Business
U.S Gifts Nigeria $2 Million Broadband Study Grant
During the Technology Dialogue, the U.S. Department of State hosted a senior delegation from the Nigerian government led by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.
The United States and Nigeria have signed a new $2,095,000 grant to assess the viability of the deployment of at least 90,000 km of new fiber optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria.
The grant was signed during the U.S- Nigeria Technology Dialogue hosted by the Department of State in Washington, D.C.on January 10.
In a statement, the Office of the Spokesperson said that the project, funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, supports Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 to increase the country’s broadband penetration rate from 42.27 percent to 70 percent and ensure that at least 90 percent of Nigeria’s population has access to affordable and reliable broadband coverage.
During the Technology Dialogue, the U.S. Department of State hosted a senior delegation from the Nigerian government led by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.
The parties discussed enhancing the resilience and security of essential services and facilities; promoting digital trade, e-commerce, and innovation-driven economic growth; developing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the digital age; expanding our artificial intelligence partnership related to capacity building, infrastructure, and rights-respecting approaches to governance; and promoting information integrity.
Following the formal Technology Dialogue, the delegations joined a roundtable discussion with industry representatives hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Industry participants included representatives from over 25 U.S. and Nigerian companies active in technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, satellites, aerospace, fintech, and cybersecurity.
The program featured a panel discussion on Advancing Public-Private Sector Investment in Innovation and Digital Talent Development.
This panel highlighted opportunities for public-private partnership and investment solutions to spur innovation and promote digital talent development through the U.S.-Nigeria commercial partnership.
A second panel discussion on the role of critical infrastructure in advancing the use of AI examined the interplay between the infrastructure that is essential to the development of AI and the governance frameworks that can help spur deployment of emerging technologies to support inclusive growth.
In line with the Technology Dialogue, the United States and Nigeria agreed to hold a virtual expert exchange on AI-enabled biotechnology.
This discussion will explore how the convergence of AI and biotechnology can spur progress in addressing global health, food security, and science – with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
Business
Exchange Rates Today Friday, 12 June
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,397
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,850
Official CBN Exchange Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,363. 83
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,821. 25
EURO (EUR) ₦1,572. 90
SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,706. 49
JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.50
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201.20
West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.40
West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,857. 45
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦363. 29
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.61
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,397 Sell ₦1,405
Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,850 Sell: ₦1,870
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,587 Sell ₦1, 607
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Buy ₦1,030 Sell ₦1,100
South African Rand (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90
UAE Dirham Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370
Chinese Yuan Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200
Ghana Cedi (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110
West African CFA Buy ₦2, 380 Sell ₦2, 460
Central African CFA Buy ₦2, 220 Sell 2,300
Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
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.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 3: Qatar draws Switzerland 1: 1
Balogun: This is something I dreamed of for a long time
BREAKING: Retired General Dies in Kidnappers’ Captivity, Demand Release of Gang Members
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
-
Business3 days agoExchange Rates Thursday,11June 2026
-
News3 days agoJUST IN: Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrives Lagos
-
Business3 days agoFCMB appoints Rewane non-executive director, board chair
-
Business3 days agoKingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria
-
Business3 days agoAirtel launches data calculator to counter depletion complaints
-
News3 days agoBREAKING: House of Reps Unveils New Minority Leader
-
Sports3 days agoDavido uses W’Cup stage to demand action for abducted Nigerian pupils
-
Opinions2 days agoNigeria Cannot Build Flood Resilience While Destroying Its Wetlands