Nigeria’s fertilizer exports surged to N1.37 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, positioning the commodity group as one of the country’s fastest-growing foreign exchange sources amid a broader expansion in non-oil trade. The latest trade data for Q1 2026 shows that fertilizer shipments have climbed sharply on the back of rising global demand and expanded production capacity, placing the sector among the top contributors to Nigeria’s external earnings alongside traditional export pillars such as crude oil and agricultural commodities. The performance forms part of a wider export boom that lifted Nigeria’s total merchandise exports above N21 trillion during the…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
A Professor of Applied Soil and Environmental Microbiology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Fatuyi Olanipekun Ekundayo, has highlighted the remarkable role of naturally occurring microorganisms in addressing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable development. Delivering the University’s 200th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Productivity of Unseen Allies in Conducive and Unconducive Environments: A Great Wonder!” on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Professor Ekundayo emphasized the enormous potential of indigenous bacteria and fungi in restoring crude-oil-polluted environments through bioremediation. According to Ekundayo, crude oil contamination remains one of the most serious environmental challenges in Nigeria, particularly in oil-producing communities. He explained that…
Participants at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Branch, have called for greater efforts to translate scientific research and innovations into practical solutions and sustainable ventures capable of addressing societal challenges and driving eonomic growth. The call was made during a commemorative lecture held as part of activities marking the milestone anniversary of the organisation, which has spent the last 15 years promoting excellence, innovation, mentorship and leadership among women in science and technology. Delivering the anniversary lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of , Professor Ayo…
At the 3rd Annual International Conference of the Sub-Saharan Africa Skills and Apprenticeship Stakeholders Network (SSASASNET) in Abuja, Sokoto’s historic industrial heritage was presented not as a relic of the past, but as a living blueprint for Africa’s skills future. The presentation by SokotoDNA and 21st Century Entrepreneurs Hub placed Sultan Muhammadu Bello’s legacy at the center of a wider conversation on apprenticeship, decent work, and economic transformation. The CEO of the SokotoDNA Project, Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale, led to the conference, a powerful delegation of the Sokoto state’s master craftsmen, artisans, apprentices, technicians, innovators, and entrepreneurs to present the…
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF) to strengthen Nigeria’s research, science, technology and innovation ecosystem. In an announcement contained in a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Pauline Sule, on May 11, 2026, the approval marks a major step in the Federal Government’s efforts to promote research-driven development, technological advancement and innovation as key drivers of economic growth. Under the new arrangement, the NRIDF will be governed by…
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has commenced a data verification exercise across the Southeast as part of efforts to update key indices used in reviewing Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula. RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Muhammad Shehu, disclosed this during a visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State. Represented by the commissioner representing Ekiti State on the commission, Mrs. Omowumi Ogunlola, Shehu said the exercise aligns with RMAFC’s constitutional mandate to periodically review the revenue allocation formula to reflect prevailing socio-economic realities across the country. He described the verification…
China has officially become the world’s largest car exporter, surpassing long-time leaders Japan and Germany in a dramatic rise that has reshaped the global automotive industry. Unprecedented growth in export volume The speed of China’s ascent is remarkable. In 2019, the country exported approximately 700,000 vehicles, ranking it as a relatively minor player in global car exports. By 2024, that figure had surged to roughly 5.5 million vehicles, representing nearly an eightfold increase in just five years. This growth propelled China past Japan, which exported 4.2 million vehicles in 2024, and Germany, which exported 3.4 million. Mexico ranks third with 3.5 million exports. Country2019…
The Sultanate Council of Sokoto has announced the conferment of a traditional title, Wakilin Makarantar Daular Usmaniya, on a former member of the National Assembly (NASS), Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale Shuni, in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Muslim Ummah, the preservation of cultural heritage, and service to humanity. The announcement was contained in an official letter dated May 24, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of the Sultanate Council, Sa’idu Muhammadu Maccido, the Dan Buram Sokoto. According to the letter, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the conferment in appreciation of the former member, who represented Bodinga,…
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) says the world is heading into another period of dangerous heat over the next five years. In a report released on Thursday, the WMO warned that the world would experience global temperatures over the next five years that would remain “at or near record levels” as climate change accelerates across land and sea. A report produced by the UK Met Office stated that there is an 86 per cent chance that at least one year between 2026 and 2030 will surpass 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded. It also found that there is a…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended the enforcement deadline for its mandatory Point of Sale (PoS) terminal geo-fencing framework to August 1, 2026, while also expanding the approved geo-fence radius for operators. The development was disclosed in a circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by the Director of the Payments System Supervision Department, Dr. Rakiya O. Yusuf. In the circular, the apex bank directed banks, mobile money operators, payment service providers, switching companies, and other licensed operators within the payments ecosystem to complete all compliance processes before the new enforcement date. The CBN said the approved geo-fence…