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7Star Global Hangar Ltd has achieved another significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy with the official approval granted by the National Civil Aviation Agency (NCAA) of the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) to perform base maintenance inspection services on TN-registered aircraft.

This approval positions 7Star Global Hangar Ltd as a recognised Approved Maintenance Organisation for operators from the Republic of the Congo, strengthening bilateral aviation collaboration between Nigeria and Congo-Brazzaville.

The authorisation allows the company to undertake heavy maintenance checks, structural inspections, and other base-level engineering services for aircraft registered under the Congolese civil registry.

Speaking on the development, Isaac Balami, CEO of 7Star Global Hangar Ltd, described the approval as ‘a testament to our consistent pursuit of excellence, safety, and compliance with international aviation standards.’ He added that the certification underscores the company’s growing reputation as a Pan-African MRO hub, serving operators across Central and West Africa.

With this new certification, 7Star Global Hangar Ltd continues to expand its maintenance capabilities and reinforce its commitment to advancing Africa’s aviation maintenance ecosystem through quality service, safety, integrity, and regional partnership.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Osun State Government against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) over the release of withheld local government (LG) funds to disputed council chairmen.

Justice Uwani Aba’aji, who led a seven-member panel, announced during Tuesday’s proceedings that judgment would be delivered at a later date, and both parties would be notified when it is ready.

The suit marked SC/CV/773/2025, was filed by the Osun State Attorney General, seeking to restrain the AGF from releasing statutory allocations to local government chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Osun argues that these chairmen were not validly elected and should not receive funds.

The state also seeks an order compelling the AGF to release funds to council officials it recognizes as lawfully elected across the 30 LGAs.

The case was brought under the court’s original jurisdiction, following a letter from the AGF recognizing the APC chairmen despite ongoing litigation.

Osun argues that the AGF acted improperly by granting recognition while the matter was still pending in court.

The state pointed out that the elections that brought in the APC chairmen were nullified by a Federal High Court, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Representing the state, Musbau Adetumbi, SAN, urged the court to grant the reliefs sought, stating the AGF’s actions undermined the judicial process.

In response, Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN, representing the AGF, raised a preliminary objection.

He argued that Osun lacked legal standing (locus standi) to bring the matter directly before the Supreme Court, claiming the dispute is political and not within the court’s original jurisdiction.

Olujimi also argued that the suit disclosed no valid cause of action, noting that the tenure of the APC chairmen remains until October 22.

He maintained that the statutory funds should be released to them in the meantime.

He further accused the Osun State Attorney General of abusing court processes by filing similar cases in several high courts involving the same parties and issues.

He asked the court to dismiss the case and deny all reliefs sought by the plaintiff.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to enhance workplace safety standards among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the State.

The agreement, part of a broader initiative to promote safer, healthier and more productive work environments, also coincided with the launch of the Safety First Campaign and the unveiling of the first-ever Occupational Safety Cadre in the Lagos State public service.

Sanwo-Olu, at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference held in the State with the theme, ‘Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a catalyst for nation Building,’ in Lagos, on Tuesday, reiterated his Administration’s commitment to promoting workplace safety, public health and environmental protection.

He described the new occupational safety cadre as a groundbreaking initiative and the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, noting that it would institutionalise safety as a professional discipline within the Lagos State civil service.

‘For the first time, safety will not just be treated as a hard-core responsibility but as a recognized career path, complete with its own structure, training, and expertise. These steps will ensure that generations of Lagosians benefit from a professional core dedicated solely to occupational safety and health,’ he said.

The State governor also highlighted the role of technology in driving modern safety standards, just as he announced the deployment of drones for surveillance, body cameras and thermal detection tools to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and emergency response.

Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, in his keynote address entitled, ‘Occupational Safety and Health as the Catalyst of Sustainable Nation Building,’ said there is overwhelming evidence that inadequate workplace safety continues to pose significant risks to workers globally.

Olusi cited studies that showed between 10% to 30% of industry workers suffer injuries, occupational diseases and health hazards on a yearly basis, which include physical accidents, exposure to harmful chemicals, long term respiratory complications, among other issues.

According to him, the consequences of work-related accidents and illnesses are profound and result in lost workdays, reduced productivity, and rising healthcare costs. He said while various African countries are ensuring safer work environment, Nigeria must position itself as a regional leader in embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) -driven safety practices across all sectors, from high-risk industries to MSMEs.

‘By integrating global standards, technology, and accountability, we can build workplaces that are safe, competitive, and resilient,’ he said..

Lanre Mojola, the Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), said the Agency realised enforcement action is reducing as compliance is increasing. He assured that the Agency would continue to increase inspection across the state as enforcement is returned.

Mojola also stated that the agency would ensure that Vertical Transportation Equipment are fully enforced to the letter as Lagos continues to move on. He reiterated that over 20,000 facilities already registered have GPIS with pictorial evidence.

Earlier, Olugbenga Oyerinde, Commissioner for Special Duties and lnter-Governmental Relations, stressed that occupational and general public safety remains a top priority to the State Government, saying, ‘every Lagosian, deserves to live, work, and move freely without any fear.’

As the power crisis in Nigeria shows no sign of improvement, a renewable energy company and strategic partner of LONGi, WERAN Solar Co., Ltd, Shanghai, has partnered with Nigerian solar system installers, unveiling different size of affordable inverter to help tackle the country energy crisis.

Speaking recently at an installers’ training and partnership forum held in Lagos, Deputy Managing Director of WERAN Africa, Pepper Guo, said the firms inverter products were affordable and was a long-term investment for households and businesses struggling with power shortages.

Guo stated that the company viewed Nigeria as a key hub for its African operations, which necessitated it investment by setting up branches in some states.

‘We did not come to Nigeria for a short-term market. We came because we see the potential of this country and want long-term development here.

‘Our goal is to build partnerships, share the future together, and provide quality solar solutions that Nigerians can rely on,’ Guo said.

Marketing Manager Ngoziukwu Livingstone, who spoke on behalf of the company, stated that the event was necessary for the installers to be able to distinguish the company products, especially, knowing which is high-quality and low-quality solar panels in the market.

‘ One of the reason of organising this event, is to teach them how to identify original products, understand efficiency standards, and meet us directly to ask questions’, he said.

One of the highlights of the training was WERAN’s authentication system, which allows installers to scan a code at the back of each solar panel to confirm its originality.

The event which was well-attended brought together solar installers from across Lagos State and Nigeria

to educate them on the latest photovoltaic technologies and address challenges in differentiating genuine solar products from fake or substandard ones flooding the market.

Also speaking at the event, especially on the rise in cost of Inverter and panel in recent years, WERAN’s Sales Director, Quasim Lawal, disagreed with perceptions that prices had risen over the last few years.

According to him, contrary to public belief, solar prices have not significantly increased. Since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed certain import duties on solar raw materials, more companies are entering the market.

‘ I think the difference lies in premium products, which naturally cost more than mass-market alternatives,’ he said.

The sales Director, equally called for stronger government policies to regulate the industry, likening the need for a solar regulatory body to the role of NAFDAC in the pharmaceutical sector.

‘There is no effective regulation for solar products in Nigeria. Many fake and adulterated products enter the market because there is no strict quality control. This makes it hard for sincere firms like us to compete,’ he said.

To address affordability challenges, he revealed that while it operates on a business-to-business model, Nigerian banks such as Sterling, Wema, and Fidelity now offer renewable energy financing packages, enabling households to access loans to pay for solar installations in instalments.

Speaking on what distinguishes WERAN’s panels with others in the market, Lawal stressed that the firm’s premium 610W HPVC panels, produced in collaboration with LONGi, are being sold at a discounted rate, far lower than the international market price.

‘We have also partnered with global inverter and battery manufacturers, including Deye and Lithium Valley, to ensure durability and complement the quality of its panels.’

Despite successive government efforts and investment Nigeria energy crisis has persisted for decades, with many Nigerian and businesses relaying on generators or other alternatives.

About half of the population have no access to power, making demand for

renewable energy rising daily.

However, many Nigerians can’t afford especially since the advent of the current administration which initiated reforms which has push more Nigerians into poverty.

Since its establishment in 2015, WERAN has expanded rapidly across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Its Nigerian subsidiary, set up in 2024 in partnership with Rayonannce Energy FZE, runs a warehouse in the Lekki Free Trade Zone to serve the West African market.

With the Federal Government targeting renewable energy to power millions of homes by 2030, stakeholders believe that partnerships between global companies like WERAN and local installers will play a critical role in bridging Nigeria’s energy gap.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately review the 2026 Hajj fares.

The directive comes after the naira’s continued appreciation against the dollar, a key factor in determining the cost of Hajj.

According to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the review is necessary to ensure that the benefits of the improved exchange rate are reflected in the fares.

The previous fares were N8.1 million for pilgrims from the Maiduguri zone, N8.2 million for other northern states, and N8.5 million for southern states.

NAHCON has been given two days to submit a new fare proposal. The Vice-President emphasized the need for close coordination between national and state officials to ensure uniformity in adopting the revised rate.

He also called for quick payment and remittance of funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure a smooth and timely operation.

Ibrahim Hadeija, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, said the discussion focused on finalizing arrangements for the 2026 Hajj, particularly on reducing fares for intending pilgrims.

He noted that the government’s economic reforms have strengthened the naira and that the president expects the benefits to be passed on to prospective pilgrims.

Tetracore Energy Group is pleased to announce the new appointment of Mr. Dayo Williams former Programme Executive as Managing Director, Tetracore Energy Group Subsidiaries. This appointment reflects the Group’s continued commitment to nurturing leadership excellence and driving innovation across its business divisions in Africa.

In his new role, Mr. Oladayo will oversee the strategic direction, growth, and operational performance of Tetracore’s subsidiaries; Tetracore Energy Limited, Tetracore Gas Limited, Tetracore CNG Solutions Limited, ensuring alignment with the Group’s mission of delivering sustainable and transformative energy solutions across Africa.

Mr. Oladayo joined Tetracore Energy Group with a strong background in commercial law and business development strategy with over 15 years of experience leading high-value energy transactions across Nigeria’s oil, gas, and power sectors. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in coordinating key initiatives that have strengthened the Group’s footprint in the energy sectors.

His achievements includes the deployment of 6.2mmscfd CNG mother station In Ogun State, mini-LNG hubs, project management of the ongoing 5.2mmscfd mother station in Tema, Ghana, fast growing Auto CNG delivery which currently supplies Dangote Cement CNG trucks, and embedded gas-to-power solutions tailored to the needs of Nigeria’s industrial clusters. He also leads a team as the Deputy Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Power Sector Group, where he contributes to national policy direction on tariffs, grid decentralisation, and gas-to-power frameworks.

His portfolio features end-to-end advisory on onshore and offshore gas gathering systems, multi-million-dollar EPC contracts and long-term Gas Supply and Transportation Agreements that have unlocked reliable fuel for both on-grid and off-grid power projects. Notable achievements include leading commercial due diligence for million dollars offshore gas-gathering system, closing a $10million CNG mother-daughter network within seven months, securing the partnership and supply of Auto CNG to Dangote Cement, structuring a $15 million solar-hybrid IPP whose blended financing model attracted development-finance institutions and private-equity funds.

His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Tetracore as the largest gas trading company in Nigeria, with strategic objectives operational efficiency in its outspread of its facilities in Ogun state, Benin, Ghana and Mobile refueling unit in Ibese, Dangote Cement

Speaking on the appointment Olakunle Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Tetracore Energy Group, said:

‘Dayo’s appointment reflects his exceptional leadership, professionalism, and contribution to Tetracore’s growth journey. We are confident that under his leadership, our subsidiaries will continue to thrive and deliver even greater impact in the evolving energy landscape. For Tetracore Energy Group a greater expansion has begun, new projects are being outlined and what a perfect timing to have this appointment, we look forward to having more achievements as a team’

Expressing his appreciation, Mr. Oladayo stated:

‘It is an honor to take on this new responsibility within an organisation that continues to lead with purpose and innovation. I look forward to working closely with our teams to deepen value creation and drive sustainable growth across our subsidiaries.’

This appointment underscores Tetracore Energy Group’s dedication to recognising excellence, empowering its people, and building a future-ready leadership culture.

Nigeria has intensified efforts to promote sustainable construction and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) scorecard for Sustainable Building Project, a global initiative spearheaded by the World Green Building Council under the Rebuild Our Buildings campaign.

The project, which aims to accelerate climate action in the building sector, is currently being implemented in five countries – Nigeria, Egypt, the Philippines, Brazil, and Colombia. It focuses on decarbonizing buildings and cities while strengthening their resilience to climate impacts.

Speaking at a regional engagement session in Abuja on Tuesday, Danjuma Waniko, president of the Green Building Council of Nigeria (GBCN), explained that the project, which began in August 2024, has already completed four national workshops leading to the development of an Action Plan for Sustainable Buildings.

‘We brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, finance, academia, civil society, and professional bodies,’ Waniko said.

‘Together, we assessed Nigeria’s built environment, reviewed existing policies, identified gaps, and co-created an action plan with eight strategic objectives.’

Among the key recommendations of the plan, he highlighted the urgent need to strengthen building codes and regulatory frameworks, noting that while Nigeria has numerous policies on paper, enforcement remains weak.

‘It is in the transition from paper to practice that we are lacking,’ he said. ‘We must ensure regulations are implemented and monitored effectively.’

Waniko also emphasized the importance of mobilizing finance to support the transition to a carbon-neutral and resilient built environment. ‘This transition requires money. We need to catalyze investment and unlock more financing for sustainable building,’ he added.

Another major recommendation is the improvement of data collection and research.

According to him, there is limited information on emissions, energy use, and climate impacts in Nigeria’s building sector, making it difficult to design evidence-based interventions.

He also called for pilot and demonstration projects to showcase practical, locally relevant solutions. ‘People often ask, ‘Does it work? Is it fit for purpose?’ We need proofs of concept to show that sustainable solutions are both effective and adaptable to our context,’ he said.

The final and most critical component, Waniko noted, is catalyzing subnational action, since issues of land use, urban planning, and building regulation are constitutionally under state jurisdiction.

‘In Nigeria, the national government cannot dictate building regulations to the states. That is why we are engaging with regional and state authorities to help them operationalize the action plan within their contexts,’ he explained.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, minister of Housing and Urban Development, commended the initiative, describing it as ‘a bold and innovative step’ toward aligning Nigeria’s built environment with sustainability, equity, and climate responsibility.

‘Urban development is not merely about constructing buildings and infrastructure,’ Dangiwa said. ‘It is about building communities, nurturing ecosystems, and creating inclusive spaces where Nigerians, regardless of income, gender, or geography, can thrive.’

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the Minister emphasized that the built environment accounts for a significant share of energy use and emissions, making it imperative to transform it into ‘a driver of sustainability.’

‘Sustainability is not a luxury-it is a necessity,’ Dangiwa added. ‘It is an opportunity to create jobs, improve health, reduce poverty, and protect our environment.’

He urged all stakeholders-architects, engineers, planners, policymakers, and community leaders-to embrace the national green building vision with courage and creativity.

‘Let us build not just structures, but legacies. Let us design not just cities, but futures,’ the Minister said. ‘Together, we can make Nigeria’s built environment a beacon of sustainability, resilience, and hope.’

The ongoing regional workshops are part of broader efforts to ensure that state governments take ownership of green building practices, integrate sustainability into urban planning, and align their policies with national and global climate goals.

The Rebuild Our Buildings campaign represents one of the most coordinated global efforts to transform the built environment – a sector that accounts for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions – into a driver of climate resilience and sustainability.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has expressed concern over the reported loss declared by NNPC Retail, describing the development as worrisome and demanding full clarification from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), Chairman of the Committee, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the National Assembly after plenary.

He confirmed that the NNPCL had responded to the 19 audit queries issued against it by the Senate, covering the period between 2017 and 2023, involving over N210 trillion reportedly unaccounted for in the audited statements of the national oil company.

Wadada explained that although the Committee had given Bayo Ojulari, the NNPCL Chief Executive Officer, a three-week ultimatum in July to respond to the queries, the company had sought an extension while lawmakers were on recess to enable it to compile relevant data and documents.

He said, ‘While we were on recess, management of NNPCL wrote to the committee requesting an extension of time to enable them to compile data and respond comprehensively to the questions we raised, and we granted that request.

‘They have since responded, and we now have answers to all 19 questions we sent to them.’

The senator, however, noted that the responses were yet to be tabled before the committee for deliberation.

‘The report is yet to be presented before the Committee. That is why, as chairman, I have refrained from making any public statement on the matter until it is properly laid before members.

‘But let me assure you, as I promised earlier on behalf of the committee, we will do justice to the matter’, he added.

He revealed that the Committee’s investigation went beyond the audited accounts, adding that new issues had emerged around the operations of the national oil company.

According to him, one of such issues concerns the production sharing contracts (PSCs), particularly the actual production cost to Nigeria and the need for transparency in the sharing formula among stakeholders.

‘The public deserves to know what portion goes to the NNPCL, what goes to the international oil companies (IOCs), and what accrues to the federal government under the production sharing arrangement,’ he stated.

Wadada also confirmed that the committee had been informed that NNPC Retail Limited declared a loss, a situation he said raised serious questions about efficiency and accountability.

‘The committee has been informed that NNPC Retail has declared a loss. This development is of concern to us and to the public. We find it difficult to understand why NNPC Retail should record a loss, but we will seek clarification when the corporation appears before us,’ he said.

He assured that Nigerians and the media would be duly briefed on the contents of NNPCL’s responses once the committee reviews them.

‘As far as the audited financial statements are concerned, which cover the period between 2017 and 2023, NNPCL has submitted its responses to the 19 questions we asked.

‘Nigerians will know the details in due course. Out of those answers, the ones that make sense and those that do not will be evident to the public,’ Wadada said.

Public outcry has intensified across Nigeria as calls mount for the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the minister of science and technology, following revelations surrounding alleged discrepancies in his academic qualifications.

The controversy has also cast a shadow over the screening committee responsible for his vetting, with many Nigerians questioning the integrity and thoroughness of the process.

Nubi Achebo, director of academic planning at the Nigeria University of Technology and Management (NUTM), said the minister should not only be sacked but also handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

‘He should be summarily fired from his minister job and handed to law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Forgery is still a crime under Nigerian laws,’ he said.

Friday Erhabor, director of media and strategies at Marklenez Limited, emphasised that Nnaji should just voluntarily resign, and if he fails to do so, the president should fire him.

‘It is not enough to admit. If he truly claimed to have a certificate from UNN and the claim turned out to be false, he should have just voluntarily resigned, and where he failed to do so, the president should fire him. He should also be made to refund every penny he has earned as a minister,’ Erhabor emphasised.

Gift Osikoya, a teacher, said the minister’s scenario raises a serious ethical and institutional concern, especially when holding a public office.

‘Leaders, especially those entrusted with portfolios such as science and technology minister, are expected to be models of integrity and credibility.

‘When such controversies arise, they erode public trust, demoralize genuine graduates, and cast a shadow on the credibility of Nigeria’s education system,’ she said.

Osikoya emphasised that certificate forgery has sadly become a recurring challenge in Nigeria, not only in politics but also in the civil service, education, and even the private sector.

‘This trend thrives because of weak verification systems, a culture that often overlooks merit, and a lack of strict legal consequences for offenders,’ she noted.

Isaiah Ogundele, an administrator, describes the development as very appalling, after the good job a journalist did recently, where an undercover reporter discovered certificate racketeering in some universities across Nigeria’s border.

‘I thought that should have informed the authority to have done the right thing to curb and scrutinise the existing certificates from a particular year, probably from the year 2000 downward.

‘It is a big shame for the committee that was involved in the screening for them not to have discovered this on time, and the minister is also disgracing the country before the world,’ he said.

The way forward

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Stakeholders pointing the way forward suggested strict verification, transparency, and institutional reform, among others.

Osikoya said there is a need that all appointments, from ministers to local officials, should go through an independent and digital certificate verification process, such as tertiary institutions and the NUC.

‘There should be public access to the credentials of public officials should encourage accountability and build trust. Besides, the government should strengthen penalties for forgery and enforce them without bias or political influence.

‘The government should encourage tertiary institutions to fully digitise students’ records and certificates, to make forgery nearly impossible,’ she stressed.

Ogundele suggests that there should be newspaper publications for the intending public office holders showcasing their credentials in order for people to verify their true picture before giving them responsibility.

Besides, he said the Ministry of Education and everyone in the educational sector should rise up to the task.

‘A state of emergency should be declared on education, and the government should weed out the bad eggs. Also, some schools that have been fingered should be investigated, and the culprits must not be spared,’ he said.

For Ebuka Nnaji, an education consultant, the agencies in charge of document falsification should rise up to their duties, and tertiary institutions should make access for verification easier.

Recall that the minister of science and technology finally admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never gave him a degree certificate, confirming earlier reports that he might have forged his academic credentials, according to a Premium Times report.

Erhabor suggests the DSS screens nominated ministers and authenticates all the claims.

Besides, he calls on the Senate to have a sub-committee on the verification of claims.

‘Certificates of appointed government agencies and top political posts must have their certificates properly verified before they assume office. One day, somebody with a forged certificate can become our CBN governor,’ he said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible innovation in the country’s rapidly evolving fintech sector, emphasizing that sustained growth must be anchored on trust, compliance, and consumer protection.

Olayemi Cardoso, CBN governor, made this known at the Nigeria FinTech Week 2025 held in Lagos, on Tuesday.

Cardoso, who was represented by Yusuf Rakiya Opeyemi, the director of payment system supervision, CBN, commended the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR) for creating a platform that continues to unite regulators, innovators, and investors to chart the course of Nigeria’s digital future.

He said the theme of the week, ‘Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future’, aptly captures the delicate harmony required between innovation and regulation in building a safe and inclusive financial ecosystem.

‘Like an orchestra, our fintech ecosystem requires harmony between innovators and regulators, between inclusion and security, and between competition and collaboration. Only through such balance can we orchestrate a future that advances innovation, strengthens trust, and enhances financial inclusion,’ he said.

The CBN governor noted that innovation remains the lifeblood of the digital economy, as fintech products, from mobile payments to AI-driven financial services, continue to expand access and convenience for millions of Nigerians.

However, he cautioned that technological progress must not outpace the safeguards necessary to protect consumers and the financial system. ‘The Central Bank embraces responsible innovation. We provide space for creativity while safeguarding financial stability. Regulatory compliance is not an obstacle but a precondition for sustainable growth,’ Cardoso added.

He disclosed that the apex bank has taken several steps to ensure this balance, including the adoption of ISO 20022 messaging standards for payment interoperability, and geofencing and geotagging of terminals to enhance transaction traceability and combat fraud. These measures, he said, are part of broader efforts to build a more resilient, transparent, and trusted digital payment infrastructure.

Cardoso also highlighted the CBN’s ongoing work on the open banking framework, which allows the secure sharing of financial data, with customer consent, between banks and fintechs. He described the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s financial innovation journey, one that would encourage collaboration, competition, and customer-centric product development.

However, he noted that implementation would be gradual to ensure the right safeguards are in place. ‘Our approach to open banking remains measured. We are ensuring that the necessary controls around fraud prevention and data protection are firmly established before full rollout,’ he explained.

On financial inclusion, CBN governor said that despite the rapid rise of mobile wallets, agent banking, and USSD services, technology alone cannot close the financial access gap. He called for stronger collaboration between fintech companies, banks, and government agencies to extend literacy, build consumer trust, and reach underserved rural communities.

‘A symphony is incomplete if some instruments are missing. Likewise, national progress suffers when communities are excluded. Our collective commitment must be that no region or community is left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation,’ he said.

The CBN’s data, he said, reflects growing public confidence in digital payments. The total number of electronic transactions increased from 3.9 billion valued at N280 trillion in August 2024 to 4.12 billion valued at N384 trillion by July 2025. ‘This sustained growth underscores the Nigerian public’s confidence in digital platforms and the depth of consultation within our payment ecosystem,’ he added.

To sustain that momentum, the apex bank continues to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, enhance fraud detection systems, and collaborate with the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) and other enforcement agencies to safeguard consumers.

Cardoso urged fintech founders and innovators to view regulators as partners rather than obstacles, stressing that both parties share a common goal, which is to build a financial system that is inclusive, transparent, and trusted. ‘Innovation thrives where there is trust. We must build a compliance-based trust, a trusted business is a sustainable business. Trust is the bridge between technology and transformation. Without it, innovation will not deliver its full promise,’ he affirmed.

In his welcome address, Dr. Stanley Jacob, president of the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR), said this year’s conference theme: ‘Orchestrating the Future of Finance’, reflects the sector’s shared responsibility to harmonize innovation, policy, and impact.

‘The fintech ecosystem is no longer a collection of startups working in silos. It is a movement of innovators, regulators, investors, and educators working together to transform Nigeria’s economy. Collaboration is the rhythm that sustains our symphony of progress,’ Jacob said.

Jacob outlined FintechNGR’s strategic initiatives, including its Policy Innovation (PI) Agenda, capacity-building programmes, and expansion of Nigeria FinTech Week to more cities across Africa. He added that the association now represents over 600 member institutions, spanning banks, technology firms, investors, and universities, demonstrating the depth of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Segun Aina, president of the Africa Fintech Network (AFN), emphasized the need for harmonised regulations across African markets to enable startups to scale beyond their borders. ‘Africa cannot compete globally if its fintech innovators remain confined by fragmented national regulations. Our goal is to create a single African fintech market, driven by trust, interoperability, and shared standards,’ Aina said.

He revealed that the AFN is working with regional bodies to introduce a cross-border licensing framework that would allow fintechs to operate across multiple African jurisdictions with a single approval process.

For her part, Dr. Jameelah Sharrief-Ayedun, CEO of CreditRegistry and chairperson of the FintechNGR Nigeria FinTech Week Committee, said the industry must ensure that consumers are not left behind in the digital transformation journey.

‘Fintech is not just about innovation, it is about inclusion. As we adopt artificial intelligence, blockchain, and open banking, we must make sure these innovations serve real human needs, protect data, and inspire confidence,’ Sharrief-Ayedun stated.

Sharrief-Ayedun also urged delegates to turn networking opportunities into tangible collaborations that move Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem forward. ‘Every connection made here must contribute to something bigger, partnerships that make finance safer, smarter, and more inclusive,’ she added.

The Nigeria FinTech Week 2025, hosted by FintechNGR in partnership with the CBN, the Africa Fintech Network, and other ecosystem stakeholders, attracted participants from over 20 countries, including regulators, startups, investors, and technology firms.

Panel sessions at the event explored topics such as open banking adoption, digital identity, cybersecurity, cross-border payments, and AI in financial services, with experts agreeing that regulation and innovation must evolve together.