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Nigerians, from minimum wage earners to small business owners, are poised to benefit from tax relief and exemptions starting January 1, 2026, under the nation’s new tax reform lawsTaiwo Oyedele, chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, in a post on his X handle on Monday, highlighted 50 tax exemptions and reliefs designed to ease the financial burden on the masses and stimulate economic activity.

He said that with the implementation of the law from 1 January 2026: individuals earning the N70,000 national minimum wage or less will be exempted from personal income tax (PAYE).

2. Individuals whose annual gross income is N1,200,000 (translating to about N800,000 taxable income) is exempt.

3. There will be reduced PAYE tax for those earning annual gross income up to N20 million.

4. Gifts received will also not be taxed.

?????????????????? ???????????????????? and ?????????????? ?????? ??????????????????????- for Nigerians with taxable income, they will be allowed to deduct the following before their tax is calculated:

5. Pension contribution to PFA.

6. National Health Insurance Scheme.

7. National Housing Fund contributions.

8. Interest on loans for owner-occupied residential housing.

9. Life insurance or annuity premiums.

10. Rent relief – 20 percent of annual rent (up to ?500,000).

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11. Pension funds and assets under the Pension Reform Act (PRA) are tax-exempt.

12. Pension, gratuity or any retirement benefits granted in line with the PRA will not be taxed.

13. Compensation for loss of employment up to N50 million will not be taxed.

?????????????? ?????????? ?????? (??????) – ????????????

14. Sale of an owner-occupied house .

15. Personal effects or chattels worth up to N5 million.

16. Sale of up to two private vehicles per year.

17. Gains on shares below N150 million per year or gains up to ?10 million.

18. Gains on shares above exemption threshold if the proceed is reinvested.

19. Pension funds, charities, and religious institutions (non-commercial)

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20. Small companies, with turnover not more than N100 million and total fixed assets not more than N250 million pay 0% tax.

21. Eligible (labelled) startups are exempted from paying tax.

22. Compensation relief – 50 percent additional deduction for salary increases, wage awards, or transport subsidies for low-income workers.

23. Employment relief – 50 percent deduction for salaries of new employees hired and retained for at least three years.

24. Tax holiday for the first 5-years for agricultural businesses (crop production, livestock, dairy etc).

25. Gains from investment in a labeled startup by venture capitalist, private equity fund, accelerators or incubators will not be taxed.

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26. Small companies are exempt from 4 percent development levy.

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27. Small companies, manufacturers and agric businesses are exempt from withholding tax deduction on their income.

28. Small companies are exempt from deduction on their payments to suppliers.

?????????? ?????????? ?????? (??????) – 0% ???? ????????????

29. Basic food items are VAT free.

30. Rent is VAT free.

31. Education services and materials are VAT free.

32. Health and medical services are VAT free.

33. Pharmaceutical products are VAT free.

34. Small companies (= ?100m turnover) are exempt from charging VAT.

35. Diesel, petrol, and solar power equipment – VAT suspended or exempt.

36. Refund of VAT on assets and overheads to produce VATable or 0% VAT goods and services.

37. Agricultural inputs – fertilizers, seeds, seedlings, feeds, and live animals are VAT free.

38. Purchase, lease or hire of equipment for agric purposes- VAT free.

39. Disability aids – hearing aids, wheelchairs, braille materials-VAT free.

40. Transport – shared passenger road transport (non-charter)-VAT free.

41. Electric vehicles and parts – exempt.

42. Humanitarian supplies – exempt.

43. Baby products are VAT free.

44. Sanitary towels, pads or tampons are VAT free.

45. Land and building are VAT free.

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46. Electronic money transfers below N10,000 are exempt from stamp duty.

47. Salary payments – exempt from stamp duty.

48. Intra-bank transfers – exempt from stamp duty.

49. Transfers of government securities or shares – exempt from stamp duty.

50. All documents for transfer of stocks and shares – exempt from stamp duty.

Nigeria’s path toward renewable energy is often told through numbers, either megawatts, investments, and capacity additions. But behind the figures lies a more fundamental challenge: the people who must install, maintain, and manage the systems that will power the future.

That is the gap Instollar, a Lagos-based renewable energy workforce platform, has been quietly filling for nearly three years. Founded in 2022, the company connects solar energy firms with vetted, certified technicians, ensuring that as the solar industry expands, there’s a capable and trusted workforce to sustain it.

Instollar’s model is both simple and transformative, which is a blend of digital technology, technical training, and data-driven management that formalizes what has long been an informal sector. By providing structure, visibility, and trust, it has turned scattered freelance labour into a reliable national network of green energy workers.

According to co-founder and CEO Chinwe Udo-Davis, the company’s mission is rooted in necessity. ‘We can’t talk about clean energy at scale if there aren’t enough people to build and maintain the systems,’ she said.

A platform three years in the making

Before it officially launched, Instollar had already done the hard work through training, verification, and field deployment. The platform now boasts over 1,200 certified installers and has facilitated more than 2,000 solar installations across Nigeria’s 36 states.

After almost three years of quiet operation, Instollar officially launched on October 27, 2025, in Lagos. The event brought together family, industry supporters, and partners, but the most compelling stories came from those whose lives the company had already touched.

Promise Okon and Ibrahim Adulwaheed, both trained engineers and trained through Instollar, spoke about how the platform helped them secure consistent work and improve their professionalism. ‘It’s more than a platform,’ Okon said. ‘It’s a pathway to stability in a sector that’s often unpredictable’

Empowering women through InstallHER

Among Instollar’s defining initiatives is InstallHER, a programme designed to train and empower women in solar technology, a field still largely dominated by men.

One of its early beneficiaries, Grace Gbengero, shared her experience at the launch. ‘Before InstallHER, I never thought I could work in energy,’ she said. ‘Now I’m earning, and as a technical sales manager I have met my yearly target before the end of the year’

The programme aims to train 10,000 women technicians by 2030, creating a generation of women-led impact within Africa’s green workforce. InstallHER aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 7 , which focus on gender equality and affordable clean energy, demonstrating how inclusive participation can strengthen Nigeria’s energy transition.

Aligning policy and people for the energy future

Instollar’s relevance extends far beyond its business model. It offers policymakers and investors a blueprint for linking renewable energy expansion with job creation and inclusion.

By generating data on workforce capacity, skills gaps, and regional demand, the platform is helping shape conversations around how Nigeria can sustainably scale its energy transition. For investors, it signals a shift in how impact is measured, not just in kilowatts installed, but in livelihoods supported.

The company’s approach mirrors a broader truth: technology alone cannot solve Nigeria’s power challenges. The country’s energy future depends on human capital made up of skilled technicians, inclusive opportunities, and systems that recognize people as infrastructure.

As Udo-Davis reflected at the launch, ‘Africa’s energy transition won’t be driven by the sun alone. It will be driven by hands of people who are skilled, trained, and ready to work.’

As the country pushes toward cleaner, more sustainable power, it’s companies like Instollar that remind us that harnessing the power of the sun requires human capital.

When people think of billion-dollar commodities or international trade negotiations, charcoal rarely makes the list. It evokes images of open-air markets, village kilns, and weekend barbecues, not oil rigs and OPEC meetings. Yet imagine if Nigeria treated charcoal with the same seriousness as crude oil, complete with production quotas, export benchmarks, and even a national revenue allocation formula.

In Nigeria, the word ‘sector’ almost always points to oil and gas. And for good reason. We have the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the almighty NNPC Limited, all under the Petroleum Industry Act and benchmarked against Brent crude. Every barrel is tracked from wellhead to wallet.

Cocoa also has its ecosystem: the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), the Cocoa Research Institute, and the International Cocoa Organisation, guiding prices and production. Gas has its Decade of Gas initiative, complete with aggregators, export targets, and policy blueprints.

But where does that leave charcoal?

Nigeria has the National Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation Association of Nigeria (NACPDEAN), an umbrella body advocating order in the trade. Yet beyond this, the sector is largely informal. What’s missing is a structured framework, clear rules, enforceable standards, and a value chain that could transform charcoal from a rural hustle into a national asset.

How other countries treat charcoal

Nigeria is not alone in producing charcoal, but it stands out for not knowing exactly where the commodity belongs. Other African nations have already given it a home.

Kenya: Charcoal is part of the forestry sector, regulated by law through Charcoal Producer Associations. Licences are required for production, transport, and sale, with strict sustainability enforcement. Kenya sees charcoal not as a by-product but as a managed forest resource.

Uganda: Charcoal falls under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. A National Charcoal Strategy links it to household energy, employment, and climate goals, treating charcoal as energy, not just smoke.

Tanzania: Charcoal is jointly managed by Forestry and Energy because it provides over 80% of household cooking fuel. In Tanzania, charcoal is the kitchen’s lifeline-an essential energy commodity, not an informal trade.

Namibia: Charcoal is an export commodity under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The Namibia Charcoal Association ensures global quality certification, branding, and international sales. Namibia’s charcoal is packaged, standardised, and shipped worldwide.

Nigeria’s Grey Zone

In Nigeria, charcoal floats in limbo, not quite forestry, not quite energy, not quite agriculture. Officially, it sits under the Ministry of Environment for licensing, but there’s no dedicated policy framework or regulatory clarity.

If Nigeria borrowed models from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, or Namibia, it could finally ‘house’ charcoal properly.

Forestry could claim it, tying it to afforestation and sustainability.

Energy could regulate it as a domestic fuel source.

Agriculture could oversee it as an agro-commodity.

At the very least, it deserves a defined home.

The missed opportunity

According to the FAO, the global charcoal market is worth about $5 billion annually. Nigeria exports roughly 1.9 million metric tonnes of charcoal (both legal and illegal) each year, earning an estimated $75-100 million. Compare that to crude oil’s $45-50 billion in annual revenue, and it becomes clear: Nigeria is allowing a potentially valuable commodity to slip through the cracks of informality.

But charcoal isn’t just about money. Formalising the trade could promote sustainable forestry, create rural jobs, and strengthen environmental governance in producing states like Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, and Nasarawa. Imagine headlines like:

‘Federal Government Launches National Charcoal Strategy – Producing States to Receive 13 percent Derivation.’

Of course, challenges would arise. Overharvesting could trigger environmental concerns, and illegal exports would still demand enforcement. But with the right policies, monitoring, and incentives, these issues are manageable.

The bigger picture

Nigeria has a pattern of regulating only after a resource has already been abused. Oil theft drains billions. Cocoa and cashew flounder under weak policies. Charcoal, legalised for export since 2023, now suffers from poor communication and enforcement, fuelling underground trade instead of sustainable growth.

So, what if Nigeria gave charcoal just 20% of the seriousness reserved for crude oil?

We wouldn’t need an NNPC for charcoal. We’d just need clarity:

-Assign it to a specific sector.

-Define responsibilities.

-Set standards.

-Communicate and enforce consistently.

Charcoal doesn’t need to be the new oil. It only needs structure, transparency, and sustainability. Because in the end, whether for cooking, heating, or export, black gold doesn’t always come in liquid form.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that a total of 2,802,790 registered voters are eligible to participate in the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Joash Ojo Amupitan, chairman of INEC, announced this during the stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka on Tuesday, according to a statement by the Commission.

He said the figure followed a thorough voter registration exercise and cleanup of the database, which removed 27,817 invalid multiple entries and approved 5,983 voter transfers.

Amupitan revealed that INEC had extended the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period to November 2, after discovering that only 63.9% of registered voters had collected their cards. All uncollected PVCs, he added, have been retrieved from local government offices and safely stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) until after the polls.

The Commission has also accredited 114 observer groups and 76 media organisations, deploying more than 500 journalists to cover the election across the state’s 5,718 polling units and 21 local government areas.

In a bid to promote inclusivity, INEC, in collaboration with TAFAfrica, will deploy sign language interpreters to assist 3,456 registered voters with disabilities across polling units-an initiative described as a landmark in Nigeria’s electoral history.

Amupitan assured stakeholders that the Commission is fully prepared for a smooth and credible exercise, with all Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines tested, configured, and ready for use. He added that the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) would be used to upload polling unit results in real time.

He further disclosed that INEC had engaged 2,233 buses and 83 boats from the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN) to ensure timely movement of election materials and personnel.

The INEC boss commended the 16 political parties contesting the election for signing a Peace Accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee, urging candidates and their supporters to shun violence and vote-buying.

‘INEC is leaving no stone unturned in its preparation for a credible, transparent, and inclusive election,’ Amupitan assured.

He reaffirmed that the Commission remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through open engagement, technology-driven processes, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2022.

Seplat Energy Plc delivered one of its strongest performances yet in 2025. The company posted pre-interest earnings of $1.1 billion for the nine months ending September 30. The result was powered largely by the assets acquired from Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), now renamed Seplat Producing Nigeria Unit (SEPNU).

Seplat’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) rose sharply to $1.1 billion in 9M 2025. That’s a 190 percent year-on-year increase from the $383 million reported in the same period last year. The surge underscores how transformative the MPNU acquisition has been for Seplat’s financial and operational strength.

The acquired offshore assets, OMLs 67, 68, 70, and 104, produced an average of 77,562 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD) during the period. This output drove a 185 percent year-on-year growth in Seplat’s overall production, which hit 135,636 BOEPD. With this, Seplat has solidified its position as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil producers.

Revenue surges despite weaker oil prices

Revenue performance also told a compelling story. Seplat generated $2.18 billion in the first nine months of 2025, up 204 percent from $715 million in 2024. Gross profit stood at $879.5 million, representing a 148 percent increase from $355 million last year.

This growth came despite weaker oil prices. The company’s realised oil price fell by 13 percent, from $82.9 per barrel in 9M 2024 to $71.9 per barrel in 2025. However, the surge in production volumes helped bridge that gap, cushioning the impact of lower prices.

Cash flow strengthens, paving the way for expansion

Strong operations translated into strong cash flow. Net operating cash flow hit $1.395 billion, a 230 percent jump from $423 million in the prior year. This liquidity boost gives Seplat the flexibility to fund expansion and support shareholder returns.

At its recent Capital Markets Day, CEO Roger Brown announced an ambitious growth plan. Seplat plans to invest around $3 billion in Nigeria between 2026 and 2030. He noted that about 70 percent of the planned capital spending will go into oil monetisation projects, including drilling new wells and expanding offshore infrastructure.

Quarter-on-quarter performance was relatively stable. Total output grew marginally by 0.5 percent, rising from 137,204 BOEPD in Q2 to 137,888 BOEPD in Q3. Production from offshore assets (SEPNU) dipped slightly by 1 percent, due to maintenance activity.

According to Seplat, ‘The QoQ decline was due to scheduled downtime on our East Area Project (EAP) platform, where we commenced installation of the Inlet Gas Exchanger (IGE) in early September.’

Seplat also continued to meet its fiscal obligations. The company paid $384.6 million in taxes during the nine-month period. It spent $180.1 million on capital expenditure and made an additional $64.3 million payment to ExxonMobil for the MPNU acquisition.

Free cash flow surged as well. The company generated $830.7 million in free cash flow, up 314 percent from $200.8 million in 2024. Seplat also repaid $1.03 billion in loans and borrowings while securing $650 million in new debt to strengthen its balance sheet.

A new era for indigenous oil producers

Overall, Seplat’s nine-month results highlight the impact of strategic acquisitions on local oil and gas players. The MPNU deal has more than doubled Seplat’s production capacity, boosted cash generation, and positioned it as a key force in Nigeria’s upstream sector. Even with softer oil prices, Seplat’s ability to scale output shows how indigenous producers are seizing the opportunities left behind by exiting international oil companies.

The Area Controller, Apapa Customs Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, says the command is beginning a greater revenue drive, generating N304 billion revenue in October.

Oshoba, a Comptroller of Customs, said this in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Superintendent of Customs, Tunde Ayagbalo.

He said that the figure had set a new record, being the highest monthly revenue generated by any customs command in the history of the service.

According to him, the record is higher than the N264 billion collected in the month of October 2024.

‘The command has so far generated N2.4 trillion between January and October,’ he said

Oshoba said that with the N2.4 trillion revenue collected, the command had surpassed the total revenue collection from the command in the whole of 2024 two months before the end of 2025.

He commended the officers and stakeholders for their contributions to the success, describing it as the beginning of more revenue generation exploits under his watch.

‘The latest revenue feat is an initial proof of the command’s readiness to process higher volume of trade, which will translate to greater collection for government,’ he said.

He said that the officers and men had been sensitised ahead for a regime of Drive Through Scanning that would process an average of 150 containers per hour from the quayside.

Oshoba said that the new scanning process would be revolutionary in the annals of trade facilitation in any West African ports.

He said that the house training for different categories of newly promoted officers had equipped them to deliver optimally in line with the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

‘I commend my officers and our compliant stakeholders for this revenue collection milestone, but it is not our final destination.

‘We are deploying all tools of trade facilitation as directed by the CGC, including the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) which harmonizes all customs procedures and processes to save time and promote efficiency

‘We are also preventing revenue leakages.

‘We have a zero compromise stance in the application of Demand Notices (DN) for the recovery of uncovered shortfalls in revenue ‘ he said

A new report by World Animal Protection (WAP) has called on governments worldwide to stop subsidising industrial livestock production, warning that such policies are accelerating deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss.

The report, titled ‘Subsidising Factory Farm Harm’, was released ahead of COP30 and exposes how countries including China, the United States, India, and members of the European Union continue to channel billions of dollars into factory farming – a system the group says harms animals, small-scale farmers, and the environment.

According to the findings, agriculture already accounts for up to 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet remains one of the most heavily subsidised sectors globally, second only to fossil fuels.

In Africa, the report notes that most agricultural input subsidies benefit large-scale producers rather than the smallholder farmers who provide the bulk of the continent’s food supply.

‘We can’t keep pouring taxpayer money into food systems that are not fit for purpose,’ said Kelly Dent, director of external engagement at the WAP.

‘Factory farms pollute our climate, destroy biodiversity and put animals through immense suffering. The future is in fair farms, not factory farms.’he said.

The report highlights that if current trends continue, agriculture could contribute 52% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Subsidised production of beef, soy (used for animal feed), and palm oil is estimated to drive about 14% of global deforestation.

In Brazil, which will host COP30, subsidies to the beef industry amount to about $3.1 billion annually, nearly offsetting the sector’s total tax contributions. In the European Union, the study estimates that redirecting half of the $88.5 billion currently spent on factory farms could save 25 million megalitres of water and 19 million hectares of land each year.

Closer to home, World Animal Protection points to examples in Kenya, where integrated agroecological farms combining crops, livestock, and beekeeping have demonstrated both profitability and sustainability while reducing chemical use and improving animal welfare.

‘Factory farms are driving deforestation, pollution, and cruelty,’ said Sally Kahiu, the organisation’s external affairs lead. ‘It’s time African governments stop funding destruction and start investing in solutions like agroecology that empower smallholder farmers, protect ecosystems, and strengthen food security.’

The organisation is urging African leaders attending COP30 to: Phase out harmful agricultural subsidies that promote industrial livestock expansion, Redirect public funds to support smallholder farmers, agroecology, and humane food systems, Integrate subsidy reform into national climate commitments (NDCs) and Provide training and social protection to farmers and workers as part of a ‘just transition.’

World Animal Protection emphasised that reforming agricultural subsidies is essential to achieving climate, biodiversity, and food security goals across Africa and globally.

The Edo State Government said it would be marking the first year anniversary of the State Governor Monday Okpebholo with the inauguration of a litany of projects across the State.

Kassim Afegbua, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, stated this on Monday at a press briefing as part of activities lined up for the anniversary.

Afegbua said the projects to be inaugurated cut across roads, schools, healthcare, agriculture, among others, in the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

He said the inauguration of the projects would commence between November 7 and November 11, 2025.

The commissioner who described the Monday Okpebholo-led Government as practical governance, added that dignitaries from within and outside the State are invited to grace the occasion.

‘We are happy that across the entire state, we have about 60 to 63 schools receiving attention as part of the first phase intervention. More than half of that has been completed, part of which we will be commissioning.

‘We also have a lot of primary health care centres, about 60 of them, that we have recovered. We have also put them to good use.

‘Besides commissioning of projects, we will be having a colloquium on Wednesday to interrogate issues and perspectives of what we have encountered thus far in the course of this administration.

‘We are bringing in Speakers, some from outside the state and within the state, to speak to us, to interrogate us and set the right tone for commencing the second year journey.

‘Governors will be there, there are quite a number of other Ministers, and other dignitaries from across the country. They will grace the occasion. It will also allow us to reconstruct and recollect all our interventions in charting a new course in the process of rebuilding a new Edo’, he said.

As Africa’s digital landscape pulses with untapped potential, a new wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategies is positioning the continent to harness a staggering $2.9 trillion economic boost by 2030, equivalent to a three percent annual GDP uplift across the region, according to the GSMA’s The Mobile Economy Africa 2025 report.

For Nigeria, the continent’s tech powerhouse that snagged 25 percent of Africa’s $1.3 billion in startup funding in 2021, this isn’t just ambition, as it is a blueprint for inclusive growth amid persistent hurdles like infrastructure deficits and skill gaps.

With the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy now in motion, nations are shifting from pilot projects to scalable deployments, but the real test lies in execution.

The transformative power of AI is no longer theoretical; it is a reality. In agriculture, where 60 percent of Africans depend on farming, AI-driven tools could optimise yields and cut waste, potentially lifting 11 million people out of poverty while creating 500,000 jobs yearly.

Healthcare and fintech stand to gain too, with predictive analytics slashing diagnostic delays in remote clinics and fraud in mobile money transfers.

Yet, as Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasised during the strategy’s April 2025 launch in Lagos, ‘We must unite stakeholders to maximise AI’s potential, from telecoms to agriculture, every sector needs champions.’

Tijani’s call underscores a collaborative ethos baked into Nigeria’s National AI Strategy (NAIS), unveiled in 2024 and refined through global input from Nigerian diaspora experts.

Nigeria’s NAIS, a 70-page roadmap emphasising ethics, infrastructure, and ecosystem building, aims to catapult the country into global AI leadership. It builds on initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, targeting millions in AI and digital skills training by 2027.

‘The year 2024 marked a watershed for AI advancement, as government, academia, and industry stakeholders forged pragmatic strategies to integrate this technology for meaningful impact at scale,’ states the NAIS foreword, crediting partners like NITDA and Data Science Nigeria. Early wins include the AI Synergy Alliance, fostering public-private ties, and regulatory sandboxes for safe fintech experiments.

This Nigerian momentum mirrors a pan-African surge. Egypt’s revamped National AI Strategy 2025-2030, launched by president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in January 2025, eyes a 7.7 percent ICT GDP contribution by decade’s end, alongside 250 new AI startups and 30,000 trained professionals. ‘AI will empower 26 percent of our workforce and reach 36 percent of citizens with daily tools,’ said minister Amr Talaat at a September 2025 EITESAL event, highlighting talent pipelines from 500,000 ICT trainees last year.

Rwanda, approving its policy in 2023, leverages the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution for partnerships, while Benin’s 2023 Big Data Strategy prioritises data infrastructure. Mauritius pioneered with its 2018 plan, focusing on skills incentives, and South Africa’s 2025 framework stresses ethical transparency. Kenya’s fresh 2025 strategy cements it as East Africa’s hub, mandating sandboxes for health and finance pilots.

A bedrock for this progress? Data governance. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reports that 76 percent of African countries now boast data-protection laws, up from earlier gaps, fostering trust for AI rollout.

Yet challenges loom as only five percent of Africa’s AI talent accesses adequate computing power, per UN estimates, exacerbating brain drain. However, Nigeria’s strategy counters this via Diaspora Connect, a platform linking expatriate innovators homeward.

As Tijani noted, ‘Our model engages top Nigerian AI researchers globally to craft strategies addressing our unique needs.’

Turning ambition into reality demands harmonised action. The African Union’s strategy, launched amid a cultural renaissance, calls for continent-wide investments in broadband, where sub-Saharan penetration hits just 40 percent and ethical guidelines to curb biases in diverse societies.

Experts urge phased approaches: short-term policy alignment by 2026, followed by joint projects like AI for climate-resilient farming. ‘Africa’s 42 percent share of global youth by 2030 is our leapfrogging edge,’ says a Cisco-Carnegie Mellon report, but only if gender and rural divides are bridged.

For Nigeria, success could mean exporting AI solutions, from Lagos fintech apps to Abuja health diagnostics, diversifying beyond oil. Stakeholders like Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA director-general echo this, stating, ‘NAIS ensures AI benefits all, including marginalized groups, through inclusive innovation.’

As Tijani rallies sector volunteers, the message is that collaboration isn’t optional. With $2.9 trillion on the line, Africa’s AI dawn could redefine prosperity, if leaders invest boldly today.

Iwosan Investments Limited, a leading healthcare investment holding company, has acquired Paelon Memorial Hospital, one of Lagos’ foremost multi-specialist healthcare providers, in a move that strengthens its leadership in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The acquisition aligns with Iwosan’s mission to transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through strategic investments, operational excellence, and patient-centered innovation. It also reinforces its dual growth strategy that combines brownfield acquisitions with greenfield developments to expand access to quality healthcare nationwide.

Since its establishment in 2019, Iwosan has built a strong reputation for driving medical innovation and infrastructure investment. Its portfolio includes the acquisition of Lagoon Hospitals in 2021, the Iwosan Wellness Centre, and a 25-bed Centre of Excellence for Cardiology in Victoria Island. Earlier in 2025, it also acquired Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, consolidating its position as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious private healthcare networks.

Announcing the acquisition, Fola Laoye, co-founder and CEO of Iwosan Investments Limited, commented, ‘We are thrilled to welcome Paelon Memorial Hospital into the Iwosan Group. Paelon’s remarkable 15-year legacy of excellence, driven by its founder, Dr. Ngozi Onyia, and her team of dedicated healthcare professionals, has set a gold standard for patient-centered care in Nigeria. Dr. Onyia’s vision, integrity, and collaborative spirit perfectly align with Iwosan’s values and aspirations.

‘This acquisition reflects our steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional quality care through state-of-the-art facilities and innovative practices. By combining our strengths, we can expand service offerings, enhance patient experiences, and drive meaningful progress in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. While each hospital under the Iwosan Group will retain its unique identity and operations, they will also benefit from shared expertise, systems, and support across the Group.’

Paelon Memorial Hospital, Africa’s first facility to achieve SafeCare Level 5 certification, is renowned for its evidence-based, patient-centered care and high clinical standards. Joining the Iwosan Group will foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of best practices, benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals. The hospital will gain access to Iwosan’s integrated network of support in governance, operations, finance, human resources, and administration, enabling it to deliver even higher quality care while deepening ties with the communities it serves.

Dr. Ngozi Onyia, founder and managing director, Paelon Memorial Hospital, added; ‘Over the past 15 years, Paelon has been guided by a simple vision, to provide compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based care to every patient who walks through our doors. Joining the Iwosan Group marks an exciting new chapter for us. It allows Paelon to sustain that vision on a larger scale, with access to greater resources, broader expertise, and a network of like-minded professionals equally committed to excellence in healthcare. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, for our team, our patients, and for Nigeria’s healthcare system as a whole.’

Iwosan plans to continue its growth trajectory by expanding its presence across Nigeria through acquisitions and new developments. The company is committed to investing in healthcare infrastructure and talent to ensure that Nigerians have access to world-class healthcare services.