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Audit firms to register ahead of National Audit Register launch – FRC

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Audit firms to register ahead of National Audit Register launch – FRC

The (FRC), the statutory regulator responsible for maintaining independent public oversight over Accounting, Auditing, Actuarial Practice, Valuation, Sustainability Reporting, and Corporate Governance Standards in Nigeria, has issued a notice to all stakeholders in the financial reporting ecosystem, particularly audit firms and other assurance service providing firms operating in Nigeria.

According to the notice, “all firms providing audit or other assurance services in Nigeria are mandatorily required to register and or update their regulatory profile with the FRC through the official registration portal.” The Council said the directive applies to all statutory audit firms as well as all other Assurance Service Providing Firms (AASPFs).

The FRC explained that AASPFs include firms whose work involves assurance, attestation, verification, certification, or the issuance of independent opinions relied upon for financial reporting, including sustainability reporting, valuation, governance, regulatory, or other public interest purposes.

The regulator further announced plans to publish the National Audit and Assurance Firms Register on its website with effect from 1 April 2026. It stated that the Register would be updated from time to time and would serve as the official list of firms legally permitted to operate in Nigeria’s audit and assurance space.

The notice warned that any firm that fails to register or update its status on or before 31 March 2026 “shall not appear on the Register.” It added that only firms listed on the Register are legally permitted to undertake, accept, or continue any audit or assurance engagement in Nigeria.

According to the FRC, “any engagement carried out by an unregistered firm constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and shall attract sanctions under the FRC Act and the Audit Regulations 2020.”

The Council also issued an important compliance notice to reporting entities, CFOs, audit committees, and accounting officers. It stated that with effect from 1 April 2026, “it shall be unlawful for any Public Interest Entity, government institution, regulated entity, or private organisation to engage an audit or assurance service provider that is not listed on the National Audit and Assurance Firms Register.”

The notice added that all reporting entities are required to verify the registration status of both the audit firm and the signing audit professional before appointment and during the engagement. It warned that any audit or assurance engagement conducted by an unregistered firm would be considered invalid and would attract regulatory sanctions under applicable Nigerian laws and regulations therein.

Separately, the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee said applications are ongoing for Module 2 of its Train-The-Trainer Programme following the completion of Module 1, which recorded over 11,000 registered professionals.

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OES moves ₦200m grant to physical screening and training phase

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OES moves ₦200m grant to physical screening and training phase

The Ogoni Entrepreneurship Summit (OES) has announced the next phase of its ₦200 Million Grant Scheme, confirming that shortlisted applicants will proceed to physical screening and mandatory training after the completion of the initial review stage. The update was issued following the closure of the application portal on 9 January 2026.

According to OES, more than 500 applications were received during the open call period. All entries were assessed using a structured scoring rubric based on responses submitted in the multiple-choice section of the application form, measured against an established cut-off benchmark. At the end of the evaluation, 111 applicants met the required score and were shortlisted to advance to the next phase of the process.

The OES Screening Committee disclosed that the next stage will begin with a compulsory training session scheduled for Saturday, 14 February 2026, by 10:00 AM. The venue for the training will be communicated to shortlisted applicants on or before Wednesday, 11 February 2026. The list of successful candidates is contained in a document titled “OES Grant Stage One Shortlisted Applicants.”

The committee stressed that being shortlisted at this stage does not automatically guarantee progression to subsequent phases of the grant. “All shortlisted candidates will undergo further verification at the training venue to confirm proof of Ogoni origin and attendance at the OES Summit 2025,” the committee stated.

Shortlisted applicants are required to attend the training wearing their OES T-shirt and present a valid ID card, such as a Voters Card, Drivers License, or International Passport, alongside a Local Government Identification Letter. OES clarified that applicants who attended the summit but did not receive an OES T-shirt may still participate, as verification will be conducted using the official summit attendance register. The same arrangement applies to approved virtual attendees.

OES also provided an update on applicants who were not included in the initial shortlist. A total of 439 applicants have been placed on a separate list titled “OES Grant Applicants for Further Screening” and are invited to undergo physical screening for a chance to join the shortlisted pool.

The physical screening for this group is scheduled to run from Tuesday, 10 February, to Thursday, 12 February 2026. Applicants are advised to check OES social media platforms for their specific screening date and time. They are expected to attend with their OES T-shirt, valid ID card, and Local Government Identification Letter, with the same verification flexibility extended to those without T-shirts.

The screening venue is Giolee Global Resources Corporate Headquarters, located near the Army Range and C4i Checkpoint in Eneka, Port Harcourt. For ease of access, applicants may board a tricycle from the Eneka Flyover Igwuruta loading point and inform the driver they are stopping at Giolee or White House.

OES appreciated patience shown by applicants, noting that the process is designed to ensure transparency overall.

FG Train the Trainer Programme for Tax Reforms (module 2)

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FG Train the Trainer Programme for Tax Reforms (module 2)

The federal government, through the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has announced strong participation in its Train-The-Trainer Programme for professionals, focused on tax reform training nationwide.

Over 11,000 professionals registered for the Train-The-Trainer Programme, and the federal government has successfully completed Module 1 of the training. The initial target was to train 3,000 professionals across the country, but interest far exceeded expectations.

The program received 11,137 applications in just 2 weeks. The level of response showed the growing interest in understanding Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms. The committee expressed appreciation to all applicants, stating, “we are grateful to everyone who indicated interest.”

To accommodate the high number of applicants, the programme has been structured into three modules. Participants have the option to attend Module 1 only, Modules 1 and 2, or all three modules, depending on their professional needs and interests.

Module 1 focuses on tax reform foundations, policy objectives, and key changes. Module 2 covers technical analysis, deep insights, and compliance requirements, while Module 3 will address case studies and practical applications of the reforms.

Following the completion of Module 1, participants are now invited to take part in the next sessions under Module 2. Module 2 will hold on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

The training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools required for effective implementation, efficient compliance, and optimisation of the benefits of the new tax reforms.

The programme is open to tax professionals, accountants, lawyers, economists, academics, finance managers, compliance officers, revenue administrators, legal advisers, policy analysts, and consultants involved in tax compliance, analysis, and advisory services.

To apply, interested applicants should visit https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kMKw_Hgkkw-G-wTxdYl7FRIASGdn23d5?usp=sharing and participate.

OceanHub Africa, Coca-Cola launch $120,000 plastic innovation challenge

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OceanHub Africa, Coca-Cola launch $120,000 plastic innovation challenge

OceanHub Africa, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation, has launched a $120,000 pan-African challenge aimed at promoting innovative, science-driven solutions to plastic waste management across the continent.

The initiative, titled Call for Bold Ideas in Plastic Circularity, invites scientists, innovators and startups across Africa to submit scalable ideas capable of moving beyond the concept stage into commercially viable solutions with measurable environmental impact.

Nigeria Startup News reports that the information was contained in a statement issued by the OceanHub Africa media team on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the programme is designed to respond to Africa’s plastic pollution crisis by accelerating practical innovations and business models that can transition from early ideation into market-ready applications.

The partners stated that through the initiative, they aim to enable the recycling of at least 490 tonnes of plastic waste while creating more than 150 sustainable livelihoods in coastal and urban communities across Africa.

The statement read, “OceanHub Africa (OHA), in partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), has announced a $120,000 pan-African challenge aimed at uncovering innovative, science-driven solutions to plastic waste across the continent. Titled the Call for Bold Ideas in Plastic Circularity, the initiative invites scientists, innovators, and startups from across Africa to submit ideas capable of scaling beyond the concept stage into impactful, measurable, and commercially viable solutions.

“The challenge responds to the escalating plastic pollution crisis by accelerating practical solutions and business models that can transition from early ideation into market-ready applications. Through this effort, the partners aim to enable the recycling of at least 490 tons of plastic waste while creating more than 150 sustainable livelihoods in coastal and urban communities across Africa.”

Selected participants will benefit from OceanHub Africa’s venture builder framework and receive a share of up to $120,000 in funding to support early-stage scaling.

They will also receive technical support, business mentorship and access to market-entry networks and corporate partners to help ensure real-world adoption.

Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director of OceanHub Africa, Herland Cerveaux, said the programme was designed to ensure that promising ideas do not remain confined to research or pilot stages but are developed into scalable businesses delivering tangible environmental and economic benefits.

Cerveaux noted that the partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation provides financial backing and strategic networks that can accelerate market readiness and long-term impact.

Also speaking, the Senior Director of Recycling Value Chains at The Coca-Cola Foundation, Jeff Denby, stressed the importance of linking environmental sustainability with economic inclusion.

According to him, supporting locally driven solutions with funding and structured guidance creates opportunities for African innovations to tackle plastic pollution while strengthening communities and generating livelihoods.

The initiative comes amid projections that Africa’s solid waste generation will exceed 200 million tonnes annually by 2030, with plastic waste accounting for a significant share.

The challenge aims to harness entrepreneurship and innovation to address environmental pressures sustainably across the continent Africa-wide.

ECOWAS, IOM to address malnutrition, empower Women in Benue

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ECOWAS, IOM to address malnutrition, empower Women in Benue

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have paid a courtesy visit to the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to strengthen humanitarian collaboration aimed at ending child malnutrition and empowering women at the grassroots.

The visit took place on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the office of the Honourable Commissioner, where the ECOWAS delegation was led by Dr. Sintiks Torfa Ugbe. She said the mission to Benue State was informed by recent statistics showing a high rate of child malnutrition in the state.

Dr. Ugbe explained that ECOWAS has a mandate covering humanitarian assistance, welfare support and intergovernmental services, noting that the organisation is committed to addressing the situation through coordinated and sustainable interventions.

She said the objective of the visit was to work with the state government to develop a durable action plan that would prevent prolonged displacement, improve livelihoods and raise the development profile of Benue State.

According to her, women affected by displacement will receive special attention, with assurances of business support funding to enable them to move toward self-reliance.

Dr. Ugbe stressed that ECOWAS does not intend to replace the efforts of the Benue State Government but seeks to complement existing programmes already being implemented. She disclosed plans to train civil society organisations and community actors so that knowledge and skills are transferred directly to grassroots communities.

“Our focus is not only to deliver humanitarian assistance but also to provide mentorship and capacity-building that will enable women to build better lives for themselves,” she said, adding that the initiative reflects the philosophy of women supporting women and promotes long-term sustainability.

In his response, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, expressed appreciation to ECOWAS for its continued humanitarian support to Benue State over the years.

He assured the delegation of the state government’s readiness to collaborate in meeting the needs of women and other vulnerable groups across the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, welcomed the ECOWAS and IOM teams and expressed delight over the proposed business empowerment initiative.

She highlighted the presence of social welfare auxiliary workers across the 23 local government areas of the state, noting that they could be leveraged to capture accurate data on women beneficiaries.

Hon. Ikwue said the ministry’s core mandate includes sustainability and monitoring to ensure that empowerment programmes achieve their intended outcomes. She commended the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs for his support and intervention during previous rescue and humanitarian missions.

She described the ECOWAS visit as one driven by compassion and partnership, pledging the ministry’s full collaboration and wishing the delegation a safe journey.

The commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of two HeForShe directors in the ministry, Mr. Fele Williams, former Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and current State Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project, and Mr. Celestine Ifa, Director of Finance and Accounts, for their dedication to the ministry.

Earlier, the Head of Sub-Office of the International Organization for Migration, Ms. Mediatrice Barengayabo Dooshina from Burundi, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with ECOWAS in line with the mandate of the Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure humanitarian services reach grassroots communities. She said the collaboration would strengthen coordination, improve service delivery and ensure that support reaches women and children most affected by displacement and economic hardship.

ICRC, PAWECA Expand Youth Skills Training Across Adamawa

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ICRC, PAWECA Expand Youth Skills Training Across Adamawa

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has partnered with the Adamawa State Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) to strengthen skills acquisition and economic empowerment for youths and vulnerable persons across Adamawa State.

The collaboration focuses on entrepreneurial and vocational training delivered through PAWECA’s ten Technical Skills Acquisition Centres (TSACs). Beneficiaries are receiving training in catering, mobile phone repairs, renewable energy including solar installation, electrical installation, and other specialised trades aimed at improving employability and self reliance.

Receiving an ICRC delegation, the Director General of PAWECA, Dr. Michael Zira, represented by the Director of Training and Empowerment, Mr. Sydney Abubakar, said the Adamawa State Government is currently training about ten thousand youths and women in each of the ten centres across the state. He added that the government plans to introduce an apprenticeship programme for graduates of the centres to help them gain hands on business experience, customer relations skills, and full mastery of their chosen trades.

Abubakar expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his strong commitment to entrepreneurship development in the state and commended the ICRC for providing solar security lights across the training centres. He said both organisations would continue to collaborate to expand skills development initiatives.

Earlier, the ICRC Economic and Security Delegate for Adamawa State, Ms. Lynn Bousaba, described the partnership as impactful, noting that 25 vulnerable persons are currently undergoing training at the Mubi Skills Acquisition Centre under ICRC sponsorship. She said there are plans to increase the number to 50 beneficiaries.

Bousaba commended the Adamawa State Government and PAWECA under the leadership of Dr. Michael Zira for sustained efforts at poverty reduction, adding that the ICRC remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve livelihoods and lift people out of poverty across the state. The programme targets inclusive growth and term stability for communities statewide.

Abia firm, Akwa Ibom to produce 1,500 shoes, 500 garments daily

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Abia firm, Akwa Ibom to produce 1,500 shoes, 500 garments daily

Akwa Ibom State is set to witness increased local manufacturing output as Abia State-based Erojim Investments Limited has expressed readiness to partner with the Akwa Ibom State government to produce footwear and garments at scale. The proposed partnership is expected to enable daily production of 1,500 pairs of shoes and 500 pieces of clothing.

The management of the firm has met with the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien, as discussions on the partnership are expected to cover education, sports and other critical sectors, in line with the administration’s ARISE Agenda.

According to the management team led by Dr Jimmy Ntuen, the vision of the company, which was floated about one year ago, “is to steadily carve a name for itself as a major player in Nigeria’s garment, footwear and leather goods manufacturing space.”

The disclosure was made during a tour of the company’s production plant by a delegation of journalists from the Akwa Ibom Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its chairman, Comrade Nsibiet Udo John. The management expressed delight at the visit and assured that in the next couple of years, the firm would make greater inroads into Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states.

It was gathered that the ambition of the company would be realisable given that it is fully equipped with cutting-edge machinery designed for efficient and automated production.

“With advanced technology driving every stage of the manufacturing process, Erojim manufacturing company is able to deliver speed, precision and consistent quality on a large scale,” the management stated.

“The shoe production line alone has an installed capacity of about 1,500 pairs of shoes daily, while the garment section turns out up to 500 pieces of clothing each day, depending on design complexity.

“And this capacity positions the company to confidently handle large orders without compromising on finishing or durability.”

Addressing the media on behalf of the chairman, Atuekong Ntuen, the General Manager, Lucy Ejelonu, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to producing tested, well-designed and high-quality garments, shoes and leather bags.

Ejelonu noted that Erojim is owned by an Akwa Ibom indigene and is willing to partner with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.

She recalled that the company recently donated 1,000 pairs of shoes produced in its factories to support the state government’s free and compulsory education programme.

The General Manager also disclosed that Erojim Investments has expanded beyond Aba, with branches in Lagos, Kaduna, Ikot Osurua in Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo.

Beyond production, Ejelonu emphasised Erojim’s role in job creation, youth empowerment and skills development.

According to her, the company has continued to train and sponsor Nigerian youths.

“Erojim Investments is ready to offer its services for mass production of quality T-shirts, garments and other fashion products, proudly made in Nigeria,” she stressed locally.”

Katsina released list of successful candidates for SPHCA FLHW/CHW

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Katsina released list of successful candidates for SPHCA FLHW/CHW

Katsina State has released the list of successful candidates for the SPHCA FLHW/CHW recruitment exercise. The shortlisted candidates’ names have been pasted as part of the ongoing efforts of the administration of His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, Governor of Katsina State, to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

The state government has recruited 1,020 Primary Health Care workers across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

Consequently, all successful candidates are hereby invited to attend an induction ceremony scheduled for Thursday, 12 February, at the Local Government Service Commission Conference Hall by 10:00 a.m.

The list of Katsina SPHCA FLHW/CHW shortlisted candidates was pasted on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at the Primary Health Care (PHC) departments of all 34 LGAs, as well as at the secretariats of the respective LGAs.

Congratulations to successful candidates!

Kestin Pondi Business Grant 2.0 Opens 2026 Applications for Entrepreneurs

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Kestin Pondi Business Grant 2.0 Opens 2026 Applications for Entrepreneurs

The Kestin Pondi Business Grant 2.0 has opened applications for the 2026 edition, offering fresh opportunities to entrepreneurs across Nigeria. The programme provides life-changing financial support to business owners with viable ideas and early-stage ventures that show clear potential for growth and job creation.

The 2026 edition builds on the success of the 2025 launch and will expand support to 50 entrepreneurs nationwide. The grant has gained attention as one of the most talked-about empowerment opportunities for small businesses in Nigeria.

Established by High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the initiative delivers direct funding and business support to selected small businesses each year. The programme is designed to give entrepreneurs the financial boost they need to scale operations, improve productivity and contribute to economic development in different communities.

Shortlisted entrepreneurs will take part in structured training sessions covering key business management topics such as cost control, financial record keeping and strategic planning. Beyond the training, the programme provides ongoing guidance to help beneficiaries track progress, solve operational challenges and steer their businesses toward long-term sustainability.

Beneficiaries of previous editions have come from diverse sectors, including logistics, education, fashion, food services and health care. The wide sector coverage reflects the grant’s focus on supporting practical ideas that can grow and create employment across the country.

The grant is open to both startups with promising ideas and existing businesses with proven potential. Applicants must be Nigerians or based in Nigeria, and their business idea must demonstrate clear potential for growth and positive impact.

Interested entrepreneurs are required to submit their full name and contact information, a clear description of their business or idea, and a simple business plan explaining how the funds will be used. Supporting documents such as photos, prototypes or proof of business activity may also be submitted where available.

Early entries may have a higher chance of being reviewed. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews, pitches or additional verification before final selections are made. The application window is currently open nationwide.

To apply for Kestin Pondi Business Grant 2.0, interested applicants should visit https://kestinpondi.com/grant/ and apply.

Teach for Nigeria Opens 2026 Fellowship Applications

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Teach for Nigeria Opens 2026 Fellowship Applications

Teach For Nigeria (TFN), a leading non-profit organisation focused on ending educational inequity, has opened applications for its 2026 Fellowship following a virtual launch themed “One Vision, Endless Possibilities.” The event brought together current fellows, alumni, government stakeholders and prospective applicants to reflect on impact and inspire emerging leaders interested in education reform.

In his keynote address, TFN Chief Executive Officer, Molade Adeniyi, said the theme reflects a clear goal for every Nigerian child to access and attain an excellent education regardless of background or location. “This vision creates endless possibilities,” Adeniyi said, adding that “while the impact we seek is the same, the pathway to achieving it is diverse.”

The 2026 intake marks the organisation’s 10th cohort. According to TFN, the Fellowship will recruit 550 young fellows and 100 school leaders who will serve in public schools across Lagos and Ogun States. Since its establishment in 2017, the organisation has placed 2,965 leaders in more than 6,000 schools, reaching over 446,000 learners nationwide. TFN also reported that 85 per cent of its alumni continue to contribute to expanding educational opportunities within the sector.

Key education stakeholders participated in the launch, underscoring the role of collaboration in advancing equity. Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, and the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Victoria Peregrino, both spoke on the need for shared leadership to strengthen learning outcomes. Representatives from Lagos TESCOM, the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Ogun TESCOM and the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board were also in attendance.

Eligibility criteria for the 2026 Fellowship include Nigerian citizenship, age between 18 and 35 years, possession of a university degree with at least Second-Class Honours, a minimum of five O’Level credits including Mathematics and English, and completion of the National Youth Service Corps on or before July 2026.

The Fellowship offers leadership training and professional development, opportunities to impact underserved communities, a competitive stipend, health insurance and other allowances, as well as membership in a lifelong network of leaders driving systemic change. TFN said it has introduced innovations for the 2026 recruitment, including AI-powered application reviews, campus activation programmes, an alumni ambassador programme and a Fellowship Application Social Media Challenge. Eligible candidates can apply via www.teachfornigeria.org/apply. The virtual launch celebrated past achievements and outlined timelines for applications, selection, training, placements and support across participating states.

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