President Bola Tinubu has established the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) to drive Nigeria’s digital health transformation. Dr. Obi Adigwe, a pharmacist and policy expert, has been appointed as the pioneer National Coordinator.

Operating under the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the NHTDAO will serve as a central platform to improve health data management, standardize digital health solutions, and support technology-driven reforms. The office will not replace existing agencies but will act as a meta-level coordinator to strengthen collaboration across the sector.

A high-level Steering Committee, co-chaired by Health Minister Professor Muhammad Ali Pate and NESG Chairman Olaniyi Yusuf, will provide strategic direction for the new office. This initiative is part of the administration’s broader commitment to achieving universal health coverage through digital innovation.

Ellah Lakes Plc has announced a strategic expansion of its agribusiness operations in Edo State, marked by the acquisition of equipment for a new Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) mill and significant growth in its livestock division. The company expects to complete the installation of the mill, which will produce PKO and Palm Kernel Cake, by the end of the third quarter of 2026. Simultaneously, its piggery operation has surpassed 1,000 animals, with the company now beginning the sale of gilts. Future plans include the addition of an abattoir and cold-chain facilities to enhance meat processing and distribution. These moves are part of the company’s efforts to move into higher-value processing and improve revenue, following a 46.8% reduction in operating losses during the first quarter of 2026.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a renewed warning against the abuse and mutilation of naira banknotes, citing that these practices significantly increase currency replacement costs and disrupt circulation. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso stated that despite the bank’s investment in durable banknotes, improper handling—such as writing on, stapling, and spraying cash—drastically shortens their lifespan. To address this, Cardoso launched the Naira Ambassadors Club, an initiative aimed at educating students on the importance of currency care. The governor emphasized that protecting the naira is a collective duty, as the currency is a vital symbol of national sovereignty and economic integrity.

The top 10 highest-paid players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated a combined $924 million over the past year, according to Sportico. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list with $295 million, followed by Lionel Messi at $140 million. Together, the pair accounts for nearly half of the group’s total earnings. The data reveals a shift in global football economics, driven by significant salary investments from the Saudi Pro League—which claims three of the top eight earners—and the continued commercial power of elite European clubs like Real Madrid. Notably, players aged 27 and under occupy half of the top 10 spots, signaling a rapid rise in marketability for the next generation of football stars.

Nigerian households are seeing significant relief as the price of cooking gas has dropped by approximately 31.8%, falling from N2,200 to N1,500 per kilogramme. The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) attributes this decline to improved product availability, increased domestic supply, and successful collaboration between industry stakeholders and government regulators. Additionally, intensified efforts to combat hoarding and illegal storage have further stabilized the market. With ongoing efforts to bolster local production and imports, stakeholders anticipate continued price stability.

The Federal Government has officially handed over the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to Aero Alliance Limited under a 20-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement. This deal mandates the company to finance, rehabilitate, expand, and operate the facility to international standards.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the agreement as a landmark achievement, noting that while previous administrations struggled to attract investors to airports outside of Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, the current administration has successfully secured interest for both Enugu and the upcoming Port Harcourt concession. The minister emphasized that the deal aims to leverage private sector efficiency to improve infrastructure and service delivery.

Addressing concerns regarding job security, the Minister assured airport staff that their welfare remains a priority and that labor unions have agreed to the transition. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah was credited with playing a vital role in attracting investors by proactively presenting a development plan for the airport, which is central to the state’s goal of becoming a regional aviation and logistics hub.

The Federal High Court in Lokoja has vacated its December 2025 judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a party associated with Peter Obi. The court’s decision follows a legal challenge from the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC. As a result, the court has ordered that all registration processes and actions taken by INEC based on the previous ruling be reversed. All involved parties have been directed to return to their pre-judgment status, and the case will undergo a fresh hearing to ensure all relevant parties are properly included in the proceedings.

Private petroleum depots in Nigeria have begun undercutting the Dangote Refinery’s petrol prices to capture market share. While Dangote recently set its price at approximately N1,127 per litre, several independent depots, including Aiteo and MRS Tincan, are now offering the product at slightly lower rates ranging from N1,125 to N1,126 per litre. Analysts attribute these fluctuations to the ongoing deregulation of the downstream sector, which allows operators to adjust prices based on supply, demand, and competitive pressures. While these wholesale reductions are intended to attract bulk buyers, industry experts note that actual pump prices for consumers will still be influenced by additional logistics, operating costs, and dealer margins. Meanwhile, NNPC retail stations have also begun downward price adjustments in response to the evolving market.

Lebara Nigeria has launched LebaraPlay, a new mobile-first entertainment platform aimed at audiences across Nigeria and Africa. The platform offers a variety of content, including microdrama series, music, and lifestyle programming, and is available to both Lebara subscribers and non-subscribers. According to Lebara Nigeria CEO Teniola Stuffman, the initiative is designed to move the company beyond traditional telecommunications by fostering an ecosystem that supports local creative talent and content development. LebaraPlay features both free and premium options, with the company positioning the platform as a key part of its broader digital expansion strategy in the region.

Nigeria faces mounting electricity supply risks as El Niño-induced drought conditions threaten hydropower generation across West Africa, according to a report by BMI. The country’s reliance on both domestic and imported hydropower, coupled with its integration into the West African Power Pool, leaves it highly vulnerable to climate-driven volatility. BMI warns that reduced water levels could significantly curb output, forcing Nigeria to lean further on gas-fired thermal plants to bridge supply gaps. While the threat highlights the need for a diversified energy mix, including increased investment in solar and wind power, structural challenges such as weak grid infrastructure and financing hurdles remain significant obstacles to long-term energy stability.

A new report from PwC reveals that family-owned businesses in Africa are outperforming their global peers, with 66% reporting sales growth over the past year despite significant economic headwinds. This resilience surpasses the global average of 57%.

According to the Africa Family Business Survey 2025, which polled 79 firms, these companies are prioritizing long-term value creation, with 82% choosing to reinvest profits rather than rely on external financing. Key drivers of this performance include high levels of organizational agility, increased investment in technology and AI, and strategic adaptation to regional challenges. While firms remain optimistic, with 80% targeting future growth, they face persistent hurdles, particularly in the form of complex tax environments, cited as a major concern by 58% of respondents, as well as ongoing inflation and supply chain instability.

Retired Commissioner of Police Balarabe Sule has voiced strong reservations regarding the Senate’s recent move to establish state-run police forces in Nigeria. While Sule acknowledged that localized policing could improve crime fighting through better community knowledge, he warned that the country is not yet prepared for such a transition. His primary concerns center on the financial viability of the initiative, noting that many states lack the resources to consistently fund, equip, and pay officers. Sule warned that poor remuneration could lead to widespread corruption, while the power given to governors to appoint police commissioners raises significant risks of political interference and abuse of authority. The Senate’s bill, which aims to decentralize the current security architecture, is part of a broader push to address Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

The Trump administration has requested $1.4 billion in supplemental funding from Congress to bolster efforts against the escalating Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa. The initiative aims to prevent the virus from reaching the United States and support the evacuation and treatment of exposed Americans.

The proposed budget allocates $800 million for a quarantine center in Kenya, a project that has sparked significant local protests due to concerns regarding community safety. An additional $500 million is earmarked for global health security programs, including disease surveillance and cross-border coordination, while $90 million is designated for diplomatic response and medical evacuations. The request follows the recent confirmation of an Ebola case in France, underscoring fears of international transmission as the virus spreads across African nations. The proposal may face scrutiny in Congress, where lawmakers have previously questioned the oversight of global health spending.

Trade between Nigeria and the Philippines has seen a remarkable 700% increase over the past three years, climbing from $47 million in 2023 to $300 million in 2025. Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor, announced the figures during the country’s 128th Independence Anniversary in Abuja. To sustain this momentum, officials plan to launch a Nigeria-Philippines Business Council to formalize commercial partnerships. Beyond trade, the nations share strong cultural and educational ties, with over 9,000 Nigerians currently studying in the Philippines, while Filipino media and healthcare professionals continue to hold a significant presence in Nigeria. Both governments have committed to further deepening cooperation in sectors including agriculture, energy, and labor mobility.

Austin Laz and Company Plc has received shareholder approval to raise N2.1 billion in new capital. The funds will be secured through a private placement, merger, or business combination—most notably a long-anticipated transaction with Building Materials Technology (BMT) Industries.

At a virtual Extraordinary General Meeting, shareholders authorized the board to issue up to 420 million new shares at a price of N5.00 per share. This price represents a significant premium over the company’s recent market closing of N3.52. The move is designed to integrate BMT Industries’ infrastructure and market reach into Austin Laz’s current operations. The deal remains subject to final regulatory approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Exchange.

Intra-African trade grew by 5.5% in 2025, reaching $213.8 billion, according to the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). The growth, up from $202.7 billion the previous year, was driven by strong economic activity in countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. South Africa remains the continent’s largest trade contributor, accounting for 19.2% of intra-African commerce, followed by Cote d’Ivoire, which serves as a key agro-industrial hub in West Africa. Despite this progress, Afreximbank noted that a $100 billion annual trade finance gap continues to hinder the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The bank projects that trade within the continent will double over the next decade as AfCFTA implementation continues.

OPay has aligned its operational strategy with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Payment System Vision (PSV) 2028, a roadmap aimed at achieving 95% financial inclusion in Nigeria by 2028. The CBN’s initiative focuses on enhancing infrastructure, security, and innovation to support the country’s growing digital payments landscape. OPay emphasizes that its investment in mobile-first services and agent banking networks is essential to bridging the gap for underserved, rural populations. Furthermore, the company supports the CBN’s objectives regarding technological advancements—such as AI and Open Banking—while highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity and fraud prevention to maintain public trust in digital financial systems.

Zenith Bank has opened a new branch in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area, becoming the first commercial bank to operate in the community. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, commissioned the facility, which marks the bank’s 19th location in the state. Governor Oborevwori praised the expansion as a testament to the state’s improved business climate, noting that the branch will provide essential financial services to the region. Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, thanked the governor for his support, including the donation of the land for the project, and stated the branch aims to boost local economic growth and financial inclusion.

The Nigerian naira continues to show resilience despite recent volatility. On June 25, 2026, the currency stabilized at approximately 1,372.76 naira per dollar in the official market, following a sharp 1.2 percent decline to 1,389 per dollar the previous day. In the parallel market, the dollar is trading between 1,395 and 1,408 naira.

Market analysts attribute the relative stability to improved foreign exchange liquidity and government interventions. Furthermore, Nigeria’s external reserves have climbed to over 51 billion dollars, surpassing Central Bank targets and providing a significant buffer for the currency. Future performance will largely depend on sustained dollar inflows from oil exports, diaspora remittances, and ongoing economic management by the Central Bank of Nigeria.