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NADDC Applauds Launch of 10,000 Women in Mobility Initiative

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NADDC Applauds Launch of 10,000 Women in Mobility Initiative

Osanipin on Friday joined industry leaders and government officials at Eagle Square, Abuja, for the national launch of the 10,000 Women in Mobility Initiative. The event was hosted by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. As the Guest of Honour, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, praised the programme for its focus on empowering women across the country.

The initiative aims to support 10,000 women from all six geopolitical zones by providing access to mobility assets and a sustainable credit structure. This support is expected to help women participate in transport, logistics, delivery services and other mobility-based work opportunities, giving them a stronger foothold in the economy.

Speaking at the event, Osanipin commended CREDICORP Managing Director, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, for what he described as a practical effort to expand credit access in a way that directly supports women entrepreneurs. He noted that such programmes play a key role in improving grassroots mobility services. He also applauded the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighting what he called her consistent dedication to ensuring women are included in national development efforts.

Osanipin stressed that NADDC is fully aligned with the initiative. He pointed out that all mobility assets presented at the launch were assembled in Nigeria by companies such as DAG and TVS under the Simba Group. Reassuring stakeholders about local capacity, he stated, “The 10,000 units you need can and will be assembled here in Nigeria. Our manufacturers and assemblers are prepared to scale production, especially in two-wheelers and tricycles, and we will build them to meet the needs and specifications of Nigerian women.”

He encouraged continued collaboration with NADDC to customise vehicle features for comfort, efficiency and safety, adding that the Council remains committed to supporting indigenous manufacturing and strengthening the automotive value chain.

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FCCPC investigates airlines over S’ East and S’ South ticket price hike

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FCCPC investigates airlines over S’ East and S’ South ticket price hike

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has expanded its ongoing investigation into how some airlines set their ticket prices on certain domestic routes. This move follows rising public concerns about what many people believe is coordinated manipulation or exploitation in airfare pricing, especially on routes connecting the South-East and South-South as the festive season approaches. According to the Commission, the review is focused on operators flying these identified routes where unusual fare increases have been reported.

FCCPC stated that this investigation aims to examine the pricing templates used by the airlines and determine whether any actions violate consumer protection laws. Earlier in the year, Air Peace took legal action against the Commission, seeking to stop FCCPC from reviewing its pricing system after several complaints were submitted by members of the public. The Commission noted that the new steps being taken do not affect the ongoing case with Air Peace, and the inquiry will continue independently.

Providing further explanation, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr Tunji Bello, said, “For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board. But the FCCPA 2018 empowers us to check the exploitation of consumers. When we receive petitions or where we find cogent evidence, we will not stand by and watch Nigerian consumers being exploited under any guise.” He added that the Commission will take necessary action if it discovers that consumer welfare or market competitiveness is being threatened.

Under Section 17(b) of the FCCPA, the Commission is mandated to monitor economic activities in Nigeria in order to identify anti-competitive, anti-consumer protection, and restrictive practices that may negatively affect consumers. Section 17(e) also gives FCCPC the authority to conduct investigations it considers necessary.

The Commission explained that although it does not control prices, fair pricing remains a key objective of the FCCPA. The law provides a structure that guards consumers against excessive, misleading, opaque, or collusive pricing while ensuring that competitive market forces determine the final prices of goods and services.

With the recent spike in airfares, FCCPC is now extending its review of airline pricing patterns, the reasons behind the increases reported by consumers, and any conduct that could weaken fair competition. The Commission stated that if evidence shows a breach of the law, it will apply appropriate enforcement actions. FCCPC added that more updates on the aviation investigation will be provided as it progresses.

Niger State exposes empowerment agents using citizens for loans

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Niger State exposes empowerment agents using citizens for loans

Niger State Government has raised an alarm after uncovering a sophisticated fraud network pretending to be part of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s empowerment programme. The scammers are reported to be moving from one community to another, collecting personal information such as Bank Verification Numbers, BVN, National Identity Numbers, NIN, fingerprints, and bank details. They told residents that the data was needed to register them for government support.

According to reports, the fraudsters used the stolen information to open digital wallet accounts on OPay, PalmPay, and MoniePoint. They allegedly took loans of up to N500,000 in the names of their victims, giving them only N50,000 and claiming it was empowerment money from the governor’s initiative. After carrying out the fraud, they were said to have destroyed the SIM cards used for the scheme and disappeared, leaving unsuspecting residents with debts they never agreed to.

Secretary to the Niger State Government, SSG, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, condemned the development and stressed that it has no link to the government. He stated, “no government official is collecting such data door-to-door.” He added, “Any person asking for your BVN, NIN, bank details, or fingerprints in the name of empowerment is a fraudster.”

The SSG confirmed that the state government has instructed security agencies to track and prosecute those involved. He also urged residents not to share sensitive information with anyone claiming to represent the government.

The government reassured the public of its commitment to protecting citizens and warned that it will not tolerate criminals using empowerment programmes as a cover to exploit people.

FG Approves N6.43tn PPP Projects for Seaports, Hydropower

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FG Approves N6.43tn PPP Projects for Seaports, Hydropower

The Federal Executive Council FEC has approved three major Public-Private Partnership projects worth more than N6.43 trillion, an estimated 4.29 billion dollars, to boost Nigeria’s infrastructure, improve economic competitiveness, and attract private-sector investment across the country. The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, confirmed the approvals in a statement released by the Acting Head of Media, Ifeanyi Nwoko, in Abuja on Friday.

Ewalefoh highlighted the importance of these projects to the nation’s economic direction. He said the approvals show clear progress under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on private-sector-led infrastructure development as a key driver for national growth, stronger economic competitiveness, and broad job creation. He noted that the rising inflow of foreign direct investments into Nigeria is tied to government reforms, adding that policy clarity, economic liberalisation, and stronger regulatory institutions are already producing real results.

He explained that the newly approved projects represent the second batch of seven PPP initiatives endorsed by FEC in the last month, all under the regulatory oversight of the ICRC. According to him, the three new projects are fully funded by private investors and include the Bakassi Deep Seaport valued at 2.27 billion dollars, the Port of Ondo Deep Seaport valued at 1.14 billion dollars, and the 460MW Katsina-Ala Hydropower Plant. Ewalefoh said the projects confirm the government’s commitment to using PPPs to speed up economic growth, encourage technology transfer, and support sustainable development across critical infrastructure sectors.

He stated that the Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to serve as a new maritime gateway for North-Central and North-East Nigeria, while the Port of Ondo Deep Seaport will help unlock the solid minerals and agro-allied potential of the region. Speaking on the Katsina-Ala Hydropower Plant, he said the renewable-energy project will provide stable electricity to the national grid and stimulate industrial and economic activities across the North-Central region and surrounding areas.

Ewalefoh described the approved projects as “decisive, multi-sectoral investments” designed to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps. He added that the two deep seaports alone, valued at more than 3.4 billion dollars, will improve maritime trade routes and reduce pressure on the nation’s already stretched ports. He noted that the Bakassi Deep Seaport, which is a greenfield development, will be able to receive large vessels, host an industrial cluster, and operate a Free Trade Zone, all of which are expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.

On the Katsina-Ala project, he said its 878 million-dollar investment marks a strategic shift toward cleaner and more sustainable power solutions that can transform regional productivity and improve Nigeria’s national energy supply. Ewalefoh also recalled that in November, FEC approved an earlier batch of three PPP projects, which included the Product Authentication and Tracking System PATS, the V-PASS biometric verification platform, and the Port Harcourt International Airport concession. Those projects attracted a combined private investment of 230.9 million dollars.

He explained that with the latest approvals, the total number of PPP projects endorsed in 2025 has risen to no fewer than 13. These include MediPool under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Maritime Electronic Management System MEMS under the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Plant under the Federal Ministry of Power, the Coastal Fisheries Terminal Borokiri, the Farin Ruwa 20MW Hydropower Project both under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Enugu International Airport concession.

Ewalefoh expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support. He said the administration’s commitment to strengthening regulations has positioned the ICRC as the main driver of PPP infrastructure development in Nigeria.

He added that the consistent approvals show the President’s confidence in the commission’s mandate and will help the agency deliver greater value, support economic growth, and speed up national infrastructure development for Nigerians.

Lagos Unveils BOSKOH Garden, Launches Christmas Lights Tradition

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Lagos Unveils BOSKOH Garden, Launches Christmas Lights Tradition

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency LASIAMA, on Wednesday unveiled BOSKOH Garden at the Main Secretariat Complex, Alausa, during the inaugural Christmas Lights Switch-On Ceremony, which now marks the beginning of an annual festive tradition within the State Public Service environment. The event brought together top government officials who described the redevelopment as a major step toward restoring sustainability values in public spaces.

Speaking at the ceremony, the General Manager of LASIAMA, Ms. Adenike Adekanbi, said the unveiling represented the rebirth of a once-prominent sustainability landmark that had slowly lost its relevance over the years. She explained that the redevelopment was necessary to preserve the garden’s purpose as a model for greenery, environmental conservation and a calm public service ambience. According to her, “BOSKOH Garden once stood as a reference point for environmental sustainability within the Secretariat. Its gradual decline challenged us to act, and as custodians of public infrastructure, we could not allow such a valuable asset to fade away.”

Ms. Adekanbi stated that the transformation was achieved through close collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and LASPARK. She noted that their support signified the government’s commitment to protecting and improving public assets for the benefit of citizens. She added, “Our mandate was clear – to revitalise the garden without compromising its natural ecosystem. We insisted that nature must be respected, which is why the trees around us remain preserved and standing tall, just as they should.”

She explained that the redesigned garden now serves as a serene and eco-friendly space for relaxation, recreation, quiet meetings and public service engagement. She also highlighted that the Christmas Lights Switch-On would now hold annually at BOSKOH Garden, symbolising sustainability while bringing festive cheer to the Secretariat. “This transformation is more than aesthetics; it contributes to a healthier environment, supports urban renewal and demonstrates what responsible infrastructure management can achieve,” she said.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Special Adviser, Ministry of Works, Engr. Dr. Olakunke Olayinka, described the project as “a symbol of government’s efficiency in asset upkeep and a testament to the State’s investment in functional public spaces.”

The Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, officially unveiled the garden and praised LASIAMA for turning previously underutilised areas into civic assets that match the vision of a modern Lagos.

Also present was the Permanent Secretary, Office of Works, Arc. Adebayo Ayodeji Odusanya, who restated the government’s commitment to maintaining infrastructure across state facilities.

Located opposite the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the renewed BOSKOH Garden now features lawn seating, shaded lounging, green walkways and a festive light-up point that will illuminate the State Secretariat every December. The annual Christmas Lights Switch-On aims to boost mental wellness, recreation and environmental appreciation within the workforce.

Jumia Treasure Hunt Offers N250,000 Voucher for N2,500

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Jumia Treasure Hunt Offers N250,000 Voucher for N2,500

Nigerians are rushing to the Jumia Holiday Sale Treasure Hunt after a N250,000 shopping voucher was spotted for just N2,500 on the Jumia app. The offer is part of the Treasure Hunt organized by Jumia (Ecart Internet Services Nigeria Limited), and many users are already tracking clues for a chance to win.

The Treasure Hunt is open to the public, but employees, contractors and their immediate families cannot take part. The platform also states that previous Treasure Hunt winners are not eligible to win again.

Participants must be valid customers with a purchase history and at least one successfully delivered order. Winners must also verify their identity on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. They have 30 days to claim their prize or it will be forfeited.

Jumia warns that winning two Treasure Hunt items makes both invalid, and only one item is allowed per customer. Prizes cannot be shared, and proof of ID is required before any prize is released.

How to Participate
Step 1: Download the Jumia Nigeria App
Open the Jumia app.
Ensure you are logged into your Jumia account.

Step 2: Look Out for Clues
Click on the banner displaying the item on the Treasure Hunt page.
Check the category where the banner redirects.

Step 3: Search for the Hidden Product
Use the provided clues to locate the treasure (product) within the designated category.
The product will be hidden in a random category at an extremely discounted price (e.g., ₦2000 instead of ₦200,000).

Step 4: Add to Cart and Checkout Quickly
Once you find the treasure, add it to your cart immediately.
Proceed to checkout fast as only limited winners can buy at the discounted price.

Step 5: Complete Your Order
Ensure your payment method is ready to avoid delays.
Successful buyers will receive an order confirmation.

To participate, interested customers should visit www.jumia.com.ng/mlp-treasure-hunt.

Apply for FG YouthCred N5m Loan for Employed Youth

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Apply for FG YouthCred N5m Loan for Employed Youth

The Federal Government has opened applications for YouthCred for Employed Youth, a new credit window offering up to N5 million to young Nigerians who earn steady incomes but still face barriers accessing formal credit. The programme is being delivered through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) in partnership with selected financial institutions.

The loan is designed to support essential needs such as mobility, solar home systems, rent support, digital devices, household upgrades, and work tools, and it come with no collateral requirements.

Beneficiaries will enjoy up to 12 months repayment periods, competitive interest rates, and no hidden charges.

The initiative targets employed Nigerians aged 18 to 39 across both public and private sectors.

CREDICORP has already reached 200,000 beneficiaries with N30 billion in consumer credit while maintaining what it described as zero non-performing loans. It added that YouthCred is expected to reach one million youth and offer the country’s most affordable structured credit without collateral.

Applicants are required to complete the mandatory credit education programme before submitting their forms.

To apply, interested applicants should visit https://app.youthcred.com and select Employed Youth Credit.

Apply for FG NiYA Gigs and Get Paid

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Apply for FG NiYA Gigs and Get Paid

The federal government has opened application to join NiYA Gigs as a step to support youth employment through the Nigeria Youth Academy NiYA ecosystem. This initiative is powered by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to empower young Nigerians with real work opportunities and income streams across different sectors.

NiYA Gigs is designed as a national digital-work platform and marketplace where youths can showcase their skills, connect with clients, and get paid for their services. Nigerian youth can offer different skills, whether as a graphic designer, a tailor, or a caterer.

The amount a person earns depends on the type of gig provided.

NiYA Gigs platform allows applicants to create a freelancer profile, list services, browse gigs posted by individuals, businesses, and government agencies, and apply for jobs that fit their abilities. Users also get paid directly through the platform. Payments are made safely and transparently. Once a gig is completed and approved by the client, the funds are released to the NiYA Wallet, and users can withdraw the money to their local bank account.

The initiative is a mission to ensure every Nigerian youth has access to work, income, and dignity. It welcomes all skills, stating that no skill is too small, from hairstyling to web development. The platform is made for Nigerians and focuses on helping young people build a brand and grow a reputation through client reviews.

Eligibility requires applicants to be Nigerian youth and possess at least one valuable skill that is in demand. The registration process includes visiting the NiYA Gigs application portal, signing up, building a profile, and applying for available gigs.

To join NiYA Gigs, interested applicants should visit https://gigs.niya.gov.ng and apply.

FG Moves to Boost Climate Finance Capacity for Livestock Sector

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FG Moves to Boost Climate Finance Capacity for Livestock Sector

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has stressed the need to strengthen national capacity for accessing climate-finance opportunities to build a resilient and sustainable livestock sector in Nigeria. He made this known in Abuja on Thursday, 11th December 2025, during a Capacity-Building Workshop on improving access to climate adaptation finance for climate-resilient livestock production systems.

The workshop was organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in collaboration with the African Group of Negotiations Expert Support AGNES, with support from GIZ. Mukhtar said improving skills in green financing and proposal development is central to the Ministry’s reform agenda, especially in institutionalising climate-smart investment, sustainable production, and innovative funding needed to transform the sector.

He explained that Nigeria’s livestock industry requires deliberate access to green and innovative financing to modernise production systems, strengthen veterinary services, improve genetics, support ranch development, and boost productivity. He noted that these goals are outlined in the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy NL-GAS and the Nigeria Livestock Master Plan.

Mukhtar stated that global market requirements now demand higher standards on traceability, animal welfare, and emissions monitoring, making climate-resilient livestock production essential for competitiveness, food security, and peacebuilding. He appreciated development partners, private-sector actors, and producer groups for their contributions toward building what he described as “a nutrition-secured, climate-resilient and sustainable livestock ecosystem.”

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by the Director Technical, Dr. Alike Peter, praised the Ministry’s strong Technical Working Group on Climate Change. She urged participants to turn Nigeria’s climate challenges into opportunities.

Team Lead for AGNES, Dr. George Wamukoya, said the workshop is an important step in strengthening collaboration between the private sector and government. The Director-General of the Food Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria FIPAN, Dr. Toromade Francis, pointed out that inadequate feed, fodder, and water availability remain major barriers to livestock productivity.

Participants at the workshop included financial institutions, research bodies, international partners, professional associations, and other key stakeholders.

FIRS Denies Claims That France Will Collect Taxes for Nigeria

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FIRS Denies Claims That France Will Collect Taxes for Nigeria

The Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS has responded to public concerns after reports and social media posts claimed that France would collect taxes on behalf of Nigeria under a new Memorandum of Understanding MoU. In a statement, FIRS said the claims were incorrect and stressed that the agreement with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques DGFiP is only for technical assistance and capacity building.

According to the agency, the MoU does not give France access to Nigerian tax data, digital infrastructure, or control of any operational system. FIRS stated that all Nigerian laws on data protection, sovereignty, and cybersecurity remain active, and the agreement itself contains strong confidentiality and data protection measures.

FIRS described DGFiP as one of the most experienced tax administrations in the world, with more than 100 years of institutional practice and a workforce of over 90,000 professionals. The agency said the partnership is advisory and non-intrusive, explaining that it is designed to support Nigeria’s ongoing transition from FIRS to the Nigerian Revenue Service NRS. The statement noted that the collaboration gives Nigeria an opportunity to learn from global best practices in digital tax systems, institutional governance, policy development, taxpayer services, and public finance management, while Nigeria still maintains full control of its tax administration and data.

Addressing claims that the agreement sidelines Nigerian technology developers, FIRS said it continues to work closely with local industry players such as NIBSS, Interswitch, PayStack, and Flutterwave. It added that the MoU is not aimed at providing technical services but focuses on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advisory support based on DGFiP’s long-term institutional experience.

The agency highlighted key areas of cooperation including workforce development, digital transformation guidance, taxpayer education, modernization of policies, and support for regional integration, stressing that all these areas align with Nigeria’s national interest and sovereignty.

FIRS encouraged public discussions on tax reforms but urged that such debates be based on accurate information. The agency said the agreement does not compromise Nigeria’s authority but instead strengthens the country’s long-term economic stability by modernizing its tax administration. “Nigeria remains fully in command of its tax systems, data, and policy direction,” the statement said.

Dr Umar Ahmed, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at FIRS, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and collaboration in supporting national development.

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