News
New Horizons Invests N50m to Empower Almajiris with Skills

New Horizons Nigeria has launched a N50 million initiative aimed at transforming 21 Almajiri children into skilled computer technicians within 90 days, to tackle youth unemployment and harness human potential.

The Almajiri-to-Tech programme, officially launched in Abuja on Monday, provides participants with full training, meals, clothing, tools, and logistics support, all fully funded.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons, Tim Akano, said the programme represents a new journey in the history of Nigeria by restoring the original purpose of the Almajiri system, which he described as “children sent out to seek knowledge.”
“The word Almajiri comes from an Arabic term meaning emigrant and seeker of knowledge. Historically, children were sent to learn morals, responsibility, and skills to add value to society,” Akano said.
He added that the disruption of this system during colonial times forced many children onto the streets, a challenge that persists today.
Akano highlighted the urgency of addressing the Almajiri issue, noting that there are an estimated 15 million Almajiris in the country, with a population growth rate of around three per cent annually.
“If we do not solve this problem as a country, we are sitting on a time bomb,” he warned.
According to him, the programme focuses on hands-on technical skills rather than theory. Trainees will learn to repair mobile phones, laptops, televisions, radios, standing fans, and other electronic devices, as well as build inverter batteries using recycled electronic waste.
“We are not teaching theory. We are teaching practical skills you can use to earn a living,” Akano said, stressing that the programme will not interfere with the participants’ Quranic education.
“We are still going to allow you, within the period of learning. Your learning computer here is not stopping your Quranic education.
“You still have time within our space here. Whenever you want to go and pray, you can pray, then come back to class,” the CEO stressed.
He added that participants will also receive daily meals, water, T-shirts identifying them as technicians-in-training, and access to all necessary tools and equipment throughout the 90-day programme.
Akano said the initiative is part of a larger mission by New Horizons Nigeria, which has spent the past 21 years training about 100,000 Nigerians annually in IT and related skills.
He said the new programme aims to “take human genius off the streets and convert it into human capital, enabling these youths to contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
He added that equipping Almajiris with skills could add 15 million people to Nigeria’s workforce and potentially increase the country’s GDP by as much as $20 billion, stressing that productivity depends on practical skills and opportunity.
“Everything that can be taught can be learned. If someone can memorize the Quran cover to cover, there is nothing that cannot be done. What they lack is information, opportunity, and infrastructure, and we are providing all of that,” Akano said.
Akano also stressed that the initiative is designed to inspire other organizations and government agencies to replicate similar programmes across the country.
“This is not just about 21 children; it is about showing Nigeria what is possible when resources meet intention and planning.
“If we succeed in empowering these Almajiris, we demonstrate that the country can turn social challenges into economic opportunities. It’s a blueprint for Nigeria’s future,” he said, noting that the initiative combines social reform, technical education, and economic empowerment.
Also speaking, one of the trainees, Fatima Umar, appreciated the organisers and promised to maximise the opportunity.
“We’ll make you proud of us. We have nothing to say here but to thank and appreciate you. May Almighty Allah continue to guide and protect you,” Umar said.
News
Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.
Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.
Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.
“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” Goh told Reuters.
Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.
Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.
The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.
“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.
News
Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC
In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.
The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”
Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”
Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”
Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.
He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.
“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.
The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”
Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.
The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.
News
UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.
With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.
Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.
These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.
The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.
It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.
Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.
“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”
Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.
The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”
Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.
“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”
Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.
The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”
All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.
The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.
This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.
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