The World Bank has named Mathew Verghis as its new Country Director for Nigeria. Verghis, an Indian economist with over two decades of global development experience, officially resumed the role on 1st July, taking over from Ndiame Diop, who has moved on to a new assignment within the organisation. In a statement issued on Friday, the World Bank described Verghis as a seasoned expert in economic policy, with a long track record of leadership across...

9mobile is set to resume widespread service across the country by the end of July following a national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria. The agreement, which has received the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was formally announced on Wednesday in Lagos. Under the three-year agreement, 9mobile subscribers will be able to access MTN’s extensive radio access network across Nigeria, effectively extending 9mobile’s coverage to areas previously underserved. The arrangement is expected to take...

Two Nigerian commercial banks—United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Wema Bank—have announced the resumption of international transactions on their naira debit cards. In separate statements issued to their customers, both banks confirmed that their naira cards can now be used for payments on international platforms, including for online purchases, point of sale (POS), and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions. UBA, in its announcement, noted that the development aligns with its commitment to improving the banking...

A network of shops selling unapproved skin-bleaching creams at Sabon Gari, Kano has been shut down by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday. The crackdown followed weeks of surveillance triggered by public complaints on social media. Already, six people have been arrested in connection with the illegal sales. NAFDAC’s Kano State Coordinator, Mr. Kasim Ibrahim, while speaking to Journalists said that the crackdown came after the agency received disturbing...

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has confirmed on Wednesday, that Nigeria recorded a trade surplus in the first quarter of 2025, driven by strong export performance and a decline in imports, with overall merchandise trade valued at ₦36,024.66 billion. The figure, according to NBS, represents a 6.19% increase compared to ₦33,925.72 billion recorded in the same period of 2024, but a 1.58% decrease from ₦36,604.83 billion in the previous quarter. According to the NBS,...

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has kicked off nationwide Cultural Reorientation Programme, with a landmark market activation event held on Wednesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. CREDICORP, which was established under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a national institution working to democratise access to consumer credit for hardworking Nigerians. The Corporation enables Nigerians to acquire essential goods and services, such as locally assembled vehicles, solar solutions, and...