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FG Launches $100 Million Oil and Gas Investment Scheme

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FG Launches $100 Million Oil and Gas Investment Scheme

The Federal Government has launched a $100 million equity investment scheme to boost the capacity of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas sector. The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday at the 2025 Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engr. Felix Ogbe. The plan is part of ongoing efforts to provide funding support for local firms, Ogbe stated at the 14th Practical Nigerian Content conference.

Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the NCDMB and the Bank of Industry, Ogbe explained that the scheme is designed to support high-growth Indigenous energy service companies. He said the fund “will provide equity financing to high-growth indigenous energy service companies while diversifying our NCDF’s income base and strengthening local content development.” According to him, affordable finance remains a major tool for empowering local players in the industry.

“As part of our efforts to provide affordable finance for local players in the industry, we have concluded arrangements to establish the $100 Million Dollars Equity Investment Scheme in partnership with the Bank of Industry,” he said. He added that “This is a new product in our Nigerian Content Intervention Fund.”

Ogbe noted that the finance scheme would help expand funding access for Indigenous firms while “diversifying our NCDF’s income base and strengthening local content development.” He also revealed that the Board had completed the framework for issuing the NCDF Compliance Certificate, a new instrument confirming companies’ compliance with the statutory one percent remittance rule.

The certificate, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, will be compulsory for obtaining major permits and approvals from the Board. He stressed that the certificate will be required before companies can receive regulatory approvals.

He pointed to improvements in local content achievements, saying Nigerian content levels in monitored projects rose from 56 percent last year to 61 percent. He cited major projects such as Nigeria LNG Train 7, NNPC’s Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, and TotalEnergies’ Ubeta gas development as examples of progress.

“In addition, as indicated in my PNC speech last year, the Board has expanded access to community contractors under the Community Contractors Scheme, achieving over 94 disbursements in 2025,” Ogbe said. He recalled that the board introduced the Project 100 companies in 2019 and revealed that “we will host an exit plan by April 2026 and onboard a new set of Project 100 companies.”

He added that upcoming initiatives include a technology challenge in early 2026, expanded oilfield skill training programmes, and stronger measures to curb fraudulent applications for local content certificates.

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Governor Eno Flags Off Christmas Unplugged 3.0 to Boost A’ Ibom Tourism

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Governor Eno Flags Off Christmas Unplugged 3.0 to Boost A’ Ibom Tourism

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the state’s cultural and tourism potential as a strong driver for economic growth and development. He made this known at the flag off of Christmas Unplugged 3.0 held at the Christmas Village in Unity Park along Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, where he highlighted the steady progress made in tourism and the new international designation for the Victor Attah Airport.

Speaking at the event, the Governor said Akwa Ibom was gradually becoming more visible on the tourism map. According to him, “Tourism for us is becoming our middle name. As a State, we have advanced the cause of tourism. From the hills of Itu to the beaches of Ibeno, to the relics of Ikot Abasi, we are developing tourism in Akwa Ibom. We are using the things that God has given us.”

Governor Eno noted that Ibom Air continues to boost tourism access, while the upgrade of the Victor Attah Airport to international status was a major development for the sector. He told the audience, “Ibom Air is opening the way. As you heard the other day, the Victor Attah Airport is now designated as an International Airport, and we are doing all we can to tick all the boxes to ensure that we expand tourism.”

He explained that the State was creating links for seamless travel within the sub-region, saying that the tourism potential was being nurtured step by step. He added that the upcoming festive period would further highlight this growth. “In the next 32 days, we will be relaxing, engage in different activities and having fun, local government by local government, starting from Abak, the Speaker’s Local Government,” he said.

Governor Eno shared that various local government contingents will showcase their culture during the fiesta, emphasizing that residents and tourists would witness colourful and exciting displays. “He will be leading the contingent, beautiful contingent, dressed out with their culture, looking good, as they come out to display the rich culture of Akwa Ibom State. We are waiting to receive everyone. Akwa Ibom State is ripe, and this is where it will be happening in the next 32 days, back to back,” he stated.

The Governor encouraged residents and tourism lovers around the world to take advantage of the season to enjoy the state’s cultural richness and hospitality. He extended an invitation, saying, “We invite the world to the land of promise inhabited by hospitable people to have a taste of our rich culture, our cuisine; the Afang soup, the Edikang-ikong, Ekpang nkukwo, the fisherman soup and nice beaches to relax and have fun all around. Ibom Air will fly you in, and fly you back.”

He assured participants of robust security measures, medical support and logistics to guarantee a smooth 32 days of celebration, noting that preparations had been carefully carried out to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for visitors and locals.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, applauded the Governor for driving tourism growth in the state. He described Governor Eno as the torchbearer of tourism development and praised him for giving him the opportunity to execute the tourism vision contained in the ARISE Agenda, which he said was already transforming Akwa Ibom into a preferred destination.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, commended the Governor for promoting tourism in a way that engages young people and boosts the economy. According to him, lawmakers had observed the Governor’s dedication to tourism and pledged to support tourism proposals in the 2026 budget to sustain momentum.

In her remarks, the Head of the State Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Anietie Peters, thanked the Governor for ensuring the welfare of civil servants. She added that the payment of a 13th month salary would enable workers participate fully in the Christmas Unplugged 3.0 celebration.

Meanwhile, the Delivery Advisor to the Governor on Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, reminded attendees that the programme began as a vision three years ago. He stressed that the event has had a positive impact on tourism and the state’s economy, describing the fiesta as a growing platform for showcasing culture and encouraging economic activity.

The Chairman of ALGON in the state and Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, expressed confidence in this year’s edition. He praised the Governor for fostering the steady growth of the fiesta and projected that the 2024 celebration would surpass previous editions. He assured that local government chairmen would give the needed cooperation to support the organisers for a successful event.

The Christmas Unplugged 3.0 opening ceremony featured diverse cultural displays, music and dance, as different participants entertained the audience with energy and excitement, signalling the beginning of a month-long celebration across Akwa Ibom.

BoI Disburses N1.27tn, Creates 900,000 Jobs in 2024

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BoI Disburses N1.27tn, Creates 900,000 Jobs in 2024

The Bank of Industry (BoI) says it disbursed more than N1.27 trillion directly and indirectly to enterprises across 14 economic sectors in 2024, supporting businesses and stimulating growth nationwide. According to the bank, these interventions helped sustain and create over 900,000 jobs across the country during the year.

BoI’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, revealed the figures on Tuesday during the virtual Day 2 session of the 10th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) held in Lagos. He was represented by the Executive Director, Public Sector and Intervention Programme, Ms. Mabel Ndagi, who stated that the bank remained key to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive by providing critical financing that enables firms to expand production and drive large scale employment.

“BoI has disbursed more than N1.27 trillion to enterprises across 14 sectors directly and indirectly in 2024,” she said.

Olusi also explained the importance of the N200 billion Federal Government MSME Intervention Fund managed by the bank, noting that it serves as an essential engine of growth for small businesses across Nigeria. He added that the fund provides affordable financing through three dedicated windows.

“The N200 billion Federal Government MSME Intervention Fund, managed by BoI, provides affordable financing to small businesses nationwide through three dedicated windows — N50 billion for the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, N75 billion for the MSME Intervention Fund, and N75 billion for the Manufacturing Sector Fund,” he said.

He noted that these funds have played a vital role in strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises across the country, many of which are crucial to national economic stability.

The bank also announced increased investments in green finance, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy initiatives. Olusi stated that BoI is positioning itself as a leader in financing climate-smart manufacturing and clean energy innovation.

“The bank is also expanding investments in green finance and circular economy solutions, supporting industries that integrate renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon processes,” he said.

According to him, BoI plans to continue to “dominate leadership” in supporting renewable energy infrastructure, clean manufacturing, and environmentally sustainable industrial practices.

At the same forum, Inga Stefoniwicz, Head of Green Growth and Digital Economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, said the EU was scaling up investments in smart, clean and secure infrastructure in key sectors to help reduce inequality and accelerate development. She explained that the Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative was designed to widen access to affordable and reliable energy.

“It will support investments in renewable energy generation and promote energy efficiency so that by 2030, it will provide at least 100 million people with access to electricity,” Stefoniwicz said.

She added that the EU had remained Nigeria’s largest grant donor to the power sector, contributing around €300 million since 2008.

In his remarks, John Sloan, Economic Affairs Officer at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), said Africa’s transition to green energy would create substantial opportunities for industrialisation and job creation in mineral producing communities.

“Special economic zones are engines of job creation, fostering inclusive industrialisation by providing sustainable employment opportunities for the local workforce,” he said.

Sloan noted that harnessing renewable energy and green technologies could support emerging industries and expand economic value across the continent.

BOI continues to provide financial support that helps businesses grow, create jobs and boost industrial development. It offers loans, advisory services and partnerships to enterprises of different sizes, especially in manufacturing, agriculture, technology and renewable energy.

Recently, disbursements for the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund officially began, bringing relief to staff across Nigeria’s higher education sector. The BOI confirmed that academic and non-academic workers can now access zero-interest loans of up to N10 million, with processing already underway for eligible beneficiaries.

The bank has also opened applications for the N10 billion GLOW Fund initiative, known as Guaranteed Loans for Women. According to BoI, the fund is intended to support the growth of women-owned businesses across various sectors, whether they are at start-up stage or aiming to scale. The facility offers a tenor of up to five years, with a seven percent interest rate per annum described as all-inclusive, while the obligor limit is up to N50 million.

In addition, BoI launched a N2 billion entrepreneurship programme to support National Youth Service Corps members with affordable business financing. The initiative, tagged the “2bn BOI–NYSC Entrepreneurship Programme,” was officially inaugurated in Abuja.

Check Kaduna State 2025 BAICE Examination Results

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Check Kaduna State 2025 BAICE Examination Results

The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) has officially released the 2025 Basic Arabic and Islamic Certificate Examination (BAICE) results. According to the announcement on Tuesday, candidates can now access their results immediately.

The authority has urged students to access results only through the official portal to avoid fraudulent websites. All complaints over result access must be routed through the respective schools, while requests for bio data corrections or related services will be handled strictly through schools.

Schools are also allowed to download bulk results using their official login credentials. For school representatives seeking the Photo Album, the steps include visiting kssqaa.org, navigating to the Examinations tab, selecting BAICE and school type, logging in with official credentials, clicking the Gazette Request option, selecting the examination year and type, and tapping Request to generate the Photo Album.

To check Kaduna BAICE result, candidates are to visit https://results.kssqaa.org, and select their exam year, BAICE exam, school type, candidate number, and PIN and click Check Result.

FG, UNESCO REF to empower 4.5 million citizens for food security

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FG, UNESCO REF to empower 4.5 million citizens for food security

The Federal Government has announced a major partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Read and Earn Federation, UNESCO REF, to empower 4.5 million Nigerians under a national agricultural enterprise programme aimed at strengthening food security and climate resilience. The initiative was confirmed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, SSAP-FS, during a joint press briefing in Abuja.

Barrister Yejide Ogundipe, SSAP-FS, led the announcement alongside notable organisations including the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA Nigeria, the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association, ROSOWA, and the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, MBNCWD, which is serving as the National Secretariat for the programme.

The government explained that this project forms part of the UNESCO REF Strategic Intervention Programme – Alpha, under Category II Framework, with a special focus on the Young Women in Agriculture component. It also aligns with global efforts supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and SDG 13 on Climate Action.

The programme is planned to run until 2030, fitting into Nigeria’s commitment under the UN 2030 Agenda. Ogundipe stated that food security is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as more than a policy. She said, “Food security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely policy; it is a covenant with the Nigerian people.”

She assured Nigerians that funding and support will be driven through her office. “Through my office, the Presidency will broker the financial support required to ensure that millions of Nigerians benefit from this National Empowerment Programme. This is not just an agricultural intervention; it is a national security and empowerment strategy,” she said.

The scheme will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will financially sponsor 3 million Nigerians, while the second phase will support an additional 1.5 million beneficiaries, totalling 4.5 million participants. Ogundipe noted that these beneficiaries are part of a larger 12 million Nigerians expected to be empowered by 2030 under a national mobilisation plan. She explained the group includes young women, youth across all regions of the country, and civil servants preparing for retirement who will be provided post-service livelihood opportunities.

Participants will be trained in Hydroponic and Agro-Kenaf Enterprise Development, providing modern agricultural knowledge and tools needed to build climate-smart agribusinesses. Ogundipe highlighted that those engaged in Kenaf production can expect earnings of at least N400,000 every twelve weeks. She stressed this as a pathway to financial independence and wider economic growth.

According to her, “The programme is designed to stimulate inclusive economic growth, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks, and strengthen national food sovereignty. It is expected to generate billions of Naira across new agricultural value chains, catalyse thousands of homegrown agribusinesses, and transform rural communities into engines of resilience and prosperity.”

Government assessments show that the programme’s projected impact has already been confirmed by relevant agencies and institutions, creating confidence in its structure. Ogundipe added, “This validation underscores the programme’s readiness to deliver measurable impact across Nigeria’s agricultural and socio-economic landscape.”

Speaking at the event, Prince Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of UNESCO REF, praised the initiative as both nationally and globally relevant. He said, “This programme is not only a national empowerment strategy but also a model of international best practice. By aligning Nigeria’s agricultural transformation with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063, we are positioning the country as a continental leader in climate-smart food systems, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive growth.”

He described the effort as a tool for hope and transformation. “Above all, this initiative is designed to serve as an instrument of stability, prosperity, and hope for millions of Nigerians and, by extension, Africa,” he added.

The UNESCO REF President also emphasised the organisation’s role in keeping the programme sustainable, enhancing global recognition, and ensuring alignment with international development goals, which he said would strengthen Nigeria’s voice in agricultural innovation and Africa’s long-term development vision.

Apply for Borno State Scholarship in Aviation Degree Programs

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Apply for Borno State Scholarship in Aviation Degree Programs

Borno State Scholarships Board has issued a public announcement inviting qualified indigenes to apply for aviation degree programs in Aircraft Piloting and Aircraft Engineering. The board said the call is open to interested youths who meet the required academic standards and wish to build careers in the aviation sector.

Applicants are required to submit SSCE results with credit passes in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and either Geography or Biology, Agriculture, Further Mathematics or Technical Drawing. Other documents include an indigene certificate, birth certificate, 2025 JAMB result showing a minimum score of 160, and a primary school certificate.

According to the notice, applications must be submitted on or before Thursday, 4th December, 2025 at the Borno State Scholarships Board office in Maiduguri.

The board added that all qualified applicants must sit for an aptitude test scheduled for Friday, 5th December, 2025 at the ICT Centre, Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri by 8:00 AM. Candidates are advised to come with their original JAMB slips and credentials for verification.

Signed, Management, Borno State Scholarships Board, with the note “Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum True Patriotic Leader.”

MTN Funds 20 Startups N5m Each as 8000 Apply for Cloud Accelerator

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MTN Funds 20 Startups N5m Each as 8000 Apply for Cloud Accelerator

MTN Nigeria has unveiled solutions developed by 20 early-stage startups, marking the close of the first cohort of its 12-week Cloud Accelerator programme held in Lagos on Monday. The event, tagged MTN Cloud Accelerator Demo Day and Investors Mixer, showcased innovations built through mentorship, local cloud infrastructure access and direct funding support.

Linda Saint-Nwafor, chief enterprise business officer at MTN Nigeria, reaffirmed that the initiative was created to strengthen Africa’s digital economy by backing homegrown ideas. She disclosed that about 8000 early-stage startups applied for the first cohort, but only 20 made it to the finals and completed the 12-week programme. She noted that MTN had committed N100 million in funding to support the cohort.

Ms Saint-Nwafor explained that each of the 20 finalists received N5 million to build solutions that would be “powered locally and scaled globally.” According to her, this funding was structured to help startups solve practical challenges including market access and infrastructure limits. “For us at MTN, the Cloud Accelerator is not a ceremonial initiative. It is a deliberate investment in Africa’s digital future and an insistence on a future where African solutions are ‘powered locally, scaled globally’,” she stated.

She said the vision behind the programme was clear from inception: to equip African founders with tools, mentorship and financial backing to grow. She added that its impact extended beyond capital, because a strong ecosystem was built around the startups. “Startups were granted access to MTN cloud infrastructure described as local, reliable, and predictable. They were also integrated into MTN’s payment collection platforms, leveraging APIs, USSD, and SMS capabilities to shorten development cycles,” she explained.

Former MTN Congo Brazzaville CEO and current MTN Nigeria executive, Ayham Moussa, formally welcomed attendees and highlighted the philosophy behind the accelerator. Mr Moussa said the MTN Cloud Accelerator was designed as a true engine for scale rather than a serial programme without depth. He listed its three main pillars as locally anchored infrastructure, hands-on expert mentorship and funding for expansion.

Mr Moussa encouraged the founders to build fast, prioritise clean execution and design for resilience from day one. He urged them to fully leverage local infrastructure provided under global standards as they push their solutions into the market.

ABU Opens Digital Learning Invigilation Portal for January 2026 Exams

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ABU Opens Digital Learning Invigilation Portal for January 2026 Exams

Ahmadu Bello University has announced that its Distance Learning Centre Invigilation Application and Scheduling Portal is now fully ready for use ahead of the January 2026 examinations. According to the notice, “the Invigilation Application and Scheduling Portal is ready for full deployment for the forthcoming examination scheduled to commence in January, 2026.”

The portal will close on Monday, 8th December, 2025. It stated that postings and further details will be emailed to successful staff. The notice was signed by Prof. MB Mu’azu, Director, Distance Learning Centre.

Staff who wish to take part in the invigilation exercise are requested to apply through the portal at https://invigilation.abudlc.edu.ng/auth/register-invigilator.

CAC Lists 15 Unregistered Companies in Public Warning

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CAC Lists 15 Unregistered Companies in Public Warning

The Corporate Affairs Commission on Tuesday said its attention has been drawn to the circulation of certain company names and registration numbers which are not recognised in its records. The Commission warned that the public should disregard these entities and “exercise the highest level of caution” when dealing with individuals or organisations using the listed names with corresponding purported RC numbers.

According to CAC, this alert aligns with its statutory duty to keep an accurate and trustworthy companies register and to protect investors, businesses and the general public from fraudulent activities. The Commission listed fifteen entities it said are not registered with it. They include Famas Services Nigeria Limited with RC 216312, Promo Dutch Investment Limited with RC 396654, Dialack Concept Nig. Ltd with RC 297772, Purpleheart Construction and Real Estate Mgt. Co. Ltd with RC 1210548, M/S Loktu Enterprises with BN 373466 and Loktu Enterprises with BN 400390.

Others are Badatoyak Ltd with RC 521322, Johson Nats Limited with RC 198492, Peoples Club Nigeria International listed as CAC/IT/41191, Jiba Enterprise with BN 577523, Civil Engineering Solutions Nigeria Limited with RC 33001, Gabdoff Hotel Ltd with RC 112409, Amoka Group with BN 545221, BEEC Nigeria Limited with RC 30143 and S. Adetunji with BN 657466.

“The Public is hereby advised to always verify the status of any company or business name directly from the CAC portal” the notice stated. The Commission added that it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the companies register, upholding the law and ensuring a safe and transparent business environment in Nigeria.

NYSC Reform Committee Announces Stakeholders Forum In Abuja

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NYSC Reform Committee Announces Stakeholders Forum In Abuja

The NYSC Reform Committee has invited the public and key stakeholders to a major consultative engagement forum aimed at reviewing and improving the National Youth Service Corps scheme. According to the organisers, this session will gather voices from different sectors to help shape reforms that align with current realities and future needs of the country and corps members.

The Committee includes representatives from the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the Ministry of Youth Development, and the Ministry of Education. It is tasked with developing initiatives to strengthen the administration, relevance, and impact of NYSC. The Committee stated it will “enhance the administration, relevance, and impact of the NYSC scheme in consonance with the current realities and future needs of the country and corps members.”

Participants expected at the event include officials from government institutions, civil society organisations, academia, youth groups, private sector leaders, current corps members, and NYSC alums. The Committee said these groups will “share perspectives on the reform process.”

Key objectives of the forum include reviewing draft reform proposals, identifying challenges and opportunities in the existing structure, exploring new evidence-based strategies for a more efficient and resilient scheme, and ensuring inclusive participation and transparency throughout the process.

Interested participants are asked to confirm attendance through the link https://bit.ly/3K33NwM to support effective planning and logistics. The event is scheduled for Monday, 8th December 2025 at 10 AM at Lake Green-Field Hotel, Kado, FCT Abuja. For further inquiries, the organisers advised contacting Farida Sada via farida.sada@crdcu.gov.ng.

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