Author: Nationalmonitor

Ukandu E. Ukandu, Managing Director/CEO of FirstCap Limited, a leading investment banking firm and subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., has reaffirmed that payment security remains the most decisive factor in determining whether gas and power projects in Nigeria secure financing. He shared this perspective during a panel discussion on project bankability at the 2026 SPE Lagos Energy Week.Ukandu noted that although several risks influence financing decisions, payment risk consistently emerges as the key barrier to financial close.“Every major risk matter, but payment risk is the ultimate deal breaker. Without strong payment security and disciplined collections, no project can attract sustainable…

Honourable Abdukudus Isah, a hopeful for the Federal House of Representatives in Owan Constituency for the 2027 general elections, has extended warm congratulations to Muslims across Owan as they commence the sacred month of Ramadan.In his goodwill message on Thursday morning, Isah described Ramadan as a special season of deep spiritual reflection, sacrifice, and renewed devotion to God. He encouraged the Muslim faithful to remain steadfast in prayer, uphold the values of discipline and compassion, and rely wholly on God in all their endeavors.“Ramadan is a time to draw closer to the Almighty, to seek His guidance, and to strengthen…

As International Women’s Day [IWD] draws near, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced its 2026 IWD Grand Event, scheduled to hold on March 4th, 2026. Inspired by the global IWD 2026 theme “Give To Gain”, Wema Bank’s 2026 IWD event is centred on the topic “When Women Gain, We Grow”, spotlighting not only the importance of giving to women but also the impact of each effort towards this cause, with the ultimate goal of promoting a culture of supporting and celebrating women. Announcing the event, Wema Bank’s…

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called for a strategic partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen civic education, combat misinformation, and promote accountability in governance, as both institutions identified investigative journalism as critical to Nigeria’s democratic development. The call was made on recently when a delegation of NGIJ, led by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the management team of the agency in Abuja. In his address, Aliagan said the mandates of NGIJ and NOA were naturally complementary, noting that while NOA is…

 The Rockefeller Foundation, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet Inc. (Global Energy Alliance), The Clean Cooking Alliance, and Energy Corps today launched the “Clean Cooking Accelerator Initiative.” Designed to expand access to modern cooking technologies in Africa, it was announced at the High-Level Dialogue on Advancing Energy Access and Cooking Solutions during the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2026 Ministerial, chaired by IEA Executive Director Dr. Fatih Birol, Kenya’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum James Opiyo Wandayi, U.S. Secretary of Energy Christopher Wright, and Norway’s Minister of Energy Terje Lien Aasland. The Initiative reflects the organizations’ renewed commitment to advancing universal access to clean…

 Following the recently held Court-Ordered Meeting and subsequent overwhelming endorsement, the merger and business combination between Unity Bank Plc and Providus Bank Limited remains firmly on course. Analysts appraising the ongoing recapitalisation programme believe that the regulatory backing and shareholders’ support for the merger represent the most important milestones for meeting the recapitalisation requirements within the stipulated timeline. Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) backed the merger between the two lenders, with a pivotal financial accommodation to support the transaction. The merger also received a further boost with a “no objection” nod from the Securities and Exchange Commission…

In a major boost to the fight against banditry and insecurity in Zamfara State and the North-West Zone, Zamfara State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Dauda Lawal, on Wednesday commissioned 25 new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and sets of surveillance drones for the military and other security agencies operating in the state. The event, which took place in Gusau, was part of the state government’s ongoing effort to provide structured logistical support to frontline security forces and combat insurgency, banditry, and protect lives and properties. Speaking at the commissioning and handover, Governor Lawal emphasised that the new assets are intended to…

The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to guiding Zamfara State towards sustainable development by inaugurating and initiating a series of pivotal projects in the Anka Local Government Area. Among the key undertakings announced are the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the Emir of Anka’s palace, signaling a revitalization of traditional leadership; the initiation of work on the crucial Anka–Abbare Road, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity; and the construction of a new Local Government Secretariat. Additionally, the projects encompass the establishment of dedicated offices for the Hisbah Commission and the…

L-R, Representatives of Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Member Board of Trustee Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mariya Aliko Dangote; presenting the MoU to the Vice Chancellor Dangote Business School, Prof. Haruna Musa; Dean of Dangote Business school, Prof. Garba Bello; During the ADF Signing of the MOU for the scholarship programme in Dangote Business School Wudil, Kano State, on Tuesday. Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), chaired by Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth N1.5 billion with Bayero University Kano (BUK), for post-graduate students of the Dangote Business School located in the tertiary institution. L-R, Prof.…

L- R: Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Tony Emoekpere, President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, ATCON; Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, NCC; Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, NCC; Muhammed Rudman, Vice President, ATCON/ CEO IXPN, during a courtesy visit by the ATCON Members at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja…on Tuesday.