Business
Firm Hails Tinubu Over DICON Act Signing
….Says Nigeria Capable of Attaining Self-Sufficiency in Military Hardware
A Nigerian firm, DICON Gray Insignia, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the amended Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act, which allows for the local manufacturing and storage of military hardware.
The firm also praised the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and other relevant government agencies in the security and defense sector for their efforts to develop the local market for security equipment manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported military hardware, which comes at a huge cost.
In a statement over the weekend, the MD/CEO of DICON Gray Insignia, Mr. Bem Ibrahim Garba, said President Tinubu has demonstrated bold leadership by ensuring that the vast foreign exchange spent on importing weapons is redirected toward initiatives that enhance the livelihood of Nigerians.
He stated that DICON Gray Insignia is ready to offer its technical expertise to ensure that, as the giant of Africa, Nigeria no longer remains at the mercy of countries that profit from exporting weapons to the highest bidders.
Garba described the amendment of the DICON Act by the National Assembly and its signing by President Tinubu as a game changer that will have significant security and economic benefits for the country.
Highlighting the far-reaching impact of the Act, he emphasized that local manufacturing of defense equipment will strengthen the naira, as transactions will be conducted in local currency rather than in foreign exchange.
Furthermore, he noted that the usual delays in military procurement—where orders can take up to a year before delivery—will be eliminated.
He stated: “This is a huge win for our country. We will no longer need to export massive amounts of foreign exchange to international markets, nor will we have to endure long waiting periods to supply our military and security forces.
The order and delivery gap will now be closed.”
“Our young people will be exposed to new technical skills, empowering them with meaningful employment opportunities and reducing pressure on the labor market.
Training them to manufacture these tools is in the best interest of our nation.
”Garba also expressed profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru; the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for their visionary leadership in prioritizing Nigeria’s defense capabilities.
He further highlighted that local manufacturing will not only serve Nigeria but also benefit neighboring West African countries, many of which rely on imported military hardware to combat insecurity.
Experts have applauded the DICON Gray Insignia partnership, viewing it as a strategic shift in Nigeria’s defense procurement policy—one that prioritizes technology transfer and local production over foreign dependency.
President Tinubu’s administration has made local manufacturing of defense equipment a key policy focus, leveraging strategic collaborations with both foreign and local partners through DICON as the central platform.
Business
Royal African Society marks 125 years of Africa – Britain Businesses
The anniversary featured the Closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the exchange’s closing bell, alongside high-level sector discussions, fireside chats, the presentation of philanthropy awards and the unveiling of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.
• Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the Royal African Society
The Royal African Society has marked 125 years anniversary of Africa and Britain businesses and investments at a ceremony held at the London Stock Exchange.
The Wednesday event brought together the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu; Chief Executive Officer of British International Investment, Leslie Maasdorp; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola; Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society, Stella Okotete; and other business, diplomatic and policy leaders.
Chairperson of the Royal African Society, Arunma Oteh, said that the organisation had spent 125 years fostering partnerships between both regions.
Oteh said that the celebration was aimed at deepening collaboration between Africa and the UK while promoting investment, innovation and shared prosperity.
The anniversary featured the Closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the exchange’s closing bell, alongside high-level sector discussions, fireside chats, the presentation of philanthropy awards and the unveiling of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.
Business
US subjects imports from Nigeria to 12.5% tariff
The tariff affects imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not “imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.”
The United States has imposed a 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from Nigeria as part of a new trade measure targeting countries it says have failed to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour.
The tariff affects imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not “imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.”
The measure was announced in a statement posted on the website of the Office of the United States Trade Representative on Thursday.
Nigeria is among the countries subject to the 12.5 per cent tariff, while India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Kingdom will face a lower 10 per cent rate after adopting or committing to implement bans on imports linked to forced labour.
The move follows investigations launched by the USTR in May 2026 into 60 of the United States’ largest trading partners under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
According to the agency, it received more than 1,600 written submissions, held public hearings involving over 100 witnesses, and consulted more than 45 governments before announcing the tariffs.
Business
MTN Nigeria asks customers to trade old SIM packs for prizes
MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
MTN Nigeria has invited customers to bring in old SIM packs, recharge cards, booster cards, dongles, and MTN-branded phones in exchange for prizes.
The telecom giant is running the campaign the under the hashtag #YelloMoments.
MTN launched the campaign on Wednesday, July 23, via its official social media pages, telling followers that items kept in drawers over the years could be worth something.
Customers who participate will also be featured on what MTN described as a “Memory Wall.”
Collection centres across Nigeria
MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
In Lagos, customers can visit MTN Plaza at No. 1 Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi, or the office at 43 Allen Avenue, Ikeja. In Abuja, the collection point is at No. 4, Medeira Street, Maitama.
In Kano, it is at 2, Civil Centre Road. In Jos, Plateau State, the centre is at Plot 3119, Royalfield Road.
In Asaba, Delta State, the location is KLM 129, Benin–Asaba Expressway. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, customers can go to 234, Old Aba Expressway, Opposite Hannah Fast Food.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, the drop-off point is at MTN Regional Office 1, Olubadan Avenue and Up/Zartech Road, Oluyole Estate.
-
Business3 days agoPresident Tinubu Tasks Judicial Officers To Remain Abreast of Evolving Global Maritime Laws
-
Business2 days agoNaira Exchange Rates Thursday, 23 July
-
International3 days agoTrump threatens Iran bridges, power plant in latest Hormuz attacks
-
Sports2 days agoNigeria’s NSC Chiefs Lead Team to 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
-
Sports3 days agoVan Bommel set to take over as Belgium coach – Reports
-
Crime3 days agoBREAKING: DSS, Zamfara Forces Rescue 4 Kidnapped Students
-
Politics2 days agoFashola declares, “I’m not interested in becoming President of Nigeria”
-
News3 days agoPresident Trump Writes President Tinubu, Lauding His Decisive Leadership Against Terrorists
