General News
Reps Propose N3,500 Daily Wage for Unskilled Labour

House of Representatives is considering a bill seeking to promote sustainable rural development, reduce poverty, and enhance the livelihoods of Nigerians living in agrarian communities.

Titled “The National Integrated Rural Development Bill, 2025,” the proposed legislation aims to provide wage employment opportunities for unskilled labourers in rural areas, guaranteeing a daily wage of N3,500 for every employed adult household member.
Sponsored by Hon. Marcus Onobun, member representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State, the bill, which is awaiting its second reading on the floor of the Green Chamber, seeks to establish a legal and institutional framework to promote sustainable development across Nigeria’s rural regions.
The proposed law applies to all rural areas within Nigeria’s territorial boundaries as defined by relevant demographic and economic criteria.
Part III of the bill provides that every adult household in rural communities who volunteers for unskilled manual work through local development projects shall be guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of paid employment per fiscal year.
“The Agency shall ensure that every rural household, whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work through local development projects, is guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of wage employment per fiscal year,” the bill states.
“Every employed adult household shall be entitled to a daily wage of N3,500 for each day of work.”
The legislation also proposes the creation of the National Integrated Rural Development Agency, which will oversee and coordinate the implementation of rural development programmes across the country. The Agency’s responsibilities will include monitoring and evaluating projects, promoting innovation and technology adoption, and facilitating collaboration among relevant ministries and stakeholders.
In a bid to ensure inclusivity, one-third of the employment opportunities under the proposed scheme will be reserved for women in rural communities.
The bill further outlines objectives such as reducing rural poverty, improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and enhancing access to education, healthcare, and other essential social services.
The proposed law also recommends the establishment of a Governing Council for the Agency, with its Chairman to be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
Additionally, all revenues generated by the Agency will be exempted from income tax, while contributions to its fund will be tax-deductible.
Speaking on the significance of the bill, Hon. Onobun said it seeks to tackle one of Nigeria’s most persistent socio-economic challenges rural poverty.
“This bill aims to promote sustainable rural development across the nation by reducing poverty, improving infrastructure, and enhancing livelihoods through integrated and coordinated efforts,” he said.
Despite Nigeria’s vast natural and human resources, the country continues to struggle with widespread rural underdevelopment.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), about 63% of Nigerians roughly 133 million people were classified as multidimensionally poor as of 2024, with the highest rates recorded in the northern regions and conflict-prone parts of the Middle Belt.
General News
SiBAN Partners Vontech to Strengthen Nigeria’s Blockchain Ecosystem with $100,000 AWS Cloud Support for Startups

The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Vontech, an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, to advance blockchain innovation and capacity building across Nigeria’s digital economy.

Through this collaboration, blockchain startups and developers in Nigeria will gain access to $100,000 in AWS Cloud credits, empowering them to build, scale, and optimize solutions that leverage cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in SiBAN’s mission to create an enabling environment for blockchain adoption, regulatory engagement, and sustainable innovation within the country. By connecting local builders with global technology resources, SiBAN continues to champion a future where Nigerian blockchain projects can compete and collaborate on a global scale.
“At SiBAN, our vision is to make Nigeria one of the safest and most vibrant blockchain ecosystems in the world. This partnership with AWS and Vontech reflects our commitment to equipping our members and startups with the technical foundation needed to innovate confidently and grow sustainably,” Obinna Iwuno
SiBAN invites blockchain founders, startups, and ecosystem enablers to join its growing network of innovators, regulators, and investors working together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital asset and Web3 landscape.
By becoming a SiBAN member, you gain access to training programs, international partnerships, policy advocacy, and exclusive opportunities like this AWS initiative designed to drive real impact across the blockchain sector.
General News
UK Launches Phase Two of Nigeria–UK PACT Fund to Boost Clean Energy and Climate Action

United Kingdom has officially launched Phase Two of the Nigeria–UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) Fund, unveiling a new package of support aimed at powering Nigeria’s clean energy transition and climate resilience.

The announcement was made at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, where the UK government revealed eight new technical assistance projects and five expert deployments designed to help Nigeria implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
UK PACT is a flagship programme under the UK Government’s International Climate Finance portfolio, jointly managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
It operates across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, providing technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge exchange to support climate commitments and inclusive transitions.
Launched in 2021, the Nigeria–UK PACT Fund has supported Nigeria in strengthening climate governance, mobilising finance, and implementing clean energy and nature-based solutions aligned with the country’s Energy Transition Plan, Climate Change Act, and NDCs.
The new portfolio focuses on two key areas: clean energy transition and climate policy and governance.
Five clean energy projects will scale up decentralised renewable energy solutions, enhance energy sector institutions’ capacity to integrate renewables, and create market-enabling environments to attract private investment.
Implementing partners include Landell Mills, Africa PPP Advisory Services, Mercy Corps, Wayne Energy Consult, and Glasgow Caledonian University.
Three climate policy and governance projects will build institutional capacity, improve data systems for evidence-based policymaking, and foster policy frameworks to encourage private sector innovation.
Expert deployments will support the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Partners include the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, Perspectives Climate Research gGmbH, and University of York.
The projects are expected to enhance climate data tracking, facilitate small-scale hydropower deployment, strengthen Nigeria’s climate negotiation skills, and unlock over $8 billion in private investment for renewable energy in the healthcare sector.
The UK government said these efforts form a foundation for deeper engagement in Nigeria’s journey to net zero.
General News
AfriTECH 5.0 and ATAEx Awards Light Up Lagos Today

The anticipation is electric. Tomorrow, November 13, 2025, the grand halls of the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, will pulse with innovation, ideas, and inspiration as Africa’s brightest technology minds gather for the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH) 5.0 and Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards.

From 9:00 AM (WAT), industry leaders, regulators, investors, and digital disruptors will converge under one compelling theme: “AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence.”
At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming global industries, AfriTECH 5.0 stands as a rallying point, a call to Africa to own its narrative, shape its technologies, and build sustainable digital systems powered by homegrown innovation.
“This isn’t just another tech conference,” says Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTECH 5.0. “It’s where bold ideas meet real impact, where Africa’s digital journey is redefined through collaboration, vision, and courage.”
The stage will welcome a constellation of thought leaders including Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, founder/Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Ltd., George Agu, Group President, ActivEdge Technologies, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria, Muhammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), and Dr. (Mrs.) Ebehijie Momoh CEO, AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited.
Others are; Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO, SKOT Communications, Mr. Chidi Okpala, Personal Branding Expert, Mr. Chudi Ajuzie, Group CEO, WTES Ltd, and John Itodo, AI & Tech Innovator for Emerging Markets.
This year’s event goes beyond speeches; it’s a story of Africa’s awakening. The Fireside Chat, hosted by Lagos Blockchain Week, featuring: Chukwuemeka Enoch Mbaebie, convener, Lagos Blockchain Week, Senator Ihenyen, lead partner at Infusion Lawyers, and past President of SiBAN, and Damilare Aregbesola, West Africa Lead – Coinbase, will ignite conversations around blockchain, transparency, and the continent’s march toward decentralized governance.
And when the day turns to mid-day, the spotlight shifts to the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards (ATAEx), a celebration of excellence, honoring individuals and organizations shaping Africa’s digital destiny.
Supported by Digital Encode (Platinum Sponsor), alongside itel, SKOT Communications, Tecom, AfriGoPay, Tizel Cybersecurity, and ActivEdge Technologies, AfriTECH 5.0 is powered by a shared vision: to make Africa’s digital future truly sovereign.
Backed by over 15 media outlets including, AriseTV, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, RavenewsOnline.com, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek.com.ng, GrassRoots.ng, ITPulse.com.ng TechnologyMirror.com.ng, DigitalTimesng.com, CyberEra.com.ng, TechnologyMirror.com.ng ITRealms.com.ng, SwiftReporters.com, BusinessRemarks, BusinessMetricsng.com, TechandBizNews, amongst others, attendance to AfriTECH 5.0 is free, but registration is required. For virtual participants, join live via this link.
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