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Unlocking Nigeria’s Digital Economy: What 2025 Means for Investors by Reuben Kalu

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Reuben Kalu
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In recent years, Nigeria has made considerable strides in embracing the digital revolution. As 2025 unfolds, the nation’s digital landscape reveals a mix of tremendous growth, evolving technologies, and lingering challenges. Drawing insights from the latest “Digital 2025” global report by DataReportal, we examine how Nigeria is positioned to harness emerging digital trends and what the outlook means for individuals, businesses, and policymakers.

Reuben Kalu

Internet Penetration: A Nation Going Online

The internet is fast becoming a lifeline for many Nigerians. According to recent trends, Nigeria, like much of Sub-Saharan Africa, is witnessing a steady increase in internet penetration. The “Digital 2024 October Global Statshot Report” already highlighted a surge in internet usage last year, and 2025 is expected to continue on an upward trajectory.

From urban hubs like Lagos and Abuja to emerging towns across the country, mobile internet access is enabling millions to connect, learn, and transact in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. This surge is largely driven by affordable smartphones, expanding mobile networks, and a youthful population eager to explore digital tools.

Social Media: A Digital Community on the Rise

Social media engagement in Nigeria continues to climb. The latest insights from DataReportal’s “Digital 2025: The State of Social Media” show that less than half of the connected population in Sub-Saharan Africa were using social media at the beginning of 2025. Still, the numbers are climbing, and Nigeria is a key player in this trend.

Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok dominate the social scene, not only for social interaction but also for business marketing, civic engagement, and education. Influencer culture, social commerce, and video content are reshaping how Nigerians consume and create information. Small businesses, in particular, are leveraging these platforms to reach wider audiences and scale faster than ever before.

The AI Wave: Nigeria’s Emerging Potential

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a far-off concept—it’s here, and it’s making waves. While the global spotlight is on AI’s transformative power, Nigeria stands at the threshold of an AI-driven future. According to DataReportal’s “AI Making Gains” section, the global adoption of AI tools is accelerating, and while Nigeria-specific data is limited, the implications are significant.

In Nigeria, startups and tech innovators are beginning to integrate AI into their products and services. Chatbots are enhancing customer service, AI-driven tools are streamlining data analysis, and educational platforms are adopting machine learning for personalized learning experiences. As digital literacy improves and AI tools become more accessible, we can expect broader adoption across industries like transportation, health and hygiene,  fintech, and agriculture.

E-Commerce and Mobile Payments: The Rise of Digital Transactions

With a growing number of internet users and smartphones, e-commerce in Nigeria is thriving. Homegrown platforms like Jumia and Konga, alongside global entrants, are transforming how Nigerians shop. Whether it’s fashion, electronics, or groceries, consumers are embracing the convenience of online shopping.

At the heart of this revolution is mobile payments. From USSD codes to digital wallets and banking apps, cashless transactions are becoming the norm. This trend not only enhances transaction speed but also supports financial inclusion for underserved populations. The push towards a digital economy is evident, and with increased trust in payment systems, e-commerce growth is set to skyrocket.

Digital Infrastructure and Literacy: Bridging the Gap

Despite the progress, Nigeria still grapples with infrastructural and educational gaps. Internet accessibility in rural areas remains inconsistent, and electricity challenges hinder digital participation. Moreover, digital literacy is uneven, with many citizens unaware of the full potential of online tools.

To bridge this divide, stakeholders must invest in public-private partnerships. Government initiatives focused on expanding broadband coverage, coupled with community-based digital skills programs, can empower more Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: A Growing Concern

As digital adoption rises, so does the risk of cyber threats. Personal data protection, financial fraud, and online harassment are becoming more prevalent issues. For Nigeria to maintain momentum in its digital journey, there must be stronger emphasis on cybersecurity education and regulation.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is already taking steps in this direction, but more collaboration is needed between the government, private sector, and civil society to create a safe digital environment.

Opportunities Ahead: What This Means for Nigerians

For individuals, the digital transformation means access to better education, remote job opportunities, and faster communication. For entrepreneurs and businesses, it opens up new markets, smarter tools, and innovative business models. For the government, digital tools offer better citizen engagement, streamlined services, and improved transparency.

Youth, in particular, are set to benefit immensely. With the right training and exposure, Nigeria’s young population can drive tech innovation, develop world-class products, and position Nigeria as a global digital force.

A Digital Nigeria is Taking Shape

The digital outlook for Nigeria in 2025 is both exciting and transformative. With rising internet usage, growing social media communities, and increasing AI integration, Nigeria is clearly on the path to becoming a major player in the global digital economy.

But this future won’t build itself. It will require intentional investment, smart policies, and a collective effort from every sector of society. The opportunities are vast—and for those ready to embrace the digital leap, the rewards will be even greater.

As we navigate the rest of 2025 and look to the years beyond, one thing is certain: Nigeria’s digital journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.

 


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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DStv Offers Instant Package Upgrade for Customers from January to February

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DStv has launched a new campaign tagged “We Got You”, aimed at giving customers more entertainment value at the start of the year without additional cost.

DStv Offers Instant Package Upgrade for Customers from January to February

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The campaign, which runs from January 1 to February 28, 2026, allows subscribers who pay for their current package in full to enjoy an automatic upgrade to the next DStv package.

The initiative is designed to ease the pressure that often comes with January, a period marked by school resumption, tighter budgets and increased household demands.

Through the offer, DStv is rewarding customer loyalty by unlocking more channels, stories, sports, children’s content, local productions and international programmes at no extra charge.

Speaking on the campaign, Tope Oshunkeye, Executive Head of Marketing, West Africa, MultiChoice, said, “We want our customers to step into the year feeling valued.

“When you buy your package, we upgrade you because you deserve more. This is our way of bringing extra excitement, choice and convenience into your home.”

According to DStv, the offer is open to existing subscribers who remain active during the promotion period, customers who reconnect their decoders, and new subscribers who join between January 1 and February 28.

Under the offer, subscribers who pay for DStv Yanga will be upgraded to DStv Confam, Confam customers will receive DStv Compact, Compact subscribers will be upgraded to Compact Plus, while Compact Plus customers will enjoy access to DStv Premium.

The upgrade applies only to decoder viewing, and subscribers will revert to their original packages at the end of the promotion period.


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FIRS Transforms into NRS as Nigeria Ushers in New Tax Era

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Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially given way to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), signalling a pivotal shift in the country’s revenue administration framework as the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025 takes full effect from January 1, 2026.

FIRS Transforms into NRS as Nigeria Ushers in New Tax Era

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the landmark legislation in June 2025, alongside a comprehensive package of tax reforms designed to streamline compliance, expand the tax net and bolster federal revenue for critical infrastructure and social services.

At a colourful ceremony in Abuja on December 30, 2025, NRS Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, unveiled the agency’s new logo and corporate identity, describing it as a beacon of modernisation and efficiency.

Adedeji, who doubles as the pioneer helmsman, stated that the fresh branding embodies “a renewed commitment to a unified, service-driven revenue system” in line with global standards and Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

“The new identity underscores continuity in mandate, enhanced capacity and proactive taxpayer support, fostering trust and shared prosperity,” he added, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Dare Adekanmbi.

The NRS emergence caps decades of advocacy for tax overhaul, repealing the FIRS (Establishment) Act 2007 and vesting the new body with broader powers for revenue assessment, collection and accountability.

Judicial hurdles were cleared when an FCT High Court dismissed suits seeking to stall implementation, paving the way for the four key Acts — Nigeria Revenue Service, Tax Administration, Nigeria Tax and Joint Revenue Board — to roll out seamlessly.

Despite pockets of controversy, including claims of bill alterations, the Budget Office affirmed the laws’ authenticity, prioritising fiscal stability and investor confidence.

For ordinary Nigerians and enterprises, the NRS promises simplified processes, digital innovations and reduced red tape to ease compliance burdens while curbing evasion.

Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Chairman, Mrs Aderonke Atoyebi, reassured that core values of integrity, fairness and professionalism persist, with staff nationwide driving the transition.

Industry watchers anticipate a surge in non-oil revenue, crucial as Nigeria navigates global headwinds, with the NRS positioned to elevate the tax-to-GDP ratio through transparent engagement.


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How to Use the Correlation of Gold with Other Trading Assets in the Forex Market

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Gold remains one of the most powerful commodities in the global financial architecture. It is widely recognized that, for traders in Nigeria, specifically, currency pressures, inflation expectations, and shifts in global liquidity make up the macro environment more often than not; hence, understanding the correlation of gold with key Forex assets is more of an economic insight than a trading tactic.

The correlation between gold and currencies, equities, bonds, and even energy markets provides a broader framework for interpreting global risk sentiment. A growing number of Nigerian investors use this correlation to hedge against inflation, read capital-flow trends, and adjust trading strategies across major currency pairs.

Why Gold Matters in Today’s Macro Environment

This can be explained by looking at the larger picture and how global factors either positively or negatively impact the price of gold: spiraling inflation, geopolitical tension, tightening by central banks, and the flight-to-safety dynamic that heightens in moments of market stress. African traders, especially those active with international brokers such as JustMarkets, are very sensitive to how gold performs not only as a commodity but also as a macro indicator.

Indeed, the strongest correlations of gold are more often found with the US dollar, major bond markets, equity indices, and energy instruments in periods of high geopolitical risk. Each one of these offers a different angle for Nigerian traders to approach macroeconomic changes.

Gold and US Dollar: The Most Watched Correlation

The inverse correlation between XAU and the USD remains one of the bedrock relationships in global finance. It usually weighs on gold because a stronger dollar raises the opportunity cost of holding the metal. Conversely, the opposite has occurred when the market has priced in rate cuts, rising inflation, or policy uncertainty.

This relationship provides Forex traders in Nigeria with a macro perspective:

  • USD strength; pressure on gold; bullish signals for USD-pairs like USD/JPY or USD/CHF

  • USD weakness; appreciation of gold; potential strengthening of the non-USD majors

This dynamic is often emphasized by platforms such as JustMarkets in their markets analytics, allowing traders to match the technical setup with real policy shifts from the Federal Reserve.

Gold and Bond Yields: A Window into Global Risk Appetite

Gold is highly sensitive to real interest rates. When US real yields fell, it sent gold higher because investors saw it as a hedge against inflation and thus a haven. Yet higher yields tend to dampen demand for precious metals.

To traders, this correlation is a reason for short-run volatility around announcements like:

  • US CPI

  • FOMC decisions

  • Results of Treasury auctions

In countries like Nigeria, when domestic inflation is high and Naira pressure amplifies sensitivity to global risk, the movement of gold often proves an early indicator of how capital might rotate between safe havens and risk assets worldwide.

Gold and Equity Markets: The Fear Gauge

While geopolitical tensions or recession fears tend to deflate equity markets, they strengthen gold. This negative relationship is considered helpful for traders looking to deduce spikes in volatility and risk-off flows. Examples include:

  • Sharp US30 or NAS100 declines coupled with XAU/USD rallies

  • Broad-based sell-offs driven by political uncertainty or commodity shocks

This dynamic helps explain to the Nigerian analysts focused on policy and political economy how global risk events transmit to the local market through capital-flow sentiment.

Gold and Energy: Transmission via the Inflation Channels

Although gold and oil are not directly correlated, both respond to inflation expectations. Surging oil prices can fuel inflation forecasts that support the price of gold.

This channel is particularly important in the case of Nigeria, a major oil exporter. When crude markets temporarily tighten due to supply disruptions or OPEC policy decisions, gold becomes a complement to hedge against global inflation risk.

Trading with the Use of Gold Correlations

A structured approach allows traders to put gold’s relationships into practice:

  1. Start with the macro driver.
    Identify whether inflation, geopolitics, or monetary policy is the primary force shaping markets.

  2. Translate the macro event into correlation expectations.
    Example: falling bond yields lead to a weaker USD, which in turn supports gold and could lead to upside in EUR/USD.

  3. Use correlation clusters instead of isolated signals.
    Gold + USD + bonds provide a more reliable picture than gold alone.

  4. Apply risk management aligned with volatility cycles.
    Gold’s volatility often spills over into major currency pairs.

Market platforms like JustMarkets emphasize these cross-asset links to help traders simplify complex macro interactions into actionable insights.

Why Nigerian Traders Pay Close Attention

The Nigerian economy is highly integrated into global commodity flows; inflation cycles, dollar liquidity, and geopolitical developments tend to reach the local market faster than the pace at which policy adjustments can be made.

Gold serves as a barometer of global risk, a hedge against currency depreciation, and a signal of moves in the key USD pairs that headline Nigeria’s trading activity.

In a region increasingly active in the Forex market, understanding the relationships involving gold is not just about trading but also a strategic tool for analyzing global economic behavior


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