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  • Rite Foods Partners RecyclePoints on “Waste-Is-Naira” Initiative

    Rite Foods Partners RecyclePoints on “Waste-Is-Naira” Initiative

    Rite Foods Limited has reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance with the launch of its “Waste-Is-Naira” (W.I.N) initiative, in partnership with RecyclePoints. It is an ambitious, community-driven programme designed to advance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) while transforming plastic waste into a viable source of income for Nigerians.

    The initiative, unveiled at the company’s corporate headquarters in Opebi, Lagos, marks a significant step in Rite Foods’ long-term sustainability strategy, aligning its operations with national environmental priorities and global best practices in post-consumer waste management.

    The partnership with RecyclePoints, a leading waste-to-wealth social enterprise and recycler, is supported by key regulatory and industry stakeholders, including the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), and community leaders, among others.

    The W.I.N initiative operationalises EPR principles by creating a structured system for the recovery, collection, and recycling of post-consumer packaging. Through this model, Rite Foods is not only taking responsibility for the lifecycle of its packaging materials but also enabling consumers to actively participate in sustainable waste management.

    The programme allows residents to exchange used plastic bottles and beverage cans for cash, effectively converting waste into economic opportunities. With a projected annual recovery of over 750 tonnes of plastic waste, the initiative is poised to significantly reduce environmental pollution, improve circularity in packaging use, and stimulate grassroots economic activity.

    Speaking at the launch, Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods Limited, described the initiative as a natural evolution of the company’s sustainability journey and a deliberate move to embed EPR into its business model.

    “This initiative goes beyond clean-up efforts. It reflects our responsibility as a producer to close the loop on our packaging materials. With ‘Waste-Is-Naira’, we are institutionalising a system where post-consumer waste is recovered, reintegrated into the value chain, and translated into tangible socio-economic benefits for Nigerians.”

    He further noted that following years of impactful coastal clean-up campaigns under the Riteon thebeach initiative, the company is now scaling its efforts inland through a more structured, incentive-based recycling framework that drives behavioral change at the community level.

    Daniel Oderinde, Programme Manager at RecyclePoints, explained that participants are provided with designated ‘Waste-Is-Naira’ sack bags to encourage proper waste segregation at the source. Once filled, these materials are delivered to designated collection hubs, where they are weighed, logged, and digitally recorded. Payments are subsequently processed, ensuring transparency, traceability, and financial inclusion for participants.

    Providing additional insight, Akin Disu, Founder of Popbeachclub and Rite Foods’ partner on the Riteonthebeach project, emphasised the broader societal impact of the initiative, noting that it represents a paradigm shift in how waste is perceived and managed.

    “What we call waste is simply value in the wrong place. When producers take responsibility, and systems are designed to connect people to opportunities, we unlock not just environmental benefits, but livelihoods. ‘Waste-Is-Naira’ is a powerful example of how EPR can work effectively at the grassroots.”

    Regulatory stakeholders also commended the initiative for aligning with environmental standards and strengthening public-private collaboration. Mrs. Adedayo Adebayo, Director of Environmental Sustainability at LASEPA, highlighted the importance of compliance and structured frameworks in delivering long-term impact, while Mrs. Oguntola Omolara of LAWMA described the programme as a timely intervention that supports the state’s waste management objectives.

    On his part, Adeoye Babajide, Director, Waste Management, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Water Resources, stated that the laudable initiative aligns with the state government’s drive in keeping the environment healthy and habitable, and also in preserving the natural water resources for human use.

    Lending her voice to the initiative, Arese Onigise, Executive Secretary of FBRA, stated: “Initiatives like ‘Waste-Is-Naira’ exemplify how producers can move beyond compliance to actively implement Extended Producer Responsibility in a way that is both practical and impactful. By creating collection systems that incentivise consumers and integrate informal waste actors, Rite Foods is contributing significantly to the development of a circular economy for packaging in Nigeria. This is the kind of scalable model the industry needs to drive long-term environmental sustainability.”

    She further called for continued collaboration among key stakeholders to ensure the long-term success and scalability of such initiatives.

    From an operational standpoint, the initiative is designed as an inclusive, community-based system that integrates households, waste pickers, and aggregators into a formal recycling value chain.

    Beyond environmental impact, the W.I.N initiative is expected to create jobs across the recycling value chain, empower informal waste collectors, and strengthen Nigeria’s circular economy.

    By embedding Extended Producer Responsibility into a scalable, community-focused model, Rite Foods is demonstrating how corporate leadership, when aligned with regulatory frameworks and local realities, can drive measurable environmental and socio-economic impact.

  • Moniepoint’s General Counsel Okechukwu Eke Named to Legal 500’s GC 2026 Powerlist Nigeria  

    Moniepoint’s General Counsel Okechukwu Eke Named to Legal 500’s GC 2026 Powerlist Nigeria  

    Okechukwu Eke, General Counsel of Moniepoint, has been named to the GC Powerlist: Nigeria 2026 by Legal 500 marking his second appearance on the list, having first been recognised in the inaugural 2024 edition.

    The GC Powerlist: Nigeria spotlights the most influential and innovative in-house counsel driving significant change within Nigeria’s leading companies. Now in its third year, the 2026 edition continues to recognise legal professionals navigating complex regulatory environments, advancing technological transformation, and shaping the commercial direction of their organisations.

    Every year, the Legal 500 invites law firm partners and in-house counsels to nominate in-house lawyers that have been instrumental in driving their organizations and businesses forward. In-house lawyers are especially recognized for changing or forming commercial opinions; developing outstanding technical solutions to complex issues; creating innovative structures to ensure that the in-house legal function is supporting and driving the business; and providing business working models that other in-house counsels can follow.

    David Freeman, Global Business Development Manager at Legal 500, who spoke about the significance of the GC Powerlist in Nigeria and the evolving role of in‑house counsel as strategic leaders. He highlighted the growing influence of general counsel in shaping governance, regulatory engagement and business transformation, setting a purposeful tone for the evening.

    Eke’s return to the 2026 list follows sustained achievement for Moniepoint’s legal function in the years since his first recognition. Since joining the company in 2022, he has led a strong legal team to drive proactive, commercially aligned legal support across the group’s banking, payments, credit and remittance businesses.

    He has coordinated multi-jurisdictional due diligence, documentation review, and structured governance approvals across Nigeria, the United States and the United Kingdom, enabling deals that have accelerated the company’s expansion and product innovation. Under Eke’s direction, the legal team has also developed standardised agreements across Moniepoint’s product and service lines, contributing to its continued recognition as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.

    “Being recognised on the GC Powerlist again is a reflection of the exceptional work of our entire legal team and the confidence Moniepoint places in us as strategic partners to the business. Our role has grown substantially from structuring complex cross-border transactions to embedding the legal function deeply into the company’s commercial and product operations. We continue to raise the standard for what in-house legal excellence looks like in Africa’s fintech sector”, said Okechukwu Eke, General Counsel, Moniepoint.

    Notable legal professionals that made the cut include Tochukwu Okezie, Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary, Interswitch Group; Erhi Obebeduo, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Guaranty Trust Bank; Abisola Oshin-Gbadamosi, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Afya Care; Adeola Olumeyan, General Counsel, Head of Compliance and Risk, Africa, Junior Achievement Africa; Felix Chidozie Obiamalu, General Counsel, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit; Lanre Kuforiji, Legal Director, Inq. Nigeria; Sesan Sobowale, Head, Legal Services, Union Bank of Nigeria; and Yemisi Diya-Salawu, Director, Legal, IHS Towers.

    Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms and in-house lawyers across the world for over three decades, with a comprehensive research programme that assesses legal strength in over 150 jurisdictions. Research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers. Since the launch of the Powerlist in 2013, more than 3,000 individuals, 2,000 teams and 100 law firms have been recognised across 38 regions and countries worldwide.

  • NGX Group, CSCS, WIMBIZ to Ring the Bell for Gender Equality

    NGX Group, CSCS, WIMBIZ to Ring the Bell for Gender Equality

    Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), in partnership with Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), will mark International Women’s Day 2026 by Ringing the Bell for Gender Equality on March 10 at Nigerian Exchange Group House in Lagos. The event will leverage the Closing Gong Ceremony to highlight the role of capital markets in promoting gender equality.

    The ceremony is part of the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign, which mobilizes stock exchanges worldwide to expand women’s participation in the economy and advance gender-inclusive practices.

    This year’s event is held in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Women, World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), UN Global Compact, and the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSEI), under the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

    Dignitaries expected at the ceremony include Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Her Excellency, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, First Lady of Imo State; Frana Chukwuogor, Executive Commissioner, Legal & Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); Funke Akindele, award-winning actor and founder of FAAN; Ojinnika Olaghere, Director, NGX Group; and Fatima Wali-Abdulrahman of NGX Group, alongside board members of NGX Group, regulators, capital market stakeholders, and industry leaders.

    NGX Group will join exchanges worldwide in sounding the NGX Gong to underscore the importance of inclusive leadership, equal opportunities, and stronger market accountability in advancing gender equality. The ceremony welcomes all who wish to be part of this celebration, register now to participate ngxgroup.com/iwd2026

  •  NETSCOUT reveals qualitative shifts in DDoS attack sophistication, infrastructure capacity, and threat actor capabilities

     NETSCOUT reveals qualitative shifts in DDoS attack sophistication, infrastructure capacity, and threat actor capabilities

    NETSCOUT® SYSTEMS, INC., today released its second half of the year 2025 Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Threat Intelligence Report, revealing sophisticated attacker collaboration, resilient botnets, and compromised IoT infrastructure that drove more than eight million DDoS attacks worldwide – some as large as 30 terabits per second (Tbps) – marking a new era of hyper-scale, coordinated threat activity that continues to outpace global takedown efforts. Meanwhile, the accelerating growth of DDoS-for-hire services is empowering a broader range of threat actors, intensifying operational risk to digitally connected organisations and enterprises.

    Implications for security professionals extend far beyond volumetric concerns and include reconnaissance and adaptive evasion which challenge traditional defence paradigms. Organisations must match adversarial innovation with intelligent, autonomous defences, or risk operational disruption at levels previously considered theoretical.

    “Threat actors identify organisations that haven’t invested in the right defences to stay ahead of sophisticated and coordinated DDoS attacks to take down critical infrastructure,” stated Richard Hummel, director, threat intelligence, NETSCOUT. “Traditional security defences are no longer working, and with attackers hitting new attack size and complexity ceilings, implementing automated and proactive defences has become a business-level risk mandate – not just a technical concern for security professionals.”

    Key research findings include:

    ·       Massive attacks on a global scale – More than eight million attacks were identified across 203 countries and territories globally.

    ·       Continued use of multi-vector attacks – approximately 42% of DDoS attacks employed two to five distinct attack vectors, with some adapting dynamically throughout the attack to complicate detection and mitigation.

    ·       Outbound attacks impact broadband and mobile services – Extensive direct-path attacks revealed that compromised IoT and customer-premises equipment can generate outbound floods exceeding 1 Tbps, creating liability, service, and reputational risk for broadband and mobile providers.

    ·       Critical infrastructure targeted – High‑value services such as NTP and DNS continue to face sustained attack pressure, emphasising the need for resilient, globally distributed architectures to maintain service continuity.

    ·       Threat actors scale up collaboration – A surge of more than 20,000 botnet-driven attacks in July 2025 exemplified how coordinated threat activity can rapidly overwhelm defences and disrupt critical government, finance, and transportation services.

    ·       Threat actor persistence – Despite international law enforcement dismantling multiple DDoS-for-hire platforms, hacktivist groups and botnets remain resilient, exerting increased pressure.

    ·       AI integration accelerates operations and collaboration – AI has transitioned to an operational reality, with large language models (LLMs) on the dark web accelerating vulnerability exploitation and botnet expansion, and underground forums documenting a 219% increase in mentions of malicious AI tools. Groups like Keymous+ have demonstrated how partnerships between threat actors amplify attack power, with bandwidth increasing nearly fourfold.

    NETSCOUT maps the DDoS landscape through passive, internet vantage points, providing unparalleled visibility into global attack trends. For more than 15 years, NETSCOUT has delivered trusted, consistent DDoS Intelligence based exclusively on directly observed, verifiable attack traffic. NETSCOUT does not aggregate multiple alerts or geographically distributed events into composite peak values, ensuring accuracy, repeatability, and true comparability across reporting periods. Peak metrics reflect single-second maximum bits-per-second (bps) and packets-per-second (pps) rates measured at defined mitigation and monitoring points.

    NETSCOUT protects two-thirds of the routed IPv4 space, securing network edges that carried global peak traffic of over 800 Tbps, covering 376 industry verticals and 12,698 Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) in the second half of 2025. It monitors tens of thousands of daily DDoS attacks by tracking multiple botnets and DDoS-for-hire services that leverage millions of abused or compromised devices.

  • CANEX Creations Inc. Invests in Feature Film Clarissa, Acquired for Worldwide Distribution by NEON

    CANEX Creations Inc. Invests in Feature Film Clarissa, Acquired for Worldwide Distribution by NEON

    Clarissa marks CCInc’s continued commitment to investing in high-quality Global Africa intellectual property with clear pathways to international markets

    CANEX Creations Inc. (CCInc), the intellectual property investment subsidiary backed by Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), announced its investment in the feature film Clarissa, a Nigerian-produced drama directed by twin filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri. The film has been acquired for worldwide distribution by NEON, which will oversee theatrical release in the United States and international markets, with NEON International handling foreign sales.

    A contemporary reimagining of Virginia Woolf’s novel relocated to Lagos, Clarissa was shot on 35mm in Lagos and Delta State. The film follows society woman Clarissa as she prepares to host a party at her home, only to encounter once-intimate friends from her youth. Over the course of a single night, memories of intricate relationships, passionate love, hidden desires, and lost aspirations give rise to a bittersweet reckoning.

    Clarissa features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Sophie Okonedo (Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee), David Oyelowo (Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee), Emmy Award winner Ayo Edebiri, alongside India Amarteifio (Bridgerton), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin), and a broader cast of distinguished performers. The film is written, directed, and produced by Arie and Chuko Esiri, whose debut feature Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) premiered at the Berlinale, won multiple African Movie Academy Awards, and was subsequently released by Janus Films before being selected for the Criterion Collection, a rare distinction that signals enduring artistic significance.

    The Esiri brothers produce Clarissa alongside Theresa Park (Per Capita Productions) and Nicholas Weinstock (Invention Studios), with co-producers Nina Gold and Thomas Bassett. Executive producers include Sophie Okonedo, Dolly Omodolapo Kola-Balogun, Osahon Okunbo, and Jason Reif.

    Commenting on the investment, Osahon Akpata, Chief Executive Officer of CANEX Creations Inc., said:

    “Clarissa exemplifies the type of globally resonant, IP-driven storytelling that CANEX Creations Inc (CCInc) was established to support. The film combines literary heritage, world-class filmmaking, and African production capacity, while remaining firmly rooted on the continent. Its acquisition by NEON validates both the creative ambition of the filmmakers and the viability of Africa-backed financing structures for internationally scalable film content.”

    Reflecting on the film’s creative vision, Chuko Esiri, writer, director and producer, said, “From the beginning, it was important to us that Clarissa be both rooted and resourced on the continent where it is set. Having African institutions back a film of this scale reflects a growing confidence that our stories can be produced from within. Clarissa is a story centered on time and memory, and in bringing it to life, we chose to shoot on 35mm in the hope it will first feel, then stand next to the great films of modern cinema”.

    Production financing for filming in Nigeria was provided entirely by Africa-based institutions, led by CCInc. alongside MBO Capital, underscoring the growing capacity of African capital to support globally competitive film projects.

    The acquisition was negotiated by NEON’s Kate Gondwe, with UTA Independent Film Group representing the filmmakers.

    Clarissa marks CCInc’s continued commitment to investing in high-quality Global Africa intellectual property with clear pathways to international markets, in line with its mandate to catalyze export-ready creative assets across film, television, music, fashion, and other IP-intensive sectors.

  • In-App Fare Negotiation Can Expand Mobility Access, Reduce Inefficiencies, New Research Shows

    In-App Fare Negotiation Can Expand Mobility Access, Reduce Inefficiencies, New Research Shows

    New research released today by Oxford Economics shows that enabling riders and drivers to negotiate fares directly within mobility apps can improve price discovery, boost efficiency, and expand access to transportation. Conducted in collaboration with inDrive – the world’s second-most-downloaded ride-hailing app – the study draws on survey data from riders and drivers across seven emerging markets: Colombia, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, and Peru.

    The findings suggest that while ride-hailing platforms have significantly improved mobility over the past two decades through algorithmic matching and dynamic pricing, existing pricing systems struggle to fully capture the diversity of rider and driver preferences. While algorithmic pricing is typically designed to optimise for average market conditions, it doesn’t serve well the wide variations in incomes, trip distances, and travel circumstances across emerging markets. As a result, a single algorithmic price can fail to reflect the true value of a trip for either party, leaving mutually beneficial rides unrealised and some areas underserved by mobility solutions.

    In-app fare negotiation helps to bridge this gap, representing a new stage in the evolution of ride-hailing, the study finds. Rather than replacing algorithmic pricing, negotiation complements it. Price discovery typically begins with an algorithmic estimate but allows riders and drivers to adjust fares to reflect individual circumstances, introducing decentralised decision-making in contexts where centralised pricing is both less precise and less inclusive.

    The research shows that fare negotiation is widely adopted where available. Across the surveyed markets, an average of around 75% of trips on inDrive involved negotiated fares, rising to approximately 80% in parts of Latin America and the Middle East. This strong uptake translated into higher completed trip volumes: in Latin America, nearly two-thirds (64%) of both riders and drivers reported completing more trips as a result of being able to negotiate fares. Similar patterns were observed in Egypt, Morocco, and Pakistan, where a majority of respondents said negotiation increased the number of trips they were able to complete.

    Market data also suggests that this pricing model supported rapid market penetration. Across several surveyed markets – including Peru, Egypt, Colombia and Pakistan – inDrive reached key user milestones over comparatively short post-entry periods, pointing to strong user uptake of the fare negotiation model in mature ride-hailing environments.

    Beyond scale, pricing flexibility was also shown to expand access to mobility for riders while improving utilisation and perceived fairness for drivers. In Latin America, 55% of riders said rides negotiated on inDrive were more affordable than those on other platforms, while 66% of drivers agreed that negotiation helps them earn a fair income and avoid underpaid trips. Around half of respondents across all surveyed markets also said fare negotiation helped them secure trips in harder-to-reach locations.

    Anubhav Mohanty, Director at Oxford Economics, commented, “These findings highlight the limits of algorithmic pricing in highly variable markets. Where incomes, geography, and trip conditions differ widely, allowing riders and drivers to negotiate prices can improve how markets clear, unlocking additional rides and improving overall efficiency.”

    Andries Smit, Chief Growth Businesses Officer at inDrive, added,“Fare negotiation brings human agency and individual choice back into the pricing process. By allowing riders and drivers to agree on prices that reflect real-world conditions, we see more trips completed, fairer outcomes for drivers, and better access to mobility for riders, especially in markets where standard pricing models don’t always work. These underlying dynamics also matter because direct agreement on fares reduces reliance on blanket subsidies or short-term discounts to reach price-sensitive users, creating a more sustainable marketplace. Over time, this can support lower platform fees and more affordable rides, while ensuring prices remain grounded in the realities of local supply and demand.”

    Overall, the Oxford Economics study points to a broader shift in the evolution of ride-hailing, from pure automation toward human–algorithm collaboration. While algorithms remain essential for scale and efficiency, introducing price flexibility improves outcomes at the margins. In heterogeneous markets, this approach can improve both efficiency and accessibility, expanding total ridership.

    inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, operates in 1,065 cities across 48 countries worldwide, and is currently transitioning into a super app with the introduction of additional locally-relevant urban services that go beyond ride-hailing. inDrive has completed more than 7 billion transactions and surpassed 390 million app downloads worldwide, rendering it the world’s second-most-downloaded ride-hailing app.

  • Seplat Energy Champions Responsible Operations, Net-Zero Pathways at NGX Climate Roundtable

    Seplat Energy Champions Responsible Operations, Net-Zero Pathways at NGX Climate Roundtable

    Seplat Energy Plc has reiterated that oil and gas will continue to play a critical role in Nigeria’s energy mix, while stressing the need for operators to conduct their activities responsibly, efficiently, and sustainably.

    This position was articulated by Mr. Okechukwu Mba, Director, Gas & New Energy, Seplat Energy Plc, who represented the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, at a high-level climate roundtable organised by the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) in partnership with DEG, Germany’s development finance institution, and Africa Foresight Group (AFG) in Lagos.

    Speaking at the event, Mr. Mba noted that the real issue facing Nigeria’s energy sector is not whether oil and gas should exist, but how operators manage their responsibilities to the environment, society, and the economy.

    “Oil and gas will remain an important part of Nigeria’s energy mix for some time to come. The right conversation is not whether oil and gas should exist, but how operators conduct themselves responsibly,” he said.

    He emphasised that responsible operations must be driven by concrete actions, including improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and credible offsetting strategies.

    At Seplat Energy, Mr. Mba explained, this commitment is already being translated into measurable outcomes. He disclosed that the company had launched a comprehensive programme several years ago to end routine gas flaring across all its onshore operations, adding that by the end of last year, all the projects required to achieve this milestone had been delivered and were currently at the commissioning stage.

    “Very soon, we will be able to clearly state that routine flaring has ended in our onshore operations. This is an important milestone that speaks to our stewardship of the environment, while remaining focused on delivering energy to the nation,” he said.

    He further highlighted Seplat Energy’s deployment of technology to enhance operational efficiency, including real-time monitoring of emissions across pipelines, valves, plants, and other critical infrastructure, supported by a robust asset integrity programme designed to identify and eliminate emissions.

    Beyond operational measures, Mr. Mba said the company is also implementing nature-based solutions to offset emissions. In one of its host communities in Edo State, Seplat Energy has launched an afforestation programme committing to plant millions of trees over a five-year period, with the first phase already completed.

    He also pointed to the company’s investments in gas and LPG infrastructure as part of efforts to reduce emissions beyond its direct operations. According to him, expanding access to LPG helps reduce reliance on firewood, charcoal, and other biomass fuels, particularly in communities outside major cities.

    Following Seplat Energy’s offshore acquisition, he noted that LPG that was previously exported has now been redirected to the domestic market, significantly improving availability, affordability, and overall market quality.

    Mr. Mba also underscored the urgent need for financing to support Nigeria’s energy transition, particularly gas and gas-to-power projects, noting that while only about five gigawatts of electricity currently come from the national grid, a much larger share of power is self-generated through petrol and diesel generators that produce significantly higher emissions.

    “If we replace these inefficient power sources with gas-powered energy, we can achieve substantial decarbonisation. But without adequate financing, these projects cannot be implemented, and the benefits will not be realised,” he said.

    The event marked the launch of the NGX Net-Zero Programme (N-Zero), an initiative designed to support listed companies in defining net-zero pathways, improving climate-related disclosures, and aligning with global investor expectations. The programme is expected to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3.1 billion in climate-linked capital for Nigerian companies.

    Speaking at the launch, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, said Africa’s capital markets must take a leading role in driving climate action and sustainable growth, adding that the NGX Net-Zero Programme would help companies move from climate ambition to measurable action.

    Also presenting the investment case, Mr. Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director of NGX Group, noted that climate risk has become a critical factor in valuation and capital allocation globally, while Ms. Monika Beck, a member of the Management Board of DEG, said the partnership aligns with DEG’s strategy of mobilising private capital to accelerate climate action while delivering measurable development impact.

  • SONTA Condemns the Humiliation of Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki by Miscreants in Benin City

    SONTA Condemns the Humiliation of Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki by Miscreants in Benin City

    The Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists (SONTA) condemns in very strong and unequivocal terms, the humiliation and dehumanisation of Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki by some miscreants in Benin City on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The society is appalled that a people once known and admired for their rich culture and tradition will allow their youths to descend so low to such a level that they will humiliate, strip naked and parade one of their illustrious sons who has been at the forefront of promoting the values, tradition and culture of the Benin people all his life.

    According to the statement signed by SONTA’s President, Prof. Tunji Azeez, FSONTA, FTA, MNAL, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki is a cultural ambassador of the Benin People; a renowned playwright, actor and director who has advanced the Benin culture through his creative oeuvres for decades, nationally and internationally. It is, therefore, a great concern to SONTA and the entire culture and creative world that such a personality is paraded like a common criminal by the same people whose traditions he has upheld and promoted with pride. More worrisome is the purported link of the palace to this barbaric and inhuman act.

    The society joins other well-meaning Nigerians at home and in diaspora to advocate for a thorough investigation of the matter. SONTA is aware that the police is already investigating the matter. We therefore demand that the police must act on this matter with objectivity, diligence, and professionalism to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors, if any, to justice. This is the only way to redeem the humiliation of the person of Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, and show the world that the Benin people are averse to acts of barbarism and brigandage.

    At this critical time, SONTA stands solidly in solidarity with Dr. Obaseki and his family. The entire creative world will not sit idly and watch one of our own disgraced in any way. This act of hooliganism and disregard for law and order must stop!

  • 7 in 10 News Consumers Say International News Matters More than Ever Before

    7 in 10 News Consumers Say International News Matters More than Ever Before

    …New research commissioned by CNN looks at the importance of news in a polarised world

    CNN International Commercial unveils the results of a new global study on international news, conducted by independent research company Differentology. The study surveyed 2,400 international news consumers in 20 markets, spanning Europe, USA, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Asia-Pacific to understand how audiences navigate an increasingly complex news environment, the role international news plays in their daily lives, and the trends shaping news consumption.

    Jo Tenzer, Director of Audience Insights at CNN International Commercial, commented: “This study paints a picture of consumers saying that international news matters as they look for trusted sources in a world of endless content and rising misinformation. As people navigate social media, short form and instant content, they are still seeking credibility and context. That’s why CNN stands out in this study as the most trusted and reliable international news brand, giving people the clarity and depth they need to truly understand the world.”

    THE NEWS consumer today

    The study shows that international news has never been so important. 7 out of 10 people believe that its role is more important than ever. However, local media outlets are highly relied upon too, even though international media outlets are still considered more important and are widely associated with being credible, respected and offering in-depth analysis.

    28% say that their preferred source of information is a social media platform, and 62% seek out User Generated Content (UGC) from international news organizations.

    UGC from global news outlets is considered 2.5 times more credible than UGC from non-news professionals such as influencers and citizen journalists discussing or reporting the news. Consumers are torn between wanting the speed and immediacy of social media and the assurance and rigor of journalism.

    FACING MISINFORMATION: INCREASED DEMAND FOR RELIABLE MEDIA

    In an environment saturated with content, where misinformation circulates widely on social media, audiences are reaffirming their need for reliable media. 6 out of 10 people are concerned about the credibility of information sources and are looking for platforms that can verify facts, offer in-depth coverage, and provide clear context for understanding global issues.

    CNN: TRUSTED WORLDWIDE, RESPECTED DAILY AND ESSENTIAL always

    In a media landscape where only 40% say they trust the news, CNN stands out as the #1 source for trust, reliability, and breaking news, reinforcing its essential role in helping audiences navigate complexity. By offering comprehensive and verified coverage of international events, CNN has established itself as an essential guide for its audiences, capable of informing, reassuring, and supporting them in their decision-making.

    Thanks to its factual, rigorous, and globally recognized journalism, CNN continues to provide its audiences with reliable, verified, and expertly analyzed information, thereby strengthening its position as a trusted media outlet on an international scale.

    THE IMPACT AND INFLUENCE OF CNN IN THIS LANDSCAPE

    CNN is seen as a key player in the global media landscape, not only for its ability to inform, but also for its influence and power to mobilize. 85% of consumers believe that CNN motivates them to take action and influences their decisions, and 53% say that CNN influences decisions about travel, finances, purchases, or commerce.

    This influence also extends to the brand’s engagement with younger generations, who value authenticity and interaction. Being digital-first, these audiences seek reliable and interactive information, making CNN a strategic partner for advertisers looking to reach engaged audiences.

    A SAFE AND PREMIUM space for brands

    CNN offers a trusted and secure environment where brands can thrive without risk. Through its commitment to human-led storytelling and quality audiences, CNN ensures that advertisers can stand out in a premium context.

    80% of brands that advertise on CNN build meaningful brand trust, demonstrating the platform’s strong reputation among consumers. Moreover, 71% of respondents to the survey believe that CNN content enhances the credibility of the brands that advertise with the network, reinforcing CNN’s role as an ideal media partner for advertisers.  

  • Sterling Bank Partners Pan Atlantic University’s EDC

    Sterling Bank Partners Pan Atlantic University’s EDC

    …to Certify Non-Oil Export Academy Graduates

    Sterling Bank Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) to certify graduates of its Non-Oil Export Academy.

    This strategic partnership underscores the Bank’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy by supporting non-oil export growth. This landmark agreement follows the recent launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy, designed to position Nigerian exporters for global competitiveness.

    The launch was preceded by a series of nationwide training programs in Lagos, Ondo, and Kano states, culminating in a grand finale themed “Excel in Non-Oil Export.”

    The initiative aims to equip exporters with practical tools to thrive in international markets, thereby reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenues.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, affirmed that the Bank is intentional about creating an ecosystem where non-oil exporters are well-informed and equipped to advance national interests.

    “We are not just training people to understand how to export; we want to train them to be competitive exporters of non-oil products,” Suleiman said.

    “Our goal is to build a community of knowledgeable, certified, and confident exporters who can collaborate to solve challenges beyond their immediate capacity. Our North Star is to reach a point where hundreds of people have completed this programme and are ready to compete on a global scale.”

    Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “Having spent the last twenty-three years deepening the competencies of entrepreneurs, we thoroughly understand what is needed and are excited to be part of this initiative,” she
    noted.

    Dr. Okekearu emphasized that the export market has been neglected for too long. “With the right structure, standards, and mindset in place, entrepreneurs passing through this programme will help create not only a better Nigeria but more sustainable communities,” she added, noting that she looks forward to the case studies that will emerge from the programme’s participants.

    Beyond sectoral outcomes, the initiative reinforces Sterling Bank’s commitment to support the development of human capital that positively shapes and impacts the wider economy. The Academy will run four cohorts within the year, commencing in 2026.

    With this partnership, Sterling Bank and the Enterprise Development Centre are laying the foundation for a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian exporters, professionals equipped not only with knowledge but with the certification, confidence, and networks needed to scale.

    As both institutions align their expertise to strengthen non-oil export capacity, this collaboration signals a bold step toward a more resilient, inclusive, and diversified economy.

    The Non-Oil Export Academy therefore serves as a catalyst for national transformation, empowering businesses and communities to unlock Nigeria’s full potential on the world stage.

  • Vestergaard and Harvestfield break ground on landmark Ogun State facility to boost malaria prevention with cutting-edge mosquito net production

    Vestergaard and Harvestfield break ground on landmark Ogun State facility to boost malaria prevention with cutting-edge mosquito net production

    …The new joint venture, named SNG Health, will manufacture PermaNet® Dual, Vestergaard’s latest, dual active-ingredient pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr net designed to combat insecticide resistance

    Vestergaard Sàrl and Harvestfield Industries Limited today marked a historic milestone with the ground-breaking of a first-of-its-kind joint venture to transform malaria prevention and strengthen health security through direct investment in mosquito net manufacturing in Nigeria. The new joint venture, named SNG Health, will manufacture PermaNet® Dual, Vestergaard’s latest, dual active-ingredient pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr net designed to combat insecticide resistance. Production at the state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with an at-scale annual capacity of 10 million nets, creating 600 skilled jobs.

    The ground-breaking ceremony took place at the site in Ogun State, with contributions from Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the President’s Value Chain Initiative (PVAC); Dr Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, Director and National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme; Ms Cornelia Camenzind, Consul General, Consulate General of Switzerland in Lagos, Nigeria; and Mr Onoriode Ezire, Task Team Leader, World Bank Nigeria.

    Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, said: “Nigeria is signalling that we are ready to lead the next frontier of malaria control in West Africa. This facility is a direct outcome of the Federal Government’s commitment to industrialize our health sector and anchor critical health products within the country. Every mosquito net produced here represents a Nigerian job, a Nigerian skill strengthened, and value created within our economy. This joint venture between Vestergaard and Harvestfield shows what responsible, future-focused partnership looks like. Today’s ground-breaking reaffirms our determination to ensure that lifesaving tools like PermaNet Dual are manufactured at scale, to global standards, and with long-term sustainability built into the system.”

    Nigeria shoulders the world’s highest malaria burden, accounting for a quarter of all global cases and tragically, two out of every five children lost to malaria are Nigerian. While these are daunting statistics, new evidence from the Malaria Atlas Project shows we know what works: insecticide-treated nets have been instrumental in the fight against malaria, responsible for 72% of all malaria cases prevented globally between 2000 and 2024. Notably, dual active-ingredient nets including PermaNet Dual have alone stopped 40 million cases from 2019 to 2024. These findings underscore that, though the challenge is immense, scaling up access to these proven, life-saving tools can unlock progress towards both national and global malaria control targets.

    In March 2024, Nigeria signed the Yaoundé Declaration, pledging that “no one should die from malaria given the tools and systems available.” Today’s ground-breaking ceremony turns that pledge into action, building on the momentum from the memorandum of understanding that was signed between the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Vestergaard last year, and turning technological advancements into tangible progress for a malaria-free generation.

    Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “This facility embodies Vestergaard’s commitment to long-term partnership with Nigeria, demonstrating that private sector leadership can drive lasting impact. By directly investing in local production of PermaNet Dual—and putting our brand’s reputation behind this venture—we are not only delivering world-class innovation, but also ensuring families across Nigeria have quality protection against malaria. We believe that responsible enterprise must support African leadership in health by investing in local systems, training professionals and strengthening the capacity needed for countries to have the autonomy to protect the health of their own people.”

    Martins Awofisayo, CEO of Harvestfield Industries, said: “Today marks an important step in strengthening Nigeria’s health security and industrial capacity. By partnering with Vestergaard to establish this facility in Nigeria, we are creating a reliable local source of world-class mosquito nets that will support malaria prevention efforts across the country. This investment is a testament to our commitment to saving lives, empowering communities, and building a sustainable manufacturing base for essential public health tools.”

    Prosper Ndayiragije, Managing Director, SNG Health, said: “Today’s ground-breaking opens a new chapter of malaria control for Nigeria, underlining this country’s steadfast commitment to defeating this devastating disease. We are honoured to have the unwavering support of PVAC as we work together with Vestergaard and Harvestfield to make this initiative a reality. By manufacturing Vestergaard’s latest mosquito net innovation – PermaNet Dual – we are committed to doing our part to ensure that no Nigerian family will have to endure the burden of malaria in the future.”               

  • 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Lafarge Africa Plc Celebrates Beneficiaries of its Disability-to-Ability Programme

    2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Lafarge Africa Plc Celebrates Beneficiaries of its Disability-to-Ability Programme

    …Partners with Tunde Onakoya, LSETF others

    Lafarge Africa Plc, a building solutions company renowned for creating a greener planet through innovation and operational excellence, commemorated International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, December 4, 2025 with the participants of its Disability-to-Ability (D2A) Programme in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and Tunde Onakoya,  Founder, Chess in Slums Africa, and Guinness World Record Holder for the longest marathon chess game.

    The D2A Programme, themed “Ability Reimagined,” which kicked off recently is designed to train 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and equip them with market-relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills that open pathways to employment, business development, and long-term self-reliance. Participants will receive hands-on training in four key areas: Laptop and Phone Repairs, Make-Up and Gele, Wig and Braids Making, and Shoe and Bag Making.

    To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the programme was implemented across two hubs; Ikeja (Lagos West) and Ikorodu (Lagos East), allowing beneficiaries from different parts of the state to participate fully.

    Speaking at the event, the Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas, described the initiative as a reflection of Lafarge’s commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods. She expressed her appreciation to the partners for championing inclusion and supporting the success of the programme. 

    Graham-Douglas explained that beyond technical skills, the programme will expose participants to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mentorship sessions coordinated by LSETF, ensuring that beneficiaries are not only skilled but also ready to thrive as business owners or professionals in their chosen fields. 

    “This programme is very important to us at Lafarge and underscores our commitment to our communities. We don’t just produce building solutions, we build society, homes, and empower people to be the best that they possibly can be”, she said.

    “Everyone has a right to dignity, to make a living, and we believe in real opportunities. A society is not governed by the policy, it is governed by people, committed people, people who really want to make a difference. We really want to make a difference in people’s lives and an inclusive society is one where everyone can make a living and give back in their own way,” she added. 

    In his speech, the program partner, Tunde Onakoya lifted the spirits of the participants, citing his personal story and how playing chess and reading books gave him the opportunity to travel the world despite his condition. He charged the beneficiaries to believe in themselves and take utmost advantage of the Lafarge D2A programme as a valuable opportunity. He encouraged them to be diligent with their God-given skills and use them as a blessing to the world. He commended Lafarge for providing such an opportunity that empowers people living with disabilities. 

    Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary/CEO, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) joined other key stakeholders at the event to engage the beneficiaries in a speed mentoring session.

    Also speaking, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, who was represented by Dr Adekola Oluwafunmilayo, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, LASODA emphasized that the responsibility of building an inclusive society does not lie with the government alone but  is a shared task that requires collaboration, compassion, and consistent effort from every stakeholder. 

    She commended the partnership of Lafarge Africa Plc and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) for the impactful entrepreneurship training, which has over 100 beneficiaries. “By supporting business registration and providing starter toolkits at the end of the training, you are empowering these individuals to begin their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence and clarity. This is the kind of thoughtful support that truly transforms lives, and we at LASODA sincerely appreciate your commitment” she concluded.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Cartels Challenge Traditional Antitrust Approaches, Experts Conclude at HSE Conference

    Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Cartels Challenge Traditional Antitrust Approaches, Experts Conclude at HSE Conference

    …Experts agreed that enforcement approaches must evolve accordingly to ensure that digital markets remain open, transparent and competitive

    Digital cartels and algorithmic coordination were among the central topics discussed at the 10th Anniversary International Conference “Antitrust Policy: Science, Practice, Education,” organized by FAS Russia, HSE University and the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre. Officials from BRICS and EAEU competition authorities, judges, researchers and practitioners examined how AI technologies reshape global markets and complicate traditional antitrust enforcement.

    During the session “Artificial Intelligence vs. Cartels,” Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Centre, emphasized that algorithmic coordination represents a new form of cartelization. He noted that algorithms can synchronize prices without human intent or explicit agreements, creating “black boxes” that regulators struggle to interpret. While classical cartels relied on meetings and documented communication, digital cartels may evolve autonomously, react in milliseconds and scale across entire platforms.

    Ivanov referenced emerging global enforcement practice that illustrates these challenges. In the United States, the RealPage case has demonstrated how revenue-management software coordinating rental prices across a market can lead to cartel-like outcomes, resulting in dozens of settlements and creating a new benchmark for assessing algorithmic collusion. Similar issues arise in ride-hailing and online marketplaces, where centralized algorithmic systems influence pricing, ranking and access to key tools such as the Buy Box. Risks of algorithmic price management, he noted, also exist on Russian platforms. In global commodity trade, digital platforms such as Covantis show how blockchain-based systems may consolidate, rather than decentralize, market power.

    According to Ivanov, some forms of digital coordination are becoming structural features of modern markets. Regulators therefore need to understand how algorithms operate and develop tools that differentiate harmful coordination from efficiency-enhancing mechanisms. This includes transparency requirements for algorithms, real-time monitoring, increased technical capacity within antitrust agencies and expanded international cooperation.

    The conference underscored a growing consensus: AI-driven coordination is transforming markets faster than traditional antitrust tools can respond. Experts agreed that enforcement approaches must evolve accordingly to ensure that digital markets remain open, transparent and competitive.

  • Zenith Bank Tech Fair 5.0 awards N140m to Hackathon winners

    Zenith Bank Tech Fair 5.0 awards N140m to Hackathon winners

    A total cash prize of ₦140 million has been awarded to ten (10) African innovators to scale their transformative solutions after a keenly contested hackathon and pitch session at the Fifth Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate”, which held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    A statement from the bank said the 2025 edition of the Zenith Tech Fair featured an expanded, dual-competition structure that included a high-stakes Hackathon for product development and a Startup Pitch Competition for early-stage ventures, and drew participation from thousands of developers, founders, and entrepreneurs across the continent.

    The prize money was shared among ten finalists who emerged from the over 2,000 contestants that took part in the Zecathon. In the hotly contested final, two major winners emerged, each receiving the top prize of ₦30 million. The winner of the Hackathon, Trust Loop, clinched first place for its innovative solution that delivers seamless digital KYC and liveness verification. Simultaneously, the winner of the Startup Pitch Competition, Cubbes Technologies Limited, secured the top spot for its revolutionary AI-powered EdTech platform that enhances learning and career readiness.

    The remaining eight (8) finalists across both categories were equally recognised, each receiving ₦10 million in non-dilutive funding. They include Venille Ltd, Sowota, FLOW, InvoPay, Zenith Intelliscore, The Very Hacked Men, Konfam and Zerax. All ten finalists will also be entitled to a six-week mentorship and incubation programme designed to help them grow and scale effectively, and this will run from December 2025 to February 2026.

    The Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, in her welcome address, thanked the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, for the visionary foresight that led to the creation of the Zenith Tech Fair. Commenting on the Zecathon, she said, “Our theme this year, ‘Tech for Success: Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate’, is very timely. To appreciate its urgency, it helps to reflect on the speed of human progress. According to the Harvard Business Review, it took humanity millions of years to master fire, yet only 66 years to move from the first powered flight to landing on the moon. The lesson is simple – the next technological breakthrough will not take a lifetime. It will emerge sooner than we expect and could come from any one of you in this room today. We are confident that this Tech Fair will produce innovators who will change the world, and we stand ready to support you to turn your ideas into reality.”

    In his Goodwill Message, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, said, “This fifth edition reflects our unwavering commitment to create value through technology, innovation, and talent development. My vision is to continue to empower the youth through technology, with the hope that one day we will produce the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos.”

    Whilst delivering his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for increased technological empowerment initiatives to provide youths with adequate opportunities needed to thrive in the digital future. He said, “What I see happening here every year are things that we in leadership need to connect with. This is an activation that can bring life and real conversation to the young, dynamic, innovative, and creative young people that we have in this country. By 2050, half of the youth population in the world will be in Africa, and even in Africa, they will be in Nigeria, and if they are in Nigeria, they will be somewhere in Lagos, and we need to be able to fish them out. We need to give them an opportunity and a space to fly. We want to make Lagos the human capital centre of the world, where Microsoft and Google will think of raising a million tech experts. That’s the kind of vision and opportunity we want to leave behind.”

    Hailed as a resounding success by participants, the Fair showcased cutting-edge demonstrations on the role of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Cloud Computing in driving economic growth with Keynote addresses delivered by Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Managing Director, M-PESA Africa; Jonas Kjellberg, Co-Creator, Skype and Dr. Shivagami Gugan, Chief Technologist for Middle East, Turkey and Africa, AWS.

    The event also featured goodwill messages by the National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and the cably represented by the Head of Service, Niger State, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq Idris.

    Another key feature from the tech fair this year was the robust exclusive masterclasses delivered by global technology and consulting powerhouses: McKinsey & Company, Huawei, Check Point, and Microsoft. These sessions covered critical topics from cybersecurity to advanced cloud solutions and disruptive technologies, equipping participants with world-class insights.

    Aside from the thrilling musical performance by Nigerian musician Spyro, the fair also featured dual-panel sessions that were very insightful and highly interactive. The panel sessions both had Zain Asher, CNN Anchor, as host, and featured high-level discussants including Adaora Nwodo, Founder & Executive Director, NexaScale; Aisha Tofa, Board Chair, Startup Kano Centre for Innovation Dev.; David Kpakima, CoFounder, Rasab Group, Sierra Leone; Dr Stanley Jacob, President, FINTECHNGR; Iyinoluwa S. Aboyeji, CEO Future Africa; Gary Fowler, CEO & Founder GSD Venture Studios; Bradwin Roper, Chief Payments & Partnerships Officer at JUMO, and Mrs. Omoyemen A. Jide Samuel, Director, Information Technology, CBN.

    Zenith Bank remains committed to fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, ensuring that the next generation of African tech leaders have the capital, mentorship, and resources required to achieve global scalability and impact.

    The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.

    The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

    Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards.

    Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

    The Bank’s commitment to excellence led to Zenith being also named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025.

    The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

    Zenith Bank has also bagged several non-financial awards, including Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024.

  • Dangote Cement Tops Nigeria’s Tax Compliance Chart for Second Consecutive Year

    Dangote Cement Tops Nigeria’s Tax Compliance Chart for Second Consecutive Year

    …As FIRS Honors Cement Company Again

    For the second year consecutively, leading Africa Cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement Plc has been named as the most tax-paying compliant organization in Nigeria in 2025 by the tax authority, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).

    The award was bestowed on Dangote Cement during the FIRS Special Day at the just concluded 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    While honouring the Company with an award in the Large Taxpayer Group, FIRS said Dangote Cement earned the recognition as one of the most compliant organisations in the country following a rigorous selection process undertaken by FIRS in collaboration with tax controllers across various jurisdictions.

    Accepting the recognition award, Dangote Cement Group Head, Tax and Compliance, Mojisola Ogunlade who led the Dangote Group team, said the award reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to transparency, accountability, and timely tax compliance.

    She expressed gratitude to FIRS for the recognition, noting that the award reflects the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development through responsible tax practices.

    Ogunlade stated; “This recognition is a testament to our dedication to meeting all compliance obligations and contributing to national growth,” the representative stated. “We remain committed to strengthening our partnership with the FIRS and aligning with the standards that support a transparent and efficient tax system.”

    According to her, the recognition by FIRS of organizations that are contributing to the revenue base of the country through responsible tax compliance is a collaboration that would further improve the private organisations’ commitment to performance of civic responsibility to the state and motivate others to do same.

    She explained that Dangote industries Limited (DIL) has been living up to expectation and so it subsidiaries could not have done less recalling that the Group had paid over N402billion in taxes in 2024 to the government making it the highest taxpayer in the country.

    Justifying the recognition, the Dangote Tax Compliance Head pointed out that Dangote Group has achieved full compliance by implementing world-class processes that align with tax laws and regulations.

    “These measures emphasize strict adherence to statutory timelines and aim to eliminate the costs associated with non-compliance.

    “The Dangote brand is always committed to fostering a culture of tax compliance. This reflects our corporate responsibility to support government efforts in providing essential public goods and services for citizens.

    “For Dangote Cement, the recognition serves as further motivation to sustain its leadership in corporate governance and its contribution to Nigeria’s economic progress”, Ogunlade concluded.

    Earlier in her remarks, Dr. Lovette Onanuga, Director of the Taxpayers Service Department FIRS, highlighted the significance of this year’s recognition ceremony, describing it as a moment designed to honour organisations whose consistency and cooperation continue to drive the nation’s revenue goals.

    She noted that the FIRS relied on inputs from tax controllers to identify outstanding taxpayers, adding that compliance, timeliness, and professionalism were key criteria.

    According to her, “Your partnership as taxpayers is essential to helping FIRS fulfil its mandate as the government agency responsible for tax collection and remittance. That is why we deemed it important to recognise your commitment in this special way.”