Warren Buffett has ended a nearly two-decade tradition of donating to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In his latest annual midyear charitable distribution, the 95-year-old Berkshire Hathaway chairman redirected nearly $6 billion in company shares exclusively to four foundations managed by his children: the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, the Sherwood Foundation, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the Novo Foundation.

This move marks a significant shift for Buffett, who had been a major benefactor of the Gates Foundation since 2006. The decision follows reports that the billionaire was reviewing his philanthropic commitments amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the Gates Foundation’s historical ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Buffett reiterated his long-term plan to divest his remaining Berkshire Hathaway holdings through charitable donations by the end of 2034.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Hadi Mutallab as the Chairman of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin as the Chairperson of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). Announced by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment on July 13, 2026, the appointments aim to strengthen governance within these critical economic institutions through private-sector expertise.

Mutallab, a non-executive director at Jaiz Bank, brings extensive experience in investment management and logistics to NEPZA. Kola-Oyeneyin, an independent non-executive director at MTN Nigeria and former McKinsey partner, brings over 25 years of experience in financial services and digital transformation to NIPC. Both leaders are expected to spearhead government efforts to attract foreign investment, bolster industrial activity, and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has implemented a new Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on all imports into West Africa from the Indian subcontinent, citing strong demand and limited capacity. Effective from July 10, 2026, the surcharge is set at $2,000 for 20-foot containers and $3,000 for 40-foot containers. This hike directly impacts Nigerian importers, particularly in the pharmaceutical and motorcycle sectors, which rely heavily on trade routes from India. The move adds significant cost pressure to local supply chains already grappling with previous fee increases and global maritime instability.

The federal government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. This decision follows significant public criticism, which highlighted a mismatch between the government’s policy plans and the current economic challenges facing Nigerian households. While the hike was aborted, the attempt sparked concerns regarding the administration’s approach to education affordability and human capital development.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reportedly halted the sale of refined petroleum products—including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel—in naira. The facility has shifted its pricing strategy to US dollars, a move that signals strain in the federal government’s naira-for-crude swap arrangement. Analysts warn that this shift could exert further pressure on the naira and potentially lead to higher pump prices for consumers across the country.

Kaduna State has reported a significant surge in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), reaching 86 billion Naira in 2025, up from 62 billion Naira in 2023. Jerry Adams, Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), attributes this growth to the administration’s focus on digital transformation, including the "Pay Kaduna" portal, alongside improved tax compliance and administrative reforms. The state is currently on track to generate approximately 120 billion Naira by the end of 2026. Adams emphasized that the agency is prioritizing the expansion of the tax base rather than introducing new levies, while utilizing data-driven strategies to minimize revenue leakage and enhance transparency.

Executives from the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) are intensifying efforts to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector as part of a strategy to address the nation’s rising protein deficit. Speaking at the USSEC & U.S. Soy Nigeria: Now Conference 2026, officials emphasized that the partnership aims to complement, rather than replace, local soybean production through technology transfer and technical training.

USSEC highlights that U.S. soybean exports, which resumed in 2025 with an import of 62,000 tons, provide essential digestible amino acids and energy efficiency for Nigeria’s poultry and livestock industries. Beyond raw material supply, the Soy Excellence Center has trained over 5,000 Nigerians in feed formulation, biosecurity, and mill efficiency to reduce operational costs and post-harvest losses. While financing and supply chain consistency remain challenges, USSEC leaders maintain that long-term collaboration is key to improving protein accessibility and affordability in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s persistent economic challenges stem from an institutional deficit rather than a lack of policy, according to analysis by Emmanuel C. Macaulay. While the country frequently introduces new economic blueprints, the underlying institutions responsible for implementation remain outdated and inefficient.

This systemic weakness functions as an invisible tax on businesses, manifesting in bureaucratic bottlenecks, delayed approvals, and regulatory inconsistency that increase costs and stifle competitiveness. Citing the IMF’s 2026 Article IV Consultation, the analysis notes that while Nigeria is projected to grow by 4.1 percent, sustained prosperity depends on prioritizing the modernization of governance and public institutions. Successful global economies, such as Singapore and Rwanda, demonstrate that long-term growth is achieved not just through policy reform, but by building institutions capable of executing those policies with speed, professionalism, and consistency.

The Nigerian equities market recorded a significant decline on Monday, with investors shedding N1.32 trillion in market capitalization as profit-taking swept through the industrial goods, banking, and consumer goods sectors. The NGX All-Share Index fell by 0.84% to close at 241,749.11 points, bringing the market capitalization to N155.13 trillion.

The session was marked by intense sell pressure, with 46 stocks recording losses against 19 gainers. BUA Cement led the industrial retreat with a 9.99% decline, while PZ Cussons emerged as the day’s biggest loser, dropping 10%. Banking heavyweights, including FCMB and First HoldCo, also faced notable declines. Despite the negative price movement, market activity intensified, with trade volume rising by 18.66% and total value surging by 14.81% to N22.28 billion. Year-to-date returns now stand at 55.35%.

A new report, the Nigeria Capacity Index 2026, has introduced a framework to measure institutional capability rather than just economic outcomes like GDP. With an inaugural score of 54.2 out of 100, Nigeria is categorized as having a structurally constrained execution system. The index evaluates five pillars: political commitment, coordination, administrative capability, delivery systems, and organizational learning. Proponents argue that shifting focus from resource allocation to institutional capacity will provide investors and policymakers with a more accurate tool to assess the nation’s long-term ability to convert potential into sustainable progress.

The Federal Government has suspended its controversial plan to increase registration fees for WAEC and NECO examinations following significant public backlash. The proposed hike would have raised NECO fees by 67 percent to N50,000 and WAEC fees by 85 percent to N50,000. Critics argue the move displayed a fundamental disconnect from the economic realities of Nigerian households, particularly amid a severe cost-of-living crisis and a N70,000 minimum wage. Education experts have called for a permanent abandonment of the policy, emphasizing the need for government subsidies to curb Nigeria’s high out-of-school rates and support human capital development.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has transitioned its domestic sales of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel from naira to a dollar-denominated basis. This move effectively sidelines the federal government’s "naira-for-crude" arrangement, which was designed to supply the refinery with crude in exchange for naira-priced products.

The shift follows a significant reduction in the volume of naira-denominated crude supplied by the NNPC, leaving the refinery exposed to substantial currency risk as it increasingly had to purchase feedstock in dollars while selling products in the depreciating naira. Industry analysts and marketers expect this transition to force an upward adjustment in pump prices, as marketers will now require access to foreign exchange to lift products. Furthermore, this development is likely to place additional demand pressure on the naira in the foreign exchange market, complicating ongoing efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to achieve currency stability.

Nigeria is moving toward an Intellectual Property (IP) Securitisation Framework aimed at allowing creators and tech entrepreneurs to use intangible assets—such as copyrights, trademarks, and future royalties—as collateral for loans. Currently, the nation’s financial sector relies on physical collateral like real estate, which creates a significant financing gap for the country’s booming creative and tech sectors. While the framework promises to unlock billions in capital and foster economic diversification, experts warn that success depends on establishing credible valuation standards, strengthening legal protections, and encouraging better documentation practices among Nigerian creators.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has pledged to prioritize data-driven planning to improve service delivery across the state. Marking World Population Day, the governor stated that his administration will move away from estimates, instead using accurate population statistics to guide budgeting for healthcare, education, and youth employment. To support this, Radda has directed all state departments to align their 2026 work plans with current population data. The initiative aims to transform the state’s youthful demographic into a productive workforce through investments in skills acquisition and support for small businesses. Additionally, the governor called for public cooperation in birth registration and family planning efforts.

Lagos commuters are increasingly abandoning ride-hailing apps in favor of public transport as rising operational costs, primarily driven by fuel price hikes and inflation, force fares to record highs. Many residents now report booking rides only for essential trips, citing price gaps that can reach over 20,000 Naira for a single journey. While passengers struggle with affordability, drivers are also reporting diminished earnings due to high maintenance costs and platform commissions. In response, ride-hailing companies like Bolt and inDrive are attempting to adapt by offering loyalty incentives, diversified ride categories, and negotiation-based pricing models to remain viable.

The Lagos State Government has entered into a concession agreement with Anchor Advisory Partners to automate its Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA). This initiative aims to streamline vehicle registration and administrative processes through a single online platform, significantly reducing turnaround times for motorists. The project will integrate with the MyLagosApp, allowing residents to access services, traffic updates, and other government information digitally. Officials stated that the move is designed to enhance operational efficiency, increase transparency, and modernize vehicle management across the state.

Richard Augustine, CEO of Footstool Estates Limited, has urged the Nigerian government to deepen collaboration with the private sector to bridge the nation’s housing deficit. Augustine emphasized that achieving affordable housing requires more than just building cheap units; it demands policy reforms, streamlined land administration, and improved access to mortgage financing. He specifically criticized high equity requirements for mortgages, which remain out of reach for most civil servants and low-income earners. Furthermore, he suggested that the government offer tax incentives to developers and prioritize integrated urban planning to create functional, sustainable communities.

Global oil prices rose over $78 per barrel on Monday following threats from Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that normal shipping traffic in the strategic waterway will not resume until the United States ends its military presence in the region. This development has heightened concerns over energy security, as the Strait is a critical chokepoint for nearly 20 percent of global oil consumption. While market gains remain contained due to confidence in alternative supply strategies, the standoff marks a significant escalation in geopolitical tension, casting doubt on the stability of maritime transit routes.

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria recently held a workshop titled "Scaling Beyond Borders" to help local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand into international markets. The session addressed key challenges such as currency volatility, supply chain disruptions, and the need for regulatory compliance. Acting CEO Ayodeji Adelagun emphasized the role of SMEs as the backbone of the Nigerian economy and urged entrepreneurs to adopt innovation and strategic partnerships to increase their global competitiveness. Representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service also advised business owners to prioritize proper documentation and early regulatory engagement to facilitate smoother cross-border trade.