Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

CBN Elegbede Abiodun Says weak cyber defences exposes customers to increasing risks. The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed banks to complete a mandatory cybersecurity self-assessment within three weeks, as part of efforts to strengthen resilience across the financial system. In a letter dated March 30, 2026, and published on its website on Tuesday, the apex bank said, “Institutions are required to submit their completed CSAT within the following timelines: i. Three (3) weeks – Deposit Money Banks (DMBs); ii. Five (5) weeks – All other regulated institutions.” The directive, addressed to banks, selected other financial institutions, and payment service…

FILE: Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. Elegbede Abiodun This will include the deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic network nationwide to improve connectivity. The Federal Government has said it will deliver at least 1,000 telecommunications towers to rural communities in 2026 as part of efforts to expand digital connectivity and bridge access gaps across the country. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a press briefing on the National Digital Economy Research Clusters Programme, funded under Project BRIDGE. He said, “The president has approved for…

Manny Ita  – New data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that food inflation in Nigeria rose to 12.12% in February 2026, marking a slight increase compared to January’s figures. The report indicates that while prices of food items have continued to rise, the overall inflation level remains significantly lower than the sharp spikes recorded in early 2025, when food inflation surged to around 37%. This suggests a gradual easing of extreme price pressures, even though the market is still experiencing underlying instability. According to the NBS, the movement in food inflation reflects ongoing changes in supply…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially endorsed the Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST) 2026, a major continental fashion and textile event themed “Take Your Place Africa!” aimed at strengthening Africa’s creative economy and industrial fashion value chain. The endorsement reflects Nigeria’s growing ambition to position itself as a central hub for fashion innovation, textile production, and creative industry expansion across Africa. MAFEST 2026 is expected to bring together designers, investors, fashion entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders from 20 African countries, creating a large platform for collaboration, investment opportunities, and cross-border cultural exchange within the fashion ecosystem. Organizers…

Manny Ita  – Canada has confirmed an upcoming increase in immigration-related costs, affecting permanent residence and citizenship applicants, including Nigerians planning to relocate. According to official updates, the changes will take effect in phases, with the key adjustment scheduled for April 30, 2026. The revision is part of Canada’s routine review of immigration service fees, which is designed to reflect inflation and rising administrative costs. The updated fee structure will impact all permanent residence (PR) categories, as well as the Right of Citizenship fee. This means applicants for economic migration, family sponsorship, humanitarian pathways, and other PR streams will all…

Tinubu, Gbenga Daniel and Akpabio All is now ready for a high-profile convergence of Nigeria’s political elite and revered traditional rulers as Abuja hosts the grand book presentation marking the 70th birthday celebration of former Ogun State governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. The landmark event, expected to command national attention, will feature the unveiling of four significant publications chronicling Daniel’s political journey, legal battles, and legacy. The books include “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” (Revised Edition), “My March Through the Court,” “Path to Justice,” and “Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time.” The ceremony is…

Manny Ita  – In a significant move aimed at deepening community engagement during the Easter period, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has approved a full week of Easter holiday for all civil servants in the state. The special holiday period will run from March 31 to April 8 and is intended to allow workers extended time for spiritual reflection, family bonding, and participation in community-based Easter activities across the state. According to the announcement, the decision reflects the administration’s emphasis on work-life balance, cultural values, and the importance of religious observances in fostering unity and social…

Manny Ita  – The Bank of Industry has officially been designated as the executing agency for the $500 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme, a major federal initiative aimed at accelerating growth across Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors. The I-DICE programme is a multi-partner funding initiative backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with international development institutions, including the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and the Agence Française de Développement. With a total financing pool of $500 million, the programme is designed to unlock capital for entrepreneurs operating within Nigeria’s fast-growing creative and tech ecosystems.…

Manny Ita  – The Lagos State Government has concluded preparations for the 2026 edition of the Lagos Fanti Carnival, a major cultural event scheduled to take place on Easter Monday, April 6, at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square. Officials say this year’s carnival will combine vibrant Afro-Brazilian cultural expressions with a forward-looking “Creative Economy Summit,” reflecting Lagos’ growing ambition to position itself as a hub for culture, tourism, and creative enterprise in Africa. The event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including tourists, cultural enthusiasts, investors, and industry stakeholders. The Lagos Fanti Carnival, rooted in the history of Afro-Brazilian…

Manny Ita  – Fidelity Bank Plc has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Sales Academy, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening its retail banking footprint and accelerating growth across key market segments. The programme comes on the heels of the bank’s recent recapitalization exercise, which has positioned it for more aggressive expansion within Nigeria’s competitive financial services sector. According to the bank, the Sales Academy is designed to recruit, train, and deploy a new generation of sales professionals equipped with modern banking skills, customer engagement techniques, and digital financial solutions expertise. Successful applicants will undergo intensive training covering…