Category: Business
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ECOBANK DRIVES CREATIVE ECONOMY PUSH AT +234 ART FAIR 2026
Bank says Nigerian art is more than culture — it’s a powerful economic force ready for global markets. The third edition of +234 Art Fair 2026 has opened in Lagos with a bold focus on “Inclusivity,” as Ecobank Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy. Representing Managing Director Bolaji Lawal, Ms Omoboye Odu…
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ECOWAS AT A CROSSROADS: AfCFTA COULD MAKE OR BREAK WEST AFRICA’S ECONOMIC FUTURE
West Africa is standing at a historic economic tipping point. With a combined market of $3.4 trillion, ECOWAS has long aimed to become a fully integrated economic powerhouse—but ambition alone won’t cut it. The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is being hailed as the biggest opportunity yet to turn decades of…
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PETROAN CALLS FOR URGENT BOOST TO NIGERIA’S REFINERIES AMID MIDEAST CRISIS
Nigeria’s Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association (PETROAN) is urging the government to strengthen domestic refineries and ensure a steady crude supply, warning that the ongoing Middle East tensions could spike fuel prices and disrupt the local market. Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN President, said the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz has already sent global…
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ANAMBRA GOVT SEALS NKWO-OGBE MARKET OVER MONDAY SIT-AT-HOME
The Anambra State Government has shut down the popular Nkwo-Ogbe Market in Ihiala for one week after traders repeatedly refused to open for business on Mondays. Ihiala Local Government Chairman, Anayochukwu Ojiako, said the move is a warning signal, stressing that the government has done everything possible to end the Monday sit-at-home practice. According to…
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OIL TENSIONS COULD PUSH NIGERIA INFLATION HIGHER, SAYS SEREC
Nigeria could see inflation rise 3–5% amid the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, warns the Sea and Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC). Eugene Nweke, SEREC’s Head of Research, said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—the key route for one-fifth of global crude—could spike oil prices, shipping costs, and insurance premiums worldwide. While Nigeria might gain short-term oil revenue,…
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OTTI UNVEILS SME VILLAGE, HEALTH & INFRA BOOST IN ABIA
From a new SME hub in Aba to 277 functional PHCs statewide, Gov. Alex Otti says Abia is entering a new phase of industrial and social renewal. Speaking at his February media parley in Umuahia, Alex Otti announced approval for an SME Village and Innovation Hub in Aba — a centre designed to power small…
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NAFDAC WARNS SOKOTO TRADERS AGAINST USING CALCIUM CARBIDE TO RIPEN FRUITS
Authorities caution that unsafe ripening methods could harm consumers, especially during Ramadan. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned fruit sellers in Sokoto against using Calcium Carbide to hasten fruit ripening. Coordinator Abdulsalam Lawal said the practice poses serious health risks, including kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and other severe…
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LAFARGE AFRICA SMASHES N1TRN REVENUE MARK, PROFITS SOAR 173%
Strong sales, plant efficiency and cost discipline power a record-breaking 2025. Lafarge Africa Plc has crossed a major financial milestone, posting N1.07 trillion in net sales for 2025 — a 53% jump from N696.76 billion recorded in 2024. In its audited results filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited, the cement giant reported explosive profit growth…
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FINLAND’S PRODUCER PRICES JUMP AT FASTEST PACE IN NEARLY 3 YEARS
January rebound signals renewed cost pressures driven by energy and metals. Finland’s producer prices surged 1.9% year-on-year in January — the fastest increase since March 2023 — reversing December’s 0.8% decline, new data from Statistics Finland show. The spike was largely fueled by higher electricity costs and rising prices for precious and non-ferrous metals. However,…
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CBCN CALLS FOR FARMER SUBSIDIES, NOT FOOD IMPORTS, TO SECURE NIGERIA’S FUTURE
Bishops warn that neglecting local farmers undermines food security and fuels instability. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to support local farmers with subsidies and security instead of relying on food imports. Outgoing President, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, made the call at the close of the 2026 First…
