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Combined team of security agencies have locked down strategic entry and exit points within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially the city center, where Omoyele Sowore and his free Nnamdi Kanu group are staging their protests.

This is just as the security agencies have restricted access to the Presidential Villa, the nation’s seat of power.

The measures, BusinessDay gathered is aimed at keeping the protesters away from the seat of power.

Recall that Sowore had indicated that the protest will move to the Presidential Villa, to drop their message, asking the President to release Nnamdi Kanu who has been held by the security since June, 2021.

BusinessDay checks also revealed that as early as 4 am on Monday morning, the combined team of security agencies had sealed off the roads.

They however allow people with genuine businesses to move about their activities.

The Embassy of the United States of America, had ahead of the protest, issued an advisory asking it’s citizens to stay away from the city center.

Some 20 women-led nano and micro businesses in Rivers State have run into good fortune provided by the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA).

The PHCCIMA is led for the first time by a female president, Chineyere Nwoga, who assumed office in November 2024.

The empowerment was part of activities in Port Harcourt to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, on October 17, 2025. It included Financial Literacy session with the theme: ‘From Classroom to Boardroom,’ and ‘Essay Competition’ for selected secondary schools in the state.

Nwoga, noted that the PHCCIMA despite the abundance of wealth, natural and human resources and extraordinary technological advancements, poverty has remained a nagging and persistent challenge that confronts the society.

She bemoaned latest reports on poverty where 131m people are now below poverty line and the over 700m that are hungry in the world. She said; ‘Over 700 million people globally still go to bed very hungry. Over 700 million people still cannot afford basic education, still don’t have decent housing. The number is increasing on daily basis.’

Nwoga however pointed out that one of the most unfortunate aspects of poverty is the loss of dignity and the drowning of potentials and talents. ‘That is what poverty does to us. There is no dignity in poverty today.

‘More people are being drawn into poverty in the face of the very difficult times. The more time we spend talking about this, the more people are drawn into poverty. The more people get poorer.

‘So what should we do about this situation? What can we do to provide quality education, affordable housing, access to healthcare and all the SDG goals? Are we doing enough? Are we ready to do more?’

Nwoga said PHCCIMA is keyed into the SDG goals. ‘And this event today is a fine example of that. Creating opportunities and platforms to engage in practical solutions is our mainstay, that’s our business in the Chamber of Commerce.’

She pointed out that the initiative, ‘From Boardroom to Classroom,’ is targeted towards shifting mindsets and planning for the future.

‘The goal is to create a bunch of entrepreneurial opportunities for our young people who will lead us tomorrow.

‘So today, we encourage the young people to kindle their interest in entrepreneurial skills beyond making money. Entrepreneurship comes with a beautiful sense of self-reliance and a great sense of purpose. We want to help raise a generation of independent minds and game changers,’ she said.

Nwoga emphasized the role of women in social development. She stressed this as the chamber extended grants to 20 women-led nano and micro businesses in the state.

She pointed out that conversation around repositioning the society for greater development must recognise the need to empower women.

‘No society can progress if more than half of the population lack access to economic independence. More than half of the population are made up of women.

‘Women are not asking for handouts. We are asking for access to tools of empowerment and self-development. We know how to make things work. Whatever is given to us, we multiply. When you give us money to go and buy tomato and pepper, we give you a pot of stew. So we are skilled at multiplying things positively that are put in our care. And we are determined to make things work,’ she said.

Pacqueens Irabor, Regional Manager, South-South and South East, Bank of Industry (BOI), pointed out that, ‘Poverty is not the lack of cash or lack of capital. Poverty is the lack of sufficient will and discipline to do that which you know is right.

He said entrepreneurs should be problem-solvers, and not crowd-chasers who follow every emerging trend and business.

Irabor urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities for funding available at the Bank of Industry, adding that the bank had recorded a total risk asset of N12.2 billion in the South-South within the last nine months of the year.

Edughom Hanson, Treasurer (PHCCIMA) and Managing Director (Wider Perspectives), in her speech, explored the core principles of ‘Financial Literacy.’

She identified smart saving strategies and stressed the value of building an emergency fund early enough, especially for young people who aspire to be entrepreneurs.

Hanson urged the participants to understand that, ‘You don’t have to wait till you start to earning a lot of money before building the saving culture.

‘You should also set realistic and measurable financial goals using the SMART framework, which is abbreviation for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reliable and Time-bound Goals,’ she said.

Participants, Hanson said, should also understand how to avoid common money mistakes and develop habits that promote financial discipline and long-term growth.

‘You should be able to adopt a proactive mindset toward financial decision making and take actionable steps toward financial independence,’ she said.

Jack Daboikiabo, Chairman, PHCCIMA’s SMEs and NGOs Trade Group, said PHCCIMA is passionate about growing young and aspiring entrepreneurs, whom he described as ‘the future of the country.’

He noted the high level of poverty in the society, while urging participants, particularly the young among them, to take advantage of opportunities presented by the programme and PHCCIMA to improve themselves.

One highlight of the PHCCIMA event was the presentation of the two co-founders of StayWoke App, Akachukwu Blessed Nwachukwu and Ifunanya Gabrielle Okoye, both aged 10.

Their app, which focuses on keeping drivers awake, in a bid to reduce road accidents, won an international competition, and became a major point of celebration for participants at the PHCCIMA event.

The Regional Economic Department of the French Embassy in Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have launched a technical cooperation project to enhance Nigeria’s capacity in personal data protection.

The initiative marks a new phase in the growing partnership between both countries in digital governance and regulatory development.

The project builds on the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023, which established a legal framework for safeguarding citizens’ personal information. Through this cooperation, the NDPC will receive technical support to improve its institutional and operational systems. This includes training for officials, developing compliance audit methods, and designing practical tools for enforcement and awareness.

France, known for its data protection experience through bodies such as the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) and Expertise France, will provide guidance and share best practices to strengthen Nigeria’s regulatory processes.

A major component of the partnership will be a Study Tour to France later this year. The visit will enable NDPC officials to interact with French and European agencies involved in data protection, digital regulation, and public administration.

The cooperation is expected to support Nigeria’s goal of building trust in its digital ecosystem and ensuring that data protection becomes an integral part of public and private sector operations. It also reflects a shared commitment by both countries to promote responsible data governance and strengthen citizens’ rights in the digital age.

Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), one of Nigeria’s paint manufacturers, reported stronger earnings from its main business operations, as reflected in its latest financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2025.

The company’s focus on improving operational efficiency, expanding market reach, and deepening its product penetration is paying off, and the numbers tell the story.

According to CAP’s unaudited financial statement, the company’s revenue grew by 29 percent to N20.09 billion in the first half of 2025, from N15.61 billion in the same period of 2024. This growth was driven almost entirely by sales of paint products, which contributed N20.05 billion, reaffirming that CAP’s core business remains its most profitable engine.

Operating profit nearly doubled to N3.18 billion, representing a 95 percent year-on-year increase, while profit before tax rose 41 percent to N3.78 billion. Profit after tax followed a similar trajectory, increasing to N2.53 billion from N1.79 billion the previous year. Earnings per share improved from 220 kobo to 311 kobo, signaling stronger returns to shareholders.

A refocus on core operations

Over the past year, CAP has intensified its focus on paint production, streamlining non-core activities while optimising its manufacturing and distribution processes.

The company’s paints segment, which includes decorative coatings and industrial finishes, remains its main revenue contributor. This strategic focus has helped it navigate a challenging operating environment marked by high input costs and inflationary pressures.

By emphasising local production and efficient sourcing of raw materials, CAP has managed to keep its cost of sales in check. The company’s cost of sales rose 13 percent to N11.37 billion, much lower than its 29 percent revenue growth, indicating improved cost efficiency and better pricing power. As a result, gross profit surged 57 percent to N8.72 billion from N5.56 billion in H1 2024.

While finance income declined 43 percent to N601 million due to lower foreign exchange gains compared with the prior year, CAP maintained minimal finance costs of N726,000 during the period, reflecting its low-debt position. The company continues to rely on internally generated funds rather than borrowings, maintaining financial stability in a volatile economic environment.

Strengthening distribution and market reach

A key part of CAP’s success lies in its expanding distribution network and brand visibility. The company continues to invest in marketing and sales initiatives that drive consumer engagement, dealer incentives, and retail expansion across Nigeria. Selling and marketing expenses grew to N2.12 billion from N1.52 billion, reflecting sustained investments in brand activation and customer loyalty programmes.

Through its long-standing relationship with distributors and franchise owners of its flagship brands, Dulux and Caplux, CAP has maintained a strong market presence across the decorative paints segment. Its network of color centers and retail outlets has been instrumental in deepening market penetration and driving higher volumes.

Cost management and efficiency gains

Administrative expenses increased by 37 percent to N3.65 billion, a rise attributed to higher personnel costs and inflation-driven expenses such as energy, logistics, and professional services. However, the company’s ability to expand revenue faster than expenses indicates effective cost control.

Notably, CAP’s operating profit margin improved to 15.8 percent, up from 10.4 percent a year earlier, showing enhanced profitability from its core activities. This improvement comes amid disciplined management of working capital, better inventory control, and stronger cash flow generation.

The company’s cash from operating activities rose sharply to N2.43 billion from just N53.8 million in the same period last year. Its cash and cash equivalents nearly doubled to N7.59 billion, strengthening liquidity and supporting dividend payouts and reinvestment in business operations.

CAP’s balance sheet also reflects a company in solid financial health. Total equity rose 5 percent to N11.21 billion, while total assets increased to N20.42 billion, up from N16.76 billion in June 2024. The company’s net asset per share climbed 32 percent to N13.76, compared to N10.43 last year, evidence of growing shareholder value.

Additions to property, plant, and equipment were modest at N652.9 million, as the company shifted focus from expansion to maximizing existing capacity and improving asset utilisation. This capital discipline supports sustainable profitability without overextending resources.

OpenAI will start applying a 7.5 percent value-added tax (VAT) to its paid services for users in Nigeria starting from November 1, 2025.

This adjustment affects all paid subscriptions, including ChatGPT Plus and other billable OpenAI offerings.

The company, in an email sent to users, stated that the new charge complies with Section 10 of the Value Added Tax Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as amended), and the FIRS Information Circular 2021/19.

The firm urged customers to include a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) in their account payment settings to facilitate proper tax documentation, a shift which reflects Nigeria’s intensified efforts to regulate tax compliance among foreign digital service providers.

Digital platforms such as Google, Netflix, Amazon, and Facebook have already started charging VAT to Nigerian users. Recent reports suggest that Nigeria collected as much as N600 billion in VAT from such companies.

As a result of the new VAT inclusion, existing ChatGPT Plus users who currently pay N31,500 (˜ US$20) will see their monthly bill rise to N33,862.50 (˜ US$22.43) once VAT is added.

OpenAI has also introduced a lower-cost subscription tier for Nigerians at N7,000/month as a partial buffer against the price hike. This price increase is likely to ripple through the local AI ecosystem as startups built on OpenAI infrastructure (for example, Decide and ChatATP) may face higher operating costs.

A group known as Nigeria First Project Initiative, has urged the Presidency and the Nigerian judiciary to disregard agitations by some individuals and groups calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu who is being arraigned by the Department of State Services on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, illegal possession of firearms and managing an unlawful organisation among others was first arrested in 2015 and a second time in 2021.

Briefing newsmen at a press conference in Katsina on Monday, Hamza Saulawa, the National Coordinator of the group, , expressed fears that even if released, Kanu will continue to incite violence against the Nigerian state.

According to him, ‘Kanu was granted bail in 2017 but he arrogantly flouted the bail conditions and even jumped bail and fled the country where he continued sending inciting and hateful messages through social media channels.

‘These messages led to more killings of security agencies and hundreds of ordinary Nigerian citizens including those of Southeast origin.

‘It took the grace of God for the Nigerian government through international collaboration and intelligence sharing to rearrest Kanu in 2021 and bring him back to Nigeria to face charges of terrorism’, Saulawa said.

He accused Kanu of being behind the continued operations of IPOB despite its proscription and designation as a terrorist organization by the federal government.

Saulawa also lamented the compulsory sit-at-home order imposed by the group in the Southeast and parts of South-south zones, paralysing business, educational and social activities and causing untold hardship on ordinary citizens.

While describing Kanu as a divisive figure, Saulawa expressed the fear that ‘if freed or released on bail, the IPOB leader will continue to promote hate, violence and terrorism and attempt to undermine the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’.

The group urged the convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoloye Sowore, and other individuals and groups to desist from organising protests to call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Similarly, the group condemned the rumoured coup plot and commended the proactiveness of intelligence agencies against the plot, stating that democracy has come to stay in Nigeria.

Nigeria First Project Initiative described the coup plot as ‘part of the grand design to achieve a sinister agenda by a retrogressive section of the Nigerian elites who are hell-bent on truncating our hard-earned democracy.

‘Nigerian democracy is indeed thriving as we just recently marked a milestone of 26th year anniversary of uninterrupted democracy, only apologists of totalitarianism and anarchists will wish the reversal of this great feat in our democratic journey,’ Hamza Saulawa stressed.

The donation of N10bn by Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) in Asaba, during the Delta State Security Fund (DSSF) seems to ring bells around the oil region especially in Rivers State.

This is because Sobomabo Jackrich, a high chief in Rivers State and paramount head of ‘Da lke Group of Houses and Communities’, has described the whopping donation for security support as a defining investment.

The high chief reacted after the Thursday October 16, 2025 launching in Asaba where Tompolo, also a high chief and ex-agitator, boosted security drive in the state and region with the N10 billion donation as chief launcher.

The launching was organized by the Delta State Government under Gov Sheriff Oborevwori. The high chief said: ‘This gesture is not only commendable; it is a profound demonstration of lasting commitment to peace, security, and progress in Delta State, across the Niger Delta and for Nigeria as a whole.’

At the event, Keston Pondi, who is the managing director of Tantita Security Ltd, spoke on behalf of Ekpemupolo during the formal launching/fundraising held at Government House, Asaba.

He said, ‘What we are launching today go es beyond a financial contribution, it is a strategic investment in peace, progress, and the protection of lives and property.’

He commended Gov Oborevwori for institutionalizing a framework that enables coordinated private-sector participation in tackling security challenges.

Other Delta State big guns supported the effort. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Chairman of Access Holdings and chairman of the occasion, said the launch was a defining moment in the state’s history even as he applauded Gov Oborevwori’s leadership which he said had transformed Delta into one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and progressive states.

Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal donation of ?100 million to the Fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and expressed optimism that the initiative would mobilize up to ?100 billion in 2025.

Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)

On his part, Governor Oborevwori recalled that the Security Trust Fund established by law in 2013 was designed as a collaborative platform for mobilizing resources from the private sector to complement government’s investment in security.

He explained that the fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas of the state.

He said his administration rebranded Operation Delta Hawk as Operation Delta Sweep and as a joint task force involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps.

Jackrich, co-exagitator, impressed:

Soboma Jackrich, co-exagitator, applauding Tompolo

The huge donation seems to arouse the respect and excitement of co-exagitators around the oil region.

Jackrich, now a paramount rule like some others, said: ‘As colleagues who shared in the Niger Delta struggle, we are proud of what Tompolo is doing. His actions repeatedly show that true leadership is measured in deeds that secure people, empower communities, and strengthen national stability. By directing such an immense financial commitment towards the security of his state, Tompolo reaffirms a simple truth: peace in Delta state means peace for the entire Niger Delta and, by extension, for Nigeria.’

He said Delta State occupies a strategic place in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry. ‘Between November 2023 and September 2024, it produced about 99.9 million barrels of crude oil and condensate, making it the nation’s top-producing state. Together with Bayelsa and Rivers, Delta accounts for roughly 85 percent of Nigeria’s petroleum output, the lifeblood of our national economy.

‘It follows that securing Delta is tantamount to securing the heartbeat of Nigeria’s revenue base. When insecurity chokes production, the whole economy suffers; when stability is restored, oil flows, jobs return, and investor confidence rises.’

Jackrich said the impact of improved security in the Niger Delta was already visible. ‘Thanks to Tantita Security Services, a Tompolo security initiative, Nigeria’s oil production recovered from a low of about 650,000 barrels per day to over 1.8 million barrels per day in recent years, with official records showing an average of around 1.71 million barrels daily as of mid-2025.

‘This recovery has strengthened the naira, boosted revenues, and restored investor confidence. Curtailing oil theft and pipeline vandalism benefits every Nigerian, and Tompolo has been at the forefront of that turnaround.

‘What distinguishes Tompolo’s approach is its inclusivity. Unlike other vendors who operate in isolation, Tantita has built a participatory system that brings together key stakeholders across the Niger Delta. Its operational framework ensures representation and active involvement of all ethnic nationalities – Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, and others across the Niger Delta region.’

He said this collaborative model has improved operational efficiency and helped heal divisions, fostering unity in once fragmented communities. ‘The result is growing peace and improved productivity across the region.

Tompolo’s commitment extends well beyond surveillance and patrols. Through Tantita, he has funded community infrastructure and human-development projects that strengthen law enforcement, promoting rehabilitation and education.’

Amb. Jackrich said Tantita’s portfolio reflects Tompolo’s philosophy of building peace through progress, saying the company has quietly and consistently invested in human capital, community infrastructure, and nationwide faith-based projects:

‘Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station, Uvwie, in Delta State: Built and fully equipped by Tantita with modern offices, CCTV systems, 30 KVA solar and generator backup, computers, vehicles, and living quarters to strengthen law-enforcement capacity and morale.

‘Education and rehabilitation at Warri Correctional Facility: An 8-classroom block supports inmate education and reintegration, a true investment in lasting peace.

‘Delta State College of Nursing Sciences, Okere-Urhobo: Donation of a 45 KVA inverter, 98 solar panels, 40 desktop computers, and a 29-seater bus to ensure sustainable power and improved education delivery.

‘Sustainable Rice-Farming Initiative: In partnership with SDN and Ecosus Pro Nigeria Ltd., Tantita pioneered large-scale rice farming in Bayelsa and Delta, creating alternative livelihoods for former oil-bunkering youths.

‘Empowerment of FUPRE Students: Tantita awarded #10 million to outstanding students at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), promoting academic excellence among Niger Delta youth.’

He said each of these projects is a statement of intent, a demonstration that true peace is achieved not merely by military patrols, but by providing education, jobs, faith, and dignity.

‘I want to commend the organizers of the epoch-making Stakeholders Appreciation Lunch event in Port Harcourt, sponsored by Maton Engineering and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, themed ‘Stronger together: Building Community Sustaining Partnership’. The quality of the programme, the diverse participation, the mutual respect and the energy of dialogue showcased a renewed commitment to regional peace and development, as well as the height of administrative prowess of both Engr. Matthew Tonlagha and High Chief Kestin Pundi.

‘Let me wholeheartedly congratulate Matthew Tonlagha, Chairman of Maton Engineering Nig. Ltd, and Kirston Pondi, the MD of Tantita Security Services, for their unwavering commitment to inclusivity in the ongoing surveillance contract.

‘To other service providers in the security surveillance space: Tantita’s model should be emulated. The era of sharp practices and the so-called ‘419 approach’ must end. Let accountability, fairness, and stakeholder inclusion guide every engagement. When communities are carried along, trust is built and national security objectives are more effectively achieved.

‘Tantita’s success is not accidental; it is the product of deliberate vision, inclusive strategy, and patriotic leadership. Its multidimensional approach spanning security, education, rehabilitation, infrastructure, agriculture, and faith-based development offers Nigeria a model worth replicating nationwide.

Tompolo’s N10bn donation is more than money: it is a symbol of faith in the idea that peace can be built from within by those who understand the terrain and the people. Every kobo invested in peace creates ripples of progress; every strengthened community becomes a fortress for national stability.

‘This noble gesture also aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly his focus on peace, security, and sustainable economic growth. Tompolo’s action mirrors the President’s vision by transforming personal success into public good, demonstrating that patriotic citizens and institutions can directly contribute to stabilizing and growing the nation.

‘For those of us who shared trenches with Tompolo in the Niger Delta struggle, this moment is deeply inspiring. We fought for dignity, inclusion, and justice, and today those ideals are translating into tangible structures of peace and progress.’

He said Tompolo has proved that true warriors not only resist, they build. ‘Through his leadership and stakeholder collaboration, he has positioned himself as a statesman and dependable partner for peace, security, and economic growth in Nigeria, a legacy that will endure. This is also a clarion call on all leaders of the Niger Delta Struggle to eschew division and work in Collective Synergy to build the region.’

The donation in Asaba has continued to make waves in Nigeria’s security circles as a demonstration of commitment to peace in the oil region. Now, many ex-agitators seem eager to make positive contributions to show that ‘agitation does not only destroy, it builds’.

CivicHive, a CivicTech and innovation hub nurturing civic-tech leaders and promoting participatory governance, has announced the formation of its inaugural Advisory Board, a move that marks a new phase of strategic growth and expanded impact across Nigeria and Africa.

The newly inaugurated Advisory Board, which will serve from 2025 to 2027, brings together five professionals with global and local expertise in urban development, artistic activism, climate strategy, technology, and intellectual property.

The board will provide strategic guidance to amplify CivicHive’s initiatives aimed at empowering citizens, strengthening civic institutions, and leveraging technology and creativity for social change.

The appointed members include Oluwaseun Muraina, lecturer and researcher in real estate and infrastructure finance and DAAD Scholar, who will serve as board chair; Stephen Duncombe, professor of media and culture at New York University and co-founder of the Center for Artistic Activism; Michaela Koke, senior manager (award selection) at Climate Breakthrough; Austin Ifedirah, co-founder and managing partner at Bandika IoT; and Shukurat Amosa, founder of Dintangible Nugget Intellectual Property Academy (DINIPA).

Also joining the board as observing members from CivicHive’s leadership are Joseph I. Amenaghawon, Oluseun Onigbinde, and Joseph Agunbiade.

Joseph Amenaghawon, head of CivicHive, described the establishment of the Advisory Board as ‘a testament to CivicHive’s growth and our commitment to sustainable, strategic impact.’

‘We have moved from a simple idea to a robust ecosystem of fellows, tools, and initiatives,’ Amenaghawon said. ‘The diverse expertise of Oluwaseun, Stephen, Michaela, Austin, and Shukurat will be invaluable as we navigate this next chapter of scaling our work and strengthening our influence in the CivicTech landscape.’

According to CivicHive, the board’s formation builds upon the organisation’s 2022-2024 report, which highlights its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s CivicTech ecosystem. The advisory board will further help refine CivicHive’s programmatic approach, strengthen its research and sustainability models, and build on its momentum in regional and international collaborations.

As the innovation arm of BudgIT Foundation, CivicHive was established in 2017 to build the next generation of civic-tech leaders and create data-driven solutions for better governance.

Through fellowships, research, and community-building programs, the organisation continues to foster citizen participation and drive public interest in governance and accountability.

Tango Brook Technologies Limited, a digital payment solutions company, moves to strengthen its commitment to protecting customer data and maintaining the highest standards of information security with new ISO 27001:2022 certification.

‘Security is the bedrock of digital trust. Our ISO 27001:2022 certification goes beyond compliance – it’s a powerful pledge to protect customer data with unwavering diligence,’ Obi Wemambu, MD/CEO, Tango Brook Technologies, said in a statement.

According to Wemambu, the new certification is a testament to the company’s dedication to implementing robust security measures, managing risks, and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of customer information.

‘With the Tango Fuel Card, we’re redefining fuel payments through transparency, top-tier security, and smart rewards, ensuring every transaction drives confidence and value,’ said Wemambu.

He disclosed further that the certification is a significant achievement for the company following its recent launch of the unified smart fuel management system – Tango Fuel Card.

According to him, Tango Fuel Card is a technology-driven fuel and fleet management platform empowering consumers and businesses with smarter tools to get best value for their everyday fuel purchases and consumption.

‘ISO 27001:2022 is the global standard for how organisations protect information and manage security risks,’ Omobolanle Pase, head of legal at Tango Brook Technologies, said.

According to Pase, the new certification will help guide how the company identifies potential threats, put the right safeguards in place, and keep its systems resilient. ‘For us at Tango, achieving this certification wasn’t just a box to tick; it reflects our commitment to keeping customer data safe and building lasting trust.’

The ISO 27001:2022 certification is a significant achievement for Tango Brook Technologies, demonstrating its proactive approach to managing information security risks and protecting customer data.

This accomplishment reinforces the company’s position as a trusted leader in the digital payment industry and underscores its commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and innovative solutions to its customers.

Kazfield Integrated Services Limited has launched Àdàbà Farm and Resort, a sprawling 202 hectare-coconut plantation in Owode, Ogun State, in a bold move to unlock coconut plantation potential and reshape the country’s agricultural landscape.

Kazfield is a trailblazing real estate and agribusiness firm that specialises in innovative, scalable solutions that drive agricultural productivity, economic inclusion, and environmental stewardship across West Africa.

This ambitious project directly tackles Nigeria’s embarrassing $9,495,210 annual spend on coconut imports, primarily sourced from neighbouring Ghana and the Ivory Coast, positioning the nation to capture a slice of the booming global market and deliver extraordinary long-term returns to investors.

Nigeria, currently ranked 19th among global coconut suppliers, lags far behind top producers Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Brazil, which dominate with vast plantations and efficient supply chains.

Despite favourable tropical climates, domestic production falls short, forcing reliance on imports to meet rising demand for coconut products. Adaba Farm changes that narrative by leveraging sustainable, high-yield farming techniques to produce premium coconuts for export and local markets.

Kazeem Yekini, the company’s CEO, noted in a statement that the global coconut market is exploding, valued at $14.18 billion in 2025 and projected to surge to $33.71 billion by 2034, driven by a compound annual growth rate fueled by health-conscious consumers worldwide.

‘Coconut water, a natural electrolyte powerhouse, serves as an ideal rehydration solution for athletes and everyday wellness enthusiasts, while virgin coconut oil and derivatives boost immunity, support heart health, and enhance skincare. This superfood trend, amplified by post-pandemic health awareness, underscores the untapped opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog competitors and generate billions in forex earnings,’ Yekini explained.

According to him, Àdàbà Farm and Resort integrates advanced agronomy, including drought-resistant hybrid varieties, precision irrigation, and organic pest management, to ensure bountiful harvests across its 500 acres.

‘The project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Ogun State, empower rural communities through training programmes, and stimulate ancillary industries like processing and logistics,’ he added.

Yekini hopes that, by slashing import bills and boosting exports, the project aligns with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, enhancing food security, reducing trade deficits, and contributing significantly to GDP growth.

For investors, Àdàbà offers a groundbreaking farmland ownership model with guaranteed annual yields of N6 million to N12 million per acre for up to 50 years. Backed by insurance against climate risks and expert oversight, this inflation-hedged opportunity provides stable passive income in a volatile economy, far outpacing traditional investments.

‘This initiative is more than a farm; it’s a catalyst for economic sovereignty,’ Yekinni noted, adding, ‘by harnessing the coconut market’s explosive growth-from $14.18 billion today to $33.71 billion by 2034-Àdàbà Farm will position Nigeria as Africa’s coconut hub, fostering wealth creation and sustainable development for generations.’