The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • ‘How entrepreneurs protect their wealth from volatility’

    ‘How entrepreneurs protect their wealth from volatility’

    Investment immigration and global wealth retention is the new phase of empowering Africans to diversify their resources beyond the continent to other climes through strategic global partnerships. Chairman, Optiva Capital, Franklin Nechi, in this interview with Group Business Editor, Simeon Ebulu shares insights into the firm’s vision for investment and wealth enhancement for partners

    What’s the initial concept behind Optiva?

    When we started Optiva, our vision was clear, to help African families access global opportunities that were once the preserve of a few. We wanted to break the myth that global mobility and wealth preservation were “foreign” privileges.

    Over time, the vision evolved from immigration investment to lifestyle and generational wealth solutions. Today, we don’t just help clients get passports; we help them build legacies with global investments, education planning, wealth diversification, and estate management. We’ve become the trusted bridge between Africans’ aspiration and global opportunity.

    How has Optiva transformed the lives of its clients across Africa?

     The stories are endless and deeply personal. We’ve seen families who once struggled with visa restrictions now travelling freely for business or, medical treatment, parents whose children now study in top global universities under citizenship-by-investment programmes. It’s about entrepreneurs diversifying their wealth into stable economies, protecting their assets from currency volatility.

    Beyond the numbers, the transformation is psychological and generational, clients now see themselves as global citizens with the freedom to live, invest and retire anywhere in the world.

    That’s real transformation, financial empowerment and global dignity.

    Optiva is recognised for its strong global partnerships. What do these partnerships look like, and how do they give you an edge?

    Our partnerships are not just business arrangements; they are strategic alliances built on mutual credibility and shared values. We work directly with governments, investment agencies, real estate developers and licensed programme administrators across Europe, the Caribbean, North America and the Middle East. This gives Optiva access, first-hand information and early access to new investment immigration programmes.

    We process client applications with speed and assurance that come from direct governmental relationships. Our clients benefit from a global menu of options, from the Caribbean citizenships to European residency and real estate investments in Dubai.

    These partnerships are the backbone of our leadership and they’re built on years of trust and professionalism

     How do you ensure credibility and compliance when dealing with foreign governments and program administrators?

    Compliance is non-negotiable. Optiva operates with the same due diligence standards as any top global financial institution.

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    We maintain a robust compliance framework, including Know Your Customers and Anti-Money Laundering procedures aligned with international best practices, we collaborate only with licensed programme promoters and government-approved channels, as well as constant staff training on global regulatory standards. We believe credibility is not built through advertising, it’s built through discipline, documentation and transparency.

     How does Optiva maintain its reputation for integrity and transparency?

    Trust is our strongest currency. We protect it jealously.

    Every Optiva client knows exactly what they’re paying for, what’s legally required and what’s possible, no hidden clauses, no inflated promises.

    We maintain an open-door policy for both clients and regulators. Internally, we foster a culture of ethical leadership, every team member understands that one misrepresentation can cost years of credibility.

    In short, we don’t just sell programmes, we sell peace of mind.

    Optiva Capital Partners has been widely described as Africa’s leader in investment immigration. What does leadership in this field mean to you, and how has Optiva earned that position?

    Leadership in investment immigration goes beyond market share or brand visibility. To me, it means setting the standard, ethically, professionally, and impactfully — for how African families can build global access and financial freedom through legitimate, compliant channels. Optiva earned its leadership through integrity in execution — we are 100 per cent transparent with clients and programme partners.

    Our advisory model integrates immigration, wealth retention and global investment advisory under one roof and we are impactful with tangible results.

    We have helped thousands of African families secure second citizenships, educational opportunities for their children and access to global healthcare and business ecosystems.

    Our leadership is not claimed; it is earned daily through trust, compliance and tangible transformation.

    Optiva recently made a foray into real estate investments in Dubai. What was the thinking behind this expansion?

     Our expansion into Dubai real estate was both strategic and visionary. Dubai represents a global investment hub where African investors can participate safely and profitably.

    We noticed many of our clients wanted not just residency or citizenship, but solid asset-backed investments in stable markets. Real estate in Dubai offers that, strong capital appreciation, rental income and global prestige. It’s a natural extension of what we do: helping Africans build wealth and identity without borders.

    How do real estate opportunities complement investment immigration solutions?

    They go hand-in-hand. Many immigration programs today, from Portugal to the UAE to the Caribbean are property-linked.

    By combining both, we create an integrated wealth pathway, you secure a global home, gain residency or citizenship rights, and diversify your wealth internationally. It’s about moving, not only from migration of people, but to prosperity.

    How is demand for investment immigration changing in Africa, and what trends do you see shaping the future?

    The demand is accelerating and evolving. Five years ago, most clients wanted ‘Plan B’ passports for travel convenience. Today, the motivation has expanded to include education planning, asset diversification and global entrepreneurship.

    The trend is toward structured, wealth-driven mobility.  Africans are no longer seeking escape, they’re seeking expansion.

    In the future, I see Africa becoming a net participant in global capital and citizenship, not just a beneficiary. And Optiva will remain at the forefront of that transformation.

    What message would you give to Africans who see second passports as something out of reach, or only for the elite?

    That mindset is changing, and we are proud to be part of that change. A second passport is no longer a luxury; it’s a strategic tool for personal and financial growth. Through our flexible plans, structured payment options, and advisory guidance, Optiva has democratised access to global citizenship. My message is simple -don’t think of it as a passport; think of it as a platform, for your children, your business and your freedom.

    What is your long-term vision for Optiva Capital Partners and its role in Africa’s global integration?

     Our long-term vision is to make Optiva the continent’s leading platform for global wealth mobility.

    We want every African family with ambition to find a trusted partner in Optiva, for citizenship, for investment, for financial planning and for legacy creation.

    We see ourselves as part of Africa’s rebranding story: from aid recipients to global investors.

    Optiva will continue to lead that narrative, with professionalism, credibility, and heart. We are not just selling passports; we are helping Africans own a stake in the global future.

  • ‘Cheap food imports crippling small farmers’

    ‘Cheap food imports crippling small farmers’

    Africa’s growing dependence on imported staple foods is crippling smallholder farmers and undermining domestic agriculture in countries such as Nigeria and Morocco, a leading agricultural economist has warned. Rachid Doukkali, Professor of Applied Economics at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), said the continent’s swelling food import bills are eroding farm profitability and exposing millions of rural households to deeper poverty.

    Responding to emailed questions from The Nation on Africa’s food situation, Doukkali noted that although the continent maintains a relatively balanced trade in agri-food products, its “Achilles’ heel” remains an ever-widening gap in cereal supply.

    “Generally, when we talk about food deficit in Africa, we are only referring to the deficit in cereals and not to other agri-food products, which are generally in surplus. This cereal imbalance stems from a race between production and consumption.”

    “Despite a high average annual growth rate in cereal production of 2.7 per cent between 2003 and 2023, this was insufficient to keep pace with a 2.9 per cent rise in consumption, driven by both a strong population surge and the effects of urbanisation,” he said.

    He explained that the consequences are most severe in net staple-importing nations such as Nigeria and Morocco, where governments feel pressured to keep food prices artificially low to avoid social unrest. “Because staple foods constitute a very high proportion of the expenditure for the majority of less well-off households, governments in these countries face immense pressure to keep domestic prices low,” he said.

    According to Doukkali, the pressure has pushed policymakers toward large-scale importation — often at subsidised global prices — with devastating consequences for local producers. “Given that the large majority of small producers are specialised in the production of these staple foods, they are indirectly taxed (or indirectly disadvantaged) by these low prices,Ultimately, states in developing countries, particularly in Africa, make their small farmers pay indirectly for low price policies to urban consumers of these staple products,” he noted. “

    The result, he warned, is declining profitability, weak competitiveness, and stagnating productivity among smallholder farms — the backbone of Africa’s food system.

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    Doukkali also issued a stark warning on climate change, calling it “an existential threat” to African agriculture. He said both rain-fed farms and capital-intensive irrigation systems now face significant risks. “Any lack of irrigation water can severely affect the profitability of investments,” he cautioned.

    To secure the continent’s food future, the professor urged African governments and development agencies to rethink their technology and extension models. While improved seeds and precision techniques exist, he said their impact remains muted because they are introduced without considering the financial and social realities of smallholders. “The first thing to do is to try to understand farms as systems.What is technically efficient is not necessarily socially or economically efficient for the small producer,” he argued.

    On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Doukkali said the agreement holds “the most powerful potential to reduce reliance on extra-continental food imports. Currently, intra-African food trade represents less than 20 per cent of total agri-food trade, but the AfCFTA promises significant change.” However, he warned that the road will be long, citing hurdles in logistics, standards, governance, and rules of origin.

    The professor contrasted Morocco’s thriving export-oriented agribusiness sector with the struggles of its 1.4 million smallholder farmers, who suffer post-harvest losses of up to 30 per cent due to weak infrastructure. He praised Morocco’s investments in cooperatives and its Green Morocco Plan and Green Generation Strategy, which offer 100 per cent subsidies for collective equipment, aggregation projects, and small-producer export programmes.

    He stressed that Africa — Morocco and Nigeria included — must ring-fence minimum cereal self-sufficiency to withstand future shocks. “A minimum of domestic production must be ensured to guarantee the country’s food security,” he insisted, pointing to recent global crises as a warning.

  • LCCI warns over influx of livestock products

    LCCI warns over influx of livestock products

    Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has warned against the continued influx of cheaper foreign livestock products into the country.

    President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Gabriel Idahosa in an interview, said the development was undercutting local producers, reducing patronage, and forcing many small agribusinesses to shut down.

    He attributed the reason for the continued influx to the fact that the items were often priced lower due to stronger foreign currencies and lower production costs.

    Idahosa, however, noted that the development compounded pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, already strained by rising food imports, which hit N1.18 trillion in second quarter of 2025, up 33 per cent year-on-year.

    “According to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, Nigeria imported N815.03 billion worth of livestock and related-products in the first half of 2025, while exports stood at N51.57 billion, resulting in a N763.47 billion trade deficit.

    “Between 2020 and mid-2025, total livestock imports reached N4.46 trillion, up from N454.52 billion in 2020 to N1.49 trillion in 2024.

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    “These figures underscore Nigeria’s dependence on external supply to meet both domestic and industrial demand.

     “We have the technical knowledge and skills, but we are not investing enough to boost the local economy,” he said.

    The LCCI president said the country’s weak production base mirrored structural inefficiencies.

    He noted that average milk yield from local cows remained below 1.5 litres per day, while the country produced only about 600,000 metric tonnes of milk annually, against a demand exceeding one million tonnes.

    Idahosa said Nigeria spends over $1.5 billion yearly on dairy imports, according to the report from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD).

    He added that in spite of available expertise, poor investment, weak infrastructure, insecurity, and policy inconsistency continued to constrain the livestock value chain.

    He urged government and private stakeholders to scale up investment in modern ranching, feed systems, cold-chain logistics, and breeding infrastructure.

     “Government should also set measurable targets, such as halving livestock imports within five years.

     “The goal should not be import comfort, but export confidence. Nigeria should be exporting livestock and dairy derivatives across West Africa, not financing jobs and production abroad,” he said.

  • ‘Artificial intelligence fuelling cyber frauds on SMEs’

    ‘Artificial intelligence fuelling cyber frauds on SMEs’

    The digital threat landscape has evolved from clumsy email scams into sophisticated, artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced attacks that exploit the most vulnerable element of any organisation, which is its people.

    AI now empowers cybercriminals to craft convincing phishing campaigns, deepfake voice messages, and realistic video impersonations at scale. For small medium enterprises (SMEs) operating with limited information technology (IT) resources, these threats represent an “unseen tax,” a mounting financial burden that can devastate and cripple even profitable businesses.

    The primary attack vectors targeting businesses have been supercharged by AI capabilities. For example, research indicates up to 80 per cent of ransomware attacks now leverage AI, and one study showed a 202 per cent increase in the use of AI tools for crafting more convincing social engineering messages.

    According to October 2025 data, the financial impact of cyberattacks on small businesses has reached crisis levels, as security incidents now cost small businesses an average of $254,445 with some incidents going as high as $7 million, encompassing immediate losses, operational downtime, legal fees, and reputational damage.

    Verizon’s authoritative Data Breach Investigations Report showed that human error now drives 60 per cent of all data breaches, a reality that underscores that technology alone cannot solve cybersecurity challenges but employee vigilance remains paramount.

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    Phishing and credential theft account for 73per cent of breaches against SMBs, solidifying their position as leading entry points for attackers.

    The report identified shadow AI as the internal threat which SMEs did not budget for.

    Beyond external threats, employees increasingly adopt unsanctioned generative AI tools, a phenomenon cybersecurity professionals call “Shadow AI,” to boost productivity. This practice carries severe consequences:

    According to IBM’s 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report, Shadow AI breaches cost organizations an additional $670,000 compared to other security incidents.

    It was discovered that 97per cent of organizations experiencing AI-related breaches lacked proper AI access controls, often because employees paste sensitive company data into public AI models without understanding the risk.

    To mark the Cybersecurity Awareness Month, experts at OutreachX, an AI-driven marketing agency that helps leading enterprises, eCommerce brands, and SaaS companies grow globally, have identified four foundational practices that empower employees to serve as the first line of defense:

    The first is enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Adding this security layer makes it exponentially harder for cybercriminals to access accounts, even after stealing passwords through phishing. MFA serves as the single most effective barrier against credential theft.

    The second is the use a password manager. Human-created passwords cannot withstand AI-powered cracking tools. Password managers generate and store complex, unique credentials for every account, eliminating password reuse.

    The others are recognizing and reporting phishing. This could achieved by training employees to identify phishing attempts, even sophisticated ones enhanced by AI. Organizations with regular, high-quality security training saw phishing reporting rates rise as high as 72 per cent, according to industry data.

    Then, organisations are enjoined to keep software updated. Regular patching closes known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Configure systems to automatically update whenever possible; then invest in awareness, not just technology.

    The “unseen tax” of cybercrime accelerates as AI tools become more accessible to attackers. For SMBs, protection requires more than expensive security software; it demands cultivating a security-aware culture where every employee understands their role in keeping the business safe.

    “This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, commit to making the “Core 4” a fundamental part of your operations. Your bottom line depends on it,” experts at OutreachX said.

  • Entertainment, media market to grow 7.2 per cent

    Entertainment, media market to grow 7.2 per cent

    Despite global economic pressures, Nigeria remains the fastest-growing Entertainment & Media (E&M) market in Africa, with projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) at 7.2 per cent through 2029.

    Multinational professional services firm PwC made this projection in its latest ‘Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook—Perspectives Report 2025–2029’ released on Thursday.

    The outlook provides detailed insights into how technological advancements, consumer behaviour shifts, and market dynamics are driving growth and transformation across Africa’s E&M sector.

    The 14th annual Africa E&M outlook offers an in-depth analysis of the drivers and inhibitors of E&M sector growth, as well as the latest trends and insights set to shape the African E&M market across South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya over the next five years

    The outlook, which was made available to The Nation, said the African E&M sectors in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya continue to outperform global benchmarks, displaying resilience in the face of ongoing macro-economic challenges.

    Outperforming global averages, the report said South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria lead the continent’s growth, with Nigeria showing particularly strong momentum at an 11.2 per cent growth rate in 2024.

    “In 2024, Nigeria led the region with a remarkable 11.2 per cent growth rate, followed by Kenya at 7.1 per cent and South Africa at 6.2 per cent.

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    “Looking ahead, the CAGR through 2029 is projected to be 7.2 per cent for Nigeria, 5.2 per cent for Kenya and 3.5 per cent for South Africa, indicating sustained momentum across all three markets,” PwC said.

    According to the report, these markets, supported by mature and diverse media landscapes, are embracing digital innovation to scale platforms, adapting to consumer behaviour and unlocking new revenue streams.

    The report noted that a key driver of the growth across all three markets is the rapid expansion of internet advertising, particularly in Nigeria and Kenya, where mobile-first internet usage is accelerating.

    “Internet connectivity in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria continues to expand, driven by mobile access and rising demand for digital services—with Nigeria reaching over 107 million internet users,” PwC said

    The firm, however, stated that Kenya stands out globally, with its internet advertising market projected to grow at a ACGR of 16 per cent—the fastest globally.

    It also said video content in South Africa accounts for over 76 per cent of all data usage, adding that in 2027, 5G subscription technology across South Africa is expected to surpass 3G subscriptions in terms of adoption and usage.

    PwC also said Over-The-Top (OTT) services are growing at a CAGR of 6.7 per cent in South Africa, 8 per cent in Nigeria and 11.2 per cent in Kenya, reflecting strong consumer demand for digital content.

     “Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms are expected to continue their robust growth across the region, progressively gaining ground in relation to traditional broadcast TV,” the report stated.

    PwC further said GenAI is emerging as a transformative force in Africa’s E&M industry, enhancing content creation, recommendation engines and customer engagement.

    It, however, said “Nigeria, with its youthful and tech-savvy population, is particularly well-positioned to harness GenAI’s potential.”

    According to the report, live entertainment is also rebounding, with live music revenues surpassing pre-pandemic levels and esports gaining momentum across all regions.

     “Strong growth of music streaming is complementing the region’s live entertainment revival, with streaming consumer spend now accounting for nearly 36 per cent of South Africa’s total consumer music income.

     “Gaming and esports are on track to overtake traditional television globally by 2029,” the report stated.

    PwC emphasised that the future Africa’s E&M sector is one set to be characterised by transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer behaviours and in increasingly digital-savvy population.

    The firm pointed out that central to this evolution is the continued rise of mobile-first content consumption, as smartphones and affordable data plans become the main access points for media across the continent.

     “As internet penetration deepens and connectivity improves, particularly through 4G and 5G network expansions, the accessibility and quality of digital media will improve dramatically, opening new doors for content creators and distributors, PwC said.

    It, however, stated that a robust and adaptive regulatory environment will be critical for sustainable growth across the E&M ecosystem.

     “Governments and policymakers need to balance fostering innovation and investment with protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring fair competition.

     “Public-private partnerships and industry collaborations will be required to build the necessary infrastructure and digital skills development programmes,” PwC’s team of four experts recommended.

    They include Director, Africa Entertainment and Media Leader, PwC South Africa, Charles Stuart; Director, Technology, Media and Telecommunications Leader, PwC Nigeria, Udochi Muogilim.

    Others are Director, Africa Technology, Media and Telecommunications Industry Leader, PwC South Africa, Nana Madikane; and Director, Entertainment and Media, PwC Kenya, Michael Mugasa.

  • ‘Access to safe food key to public health’

    ‘Access to safe food key to public health’

    Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said access to safe, unadulterated, and nutritious food is a key pillar of public health.

    The executive vice chairman of the Commission, Mr. Olatunji Bello, stated this in a one day sensitisation campaign on food quality standard, safety regulations and safe business practices.

    Bello, who was represented by the Director, Quality Assurance and Development, Dr. Nkechi Mba, also said food is not merely for sustenance or a commodity; it is a fundamental human right.

    Bello in his keynote address at the event held at Novel Suite Rayfield Jos noted that the Commission has a statutory responsibility to protect and promote the interest and welfare of consumers as well as ensure fair competition.

    He said, “Ensuring the quality and safety of what we eat is not a responsibility that rests solely with regulators or manufacturers, it is a shared commitment”

    He pointed out that the issues of food quality standards, safety, and fair business practices are more pressing than ever, but we continue to witness alarming trends like the forceful ripening of fruits using harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservatives chemicals such as bromate, and improper handling and contamination across the food value chain

    “These practices not only endanger the lives of millions of Nigerians, but they also erode consumer trust and sabotage the integrity of our food systems”

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    He stressed that the FCCPC, as the apex consumer protection body in Nigeria, has the statutory mandate to promote consumer interests, ensure fair market practices, and prevent exploitative or dangerous conduct in all sectors of the economy including the food and agricultural sector.

    He told stakeholders at the event that they are critical to the nation’s food security and health, as they say, “you are what you eat”. Therefore, you all have the responsibility and duty of care to the public as every product you put on the shelves for consumers affects a family or a community positively or negatively.

    “Let it be known that any operator who places profit over public safety will face the full wrath of the law.

    “To the food industry stakeholders: note that the future of your businesses depends on your integrity. Upholding food safety and quality is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty.

    “To the consumers: note that knowledge is power. Be vigilant, be informed, and demand the standards you deserve. When you are empowered, you help elevate the entire system by rewarding businesses that act responsibly and discouraging those that cut corners.

    “This is why today’s event is so timely and significant. It offers a platform to inform, educate, and empower both consumers and industry stakeholders to foster greater awareness about the importance of proper food handling, proper labelling, regulatory compliance, and ethical conduct in the marketplace”

  • Lagos compensates landlords for demolitions

    Lagos compensates landlords for demolitions

    Lagos State government has commenced the payment of compensation to affected residents of Oworonshoki in Kosofe Local Government Area, in fulfilment of its earlier promise to those impacted by the ongoing urban renewal and regeneration programme in the area.

    The exercise, which began on October 23, 2025, was described as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to humane and inclusive urban development.

    Speaking at a ceremony held at the palace of the traditional ruler of Oworonshoki, the General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Olajide Animashaun, said the payment followed a series of verification, engagement, and enumeration exercises carried out in collaboration with community stakeholders.

    According to Animashaun, the regeneration initiative became necessary due to the proliferation of illegal and dilapidated structures within Oworonshoki, many of which were built on drainage channels and waterways, posing serious environmental and safety risks.

     “Oworonshoki is one of the communities earmarked under the state’s comprehensive urban renewal and regeneration plan. Many of the affected structures were unsafe for habitation and constituted environmental hazards. However, in line with the inclusive governance policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the state made a commitment to compensate verified affected residents and today, that promise is being fulfilled,” Animashaun stated.

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    He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Lagosians, noting that the payment exercise reflected the government’s sincerity and accountability in implementing its urban renewal policies.

    Animashaun also commended the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, for their dedication and tireless efforts toward the realisation of the initiative.

    The event was attended by representatives of the Oworonshoki traditional council, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Council (CDC) members, civil society organisations, security agencies, and the media.

    It will be recalled that the Lagos State Government had, in recent months, cleared several illegal and substandard structures across Oworonshoki as part of efforts to reclaim right-of-way for drainage systems, improve environmental conditions, and enhance public safety.

    According to LASURA, a total of 79 beneficiaries were verified for compensation, to be paid in two batches, with the first group receiving their cheques on Thursday, while the second batch will be attended to on Friday at the same venue.

    Some beneficiaries who spoke to journalists expressed gratitude to the state government for keeping its word.

    One of them, Mrs Ajimoh Oyenuga, said: “The government gave us this money as compensation for the houses demolished on Precious Street, Oworonshoki. We are grateful because it shows that the government cares about our well-being.”

    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Olaide Fatima, added: “My house was close to the water, and it wasn’t safe. The government promised to compensate us, and today they have done it. I really appreciate this gesture, promise made, promise kept.”

    The LASURA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that urban renewal projects across Lagos are implemented with fairness and transparency, while prioritising the welfare of residents and communities affected by development projects

  • NES unveils roadmap for sustainable environment

    NES unveils roadmap for sustainable environment

    The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has unveiled a roadmap for a sustainable environmental future, while committing to advanced environmental professionalism, policy development, and sustainable climate action in Nigeria.

    The event marked the society’s 40th anniversary, as this conference makes it

    35th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja,  Nigeria contributes  to global climate action, drawing parallels between Nigeria’s environmental challenges and those faced globally.

    President and Chief Executive Officer Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals, Sarah Mukherjee, who spoke virtually during the conference noted that  waste management, pollution control, and energy efficiency are struggles that demand shared learning and solutions.

    According to her, Nigeria Environmental Society NES is a beacon of what can be achieved when a group of people come together with a vision and complete the hard work involved.

    “She said: You should be rightly proud to celebrate 40 years of the society’s dedication to shaping national policies, from the National Policy on the Environment to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. It is a landmark achievement.

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    “Many NES members have served on inter-ministerial committees, offered technical advice, and represented Nigeria at international environmental negotiations. “The capacity of the Institute for Technology and professional collaboration has contributed significantly to the country’s environmental governance.

     “There is so much that we can learn from each others, things like flood adaptation work in Copenhagen where overflow areas were transformed into flood-proof cycling lanes. “These are the kinds of innovations that reflect what sustainable urban living can look like.”

    Speaking, the NES President, Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia described the milestone as a defining moment in NES’s journey. “We are celebrating our first to 40th anniversary. For the past 40 years, we have made giant strides with different partners across government and the private sector.

    Okobia recounted how the society began with ten professionals, mainly from the oil and gas sector, and has since grown to 35 chapters across Nigeria and one in the United Kingdom. He also highlighted the passage of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria Act in May 2023 as a major breakthrough. That Act has given a voice to environmental practice as a foundation in Nigeria.

  • Smartcash introduces zero-charges on transfers

    Smartcash introduces zero-charges on transfers

    Smartcash Payment Service Bank (Smartcash PSB), a subsidiary of Airtel Nigeria, has announced Zero-Charges, a total removal of transaction fees across all interbank transfers, bill payments, and short message service (SMS) notifications.

    The Zero-Charges from Smartcash is designed to break down financial barriers and reduce costs for millions of Nigerians. It aims to drive the adoption of digital banking services, creating a more inclusive and affordable financial ecosystem that benefits both existing customers and new users, including those without a bank account.

    At the unveiling of the service, CEO of Smartcash PSB, Tunde Kuponiyi, emphasised that the innovation will ease financial pressure on households and small businesses while accelerating broader financial inclusion across Nigeria.

    He said: “This is more than just a pricing adjustment; it is a revolution in how Nigerians experience digital banking. By removing fees across transfers, bill payments, and even SMS alerts, we are putting the customers at the center of financial innovation and inclusiveness. This initiative not only reduces costs for families and businesses but also opens the door for millions of unbanked Nigerians to confidently embrace digital finance without the fear of hidden charges.”

    Kuponiyi further reiterated how millions of Nigerians depend on mobile and digital platforms for their daily transactions, and with the removal of fees, Smartcash PSB is set to reinforce its position as a truly customer-first organization, one that prioritizes affordability and drives financial inclusion and accessibility, while aligning with Airtel’s broader commitment to transforming lives through innovation and connectivity.

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    The Smartcash Zero-Charges model is designed to foster a more inclusive financial ecosystem. It is expected to set a benchmark in Nigeria’s financial services industry, with a potential to reshape customer expectations and industry standards.

     “At Smartcash, we believe technology and financial services should empower, not limit. The launch of Zero-Charges underscores our commitment to enabling a more inclusive, accessible, and affordable financial ecosystem for Nigerians. This is about more than convenience; it’s about empowerment, giving every customer, from urban centers to rural communities, the opportunity to transact seamlessly without worrying about cost,” Kuponiyi added.

    By removing charges, Smartcash is demonstrating its commitment to trust, transparency, and customer-first innovation.

  • Groups seek improved agric communication

    Groups seek improved agric communication

    Effort involving the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and Nigeria Health Watch has called for a renewed media drive to strengthen agricultural communication and nutrition awareness across the country. The organisations say the media holds a critical role in translating complex agricultural innovations, nutrition data, and market opportunities into practical and usable information for millions of farmers and households.

    The initiative was the focus of a capacity-building workshop in Abuja, where journalists were trained on evidence-based reporting to support food systems transformation. Speaking at the event, the Country Director , GAIN Nigeria, Dr. Michael Ojo—represented by GAIN Senior Associate, Communications, Victor Ekeleme—urged journalists to adopt data-driven storytelling that goes beyond production figures to highlight value addition, market access, and nutrition outcomes.

     “We have gone beyond just telling stories. We now use data to make those stories more powerful. By the end of this training, we hope you leave with stronger skills, better networks, and renewed inspiration,” Ojo said. He stressed that media narratives must cover the entire agricultural value chain, from cultivation to processing and fortification, to influence policies that tackle chronic malnutrition and food insecurity.

    IITA Abuja Station Representative and Seed System Specialist, Dr. Beatrice Aighewi, noted that modern technologies exist to significantly raise productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods. She explained that IITA’s research focuses on staple crops such as banana, plantain, cassava, cowpea, maize, soybean, and yam to secure a food-secure future for sub-Saharan Africa.

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    Nigeria currently accounts for about 70 per cent of global yam production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). However, Aighewi observed that yields remain limited by poor access to quality seed tubers, pests, diseases, and inadequate storage. She said the ongoing IITA yam project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is designed to reverse these challenges through improved breeding, seed systems, aeroponics, and Temporary Immersion Bioreactors (TIBs).

     “On average, traditional seeds yield six to eight tonnes per hectare, while planting with improved yam seeds yields about 30 to 40 tonnes per hectare, achieving more than 90 per cent success rates.This project is revitalising this essential crop by providing farmers with the tools they need to increase productivity, promote economic stability, and strengthen food security.” She noted that global interest in yam is rising, with the crop’s market value projected to grow from $38.83 million in 2025 to $47.47 million by 2030.

    The workshop also explored the nutritional dimension of agriculture. In her presentation, food systems consultant Dr. Olapeju Phorbe emphasised the need for diversified diets and safer food practices. “Nigeria is blessed with food diversity. If only people knew how to make better choices, they would live healthier lives. Food is medicine. If you don’t take food as medicine, medicine will become your food,” she said. She cautioned authorities against distributing expired or unsafe foods as palliatives, describing the practice as “dangerous and inhumane,” and challenged journalists to give greater visibility to nutrition issues at federal, state, and community levels.

    Data journalist Damilola Ojetunde, in his session titled Beyond the Headline: Uncovering Nigeria’s Nutrition Story with Data and Evidence, urged reporters to pay attention to indicators such as stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, exclusive breastfeeding rates, dietary diversity, and food security metrics. Citing the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), he noted that stunting remains most severe in the North West at 57 per cent, compared to 18 per cent in the South East, with Kebbi State as high as 66 per cent and Anambra State at 14 per cent.

    Other facilitators at the training included UNICEF’s Sumit Karn, Nigeria Health Watch’s Chibuike Alagbaso, and Habibat Lawal.