By Seun Ibiyemi Mastercard has announced plans to acquire stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK in a deal valued at up to $1.8 billion, marking a major step in its expansion into blockchain-based payments. The transaction, which includes up to $300 million in contingent payments, is expected to close before the end of 2026, subject to regulatory…
By Seun Ibiyemi Nigeria’s capital market is gaining renewed global investor attention, thanks to improved economic policies, ongoing reforms, and strong market performance, according to Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Popoola made the comments on Tuesday during a live interview on BBC Newsday in London, coinciding with President…
By Seun Ibiyemi The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised concerns over the worsening state of its members’ businesses, following a sharp increase in petrol pump prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Marketers say the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has significantly increased their operating expenses, while…
By Seun Ibiyemi President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all political appointees under his administration seeking elective positions in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026. The directive was conveyed in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and signed by the…
…Prosecutes suspects to boost investor confidence The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has shut down more than 400 fraudulent investment schemes across Nigeria, with several suspects currently facing prosecution, as part of intensified efforts to safeguard investors and restore confidence in the capital market. This was disclosed by Bola Ajomale during the opening of the…
By Adeyemi David The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani. According to the statement, the Minister of…
By Seun Ibiyemi The Nigerian stock market extended its bullish momentum on Tuesday, with investors gaining N687 billion amid sustained buying interest in key equities. Market capitalisation rose by 0.54 per cent, increasing from N129.329 trillion to N130.026 trillion at the close of trading, reflecting renewed investor confidence. Similarly, the NGX All-Share Index advanced by…
By Seun Ibiyemi The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), in partnership with ASKY Airlines and Plan International Togo, has hosted the “Girls in Aviation Day” initiative to encourage young girls to explore careers in aviation and technology. The event, held on March 7, 2026, at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, formed part of activities…
BY Seun Ibiyemi The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’, has intercepted two live pangolins being illegally transported along the Kano–Jigawa axis, highlighting the agency’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking. The seizure occurred on 12 March 2026 at around 10:00 a.m. during a stop-and-search operation, when operatives flagged down a vehicle…
By Seun Ibiyemi Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, working with a detachment of the Nigerian Army stationed at Awgu, have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a tricycle reportedly snatched in the area. According to a statement by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the arrest followed a…
