies resulted in some of them paying their outstanding liabilities directly to the NDDC.

He said the payments made directly to the commission by the affected companies amounted to N6.709 billion and $16.994 million.

Usani further disclosed that the EFCC had released N73.373 billion and $67.070 million to the NDDC from the sums recovered on its behalf.

He said the balance currently domiciled in the EFCC’s recovery account stood at N3.510 billion and $14.005 million.

The figures provided by the EFCC gave the Senate committee a clearer picture of the financial implications of the NEITI audit findings and the extent to which unpaid statutory obligations had accumulated within the oil and gas sector.

Explaining the scope of the commission’s intervention, Usani said the EFCC focused primarily on one of the key issues identified in the NEITI report, the failure of oil companies to remit the mandatory three percent statutory levy due to the NDDC.

He, however, said the commission did not lose sight of the possibility that other statutory obligations and taxes might also be outstanding to the Federal Government.

‘EFCC focused on one primary pillar identified in the NEITI report i.e, unpaid 3% statutory levies due to NDDC but that EFCC did not lose sight of the fact that there could be other unpaid statutory obligations and taxes due to the Federal Government,’ he said.

The recovery comes as the Senate continues to scrutinise the NEITI 2021-2023 Oil and Gas Sector Audit Report, with the Public Accounts Committee examining the financial obligations of oil companies and the response of relevant government agencies to outstanding liabilities.

However, the committee’s proceedings also exposed continuing concerns over the appearance of oil companies before the lawmakers.

Shortly after the EFCC’s presentation, the committee rejected an attempt by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited to defend queries raised against the company in the audit report through a representative.

The committee cited the company’s under-representation and consequently directed the Managing Director of TotalEnergies to appear personally before it.

The appearance is expected to take place next week on a date to be communicated by the committee.

The committee also gave the managing directors of South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, Oando Oil Limited, Famfa Oil and Green Energy International Limited a final opportunity to appear physically before the panel and respond to queries against their companies.

The development underscores the increasingly tough approach being adopted by the committee as it intensifies its examination of the NEITI audit findings and seeks direct explanations from companies implicated in outstanding financial obligations.

For the committee, the objective is not only to establish the extent of liabilities but also to determine whether the relevant companies have fulfilled their statutory obligations and whether government agencies have adequately enforced the collection of revenues due to the public.

The EFCC intervention has already demonstrated the potential financial impact of acting on audit findings, with more than N115 billion in liabilities identified and substantial sums subsequently recovered or released to the NDDC.

But the Senate’s continuing hearings suggest that lawmakers are seeking to go beyond recoveries already made to establish the circumstances surrounding the accumulation of the debts and ensure that outstanding obligations are properly accounted for.

At the end of Wednesday’s session, Dankwambo said the investigative hearing would continue on Thursday as the committee intensifies its scrutiny of the NEITI report.

The committee’s investigation is expected to bring more oil companies and government agencies before the lawmakers as the Senate seeks explanations on the financial queries contained in the three-year audit of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face arch-rivals South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Casablanca on Thursday, with a place in the playoff spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.

The encounter offers the Super Falcons a second opportunity to keep their hopes of playing at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil alive after their 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon ended their defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.

With both teams eliminated before the semi-finals, Thursday’s clash has taken on added significance as Nigeria and South Africa battle for a place in the Inter-Confederation Playoff Tournament.

Falcons seek response after Cameroon setback

Nigeria dominated much of their quarter-final against Cameroon but failed to convert their opportunities, eventually suffering a narrow defeat.

Coach Justin Madugu will now be expected to make tactical adjustments against a South African side that has developed into one of Nigeria’s biggest rivals in African women’s football.

The Falcons created several chances against Cameroon but were repeatedly frustrated by goalkeeper Michaely Bihina and a disciplined defensive unit.

Madugu is likely to turn to his most clinical attacking options as Nigeria seek to avoid another costly failure in front of goal.

Rematch of dramatic 2025 semi-final

Thursday’s meeting comes just over a year after Nigeria and South Africa played a dramatic WAFCON semi-final in Casablanca.

The Falcons prevailed 2-1, with defender Michelle Alozie scoring a spectacular stoppage-time winner after both teams had converted penalties.

The defeat was particularly painful for Banyana Banyana, who entered the match as defending champions.

South Africa, however, have enjoyed success against Nigeria at the WAFCON, defeating the Falcons in the 2012, 2018 and 2022 editions.

Overall, though, Nigeria maintain a dominant record in the rivalry, having won 17 of their other competitive meetings against South Africa.

Ajibade and Kgatlana lead rival attacks

Nigeria will again be led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, while South Africa will rely on the pace and attacking threat of Thembi Kgatlana.

The two sides have already endured several high-stakes encounters in recent years, including their battle for qualification for the 2024 Olympic women’s football tournament.

Nigeria edged that contest 1-0 on aggregate, with Ajibade’s penalty in Abuja proving decisive across the two legs.

South Africa also defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their opening match of the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco.

World Cup hopes on the line

Victory will give either Nigeria or South Africa a route into the Inter-Confederation Playoff Tournament and keep their hopes of securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

For the Super Falcons, Thursday represents an opportunity to recover from the disappointment against Cameroon and preserve their record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup.

Madugu’s side must now combine the attacking quality that created numerous opportunities against Cameroon with greater efficiency in front of goal.

With qualification at stake and two of Africa’s leading women’s teams meeting again, the latest chapter in the Nigeria-South Africa rivalry promises another high-pressure battle in Casablanca.

The former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, has said that democracy depended greatly on the strength and effectiveness of political parties which provide a platform through which citizens participate in politics, select leaders, and contribute to the formulation of public policies.

Sambo also said that for the political parties to effectively perform their role, they must embrace internal democracy, transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

He spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi State Tuesday.

The Democracy Dialogue was held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi.

According to Sambo, the selection of candidates should also be credible and inclusive, while party members should have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making.

‘Our political parties must also move beyond political cleavages largely driven by personalities and focus more on ideas and policies,’ Sambo said, adding that by doing that, it will help to provide the necessary checks and balances within a democratic system.

The former vice president also said that courts have the responsibility of interpreting the Constitution, protecting citizens’ rights, and resolving disputes, including electoral disputes and in accordance with the law.

‘Judicial independence must be protected, judges must be able to perform their duties without political interference, intimidation or undue pressure. Judiciary must continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability,’ he said.

Sambo noted that public confidence in the judiciary was essential to the credibility and sustainability of democracy, saying that people must also pay attention to the timely resolution of cases, particularly electoral matters.

Sambo further said that delayed justice can undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

On his part, the governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the programme for giving him the opportunity to speak. He said that there was total injustice in the way resources were distributed across the country.

‘I come from a state with only eight local government areas, while some states have 40 local government areas and even more. Yet, resources from the federation are shared among all the local government areas, which is injustice,’ Diri said.

According to him, ‘Our resources are being exploited without the benefits being equitably distributed to the people. Now, there is gold in Zamfara State and in other parts of the country. Yet, what we experience in those areas is insecurity. Much of the insecurity has also been linked to the discovery and exploitation of gold in that part of the country.’

Diri further said that for democracy to truly thrive in Nigeria, there must be true federalism.

Also speaking during the occasion, the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, called on Nigerians to reflect on the state of the nation’s democracy, warning that the erosion of judicial independence and electoral credibility poses a grave threat to the country’s future.

Drawing from his personal experience, Obi recalled spending three years in court challenging the 2003 Anambra governorship election and eventually secured justice.

‘I never met the judges. Five judges I had never met delivered judgments in my favour. That cannot happen in Nigeria today,’ he said.

‘I was a beneficiary of a process I had no influence over, and it was that judgment that made me governor,’ he further said.

The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over current trends in the electoral and judicial processes.

‘Our lawmakers are manipulating the electoral process. Senior professors are defending it. Our young people are now being lured into criminal political activities. We have a crisis,’ Obi said.

‘It is time for every Nigerian to sit down and ask, where is our nation going? We need to reverse this trend. Because there are things we are allowing today that will come back to hurt our children.’

Those present at the event included former president, Olusegun Obasanjo; Bayelsa State Governor, Douyi Diri; former governor of Anambra State and the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.

West Africa could unlock a cumulative $3 trillion energy market by 2035, but only if its 16 nations abandon fragmented national strategies in favour of an integrated regional framework, according to Suleiman Yahyah, Chairman of Rosehill Group Limited Advisory Limited.

Speaking at the West Africa Refined Fuel Market Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Yahyah warned that relying solely on standalone infrastructure projects would delay the region’s energy transition by decades. Instead, he advocated for a system-wide overhaul driven by harmonised product specifications, shared data protocols, unified energy contracts, and a central dispute resolution framework.

The conference, themed ‘Funding West Africa Infrastructure and Distribution to Create a Transparent Market for Regional Price Benchmarks,’ was co-hosted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), S and P Global Commodity Insights, and the West Africa Regulators Forum.

Yahyah argued that the region could no longer be described merely as an emerging market with huge potential because developments in refining and energy infrastructure were beginning to change the structure of the market.

‘Once upon a time, a few months ago, this market was full of potential. But a couple of months have changed the dynamics, and we are now managing six steps for emerging markets in the energy platforms. With the presentation done yesterday and the big investments in refining and changing dynamics in global markets, we are no longer a potential; we are now at the crossroads for an infant or emerging market composition,’ he said.

Yahyah noted that the region must now build an efficient cross-border energy framework that facilitates the seamless flow of resources, capital, and data. He cautioned that relying on isolated projects would take decades, whereas an integrated market structure would far more quickly resolve current supply and demand disparities.

The national honouree said, ‘How do you get there? If we think in projects, it will take us many, many years to get there. But if we think in systems, perhaps we can accelerate the correction of today’s imbalances. So, what’s the next step? West Africa will stop competing nationally and transact regionally.

‘That means we harmonise activities so that an operator with a license in Ghana can operate in Nigeria and can trade in Nigeria. And that will mean that we have common product specifications, we have shared data standards, we have a modern energy contract, we have infrastructure to drive it, and we have the regional dispute resolution mechanism. If we do that, it is possible that by 2035, we can have a market that is $3 trillion cumulative.’

‘And this would mean, therefore, that the market has debt, it has integration, it is connected to global platforms, and the fiscal system where we see the fiscal system where we see the fiscal transaction, like if you look at the electricity market, a lot of cables connecting the region, the gas market, but trade is between 8 to 12 percent. So, essentially, the market now can converge where transactions are not only stagnant, but they are following the flow of opportunities.’

Yahyah said Africa’s enormous population and energy resources had not translated into adequate access to affordable and clean energy.

He argued that the opportunity for the region was not simply to produce more oil and gas but to capture more of the financial value created by energy trading, market information, risk management and price discovery.

He cited global benchmark and market institutions, exchanges and data providers as examples of entities that derive enormous commercial value from the infrastructure surrounding commodity markets.

‘These institutions, they don’t own molecules; they don’t own the resources. What they own is knowledge; they own methodologies, they own technology, and they have very talented people who drive these markets,’ he said.

Yahyah stressed the need for West Africa to develop its market infrastructure while establishing strategic partnerships with global institutions rather than attempting to recreate everything from scratch.

Also speaking to Journalists at the event, Rabiu Umar, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA said that the major focus of the conference is to move the region towards an integrated market, and ensure that each country leaverage its capacity. This approach he said, will prevent duplicate systems and ensure proper integration, setting the stage for concrete progress within a couple of months.

Umar also said that there is need to unify the quality of petroleum products available in the region, noting that the price for each quality varies.

‘So if you have 50 PPM product or you have a 200 PPM product, they don’t price the same way. So the 1st thing we are trying to do through the West Africa regulators forum is to make sure that there is a uniformity in terms of the product quality specification.

‘And the next step is to look at the liquidity, because if you do not have the molecules, it’s difficult to have a price benchmark. And then the third one is then to look at the infrastructure, which basically is to say, who has competitive advantage where, and how do we address all the trade barriers in terms of custom, in terms of crossing from one country to another, such that there will be free flow of petroleum products across the borders.

‘So that way there will not be duplication of every single infrastructure. That way you have proper integration, and I believe that within the next couple of months, we should begin to see concrete results.’

Tolulope Olorundero, communications entrepreneur and founder of PRWF Global and Mosron Communications, has launched an annual cash prize to support young female founders of public relations agencies and consultancies in Nigeria.

The Tolucomms Prize for Tenacity will be open to female PR agency or consultancy founders and owners aged 35 or younger who have built their businesses through innovation, resilience and the use of digital platforms.

Olorundero said the initiative was inspired by her experience building a communications business and the challenges that come with entrepreneurship.

‘Building a communications business is often a lonely journey, particularly in the early years,’ she said.

‘There were times when I had to navigate uncertainty, limited resources and the pressure that comes with trying to build something sustainable. Like many entrepreneurs, there were moments when the road ahead was not always clear.’

According to Olorundero, her experience has also exposed her to women in public relations facing similar challenges, including difficulties securing clients and growing their businesses.

‘Some are trying to secure clients, some are struggling with growth, and some are simply trying to stay the course long enough to see their efforts pay off,’ she said.

She said the prize was created to encourage women who may be struggling to sustain their businesses.

‘My aim is to reach a young woman who may be quietly struggling to keep her business going, and who may be considering giving up, and to give her a reason to continue,’ Olorundero said.

The annual prize will recognise a female founder who has demonstrated determination in growing her agency or consultancy while using digital platforms to build visibility, credibility and business opportunities.

The winner will be selected by an independent panel comprising the president and vice president of Nigerian Women in PR, a representative of The Comms Avenue and representatives of Brand Communicator.

The prize will be presented annually at the Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA).

Olorundero said the initiative was intended to provide practical support to emerging founders beyond recognition.

‘The public relations industry has several excellent recognition platforms, but there is still room for initiatives that directly support emerging founders,’ she said.

According to her, Tolucomms Prize for Tenacity is not only a recognition award. It is an intervention. It is a statement that resilience matters, that entrepreneurship deserves encouragement, and that women building communications businesses should know that their efforts are seen and valued.

The prize is expected to become the first dedicated cash award in Nigeria’s public relations industry focused specifically on female agency and consultancy founders.

The initiative is one of three legacy projects Olorundero is launching to mark her 40th birthday.

Aceroyal Estates has strengthened its commitment to human capital development and international exposure with the sponsorship of two high-performing realtors, Opeyemi Shakiru and Aisha Buhari, for professional training in the United Kingdom.

The initiative forms part of the company’s broader commitment to professional development, international exposure and the continuous advancement of the people within its real estate ecosystem.

For Aceroyal Estates, building a globally minded real estate company goes beyond expanding its brand presence across borders. The company believes that sustainable growth is also driven by developing people who possess the knowledge, confidence and international exposure to operate effectively in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Through the UK training opportunity, Shakiru and Buhari will be exposed to new professional perspectives, international business practices and learning opportunities that can contribute to their continued growth as real estate professionals.

The sponsorship is part of a wider pattern of investment by Aceroyal Estates in human capital development and international exposure.

In recent years, the company has undertaken a number of initiatives designed to create opportunities for its people and partners to access new knowledge, develop professionally and gain exposure to international business environments.

This approach reflects a deliberate philosophy within Aceroyal Estates: investment in people is an investment in the long-term strength of the business.

Rather than treating professional sponsorship solely as a recognition of individual performance, the company views opportunities such as the UK training programme as a means of creating lasting value for both the individuals involved and the organisation as a whole.

By giving high-performing realtors access to international learning opportunities, Aceroyal Estates is helping to expand their professional capabilities while strengthening the quality of talent within its wider network.

The real estate industry is becoming increasingly interconnected, with professionals expected to understand changing markets, evolving client expectations, new business models and international standards of service.

Aceroyal Estates’ investment in international training is therefore aligned with its ambition to develop professionals who are not only successful within the Nigerian property market but are also globally exposed, commercially aware and equipped to compete beyond their immediate market.

According to the company, initiatives such as the UK sponsorship form part of a broader strategy to strengthen its people while progressively positioning Aceroyal Estates within the wider global real estate conversation.

The company’s approach is centred on a simple principle: when people grow, organisations grow.

The sponsorship of Opeyemi Shakiru and Aisha Buhari represents more than an international training opportunity. It is a reflection of Aceroyal Estates’ broader commitment to creating opportunities for professional advancement and exposing Nigerian real estate talent to global experiences.

As the company continues to deepen its presence in the Nigerian real estate market, its investment in people signals an ambition that extends beyond property transactions.

Aceroyal Estates is building an ecosystem in which professional development, international exposure and performance are connected to the company’s long-term growth strategy.

The UK sponsorship therefore marks another step in Aceroyal Estates’ continuing journey to invest in people, create global opportunities and build an African real estate brand with an increasingly international outlook.

For Aceroyal Estates, the ambition is clear: to develop globally exposed real estate professionals while building a Nigerian real estate brand capable of earning recognition beyond its home market.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is seeking deeper collaboration with the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to address multiple taxation and tax disputes affecting telecommunications operators.

This is as the regulator pushes for a more predictable and business-friendly operating environment.

Aminu Maida, NCC’s executive vice chairman, disclosed this on X after a meeting with the Tax Ombudsman and John Nwabueze, chief executive of the office of the Tax Ombudsman,

According to Maida, the discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between both institutions to improve the ease of doing business in the telecommunications sector.

He said the two institutions agreed to work together to address multiple taxation and other tax disputes in the sector, with the objective of ensuring that disputes are resolved more quickly and harmoniously.

‘At the @NgComCommission, we see the Tax Ombudsman as a key partner to build a sector that works better for everyone,’ Maida said in a post on X.

The engagement comes against the backdrop of a longstanding fiscal challenge for Nigeria’s telecom industry, where operators have repeatedly raised concerns about overlapping taxes, levies, regulatory charges and fees imposed by different levels of government.

Over 40 taxes and levies

Research by the NCC found that mobile network operators in Nigeria face more than 40 different taxes and levies imposed by state governments.

The sector was facing more than 54 different taxes, including environmental and ecological levies, capital gains tax and withholding tax.

The discrepancy in the numbers highlights that there is no single, universally accepted number of taxes confronting a telecom operator because the burden varies according to location, the type of infrastructure deployed and the government authority imposing the charge.

The problem is not the statutory tax rate but the accumulation of taxes, levies, permits, fees and charges across federal, state and local government levels, alongside overlapping enforcement responsibilities.

Historically, telecom operators have faced general corporate taxes alongside sector-specific obligations and charges relating to infrastructure, business premises, signage, environmental compliance, right of way and other activities.

The multiplicity of charges can create conflicts between operators and different tax authorities, while inconsistent Right of Way charges across states have also complicated infrastructure deployment.

Why multiple taxation matters for telecoms

Network operators must continually invest billions of naira in fibre, base stations, spectrum, transmission infrastructure, data centres and other equipment to maintain and expand coverage.

Every additional tax or levy therefore competes, directly or indirectly, with capital that could otherwise be deployed into network expansion.

The NCC has previously described multiple taxation as a major obstacle to sustainable development in the industry.

KPMG has identified high and multiple taxes, including Right of Way charges, as impediments to the growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

Where taxes and charges increase operating costs, operators have fewer resources available for network investment.

Some costs may be reflected in consumer prices, particularly when operators are already dealing with inflation, energy costs, foreign-exchange pressures and expensive network equipment.

Where the Tax Ombudsman comes in

The meeting between the NCC and the Tax Ombudsman is significant because the office was created partly to provide an independent channel for resolving taxpayer complaints.

The Federal Government said the Tax Ombudsman is responsible for receiving, reviewing and resolving complaints relating to taxes, levies, regulatory fees, customs duties, excise matters and related issues.

It is also mandated to ensure that disputes are handled efficiently, impartially and without unnecessary confrontation.

The office, headed by Nwabueze, began full operations in January 2026 following his appointment under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2025.

The Tax Ombudsman can identify recurring problems in the tax administration system and recommend systemic changes.