The Federal Government is introducing a new framework to evaluate Nigeria’s economic performance, shifting focus from traditional GDP growth to metrics that reflect citizen well-being. Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele announced that success will now be tracked through reductions in multidimensional poverty, growth in real income per capita, and decreased inequality.

Speaking at the BusinessDay CEO Forum, Oyedele emphasized that attracting global capital requires policy consistency, institutional strength, and predictable business environments. The government remains committed to its $1 trillion economy target by 2030, citing progress in macroeconomic stability, rising external reserves, and improved fiscal-monetary policy coordination. This initiative aims to increase transparency and provide regular updates to ensure that economic progress is inclusive.

First HoldCo Plc has reported record-breaking financial results for the first half of 2026, with profit before tax surging 83.5% to N653.54 billion. The performance was driven by improved asset quality, lower impairment charges, and strong growth in non-interest income, which successfully offset a slight decline in net interest income.

Following the earnings release, the company’s share price jumped 10% to N105.50. Concurrently, shareholding disclosures reveal that Chairman Femi Otedola has increased his combined stake in the group to 20.40% as of June 30, 2026, up from 18.12% in March. Management also confirmed that FirstBank has restored its capital adequacy ratio ahead of schedule, citing the success of ongoing strategic initiatives to strengthen the group’s balance sheet and operational efficiency.

Foreign capital investment in Nigeria faces a persistent hurdle: the high cost of hedging currency risk, which often negates the benefits of lower-interest dollar-denominated loans. Currently, the cost of hedging effectively brings the total borrowing expense for projects like power and infrastructure into the mid-twenties, matching the high cost of local naira-denominated debt. While recent infrastructure reforms, such as the introduction of the Nigerian Overnight Financing Rate, are addressing liquidity premiums and market transparency, the fundamental interest rate differential remains a structural challenge. Experts argue that while subsidies could bridge this gap, they risk creating moral hazard. Moving forward, the focus remains on whether Nigeria should institutionalize mechanisms to absorb or subsidize these hedging costs, similar to strategies employed in markets like India, to better support long-term development projects.

State governments in Nigeria received N2.37 trillion in Value Added Tax (VAT) allocations during the first half of 2026, marking a 23.5% increase from the N1.92 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025. Total VAT distributions for the period reached N4.39 trillion, up 14.3% year-on-year.

This revenue growth was bolstered by the implementation of the Nigeria Tax Act on January 1, 2026, which revised the VAT sharing formula. The new framework reduced the Federal Government’s share of distributable VAT from 15% to 10%, while increasing the share for state governments from 50% to 55%. This shift resulted in a net transfer of approximately N219.72 billion from the Federal Government to the states compared to the previous revenue-sharing arrangement. Additionally, the new law has adjusted distribution criteria to focus more on equality, population, and the place of consumption, moving away from a model previously dominated by the location of corporate headquarters.

The Nigerian pension industry is witnessing a wave of consolidation as Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) seek to achieve greater scale amidst rising regulatory capital requirements and the need for significant technology investment. With pension assets under management hitting N31.3 trillion as of May 2026, the sector is moving away from fragmentation toward a landscape dominated by larger financial institutions.

Key drivers include the National Pension Commission’s (PenCom) push for higher capital buffers and the necessity for firms to invest heavily in digital infrastructure to meet modern consumer expectations. Smaller operators are increasingly turning to mergers to remain competitive, a trend evidenced by recent activity involving major players like Access Holdings and Leadway Holdings. Market concentration is also deepening, with the top five PFAs capturing approximately 62% of new Retirement Savings Account registrations, forcing mid-sized firms to either consolidate or risk losing market share.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jimoh Olasunkanmi Yisawu, the former Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Yisawu faces an eight-count charge of money laundering involving approximately N1.34 billion, allegedly misappropriated between 2023 and 2025.

During his arraignment on Monday, July 20, 2026, Yisawu pleaded not guilty. Justice Inyang Ekwo granted him N500 million bail, requiring one surety with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. The court also ordered the surrender of his international passport and restricted his travel. Yisawu will remain in EFCC custody until his bail conditions are fulfilled, with the trial set to commence in late October 2026.

Transcorp Power has announced an interim dividend of N1.50 per share, totaling N11.2 billion, despite a 12.6 percent decline in its H1 2026 net profit to N38.50 billion. The company cited recurring transmission line vandalism as a major constraint on its operational capacity, which contributed to a decrease in revenue to N181.97 billion from N205.81 billion in the previous year.

Financial data reveals a strained cash position, with net cash from operating activities shifting from a surplus of N49.38 billion in the prior period to a deficit of N4.22 billion. The company significantly increased its debt profile, drawing N63.63 billion in new borrowings during the half to fund dividend payments and cover operational shortfalls. Shares of Transcorp Power have depreciated by over 20 percent year-to-date, currently trading at N245.50.

The founder and CEO of Zino Aviation, Capt. Zino Mario, has revealed that monthly salaries for entry-level commercial pilots in Nigeria range widely from N800,000 to N9 million. According to Capt. Mario, the disparity depends on the airline, aircraft type, operational model, and the pilot’s experience level. While many entry-level pilots typically earn between N1.5 million and N3.5 million monthly, captains can command between N6 million and N18 million. Despite high earning potential, the industry faces a paradox: a surplus of newly licensed pilots who cannot afford the $15,000 to $25,000 required for aircraft type ratings, contrasted by a critical shortage of experienced captains and training pilots. As Nigerian airlines continue to expand their fleets to meet growing passenger demand, competition for qualified flight crew is expected to keep salaries on an upward trajectory.

Secure Electronic Technology Plc reported a 57% reduction in its after-tax loss for H1 2026, falling to N32.17 million from N74.86 million in the same period of 2025. However, this improvement stems from cost-cutting and a mysterious N55 million ‘other operating income’ line rather than core operational growth.

The company’s core lottery and gaming business saw gross profit decline by 40% as prize payouts rose despite falling revenues. While the firm successfully deleveraged, reducing non-current borrowings by 44.6%, its core equity remains effectively negative when excluding revaluation reserves. The results highlight a company struggling with operational efficiency despite successful efforts to manage debt and administrative expenses.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), led by MD Olubunmi Kuku, has launched an extensive rehabilitation program to upgrade aging airside infrastructure, including runways and taxiways. The initiative addresses years of deferred maintenance to enhance aviation safety and operational reliability in alignment with the federal government’s infrastructure renewal agenda. FAAN estimates a total requirement of N580 billion to comprehensively restore runways across its network, emphasizing a strategic shift toward long-term asset sustainability over aesthetic passenger-facing projects. Current efforts have already seen the successful completion of critical works at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The Singaporean government is issuing S$500 (US$386) in credits to children aged 12 and under to help families offset rising costs of living. Starting 14 July, these Child LifeSG Credits will be automatically deposited into eligible children’s development accounts, eliminating the need for application paperwork. This initiative, part of the national budget announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, accompanies broader support measures, including increased income ceilings for childcare and student care subsidy schemes taking effect next year. These efforts are part of a long-term strategy to support families amid persistent declines in the national birth rate.

Access Bank Plc has won 16 awards at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion and operational strategy. The honours cover diverse categories, including digital banking, sustainable finance, SME development, and customer experience across various African markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia. According to the bank, these accolades validate its long-term strategy centered on innovation, governance, and responsible growth, reinforcing its positioning as a major player in the global financial ecosystem. Management noted that the awards reflect the bank’s ability to maintain high service standards while scaling its operations and supporting economic development across its international footprint.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monetary and foreign exchange reforms have successfully consolidated investor confidence throughout the first half of 2026. This stability is evidenced by a 61 percent increase in capital importation to $10.37 billion in Q1 2026, alongside a 45.95 percent surge in the Nigerian Exchange All-Share Index, which reached 228,401.92 points by June 29.

Market capitalisation grew by N46.6 trillion, while external reserves rose to approximately $51.5 billion by June. The banking sector’s successful recapitalisation, which raised N4.65 trillion, further bolstered market resilience. International recognition, including S&P Global’s upgrade to a ‘B’ sovereign rating and Nigeria’s move toward frontier market status, underscores the improving macroeconomic profile. While the foundation is stronger, the next challenge lies in transitioning this financial confidence into long-term growth for the real economy.

The Bank of Agriculture (BOA), in collaboration with the Federal Government, has launched the Renewed Hope Smallholder Agricultural Financing Programme. This initiative aims to boost Nigeria’s annual grain production from 11 million tonnes to 25 million tonnes by providing smallholder farmers with subsidized inputs through a 9% interest rate lending facility.

In the pilot phase, 20 selected farm aggregators will support 500,000 farmers, with plans to scale to five million farmers nationwide. The scheme includes a Guaranteed Minimum Price mechanism to protect farmers and is part of a broader government strategy to combat food inflation by increasing domestic production and reducing reliance on imports. Additionally, the BOA plans to introduce irrigation financing to support year-round farming.

The Nasarawa State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal mining, conducting a security operation in the Amba Community of Kokona Local Government Area. Led by Deputy Governor Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, the raid resulted in the arrest of several foreign nationals and local operators, alongside the seizure of illegally mined minerals and operational equipment. This initiative aims to curb revenue leakages, enforce compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, and protect the state’s strategic mineral assets—including lithium and barite—from illicit exploitation. By collaborating with federal authorities and the Mining Marshals, the state seeks to foster a more transparent regulatory environment to attract and secure long-term investments in its solid minerals sector.

Nigeria loses approximately $2.5 billion annually—about 12% of its GDP—to the economic consequences of malnutrition, including reduced workforce productivity and heightened healthcare costs. At the 2026 Strategic Policy Dialogue on Strengthening Legislative Action for Improving Nutrition, stakeholders urged lawmakers to move beyond mere budget approvals to rigorous oversight and the timely release of funds. Experts emphasized that malnutrition represents a critical economic crisis, hindering the nation’s Human Capital Index, which currently sits at 0.36. Participants advocated for the urgent passage of the National Nutrition Bill and committed to strengthening governance through initiatives like ‘Nutrition 774’ to harmonize interventions across all tiers of government. While some states have already begun releasing funds via the Child Nutrition Fund, the dialogue underscored that long-term economic growth depends on treating nutrition as a high-return investment rather than a welfare issue.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded a 47.4 percent return in the first half of 2026, marking its strongest pre-election performance in nearly three decades. Analysts attribute this resilience to structural economic reforms, improved corporate earnings, and banking sector recapitalisation, rather than traditional election-cycle sentiment. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director-General, Emomotimi Agama, noted that institutional investors are providing a stabilizing force, while market participants increasingly prioritize policy clarity over political calendars. While analysts remain optimistic for the remainder of the year, they warn that potential interest rate adjustments by the Central Bank of Nigeria, inflationary pressures from global energy volatility, and second-half corporate earnings will be the key determinants for sustained market growth.

SFS Real Estate Investment Trust (SFS REIT) reported a 20.6% increase in net income for the first half of 2026, rising to N200.8 million from N166.5 million in the same period of 2025. This growth was driven by a 29% rise in total income, reaching N272.4 million, supported by stronger rental and fixed interest earnings.

Despite the bottom-line growth, the trust faces significant operational and liquidity challenges. Administrative and operating expenses surged by 60.4% to N71.7 million, with manager fees accounting for nearly half of these costs. Furthermore, the fund’s cash position deteriorated significantly, with cash and cash equivalents dropping 88% to N109.5 million. This decline, coupled with current liabilities of N619.4 million, highlights mounting near-term liquidity pressure as the trust increased its distribution payments to unitholders to N566 million. Total assets also slipped 5.2% to N6.72 billion during the period.

The Federal Government has clarified that it has no plans to ban the export of raw cocoa beans. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated that the administration’s focus is on promoting local value addition—such as processing cocoa into butter, powder, and chocolate—to increase earnings and job creation. This policy aims to foster a globally competitive industry without disrupting the current export market. Cocoa remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural exports, contributing over N643 billion to export earnings in the first quarter of 2026.