Business
Impact Investors Launches New Report to Strengthen Nigeria’s Research, Innovation, and Commercialization Ecosystem
Etemore Glover, CEO of Impact Investors Foundation, said: “By mapping out key players and identifying the challenges they face, we now have a clear direction for collaboration to bridging gaps and creating a thriving research commercialization framework,”
The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), has launched a comprehensive Nigeria Impact Investing Research and Industry Collaborative (NIIRIC) Stakeholder Mapping Report to identify critical gaps and collaboration opportunities in Nigeria’s research, innovation, and commercialisation landscape.
In a statement, Ifeoluwa OgunfuwaAssistant Manager, Impact Investors Foundation, disclosed that the pivotal study officially launched in Lagos at a virtual event, provides an in-depth assessment of Nigeria’s research ecosystem, identifying key public and private stakeholders involved in research and innovation, as well as those who utilize research findings.
It reads: ” Funded by the UK International Development of the UK Government in the third phase of the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund’s Sustainable Systems for Research and Innovation Financing Project (SSRIF II), this report provides vital data to drive policy reforms, strategic investments, and cross-sector collaboration among key stakeholders, including academia, government, industry, and investors.
The Nigerian research and innovation ecosystem is a dynamic yet under-optimised network involving key stakeholders across academia, government, private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), financial institutions, and international bodies.
The gap between academia and industry remains a significant challenge, compounded by inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of coordination among research bodies.
This report provides actionable recommendations to foster an environment where research is not only published but also translated into impactful, scalable businesses.
The study called for an alignment between academia, industry, government, and other stakeholders to unlock Nigeria’s full potential in innovation-driven economic growth.
Key findings from the report include the following:
• A lack of structured pathways for commercialization is a barrier that limits its impact on economic development.
• The absence of a centralized platform has led to fragmented efforts and missed opportunities for scaling innovations.
• Weak intellectual property protection, limited funding, and unclear commercialization guidelines remain barriers to private-sector engagement.
• Strategic partnerships and dedicated financing mechanisms can accelerate the transformation of research into market-ready solutions.
“This report is a game-changer for Nigeria’s research ecosystem. “
Etemore Glover, CEO of Impact Investors Foundation, said: “By mapping out key players and identifying the challenges they face, we now have a clear direction for collaboration to bridging gaps and creating a thriving research commercialization framework,”
“We aim to leverage the report’s insights to scale innovations that positively impact the community.
Oretanya Oreva, Director, Lagos Business School Sustainability Center and Lead, Capacity Building, NIIRIC Steering Committee, added : “Our priorities are to promote local innovation and self-sufficiency, both locally and nationally, and to cultivate a robust collaboration ecosystem between researchers and industry.”
Business
MAN woos CBN, MOF for manufacturing refinancing facility
The Director -General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made the call for the facility in a report on the manufacturing outlook for 2026.
Cover image: MAN
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the monetary authorities ( CBN and MOF) to introduce a Manufacturing Refinancing and Rediscounting Facility (MRRF) believing that it can reinvigorate the manufacturing sector in 2026.
The Director -General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made the call for the facility in a report on the manufacturing outlook for 2026.
He said that the MRRF is to enable banks to refinance approved manufacturing loans at single-digit rates for up to seven years.
He emphasised that to ensure a more robust manufacturing sector in 2026 , there was need for:
- 1. Launch a Manufacturing Refinancing and Rediscounting Facility (MRRF) that allows banks to refinance approved manufacturing loans at single-digit rates for up to 7 years.
- 2. Create a publicly accessible dashboard tracking lending flows, interest rate spreads, loan approvals and sectoral disbursement patterns in real time.
3. Further reduce the benchmark interest rate by at least 200–300 basis points over the next two quarters to make credit affordable for manufacturers.
4. Craft and ensure the effective execution of the implementation strategy for the recently approved Nigeria Industrial Policy.
5. Categorize manufacturers as strategic users of gas to remove the gap between what manufacturers and electricity generation companies pay per cubic foot of gas.
6. Introduce a stable, transparent gas pricing framework for manufacturers and prioritize local gas supply before exports.
Business
Nigeria Revenue Service unveils new logo as FIRS goes to rest
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the launch of the logo and accompanying brand elements represents an important milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), which has replaced the now-defunct Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has unveiled its institutional brand identity (logo) as part of efforts to reposition the country’s revenue administration structure.
The agency came into operation following the signing of the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025 by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025, marking a major shift in the legal and operational framework governing tax administration in the country.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, said the launch of the logo and accompanying brand elements represents an important milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.
Adedeji noted that the new institutional identity “signals continuity of purpose, strengthened institutional capacity, and a forward-looking approach to supporting taxpayers and national development.”
Business
BREAKING: Heirs Energies Acquires 20.07% Stake in Seplat Energy from Maurel & Prom in $496-500 Million Deal
In a major shake-up in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Heirs Energies Limited, chaired by billionaire Tony Elumelu, has agreed to acquire the entire 20.07% equity stake in Seplat Energy Plc from French oil company Etablissements Maurel & Prom S.A.
The transaction involves the sale of 120.4 million ordinary shares at approximately £3.05 per share, valuing the deal at around $496 million to $500 million.
The binding agreement was signed on December 30, 2025, after market close, marking Maurel & Prom’s exit from its long-held position in Seplat, one of Nigeria’s leading independent energy producers listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Nigerian Exchange.
Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Energies and its parent Heirs Holdings, described the acquisition as a “long-term investment in Nigeria’s and Africa’s energy future,” emphasizing its alignment with goals of energy security, industrialization, and shared prosperity.
Maurel & Prom CEO Olivier de Langavant stated that the sale allows the company to monetize its stake and redirect resources toward direct investments in oil and gas assets, while expressing confidence in Heirs Energies as a strong, long-term shareholder for Seplat.
Seplat Energy, a key player in Nigeria’s energy transition with significant oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta, recently bolstered its portfolio through acquisitions, including ExxonMobil’s shallow-water assets.
This deal further consolidates indigenous ownership in Nigeria’s upstream sector, following Heirs Energies’ own growth as a major gas supplier powering domestic electricity generation.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
NNPP dissolves Kano executive
Malami: FHC adjourns bail ruling January 7
NJC Disowns Viral Report on Alleged “Integrity Test” Failure by 34 Judicial Nominees
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News1 day agoNew Year Forgiveness: Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Others
-
Business1 day agoMAN woos CBN, MOF for manufacturing refinancing facility
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON 2025: Super Eagles to battle Mozambique January 5
-
Sports3 days agoAnthony Joshua discharged from hospital
-
International3 days agoIn pictures: New Year welcomed around the world
-
Business3 days agoNigeria Revenue Service unveils new logo as FIRS goes to rest
-
International1 day ago‘128 journalists killed worldwide in 2025’,says IFJ
-
News24 hours agoNJC Disowns Viral Report on Alleged “Integrity Test” Failure by 34 Judicial Nominees