General News
78% of SMEs in Nigeria project Increased Revenue in 2023 – Mastercard SME Confidence Index Report

From surviving to thriving in the post-COVID world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria are projecting similar or increased revenues in 2023. These are the findings of the second edition of the Mastercard Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA) SME Confidence Index.

The 2021 inaugural SME Confidence Index delved into the impact of the pandemic on SMEs across sectors, products and services, and how they are embracing a digital future.
As a continuation, the second edition of the survey reveals that while 63% of SMEs across Nigeria are confident about business growth, an overwhelming number of businesses (97%) believe that omnichannel payments present the biggest opportunity for them.
As companies recover from the pandemic and return to growth phase, the research shows that 55% of SMEs in Nigeria are concerned about rising cost of doing business in 2023 and access to capital funding (42%).
Six out of 10 SMEs in Nigeria are optimistic about the future
78% of SMEs project increase or similar revenues in 2023. The survey reveals that 63% of micro and small businesses are optimistic about the next 12 months while their medium-sized counterparts run behind at 33%.
The survey highlights top three areas of growth opportunities for SMEs in Nigeria – access to training and development (95%), digitizing business (93%) and access to better data, analytics and insights (89%).
Insufficient access to credit and inflation remain key factors inflation business growth in Nigeria
SMEs in Nigeria have identified rising cost of goods and services (74%), inflation (67%) and insufficient access to credit (42%) as factors impacting business growth.
Other factors include lingering effects of the pandemic (27%), unemployment (24%), red tape and regulations (15%).
“We are encouraged by the findings of the Mastercard SME Confidence Index, which demonstrates the resilience and optimism of SMEs in Nigeria. It is inspiring to see that 78% of SMEs project similar or increased revenues in 2023.
“At Mastercard, we are committed to supporting small businesses and merchants by leveraging our network, technology, and partnerships. In an evolving commercial landscape with changing spending patterns, we recognize the importance of connections and inclusivity.
“We will assist businesses in accessing credit and maintaining stable cash flow. We will provide them with valuable insights through analysis and digital training.
“Moreover, we will empower them to embrace digital solutions, enabling fast electronic payments, fostering business growth, and safeguarding against cyber threats,” said Ebehijie Momoh, Country Manager & Area Business Head for West Africa at Mastercard.
Mastercard leverages its extensive network, state-of-the-art technology, and global partnerships to help SMEs to adapt to changing commercial environments and new spending patterns. The company works with governments and the private sector to build synergies that advance financial inclusion and motivates consumers and merchants to support small businesses.
General News
NRS Extends Saturday Tax Office Operations Nationwide Ahead of Rev360 Rollout

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has announced the extension of weekend tax office operations across the country as part of preparations for the rollout of the Rev360 Phase I Tax Administration System.

In a public notice issued in Abuja on May 7, the Service stated that all Emerging, Medium, Large, and Government Business Offices nationwide will now open on Saturdays from May 8 to June 27, 2026.
According to the notice, the offices will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The NRS explained that the initiative is aimed at providing additional taxpayer support and improving service delivery during the implementation of the new tax administration platform for Medium and Emerging Taxpayer segments.
The Service noted that the extended Saturday operations are designed to assist taxpayers requiring guidance with the new system, facilitate seamless compliance during the June peak Companies Income Tax filing period, and improve access to tax services outside regular weekday hours.
It encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative to resolve tax-related matters, seek necessary guidance, and ensure timely compliance with their tax obligations.
“The NRS remains dedicated to delivering efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused services,” the statement read.
The notice was signed by Zacch Adedeji, PhD, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service. “You say Transformation, We say Rev360.”
General News
NCS, Gowon University Partner on Research, Development

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Yakubu Gowon University have moved to formalise a strategic alliance aimed at advancing national security research, border management studies, and student welfare.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a visit by the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the headquarters of the agency yesterday in Abuja.
Adeniyi noted that the collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between paramilitary operations and academic research. “I have a long institutional history with this university,” CGC Adeniyi remarked.
He noting that previous attempts to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were interrupted by leadership transitions and that the Service is now committed to a phased implementation of support, focusing on projects with the highest impact on the learning environment.
Adeniyi said “For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps.
“Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students.”
He also stressed the importance of the university in relation to its status of the nation’s capital u University. He pledged to support the institution in meeting the demands of its 40,000-strong student population.
Responding, Professor Fawehinmi highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a critical hub for the partnership.
He suggested that the centre could provide the NCS with specialised research into national security and executive training for officers.
“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” the Vice Chancellor noted, adding that as the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, the institution carries enormous responsibilities.
General News
CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has highlighted potential benefits for Nigeria such as increased production flexibility, expanded market share, and improved revenue prospects following the United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

However, the Institute cautioned that these opportunities come with significant risks, including exposure to price volatility, reduced protection from coordinated supply management, intensified competition, and mounting fiscal pressures.
In a statement signed by Victor Olannye, registrar/chief executive officer, described the development as a major shift in global oil governance, with far-reaching implications for market stability and international energy dynamics.
Olannye noted that the move could trigger increased oil price volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions, and disruptions across global energy supply chains.
He urged corporate organisations, public institutions, financial bodies, and risk professionals to reassess their risk frameworks and strengthen resilience in response to evolving global realities.
He identified key risks to include a potential weakening of OPEC cohesion, oil price instability, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic volatility, and the possibility of further exits by member states.
In line with its mandate to promote sound risk management and support national development, the Institute advised corporate organisations to implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify their business portfolios.
Financial institutions and investors were also urged to reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure practices.
CRMI further called on government and policymakers to reinforce fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote the transition to renewable energy.
Individual risk professionals were encouraged to upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics while developing expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.
The Institute emphasised the need for stakeholders to reposition proactively to navigate the evolving geo-economic landscape. It also projected possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased reliance on market-driven pricing mechanisms, and an acceleration of global energy transition efforts.
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