Author: Ogochukwu Ndubuisi

FintechNGR Plans Revolutionary, Robust Financial Services Expansion In a move to revolutionise the country’s financial landscape, the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR) says it will be championing a robust expansion of financial services. Its President, Mr Stanley Jacob, made the assertion during a news conference held on Wednesday in Lagos to announce the association’s upcoming 2025 Fintech Week. Jacob said that it would robustly expand financial services through its vast agent banking networks. FinTech Association of Nigeria known as FintechNGR is a Nigeria-based self-regulatory, nonprofit and non-partisan organisation focused on accelerating the growth of financial technology. It also focuses on…

Russia, Ukraine to Hold Talks to End 3yrs Old War Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are set to meet in Istanbul on Wednesday for a third round of talks since May, though little progress has been made toward ending their three-year-old war. This is expected as positions remained far apart. In spite of the negotiations, Russian shelling of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson killed a 66-year-old woman overnight. This is according to regional military governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Three people, including two 13-year-olds, were injured, he said on Telegram. The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 71 drones and drone decoys…

NMDPRA Calls for African Oil Pricing Benchmark to Strengthen Market The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has called for the creation of a regional oil pricing benchmark for West Africa. The aim is to reflect the region’s unique market dynamics and reduce dependence on foreign pricing templates. Mr Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the inaugural Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel. The event was convened by NMDPRA in collaboration with S&P Global Commodity Insights. Ahmed warned that continued reliance on international benchmarks could hinder the…

Green Electricity Costs Rapidly Falling Below Oil, Gas –Report Around 91 per cent of renewable energy projects commissioned in 2024 was cheaper than fossil fuels, according to a study published on Tuesday. The report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), found that the average cost of solar power was 41 per cent lower than the cheapest fossil fuel options, while onshore wind energy was 53 per cent cheaper. UN Secretary General António Guterres hailed the findings as the dawn of a “new era.” “The clean energy future is no longer a promise. It’s a fact,” Guterres said in New…

Delta Governor Commends Seplat Energy’s CSR Efforts Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has commended Seplat Energy Plc for its consistency in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and strong engagement with host communities. He gave the commendation when Seplat’s management, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Roger Brown, visited Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday. The governor pledged continued support for the company and promised a conducive environment to enable its seamless operations across the state. Oborevwori lauded Seplat’s community engagement, especially in education, healthcare, and empowerment, saying these initiatives help sustained peace in oil-producing communities. He said: “Before I became…

NNPC Posts N905bn June Profit, Remits N6.96tn in 5 Months to FG The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says it has remitted N6.96 trillion to the Federation Account within the first five months of 2025. The NNPC Monthly Report Summary for June, released on Monday, revealed that it posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) of N905 billion for June 2025, marking a decline from the N1.054 trillion reported in May. In spite of the drop in monthly profit, it confirmed a total statutory remittance of N6.961 trillion to the federation account from January to May 2025, up from…

FG to Achieve $1trn Economy by 2030 The Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment toward achieving one trillion dollars economy by 2030 through domestic investment summit to actualise 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said this at a Domestic Investment Summit, in Abuja on Monday. The theme of the summit was tagged, “Operationalisating Nigeria First Policy.’’ Oduwole said the ministry was accelerating economic diversification through targeted reforms in industrialisation, digitisation and creative economy, manufacturing and innovation. She said President Bola Tinubu had set a bold target to achieve a one trillion dollars economy…

Air Peace Expands Global Reach with New Abuja-London Flights Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading carrier, is set to revolutionize air travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom with the launch of direct flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Starting October 26, 2025, the airline will operate these flights using its wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft, offering passengers maximum flexibility and seamless travel options. This development marks a significant milestone for Air Peace, making it the first Nigerian carrier to offer direct services from Abuja to both of London’s major international airports. The airline’s innovative connectivity model allows travelers from…

Jagir Baxi Appointed ExxonMobil Nigeria Chairman/Managing Director ExxonMobil has appointed Jagir Baxi as the new Chairman and Managing Director of its Nigerian operations, succeeding Shane Harris who will transition to the company’s global headquarters in Houston. Baxi brings extensive experience and proven leadership to his new role, overseeing ExxonMobil’s business in Nigeria, including Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited. Baxi expressed his commitment to sustaining and growing the strong collaborative relationships built with the Nigerian government, NNPCL, venture partners, contractors, and local communities. He highlighted Nigeria’s significant offshore deepwater growth potential…

Fidelity Bank to Empower 100 Nigeria SMEs with Digital Tools Fidelity Bank is set to empower entrepreneurs across the country with cutting-edge digital tools to streamline operations, boost productivity and drive sustainable growth. A statement by the bank on Monday said the initiative was part of its commitment to digitally transform Nigeria’s small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), the bank will equip 100 growth-ready entrepreneurs with a comprehensive digital toolkit. The toolkits includes: a POS desktop system, access to ERPRev software, receipt printer and barcode scanner. Others include inventory and management tools; business training…