December 2025 Archives

All Posts in "Month: December 2025"

FIRS, French Tax Agency Partner On Digital Transformation, Others

L…..R, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier,

Prepared to take off on a strong footing when it transitions to Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) next month, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) and its French counterpart, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFP), on Wednesday, signed a memorandum of understanding on areas of mutual interests and promotion of efficient tax administration.

Speaking at the French Embassy in Abuja where the event took place, FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, who signed for FIRS, said the event reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient, and more forward-looking tax administrations for the two countries.

The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, who signed on behalf of DGFP, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the two countries.

Adedeji, in a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, his Special Adviser on Media, listed digital transformation as one of such critical areas where Nigeria can leverage France’s advanced use of technology in compliance management, taxpayer services, and data-driven enforcement.

According to him, France will in return gain “fresh perspectives from Nigeria’s rapid digital expansion, our agile adoption of new tools, and the unique solutions we are developing for a fast-growing, technology-driven population.”

“This two-way exchange is essential as both countries adapt to emerging challenges such as Artificial Intelligence deployment, cybersecurity, and cross-border taxation,” Adedeji said.

Revealing that Nigeria will deliberately engage more with similar global partners, he said the partnership between France and Nigeria will enable the tax institutions to exchange ideas, share innovations, and learn from each other’s experiences.

“Another important aspect is workforce development. While we look forward to learning from France’s well-structured human capital systems, particularly in professional standards, continuous learning, and organizational discipline, we also believe that our experience in managing a young, dynamic and diverse workforce will offer valuable insights to DGFIP.

“Together, we can develop models that strengthen institutional culture, build global competencies, and prepare our respective institutions for the future of public finance administration.

“We also anticipate strong bilateral cooperation in international taxation, exchange of information, transfer pricing, and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting BEPS-related work.

“As economic activities become increasingly borderless, the ability of both our institutions to collaborate, share intelligence, and harmonise approaches will be crucial. This MoU provides exactly the platform we need to deepen that cooperation.

“As Nigeria moves into the era of the Nigerian Revenue Service, we see this partnership as a cornerstone of our transformation, one that will help us build a revenue administration that is modern, trusted, innovative, and globally connected,” the statement quoted Adedeji to have said.

by Online Poster — December 11, 2025 in News

Engr. Chris Amobi Invents Hydraulic Electricity Generating System Without Fossil Fuels

By Fidelia Okafor

Nigerian engineer, Engr. Chris Amobi has invented a Hydraulic Electricity Generating plant with the potential to power advanced systems including airplanes, ships, high-speed trains, autonomous vehicles, factories and homes, eliminating dependence on fossil fuels across multiple sectors, using the Principle of Converted Regenerative Device (PCRD).

The PCRD initiative represents a powerful economic catalyst, stimulating growth through both direct and indirect value creation. By providing a dependable 24/7 power supply, it enhances productivity for businesses, reduces reliance on costly fuel-based generators, and lowers operational expenses across industries for local manufacturing, logistics; service sectors also benefit through supply chain engagement and workforce participation.

The PCRD System uses a controlled-loop hydraulic liquid environment to generate continuous, self-sustaining electricity. Unlike traditional engines or hydropower systems, PCRD requires no combustion, weather dependence, or external fuel, instead creating power from internally recycled hydraulic motion.

For investors, the technology offers an attractive stable return on investment with strong long-term profitability. On a national scale, widespread PCRD deployment contributes to economic diversification, supports industrialisation, and strengthens energy security positioning Nigeria and Africa at large for sustainable economic resilience.

This was made known by Engr. Chris Amobi, CEO/Inventor, DMCA Energy, Nigeria Ltd while speaking at the End-of-Year Engagement Forum of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), held at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, Awolowo Road, Ikeja recently.

“Every watt generated through innovation, lights a path toward social growth, economic strength, and environmental balance.

“At DMCA Energy, our corporate goal extends beyond power generation, it is to redefine how energy drives progress across industries. Through the Principle of Converted Regenerative Device (PCRD), we are pioneering a new era of clean, self-sustaining energy systems capable of powering not only electricity networks, but also the technologies that shape modern civilization”, Amabi said.

According to him, DMCA Energy s deployment of PCRD technology delivers transformative social benefits by expanding access to reliable, affordable, and uninterrupted electricity. Communities that previously suffered from power shortages gain new opportunities for education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship through consistent energy access.

The project, Amobi continued promotes inclusion by empowering local populations with jobs in installation, maintenance, and operations, while also stimulating skills development in renewable technology. By bridging the energy gap across urban and rural areas, DMCA Energy helps improve quality of life, reduce poverty, and foster long-term social stability through energy-driven development.

DMCA Energy’s PCRD system offers by reducing greenhouse gas, a clean and sustainable alternative to emissions and dependence on fossil-based power generation, non-renewable resources, the producing zero emissions and PCRD aligns with global climate minimal environmental disturbance goals and supports Nigeria’s IT’s closed-loop regenerative design commitment to carbon reduction.

Looking ahead, DMCA Energy envisions the PCRD as a cornerstone technology for the next generation of global innovation beyond providing continuous electricity.

“Our mission is to expand the scope of renewable innovation by creating scalable systems that can be adapted for industrial machinery, transportation, and large-scale manufacturing, laying the groundwork for an energy-independent future that empowers people, industries, and nations alike.

“Our long-term vision is to collaborate with researchers, engineers, and governments to integrate PCRD technology into diverse applications from aerospace to industrial automation and driving a worldwide transition toward clean, regenerative energy solutions that redefine mobility, productivity, and environmental responsibility”, Amobi stated.

About DMCA Energy Nigeria Ltd

DMCA Energy is a Nigerian-registered, South Africa based energy innovation firm dedicated to developing clean, reliable, and scalable power systems for Africa and the world. The company focuses on applied engineering, sustainable energy systems, and breakthrough power technologies

by Online Poster — December 10, 2025 in News

Modion Rebrands as Creato Urban in Global Push

Modion Communications, one of Africa’s most awarded PR-led integrated communications agencies, yesterday announced a transformative rebrand as it celebrates a decade of creativity, strategic excellence, and reputation leadership.

Effective December 2025, the agency will operate as Creato Urban /kriːˈɑːtoʊ ˈɜːrbən/, unveiling a renewed identity that reflects expanded capabilities and a bold global outlook.

Over the last 10 years, Modion Communications has delivered some of the continent’s most impactful campaigns, shaping conversations, influencing culture, and driving brand transformation across more than 20 industries. Its decade-long journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements, including winning the prestigious SABRE Platinum Award, becoming the first and only Nigerian PR agency to receive this honour, and emerging as the first African PR agency to win the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) Next Gen World Cup. This milestone underscores the agency’s world-class creative excellence on the global stage.

“Reaching our 10-year milestone provided a powerful moment for reflection and reinvention,” said Odion Aleobua, Founder and CEO of Creato Urban. “Creato Urban signals the path we have been building towards – new, bold, daring, yet deeply strategic. It sharpens our belief in the power of creativity to shift how people think. This transition comes at a time when we are expanding our reach, strengthening our craft, and entering new spaces with audacity and inventive strategies across industries and regions.”

The transition into Creato Urban follows months of strategic planning, brand realignment, and the development of an expanded creative intelligence framework. The new identity represents the agency’s deepened focus on strategy, storytelling, digital intelligence, reputation and crisis leadership, culture shaping, and brand transformation, a suite designed to meet the evolving needs of African and global brands.

“Our work has always been rooted in unrelenting creativity,” Aleobua added. “Creato Urban carries that energy forward. It gives us the headspace to think more boldly, create without limits, and deliver work that shapes minds and markets.”

As Modion Communications evolves into Creato Urban, it remains committed to the excellence, innovation, and client partnership that defined its first decade—while stepping confidently into a future centered on global relevance and creative intelligence.

Creato Urban is a strategic communications and creative intelligence company that builds ideas, shaping minds and markets. Recognised across Africa and globally, the agency delivers strategy, storytelling, reputation leadership, digital solutions, and brand-building services for clients across diverse industries. Creato Urban is committed to redefining creativity, driving innovation, and delivering measurable impact with global resonance.

by Online Poster — December 10, 2025 in brands and Marketing

FMDQ SVP Seeks Pop Culture Adoption To Drive ISA 2025 Engagement Among Youths

The Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at FMDQ Group, Emmanuel Etaderhi, has urged regulators and market stakeholders to leverage popular culture, including musicians and footballers, to increase youth engagement with the recently enacted Investment Securities Act 2025.

Etaderhi made this call at the annual conference of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria held under the theme, ‘Regulatory Reforms: ISA 2025 and Investment Climate’ in Lagos.

The ISA 2025 has recognised virtual assets like cryptocurrencies and others, which hold strong appeal for young Nigerians. According to the Chainalysis report, Sub-Saharan Africa is the third-fastest growing crypto market globally, behind only Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The region received $205bn in on-chain value during the review period, a 52 per cent increase year-on-year. This jump was said to have been driven mostly by young Nigerians seeking to hedge against inflation and safeguard value.

The SVP of FMDQ speaking at the conference said, “If you come to FMDQ these days, you will be surprised. I think we are more than 70 per cent youth. The young people, those people who are doing crypto and have the knowledge about digital currencies. Those people who have knowledge about the new products that have been introduced, the greater population in our offices, the smart tech guys, we are essentially a tech company.

“So it’s not just a document for today. It’s a document for the future. It’s a document that guarantees Nigeria’s development towards really becoming that beacon of hope, beacon of hope for Africa, the light of Africa. I insist, go back to the youths. Why? Because, as we all observed, this document gives life to their dreams and aspirations. But one aspect that is very vital, in all the gatherings, in all the engagements, in all the conferences and awareness sessions, which forum has called the youths together to explain this document to them in a language they understand?”

Highlighting the way to bridge that gap, Etaderhi added, “The reason they can swiftly change to the fintech is that these things are available to them digitally. They are available to them easily at the tip of their fingers. So your education programme, your awareness creation programme, your capacity building programme must be anchored on those digitalised sources.

“The youths believe in skits a lot. They believe a lot in things that have to do with followers, likes, and podcasts. If you want to teach them, you use their methodology to teach them so that they can understand and evolve their own ways of learning. You can’t use the old methods of learning to engage and attract youths; they don’t have the time to be reading one long article or one long essay. You need to put it into digitalised formats so that you can attract them.

“You need to get endorsements from the big-time artists. Recognise individuals in the artistic space. Nigeria has colonised this world with music. In the deep heart of Morocco, Burna Boy is well-known. In Ireland, Davido is well-known. Everywhere, you need to bring these icons. Use them as a means to convey messages to the youths because the youths will always follow them. Major artists, major footballers. Football is something that’s crazily affecting all youths.

Use the means of these icons to attract attention to the capital markets. Bring them as your idols and ambassadors. Teach them first and enable them to spread the message to these youths because to attract somebody, you must look at what attracts the person’s attention.” Speaking on the importance of reaching younger investors, Etaderhi said the law is “not just for today; it is for the future” and provides opportunities in digital currencies, sustainable finance, and innovative instruments like Sukuk. He emphasised that to capture the attention of Nigeria’s youth, financial education and awareness programs must be delivered in formats they understand, including skits, podcasts, social media, and endorsements from cultural icons.

Highlighting FMDQ’s involvement in shaping ISA 2025, Etaderhi noted that the organisation participated in multiple committees, consultations, and engagements with legislators and market players. “Two of our young professionals were recognised for their contributions, and this demonstrates the importance of including youth perspectives in developing forward-looking legislation,” he said.

Etaderhi stressed that ISA 2025 has the potential to transform Nigeria’s capital markets by fostering innovation, increasing transparency, and aligning investment opportunities with the aspirations of young Nigerians. “If we engage the youth properly, using the channels they follow and admire, we can ensure that ISA 2025 is understood, embraced, and fully implemented,” he said.

On increasing awareness for Sukuks, a Sharia-compliant financial instrument that has funded infrastructure projects such as road development across Nigeria, Etaderhi said the ISA 2025 provides for it, and stakeholders could play a lot more in it.

“It (ISA 2025) speaks to digital currencies. It speaks to the description of SDGs in terms of composite and non-composite. It speaks to things like non-interest financial instruments. We are travelling from Asaba to Enugu. On the road, you see, this road was developed by Sukuk. Sukuk is an instrument that we are not giving real push to. In spite of the fact that faith-wise, more than 50 per cent of us believe in that kind of instrument,” he said.

by Online Poster — December 10, 2025 in Capital Market

Civil Groups Dismissed Attacks On FIRS Chairman To Step Aside

Two prominent civic organisations have sharply condemned what they describe as an orchestrated, politically motivated campaign to force the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacchaeus Adedeji, to step aside.

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) and the Southwest Unity Forum, in separate statements issued yesterday, accused unnamed power brokers of fueling a smear operation aimed at derailing ongoing tax reforms and undermining Nigeria’s economic stability.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the Campaign for Democracy dismissed the demands for Adedeji’s removal as “baseless, malicious and politically sponsored.”

The group said the coalition calling for the FIRS chairman to step aside was “faceless” and unrepresentative of any credible national constituency, insisting that its claims were “fraudulent, deceptive and orchestrated by economic saboteurs violently opposed” to the agency’s reforms.

CD argued that Adedeji’s tenure has brought professionalism, modernisation and transparency to Nigeria’s tax administration, earning broad public support. The organisation warned that those attacking the FIRS chief are individuals threatened by rising efficiency and integrity in revenue collection.

It urged Nigerians to reject what it called a “reckless campaign of calumny” and pledged continued vigilance over all public office holders to ensure accountability and good governance.

Echoing the CD’s concerns, the Southwest Unity Forum issued an equally forceful statement warning against what it described as a “coordinated political witch-hunt” targeting the FIRS chairman.

Signed by Hon. (Dr.) Matthew Oyedokun, the Forum’s statement said the calls for Adedeji’s removal were “unfounded” and driven by persons threatened by reforms that are blocking leakages, reducing wastage and expanding the non-oil tax base.

The Forum described the allegations circulating in the media as a “classic smear tactic devoid of facts and engineered to intimidate a performing public servant.”

It noted that some groups that previously accused Adedeji of wrongdoing later retracted their claims and issued public apologies, demonstrating what it said was a pattern of fabricated scandals designed to erode public trust in reform-minded leaders.

According to the Forum, the push to oust the FIRS chairman at a time when reforms are gaining momentum amounts to “sabotage, pure and simple.”

Such destabilisation, it argued, threatens investor confidence and signals that Nigeria punishes performance while rewarding conspiracy.

Youth groups and civic organisations, it added, have similarly dismissed the attacks as “futile blackmail” orchestrated by “faceless opportunists.”

Both organisations warned that efforts to undermine the FIRS leadership risk dragging Nigeria backward at a critical moment for economic repositioning.

They urged the Federal Government to remain resolute, insisting that accountability must be based on verifiable evidence rather than “fabricated petitions, sponsored protests or media hysteria.”

Reaffirming support for Adedeji, the Southwest Unity Forum praised him as a “courageous reformist” working for national interest rather than for political godfathers.

CD similarly emphasised that Nigeria’s economic transformation must not be derailed by those who profit from systemic decay.

Despite the escalating controversy, both groups said their commitment to monitoring public institutions remains firm, stressing that while reformers must be protected from politically driven attacks, transparency and good governance remain paramount.

by Online Poster — December 10, 2025 in News

Airtel Africa Foundation Celebrates International Volunteer Day

By Winifred Bosa

Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has marked International Volunteer Day 2025 by celebrating the impact of the Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), a flagship initiative by which employees volunteer their time, expertise, and personal resources to advancing the Foundation’s mission across 14 African markets.

The celebration brought together volunteers at the Airtel Nigeria Headquarters in Lagos for moments of team bonding activities, testimonials, and volunteer spotlights.

The event also served as a call to action, encouraging more employees to register for EVP activities and join the volunteer community.

The EVP has become a cornerstone of Airtel Africa Foundation’s community impact, empowering employees to drive local CSR initiatives and champion causes that promote education, digital skills, environmental responsibility, and youth empowerment.

Through the programme, volunteers have contributed significantly to initiatives such as the International Day of Education Essay Competition, Teacher-for-a-Day sessions, beach clean-ups, market sensitisation exercises to reduce plastic waste, and the Airtel-3MTT NextGen Fellowship for young Nigerians.

Speaking about the celebration, Dinesh Balsingh, Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, said, “International Volunteer Day reminds us that real impact begins with people who are willing to show up and serve.

Today we honour the incredible dedication of Airtel employees, whose selfless commitment of time and talent is the engine behind our progress. Their contribution is the backbone of our work and the reason we continue to transform communities across Africa.”

Over the years, the EVP in Nigeria has delivered tangible outcomes through numerous impactful initiatives such as financial donations to the Lagos State Government COVID-19 control efforts.

In 2025 alone, volunteers have contributed more than 200 hours of service, reaching over 100,000 beneficiaries.

Commenting on the commitment of Airtel Nigeria’s employees, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, said, “Volunteering is at the heart of who we are.

Behind every empowered learner, every restored environment, and every connected community is an individual who believed in making a difference, and we are thankful for your participation.

Our mission remains clear: to use technology, resources, and our collective humanity to build a digitally inclusive, socially responsible, and sustainable Africa.”

International Volunteer Day provides a global moment to honour volunteers whose contributions often go unseen but deliver lasting impact.

As its EVP continues to grow, Airtel Africa Foundation remains committed to expanding access to education, digital literacy, environmental care, and opportunities for underserved communities across the continent.

by Online Poster — December 9, 2025 in brands and Marketing

NAFDAC Becomes Full-Fledged ICH Member

By Winifred Bosa

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced a historic milestone in Nigerias regulatory space: NAFDAC has officially been admitted into full membership of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) from an Observer status.

The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) is a select body comprising leading regulatory authorities and the pharmaceutical industry.

It is dedicated to advancing the scientific and technical principles of pharmaceutical development.

Through the development of harmonised technical guidelines, the ICH safeguards public health by ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and high-quality medicines worldwide.

Below is the press statement from NAFDAC.

NAFDACs journey toward full ICH membership commenced in the last quarter of 2022, when the Director General was advised to apply for Observership status.

Following the submission and approval of the application, NAFDAC was invited to participate in the 2023 ICH meeting in Vancouver, Canada, where the Agency delivered a formal presentation as part of the evaluation process. NAFDAC was subsequently granted Observership and provided with a set of membership requirements.

Over the next two years, the Agency undertook a series of capacity-building activities, including training on multiple ICH guidelines to demonstrate effective implementation, as well as active participation in Expert Working Groups.

These steps formed the foundation of the rigorous membership pathway.

The Agency fulfilled the necessary requirements in April 2025 following the successful international workshop on ICH M13A (Bioequivalence), during which NAFDAC convened stakeholders in Lagosincluding manufacturersand engaged virtually with Heads of regional regulatory agencies.

Our methodical and structured approach to meeting the criteria was central to this achievement. In addition, the support received from Northeastern University, Boston, USA, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the training programs significantly contributed to the Agencys attainment of ICH membership status.

This pronouncement was made by the Assembly of the International Council for Harmonisation t at the in- person meeting which took place on 18-19 November 2025 in Singapore.

The official announcement was later made through a Press Release by the ICH on 26th November 2025 on their website – https://ich.org/.

This achievement places Nigeria among global leaders committed to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. For our citizens, it means better access to high-quality medical products.

For our pharmaceutical manufacturers, it opens the door to improved competitiveness and greater confidence in Nigerian-made products at home and abroad.

There are 194 regulatory agencies globally, and Nigeria is now the 24th among the select group of 25 national regulatory authorities (NRAs) worldwide currently committed to implementing globally harmonised, science-based regulatory standards through ICH membership.

To be part of the 25 NRAs is significant and for our country, it represents a major step forward in strengthening the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines available to our population.

The good news was shared with our H.E. Omayuli Francisca Kemi, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Singapore who warmly welcomed the NAFDAC Team to Singapore.

What This Means for Nigeria

1. Regulation of Medicines using Global Standards

Full membership empowers NAFDAC to actively shape and implement harmonised technical guidelines that match international best practices, leading to better regulatory decisions and improved public health outcomes.

2. Improved Access to High-Quality Medicines

Patients in Nigeria will benefit from faster access to innovative, life-saving therapies, as alignment with ICH standards enhances regulatory efficiency and builds international confidence in our systems.

3. Enhanced Capacity and Technical Expertise

Membership provides Nigeria with access to cutting-edge scientific knowledge, training, and collaboration opportunities, strengthening NAFDACs technical workforce and institutional capacity.

4. Increased Confidence in Nigerian Pharmaceutical Products and Attraction for Foreign Investment

Our local manufacturers stand to benefit significantly from this development. Adoption of ICH guidelines improves product quality, boosts competitiveness, and facilitates partnership with multi-national companies and entry into regional and global markets.

5. Stronger Global Partnerships

Full membership reinforces Nigerias position as a strategic regulatory partner within Africa, contributing to stronger regional collaboration and supporting the African Medicines Agency (AMA) vision.

Acknowledgment of Contributions

This achievement did not happen overnight. It is the result of years of sustained commitment, leadership under the Director General, Prof Moji Adeyeye, and technical excellence across the Agency.

We proudly acknowledge the dedicated NAFDAC staff who have served and continue to serve as members of the ICH Expert Working Groups (EWGs).

Their rigorous scientific input, countless hours of document review, expert contributions, and unwavering professionalism helped demonstrate that Nigeria possesses the competence and systems required of an ICH member.

Planning of the international trainings was facilitated by the current Director of Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products who was previously in Drug Evaluation and Research Directorate.

The efforts of the staff have brought prestige not only to NAFDAC but also to the Federal Republic of Nigeria who in its wisdom extended the tenure of the Director General for sustainability of the achievements during her first term as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

This shows that Nigerian regulatory scientists can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global experts, influencing standards that protect billions of people.

A Commitment to Continued Excellence

As a full ICH member, NAFDAC remains committed to:

The full and consistent implementation of ICH guidelines.

Strengthening Nigerias regulatory ecosystem.

Supporting local pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.

Maintaining the highest levels of transparency, integrity, and science-based decision making.

Demonstrating that NAFDAC is commited to Safeguarding the Health of the Nation.

This is a proud moment for NAFDAC, for Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, and for Africa.

It signals our countrys commitment to global standards and marks another important step in ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe, high-quality, and effective medicines.

We extend our gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, our local and international partners, and the Nigerian people for their continued support.

NAFDAC will continue to safeguard public healthnow reinforced with the full strength and collaboration of the ICH global community.

by Online Poster — December 9, 2025 in News

SanlamAllianz Nigeria Named Amongst Top 50 Good To Great Companies

L-R: Chris Ekwonwa, Group Head Strategy, Marketing and Customer Relations; Tunde Mimiko, MD/CEO and Bankole Banjo, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager all of SanlamAllianz Nigeria pose with the awards.

..As MImiko Wins Life Insurance Leader Of The Year

In another affirmation of its leading status in the comity of insurers in Nigeria, SanlamAllianz Nigeria was named amongst the top 50 Good to Great Companies (Certified) by Business Times, a growing business and finance publication based in Lagos.

The honour recognises forward-looking companies operating in Nigeria with sound corporate governance, visible community impact, financial stability and employee confidence.

The firm’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tunde Mimiko, was also named the Life Insurance Personality of the Year at the African Prize for Leadership Excellence. The prize brings together prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, high ranking government officials from various walks of life.

Organised by The African Institute for Leadership Excellence in collaboration with African Leadership Review Media Ltd supported by the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) for the fifth year running, the prize rewards winners who have made “outstanding contributions to the development of the continent…while displaying high standards of good corporate citizenship, social and environmental responsibilities.”

“It is one thing to do great work in your little corner, but it is an honour to be so recognised. This shows that the much we do as a business and as individuals get the right attention and we are delighted to be so honoured,” Tunde Mimiko said in his response to the awards. “I want to dedicate this award and prize to the entire team at SanlamAllianz Nigeria, for their commitment to our corporate goals and unyielding drive to ensuring we remain on top. Without the team, the leader is just another individual,” he concluded.

Chris Ekwonwa , the Group Head, Strategy, Marketing and Customer Relations, applauded these milestones while affirming their commitment to increasing customer confidence and insurance penetration in Nigeria. “We aim to sustain our momentum while contributing to the Nigerian insurance market’s growth,” he said.

These latest gongs complete a quintet of awards and honours that have come to the recently rebranded company within the past one month: FiBOP honoured the firm as Most Visible Insurance Company, Netcore/Infytel recognised the company as Insight-Driven Innovators, NiRA recognised their less-than-a-year-old website, www.sanlamallianz.com.ng as the .NG Insurance Website of the year, and now the top 50 Good to Great Company as well as the Leadership Prize for their MD/CEO, Mr Tunde Mimiko.

Formed as a merger of Sanlam, Africa’s biggest non-banking financial services firm and Allianz, easily the world’s most recogniseable insurance brand in a JV across 28 countries on the continent, SanlamAllianz has become the clear leader in the non-banking financial services industry in Africa with strong commitments to be top two in every market in which they operate. Consummated in Nigeria as SanlamAllianz Nigeria in June 2025, the brand immediately embarked on a rebrand campaign which saw it dominate headlines to the delight of industry watchers.

by Online Poster — December 9, 2025 in Industry

SEC To Unveil USSD Code, ISS Audio At Q4 CMC Meeting

In alignment with the Commission’s commitment to deepening market accessibility, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to unveil two innovative products: a USSD Service and ISA Audio, designed to democratize information dissemination and enhance investor engagement.

According to the Commission, the unveiling will take place at the forthcoming Capital Market Committee Meeting scheduled for December 8 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, while the regular inteeeface with journalists is expected to take place on December 9, 2025.

The SEC disclosed that the forthcoming CMC will interrogate critical themes germane to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s capital market. Central to these deliberations include discussion on global macroeconomic dynamics and their transmission effects on domestic financial markets, as well as the importance of cross-border financial integration within the African context.

“Equally salient are discourses on unlocking pension fund investments, enhancing market liquidity, and stimulating innovation through targeted regulatory reforms.

“A significant component of the programme will be devoted to evaluating the trajectory of the Capital Market Master Plan (CMMP). This will encompass a comprehensive review of key achievements and the formal sunset of the 2025 CMMP, alongside the articulation of a strategic framework for the 2030 CMMP Plan” the Commission stated.

Furthermore, the agenda incorporates an analytical session on Nigeria’s recent tax reform legislation and its implications for capital market efficiency and investor confidence.

The SEC said, Collectively, these discourses and initiatives underscore the strategic resolve to reposition the Nigerian capital market as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, consistent with national development objectives and global best practices.

The CMC is an industry-wide body comprising the SEC, capital market operators, trade groups, and other stakeholders.

It serves as a pivotal platform for dialogue, facilitates the exchange of ideas, addresses key issues impacting market growth and organisation, and collaborates on shaping the market’s future.

The committee was established primarily as a means for stakeholders to exchange ideas and provide feedback to the SEC, aiding in the continuous improvement of market operations and regulatory frameworks.

The meeting is expected to draw CEOs from all registered capital market firms, including brokers/dealers, investment advisers, custodians, fund/portfolio managers, and more.

by Online Poster — December 8, 2025 in Capital Market

Nigeria Moves Toward T+1 Settlement As SEC Unveils Broad Market Reforms

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a series of wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening market efficiency, deepening investor confidence, and accelerating the digital transformation of Nigeria’s capital market.

SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, unveiled the initiatives during the second Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting for 2025, where he also confirmed Nigeria’s move toward a T+1, and eventually T+0 settlement cycle.

In his address, Agama noted that the transition from T+3 to T+2 settlement for equities, implemented on November 28, marked a major milestone for the Nigerian capital market and aligned it more closely with global best practice.

He explained that shorter settlement cycles will enhance liquidity, reduce counterparty risk, and accelerate capital reinvestment.

The reform now applies across the Nigerian Exchange, NASD OTC Securities Exchange, and Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange.

The SEC DG outlined broader market developments since the last CMC meeting in May, including the upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating and the country’s removal from the FATF grey list. He said these achievements have boosted investor confidence and improved prospects for capital inflows. Inflation has also moderated, with the headline rate easing to 16.05 per cent year-on-year in October, the lowest level since March 2025.

Agama reported strong capital-raising activities between April and October, with significant transactions approved across debt, equity, and commercial paper markets.

Notable programmes include the N500bn Climate Funding SPV and the N200bn Elektron Finance bond, reflecting growing investor interest in infrastructure and sustainable finance.

The commercial paper market remained active, with over N753bn issued across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and agriculture.

He said these figures demonstrate sustained confidence in the market’s regulatory framework.

Despite these positives, the market faced headwinds in November when the Nigerian Exchange recorded its steepest monthly decline on record. Market capitalization fell by N6.54trn, while the All-Share Index dropped nearly 7 per cent. The downturn was driven by profit-taking ahead of the planned 30 per cent Capital Gains Tax, weakened sentiment in banking stocks, and broader policy and global uncertainties.

However, Agama noted that the market has since shown resilience, with modest recovery following government reassurances on fiscal and tax policy, and remains significantly positive year-to-date.

The SEC is intensifying its market development and financial inclusion efforts through education-based initiatives, including the integration of capital market studies into the national secondary school curriculum in collaboration with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.

At the tertiary level, the Commission partnered with Nnamdi Azikiwe University for a conference focused on leveraging capital market opportunities for SME growth.

Regionally, the SEC continues to reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in non-interest finance.

The Commission recently engaged a Bank of Ghana delegation on regulatory frameworks for non-interest capital markets, highlighting Nigeria’s N1.4trn sovereign Sukuk issuances and the growth of Islamic mutual funds. Planning is also underway for a Municipal Bond and Sukuk Summit scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

Agama emphasized ongoing efforts to deepen the commodities and derivatives ecosystem.

The SEC is collaborating with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to update commodity standards, working with insurance brokers to enhance risk mitigation, and partnering with the Ministry of Solid Minerals to unlock funding for mining companies. It is also engaging the Central Bank of Nigeria to secure liquidity status for warehouse receipts while strengthening oversight of commodity exchanges through inspections and financial reviews.

The Commission is advancing new rules under the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 to support commodity exchanges, collateral managers, warehouse operators, and warehouse receipt issuers. Study tours of exchanges and clearing agencies are informing updated regulatory frameworks, while work continues on harmonizing rules to align with ISA mandates. Engagements with commodity exchanges such as Gezawa and NCX have also helped revive their operations.

In the derivatives market, the SEC is collaborating with stakeholders to deploy a real-time surveillance system to reinforce market integrity. Updated rules on central counterparties, derivatives trading, online forex, and NG Clearing operations have been submitted to the Rules Committee. A draft systemic risk management rule is also being developed to require stronger risk governance frameworks across regulated entities.

Agama highlighted the Commission’s technology-driven regulatory reforms, including automation through the Digital Transformation Portal, which now allows capital market operators to submit applications, upload documents, and track approvals online. A commercial paper issuance module has been launched, with automation of quarterly and annual returns underway. The SEC is upgrading IT infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity to support these reforms.

He also presented findings from the Technology Adoption Survey conducted in May 2025, which revealed that while cloud computing and cybersecurity tools are gaining traction, adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data remains below 10 percent. Yet more than 70 percent of firms plan to adopt AI, blockchain, and regulatory technology within three years. Challenges include high implementation costs, skill shortages, and legacy system integration.

Agama stressed that innovation must go hand-in-hand with ethical and responsible deployment. He reminded operators that safeguarding investor data, preventing market abuse, and maintaining operational resilience are essential to building trust—the foundation of any capital market.

He also announced that the SEC will implement a Harmonized Corporate Governance Reporting Template for public companies to streamline disclosures, eliminate duplication, and reduce compliance burdens. The template will unify reporting across SEC regulations, the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018, and the Business Facilitation Act 2022.

Looking ahead, the renewal of registration for capital market operators will take place from January 1 to 31, 2026, while electronic receipt and processing of registration applications will commence in the first quarter of 2026.

Agama concluded by reaffirming the SEC’s commitment to building a resilient, transparent, and innovation-driven capital market that can serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. He said the Commission remains guided by the principle that “a strong capital market is not built in a day; it is shaped by vision, collaboration, and resilience.”

by Online Poster — December 8, 2025 in Capital Market