Category: Business Day

A Securities and Exchange Commission-licensed issuing house, Regius Capital Limited, has disclosed that bank credit to Nigeria’s agriculture sector rose from about N1.46 trillion at the end of 2021 to N3.81 trillion by January 2026, while identified agrifood capital-market issuance between 2020 and the first half of 2026 stood at about N1.73 trillion.

According to a new report by Regius Capital Limited and made a copy available to journalists on Monday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, examined formal agricultural financing between 2021 and the first half of 2026, covering bank credit, capital-market instruments, development finance institutions, private capital, public interventions and guarantees.

It was gathered that despite a sharp increase in financing to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the growth in capital has not yet translated into a commensurate expansion in productive capacity.

The report, titled Financing Nigeria’s Agriculture: What Five Years of Credit, Capital and Output Data Reveal, however, said the increase in financing needed to be assessed against actual productive capacity, food demand and trade, rather than funding volumes alone.

It noted that Nigeria’s agricultural GDP reached about N103.9 trillion in 2025, while the annual household food bill was estimated at about N82 trillion.

The report cautioned that the sharp rise in nominal agricultural output should not automatically be interpreted as equivalent growth in real production, noting the effects of inflation, commodity prices and foreign exchange movements on headline figures.

On trade, it said Nigeria recorded about N5.07 trillion in agricultural exports and N4.76 trillion in agricultural imports in 2025.

It added that higher export earnings could sometimes reflect increases in global commodity prices rather than significant increases in physical export volumes, while continued reliance on agricultural imports pointed to opportunities for greater domestic production and processing.

Regius Capital also observed that institutional capital remained concentrated in agricultural businesses with scale, audited financial statements, identifiable cash flows, assets and established off-take arrangements.

It said primary production and other upstream activities remained significantly underrepresented in the tracked public-market financing space.

The report therefore called for innovative financing structures capable of making a wider range of agricultural projects investable.

It identified consortium-led project special purpose vehicles, blended and catalytic capital, guarantees and credit enhancement, milestone-based financing, longer-tenor project debt, commercial paper for working-capital cycles and aggregation of fragmented operators as possible solutions.

It said future growth would depend on the volume of capital available, where it was deployed, the tenor and cost of financing and the ability to transform agricultural value chains into bankable investment opportunities.

The firm concluded that Nigeria’s agricultural financing challenge was not only a question of insufficient capital but also a structuring problem.

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Limited, a subsidiary of Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc (CHI), is seeking deeper partnerships with insurance brokers as the company positions for stronger growth following the industry’s recapitalisation exercise.

The company made this position known at the Professional Brokers’ Evening organised by the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Abuja Area Committee, in Abuja, where Mary Adeyanju, its managing director said the industry must look beyond stronger capital bases to improve service delivery, trust and insurance penetration.

Adeyanju said the recently concluded recapitalisation should serve as a platform for insurers to expand underwriting capacity, invest in technology and strengthen relationships with customers and professional brokers.

‘Capital undoubtedly strengthens balance sheets, increases underwriting capacity and positions organisations for growth. However, the future of our industry depends on much more than capital. We must deliberately build capacity, strengthen trust, improve service delivery, embrace innovation and nurture stronger relationships with our customers and professional brokers,’ she said.

For CHI, the emphasis on brokers is strategic, with Adeyanju disclosing that approximately 80 percent of the company’s business comes through professional brokers.

She described brokers as more than distribution channels, saying they serve as risk advisers, client advocates and an important link between insurers and policyholders.

‘Professional brokers are far more than a distribution channel. They are advisers, risk interpreters, client advocates and the bridge between insurers and customers,’ Adeyanju said.

The company is also increasing its investment in digital platforms aimed at reducing administrative bottlenecks and making it easier for brokers to transact with the insurer.

CHI has introduced a free API-enabled Marine Insurance Portal through which brokers can generate marine certificates without visiting its offices. It has also deployed Curacel, a digital motor inspection platform designed to accelerate vehicle assessments and claims processes.

The insurer is in the final stages of deploying TrustFort, an enterprise technology platform, while a redesigned website is expected to provide a more integrated digital experience covering policy purchases and claims processing.

‘Technology must remove complexity from insurance. Our investments are designed to give brokers the freedom to focus on what they do best, advising clients and growing their businesses while digital platforms handle routine processes efficiently,’ Adeyanju said.

The company’s push for stronger broker relationships comes against the backdrop of its reported financial position. As of July 2026, CHI said it had shareholders’ funds of N61 billion, total assets of N91.9 billion, insurance revenue of N28.4 billion and profit before tax of N27.9 billion.

Profit after tax stood at N27.4 billion, while claims paid during the first and second quarters amounted to N9.3 billion. The company also reported a surplus of assets over capital of N47.8 billion and a solvency margin of N35.6 billion, alongside an A rating from GCR.

Adeyanju, however, cautioned against measuring the company’s success solely by financial performance, arguing that stronger capital must translate into better protection for policyholders.

‘Our greatest strength is not in these figures but in what they empower us to do. Financial strength must translate into greater underwriting capacity, increased confidence, prompt claims settlement, innovative solutions and better service for our customers and our broker partners,’ she said.

She urged brokers and insurers to use the stronger capital base created by recapitalisation to make insurance more accessible and relevant to Nigerians.

‘We must make insurance simpler, more relevant and easier for Nigerians to understand. Together, we have a responsibility to build confidence in insurance and ensure that more individuals, families and businesses enjoy the protection they deserve.’

The NCRIB also acknowledged CHI’s role in strengthening insurer-broker relations. The council’s Treasurer, Chijioke Nwafor, commended the insurer for what he described as prompt service delivery, quality underwriting support and improved turnaround time.

Rotimi Adewale, The NCRIB Abuja Area vice president, similarly praised CHI’s investment in partnerships and innovation, urging brokers to continue supporting the company.

For CHI, the broader objective is to convert the stronger financial position created by recapitalisation into increased capacity, improved customer experience and deeper distribution partnerships.

Adeyanju said the industry should therefore measure growth not only by premium income, but also by the number of Nigerians protected, claims settled promptly and fairly, businesses preserved and public confidence restored.

‘When insurers and brokers succeed together, the industry succeeds,’ she said.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a new entrepreneurship initiative targeting more than 100,000 young Nigerians annually with training, mentorship, access to finance, market opportunities and business development support.

The initiative, known as the Building Resilient Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs (BRYNE) Project, was announced as part of SMEDAN’s activities to mark International Youth Day 2026.

According to a statement issued by SMEDAN’s Corporate Affairs Unit, the programme will combine physical and digital interventions to support young Nigerians at different stages of entrepreneurship.

Charles Odii, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, said the initiative was designed to address the challenges faced by young people with business ideas and existing enterprises.

‘Across the country, we meet young people with ideas, skills and businesses that can grow, but many still struggle to find the right support at the right time,’ Odii said.

He said BRYNE would bring together opportunities in training, incubation, finance, market access and mentorship to enable more young Nigerians to establish sustainable businesses and create jobs.

Bimpe Fawale, Deputy Director and Head of SMEDAN’s Women and Youth Unit, said the programme would be implemented through four major channels aimed at reaching young entrepreneurs in communities, tertiary institutions and online.

Under the SMEDAN Incubation Programme (SIP), the agency plans to support 600 young entrepreneurs annually in sectors including fashion, woodwork and agriculture.

The programme will leverage SMEDAN’s network of Industrial Development Centres across the country to provide enterprise development support to beneficiaries.

According to the statement, another component, the Campus Enterprise Engagement Platform, will be implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to extend entrepreneurship support to tertiary institutions.

The platform will provide practical business workshops, advisory sessions, networking opportunities and exhibitions for student-owned businesses, with up to 3,000 participants targeted per participating campus.

The BRYNE Digital Connect (BDC) will provide entrepreneurship education through digital platforms while promoting discussions around innovation and business growth.

The platform will also showcase youth-led and grassroots businesses, connect entrepreneurs to wider markets and create online communities focused on enterprise development.

SMEDAN will also introduce a weekly hackathon for young startups, providing business education and enterprise opportunities to 5,000 young entrepreneurs.

Under the initiative, 52 selected winners will receive N250,000 each in seed funding, with one winner selected every week.

Fawale said the different components of BRYNE were designed to address the varying needs of young entrepreneurs depending on their stage of business development.

‘Some need help turning an idea into a business. Others already have businesses but need finance, mentorship, better market access or the right information to take the next step,’ she said.

She said the programme would connect young entrepreneurs with practical support suited to their individual needs.

Beyond training and seed funding, SMEDAN said beneficiaries would also be linked to opportunities for business formalisation, funding, mentorship, investor and market linkages, business information and export support through the agency and its partners.

The agency said BRYNE builds on its broader efforts to increase the participation of young Nigerians in the economy by providing promising entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to build, sustain and expand their businesses.

SMEDAN said the programme would provide a structured pathway for young Nigerians to move from business ideas and early-stage ventures to sustainable enterprises capable of creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.

Manchester City have stepped up negotiations with Lille over a potential transfer for highly rated Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his midfield following Rodri’s imminent departure.

The Premier League side are keen to conclude a deal for the 18-year-old this week, having identified him as a potential replacement for Rodri, who is set to join Barcelona in a transfer worth around £65 million.

Lille are understood to value Bouaddi at around pound 100 million (£85.6 million), although reports suggest City could ultimately pay as much as pound 129 million for the promising midfielder.

The deal is expected to progress further once Rodri completes his move to Barcelona.

Bouaddi emerges as Rodri’s replacement

Bouaddi has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders after making his Lille debut in October 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday.

He has since established himself as an important member of the French club’s first team, making more than 90 appearances across all competitions.

Last season, Bouaddi featured 42 times for Lille and helped the club finish third in Ligue 1.

The midfielder also made a strong impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting five of Morocco’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.

His performances at the tournament further enhanced his reputation following his breakthrough display in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.

City step up pursuit

Manchester City are attracted to Bouaddi’s composure under pressure, tactical intelligence and ball-carrying ability.

The teenager primarily operates as a deep-lying midfielder and could complement summer signing Elliot Anderson, who is capable of playing both as a box-to-box midfielder and in the deeper No. 6 position.

Bouaddi remains under contract with Lille until 2029, while Transfermarkt values the Morocco international at around pound 80 million.

City have also been linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but the London club’s valuation would make a deal for the Argentina international significantly more expensive.

For now, Bouaddi has emerged as City’s preferred midfield target as the club prepares for life without Rodri.

The Osun State Police Command has warned individuals and groups against any attempt to forcefully take over the affairs or premises of local government areas in the state, saying such action would constitute a serious breach of the peace and security of the state.

Samuel Etaifo Erale, Commissioner of Police (Election), gave the warning in a statement issued by Abiodun Ojelabi, police public relations officer of the command, on Monday.

The command said it had noted reports of plans by some individuals or groups to forcefully take over the affairs and premises of local government areas, despite the matter being before the court.

Srale said, ‘the Police Command wishes to state clearly that no individual, political group, or association has the right to resort to self-help or the use of force to assume control of any Local Government Area or public institution while judicial proceedings are ongoing.’

He urged all parties to exercise patience and allow the courts to determine the matter in accordance with the law.

The police warned that any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt local government facilities would be viewed as a serious breach of the peace and dealt with decisively, including the arrest and prosecution of those found culpable.

‘Parents, community and traditional leaders, political and youth leaders, and other stakeholders are enjoined to counsel their supporters against acts capable of undermining the peace and security of the State,’ the statement reads.

Erale called on residents to remain calm, respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to run its course, assuring that the police would continue to protect lives and property and maintain peace and public order across the state.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says 737,073 people are internally displaced in Nigeria’s North-West, with about 620,000 (84%) displaced by banditry and kidnapping.

Sharon Dimanche, IOM Chief of Mission, disclosed this at a press briefing in Katsina on Friday, noting that Katsina has 180,938 IDPs and Zamfara 261,995, while about 147,000 returnees have been recorded across the region, including over 37,000 in Katsina.

She warned that return does not automatically mean safety, stressing that displaced persons must be able to rebuild their lives with security, livelihoods, and basic services.

She said, ‘Here in Katsina, we are talking about almost 181,000 people who are displaced. In neighbouring Zamfara, the figure is over 261,000. At the same time, IOM recorded almost 147,000 returnees across the North-West, including more than 37,000 here in Katsina.

‘Some people are being displaced, but some are also trying to return home. And the question is not simply, have they really returned? For me, the real question is, can they stay once they return? Can they rebuild their lives? Can they feel safe again?

‘Because many of you here represent national media networks, I want to make one point very clear: what is happening in the North-West is not simply a regional issue. It is a national issue. It affects food production and livelihoods. It affects education and access to basic services. It also affects local economies and social cohesion and, ultimately, Nigeria’s wider stability and development.’

Dimanche said displacement in the region is driven mainly by insecurity, though climate shocks are also increasing. Between January 2025 and January 2026, over 138,000 people were displaced in Katsina, with about 72,000 due to floods and storms and nearly 60,000 from banditry and kidnapping.

She added that displacement affects livelihoods, education, and social stability, urging stronger prevention through early warning systems and peacebuilding. She also noted a slight decline in IDPs and a rise in returns across the North-West and North-Central regions.

Jean Nahesi, IOM Head of Sub-Office, said the figures were drawn from the organisation’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), adding that 74% of IDP sites need shelter and 89% lack adequate sanitation.

He said displacement had worsened food insecurity, weakened livelihoods, and strained host communities.

Through the EU-supported CPCRR programme, IOM has set up 80 peace committees, trained 1,700 stakeholders, and monitored transhumance movements involving over 2,400 herders and 60,000 livestock.

Latest figures show Zamfara (261,995) has the highest number of IDPs, followed by Katsina (180,938), Sokoto (176,099), Kaduna (107,580), and Kano (10,461), highlighting the scale of the crisis in the North-West.

As construction progresses on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Omotayo Oyerokun, a Civil Engineer, has appealed to Federal and State Governments to leverage the new infrastructure for massive economic growth.

?In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Minister of Works, Oyerokun advocated for transformation of the strategic real estate stretch between Sangotedo and Eleko into a designated world-class resort and hospitality corridor.

?The proposal, he said, should focus on active private-sector investment to convert the beachfront and immediately adjacent land parcels into an integrated hub for hotels, luxury resorts, and entertainment infrastructure.

?’Nigeria has a rare opportunity to develop its tourism sector, particularly because of the new coastal road.

‘Developing this corridor could significantly contribute to the $1 trillion GDP target, attract foreign and domestic direct investment, and potentially generate hundreds of thousands of jobs across construction, hospitality, transport, and service sectors’, he said

?Beyond coastal land development, Oyerokun said the vision will highlights the synergy between ground transport and aviation infrastructure in the Lekki-Epe zone.

?Oyerokun therefore recommended establishing a localised air carrier, tentatively designated ‘Eko Airline,’ operating out of the proposed Lekki-Epe International Airport in Ibeju-Lekki.

‘The airline would service domestic and regional routes, enhancing passenger throughput and consolidating Lagos State’s position as a primary commercial and leisure destination in West Africa.

‘?This proposal comes as both federal and state authorities continue to emphasise infrastructure-led economic diversification to expand non-oil revenue streams and boost domestic productivity’, he added.

What motivated you to enter the beauty industry?

My journey into beauty started from a genuine interest in how beauty influences confidence and self-expression. With my background in Cosmetic Science, I became interested in creating products that didn’t just enhance beauty but actually solved problems for women, particularly women with melanin-rich skin. That led to the creation of Rubellite Cosmetics in 2018, which started with just two products: Premium Lashes and Velvet Matte Lipstain. Today, we have grown into a broader beauty brand with products across different categories. What continues to motivate me is seeing women use our products and feel more confident. For me, beauty is ultimately about confidence, self-expression and helping women feel comfortable in their own skin.

The beauty industry in Nigeria is highly competitive. What makes your products unique from others?

For Rubellite, our difference is that we don’t just want to sell beauty products; we want to understand the African woman and create products around her reality. Our products are developed with melanin-rich skin and the Nigerian climate in mind. We pay attention to pigmentation, undertones, texture, longevity and how products perform in our heat and humidity. Products like our Undercover Soft Matte Concealer, Bake Me Setting Powder, and Noir Glide Eyeliner are designed around performance and everyday usability. But beyond the products, we listen to our customers. Rubellite has evolved because we pay attention to what women need and what is missing in the market.

We are building a brand where African women feel seen, represented and confident in their beauty.

What are the major challenges facing the beauty industry in Nigeria, and what is the way out?

Some of the biggest challenges are access to capital, unstable foreign exchange, high production costs, dependence on imported raw materials and packaging, counterfeiting and limited manufacturing infrastructure. For beauty businesses, the cost goes beyond the product itself. There is research and development, raw materials, packaging, testing, manufacturing, regulatory compliance, logistics and marketing.

The way forward is to treat beauty as a serious economic sector. We need more investment in local manufacturing, research and development, technical training and affordable financing.

Nigeria has a huge consumer market and incredible creative talent. If we build the right ecosystem, Nigerian beauty brands can move from simply importing products to developing, manufacturing and exporting products made for Africa and the world.

In what ways do you think government can support the industry?

Government can support the industry by making it easier for beauty businesses to manufacture and scale locally. We need affordable funding, tax incentives, support for local manufacturing, reduced duties on essential production inputs and investment in skills and research. Regulation is also important. We want regulators to protect consumers while creating an environment where legitimate Nigerian businesses can thrive. Ultimately, I would like to see a Nigerian beauty entrepreneur being able to develop a product here, manufacture it here, employ people here and eventually export it from Nigeria. That is the kind of ecosystem I want Rubellite to contribute to.

A lot of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products. What do you think are the implications, and what is your advice to users?

I think we need to have an honest conversation about this because it goes beyond skincare. It is also about how we have been taught to perceive beauty and our skin colour. Some skin-lightening products, particularly unregulated ones or those containing harmful ingredients, can have serious consequences for the skin and overall health. My advice to women is to understand what is in the products they are using and not choose something simply because it promises to make them lighter.

At Rubellite, our philosophy is not about changing who you are. It is about enhancing and caring for what you already have. African women should be able to look at their skin and see beauty, not something that needs to be corrected.

How have issues like naira fluctuations, import duties and the rising cost of raw materials affected your production and pricing?

They have had a significant impact. Beauty manufacturing is sensitive to foreign exchange because many raw materials, packaging components and production inputs are still imported. When the naira fluctuates, it affects everything from production and inventory planning to pricing and logistics. As a business, we have had to become more strategic with procurement, supplier negotiations, inventory and product planning.

The challenge is balancing sustainability as a business with affordability for the consumer. We don’t want to compromise quality simply to reduce price, but we also understand that consumers are dealing with increased costs. So, we continue to look for ways to improve efficiency while maintaining the quality customers expect from Rubellite Cosmetics.

BBL surgery is trending despite the risk associated with it. What is your take on this as a beauty expert?

I think we need to separate the desire to look good from the pressure to conform to a particular body ideal. There is nothing wrong with someone wanting to change something about their body, but any cosmetic procedure should be approached as a medical decision, not a beauty trend.

My concern is when women make permanent decisions about their bodies because of social media trends without fully understanding the risks.

If someone is considering a procedure, they should consult a properly qualified medical professional, understand the risks and make an informed decision.

Beauty should give you confidence, not pressure you into putting your life at risk.

There are a lot of fake and substandard products in the Nigerian market. In what ways do you think regulatory agencies can address this issue?

Counterfeit and substandard products are a major concern because they put consumers at risk and also undermine legitimate Nigerian brands. At Rubellite, we invest heavily in product development, quality and regulatory compliance, so counterfeiting affects both the brand and the trust we have built with our customers. Regulatory agencies need to strengthen market surveillance and enforcement, especially across online platforms where counterfeit products are increasingly sold. There should also be stronger collaboration between regulators, customs, e-commerce platforms and beauty brands.

Consumer education is equally important. Customers need to know how to identify authentic products and purchase from verified channels.

What is your advice to young people who want to go into the beauty industry?

My biggest advice is: don’t enter the beauty industry simply because you think there is money in it. Enter because you are prepared to solve a problem.

Beauty is much bigger than selling makeup. There are opportunities in formulation, manufacturing, retail, technology, marketing, content creation, packaging, logistics and education.

I also encourage young entrepreneurs to learn the business side of beauty. Understand your numbers, your customers, product development, regulations, sourcing, branding and distribution.

Rubellite started in 2018 with just two products. Today, we have grown significantly because we started small, listened to our customers and kept evolving. Start small, learn, improve and remain consistent.

The enduring relevance of Professor Wole Soyinka’s dramatic satire came alive once again as Return of Jero, a contemporary reimagining of The Trials of Brother Jero, held audiences spellbound at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

The production formed part of activities marking Professor Soyinka’s 92nd birthday and the 40th anniversary of his Nobel Prize in Literature, reaffirming the timelessness of one of Africa’s most celebrated playwrights and the continued relevance of his social commentary.

Far from being a nostalgic retelling, Return of Jero transported Soyinka’s iconic beach prophet into the complexities of present-day Nigeria, where the intersections of religion, politics, social media, commerce and public morality continue to shape everyday life. The adaptation retained the wit, satire and intellectual sharpness of the original while introducing contemporary characters, music, choreography and visual storytelling that resonated with a modern audience.

The evening drew an eclectic audience of diplomats, theatre practitioners, academics, cultural enthusiasts, students, media professionals and lovers of literature, all united by an appreciation of Nigerian theatre and its capacity to interrogate society while entertaining.

From the opening sequence to the final curtain call, the production combined compelling performances with immersive stagecraft, carefully choreographed movement, live musical interpretations and thoughtful costume design to deliver a theatrical experience that was both engaging and reflective. Humour remained a central element, but beneath the laughter lay pointed questions about leadership, deception, ambition, spirituality and the human inclination towards illusion.

Speaking after the performance, Babatunde Odubanwo, playwright and producer, described the production as an artistic conversation between generations.

According to him, Return of Jero was conceived not merely as an adaptation, but as a cultural bridge that introduces younger audiences to Soyinka’s literary genius while inviting older audiences to revisit a classic through contemporary realities.

‘We wanted audiences to recognise that the issues Soyinka examined decades ago have not disappeared. They have simply evolved. Theatre remains one of the most powerful mediums for provoking thought, preserving culture and inspiring meaningful conversations,’ he said.

‘This production demonstrates the timeless relevance of Professor Soyinka’s work. While entertaining audiences, it also provokes important conversations about leadership, faith, integrity, and society. Our objective was to reinterpret a literary classic in a way that resonates with today’s generation while preserving the brilliance of the original’.

He expressed appreciation to Professor Wole Soyinka for granting approval for the adaptation and acknowledged the invaluable support of the cast, crew, production team, technical partners, sponsors, media organisations, and every individual whose contributions made the production possible.

The production also reflected the growing confidence of Nigeria’s contemporary theatre movement, demonstrating that classic African literature can be reinterpreted without compromising its originality or philosophical depth. By blending traditional theatrical expression with modern production techniques, Return of Jero underscored the creative possibilities that emerge when heritage meets innovation.

The performance received sustained applause from the audience, many of whom commended the quality of the acting, the richness of the storytelling and the production’s ability to connect generations through humour and social critique. For many attendees, it was not only a celebration of Soyinka’s remarkable legacy but also a reminder of theatre’s enduring role in shaping public discourse.

The successful staging further highlighted the importance of continued investment in Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, particularly in works that preserve literary heritage while creating opportunities for emerging actors, directors, writers and technical professionals.

As the curtain fell, Return of Jero left audiences with more than memories of an entertaining evening. It reaffirmed the enduring power of Nigerian theatre to reflect society, challenge convention and celebrate the richness of African storytelling.

With the success of its premiere, the producers disclosed plans to explore additional performances, institutional collaborations and festival engagements that will bring the production to wider audiences across Nigeria and beyond.

For a work inspired by one of Africa’s greatest playwrights, Return of Jero achieved what good theatre has always sought to do: entertain, provoke reflection and remind audiences that while times may change, human nature often remains remarkably familiar.

The Premier League is funding a £3.42 million trial of live facial recognition technology at top-flight football matches in London as part of a wider push to expand the use of policing technology across English football.

Documents published by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) show that the Premier League is providing approximately £3.42 million through Cheshire Constabulary to support the Metropolitan Police’s deployment of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology on Premier League matchdays.

The funding was approved under Section 93 of the Police Act 1996, which allows police authorities to accept donations and sponsorship. However, the legislation does not itself provide the legal basis for facial recognition. Each deployment must separately satisfy Metropolitan Police requirements relating to legality, necessity and proportionality.

How the technology will be used

The Metropolitan Police says LFR cameras will monitor defined areas around match venues and compare the faces of people passing through them against a police watchlist.

The watchlists can include individuals wanted for serious offences, as well as people subject to football banning orders. The stated objective is to identify individuals considered a potential risk before they enter stadiums.

MOPAC said the project is intended to assess whether facial recognition can make football policing safer and more efficient, including helping officers identify people wanted in connection with serious crimes and violence against women and girls.

Each deployment must be authorised by an officer of at least superintendent rank, while supporters must be informed when the technology is being used.

The Met says biometric data relating to people who do not generate a match is deleted immediately. Watchlists are erased within 24 hours of each deployment, while information linked to a genuine alert is generally deleted within 31 days unless there is a lawful reason for retaining it.

Wider investment in football policing

The facial recognition project forms part of a broader Premier League investment in policing technology across England.

Reports have valued the wider partnership at up to $13.5 million, with funding also supporting technologies such as drones in the West Midlands and artificial intelligence-based crowd modelling in Merseyside.

The initiative comes as police forces increasingly explore technology to manage large football crowds, identify offenders and improve matchday security.

Privacy concerns remain

The expansion of facial recognition has nevertheless attracted criticism from civil liberties groups, which have raised concerns about privacy, mass surveillance and the possibility of misidentification.

Organisations including Liberty and Big Brother Watch have questioned the use of biometric surveillance in public spaces and called for stronger safeguards.

The Metropolitan Police, however, maintains that LFR can help officers locate serious offenders more efficiently while operating within established safeguards.

In April, the High Court rejected a legal challenge to the force’s use of live facial recognition, ruling that existing Metropolitan Police policies provided sufficient safeguards for its deployment.

The Premier League-backed trials will now provide further evidence on how the technology can be used to support policing at football matches while addressing ongoing concerns over privacy and civil liberties.