Dangote set to Export Coal From Nigeria

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, announced that he will begin exporting coal from Nigeria soon, another source of income for Dangote Industries Limited’s (DIL) growing revenue base.

Dangote also revealed the company aims to generate between $6.05 million and $7 million daily from fertilizer exports over the next two years. As some of you who visited our cement factory in Itori may know, we already export cement from Nigeria.

“We have a six million-ton cement export factory,” he stated. “We will begin exporting coal from Nigeria in the coming weeks. We will export nearly eight cargoes of fertilizer.

The refinery operations will export less than 25 million tons of various products. Dangote claims that once the export program begins, the company will become a significant source of foreign exchange.

Dangote continues to expand its influence in the Nigerian market. The billionaire Aliko Dangote’s conglomerate is focusing on agriculture after significant investments in cement, sugar, and oil. Soon, a new rice mill will be built on a 30-hectare plot of land in Wushishi, Niger State.

The Wushishi project represents an additional step toward increased environmental sustainability. Moreover, it can enhance rural economies, create local jobs, and provide opportunities for regional paddy producers. Thus, concerning food security and agricultural transformation, the Dangote Group intends to support the goals of the Nigerian government.

Dangote aims to control the entire ecosystem by specializing in agriculture, from the field to the processing facility. This whole-chain strategy strengthens the nation’s economy.

By Olumide Adesina, FXLeaders

Related story: Nigeria's Dangote refinery agrees to export polypropylene with Vinmar

LIGHTSPEED unveils Nigeria’s first immersive water projection mapping experience

 

A new era of storytelling on water surfaces is here following LIGHTSPEED’s successful launch of Nigeria’s first large-scale Water Projection Mapping installation at Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in Falomo, Lagos State.

Founded by Adedotun Olateru Olagbegi, LIGHTSPEED is a Lagos-based creative-tech studio specialising in large-scale immersive installations.

“This launch marked a new frontier in experiential storytelling,” said Olagbegi, founder of LIGHTSPEED. “We’ve shown what’s possible when imagination meets innovation—right here in Nigeria,” he added.

Read also: Wike visits China over water project for FCT satellite towns

By fusing light, water and narrative, this landmark showcase transformed a towering water screen into a dynamic canvas, bringing motion graphics and audio-visual storytelling to life.

Hosted at the Lagos State Waterways Authority venue in Falomo, the unveiling event drew members of top agencies alongside industry leaders and creative innovators. Guests were immersed in sweeping projections that danced across a 12-metre-high water curtain, demonstrating LIGHTSPEED’s vision for the future of outdoor entertainment.

The event highlights included: A 12-metre-high water curtain serving as the projection surface; custom-composed soundscapes perfectly synchronised with each visual sequence; and live demonstrations of real-time mapping adjustments, showcasing unmatched versatility.

Read also: How World Bank’s $250m Rivers, Ekiti, Bauchi’s water projects failed – Report

Combining projection mapping, interactive media and experiential design, LIGHTSPEED crafts unforgettable experiences that blend cutting-edge technology with imaginative storytelling.

With this successful debut, LIGHTSPEED’s water projection mapping technology is poised to revolutionise visual entertainment across West Africa, offering bespoke solutions for cultural festivals, brand activations, concerts and corporate events.

By Iheanyi Nwachukwu, Business Day

Nigeria scraps controversial bill making voting mandatory

Following a backlash from lawyers and rights groups, Nigeria has scrapped a controversial bill that would have made voting mandatory.

It had proposed a six-month jail term, or a $63 fine, for eligible voters who failed to cast their ballots.

The bill sailed through its second reading 10 days but a government spokesperson said it decided to withdraw it follow consultations with a "broad spectrum of stakeholders".

In recent years, Nigerians have been increasingly reluctant to go vote.

Turnout in national elections has steadily declined, with the 2023 presidential poll recording a 27 per cent turnout, the lowest since the country’s 1999 return to democratic rule.

The House of Representatives speaker who co-sponsored the bill said it was introduced with the best of intentions.

Abbas Tajudeen said he had hoped it would bolster civic engagement and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

But some rights groups described the move as both draconian and unconstitutional.

They said the moment citizens are forced to vote, the concept of "free and fair elections" collapses.

Lawyers, for their part, said it would be logistically impossible to prosecute the millions of Nigerians who may decide to boycott local or nationals polls.

Around 20 countries worldwide enforce compulsory voting.

Africa News

Nigeria Launches National Cybercrime Team with Commonwealth, UK Support

Nigeria has officially launched its National Cybercrime Working Group (NCWG), aimed at strengthening the country’s response to digital threats. The initiative was developed with support from the Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Kingdom.

The NCWG will coordinate efforts across Nigeria’s law enforcement, regulatory, and security agencies to tackle cybercrime more effectively. It also aligns with the country’s National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to combat online criminal activity.

The launch is part of a broader Commonwealth cybercrime initiative that helps member countries improve legal and technical frameworks to address cyber threats.

By Aayushya Ranjan, Tech Africa News

Video - Nigerian students seek ‘friendlier’ destinations over the U.S.

The United States has for years been popular among Nigerians and other Africans for education, business, vacation and work. But many now say harsh policies by the Trump administration, especially against immigrants, are making them lose interest in the country.

CGTN