Meta says its digital platforms contribute an estimated $820 million annually to Nigeria’s economy while helping millions of businesses expand their customer reach nationwide. The company disclosed this in a report titled ‘Nigeria’s Digital Economy’, released on Thursday and conducted by independent research firm Public First. The report examined the economic impact of Meta platforms across entrepreneurship, productivity, artificial intelligence, and digital participation. It stated that Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Threads, and Meta AI have become vital digital infrastructure supporting businesses and economic participation across Nigeria. According to the report, about 14 million Nigerian small and medium enterprises used Meta…
Author: Newsdesk
Mr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Realty Nigeria, has said major global cloud providers are bypassing Nigeria due to high operating costs, infrastructure challenges, and outdated regulatory frameworks. Nnamani made the remark during the National Telecommunications Policy 2000 Review Workshop organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission on Thursday in Lagos. He noted that existing telecommunications regulations were designed for voice and SMS operations and no longer adequately address emerging technologies shaping global digital communication and infrastructure. According to him, internet-based platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and X have significantly displaced traditional messaging systems previously dominated by conventional telecom…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral relations with the Republic of Poland. Shettima made the remark on Thursday while hosting Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said Nigeria remains open to business partnerships in defence cooperation, agriculture, the digital economy, and other sectors where Poland has comparative advantages. The Vice President stated, “There is room for improved relations between our two countries.” Shettima told the Polish delegation that Nigeria had created a more conducive environment for foreign investment under President Tinubu’s…
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Thursday said Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) metered a total of 241,590 customers between January and February. The commission disclosed this in a Factsheet published on its X handle in Abuja. According to the report, 119,792 customers were metered in January, while 121,798 were metered in February, representing metering rates of 57.93 per cent and 58.57 per cent respectively. Cumulatively, the total number of new customers metered rose from 7.1 million in January to 7.2 million in February. The report also showed that the total number of active electricity customers increased from over 12.2…
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State Chapter, has dismissed allegations that the Kaduna State Government hijacked local government allocations, describing the claims as false and misleading. The Chairman of ALGON in the state, Jamilu Abubakar, made this known in a press release issued on Thursday in Kaduna while reacting to a report published by an online medium. The report had alleged that Governor Uba Sani diverted local government allocations, and that council chairmen received as little as N25 million monthly from federal allocations reportedly ranging between N500 million and N600 million. Abubakar described the publication as…
The Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and International Fund for Agricultural Development Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (FGN/NDDC/IFAD-LIFE ND) have distributed starter packs to at least 630 beneficiaries in Cross River. The distribution took place on Thursday in Calabar during the graduation ceremony for the first batch of the additional financing phase of the project in Cross River. It was reported that 250 individuals received cash support, while 380 received agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and agrochemicals. Dr. Abiodun Sanni, the National Project Coordinator, thanked the Cross River Government for its commitment to agricultural development.…
China and Nigeria deepened their cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges on Wednesday through tea ceremonies, guqin performances, and traditional cultural displays at the 2026 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon in Abuja. The salon, themed “Maritime Silk Road Impressions: Immersive Salon of Intangible Cultural Heritage from Ancient Zayton Port,” featured four traditional Chinese arts aimed at fostering mutual understanding between the two countries. Organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, the China Center of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion, and the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, the event highlighted the enduring ties between China…
The National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos (NOHIL), commemorated its 80th anniversary with the commissioning of new building projects and an exhibition of products and services. The three building projects—donated by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President; the Murtala Ibrahim Adegboyega Foundation; and Princess Adegoke Orelope—include the patient relations hostels, a block of 36 mini flats staff quarters, and Phase II of the College of Nursing Hostel. In his keynote address, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, reflected on the celebration’s theme, describing it as timely and inspiring. He stated that…
The Anambra State Government announced that free blood pressure checks are now available at primary healthcare centres across the state to improve access to healthcare services, especially for residents in rural communities. Dr. Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health, disclosed this on Wednesday during a news conference to mark 2026 World Hypertension Day in Awka. World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17, aims to raise awareness about hypertension and promote its prevention, detection, and control. He stated that approximately 90 percent of blood pressure monitoring and related healthcare services are currently provided at the primary healthcare level. This…
Lagos State Government handled 9,659 medical welfare cases and spent over N3.99 million on medications, surgeries, dialysis, and other treatments for indigent and abandoned patients in the past year. The state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, announced this on Thursday during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja. The event marked the third anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term. Ogunlende stated that these interventions were carried out through the ministry’s Medical Social Services Unit to strengthen healthcare support for vulnerable Lagos residents. The unit continues to provide welfare and psychosocial support for indigent, traumatised,…