Business
Nigeria and UNIDO Earmark $174.6 million for Industrial Projects
Donor nations, including Japan and Germany, reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s industrialisation vision.
∆ President Bola Tinubu
The Federal Government of Nigeria, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO),have earmarked a total of $174.6 million budget for the implementation of the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP).
At the signing ceremony, Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, signed on behalf of the government of Nigeria , while UNIDO Director-General, Mr. Gerd Müller, appended for the organization.
The ceremony brought together government officials, private sector leaders, diplomatic representatives, and development partners from across the globe. Donor nations, including Japan and Germany, reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s industrialisation vision.
Senator Enoh highlighted the alignment of the PCP with Nigeria’s economic reform agenda under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising that the partnership aimed to reduce reliance on primary exports and foster a thriving manufacturing sector.
Enoh said, “The PCP signifies a new era of industrial cooperation built on trust, shared vision, and actionable strategies.
Through this initiative, we will tackle systemic bottlenecks, revitalise key industries, and attract private sector investments.”He added that a key element aligned to the PCP is the establishment of the Industrial Revitalization Working Group (IRWG), a high-level platform for accelerating industrial reforms.
The PCP’s thematic focus areas—agro-industrial transformation, SME development, digital innovation, and green transition—align with the IRWG’s objectives to drive economic growth and sustainability.With the PCP now underway, Nigeria stands at the threshold of a new industrial era, ready to unlock opportunities, attract investments, and lead Africa’s industrial renaissance.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, affirmed the government’s dedication to implementing the PCP with a $174.6 million budget.
The Nigerian government has committed 14.3% in counterpart funding, with UNIDO mobilising the rema”nder through partnerships and donor contributions.
“The PCP is a vital catalyst for job creation, skill development, and technological advancement in line with our National Development Plan,” Bagudu said.
Gerd Muller , lauded the partnership as a historic milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and the organisation and reiterated UNIDO’s commitment to providing technical expertise, policy guidance, and investment facilitation to ensure the programme’s success.
Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders.
“The journey ahead demands collaboration and resilience as we move from potential to productivity,” Rimi said.
Business
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Business
Airtel launches data calculator to counter depletion complaints
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said that the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
Airtel Nigeria has launched the Airtel Web Data Calculator, a new digital tool designed to help customers estimate and better understand their internet data consumption based on real-life usage patterns.
Available through Airtel’s website, the calculator enables customers to estimate data usage across common digital activities such as video streaming, social media engagement, voice and video calls, and everyday web browsing.
Speaking on the launch, Oladokun Oye, Customer Experience Director, Airtel Nigeria, said that the initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to customer empowerment and service transparency.
“As Nigerians become increasingly dependent on digital services for work, education, entertainment and communication, it is important that customers have clear visibility into how their data is consumed.
The Airtel Web Data Calculator was developed to help our customers understand their usage patterns better, make informed choices, and enjoy greater confidence in their digital experience,” he said.
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
“The future of telecommunications will be defined not only by network investments but also by how effectively operators help customers understand and manage their digital lives. The Airtel Web Data Calculator represents a practical innovation that places more information and control directly in the hands of our customers.” He said.
Business
Kingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
Bluecode Africa, the European payments infrastructure operator backed by leading US and European institutional investors, has named Prof Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu as Chairman of the Advisory Board of its Nigerian subsidiary, Bluecode Payments Nigeria Limited as the company formally enters the Nigerian market.
The appointment was jointly announced by Chris Pirkner, Founder of Bluecode, and Odin Krismayr, Managing Director of Bluecode Africa, who described it as a foundational governance decision for the company’s Nigerian and continental operations.
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
He led the team that introduced the unique-identifier Bank Verification Number (BVN), enrolling 50 million banking users, simplifying Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and doubled Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate from 33 to 60 per cent.
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