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Adamawa Paweca begins payment of N50,000 Finitri business wallet grant

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Adamawa Paweca begins payment of N50,000 Finitri business wallet grant

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has commenced the disbursement of N50,000 Finitri Business Wallet grant to 100,000 beneficiaries under the Adamawa State Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency, PAWECA, through the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development.

Nigeria Startup News can confirm that credit alerts have started dropping for beneficiaries following the official flag off ceremony for the disbursement of PAWECA funds. This payment represents the 2025 last quarter disbursement of the Fintiri Business Wallet scheme, which began on December 23 and is now reaching beneficiaries across the state.

Multiple reports from beneficiaries confirm that the PAWECA fund payments are currently rolling out to selected individuals, with final disbursement activities ongoing and thousands already impacted.

Beneficiaries of the Fintiri Business Wallet scheme under PAWECA, especially those selected in the latest batch, have reported receiving their funds.

About PAWECA Finitri Business Wallet grant

PAWECA implements empowerment disbursements like the Fintiri Business Wallet grants to support businesses and promote inclusion in Adamawa State.

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NNPC employs 30 Ogoni youths ahead of OML-11 re-entry

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NNPC employs 30 Ogoni youths ahead of OML-11 re-entry

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has employed and issued offer letters to 30 youths of Ogoni origin as part of its re-entry and planned operations around OML-11 in Ogoniland, with the beneficiaries expected to resume work in January 2026.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, describing the Federal Government’s renewed engagement as a demonstration of hope and a new beginning built on partnership and understanding.

Ojulari disclosed this while speaking during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland in Rivers State on Monday.

“This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust. For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning—one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility,” Ojulari stated.

While acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, the GCEO emphasized that recognizing the past is essential to building a different future.

He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their steady leadership in building confidence and trust.

According to the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd.’s mission in Ogoniland goes beyond resource extraction, focusing instead on people, livelihoods, and the environment. “We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said.

Reaffirming NNPC Ltd.’s responsibility to host communities, Ojulari offered assurances on welfare, security, and opportunity. “I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality. The process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes has reached its final stage, with employment offers already issued. We look forward with pride to welcoming them as they resume work in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities,” he stated.

On his part, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions to a decades-long, recurring issue in Ogoniland, which is now beginning to yield positive results.

“We had our first meeting with Mr. President, and certain commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland. He has begun to fulfill those promises, starting with road construction. We were assured of confidence-building efforts, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, employment opportunities, and several other initiatives. As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.,” he said.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser of Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu during the engagement, thanked the Governor of Rivers State and stakeholders from Ogoniland for their cooperation and collective efforts in addressing long-standing challenges inherited in the region.

“We have worked as one, and we are here today because of the Ogoni people, to thank them on behalf of Nigeria. Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country, and that’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland,” Ribadu added.

Located in Ogoniland and operated by the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., OML-11 is Nigeria’s largest onshore block, with Ogoniland holding over 40 percent of its recoverable reserves.

FG, ILO train Business Development trainers to tackle unemployment

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FG, ILO train Business Development trainers to tackle unemployment

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has trained a new pool of business development trainers under the globally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing unemployment and underemployment challenges.

The initiative is being implemented through the Strengthening Employment and Employability Systems in Nigeria (SEESIN) and Action for Improving Labour Migration Governance in Nigeria (ACTION) projects, both funded by the German development agency, GIZ, and designed to strengthen inclusive employment and entrepreneurship support systems nationwide.

As part of the collaboration, a Training Needs Assessment was carried out to identify gender and social inclusion gaps across Job Centres, Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs), employers’ organisations and workers’ partner institutions. The findings guided the delivery of an intensive 10-day Training of Trainers under the ILO’s SIYB programme.

The training, which recently concluded in Abuja, produced more than 24 technically proficient and certified SIYB trainers. The trainers are expected to cascade entrepreneurship and business management skills across the country, with a focus on youth, women and workers in the informal sector.

Speaking at the closing session, the Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Dr Vanessa Phala, described the programme as “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address persistent labour-market challenges, including youth underemployment, informality, and barriers faced by women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups.”

According to reports, Nigeria continues to face high levels of youth unemployment and underemployment, with millions of jobseekers entering the labour market every year without adequate skills or resources to start and sustain productive enterprises.

Phala explained that the SIYB Training of Trainers delivered under the SEESIN and ACTION projects is designed to build a pool of “technically proficient, gender-responsive, and socially inclusive-certified SIYB trainers.”

“For the ILO, the SIYB programme is critical for promoting financial inclusion, enabling informed decision-making, and supporting pathways to decent work, particularly for populations vulnerable to economic displacement or migration,” she said.

The partners reaffirmed commitment to expanding sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.

Stanbic IBTC Bank Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Creative Industry

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Stanbic IBTC Bank Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Creative Industry

Stanbic IBTC Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s creative industry, assuring designers and artists of continued strategic investment and long-term support for the sector.

The financial institution made this known at An Evening of Fashion, Art & Lifestyle, an invitation-only event it sponsored to celebrate fashion, art, and culture. Speaking at the event, the Executive Director for Personal and Private Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Olu Delano, who was represented by the Head of its Private Banking Segment, Ms Layo Ilori-Olaogun, said the bank was proud to be associated with initiatives that promote African creativity.

“At Stanbic IBTC, we recognise Nigeria’s creative sector as a vital driver of economic diversification, employment, and global cultural influence,” he said.

“We are proud to support the individuals behind these platforms that elevate African excellence and provide visionary talents the visibility that they deserve.

“Nights like this reaffirm our commitment to continued strategic investment in our artists and designers,” Delano added.

The ceremony was held at The Garden, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and was hosted by Africa’s leading luxury fashion house, 2207bytbally, in collaboration with the acclaimed art collective Torrista. The event brought together high-net-worth individuals, art collectors, designers, media personalities, and luxury brand executives for a showcase of creativity and sophistication.

The evening opened with a runway presentation featuring three signature segments from the Evolve collection by 2207bytbally, namely Denim, Ethnic, and 2207 Prints. Each piece reflected detailed craftsmanship, bold innovation, and strong cultural storytelling, which the brand is known for within the African luxury fashion space.

In addition to the fashion showcase, Torrista curated an art exhibition that transformed the venue into an immersive gallery experience. The commissioned artworks explored themes of culture, femininity, and evolution, creating a visual connection between fashion and fine art.

“This evening was about more than clothes or canvases; it was about showing the world that African creativity is limitless,” the Creative Director of 2207bytbally, Tolu Bally, said.

“When fashion and art share the same space, magic happens, and tonight, Lagos felt that magic,” he added.

ICAN November 2025 Diet Results Released

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ICAN November 2025 Diet Results Released

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has officially released the November 2025 Diet examination results.

Candidates who sat for the November 2025 Diet can now check their results on the official ICAN result-checking portal using the PIN provided on their completed examination form.

Official ICAN Professional Results Portal:
icanig.org/ican/students/professional/professional-exam-results.php

How to check your ICAN result

  1. Visit the ICAN Professional Exam Results page
  2. Select November 2025 Diet
  3. Enter your six digits registration number e.g. 056777, 005644. Prefix number part with zero(s) to make up six digits
  4. Input the Payment Reference/PIN from your exam form
  5. Click Check Exam Result to view your result

Best wishes to all candidates who participated in the November 2025 Diet.

FG begins payment of N22,500 stipend to IDEAS-TVET trainees

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FG begins payment of N22,500 stipend to IDEAS-TVET trainees

The Federal Government, with support from the World Bank, has commenced payment of a ₦22,500 monthly stipend for beneficiaries of the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS-TVET) programme. Approved and enrolled trainees participating in the IDEAS-TVET initiative at their accredited training centres are now receiving monthly credit alerts of ₦22,500 as part of their support package.

The SMS obtained by Nigeria Startup News on Tuesday reads: “UBA 13:19
Txn: CR
Ac: 2XX..84X
Amt: NGN 22,500.00
Des: R-1397111917/
FEDERAL MI: IDEASP
Date: 22-12-2025 13:19
Bal: NGN 24,598.89
Loan? Dial 91928#”

The stipend payment under the IDEAS-TVET initiative is being rolled out concurrently with the training programmes, according to reports from training centres and programme organisers. Many trainees have confirmed receipt of the ₦22,500 payments, with social media reactions showing screenshots and bank messages of the disbursements.

On social media, trainees have confirmed receiving payment with posts like, “TVET/IDEAS paid me yesterday.”

This stipend is part of the broader Nigerian Youth Employment through Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF) under the IDEAS-TVET Initiative, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank. The project aims to equip Nigerian youth with practical, market-relevant vocational skills that enhance employability and self-reliance.

According to programme officials, each beneficiary will receive the ₦22,500 monthly stipend alongside starter kits and additional support to help trainees practise skills both at training centres and independently. The support is intended to offset transport and upkeep costs while trainees undergo hands-on instruction in trades such as digital services, mechanics, and technology-based skills.

Some trainees have highlighted concerns similar to those in FME TVET programmes, noting that the stipend, while helpful, may not fully cover transportation and other expenses, especially for those travelling long distances to training centres.

Trainees who have completed registration, physical verification, and are actively participating at their training locations are receiving these stipends. Those whose status remains pending on IDEAS-TVET dashboards are advised to continue monitoring for updates as they work toward full approval.

Abia wins $500,000 in 2025 Primary Health leadership challenge

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Abia wins $500,000 in 2025 Primary Health leadership challenge

The Abia State Government has won prize money of $500,000, estimated at about N750 million naira, after emerging the Southeast Champion in the 2025 Primary Health leadership competition.

The state also ranked sixth among the top six performing states in Nigeria in the highly competitive assessment focused on Primary Health performance across the country.

The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during this week’s Post Executive Council press briefing held at the Government House in Umuahia.

According to the Commissioner, the recognition and financial reward followed wide ranging reforms introduced by Governor Alex Otti in the health sector, particularly within the Primary Health Care system.

He explained that the reforms have continued to deliver measurable results, placing Abia ahead of other states in the Southeast during the national assessment exercise.

“The massive reforms being embarked upon by this State government in the health sector have continued to bear very positive fruits,” Kanu said.

“Recently, Abia State emerged as the 2025 Primary Health leadership challenge winner in the Southeast and also emerged the sixth among the top six performing states in the country,” he added.

Kanu further stated that the competition was instituted by the Nigerian Governors Forum in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, among other partners.

He said the initiative was designed to periodically measure and benchmark progress made by states using Primary Health Centre system indicators aligned with ongoing health sector renewal initiatives and interventions.

“The prize money won by the State is $500,000, which is about N750 million naira equivalent,” he said.

The Commissioner explained that the competition operates as a peer review programme, where governors assess performance in Primary Health Care delivery and overall health sector management across their states.

He maintained that the award further validates the transformative strides of Governor Otti’s administration in strengthening healthcare delivery in Abia State.

FIRS Confirms NIN, CAC Numbers Now Tax ID in 2026

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FIRS Confirms NIN, CAC Numbers Now Tax ID in 2026

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers will now automatically serve as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individuals and businesses in Nigeria.

In a public awareness campaign shared on X on Monday, the Service explained that NINs issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and CAC registration numbers will now be used as tax identifiers under the new tax system.

According to the FIRS, registered businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID, as their CAC number will function as their official tax identifier. The clarification comes amid growing public concerns about the new tax laws, which require a Tax ID for certain transactions, including ownership of bank accounts.

The Service explained that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), scheduled to take effect in January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions. However, it emphasized that this requirement is not new, stating that it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 but has now been strengthened under the NTAA.

“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the Service said. “For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”

The FIRS explained that the new system is aimed at simplifying identification, reducing duplication, and closing loopholes that allow tax evasion. It also noted that the reform promotes fairness by ensuring everyone who earns taxable income contributes appropriately.

The Service urged the public to ignore misinformation and assured Nigerians that the reform will improve efficiency and transparency in tax administration.

FAO Opens Nominations for 2026 Agrifood Innovation Award

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FAO Opens Nominations for 2026 Agrifood Innovation Award

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened the call for nominations for the 2026 FAO Award for Innovation, which recognizes ground-breaking innovations in areas related to its mandate. The award celebrates new ideas that are improving the way food is produced, processed, traded and consumed, while helping to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

According to FAO, the award is open to Members or non-state partners, including institutions, individuals, international or regional organizations, academic and research entities, civil society groups, private sector entities and FAO employees.

FAO stated that eligible nominations should demonstrate contributions that have made an impact on more than one level of the supply chain, from farmers to consumers. It also encourages innovations that strengthen the link between producers and consumers, such as through sustainability tracking on food labels or new institutional mechanisms.

The general selection criteria include the quality and merit of the innovation, its potential benefit and sustainability, scalability, value for money, and the role of youth, women or marginalized groups.

FAO explained that proposals for nominations should be presented by national, regional or global institutions and submitted to FAO Representatives in countries with an accredited office, or to Regional and Subregional Representatives where there is none. These will then be forwarded to the Awards Secretariat for review.

“The Award is conferred for activities and programmes with remarkable achievements during the biennium preceding the current one,” FAO stated. The award will be presented by the Director-General during a special ceremony at the 181st session of the FAO Council, scheduled for 30 November to 6 December 2026.

The timeline shows that the call for nominations runs from December 2025 to February 2026, with screening in March and April, selection in May, and the ceremony in December 2026.

FG, Google advance talks on new undersea cable to boost digital resilience

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FG, Google advance talks on new undersea cable to boost digital resilience

The federal government of Nigeria is in advanced talks with Alphabet Inc.’s Google to establish a new undersea cable aimed at strengthening the nation’s digital resilience. This move comes as Nigeria works to reduce its dependence on existing undersea links to Europe, which officials say follow the same route and pose a “single point of failure.”

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director general and chief executive officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said the project is part of Nigeria’s effort to improve its digital infrastructure and safeguard against internet disruptions. “Nigeria’s current reliance on cables that follow the same path is a single point of failure,” Abdullahi said during an interview in Abuja.

He explained that the country is seeking to enhance investment in technology systems that would make cloud and computing power more reliable. “We are talking to other tech giants alongside Google,” he added, noting that the discussions aim to support long-term digital growth.

A Google spokesperson confirmed that the talks were at an advanced stage but declined to give further details. The company had earlier announced plans for four new infrastructure hubs across Africa to connect its latest underwater fiber-optic cables for the continent.

Africa has faced several internet outages in recent years caused by damaged subsea cables. The continent, home to the world’s fastest-growing population, continues to see rising demand for improved access to advanced technology, including artificial intelligence.

Abdullahi said the government’s goal goes beyond connectivity. He emphasized that increasing investment in digital infrastructure will improve access to cloud and computing resources, helping Nigeria become a regional digital hub. He also said the initiative could boost internet access and strengthen economic activity in Africa’s most populous nation.

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