Federal government has said that it is evaluating potential policy approaches for the protection of children online, including age restrictions.

In a statement by Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, said that, while the internet offers significant opportunities for learning, creativity, and communication, it also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, misuse of personal data, and emerging challenges linked to artificial intelligence tools.

“As Nigeria evaluates potential policy approaches for protection of children online, including age restrictions, improved age verification systems, platform accountability measures, and enhanced regulatory oversight, public input is essential to ensure that any framework adopted reflects national priorities, respects children’s rights, and responds to the realities of Nigeria’s digital landscape”, Tijani said in the statement.

He encouraged parents, educators, young people, digital professionals, and all stakeholders to share their perspectives on the critical issue by completing a survey, which he noted would shape evidence-based policies.

“As Nigeria evaluates possible policy options, it is important that any approach reflects national priorities, respects children’s rights, and responds effectively to the realities of the country’s digital landscape,” the Ministry stated in a policy note accompanying the survey.

Nigeria has witnessed rapid growth in internet and social media usage over the past decade, driven largely by increased smartphone adoption and expanding mobile broadband networks.

According to Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), more than 40 million Nigerians spend an average of six hours daily on social media.

The National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) has conferred its Professional Fellowship on Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF).

The recognition was announced in Lagos during the investiture of Dr. (Mrs.) Markie Idowu as the Institute’s new President.

In his welcome address, Prof. Chris Onalo, Registrar/CEO of NICA, noted that the National Institute of Credit Administration distinguishes itself from other professional bodies through its unwavering commitment to advancing credit management, promoting professionalism, and empowering Nigerians with credit literacy.

“Unlike many other institutes, NICA recognizes that credit management is a lifeline of commerce, influencing every aspect of business, social, and economic life. Through this commitment, the Institute continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future towards sustainable growth,” he stated.

The Fellowship represents the Institute’s highest professional distinction and is conferred on individuals whose leadership has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s credit environment, institutional governance frameworks, and the integrity of the financial system.

This recognition also comes at a significant moment globally as the world commemorates International Women’s Day, underscoring the growing recognition of women’s leadership and contributions across industries, particularly in finance, governance, and economic development.

The ceremony brought together senior financial sector executives, policymakers, regulators, and distinguished guests to celebrate excellence in credit administration and professional practice.

The Institute described Mrs. Uche Uzoebo as a seasoned business executive and financial services leader with over two decades of professional experience spanning banking, digital payments, and financial services.

A proven change agent, she brings deep expertise across digital payments, financial inclusion, agency banking, product and business development, merchant acquiring, as well as corporate, commercial, and retail banking.

Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing secure and inclusive digital financial services, strengthening payment systems, and expanding last-mile access to financial services across underserved communities in Nigeria.

Through SANEF and related initiatives, she has supported economic empowerment and financial inclusion by expanding agent networks, promoting financial literacy, and championing innovative technology-enabled solutions.

Passionate about gender inclusion and women’s economic empowerment, Uzoebo is also a gender specialist and advocate with a strong focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and breaking structural economic barriers.

As a certified trainer, she designs and delivers high-impact capacity-building programmes for individuals, youth, women, and organizations, enabling sustainable growth and improved performance.

Zedvance Finance Limited, a leading provider of consumer and business financing solutions in Nigeria, has disbursed over ₦96 billion in funding to support commercial businesses across the country, establishing its strong positioning beyond retail lending and reinforcing its commitment to bridging the gap between enterprise growth and access to timely financing solutions.

Zedvance

Leveraging its 11-year legacy, Zedvance’s Commercial Solutions business, launched in 2025, has in just one year become a major driver of credit expansion, achieving one of the highest loan disbursement rates among financial institutions, empowering thousands of local enterprises and boosting economic growth.

The business has consistently supported enterprises across key sectors of the economy, including oil & gas, automotive, logistics, renewable energy, fintech, e-commerce, trade distribution value chains, agri-businesses and others.

Through offerings such as working capital, invoice/PO financing, equipment and trade finance, and ecosystem-based solutions, Zedvance enables access to liquidity for buy-now-pay-later providers, asset acquisition, and cross-border credit lines for imports & exports, aiding business expansion and strengthening operational resilience in a dynamic economic environment.

Speaking on the importance of flexible and tailored financing, Group Managing Director of Zedcrest Group, Adedayo Amzat, CFA, noted that Zedvance Finance, operates a model that is specifically purpose-built to bridge financing gaps and support business growth.

“We are proud of our accomplishments so far, especially the impact we’ve made in sectors that are critical to economic development. For instance, through solar and asset on-lending, we have helped to expand energy access and improve income opportunities for gig workers by financing mobility asset platforms across Nigeria.

“Because our customers are at the heart of our business, we were intentional about designing our flagship product, ‘Liquidity Solutions’ to allow businesses unlock faster credit delivery across all high-growth sectors. This has proven impactful as we continue to witness our clients record great successes,” Amzat said.

Highlighting the unique value of the offering, Amzat added that Liquidity Solutions provides tailored financing structures such as inventory purchase, invoice financing, and import financing, which empower businesses to optimise cash flow, accelerate turnover, and scale with confidence.

Commenting, Ayooluwa Oladimeji, Ag. Executive Director, Commercial Solutions, explained that Zedvance leverages technology, product innovation, deep sector expertise and risk-moderated structures to deploy diverse funding solutions, including multi-currency credit lines, BNPL facilities, and equipment financing across automotive, renewable energy, manufacturing, fintech, and trade distribution sectors.

“In 2025 alone, Zedvance Commercial Solution business recorded tremendous growth, driven by strong partnerships and a rapidly expanding portfolio.

“We are proud to have supported a range of businesses including; Shekel Mobility, Tradegrid, Sapphire, CredPal and other ecosystem partners.

“Beyond these successes, our focus remains on strengthening credit access across Africa’s commercial ecosystems to enable businesses scale with confidence and resilience”, he said

Building on its strong momentum, Zedvance is poised to expand its reach further in 2026, targeting over ₦250 billion in funding across key economic sectors including off-grid power, smart devices and home equipment, vehicle dealerships and mobility platforms, agribusiness and manufacturing, consumer and industrial goods distribution and hospitality.

This expansion reinforces its mission to accelerate enterprise growth by providing faster and broader access to credit across Africa.