General News
NY Times Article Blasts Jonathan, PDP over Graft, Terrorism
A damning article published in The New York Times has painted a not too pleasant picture of Nigerian current government which it said is “widely seen as the most corrupt since independence from Britain in 1960”
The article written by one Adewale Maja-Pearce, a writer and author of the memoir “The House My Father Built” also returned indictment on the government for failure to rescue the school girls seized by Boko Haram.
A version of the op-ed appears in print on November 17, in The International New York Times said that though corruption is a huge problem for President Goodluck Jonathan and his People’s Democratic Party, which has been continuously in power since the end of military rule in 1999.
But things are unlikely to change. To many Nigerians, it sometimes seems as if we merely swapped military dictatorship for a one-party state.
Mr. Jonathan’s name will be on the ballot this February, when Nigerians, many of them fed up with government corruption and incompetence, go to the polls.
Yet events percolating across the country that could come to a boil within the next three months might actually work to the president’s advantage.
Two grave problems — the Boko Haram insurgency and tensions in the oil-rich Niger Delta — hang over the land. A third, West Africa’s Ebola crisis, seems to have been contained so far, and though this has little to do with Mr. Jonathan’s leadership, the people responsible for it are unlikely to gain any political capital at his expense.
The incompetence of Mr. Jonathan’s government is most clearly seen in its inability to rescue the 276 schoolgirls, most of them believed to be Christians, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in the largely Islamic north last April.
Even at the time, the president, himself a Christian from the largely Christian south, didn’t seem much concerned about their fate.
It took him almost three weeks to officially acknowledge what had happened, whereupon he belatedly invited their relatives to lunch at the presidential villa in Abuja, an event which one journalist likened to “a wedding reception,” complete with bunting and a band.
What Mr. Jonathan didn’t count upon was the international furor over the kidnappings or the powerful worldwide publicity, negative in his case, of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Seven months later, most of the girls are still missing (though dozens have managed to escape).
A report by Human Rights Watch catalogued the “physical and psychological abuse they were subjected to: forced labor, forced participation in military operations, including carrying ammunition or luring men into ambush; forced marriage to their captors; and sexual abuse, including rape.”
Meanwhile, sporadic violence continues. Last week, a suicide bomber killed at least 48 students at a boys’ high school in the northeast. Rescuing the girls — or putting an end to the insurgency altogether — would certainly help Mr. Jonathan’s ambitions, but his government’s ability to do so seems most unlikely. Corruption and low morale have hobbled the military.
Even so, the government announced last month that the extremists had agreed to a cease-fire, though Boko Haram has denied it.
Although the extremists have been widely condemned by leading Muslim clerics and politicians, the insurgency contributes to Christian suspicions of their Muslim compatriots, and this may well play into Mr. Jonathan’s hands come election time.
But in an effort to bridge sectarian divisions and garner votes across the religious divide, the country’s leading opposition parties, one from the largely Muslim northeast, the other from the mostly Christian southwest, have joined forces with other groups to form the All Progressives Congress. In theory, this gives the opposition a fighting chance of wresting control of the Senate and House of Representatives from the People’s Democratic Party.
Unfortunately, efforts to make common cause in Nigeria are invariably sacrificed upon the altars of religion and ethnicity.
The alliance’s likely presidential candidate is a Muslim northerner, Muhammadu Buhari. He also happens to be a former dictator, who ruled Nigeria for 20 months in the mid-1980s.
His administration came to an abrupt end in August 1985, when members of his cabinet, alienated by his efforts to root out corruption, forced him out.
Though widely unpopular, many Nigerians feel he has the credentials to tackle corruption. Moreover, one potential running mate is Babatunde Raji Fashola, the two-term governor of Lagos State who has distinguished himself by successfully tackling the incipient Ebola crisis with the same energy and efficiency that he brought to modernizing the infrastructure of Lagos, the biggest port in West Africa. But there are also doubts about his commitment to clean government, fueled by the fact that he is a protègé of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a former governor of the same state and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress whose reputation has been tarnished by corruption scandals, even though he has never been convicted of corruption.
Though Mr. Fashola is a Muslim with a Catholic wife, few Christians (or for that matter even the generally more-liberally minded Muslims of the south) would be inclined to vote for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Religious differences are a key factor in voting, but perhaps patronage plays a greater role, a lesson Mr. Jonathan learned in the Niger Delta, where he taught school and gained political prominence.
Like any savvy politician, he knows that patronage is a two-way street, and he has been careful to keep the money flowing in a region plagued by resentment over oil rights, piracy and periodic unrest.
Oil is Nigeria’s greatest source of wealth, providing about 90 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, but many people among the delta’s diverse ethnic groups feel that the central government has seized control of their oil without adequate compensation. The government says it loses about $3 billion a year due to piracy, widely seen as aided and abetted by the military. Local gangs also take what they can by tapping pipelines. In the past, anger over corruption and the unfair redistribution of wealth has fueled a dangerous political militancy. Everyone knows that if the militants want to, they can easily stop oil production, which would bankrupt the country.
Thus Mr. Jonathan takes care to ensure that the region is well looked after, and this contributes to his enormous popularity there. Indeed, he is widely seen as crucial to keeping the lid on potential unrest. In the words of Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, a former leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force who is now a key supporter, if Mr. Jonathan is not re-elected next year, there will be “blood in the streets.”
Ossai Ovie Success, special assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State, has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu over the backlash trailing her recent advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses.
Ossai Ovie Success, special assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State
The controversy followed a viral video in which the First Lady urged unemployed Nigerians, particularly women, to consider starting businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli, noting that such ventures require little start-up capital.
Her remarks sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that government officials should focus on creating jobs rather than encouraging citizens to take up petty trading.
Reacting to the criticism in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Ossai said he was surprised that many people looked down on the akara business, insisting it can generate more income than some white-collar jobs.
According to him, an akara seller operating in a strategic location can earn substantial profits with just a few hours of work daily.
“Akara business is better than a bank job sometimes. If you fry akara in a good location, after all costs, you make N20 per akara and sell 500 pieces every day,” he wrote.
Ossai estimated that such a business could generate about N10,000 daily, translating to approximately N60,000 weekly and N240,000 monthly, while noting that some operators earn well above N1 million every month.
“How much again is a bank job? Ask yourself,” he said.
The Delta governor’s aide also argued that the business is not as demanding as many people assume, saying it typically requires only a few hours of work each day.
“Before I forget, know that akara business is not a 6-to-6 job. It’s about three hours daily.
“I am disappointed in those looking down on akara business,” he added.
The remarks add to the growing debate sparked by the First Lady’s comments, with supporters describing entrepreneurship as a practical means of livelihood, while critics argue that the government should prioritise policies that create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.
General News
EVC NCC, Aminu Maida, to Lead Speakers @ Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would be the Special Guest of Honour at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The theme of the Roundtable is: Fintech: Driving the Future of Digital Financial Ecosystem in Nigeria.
Dr. Aminu Maida was appointed the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Maida holds an MEng in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College, London in 2002 and in 2006, he bagged a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, United Kingdom.
Between 2018 and 2019, Maida completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (FinTech Pathway) program at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Until his appointment by the President, Dr. Maida was the Executive Director, Technology and operations at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), the country’s central switch company owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all licensed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria.
At NIBSS, Maida was responsible for holistically spearheading the technical and operational standardisation of all devices deployed in the financial system in Nigeria for interoperability.
Maida led a dynamic team that ensured that all terminals used in the e-payment industry and all devices deployed in Nigeria would accept all cards issued by banks and other licensed card schemes without discrimination.
Prior to his appointment at NIBSS, Maida was the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the Nigerian-based FinTech Arca Payments Network and Senior Manager at Cisco Systems, United Kingdom.
As a seasoned technical professional with over 15 years of multi-functional and international experience in FinTech & Telecoms & Enterprise Technology, Maida between 2010 and 2014, worked as a Network Design Consultant at EE, part of BT Group, and one of the largest mobile communications companies in the UK.
He was also at some point (2006-2010) a System Engineer at Ubiquisys, a leading company in intelligent 3G and LTE small cells, which is now part of Cisco.
Maida, a professional par excellence, combines a broad range of experiences, making him technically strong and commercially sound.
Reacting, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, Prince Cookey said:
“Dr. Aminu Maida came to the NCC at a time Nigeria needed strategic repositioning of the digital economy landscape and telecom regulation in the country. He has positioned NCC as a leading voice in the digital space and telecom regulation in Africa and around the world.
Accordingly, stakeholders attending the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 would be looking forward to a robust conversation on the State of the digital economy, fintech market and the numbers on financial inclusion today and tomorrow.”
Cookey added that Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) will also be on board as Special Guest of Honour while Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) will Chair the event.
Mr. Emmanuel Ovaga, Managing Director/CEO, PufferPay Limited will deliver the keynote paper at the Roundtable while Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, President/Chairman of Council of NCRIB is Guest of Honour.
Distinguished members of the Panel include:
- Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE)
- Mrs. Idu Okeahialam, Group Managing Director/CEO, Royal Exchange Plc
- Mr. Jide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited
- Dr. Obioha Oti, President, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN)
- Mr. Sarafadeen Fasasi, President, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN)
The revolutionary success story of Moniepoint, Opay, PalmPay, Flutterwave and others in the digital payment system in Nigeria represents a positive expansion of the financial services sector in the country.
With millions of Nigerians and businesses lacking access to basic financial services, the importance of Fintechs remain sacrosanct in achieving substantial level of Financial Inclusion and expanding the frontiers of the industry.
According to AI Overview, Fintechs in Nigeria have revolutionised the financial landscape by dramatically increasing access to banking services, driving, for example, a 20% increase in financial inclusion and helping to bring the banked population to roughly 63%. These firms have introduced faster, affordable digital payments, lending, and investment services, forcing traditional banks to adopt digital transformation.
On investment, AI Overview stated: “Fintechs in Nigeria dominate the tech landscape, securing 35% of total tech funding ($2 billion total) in 2024, with over 430 companies attracting roughly 36% of all African fintech investment. Despite global challenges, the sector remains highly resilient, driven by high demand, with significant deals including Moniepoint’s $110 million series C.”
The 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 aims to underscore the positive contribution of Fintechs in deepening Financial Inclusion, expanding access to financial services and contributing to economic growth in the country.
Expected participants at the Roundtable include regulators, operators from key sectors of the economy, media and members of the public.
(LASTMA) has launched a new toll-free short-code hotline, 3367, to improve emergency response, enhance traffic managemestrengthen accountability across Lagos State.
The new platform replaces the agency’s previous long-service code and provides a simpler and more accessible channel for residents to report traffic-related incidents. The service is available at no cost to subscribers on MTN, Glo and Etisalat (T2) networks.
Motorists and other road users can use the hotline to report vehicle breakdowns, road crashes, disabled trucks, stranded tankers, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
The platform also allows members of the public to report the conduct and professionalism of LASTMA personnel, a move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the agency.
To ensure wider accessibility, callers can communicate with hotline operators in English, Yoruba or Pidgin English, helping to eliminate language barriers and encourage greater public participation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager, LASTMA, described the launch as a major milestone in the agency’s efforts to build a safer, more efficient and technology-driven traffic management system.
He said the hotline reflects LASTMA’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions to tackle transportation challenges while strengthening collaboration with residents.
According to Bakare-Oki, the 3367 hotline provides Lagos residents with a direct, convenient and free channel to report incidents requiring urgent attention, noting that the growing complexity of Lagos as a major African megacity demands a proactive and technology-enabled approach to traffic management.
He assured residents that all reports received through the platform would be handled professionally and confidentially before being forwarded to the appropriate operational units for prompt action
Bakare-Oki urged the public to make effective use of the hotline to support road safety, improve accountability and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transportation system across the state.
NDIC Says 281m Depositors Protected against Bank Failure
Wema Bank Suspends Telegram Operations over Scams
Akara Business Can Pay More than Bank Jobs – Governor Aide
OPay Unveils Emergency Lock, Safety PIN to Boost Customer Protection
FG Captures 32m Students DNEMIS ahead July 1 Rollout
London Strengthens Global Investment Ties with Africa @ First Ever London-Africa Business Summit
Mobile Internet Gender Gap Widest in Africa – GSMA
FG Targets Alleged N3tn Capital Flight, Opens Airtime Credit Market to Nigerian Fintechs
Japan, UNESCO Boost Digital Learning in 15 CoEs with Donation of ICT Equipment
Good News for DStv Users: Watch over 160 Channels Without Paying Extra
E-Business1 day agoLG Showcases AI-Powered Smart Living Innovations @ Africa Technology Expo 2026
E-Financial1 day agoUBA mobilises employees across Africa for environmental clean-up, wellness campaign
General News1 day agoLASTMA Launches 3367 Toll-Free Hotline for Emergency Response, Traffic Management
Telecom1 day agoOADC Reaffirms Abundant Capacity in Data Centres in Nigeria to Host Financial Data
E-Financial1 day agoPalmPay Calls for Trust, Infrastructure and Responsible AI to Drive Payment Ecosystem Innovation
Telecom1 day agoALTON Backs NCC’s Local Smartphone Manufacturing Drive to Widen Digital Access
E-Financial1 day agongCERT Raises Alarm over Surge in Banks’ ATM Cyberattacks
Telecom1 day agoTelecom Operators Back Plan to Turn Nigeria Into Africa’s Smartphone Manufacturing Hub