Ekiti State has made a bold move to reshape Ekiti’s economy. As such, the state government has launched the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), a groundbreaking digital innovation hub designed to boost tech entrepreneurship, job creation, and youth empowerment. EKZ is fast becoming Nigeria’s next big technology hub as it is backed by $80 million from the African Development Bank and an additional $14.8 million from the Ekiti State Government.

The initiative is expected to generate over 26,000 jobs and train more than 19,000 youth, making it a major driver of economic development in Nigeria. With top-class infrastructure, a high-speed fibre optic network, and free zone status, the zone offers significant tax and financial incentives for investors.

Before EKZ, Ekiti suffered from low digital infrastructure, rising youth unemployment, and brain drain. The new tech hub is changing that story—opening doors for skills training, innovation, and global tech partnerships.

The EKZ is located in Ado-Ekiti, and is fully accessible online via www.ekitiknowledgezone.com for investors and entrepreneurs ready to engage with Africa’s growing digital economy.

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has started a new pilot programme that lets traders process Form M using the B’Odogwu Trade Portal. This new move is part of a bigger plan to modernise trade processes and improve how customs operations are managed in the country.

The B’Odogwu portal, also known as the Unified Customs Management System, aims to make customs documentation faster and more efficient.

The pilot began after NCS approved the integration of Form M into the new portal. To test how it works, three customs commands were selected: Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island Port, and Apapa Area Command. These locations were carefully chosen to monitor performance, involve stakeholders, and ensure that the process runs smoothly before it expands across the country.

So far, a total of 544 Form M entries have been processed on the platform. Out of these, 283 were successfully registered, 10 were validated, and 26 were saved for future action. In addition, 41 forms were submitted, 120 were sent back for corrections, 11 were queried, 14 had their Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) locked, and 39 were recommended for approval. These results show that the B’Odogwu system is working well and can support import documentation.

In the same pilot phase, 37 PAARs were created from the processed Form M entries. Among them, 7 PAARs were registered, 12 had Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) processed, 2 were fully approved, and 8 were recommended for further checks. Also, 4 were submitted, and 4 were queried. These outcomes prove that the system can handle full trade processing from start to finish.

The pilot project is not just about testing software; it’s about improving how trade is done in Nigeria. With quicker clearance times and better customs transparency, importers, exporters, and financial institutions will benefit. To support this digital upgrade, NCS has asked shipping lines, airlines, and other carriers to start sending their cargo manifests to the B’Odogwu portal.

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Led by Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service is moving towards a fully digital trade environment, which supports revenue growth, customs clearance, and national development.

The Ogun State TRACE Recruitment Portal is now open for young Nigerians interested in traffic management jobs. Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the recruitment of new officers into the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE). This recruitment aims to increase the agency’s workforce and improve emergency response across Ogun State.

According to Cdr. Dr. ‘Seni Ogunyemi, the TRACE Commander General, the application is free and must be submitted online through the official portal: ogunstatetraceagency.com. The portal will be open from Friday, May 2 to Friday, May 16, 2025.

The TRACE recruitment is open to applicants who are disciplined, honest, and dedicated. It is a great opportunity for those looking for government jobs in Ogun State, especially in public safety and traffic control.

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Successful candidates will build a lasting career in road safety and enforcement across the state.

Click Here to apply.

The Federal Government has disbursed N1.48 billion in loans to 29,000 small business owners in Imo State through the Bank of Industry (BoI). This funding is part of the N200 billion Special Intervention Fund created to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s prosperity agenda.

At a town hall meeting in Owerri, the Managing Director of BoI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, represented by the Divisional Head, MSME South, said the initiative was designed to reduce challenges like lack of access to finance and high business operating costs. Each qualified business owner can access up to N5 million at a 9% annual interest rate, with a three-month moratorium and repayment period of up to three years.

The bank explained that the application process is open to the public and encourages interested applicants to follow proper channels. Applicants are required to submit valid business information, including registration details and bank records. The Bank of Industry then verifies each applicant’s data to ensure transparency and effective loan disbursement.

To assist more people in accessing these low-interest business loans, the BoI is partnering with stakeholders such as the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). These groups are expected to mobilise their members, especially registered business owners, to benefit from the scheme.

Community leaders, youth groups, women associations, and local government authorities have also been encouraged to act as advocates for the loan programme. The goal is to empower young people and business owners to build sustainable ventures and contribute to national development.

One of the beneficiaries, pig farmer Nduka Norbert, shared how a previous N50,000 grant saved his business when some of his animals were dying. He expressed gratitude, noting that the new loan will enable him to expand.

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A documentary was shown at the event to highlight the success stories of other entrepreneurs who have benefited from the government’s grants and business funding schemes.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has officially approved a new pricing structure for its services and products. This is the first adjustment in over ten years, and it comes after a full review to reflect current operational expenses and market realities. The revised fees are aimed at improving the quality of identity management services without making them too expensive for everyday Nigerians.

According to NIMC, the new charges are designed to support the commission’s commitment to offering secure and reliable identity services across the country. The adjustments will take effect immediately and apply to all services provided by NIMC and its licensed Front-End Partners (FEPs).

To protect Nigerians from being overcharged, NIMC has warned all FEPs to strictly follow the new pricing structure. Any partner found collecting fees above the approved rate may face severe consequences, including the loss of their operating licence. This is part of NIMC’s effort to ensure transparent and fair identity-related services nationwide.

All updated prices will be available on the official NIMC website at www.nimc.gov.ng for easy access by the public. Nigerians are also encouraged to report any illegal price hikes through the provided helpline or email addresses.

The Director General and CEO of NIMC, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, thanked President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their support in strengthening the National Identity Database (NIDB). She also acknowledged the role of partner agencies and the Nigerian public in helping build a strong national identity system.

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For customer service or further enquiries, Nigerians can contact NIMC via nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng, commercialservices@nimc.gov.ng, or call 0700 2255 646.