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AgileBridge, Grant Thornton partner to train 300 product managers

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AgileBridge, Grant Thornton partner to train 300 product managers

AgileBridge has entered into a strategic partnership with Grant Thornton to train over 300 professionals in product management, in one of the largest coordinated efforts to address the growing shortage of qualified product managers in Lagos’s fast expanding technology sector. The partnership, which began with its first training session in July 2023, was created to bridge the digital product management skills gap by offering structured training, mentorship, and practical learning for professionals seeking to move into tech-focused roles.

Speaking about the initiative, Chinonso Ukadike, Founder of AgileBridge, said the organisation remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s digital talent base. “At AgileBridge, we believe in creating clear pathways for professionals to enter and excel in product management roles. The demand for skilled product managers has never been higher, and this partnership with Grant Thornton allows us to meet that need at scale,” he said.

The programme was structured around three key pillars that focus on developing well-rounded professionals: structured learning in essential product management competencies, one-on-one mentorship with experienced experts, and practical guidance for applying these skills in real product environments. Participants were trained in product strategy and roadmapping, user research and customer discovery, agile methodologies, stakeholder management, product metrics and analytics, feature prioritisation, and go-to-market strategies.

Each participant was paired with an experienced product manager who offered direct mentorship, industry knowledge, and personal career advice throughout the six-week intensive programme. Ukadike explained that the goal was to prepare professionals from various non-technical fields. “We’ve designed this programme to support professionals from diverse backgrounds—finance, operations, and traditional project management—and equip them with both foundational knowledge and practical experience required to succeed in product management roles,” he added.

The initiative comes at a time when many technology companies in Lagos are struggling to fill key roles due to limited local talent. Industry reports show that Nigerian tech firms lose significant revenue every year as a result of skills shortages, with product management being one of the hardest positions to fill.

Kolapo Okeowo Dunni, a representative of the Gantt Institute, described the collaboration as a major milestone in Nigeria’s tech talent development journey. “This programme is a landmark achievement for us. We are thrilled to partner with AgileBridge to create impactful pathways for professionals entering digital product management. AgileBridge’s commitment to talent development is commendable, and we call on like-minded organisations to invest in initiatives that empower the future of Nigeria’s technology workforce. Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem,” he said.

The programme was open to professionals without traditional technical training but with a strong passion for technology and product development. The selection process involved multiple stages to ensure that participants demonstrated genuine interest and readiness for a career shift into product management.

“We’ve already mentored and trained professionals who are now excelling in the industry,” Ukadike stated. “Many have secured roles in leading Nigerian tech companies, while others have launched their own product-driven startups. This partnership with Grant Thornton will allow us to scale that impact even further.”

Although the report did not specify the number of immediate job placements, both AgileBridge and Grant Thornton confirmed plans to expand the programme following the success of the first cohort. As Lagos continues to strengthen its reputation as West Africa’s leading technology hub, the partnership stands out as a strong example of how collaboration between training organisations and industry experts can help close skill gaps and build a more capable digital workforce.

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CAAN, DO Take Action Host Forum on Gender-Responsive Procurement

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CAAN, DO Take Action Host Forum on Gender-Responsive Procurement

The Chevening Alumni Association Nigeria (CAAN), in partnership with DO Take Action, will convene a high-level stakeholders engagement forum in Kano State to advance gender-responsive procurement.

The two-day event, scheduled for February 4 and 5, is organised under the Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement (SWEEAP) initiative and supported by the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The organisers said the forum is part of a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening inclusive public procurement systems, deepening policy conversations, and expanding opportunities for women-owned and led businesses across Nigeria.

SWEEAP seeks to address persistent gender gaps in public procurement by supporting government institutions to adopt gender-responsive budgeting and gender-responsive procurement frameworks, while equipping women-owned and led businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to access government contracting opportunities competitively.

The forum will take place at the Sa’adu Zungur Auditorium complex, Mambayya House, Kano.

Activities will begin on Wednesday, February 4, with a train-the-trainers workshop targeted at procurement officers, gender desk officers, and civil society actors.

The session will focus on practical approaches to mainstreaming gender-responsive principles into procurement and budgeting processes, with an emphasis on sustainability and institutional adoption at the state level.

The main engagement forum will hold on Thursday, February 5, under the theme “Advancing Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Affirmative Procurement for Inclusive Development in Nigeria”.

The event is expected to bring together senior government officials, policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, women entrepreneurs, and civil society organisations to examine policy gaps, share best practices, and explore collaborative approaches to strengthening affirmative procurement in Kano.

The event will also feature the graduation of women entrepreneurs who have completed the SWEEAP capacity-building programme, marking their readiness to engage with public procurement systems and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

Speaking on the initiative, Oluwafunmilayo Ladepo, Chevening programme officer at the British High Commission in Nigeria, said the UK government was pleased to support initiatives that strengthen institutional capacity and promote inclusive governance.

“Convenings such as this in Kano State are critical to advancing gender-responsive procurement and driving sustainable economic inclusion,” she said.

Kester Osahenye, president of CAAN, said the initiative is a demonstration of how alumni-led efforts could contribute to development outcomes by supporting practical reforms that make procurement systems more inclusive.

On her part, Precious Ebere Chinonso, chief executive officer of DO Take Action, described affirmative procurement as a powerful tool for advancing women’s economic empowerment through public sector systems.

FG moves to implement 2026 digital initiatives through NITDA

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FG moves to implement 2026 digital initiatives through NITDA

The Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has moved into full implementation of its 2026 initiatives as the agency begins the year with renewed focus on digital transformation goals.

NITDA, led by Director General Kashifu Inuwa, briefed the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, on its 2026 implementation roadmap during a strategic session.

The meeting provided an overview of NITDA’s progress since its establishment in 2001 and reaffirmed its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2024–2027 (SRAP 2.0). The plan is built around eight strategic pillars designed to drive inclusive economic growth and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.

The briefing highlighted milestones in digital literacy and talent development, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, Nigeria’s improved ranking in global Artificial Intelligence performance from 85th to 69th, and the completion of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

According to updates shared, NITDA also recorded progress in policy and regulatory areas covering cloud sovereignty, data localisation, e-invoicing, and cybersecurity collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser. The agency also launched the National Digital Trust Map Portal and continues the implementation of the Nigerian Startup Act through startup labeling and ecosystem support.

Operational and financial updates were presented, with NITDA confirming full compliance with statutory and fiscal reporting obligations to oversight bodies.

Nigeria records 29 days petrol stock as supply averages 32m litres daily

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Nigeria records 29 days petrol stock as supply averages 32m litres daily

Nigeria recorded improved fuel availability in December 2025, with petrol stocks sufficient to last an average of 29 days, even as domestic supply of about 32 million litres per day remained far below daily consumption of 63.7 million litres, according to data from the . The Authority said the rise in available stocks resulted from increased domestic refining and imports ahead of the festive period.

The December 2025 midstream and downstream factsheet released by the Authority provided updates on fuel supply, refinery activities, gas processing, and price trends across the country. It stated that the planned domestic supply of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, for December was 50 million litres per day, but the actual average domestic supply stood at 32.012 million litres per day. The regulator explained that the figures represent volumes received into coastal depots and trucked out from domestic refineries.

The report showed that petrol consumption exceeded the national benchmark of 50 million litres per day, reaching an average of 63.7 million litres daily. The Authority said the higher figure reflected seasonal travel and increased business activity in December. “The rise in daily consumption during the month was driven by increased mobility and economic activity typically associated with the end-of-year period,” the factsheet stated.

On diesel, known as Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, supply from the Dangote Refinery averaged 5.783 million litres per day, contributing to national stock levels. Modular refineries across the country collectively supplied 0.392 million litres per day. The regulator said average daily diesel consumption for December stood at 16.4 million litres, slightly above the national benchmark of 14 million litres per day.

For aviation fuel, Aviation Turbine Kerosene, ATK, the factsheet indicated average daily consumption of 2.7 million litres per day compared to the national benchmark of 3 million litres. The Authority said aviation operations were stable during the period, reflecting steady fuel demand from airlines.

Cooking gas, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, recorded a strong domestic performance, with an average daily supply of 5,201 metric tonnes and consumption of 4,380 metric tonnes per day. The Authority noted that imports accounted for less than 30 percent of total LPG supply, while domestic gas processing plants provided most of the product used in households and industries. “The contribution from local processing plants continues to improve, reducing pressure on import requirements,” it stated. Retail LPG prices ranged between ₦1,120 and ₦1,600 per kilogram across major cities.

In refinery updates, the report highlighted that the Dangote Refinery operated at an average capacity utilisation of 62.94 percent in December, with a peak of 71 percent during the month. It said the refinery was one of the major contributors to domestic diesel supply. Waltersmith Refinery Train 2, with a capacity of 5,000 barrels per day, completed pre-commissioning activities and was scheduled to introduce hydrocarbons by January 2026.

Government-owned refineries remained largely inactive. The Port Harcourt Refinery stayed shut but evacuated previously produced diesel at an average of 0.247 million litres per day. The Warri and Kaduna refineries also remained on shutdown mode.

The Authority reported that national fuel sufficiency improved across all key products compared to November. Petrol stocks could last 29 days, diesel 25 days, aviation fuel 20 days, LPG eight days, and Low Pour Fuel Oil 51 days. “Days of stock sufficiency increased by 77 percent between November and December due to stronger supply from both domestic refiners and imports,” the factsheet explained.

On pricing, the report showed that average petrol pump prices across major cities ranged between the high ₦800s and mid ₦900s per litre. The Authority linked the differences in retail prices to logistics, transportation, and location, based on an average exchange rate of about ₦1,450 per dollar during the month.

In the gas segment, total average daily gas supply stood at 4.787 billion standard cubic feet per day. Out of this, 2.912 billion standard cubic feet per day was supplied to the Nigeria LNG plant, while 1.875 billion standard cubic feet per day went to the domestic market. Gas-to-power supply averaged 0.586 billion standard cubic feet per day, while industries and commercial users received 0.430 billion standard cubic feet per day.

The Authority said the data was compiled from operator submissions and remains subject to reconciliation. “All figures presented in this factsheet are based on verified reports from operators and may be adjusted slightly after final reconciliation,” it said, noting that the publication aims to provide transparency on national fuel supply and refining performance.

FG Denies ₦246bn NEDC Salaries Claim

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FG Denies ₦246bn NEDC Salaries Claim

The federal government, through the Budget Office of the Federation, has denied claims that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) operates a ₦246 billion salaries budget, describing the report as “misleading, inaccurate, and rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding” of Nigeria’s budgeting framework.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Tanimu Yakubu, Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, clarified that the ₦246.77 billion allocation reflected against the NEDC is not strictly for salaries but a statutory lump-sum provision. He explained that it is “initially presented at an aggregate level, consistent with established budget preparation practices for statutory and quasi-statutory bodies under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).”

Yakubu stated that the suggestion that ₦244 billion out of the allocation is dedicated solely to personnel costs is incorrect. He explained that, during budget preparation, when agencies do not submit a complete internal economic breakdown at the point of upload, allocations may appear under the Personnel Cost heading as a temporary technical placeholder. According to him, “This is a recognised procedural convention pending detailed submissions, legislative adjustments, and approved reallocations during budget execution.”

He stressed that this technical presentation should not be mistaken for spending intent. On capital expenditure, Yakubu said the ₦2.70 billion figure mentioned in public discussions reflects the National Assembly’s rephrasing of capital votes in the 2025 budget. About 70 per cent of those funds, he noted, have been rolled into the 2026 fiscal year as part of a legislative decision on timing and sequencing.

“This does not indicate a lack of development projects,” he added. He further explained that the same budget documents contain details of ongoing interventions across the North East region, including agricultural support programmes, food security initiatives, orphanage construction and rehabilitation, IDP camp reconstruction, borehole projects, security logistics, and constituency-level development projects.

“Selective reading of a single budget line while ignoring accompanying schedules is not analysis—it is a distortion,” the statement read.

Yakubu also noted that personnel costs within development commissions are neither unusual nor improper, as they fund essential roles such as engineers, procurement officers, project managers, monitoring teams, and fiduciary oversight staff needed to ensure effective delivery of projects.

“The NEDC operates within well-defined accountability frameworks, including the MTEF, annual Appropriation Acts, National Assembly oversight, quarterly budget performance reporting, and statutory audits,” he said.

The Budget Office concluded by urging commentators and the public to verify information before making assumptions. “Misinformation does not serve accountability, and ignorance of the budget process should not be weaponised as public commentary,” Yakubu said.

VAT on Banking Fees Is Not New, NRS Clarifies

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VAT on Banking Fees Is Not New, NRS Clarifies

Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has clarified that Value Added Tax (VAT) on banking fees was not introduced by the Nigeria Tax Act, stressing that VAT has always applied to fees, commissions, and charges for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NRS said it was responding to misleading narratives circulating in sections of the media suggesting that VAT has been newly introduced on banking services, fees, commissions, or electronic money transfers.

“This claim is categorically incorrect,” the agency said.

According to the NRS, “VAT has always applied to fees, commissions, and charges for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions under Nigeria’s long-established VAT regime.”

The statement further explained that “the Nigeria Tax Act did not introduce VAT on banking charges, nor did it impose any new tax obligation on customers in this regard.”

The Nigeria Revenue Service urged members of the public and all stakeholders to disregard misinformation and rely exclusively on official communications for accurate and up-to-date tax information.

Lagos to empower artisans, unemployed youths with skills training

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Lagos to empower artisans, unemployed youths with skills training

The Lagos State Government has engaged Human Invest Group Africa to empower artisans and unemployed youths with improved skills training, certification, and job readiness.

Nigeria Startup News reports that this is another step to support Lagos residents, as the engagement, held through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, focused on practical ways to help artisans earn more, work safer, and compete for better opportunities, including jobs beyond Nigeria.

Speaking at the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said the State Government is committed to being deliberate about empowering artisans, noting that “skilled hands remain the backbone of everyday services and economic growth in Lagos.”

He explained that structured training and proper certification would help artisans improve their income, gain recognition for their skills, and access wider opportunities across different sectors.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lolade Aina, affirmed the basis for collaboration between the Ministry and the Group, highlighting “the importance of accurate data, regulation, and coordinated interventions in achieving sustainable employment outcomes.”

Earlier, in her presentation, the Founder of Human Invest Group Africa, Mrs. Ajibola Ponle, a former Commissioner for Establishment and Training in Lagos State, advocated for “the regulation and licensing of artisans in line with international best practices.”

She stressed the need for Lagos State to strengthen and harmonise its artisans’ database, noting that proper certification would enhance value, ensure quality assurance, protect the nation’s image, and create pathways for artisans to access international employment opportunities.

The meeting reflects the Lagos State Government’s continued focus on empowering Lagosians and creating sustainable pathways to decent jobs and improved livelihoods.

New Nigerian Tax Laws: 9 career opportunities hidden in them

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New Nigerian Tax Laws: 9 career opportunities hidden in them

When laws change, the first reaction for many Nigerians is worry. Taxes usually sound like more money leaving your pocket, more stress for businesses, and more pressure on workers. But if you look past the noise, the new Nigerian tax reforms tell a different story. Under President Tinubu, the government has quietly released a blueprint that could shape some of the most important career paths of the next decade. These laws are not just about revenue. They are about formalising the economy, going digital, and forcing businesses to operate properly. Wherever that happens, careers follow.

1. Tax Compliance & Payroll Specialists

The Opportunity:
As penalties for non-compliance become stricter, companies can no longer afford guesswork in payroll and tax deductions. Businesses now need people who understand PAYE, pensions, and statutory remittances.

This creates steady demand for young graduates in accounting or finance who can:

  • Manage payroll systems accurately
  • Ensure salaries and deductions meet new thresholds
  • Help companies avoid fines and audits

This role exists in small firms, startups, NGOs, and large corporations.

2. SME Tax Consultants

The Opportunity:
Many Nigerian small businesses are moving from the informal space into the formal economy because of new exemptions and simplified rules. Most owners do not understand how to benefit from these changes.

SME tax consultants can:

  • Help business owners document turnover and fixed assets
  • Guide registration and tax filings
  • Ensure SMEs qualify for exemptions meant for them

This role works well as freelance consulting or as part of advisory firms.

3. Digital Tax & Fintech Analysts

The Opportunity:
The new tax system depends heavily on digital reporting, e-filing, and automated records. At the same time, Nigeria’s gig economy keeps growing.

Tech-savvy youths can work in TaxTech by:

  • Building or managing tax automation software
  • Supporting fintech platforms with compliance tools
  • Helping freelancers and online workers stay tax-visible

This career sits at the intersection of technology, finance, and policy.

4. Agricultural Business Advisors

The Opportunity:
Agriculture remains a priority sector, with incentives designed to attract investment and formal operations. New agro-allied startups need people who understand both business and compliance.

Young professionals can work as:

  • Operations managers in agri-startups
  • Project leads for farm processing ventures
  • Advisors helping businesses maximise tax-free growth periods

This role helps turn agriculture into a structured, scalable business.

5. VAT & Supply Chain Coordinators

The Opportunity:
VAT compliance is becoming more detailed and more digital. Large companies must track every invoice and ensure VAT paid on inputs is properly recorded.

These professionals:

  • Audit supplier invoices
  • Track input and output VAT
  • Support VAT refund and credit processes

The role is common in manufacturing, logistics, retail, and telecoms.

6. Tax Educators & Community Outreach Specialists

The Opportunity:
Most Nigerians do not understand tax laws, and confusion leads to mistakes. As reforms expand, education becomes critical.

This creates space for people who can:

  • Explain tax rules in simple language
  • Run workshops for SMEs and workers
  • Create digital content on compliance

This career blends education, communication, and finance.

7. HR Tax Compliance Consultants

The Opportunity:
Employee benefits, allowances, and payroll structures are now more closely tied to tax compliance. HR teams can no longer operate without tax knowledge.

Specialists in this area:

  • Align HR policies with tax laws
  • Ensure employee records meet reporting rules
  • Reduce employer compliance risks

This role is growing in corporate organisations and HR firms.

8. E-Invoicing & Digital Documentation Specialists

The Opportunity:
Manual records are being phased out in favour of digital documentation. Businesses need help switching systems.

These specialists:

  • Implement e-invoicing platforms
  • Standardise billing and record keeping
  • Keep businesses audit-ready

This role is especially important for SMEs transitioning from paper systems.

9. SME Growth & Financial Inclusion Analysts

The Opportunity:
Tax reforms are designed to bring more businesses into the formal economy. Once formal, SMEs can access funding, grants, and growth opportunities.

Professionals in this space:

  • Analyse how tax affects business growth
  • Help SMEs structure finances for scale
  • Connect businesses to financial inclusion programs

This role turns compliance into a growth strategy.

The Bigger Picture

These careers did not appear overnight. They are the natural result of tighter enforcement, digital systems, and formalisation. The new tax laws may sound like bad news at first, but for young Nigerians willing to build skills, they represent one of the clearest career roadmaps available today.

Kaduna $200m poultry project to generate $450m, create 350,000 jobs

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Kaduna $200m poultry project to generate $450m, create 350,000 jobs

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has confirmed that the $200 million Mega Poultry Project approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will generate over $450 million annually and create more than 350,000 direct and indirect jobs across the poultry value chain.

Governor Uba Sani announced this after meeting with the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to coordinate federal and state efforts before the project’s groundbreaking. In a statement available to Nigeria Startup News on Thursday, he expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for selecting Kaduna to lead the initiative, describing it as a transformative step for the agricultural sector.

According to the Governor, the project will empower smallholder farmers, strengthen food security, and position Kaduna as a major hub for modern agribusiness in Africa. He said the state government is fully prepared to support the implementation of the project, which will expand economic opportunities and boost productivity in the livestock sector.

The new development builds on Governor Sani’s earlier trip to Beijing, where he led a high-level federal delegation to finalise agreements for the $200 million Model Integrated Poultry Development Project. The project, expected to be the largest poultry hub in West Africa, aims to generate about $450 million in yearly revenue and provide 350,000 jobs within Kaduna State.

The Beijing mission followed months of talks in Abuja with China’s ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and was intended to secure investment commitments from firms such as China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and other strategic partners.

“The project will strengthen food security, accelerate agro-industrialisation, boost exports and position Kaduna as a leader in modern agribusiness,” a statement from the Kaduna State Government said.

Commissioner of Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, added, “Governor Sani’s engagement in Beijing demonstrates Kaduna’s commitment to partnerships that deliver transformative economic growth.”

Construction work on the project is expected to begin later this year.

Lagos to open 2025/2026 bursary and scholarship applications

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Lagos to open 2025/2026 bursary and scholarship applications

The Lagos State Scholarship Board has announced the start of applications for the 2025/2026 academic session bursary and scholarship awards. The announcement was made by Rasheedat A. Daranijo, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, and shared with Nigeria Startup News on Thursday.

According to her, “The application portal will be open from Monday, 19 January to Friday, 27 February, 2026.” She added that “These awards are open to Lagos State indigenes currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.”

Interested and eligible applicants can apply via www.lagosscholarship.org.

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