The National Centre for Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office(MainPro)

China Expands Zero-Tariff Trade Policy Across Africa, Excluding Eswatini China has expanded its zero-tariff trade policy to cover all African countries except Eswatini , in a move that underscores the intersection of trade diplomacy and geopolitical alignment. The policy adjustment, which took effect on May 1, reflects Beijing’s broader strategy of strengthening economic ties with Africa while reinforcing its position on the Taiwan issue. A Continent-Wide Trade Incentive Under the updated framework, African exports to China from nearly all countries on the continent will benefit from zero-tariff access. The policy is designed to: Boost African exports to the Chinese market Strengthen China–Africa trade relations Support industrial and agricultural growth in African economies Deepen South–South economic cooperation The initiative is part of China’s long-standing effort to position itself as a key trading partner for Africa through preferential market access. Why Eswatini...

Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline: A Strategic Energy Corridor Linking West Africa to Europe The proposed Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline is emerging as one of the most ambitious energy infrastructure projects in Africa, designed to transport natural gas from West Africa to Europe by 2031. The project is expected to strengthen regional energy integration while providing Europe with a more diversified and stable energy supply route. The initiative reflects a broader shift in global energy geopolitics, as countries seek alternatives to traditional supply chains disrupted by geopolitical tensions and market volatility. A 13-Country Energy Corridor Across the Atlantic Coast The pipeline is planned to stretch across the Atlantic coastline of West Africa, passing through 13 countries before reaching North Africa and ultimately connecting to European energy markets. Key participating and supply-linked countries include: Nigeria Senegal Mauritania Morocco This corridor is designe...

African Rail Co Targets $170 Million Expansion to Boost Freight Rail Efficiency in Southern Africa African Rail Co is planning to raise approximately $170 million in 2024 to expand its freight rail operations in South Africa , with a strategic focus on acquiring locomotives and wagons to strengthen regional logistics capacity. The expansion forms part of broader rail sector reforms aimed at improving efficiency, increasing private-sector participation, and reducing pressure on road transport infrastructure. Entry into South Africa’s Liberalized Freight Rail Network The company is among 11 private operators granted access to South Africa’s freight rail network , following regulatory reforms designed to open the sector to competition and improve operational performance. This policy shift marks a significant restructuring of the country’s rail logistics framework, traditionally dominated by state-owned infrastructure. By allowing private operators, the reform aims to: Increase r...

Jetour to Localize Production in South Africa with Major Pretoria Manufacturing Expansion Chinese automaker Jetour is set to deepen its footprint in Africa by beginning local production of its T1 and T2 SUV models in Pretoria . The company will utilize a manufacturing facility previously owned by Nissan, marking a significant shift in the region’s automotive production landscape. The move signals growing confidence in South Africa as a strategic hub for vehicle assembly and distribution across the continent. Major Investment and Job Creation Drive Jetour’s production strategy includes the creation of at least 3,000 new jobs , spanning manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and support services. The initiative is also expected to strengthen the country’s industrial base at a time when job creation remains a key economic priority. The plant is projected to produce up to 50,000 vehicles annually , positioning it as one of the more significant automotive assembly operations in the reg...

Renewvia Solar Mini-Grid Transforms Life in Ozuzu Community, Rivers State In the quiet rural community of Ozuzu in Etche Local Government Area , a quiet energy revolution is reshaping daily life. The installation of a renewable mini-grid by Renewvia Solar Nigeria has replaced decades of unreliable electricity supply with stable, clean, and affordable power. For residents like 56-year-old Blessing Ebere, the change has been both practical and deeply personal. From Generator Dependence to Reliable Power Blessing Ebere vividly recalls the moment she decided to sell her generator in 2022. It was just months after the Renewvia Solar mini-grid began operating in Ozuzu, bringing consistent electricity to households for the first time. Before the project, life in the community was defined by constant power instability. Families relied heavily on petrol and diesel generators, which were expensive, noisy, and environmentally damaging. With the arrival of solar-powered electricity, that rea...

Nigeria Calls for Equity in Global Maritime Net-Zero Transition at IMO MEPC 84 Nigeria has urged the global maritime industry to adopt a more balanced and equitable approach as it intensifies efforts toward achieving net-zero emissions across international shipping operations. The call was made by Adegboyega Oyetola during the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), held in London. Advocating Fairness in the Global Maritime Transition Speaking at the high-level meeting, Nigeria emphasized that while the push toward decarbonization is essential for global climate goals, the transition must not disproportionately burden developing economies. The Minister stressed the importance of: Fair treatment of developing countries in climate-related maritime policies Equitable access to green shipping technologies Financial and technical support for compliance with new emission standards Capacity-building...

Green Growth: Aligning Economic Development with Environmental Sustainability Green growth is an economic development approach that seeks to balance sustained economic expansion with the protection of natural ecosystems. It is based on the principle that economies can continue to grow while reducing environmental degradation, conserving natural resources, and lowering carbon emissions. First introduced in 2005, the concept emphasizes decoupling economic growth from environmental harm,  ensuring that GDP increases without a corresponding rise in pollution, resource depletion, or ecosystem damage. Core Pillars of Green Growth Green growth is built on three foundational pillars that guide policy design and implementation: 1. Environmental Protection This involves safeguarding natural capital by: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions Preventing biodiversity loss Conserving forests, water, and soil resources Promoting low-carbon development pathways 2. Economic Opportunity ...

Rising Cybersecurity Threats in Nigeria Raise Alarm Over Data Protection Gaps Cybersecurity risks are becoming an increasingly serious concern in Nigeria, as financial institutions, government agencies, and corporate organizations face a growing wave of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting sensitive data and financial assets. A data breach refers to a security incident in which confidential or protected information is accessed, copied, transmitted, or stolen by unauthorized individuals. In recent years, such incidents have evolved in scale and complexity, raising concerns about the resilience of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. Increasing Sophistication of Cyberattacks Modern cyber threats are no longer limited to simple system intrusions. Threat actors are now deploying advanced techniques such as: Phishing and social engineering Malware and ransomware deployment Cross-platform system exploitation Large-scale data exfiltration from interconnected databases These metho...

Nigeria’s Top Listed Companies Pay ₦42.6 Billion in Directors’ Emoluments in 2025 Nigeria’s corporate sector recorded a significant rise in executive compensation in 2025, as the country’s highest-paying listed companies collectively disbursed ₦42.6 billion in total directors’ emoluments. The figures reflect growing corporate scale, profitability pressures, and increasing complexity in governance structures across major industries. The data, compiled by a research team from audited financial statements, covers ten of Nigeria’s leading listed companies across energy, telecommunications, financial services, consumer goods, and industrial sectors on the Nigerian Exchange . Executive Pay Concentration at the Top Out of the total ₦42.6 billion, the highest-paid directors across the ten companies collectively accounted for ₦13.78 billion , representing nearly one-third of total emoluments. This concentration highlights the growing disparity between top executive compensation and br...

Abia Government Allocates Over ₦10 Billion to Clear 20-Year Pension Arrears The Abia State Government has earmarked more than ₦10 billion in its 2026 fiscal year budget to settle longstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants, marking a major step toward addressing over two decades of unpaid benefits. The announcement was made during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held in Umuahia , where Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to clearing pension arrears and improving welfare for retired workers. Commitment to Clearing Longstanding Liabilities Represented at the event by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu , the governor emphasized that the allocation is part of a structured effort to resolve inherited pension liabilities that have accumulated over 20 years. The funds are expected to significantly reduce outstanding gratuity payments owed to retirees under the state civil service system. Addressing a Long-Standing Pension Crisis The pensi...

Nigeria Approves Aircraft Leasing Company to Strengthen Aviation Sector The Federal Government has approved the establishment of the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company , a strategic initiative aimed at improving access to aircraft for domestic airlines and strengthening the competitiveness of the aviation industry. The development was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo , who confirmed that the decision was part of resolutions adopted at a recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. A Sovereign-Backed Leasing Structure for Airlines The proposed Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company is designed to create a sovereign-backed financing and leasing framework that will make it easier for Nigerian carriers to acquire or lease aircraft. This structure is expected to address one of the aviation sector’s long-standing challenges, limited access to affordable aircraft financing due to high risk perceptions and foreign exchange constraints. By introduc...

Access Holdings Posts Strong Q1 2026 Profit Growth Despite Interest Income Decline Access Holdings Plc has released its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, reporting a solid increase in profitability driven largely by strong non-interest income performance. The results highlight the group’s continued earnings resilience amid shifting macroeconomic conditions and evolving banking sector dynamics on the Nigerian Exchange . Pre-Tax Profit Rises 22.19% For the period under review, Access Holdings recorded a pre-tax profit of N272.210 billion , representing a 22.19% year-on-year increase . The growth underscores the group’s ability to sustain earnings momentum despite pressure on traditional interest-based revenue streams. Interest Income Declines Amid Market Adjustments The financial statement showed that interest income fell by 9% to N895.034 billion , reflecting changing yield conditions, loan portfolio dynamics, and broader monetary policy impacts a...

Nigerian Equities Surge 20.36% in April 2026 as Market Hits New Historic High The Nigerian equities market delivered a standout performance in April 2026, closing the month with a strong 20.36% gain , its best monthly rally so far this year. The performance significantly outpaced February’s already impressive 16.60% rise, reinforcing renewed investor confidence in the capital market. The rally was tracked by the Nigerian Exchange through its benchmark All-Share Index, which recorded a major milestone during the month. All-Share Index Breaks New Ground The NGX All-Share Index advanced sharply from 201,287.9 points to 242,277.8 points , marking the first time the index has crossed the 240,000 threshold. This milestone reflects sustained bullish momentum across key sectors, including banking, consumer goods, and industrial stocks, as investors positioned for stronger earnings expectations and macroeconomic adjustments. Market Capitalization Climbs to N155.9 Trillion Alongside the ...