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Facebook has rolled out a set of new features designed to enable fans to be more visible, interactive, and rewarded while offering creators fresh ways to spark community and content generation.

This is in a bid to deepen engagement between creators and their audiences. The platform is aiming to transform casual followers into engaged communities with fan challenges and custom badges.

Creators can now issue ‘fan challenges’, prompts or contests for fans to respond creatively. These challenges appear in followers’ feeds. Fans participate by clicking the challenge hashtag in a creator’s post or reel and sharing their own take.

Top entries with high reactions get surfaced on a leaderboard, which is a centralised space where creators and fans can view and engage with the best submissions.

So far, the feature has already seen strong early traction, with more than 1.5 million entries submitted in the past three months, generating comments and reactions from over 10 million people.

Over 500 million fans globally have accepted either a custom or standard top fan badge on Facebook.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 4,500 personnel across Abuja to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Olusola Odumosu, commandant of the FCT Command, announced the deployment in Abuja on Monday, explaining that the operation was designed to safeguard lives, property, and critical national assets before, during, and after the October 1 celebrations.

According to Odumosu, the deployment covers specialized units including the Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adakasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), as well as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) unit.

He noted that personnel have been strategically stationed at vulnerable locations and soft targets such as shopping malls, recreational centres, prayer grounds, markets, motor parks, amusement parks, the City Gate, the Three Arms Zone, government buildings, and other sensitive areas housing national assets.

The commandant disclosed that undercover operatives have already been positioned across the city for covert operations and surveillance to forestall emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

He added that ‘black spots’ like uncompleted buildings suspected to harbour criminal elements have also been placed under watch.

‘All hands must be on deck. I will not tolerate any form of security breach. Area Commanders and Divisional Officers must ensure their presence is felt in their respective jurisdictions,’ Odumosu directed.

While charging his officers to conduct themselves professionally and work in synergy with other security agencies, he warned against harassment, intimidation, or accidental discharge during operations.

He assured FCT residents of a secured environment throughout the festivities, emphasizing that their cooperation is equally important.

‘My personnel are ready to ensure a peaceful celebration, but you also have a part to play by being vigilant and reporting suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies,’ he said.

Odumosu further warned criminals and vandals to steer clear of critical infrastructure, stressing that covert operatives are spread across the capital city and would not hesitate to apprehend offenders.

The FCT NSCDC boss wished residents of the FCT a joyous 65th Independence Day, urging them to remain hopeful about Nigeria’s future while praying for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned in strong terms what it called the abuse of the Cybercrime Act by security agencies in the country.

The Guild in a communique jointly signed by Eze Anaba, president, and Onuoha Ukeh, general secretary, said the police, in particular, have used the Act to harass, intimidate, arrest and illegally detain journalists who are exercising their rights to freedom of the press and thereby undermining the country’s democracy and the rule of law.

‘The Guild will no longer tolerate this abuse and will use all legal means to ensure the protection of the fundamental human rights of journalists, freedom of the press and freedom of expression,’ it stated.

The communique, which was issued at the end of the NGE’s standing committee meeting held in Jos, Plateau State, also expressed concerns over the increasing excesses of political actors, both in government and the opposition.

The Guild, therefore, called on political actors to address national issues and governance instead of personal attacks and name-calling.

‘The conduct of politicians is worrisome, whether in government or the opposition. They should desist from personal attacks and name-calling.

‘They should address issues of governance and proffer solutions. Careless talks heat up the polity, incite people, instigate crisis and are capable of causing breach of peace and security of the nation. This should stop forthwith.’

The Guild, through its communique, urged the federal government and the security agencies to be proactive and effective in tackling the increasing rate of insecurity, for the purposes of saving lives, boosting food security and creating a more conducive environment across the country.

The NGE also called on journalists to go about their job with a high level of professionalism by adhering to the Code of Ethics approved by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) and not to engage in any form of blackmail and defamation whatsoever.

The Guild also reminded the security agencies that the Ombudsman process instituted by the Nigerian Press Organisation is capable of addressing infractions to the code of Journalism ethics as has been proven in the past.

‘Security agencies should respect this process by encouraging those who write petitions and making them the arbiter to approach the Ombudsman or seek legal redress instead of making security agencies tool of oppression, intimidation and harassment,’ the NGE said.

Similarly, the NGE also thanked the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, for hosting the editors, and reminded the three tiers of government to address fundamental issues of governance rather than the ongoing campaign on future elections, even when they have failed to fulfil their social contract in the subsisting term of office.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed that her husband’s choice to run on a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket during the 2023 elections left her feeling isolated in her own church and strained her faith. In a new memoir titled ‘The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things’, the First Lady admitted that the decision, which generated nationwide controversy at the time, deeply affected her relationship with members of her parish and created division among fellow worshippers. She described the moment as a ‘bitter pill’ that tested both her personal faith and her sense of belonging.

The 52-page book, released to mark her 65th birthday, gives Nigerians a rare peek into the private struggles of the woman who stood beside President Bola Tinubu during one of the most turbulent political campaigns in recent history. According to Mrs. Tinubu, the church community she had worshipped with for years became divided after her husband announced his choice of a Muslim running mate. Many Christian leaders and congregants had expressed disappointment and anger at the pairing, seeing it as an imbalance in the country’s religious politics. For the First Lady, this was not just a national issue but also a personal one. She revealed that she was left on her own in the pews, with some members of the congregation keeping their distance.

‘It was a bitter pill for me,’ she wrote, recalling how difficult it was to worship in an environment where her family’s political decisions had suddenly become a source of tension. Despite the emotional weight, Mrs. Tinubu said she chose to keep moving forward, holding on to hope and faith in God while standing by her husband’s political ambition.

The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things is divided into five chapters, arranged year by year from 2021 to 2025. It provides a personal account of Mrs. Tinubu’s experiences during those years, touching on her family life, faith, and the challenges of being a political spouse. The book comes with a foreword written by Dr. Folashade Olukoya of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, further emphasizing its spiritual angle. In the memoir, the First Lady frames her story around gratitude, noting that even during the toughest battles, she chose to focus on God’s grace. She said each campaign moment was interesting, even though the odds appeared stacked against her husband.

The controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket was one of the defining debates of the 2023 election. Many Nigerians argued that the pairing of President Tinubu with Vice President Kashim Shettima, both Muslims, ignored the country’s delicate religious balance. Christian groups and churches voiced strong objections, and the move sparked heated arguments across communities and social gatherings. Critics said the ticket risked widening religious divides, while supporters argued it was a strategic political choice based on competence rather than religion.

Caught in the middle of the storm was Mrs. Tinubu, herself a Christian and an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Her faith, long visible to the public, became a topic of conversation as Nigerians wondered how she reconciled her husband’s decision with her religious beliefs. In the book, the First Lady reveals that the situation tested her faith like never before. She admitted that she had to rely on prayer, strength from her immediate family, and trust in God to withstand the criticism and isolation. ‘Though it was difficult, I continued to thank God for everything, even when it seemed like everything was against us,’ she wrote. Her words highlight not just the political drama but also the human cost of leadership how decisions made in the public arena often weigh heavily on private lives.

Today, as First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Tinubu looks back at those trying times with a sense of relief and gratitude. According to her, the experience only reinforced her conviction that God’s plan was at work, even when the journey seemed unbearable. She notes in the memoir that the period taught her the importance of patience, endurance, and grace in leadership. It also reminded her that public service often demands personal sacrifices, especially for family members of political leaders. By sharing her story, Mrs. Tinubu offers Nigerians a behind-the-scenes look at the sacrifices and struggles that accompany political life. While debates about religion and politics continue in the country, her account sheds light on how these national issues play out in personal spaces like homes, churches, and relationships. Her honesty about isolation and faith struggles may resonate with many Nigerians who have faced rejection or misunderstanding because of personal or family choices.

Remi Tinubu says she remains focused on her faith and her commitment to serving Nigerians alongside her husband. She hopes that the lessons of endurance and gratitude outlined in her book will inspire others facing difficult situations to keep trusting God.

In Africa, millions of people who form the backbone of the continent’s informal economy, street vendors, boda riders, small traders, and artisans remain locked out of traditional financial systems.

They are the ‘Every Day Earners,’ individuals working tirelessly to provide for their families. For many, smartphones, credit, or insurance have long been luxuries out of reach. But M-KOPA, an inclusive fintech that transforms traditional barriers into opportunities, is rewriting this narrative by making financial access not just possible, but affordable.

‘What matters most to us is how many people we’re actively serving every day, those who stay engaged with us over time. Our active customer number reached 3 million for the first time this year,’ said Jesse Moore, co-founder and CEO of M-KOPA.

‘When we ask customers, ‘Does M-KOPA make your life better?’ 9 out of 10 say yes. That’s a tangible and meaningful impact on millions of lives,’ Moore added.

According to the M-KOPA 2025 Impact Report, the company addresses a critical gap in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 60 percent of the population has internet coverage, but only 27 percent can afford to access it.

The report added that since 2020, M-KOPA has enabled 2.5 million first-time smartphone users, with 81 percent of women customers reporting they couldn’t afford a smartphone without M-KOPA.

‘For 55 percent of customers, M-KOPA represents their first access to any formal financial product, while 67 percent are accessing health insurance for the first time,’ it said.

Closing the financial inclusion gap

According to the World Bank’s 2025 Global Findex, 62 percent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa lack formal bank accounts, while 88 percent have never borrowed from a formal institution.

The challenge is that most financial systems are designed around salaried workers with steady incomes, rather than self-employed market traders or gig workers who often lack payslips or collateral.

M-KOPA has developed an inclusive model that breaks these barriers. With a small deposit, customers can access essential products like smartphones or electric motorbikes. They then repay in affordable daily instalments through M-KOPA’s digital platform without collateral or guarantors.

For most everyday earners, a smartphone is the first step into the digital economy. Yet affordability remains a major obstacle, as 67 percent of Africans do not own one.

The report added that M-KOPA’s smartphone financing has turned that barrier into a gateway. Nearly 80 percent of its customers report they could not have afforded a smartphone without M-KOPA.

‘Through its ‘More than a Phone’ platform, 70 percent of customers use their M-KOPA smartphone to generate income, and 59 percent report higher earnings since ownership,’ the report added.

Beyond voice calls and messaging, customers gain access to affordable data bundles, digital loans, device protection, and even health insurance.

Over the past year, M-KOPA has bundled more than 1 million hospitalisation insurance policies with smartphones, providing a safety net where previously 88 percent of adults were uninsured.

For entrepreneurs like Lydia, a Kenyan porridge seller, the impact report pointed out that this access was life-changing. Once limited by a $25 feature phone, she now uses her financed smartphone to market her food business online, secure small loans, and expand into a kiosk. Her income has risen by 300 percent, and she now employs others.

Unlocking credit for the first time

Daily device repayments not only give access to products but also build a credit history. For many, these are their first steps into formal finance.

In fact, the impact report disclosed that 38 percent of M-KOPA customers report that their digital loan through the platform was their first-ever formal loan.

Since its founding in 2010, the report disclosed that M-KOPA has served more than 7 million customers across Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, and South Africa, unlocking over $2 billion in credit.

‘In 2025 alone, 86 percent of customers surveyed said M-KOPA improved their quality of life, while 70 percent reported using their products for income generation,’ it said.

These loans range from working capital for micro-businesses to emergency cash support. Customers like Suliyat, a rice seller in Nigeria, have used M-KOPA loans to grow their businesses and avoid the exploitative lending practices that dominate informal markets.

Beyond Phones: Transport and Insurance

M-KOPA has also expanded into e-mobility, financing over 4,000 electric motorbikes across Kenya and beyond

For riders who depend on motorbikes to earn, e-mobility financing reduces fuel costs, boosts daily savings by an average of $5.62, and contributes to cleaner urban air.

‘Insurance, another pillar of financial resilience, is embedded seamlessly into M-KOPA’s model. Two-thirds of its customers accessed health insurance for the first time through the platform,’ it said.

For many women, this feature is a deciding factor in purchasing a phone. In Kenya, 40% of female customers reported choosing M-KOPA specifically for its bundled health coverage.

By asking members to proceed with industrial action and disconnect the gas supply to Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN has eventually revealed its ulterior motives as a destructive force in the oil industry. In a statement issued on Saturday by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union asked members working across field locations to withdraw services from 6 am on Sunday, September 28. ‘This includes all control room operations, panel operations and outfield personnel,’ according to the statement. The directive also orders all PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions and agencies to withdraw services and specifically directs that all processes that involve gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be let off effectively immediately. In other words, PENGASSAN has disrupted Nigeria’s crude oil business and is out to cripple the $20 billion refinery and return the country to the era of fuel importation and scarcity. This is an act of economic sabotage, and I call on the federal government and law enforcement agencies to step in and terminate this criminal action by the trade union. From what I have read across many social media platforms, Nigerians are understandably horrified by what PENGASSAN wants to do.

‘No investor will invest in any country where a union leader can easily destroy a multibillion-dollar private investment without cause. No serious nation will even allow such unions to survive.’

At the centre of this dispute is the freedom of employers to operate their businesses without unions and the right of workers to unionise. The petrochemical company has recently fired 800 workers for engaging in trade unionism. While PENGASSAN wants Dangote Refinery to recall the 800 workers, the company insists that it does not want any worker to be involved in trade unionism. Nigeria’s trade union and international labour laws allow workers the freedom to join or refuse to join a trade union and employers the liberty to disallow unionism in their organisations. That is why there is no ASUU in private universities and NUBIFE (National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees) in privately owned banks and insurance companies. NUBIFE was a very powerful union in the financial industry till the privatisation of the banks and insurance companies in the late 1980s and early 1990s. NUBIFE fought and nearly crippled government-owned banks like Union Bank, Afribank, UBA and First Bank, which in those days were banks, for all sorts of reasons. NUBIFE leaders were a terror in those days, and they were dreaded and feared by management.

With privatisation, new investors and owners of banks were quick to disallow unionism in the industry. In place of unionism, workers were rewarded with a very attractive reward system. That’s why NUBIFE, a once-powerful trade union, is now almost nonexistent. Similarly, when the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbenedion, founded the first private university in the country in 1988 (Igbenedion University), he made it clear that he didn’t want any staff member to join ASUU. Till today, ASUU does not exist in any of the 149 private universities in the country. Union activities are also restricted or disallowed in other industries like aviation, tourism and even electricity, where private investors are the major operators. An employer has the right to refuse the existence of trade unions in their businesses, and a staff member has the right to walk away from any employer who doesn’t want unionism. Why is Dangote Refinery treated differently and not allowed the liberty to do away with unionism? Why have certain interest groups, including PENGASSAN, NUPENG and even industry regulators, been fighting Dangote Refinery since it began production last year?

As President Obasanjo was preparing to leave office in 2007, he offered to sell the moribund Port Harcourt refinery to Aliko Dangote, and the man agreed to buy. But it was these same unions and the NLC that rose and opposed the sale, prompting the businessman to move on to establish his own, which is the largest single-train refinery in the world, while the government-owned refineries continued to gulp billions of dollars in endless fraudulent turnaround maintenance. While the government refineries waste away, the two trade unions continue to profit from check-off levies paid by members who work in the moribund plants. The members continue to earn salaries and even get promoted without working, while the unions and their leaders continue to profit from dues and levies. By calling on members to disrupt gas supply to Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN is out to kill the $20 billion investment. It’s criminal, unpatriotic and economically disastrous. No investor will invest in any country where a union leader can easily destroy a multibillion-dollar private investment without cause. No serious nation will even allow such unions to survive.

Even after disengaging the 800 workers, Dangote says, ‘Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively’ at the refinery, in addition to indirect employees, suppliers and contractors who make a living from the plant. The federal government should do everything to protect Dangote Refinery from economic saboteurs and parasitic interest groups.

Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, has restrained the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from embarking on its planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

The order, delivered on Friday, followed an ex parte application filed by Dangote Refinery. The court also restrained the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission from cutting crude and gas supplies to the refinery.

The application was argued by Senior Advocate of Nigeria George Ibrahim, who told the court that Dangote Refinery, as a licensed producer and distributor of petroleum and petrochemical products, provides essential services to the Nigerian economy and the public.

He warned that any disruption would endanger energy security and create hardship for millions of Nigerians.

Ibrahim noted that the refinery had recently faced incidents of sabotage at its plant, raising grave safety and health concerns.

He explained that management responded with a reorganisation that led to a small number of staff being relieved of their duties, a move communicated to all workers on 25 September 2025.

He said reports later emerged alleging that the dismissals were linked to union membership, with PENGASSAN claiming more than 800 workers were affected.

Dangote Refinery denied the allegation in a press statement, stressing it was not opposed to unionisation and that over 3,000 Nigerians remain in its workforce, with only a negligible number affected by the restructuring.

The lawyer also drew the court’s attention to a letter dated September 26, 2025, in which Lamumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, warned the Minister of Petroleum and Gas that the union would take action to ‘force the refinery to its knees’ unless the affected workers were reinstated.

In his ruling, Justice Subilim held that the balance of convenience favoured the refinery, as allowing the strike to proceed would irreparably harm its business and cripple the provision of essential petroleum services to the public.

He ruled that restraining the respondents was necessary to preserve industrial peace and protect energy supply pending the hearing of the substantive suit. The restraining order will last for seven days.

The judge ordered that the ruling, along with a motion on notice, be served immediately on all defendants. The case was adjourned to October 13, 2025 for hearing of the motion.

Nigeria’s fintech revolution has fundamentally transformed the banking landscape in Africa’s largest economy. Platforms like Flutterwave, Paystack, OPay, and Kuda now process billions of naira daily, creating unprecedented access to financial services for millions previously excluded from traditional banking. The Central Bank of Nigeria reports that mobile money transactions exceeded ?59 trillion in 2023, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s largest and most dynamic fintech market.

This digital transformation represents a significant leap forward in financial inclusion, allowing Nigerians to send money, pay bills, save, invest, and access credit through their smartphones. However, this rapid digitisation has created a parallel challenge: as millions of digital wallets emerge, they’ve become prime targets for increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals. The very technology that has democratised financial access now presents new vulnerabilities that both users and providers must urgently address to protect Nigeria’s digital financial future.

Nigeria’s fintech sector has experienced unprecedented growth, driven by high smartphone penetration and a young population that is tech-savvy. Digital banking platforms like Kuda, Carbon, and PalmPay have onboarded millions of users, while payment processors cater to everything from street vendors’ transactions to large corporates’ payments. From Lagos merchants accepting QR code payments to remote workers receiving international transfers, fintech has democratised financial services across the country.

Nigerian fintech users face several significant threats. One is SIM swap fraud, where attackers convince telecom operators to reassign phone numbers to new SIM cards, gaining access to two-factor authentication messages and potentially taking over accounts. Phishing attacks also pose a risk, as scammers create sophisticated fake websites and messages targeting Nigerian fintech users, tricking victims into revealing logins, OTPs, or sensitive data. Vishing is another threat, with criminals posing as bank officials during phone calls to extract sensitive information. Additionally, fake fintech apps mimic legitimate services to capture user credentials and financial information, potentially recording logins and intercepting SMS codes. Credential stuffing is a further concern, where attackers use passwords stolen from data breaches to attempt access to fintech platforms, exploiting users who reuse passwords across services.

The most effective defences include stronger authentication methods, such as using authenticator apps like Google Authenticator instead of SMS verification, and enabling biometric options like fingerprint and facial recognition. Mobile device security is crucial-users should implement strong screen locks, avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, install reputable security software, and keep devices updated. Account monitoring through real-time alerts for all transactions and login attempts, along with regularly reviewing transaction history, helps detect suspicious activity early. Password management is vital; using unique, strong passwords for each fintech account, preferably generated and stored with a password manager, while avoiding personal information and changing passwords regularly, enhances security.

Users should be alert to warning signs, including the fact that legitimate fintech companies never request passwords, PINs, or OTPs through unsolicited communications. It is wise to be suspicious of urgent verification requests, unexpected security alerts, or offers that seem too good to be true. Unexpected SIM deactivation or sudden network loss may indicate a SIM swap attack in progress.

Developing a security-first mindset involves diversifying financial activities across multiple platforms to limit potential losses and keeping backup funds in traditional banking accounts. Avoiding storing large amounts in digital wallets unnecessarily, performing regular security maintenance such as quarterly password updates, and educating family members and employees who access shared devices or accounts all contribute to long-term security.

Nigeria’s fintech boom represents a pivotal moment in the country’s economic development, offering unprecedented opportunities for financial inclusion, economic growth, and technological advancement. However, the sustainability of this digital financial ecosystem hinges on establishing a robust security culture among both users and providers. As Nigeria continues to lead Africa’s fintech revolution, the challenge lies not merely in expanding services but in building an infrastructure of trust. Financial institutions must invest in cutting-edge security systems and user education, while consumers must adopt proactive security practices as second nature. Government regulators also play a crucial role in establishing and enforcing security standards that protect users without stifling innovation.

The future of Nigeria’s fintech sector will be determined not just by the convenience and accessibility of its services but by its resilience against evolving cyber threats. By collectively prioritising security alongside innovation, Nigeria can ensure its digital finance ecosystem remains a powerful engine for economic empowerment rather than a vulnerable target for cybercriminals. The promise of financial inclusion through technology can only be fully realised when digital wallets are both accessible and secure for all Nigerians.

Yenagoa, Nigeria – Best Western Hotels and Resorts has announced the grand opening of Best Western Plus Yenagoa, a hotel set to redefine hospitality and support Bayelsa’s growing economy.

Nestled by Oxbow Lake, the hotel offers a mix of scenic views and modern comfort. Guests can choose from elegant rooms, spacious suites, and fully serviced apartments, each equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and mini-bars. Beyond accommodation, the hotel provides access to a spa, fitness centre, Chinese restaurant, and outdoor pool, creating a destination where leisure and business converge.

With its location in Yenagoa’s centre, Best Western Plus Yenagoa is positioned to serve government leaders, corporate executives, international visitors, and local guests. Its conference and event facilities make it a vital meeting place for both official and social functions, adding value to Bayelsa’s business and cultural life.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Initeme Adukeh-Eromhonsele, Executive Director of Best Western Plus Yenagoa, said: ‘Best Western Plus Yenagoa is not only about service and luxury. It is about creating opportunity. This hotel represents a gathering place for leaders and communities while reflecting Bayelsa’s spirit of progress.’ The launch event, taking place on October 15, 2025, will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, property tours, and a reception with invited guests from government, business, and the hospitality industry.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts: Best Western Plus Yenagoa continues the brand’s strong growth in Nigeria, where its portfolio already includes Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Enugu. With more than 4,700 hotels globally, Best Western Hotels and Resorts continues to deliver trusted, consistent, and innovative hospitality experiences.

Small businesses in Nigeria, from bustling market stalls to family-run beauty salons, have long grappled with unreliable and costly internet access.

Airtel Nigeria’s new SmartConnect 5G router, launched this month, aims to address these challenges with a budget-friendly device designed to deliver faster, more stable connectivity for the country’s vital small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Priced at N25,000, the SmartConnect package includes the router, a SIM card, and 30 days of unlimited data. Monthly plans start at N25,000 for 50 Mbps or N45,000 for 100 Mbps, offering speeds that rival more expensive fibre options often unavailable outside major cities. The device, an Outdoor Unit (ODU) mounted externally, captures stronger signals than traditional indoor routers, a critical feature in crowded urban areas or remote regions where walls and structures weaken reception.

Nigeria’s SMEs, which make up over 96 percent of businesses and contribute nearly half of the nation’s GDP, often face connectivity hurdles that disrupt digital payments, inventory management, and online marketing.

A 2025 survey by the Cherie Blair Foundation highlighted that 45 percent of women entrepreneurs in developing markets, including Nigeria, cite unreliable or unaffordable internet as a major barrier. Traders relying on WhatsApp or Instagram to reach customers are particularly vulnerable to network fluctuations.

The SmartConnect’s design addresses some of these pain points. Its ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously suits small shops, fintech startups, or hospitality businesses running point-of-sale systems, security cameras, and smartphones. A built-in battery pack provides five to six hours of power backup, a practical feature in a country plagued by frequent outages. The router also switches to 4G LTE when 5G signals are weak, ensuring usability even in areas with limited 5G coverage, which Airtel began rolling out in 2023.

While the pricing undercuts many broadband alternatives, the SmartConnect’s success hinges on Airtel’s ability to scale its 5G network, which remains patchy outside urban centers. Nigeria’s broadband penetration, at 48.01 percent as of July 2025, lags behind the government’s 70 percent target by 2030.

The router’s all-in-one approach, bundling hardware, installation, and data, marks a shift from traditional telecom models focused solely on data plans. For small businesses with limited technical expertise, this could simplify adoption.