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BII Anchors $1bn Allianz Credit Emerging Markets Blended Finance Fund

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BII Anchors $1bn Allianz Credit Emerging Markets Blended Finance Fund

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s impact investor and development finance institution, has announced that it will act as an anchor investor for the Allianz Credit Emerging Markets fund (ACE), a large-scale blended finance vehicle aimed at boosting investment in emerging economies, particularly in climate-related sectors.

The blended finance fund was recently launched at BII’s offices in London and brings together a mix of public and private institutions. It is structured to use public and concessionary capital to reduce risks for private investors, making it easier to mobilise large amounts of long-term funding for development and climate projects in lower-income markets.

Under the structure of the fund, development finance institutions such as British International Investment and multilateral development banks will provide a combined $150 million in concessionary capital for the junior tranche. This junior capital is designed to absorb first losses, significantly reducing volatility and helping to support the return expectations of private investors participating in the senior tranche.

Private investors are expected to provide up to an additional $850 million, subject to the fund reaching its final close target of $1 billion. BII itself will contribute $40 million of the $150 million junior tranche capital. Other public sector partners joining the junior tranche include Global Affairs Canada, the Inter-American Development Bank Invest (IDB Invest), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and Impact Fund Denmark (IFDK).

The announcement represents the first close of the ACE fund, which has already secured $690 million in commitments. For the senior tranche, anchor investors include Allianz SE and GastroSocial Pensionskasse, highlighting strong interest from institutional investors seeking both financial returns and measurable impact.

Once fully raised, ACE is expected to become one of the largest blended finance funds ever launched. Its scale signals a renewed appetite for investment structures that bring together investors with different risk, return and impact expectations, at a time when financing needs for climate action in emerging markets continue to grow rapidly.

Commenting on the announcement, Baroness Chapman, UK Minister for International Development and Africa, said BII’s participation demonstrates how the UK is modernising its approach to international development by working as both a partner and an investor. She said UK government support is being used to attract significantly more private investment, ensuring that every pound invested generates much more funding for countries in the Global South to address the climate emergency. According to her, this approach also benefits Britain by boosting growth, attracting investment, delivering returns for taxpayers and positioning the UK as a key hub for supporting emerging economies.

Leslie Maasdorp, Chief Executive of BII, said the institution recognises the need to use scarce concessionary capital strategically to unlock vast pools of private finance. He noted that such mobilisation is essential to meeting the global challenge of climate change and driving sustainable, impact-led growth in some of the world’s least developed countries, describing the ACE investment as another milestone toward that objective.

BII’s commitment to the ACE fund is the third investment announced through its £100 million mobilisation facility, which was launched in 2024 by Keir Starmer. Earlier investments under the facility include an anchor role in the Pentagreen Green Investment Partnership to support sustainable infrastructure in Southeast Asia, and a partnership with BlueOrchard to unlock life insurance capital for climate finance through a blended finance structure.

Edouard Jozan, Head of Private Markets at Allianz Global Investors, said addressing climate change cannot focus only on developed markets. He described the launch of ACE as a bold step in mobilising institutional capital for global development priorities, adding that collaboration between public and private sectors offers strong potential for further scale while delivering attractive returns and measurable positive outcomes.

Around 40 per cent of ACE fund disbursements are expected to go to Africa, a notably higher share than comparable funds. The remaining investments will be spread across other emerging economies, covering sectors such as renewable power, clean transportation, agriculture and financial services.

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NASENI Nears Completion of Agric Incubation Centre at BUK

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NASENI Nears Completion of Agric Incubation Centre at BUK

The construction of a state-of-the-art agricultural incubation centre at Bayero University Kano (BUK) by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is nearing completion.

The project is located on a 10-hectare parcel of land at the old campus of the university and is designed as a technology-driven commercial agriculture hub. It integrates poultry production, aquaculture, crop cultivation and a tissue culture research centre aimed at advancing food security and innovation.

The NASENI Agricultural Incubation Centre is expected to be commissioned in the next few months and is described as the most advanced agriculture technology centre in the country. It is designed to support the university community, private and public sector organisations, and promote research commercialisation.

Facilities at the centre include an agribusiness training and incubation centre, three commercially sustainable production centres for broiler and layer poultry units, and 10 greenhouses dedicated to soilless farming. The project also features catfish and tilapia fish farms, a tissue culture laboratory, an administrative block, and open-field cultivation supported by drip irrigation systems.

Speaking during an inspection tour, Acting Coordinating Director of the Engineering Infrastructure Directorate at NASENI Headquarters and project coordinator, Engr. Dr. Agava Abdullahi Abdurasheed, said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, particularly in advancing food security.

Chief Executive Officer of Onida Agric and Aquaculture Solutions Ltd, Mr. Israel Kidron, said, “It is definitely going to be the most advanced agriculture technology centre in Nigeria. People will come here to take special courses and training on this kind of technology. University students that will study agriculture will be exposed to practical modern farming and research.”

Director of Laboratory at Bayero University Kano, Dr. Ahmad Yakassai, said, “We are satisfied with what is going on so far and we believe this is going to be the most modern Agric Incubation Centre. The university has been extremely supportive beyond the provision of this land for Nigeria today.”

Borno State Governor Unveils Rayyan Microfinance Bank

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Borno State Governor Unveils Rayyan Microfinance Bank

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday unveiled Rayyan Microfinance Bank, an Ethical Compliant Digital Bank headquartered in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The unveiling ceremony took place at Forshams Event Centre, Maiduguri, where the Governor described the bank as a critical tool for building resilience and fostering self-reliance among the people of the state. He said the institution would serve as a financial backbone for communities working to rebuild livelihoods affected by years of insurgency.

Rayyan Microfinance Bank offers non-interest financing and provides a wide range of banking solutions aimed at meeting the needs of individuals, cooperatives, and businesses. The bank is designed to support financial inclusion by extending services to people who are often excluded from conventional banking systems.

Speaking at the event, Zulum said, “Microfinance banks are crucial for driving financial inclusion, reducing poverty and promoting economic growth through providing accessible financial services to such as small loans, savings accounts and insurance amongst others to low income individuals who don’t have access to traditional banking systems in Nigeria.”

He added, “I want to commend the vision and tenacity of the chairman and members of this important bank, I also want to assure you that the government, under my leadership, will partner with you to promote the ideals of the non-interest banking system which is very important to our economy.”

To demonstrate the Borno State Government’s confidence in the new institution, the Governor directed the State Ministry of Finance to open an account with Rayyan Microfinance Bank.

Following the unveiling, Zulum formally presented the bank to the public and urged residents, business owners, and cooperative societies to utilise its services to expand businesses, strengthen local enterprises, and support economic recovery.

The event also featured keynote addresses and lectures delivered by academics, regulatory agencies, and religious scholars, highlighting non-interest banking and ethical investments.

EFCC Denies Claim of 2026 Recruitment Exercise

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EFCC Denies Claim of 2026 Recruitment Exercise

There is a circulating claim that EFCC recruitment is ongoing. However, this is not true. The commission has also come out to deny the claim, calling it fake.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission posted the image on its official social media pages and clearly captioned it “Beware.” The commission also placed a bold “Fake” watermark on the image to warn Nigerians against falling for the misleading information.

The fake notice claims that “EFCC Recruitment 2026 is now open” and lists several eligibility requirements, including Nigerian citizenship, age between 18 and 35 years, possession of NECO or WAEC credits, and good character, medical fitness, and readiness to serve. It further states that applications are strictly online through the EFCC website and advises applicants to avoid agents and making payments.

EFCC has clarified that it did not release the recruitment notice and that no recruitment exercise is currently ongoing. The commission urged the public to ignore the circulating post and avoid sharing it further.

Interested applicants are urged to only rely on official updates released through EFCC’s verified platforms and channels to avoid scams and misinformation.

Lagos empowers PWDs under entrepreneurship training programme

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Lagos empowers PWDs under entrepreneurship training programme

The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has presented training and empowerment tools to beneficiaries of the Entrepreneurship Training Programme for Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, as part of efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and self reliance across the state.

The presentation took place recently at the graduation ceremony of the programme held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Ikeja, where beneficiaries were formally equipped with start up tools to support the practical application of skills acquired during the training.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Lolade Aina, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government commitment to empowering persons with Disabilities as active participants in the state economic development process.

She noted that the empowerment of PWDs remains a deliberate policy direction under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu, stressing that the administration remains focused on inclusive policies that leave no group behind.

According to the Commissioner, the entrepreneurship training programme was designed to equip beneficiaries with practical entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and enterprise development knowledge, enabling them to transition from dependency to productivity and sustainable wealth creation within their communities.

Earlier, in a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Lolade Aina, by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs Aderonke Kudirat Bello, the graduands were commended for their resilience, commitment, and enthusiasm throughout the duration of the programme.

She described the initiative as a clear demonstration of the Ministry belief that disability is not inability, noting that with the right support, encouragement, and access to opportunities, persons with Disabilities can thrive as entrepreneurs and employers across different sectors of the economy.

The Permanent Secretary also applauded the facilitators, programme partners, and other stakeholders whose collective efforts ensured the success of the training and empowerment exercise, adding that the tools presented would further enhance the beneficiaries capacity to establish and grow sustainable businesses.

She assured the graduands of the Ministry continued support through policies and programmes focused on wealth creation, job generation, and the full integration of persons with Disabilities into the state economic framework to improve livelihoods.

In her goodwill message, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde Lawal, affirmed that the empowerment of PWDs by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment highlights the strength of inter ministerial collaboration in achieving inclusive development.

She explained that beneficiaries were selected based on their specific needs following consultations with various disability clusters to ensure fairness, inclusion, and adequate representation among different categories of persons with Disabilities.

Mrs Oyetunde Lawal urged the trainees to distinguish themselves through quality service delivery and professionalism, noting that this would help them compete favourably within their respective vocations and attract sustained patronage from the public.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Wealth Creation and Employment, Comrade Tijani Oluwadare, stated that the initiative reflects the Lagos State Government commitment to the principle of leaving no one behind in development efforts.

He appealed to the beneficiaries to utilise the empowerment tools responsibly and strictly for their intended purposes, adding that proper use would help them achieve self reliance and economic stability.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Elufisan Anu Ajoke expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for providing training and equipping participants with start up tools to enable them to immediately practise their trades and earn a living.

She assured the government that the beneficiaries would utilise the tools effectively, expand their businesses, and have a positive impact on others within their communities.

The empowerment exercise saw beneficiaries receive various start up tools, including hairdressing equipment, makeup kits, barbering kits, leatherwork tools, phone repair tools, and arts and crafts kits to support their chosen trades.

NAPEC Releases Shortlisted Candidates for Screening

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NAPEC Releases Shortlisted Candidates for Screening

The National Private Enforcement and Compliance Corps (NAPEC) Marshals Cops has shortlisted candidates, directing applicants who have already registered to check their application status through the official platform.

In a statement, the corps said, “This is to formally inform all applicants that the screening exercise for NAPEC applicants in the Abeokuta and Otta Axis will commence on Monday, 12th February 2026.”

Applicants who have not yet registered but are interested in joining NAPEC are advised to complete their application at https://www.napec.ing/intake.

NAPEC urged all applicants to stay updated and strictly follow official instructions provided on the platform.

On screening arrangements, the corps stated that the Abeokuta station venue will be communicated via email to applicants who have completed the required steps.

Applicants who have already registered are advised to check their application status via https://www.napec.ing/intake-checker/ online portal.

HoPE-CT transfers at least ₦25,000 to over 9 million beneficiaries

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HoPE-CT transfers at least ₦25,000 to over 9 million beneficiaries

The Household Prosperity and Empowerment- Cash Transfer (HoPE-CT) Programme has disbursed at least ₦25,000 to more than 9 million beneficiaries across Nigeria, according to its January 2026 Fact Sheet.

The fact sheet disclosed that a total of 9,178,837 beneficiaries have received at least ₦25,000 under the programme, which is designed to support poor and vulnerable households. The document stated that the intervention is aimed at reducing poverty, improving resilience to economic shocks, and promoting human capital development nationwide.

HoPE-CT is implemented by the National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) through the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Programme. It operates using households registered in the National Social Register across the country. The programme is implemented under the National Social Safety-nets Project Scale Up (NASSP-SU) and is supported by the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, with support from the World Bank.

A breakdown of beneficiaries shows that 5,038,359 beneficiaries are located in rural areas, while 4,141,478 beneficiaries are from urban areas. On gender distribution, the fact sheet indicated that 5,391,225 beneficiaries, representing 58.7 per cent, are female, while 3,787,612 beneficiaries, or 41.3 per cent, are male.

The age group distribution of beneficiaries covers individuals aged 18–25, 26–35, 36–50, 51–65, and 65 years and above, reflecting a wide coverage across working-age adults and the elderly.

On payment tranches, the document revealed that 9,178,837 beneficiaries were captured in the first tranche. The second tranche reached 7,203,579 beneficiaries, while the third tranche covered 6,497,089 beneficiaries.

Explaining the relevance of the data, the fact sheet noted that the information “empowers public awareness and accountability through open communication.” It added that the programme “highlights beneficiary impact stories from across Nigeria” and “promotes transparency and good governance in public programmes.”

The document further stated that it “offers access to verifiable data and case studies for reporting,” making it a key resource for the media. The release of the January 2026 fact sheet provides updated figures for stakeholders, journalists, and development partners seeking clear insights into coverage levels, beneficiary distribution, and implementation progress under the HoPE-CT Programme nationwide this year.

Akwa Ibom Civil Service Begins Oral Interviews for CBT Candidates

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Akwa Ibom Civil Service Begins Oral Interviews for CBT Candidates

Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the commencement of oral interviews for candidates who passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) in the ongoing civil service recruitment exercise.

In a statement issued today by the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission, the exercise is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Civil Service Commission Headquarters, Idongesit Kanga Secretariat, Uyo.

The Commission said the interviews will hold daily from 8am to 5pm. “Interviews for candidates in the Health Sector will commence first, while interviews for the Secondary and Technical Education sectors will run concurrently,” the statement said.

It stressed that “only candidates who were invited after successfully passing the CBT examination are expected to participate in the oral interview exercise.”

The Commission advised candidates to attend the interview with original copies of their academic and professional credentials for verification purposes.

Akwa Ibom Flags Off Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal

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Akwa Ibom Flags Off Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off the construction of the Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal at Ikot Ekpe Offot, Uyo, describing the project as a major step toward building a modern, affordable, and efficient transportation system for residents.

The governor performed the flag off on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the terminal premises, where he said his administration is committed to delivering a world class transport facility that will ease movement within the state, strengthen the economy, and support tourism growth.

He explained that the decision to develop a world class transport system is aimed at linking all 31 local government areas of the state directly to the capital city, thereby improving access, reducing travel stress, and opening up economic and tourism opportunities across communities.

Governor Eno commended the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Anthony Luke, for the speedy preparation of the site, noting that the area had previously been abandoned and unsafe before the intervention of the present administration.

“I thank the Honourable Commissioner for Transport for the work they have done here. Some of you remember when we first visited this site, it was not a good sight. Like the Commissioner has said, it was abandoned and became a living abode for touts and criminals. But today, it has been well cleared and prepared to receive a world class bus terminal,” the governor said.

He added that the terminal will serve as a major transport hub from where residents will travel through well paved and constructed roads to all 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.

“From here our people are going to be driven through our very well paved and constructed roads to the 31 local government areas. All the 50 CNG buses have already been ordered and paid for through the Central Bank of Nigeria, and they will start arriving in April this year,” he said.

According to the governor, the buses are compressed natural gas vehicles that will be deployed to service all local government areas, providing comfort, safety, and affordability for commuters.

Highlighting the economic value of the project, Governor Eno acknowledged the support of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum-Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, stating that the collaboration will help integrate gas stations, training schools for technicians, and create jobs for about 500 drivers.

“We are trying to bring down the cost of living for all Akwa Ibomites. If transportation is brought down, everything comes down and the economy will be stable,” the governor said.

Governor Eno also disclosed that the state government is strengthening transportation infrastructure across different sectors, including marine and aviation transportation.

“We are working on our transportation system in this state, whether it is marine transportation or aviation. We are building a marine terminal in Oron, and work is at its advanced stage. We are building a warehouse there too, we have ordered two marine boats, one is done by the Nigerian Navy, and another by a company in Lagos,” he said.

Presenting an overview of the project, Hon. Anthony Luke thanked the governor for transforming an area that was once a criminal hideout into a valuable asset that will benefit residents and visitors to the state.

He explained that the terminal is designed to include a technical college for training technicians, employment opportunities for 500 drivers and ticketing officers, a loading bay, a world class restaurant for local dishes, and an automated car wash.

Luke added that the project will also feature a high security surveillance system and a police station to ensure safety for passengers and staff.

In his goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Petroleum-Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, praised Governor Eno for what he described as pragmatic leadership driven by peace and vision.

He said the project reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, particularly in addressing the effects of fuel subsidy removal through cleaner energy solutions.

The minister explained that the use of gas will promote environmental sustainability, reduce transportation costs, and ensure energy security in a country with large gas reserves.

He pledged the support of his ministry by providing CNG mother stations to help the state achieve its transport sector goals.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, commended the governor for collaborating with the Federal Government on the CNG transport initiative.

Udo noted that the project aligns with the federal vision to promote cleaner energy, lower transportation costs, and create job opportunities for indigenes of host communities and the state at large.

NDDC Says Niger Delta Games Can Produce Athletes for Olympics

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NDDC Says Niger Delta Games Can Produce Athletes for Olympics

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed confidence that the Niger Delta Games will produce athletes capable of representing Nigeria at competitions, including the Olympics.

The NDDC Chairman, Ebie, stated this while speaking during a strategic retreat organised by the consultant for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, Dunamis Icon Limited, held in Benin City, Edo State. He endorsed review and projection sessions to support successful delivery of the games.

According to him, the Commission plans to build the games into a lasting project with impact on sports development in the region. “The Board of the NDDC wants to make the games our legacy project, such that there will come a time in the future when we can have athletes from the Niger Delta Games representing Nigeria at international events like the Olympics,” he said.

Addressing members of the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee, Ebie stressed the need for evaluation and planning to sustain the initiative. “When you want to institutionalise an event such as the Games, you have to hold such reviews to ensure that gaps are closed,” he added.

He also commended the Edo State Government for its proactive leadership in sports development and expressed confidence that the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival would exceed expectations.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, reaffirmed Edo State’s readiness to host the festival. He commended the NDDC under Ebie’s leadership for sustaining the initiative, describing sports as a tool for unity, peace, and socio-economic development in the region.

Enabulele said the Commission’s continued support shows an understanding of the benefits of sports development. He assured that facilities, logistics, and technical structures were in place to ensure a smooth event, adding that Edo State was working closely with the NDDC and organisers.

In his welcome address, the Managing Consultant at Dunamis-Icon, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, explained that the retreat reviewed the previous games held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and addressed gaps for improvement. “We are working to connect the dots, ask ourselves hard questions and see how we will organise a richer Games,” Ikpokpo said.

The 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games will be held from February 20 to 27 and will involve athletes from Niger Delta states.

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