Author: Tech & Tools Desk

Maritime Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, will host the Blue Economy Investment Summit from 9 to 11 March 2026 in Lagos. Princess Ronke Kosoko, CEO of the Maritime Innovation Hub, announced the summit during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, providing details of the event. She stated that President Bola Tinubu will officially open the summit. Kosoko explained that the summit aims to attract investment and drive reforms across Nigeria’s maritime and coastal sectors. “With over 850 km of coastline and an exclusive economic zone exceeding 200 nautical miles, Nigeria holds significant untapped potential in the Blue Economy, spanning maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, offshore energy, tourism, and marine biotechnology. Globally, the Blue Economy is expected to surpass $3tn by 2030. Nigeria’s strategic position as West Africa’s maritime hub provides opportunities for substantial socio-economic gains, but unlocking this potential requires coordinated efforts, investment promotion, stronger institutional frameworks, and reforms to address inefficiencies in port operations that raise logistics costs and hinder competitiveness,” she said. Kosoko noted that the sector currently contributes less than three per cent to Nigeria’s GDP and stressed the need for better data collection and coordination to accurately assess and grow its impact. “The sector’s GDP contribution remains below three per cent, far from its potential to support diversification, job creation, and industrialisation. Reliable data is essential for tracking progress and informing policy,” she said. Invitations have been extended to all 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to ensure alignment of state-level marine initiatives with federal policies. Other invited participants include the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEXIM Bank, the World Bank, African Development Bank, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, and representatives from the Canadian and United States embassies. The summit will be formally opened by President Bola Tinubu.

APM Terminals has entered into an exclusive lease agreement with Barging Marine Solutions Ltd, extending to September 2031, to scale up services in and around Apapa, reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria’s trade and logistics sector. In a statement issued on Tuesday, APM Terminals said the partnership is designed to deepen collaboration between both companies, boost capacity, and strengthen landside and barge connectivity for the benefit of customers and shipping lines. Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals, Keith Svendsen, said the agreement reflects confidence in the Nigerian market, which recorded strong growth throughout 2025. He noted that the company believes in the market’s long-term potential and is taking deliberate steps to unlock further value at the terminal, while positioning for future investments and modernisation in Lagos. Svendsen added that Barging Marine Solutions has built a resilient business, and the collaboration would allow both parties to harness shared synergies. Also commenting, Chief Executive Officer of Barging Marine Solutions Ltd, Karim Said, said the agreement builds on an already strong working relationship and would deliver improved logistics solutions for APM Terminals’ customers and shipping lines by combining BMS’s barging and terminal capabilities to provide additional capacity and dependable service. Managing Director of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, said enhanced barge operations and BMS’s leadership in inland container depots would improve reliability, speed, and coordination across the supply chain, resulting in a smoother and more efficient customer experience. APM Terminals operates facilities in Apapa, Kano, and Onne, handling about half of Nigeria’s containerised trade and supporting over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide. The company recently completed a $115m upgrade and expansion at the West African Container Terminal, underscoring its commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions. It also signalled readiness to invest further in Nigeria to improve multimodal transport options, quayside efficiency, and overall customer support. As part of a global network of more than 60 terminals, APM Terminals connects key trade routes worldwide and serves all major shipping lines. Barging Marine Solutions Ltd, which has operated in Nigeria since 2019, provides barging and terminal services across Lagos. Its operations include waterside terminals in Abule Oshun and Agbara, as well as inland container depots in Abule Oshun offering bonded terminal and clearing services for Apapa and Tin Can cargo. The company’s barge fleet moves containers across Lagos waterways, helping to reduce road congestion in Apapa and lower logistics costs. Under the agreement, Barging Marine Solutions will operate services for APM Terminals, while both firms will jointly develop value-added solutions for customers. The partnership covers two waterfront and inland container facilities, alongside barge services that provide an alternative to road haulage, easing pressure on trucking routes and contributing to reduced traffic congestion and more efficient cargo movement.

Luno, the Africa-founded global cryptocurrency platform, has partnered with AltSchool Africa, an accredited online learning provider, to deliver fully funded crypto education to 15,000 Nigerians. The programme, titled “Demystifying Crypto for Africans”, is described as the continent’s largest crypto education initiative. Ayotunde Alabi, CEO of Luno Nigeria, said the initiative is a timely boost for Africa’s rapidly growing digital finance sector. “As crypto adoption accelerates, literacy must grow alongside it so individuals can participate safely and meaningfully,” he said. “Our partnership with AltSchool Africa ensures Nigerians can engage confidently in the digital economy, turning perceived risks into real economic opportunities.” AltSchool Africa co-founder and CEO, Adewale Yusuf, described the programme as an investment in financial empowerment. “This initiative equips Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to understand and apply cryptocurrency confidently in practical, life-changing ways,” he said. “It’s more than a course—it’s a step toward a digitally literate and economically empowered population.” The beginner-focused course will be delivered in three cohorts of 5,000 learners each. Cohort one begins in March 2026, following applications from January to February, with subsequent cohorts scheduled for July and November. Participants must be Nigerian residents aged 18 or above and have, or create, a Luno account before enrolling. The curriculum spans five core modules, designed to be completed within three to four weeks, with learners gaining up to one year of access to all materials. This includes video lessons, quizzes, case studies, and practical exercises using wallets, exchanges, stablecoins, and blockchain research tools such as CoinGecko and Etherscan. Successful participants will receive an AltSchool Africa Certificate of Completion. Web3 expert Abdulsamad Tiamiyu, leading the programme, emphasized that the initiative combines theory with practical experience to help learners confidently use cryptocurrency for saving, remittances, global trading, and entrepreneurship. With about one-third of Nigeria’s population already engaged with digital assets, the programme aims to close knowledge gaps and promote safer participation in crypto markets. Through structured education and practical guidance, the Luno–AltSchool Africa partnership seeks to foster a responsible, well-informed digital economy.

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has denied authoring any statement in reaction to allegations made against him by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. In a brief statement issued on Wednesday, Ahmed said he did not authorise the response currently circulating on social media, stressing that it did not originate from him. Speaking earlier at a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, Dangote had called for a thorough investigation into Ahmed’s sources of income and urged him to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal to publicly explain his finances. Dangote alleged that the cost of Ahmed’s children’s education abroad raised serious concerns, claiming that educating four children over six years reportedly cost about $5 million. He also submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), calling for a probe into Ahmed’s financial dealings. Dangote further accused the regulator of actions he described as economic sabotage, warning that such conduct could erode public trust and discourage investment, particularly in relation to the issuance of fuel import licences. A statement purportedly signed by Ahmed later surfaced online on Tuesday, but officials of the NMDPRA described it as fake. Ahmed reaffirmed that he did not issue the statement and said he had deliberately refrained from responding publicly despite being aware of the allegations involving him and his family. “My attention has been drawn to a purported response attributed to me regarding the recent allegations. I state clearly that the statement did not come from me,” Ahmed said. He added that, as the head of a sensitive regulatory agency, he chose not to engage in public exchanges despite what he described as unfounded accusations. Ahmed welcomed the decision to refer the matter to the ICPC, expressing confidence that a formal investigation would allow the issues to be objectively examined and provide an opportunity for him to clear his name.

Senior health experts and researchers have urged the integration of implementation research to ensure sustainable access to health interventions across Nigeria. They highlighted that embedding implementation research into health policies and programmes can help determine what works, for whom, and under what circumstances. Such insights, the experts said, would strengthen health systems, improve outcomes, and ensure that limited resources yield lasting benefits for the population. The call was made during the Project Dissemination and South-South Collaboration Workshop of the SAVING Consortium, recently held in Abuja and organised by the Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), Nigeria. Prof. Margaret Gyapong, Principal Investigator and Chair of the SAVING Consortium, emphasised the value of implementation research. She explained, “In practice, when effective disease control tools, strategies, or policies are scaled across entire systems, their health impact often falls short of expectations. Implementation research can help identify and overcome the bottlenecks and barriers responsible.” She added, “Implementation research enhances programme effectiveness within specific contexts, optimises resources, and promotes equity across diverse populations.” In a joint presentation titled “Overview of Implementation Research,” Professors Olumide Ogundahunsi and Tuoyo Okorosobo of the SAVING Consortium described it as “a systematic approach to understanding and addressing barriers to the effective and quality implementation of health interventions, strategies, and policies.” They noted that implementation research is demand-driven and conducted under real-life conditions. Prof. Evelyn Ansah, a Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health, highlighted the importance of building capacity in implementation research, stressing that training should be encouraged and institutionalised as a regular exercise. Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, President of AHEAD, noted that the next implementation research training workshop, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, would offer a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and the sharing of implementation challenges. He stressed that tailoring interventions to local cultural and health system contexts is crucial for success in health intervention delivery. Fatusi also emphasised the need for collaboration among stakeholders to maximise the impact of implementation research, ensuring that solutions are contextually relevant and sustainable. He concluded that integrating implementation research is essential for achieving efficient, equitable, and sustainable health outcomes.

The Lagos State Government has inaugurated Local Government Focal Persons alongside Anti-Human Trafficking Desk Officers of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), reinforcing its efforts to tackle human trafficking at the grassroots level. The officers were inaugurated on Monday by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), at the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency office in Alausa, Ikeja. He described the initiative as a proactive strategy aimed at preventing trafficking before it becomes entrenched within communities. Pedro stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is determined to eliminate the institutional weaknesses and poor coordination that enable human trafficking to thrive. He stressed that Lagos would not allow such gaps to create safe havens for traffickers. According to him, the new approach deliberately brings anti-trafficking efforts to the local government level, where recruitment and operations often occur. Under the framework, heads of legal units across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas have been designated as Local Government Focal Persons for the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking. They will work closely with LNSC Anti-Human Trafficking Desk Officers assigned to their respective jurisdictions. Pedro noted that the structure strengthens coordination, defines responsibilities, and ensures accountability. He explained that while the heads of legal units provide legal and institutional leadership, the LNSC officers contribute community intelligence, field presence, and operational support, forming the first line of defence against trafficking at the local level. He urged the newly appointed officers to carry out their duties with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of public service, adding that local councils must become environments where traffickers find no shelter and victims receive protection, support, and justice. In his remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Hameed Oyenuga, said the inauguration reflects a deliberate policy shift toward a coordinated, structured, and community-focused response to human trafficking. Also speaking, the Task Force Coordinator, Olamide Ibrahim, outlined the operational framework guiding the roles of the Local Government Focal Persons and LNSC Desk Officers. He emphasised the importance of clear role definition, respect for institutional mandates, and disciplined coordination. Ibrahim explained that while legal unit heads would lead on legal and administrative matters, LNSC Desk Officers would continue to function within the corps’ established command structure to maintain accountability. He added that all responses must remain victim-centred, confidential, and humane, particularly as many cases involve women and children. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons commended the state government for strengthening its anti-trafficking measures. Representing the Lagos Zonal Command, Mrs Hajarat Tunde-Osho described the initiative as a crucial step toward decentralised and multi-sectoral responses to trafficking. She noted that the move translates political commitment into concrete action and supports sustained prevention and outreach efforts across the state.  

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called for an investigation into the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, accusing him of economic sabotage that undermines domestic refining in Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote alleged that the NMDPRA leadership was colluding with international traders and fuel importers to frustrate local refining by continuing to issue import licenses for petroleum products. Dangote also claimed that Engr. Ahmed was living beyond his official means. The Dangote Group chairman, however, assured Nigerians that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would fall further. He stated that petrol would sell for no more than N740 per litre from Tuesday, starting in Lagos, following the refinery’s reduction of the gantry price to N699 per litre. MRS filling stations would be the first to implement the new pricing. Expressing concern about the downstream sector, Dangote said Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports was harming local production and discouraging investment in domestic refining. He revealed that import licenses for approximately 7.5 billion litres of PMS had been issued for the first quarter of 2026, despite significant domestic refining capacity. He added that modular refineries were already struggling under current policies and on the verge of collapse, with the continued issuance of import permits further weakening the sector. “I am not calling for his removal, but for a proper investigation. He should be required to account for his actions and demonstrate that he has not compromised his position to the detriment of Nigerians. What is happening amounts to economic sabotage,” Dangote said. “The Code of Conduct Bureau, or any other government body deemed appropriate, can investigate this matter.” He described the downstream petroleum sector as under severe strain, alleging entrenched interests profiting from fuel imports at the expense of national development. “There are powerful interests in the oil sector. It is troubling that African countries continue to import refined products despite repeated calls for value addition and domestic refining. The volume of imports being allowed is unethical and harms Nigeria,” he said. Dangote stressed the importance of separating regulatory oversight from commercial interests, warning that allowing traders to influence regulation would compromise the sector’s integrity. “The downstream sector must not be destroyed by personal interests. A trader should never act as a regulator. Forty-seven licenses have been issued, yet no new refineries are being built because the environment is not conducive,” he said. He added that Nigerians would ultimately benefit from local refining, even as fuel importers face losses. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring Nigerians enjoy the benefits of domestic refining, noting that the company was working to ensure that the recent reduction in gantry prices is reflected at retail outlets. From Tuesday, all MRS filling stations would sell PMS at no more than N740 per litre in Lagos. The refinery has also reduced its minimum purchase requirement from two million litres to 500,000 litres to allow more marketers, including members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), to participate.  

The Presidential Coalition Council has formally launched its nationwide mobilisation drive in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, with the aim of consolidating the wide-ranging reforms introduced by his administration. The appeal was made by the National Coordinator of the council, Abiodun Faleke, during the inauguration of the PCC and a sensitisation programme on the policies of the Tinubu administration. The event took place on Saturday at Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School, Adesola, Ibadan. The mobilisation campaign forms part of broader efforts being rolled out across the country to galvanise grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a related move, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ido/Ibarapa Federal Constituency, Remi Oseni, has initiated a grassroots outreach through the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends to strengthen party structures, particularly in rural communities where voter participation is typically high. Represented at the event by fellow lawmaker Abiodun Mafe, Faleke conveyed a message from President Tinubu urging party members to intensify outreach efforts, attract more Nigerians to the All Progressives Congress, and continue promoting what he described as the administration’s record of good governance. “The President assures party members that there is no cause for concern ahead of 2027,” Faleke said. “The APC will record victory at both the national level and in this state. Members are encouraged to safeguard their Permanent Voter’s Cards and ensure that those without one register promptly, as effective mobilisation depends on voter participation.” Also speaking, PCC member Abdullah Enilolobo from Abuja said the decision to begin the mobilisation in Ibadan was strategic, noting that the city accounts for a significant proportion of votes in Oyo State. Reviewing the administration’s record, Enilolobo said the country faced severe economic challenges before Tinubu assumed office in 2023, including heavy borrowing to pay salaries and the risk of fiscal collapse. He explained that policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy, the liberalisation of the naira, and the introduction of a new tax framework were difficult but necessary steps towards economic stabilisation. He urged party members to work together to secure victories for the APC in the Oyo State governorship race and the 2027 presidential election. Enilolobo also praised Ayo Bakare for personally funding the launch and sensitisation programme, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of commitment to the party and the Tinubu agenda. In his remarks, Bakare expressed appreciation to the PCC delegation from Abuja and voiced confidence in Faleke’s leadership, describing him as an experienced political strategist who previously served as Director-General of the Tinubu Campaign Council during the 2023 elections. The event attracted party elders, leaders and members from across the country, including prominent APC figures in Oyo State such as Mufutau Adisa, Abu Gbadamosi, and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Shittu Ibrahim and Musbau Azeez. Other PCC members from Abuja present at the event included Akeem Bamgbala, Tunde Williams and Femi Afikuyomi, among others.  

No fewer than 3,439 recruits of the Nigerian Army have graduated from the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria after completing six months of basic military training. The recruits, drawn from the 89 Regular Recruit Intake, were formally passed out during a Passing Out Parade held on Friday. They are expected to be deployed to various parts of the country for operational duties. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged the new soldiers to uphold loyalty, discipline, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He noted that their induction would strengthen the Army’s capacity to respond to domestic and transnational security challenges. The Army added that the new intake would contribute to improving national security and operational readiness across the country. It will be recalled that in June, a total of 6,195 soldiers from the 88 Regular Recruit Intake also graduated during a similar Passing Out Parade.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has assured Nigerians of a secure and peaceful environment during the upcoming Christmas festivities. He gave the reassurance on Thursday night during the Division’s vibrant Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons, held at Giginya Cantonment. The event brought together officers, soldiers, their families, security agencies and residents of the host community for an evening of music, worship and reflection. Major General Ajose, who also commands Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, described the carol as both a celebration of faith and a reminder of the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives throughout the yuletide season. Extending warm Christmas greetings, he commended troops for their dedication in maintaining peace across the division’s operational zones. “I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the gallant men and women of the 8 Division for your tireless efforts. Your commitment working alongside our sister agencies is commendable. It is through this dedication that we can guarantee a peaceful and secure environment for all,” he said. The carol featured spirited performances from the Combined Choir of the Protestant and Roman Catholic chapels of the 8 Division, the Sokoto Deanery Choir and the Organisation of African Independent Churches (OAIC), among others. The presence of dignitaries from various security and paramilitary organisations highlighted the strong collaboration between the Army and other stakeholders in promoting regional stability. With hymns, prayers and communal fellowship, the event reinforced unity within the cantonment and strengthened ties with the wider community signalling renewed confidence in a safe and peaceful Christmas season across Sokoto and the broader North West region.