The World Bank says increased internet coverage is helping in the fight against extreme poverty. It has invested over 700 million U.S. dollars across 11 digital development projects in the West African nation and other parts of the continent over the past six years.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Video - Increased internet penetration in Nigeria linked to decline in poverty levels
Ending Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria
"I am a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM). In my community, Abakaliki, FGM is a common practice. Young girls and women are brainwashed into accepting it as our culture. I first learned about it when I was in sixth grade. I asked my mother to explain what it was about. I asked whether I was cut since I can't remember how much it hurt, the implications to my health, the psychological effect of knowing that an essential part of me was brutally chopped off, and the other harmful effects," Uzodinma explained.
"Upon further inquiry, my mom said that I was cut out of ignorance; on their own part, she and my father realised it was wrong to have cut me," Uzodinmma continued, her expression betraying her self-assured manner. As a result, my other siblings were not cut, “no girl or woman deserves to be cut; it simply destroys our spirit."
"My NGO, Tomorrow is Girl Initiative, was founded in a bid to advocate for an end to FGM practice, and it was in my quest for deeper understanding that I became emotionally invested in the cause. Growing up, I was deeply troubled by the fact that no woman deserves to be cut, knowing the dangers involved," she explained.
Every year, millions of girls and women around the world are at risk of undergoing FGM, with Nigeria contributing to 15% of the total population, globally. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that specifically alters or damages the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. Although the practices that uphold female genital mutilation (FGM) differ from one culture to another, the operation is typically performed between the ages of infancy and adulthood, and it is well-documented that it has health, social, economic, emotional, and sexual complications.
From what I observed, the system-transformative strategy that called for our collaboration with boys men, and women, traditional rulers and priests, was quite effective. Therefore, I propose that we employ that strategy more frequently.
In a similar tone, 51-year-old Mrs. Josephine Ezaka, from Amudo, in the Ezza South local government area of Ebonyi State, said she knew about FGM as a child. “It was my grandmother who took me to where I was cut. It was very painful. After the cutting, they use hot water to wash the cut part. As you can imagine, it's very painful. I was like six years old then. I didn't know the implications of the FGM.”.
“Since I got married, I realised that I don't have the urge for sex, as other women used to tell me how sweet it is. My husband has even complained to some people." Josephine Said.
Through joint support from UNICEF, UNFPA, and the government, FGM is no longer practiced in Amudo. Josephine acknowledged the significant role played by UNICEF and UNFPA interventions, coupled with high enlightenment facilitated by the involvement of the church and traditional rulers.
Expressing her commitment, Josephine affirmed, "I did not subject any of my children to FGM. We are actively combating the practice, actively seeking those rumored to use Vaseline powder for cutting. The proven dangers of FGM emphasize the urgency of preventing daughters from undergoing it, as evidenced by numerous cases of women dying during childbirth due to FGM."
“There's a popular story of a woman, though late, who had no opening but a little opening for her to urinate just because of a dangerous vaginal cut in the name of FGM. She died without having a child." Josephine said it sadly.
By Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, UNICEF
Related stories: Calls for law against female genital mutilation to be introduced in Nigeria
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Nigeria's latest devaluation may be 'turning point' in currency reform drive
Nigeria's second currency devaluation in less than a year and new forex rules suggest the central bank is gearing up to let the naira float freely, but a huge backlog of orders for dollars and low liquidity may stall reform momentum, investors and analysts said.
Foreign investors in particular will need more convincing that Africa's biggest economy is finally ditching the controls that have for long distorted its currency market, making the country of 200 million people less attractive to foreign capital.
The official naira exchange rate last week plunged to as low as 1,531 per dollar from 900, well below black market levels, after the market regulator changed its closing rate calculation methodology, in a de facto devaluation. The official rate had been drifting towards parallel market levels as forex shortages funnelled demand to unofficial sources.
Also last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced limits on how much banks can hold in foreign currencies and eased rules on international money transfer operators, allowing them to quote the naira at prevailing market rates.
"You could call this a turning point," said Kyle Chapman, FX markets analyst at London-based Ballinger & Co.
"Now that there is no longer a more favourable (exchange) rate, the lack of incentives to take part in the official markets may turn into a tipping point that sees a true free float emerge if the central bank does not intervene," Chapman added.
Nigeria is struggling with a record amount of government debt, high unemployment and power shortages that have contributed to years of anaemic economic growth. Oil output is shrinking, and rampant insecurity means swathes of the countryside are outside government control.
In his first days in office last year, President Bola Tinubu scrapped a costly fuel subsidy and lifted some forex controls.
But the reform drive appeared to lose steam as the naira continued to weaken without central bank intervention.
Andrew Matheny, senior economist with Goldman Sachs, said the latest devaluation made the naira look "cheap."
"This makes foreign portfolio inflows potentially appear attractive, however only in the circumstance that other aspects of monetary policy come together," said Matheny.
These include ending financing the budget deficit through central bank overdrafts, which increases the money supply and helped propel inflation to 28.92% in December, the highest level in nearly three decades.
FOREX BACKLOG
Years of forex controls have created pent-up demand for dollars while the country struggles to raise its production of oil, its single largest export earner.
Foreign currency shortages have created a large backlog of unpaid dollar transactions, which the CBN last year put at nearly $7 billion.
On Monday, CBN governor Yemi Cardoso told broadcaster Arise TV that $2.2 billion remained outstanding and that $2.4 billion would not be honoured after an audit found irregularities.
Goldman put the backlog at $12 billion, which has kept foreign investors away due to worries they will not be able to take their money out.
"The economy is severely starved of dollars. The (forex)injections so far appear to have not made a dent," said David Omojomolo, Africa economic at Capital Economics.
"The FX backlog to my knowledge is still large, and the pronouncements that it will be cleared 'soon' made for months now appear to encourage speculation rather than stabilisation."
The CBN will later this month hold its first monetary policy meeting since last July and it is under pressure to deliver a big hike in its benchmark interest rate from the current 18.75%.
"For us to take a more active position in the local currency market we would still need greater clarity on the direction... and exactly how they're going to support the operations on the forex side with ... the monetary policy side," said Yvette Babb, a hard and local currency debt portfolio manager at William Blair.
The central bank's one-year treasury bill, for example, was selling at 17% while the government's bill sold at 11% as the government seeks to keep its borrowing costs low.
As long as big downside risks to local bond prices remain due to the unanchored nature of short-term yields with regard to the policy rate - reflected in the significant gap between the two - foreign investors will avoid local debt, said Gergely Urmossy, emerging markets strategist at Societe Generale.
"To restore the anchoring role of the policy rate, the CBN will have to deliver money market reforms," Urmossy said.
By Macdonald Dzirutwe, Reuters
Related story: Video - Nigeria caps foreign exchange position for banks
Pastor in Nigeria arrested over allegedly swindling followers of $1m
Theo O Ebonyi, well-known in Benue state, is accused of swindling his followers and others out of more than 1.3bn naira ($930,000; £740,000).
He was detained and freed on bail last year, but this has only just been made public, the anti-corruption authority spokesperson is quoted as saying.
Mr Ebonyi said the news was "fake" information spread by bloggers.
He did not comment on the allegations against him.
Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allege Mr Ebonyi asked his victims to pay a $1,300 fee each to access a $20bn grant from the US-based Ford Foundation.
It, however, says that the foundation did not offer such a grant.
"Investigations by the EFCC showed that the Ford Foundation had no arrangement, grant, relationship or business with Ebonyi," the agency said in a statement.
"The foundation pointedly disclaimed him and his NGO stressing that it had no link whatsoever with them."
The EFCC also alleges that Mr Ebonyi, who runs Faith on the Rock Ministry International church, used the fraudulently acquired funds to buy five properties.
He is set to be charged in court after the investigations are finalised, the EFCC says. It is still unclear exactly what charges he will face.
In a video statement Me Ebonyi posted on Facebook around the same time as the EFCC announced his arrest on X, he said the news of his detention had been made up by "bloggers... trying to use my body to make money... that is a very big fake news... it's not true".
But EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told Punch newspaper that Mr Ebonyi was on bail having been arrested and then released last year.
"He had been arrested over a long period of time, but because of the investigation that we were doing, we did not issue any statements," the spokesperson is quoted as saying.
By Gloria Aradi, BBC
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Monday, February 5, 2024
Video - Gunmen kill four officers in Borno state
The Borno state police commissioner said the officers were on duty and attacked while defending the police quarters in Gajiram Town.
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Shell agrees to develop Nigeria gas field for Dangote fertiliser
Shell Plc has made a final investment decision to build a gas supply facility in Nigeria to feed a fertiliser plant owned by Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, the company said in a statement.
The new facility will supply 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from the Iseni field to the Dangote Fertiliser and Petrochemical plant for 10 years, according to the deal agreed by Shell and its joint venture partners TotalEnergies,Eni, and the state oil firm NNPC Ltd.
The $2.5 billion plant, Africa's largest urea complex with a 3-million-tonne output per year, accounts for 65% of Nigeria's fertiliser needs and can supply all the major markets in the sub-region.
"The agreement is a critical step in pursuing the development of the gas-rich Iseni field, which is part of the Okpokunou Cluster in Oil Mining Lease 35" in the oil-rich Bayelsa state, Shell's Nigeria chief, Osagie Okunbor, said in an email.
Nigeria holds Africa's largest gas reserves of more than 200 trillion cubic feet and is seeking to develop the reserves to boost supply to industries, power plants, and for exports.
Okunbor said the project will increase the delivery of gas to the domestic market and help stimulate economic growth.
By Isaac Anyaogu, Reuters
Video - Students in Nigeria showcase robotics prowess and tech innovation
The Nigerian AI-Robotics competition, which is now in its tenth year, is a hub of youthful brilliance, where students from public and private schools showcase their robotics prowess, creating a spectacle that goes beyond traditional education boundaries. The West African nation is tapping into AI-Robotics competition to nurture excellence in the field.
Tyla's win over Burna Boy and Davido at Grammys 2024 fuels South Africa-Nigeria rivalry
South African singer Tyla's victory at the Grammys, beating four Nigerian nominees, has fuelled the rivalry as the two nations prepare to face off at the Afcon semi-finals on Wednesday.
"South Africa won today but Nigeria will win on Wednesday where it matters most" one user wrote on X.
Tyla won for her song Water in the Best African Music Performance, over Davido, Arya Starr and Burna Boy.
Nigerians have called on their national team, the Super Eagles, to avenge them.
"No Nigerian won a Grammy, but a South African won. This is Nigerians being generous so that when we win them in AFCON, they will have something to banter with," another user wrote on X.
Nigerian Afrobeats giant Burna Boy was nominated in a total of four categories but did not walk away with a golden gramophone, yet his spellbinding performance at the award ceremony left the audience in awe.
Despite the fierce rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, Davido extended his congratulations to Tyla on X and told her to "keep soaring".
South Africa was also represented by comedian Trevor Noah who was at the helm of the prestigious award ceremony as he was hosting for a fourth time.
Traditional monarch shot dead and wife kidnapped from palace in Nigeria
Gunmen killed a Nigerian traditional monarch and kidnapped his wife after raiding his palace, police said, as outrage grows over a spate of abductions across the country.
Attackers stormed the palace of Oba Aremu Olusegun Cole in south-western Kwara state, shot him dead and abducted his wife and another person on Thursday.
State police said they had launched an investigation and stepped up security.
Similar attacks regularly take place in Nigeria, which is struggling with a security crisis on several fronts. Two traditional rulers were shot dead by unknown gunmen in neighbouring Ekiti state on Monday.
Last year the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came to power promising to address insecurity – including jihadists in the north-east, criminal militias in the north-west and growing intercommunal violence in the centre of the country – but critics say violence is spinning out of control.
The Nigerian risk consultancy SBM Intelligence said it had recorded that 3,964 people were abducted since Tinubu took office in May.
At the start of the year, criminals abducted five young sisters near the capital, Abuja, and killed one when a ransom deadline passed, prompting a national outcry.
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Sunday, February 4, 2024
Video - Nigeria vs Angola | AFCON 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Nigeria secured a narrow victory over the Angola national team (1-0) in a Quarterfinal match of AFCON 2023.
Friday, February 2, 2024
Video - Nigeria caps foreign exchange position for banks
Nigeria's central bank has announced limits on how much banks can hold in foreign currency. The move comes after the apex bank expressed concern about the growth of forex exposure on the balance sheets of commercial banks. The naira has tumbled against the U.S. dollar affecting dollar-denominated sovereign bonds that have suffered sharp falls.
Explosions rock Kano, Nigeria, at least six killed
At least six people were killed in a string of bomb blasts on Friday in Nigeria's second city Kano and the authorities imposed a curfew across the city, which has been plagued by an insurgency led by the Islamist sect Boko Haram.
Smoke billowed from the police headquarters for the north in Kano after one blast blew out its windows, collapsed its roof and triggered a blaze that firefighters struggled to control.
A Reuters reporter counted three bodies at the scene and three more at the local passport office, which was surrounded by flaming debris.
Some residents ran around shouting and screaming following the attacks. There were at least four other explosions across the city in quick succession.
"I was on the roadside and I just heard a 'Boom!'. As I came back, I saw the building of the police zonal headquarters crashing down and I ran for my life," said local man Andrew Samuel.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the apparently coordinated attacks, which prompted the government to announce a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
Kano, like other northern cities in Nigeria, has been plagued by an insurgency led by Islamist sect Boko Haram, blamed for scores of bombings and shootings against mostly government targets that are growing in scale and sophistication.
Boko Haram became active around 2003 and is concentrated in the northern states of Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, Borno and Kaduna.
Boko Haram, which in the Hausa language of northern Nigeria means "Western education is sinful", is loosely modelled on the Taliban movement in Afghanistan.
The group considers all who do not follow its strict ideology as infidels, whether they be Christian or Muslim. It demands the adoption of sharia, Islamic law, in all of Nigeria.
FLAMES AND SMOKE
Witnesses said the bomber of the police headquarters, which covers most of northern Nigeria, pulled up at the building on a motorbike then got off and ran at it holding a bag.
"We tried to stop him but he ran in forcefully with his bag. All of a sudden there was a blast. You can see for yourself the building is damaged," said a policeman at the scene.
Police said a second blast had hit Kano's passport office and another hit Zaria Road police station in the city.
"The ground was shaking with the explosion. We saw flames and smoke at the police station," said witness Umaru Ibrahim.
A source at the State Security Service said another bomber had tried to attack there but was gunned down before he could detonate his bomb.
Police and military roadblocks were erected in the city within minutes.
"We are trying to reach the scenes of these heavy blasts. Many of the roads are blocked now by security agents," said Abubaker Jibril, head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for Kano, told Reuters.
A bomb attack on a Catholic church just outside the capital Abuja on Christmas Day, claimed by Boko Haram, killed 37 people and wounded 57.
The main suspect in that attack escaped from police custody within 24 hours of his arrest, and police have offered a 50 million naira reward for information leading to his recapture.
Police arrested Kabiru Sokoto on Tuesday and while they were taking him from police headquarters to his house in Abaji, just outside Abuja, to conduct a search there, their vehicle came under fire.
Last August a suicide bomber blew up the U.N. Nigeria headquarters in Abuja, killing at least 24 people.
By Mike Oboh, Reuters
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Thursday, February 1, 2024
Video - At least 12 people killed by a landmine in Nigeria’s Borno state
The explosion also injured seven others, with three in critical condition evacuated to Maiduguri, the state capital for medical care.
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Video - Nigeria initiates plan for disabled persons to take university entrance exams without cost
Authorities emphasize that this move is a significant step toward helping persons with disabilities pursue their dreams in education. But equal rights advocates are calling for full scholarships for such students.
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Video - Largest ship to berth at Nigerian port arrives in Lagos, Nigeria
The vessel, named CMA CGM Scandola, has capacity for 14,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of containerised imports. It arrived at Lekki Port on Monday.
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An official says the device detonated as the victims tried to retrieve it to sell it as scrap metal to a 15-year-old metal scavenger.
Nigeria seeks to resolve disputed oilfield issues, denies criminal liability
Nigeria wants to resolve outstanding issues around the disputed OPL 245 oil block as it seeks to attract investment to its oil and gas industry and has held talks with Shell and Eni to discuss the matter, its oil minister said on Wednesday.
Minister of State for Petroleum Heineken Lokpobiri reiterated the government's position that there was no criminal liability on its part, or by the other parties, in the oil block deal, which has been embroiled in litigation for years.
Nigeria in November, withdrew a $1.1 billion civil claim against Shell (SHEL.L) and Eni related to allegations of corruption in the deal, ending all litigation around the oil asset.
An Italian court in 2021 acquitted Shell, Eni, the operator of the block, and company executives of corruption allegations in the acquisition of the field a decade earlier.
"For 28 years, there has been no investment there. Nobody has benefited from the block," Lokpobiri told reporters. "The President in his wisdom directed that we should resolve the problems around OPL 245."
Lokpobiri said the government is committed to resolving the issues surrounding OPL 245 in a way that benefits all parties and has held meetings, including in London last week, with Shell and Eni to discuss the matter.
Shell and Eni did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
By Camillus Eboh, Reuters
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Video - Nigeria leather industry earnings projected to hit $1 billion by 2025
Leather sector players in Africa’s largest economy say the industry remains untapped despite its huge economic potential. They are calling on the government’s support.
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Video - Nigeria box office revenue soars as popular releases draw crowds to cinemas
Nigeria's cinemas have announced cumulative revenue of 21.5 million dollars over the past three years. Analysts attribute the strong performance to a combination of popular film releases and a surge in ticket sales
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Nigeria naira reaches record low of 1,421 per dollar on official market
Nigeria's naira dropped to a record low against the dollar on the thinly traded official market on Friday, FMDQ Exchange data showed on Monday, as the currency swung widely to overshoot the unofficial parallel market rate.
The naira fell as low as 1,421 to the dollar, during trading on Friday, FMDQ data showed, compared with around 1,400 naira quoted on the parallel market. The currency later closed at 891.90 naira on the official market.
The latest fall occurred after central bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso last Wednesday said the bank was trying to improve liquidity in the foreign exchange market.
Kyle Chapman, FX markets analyst at London-based Ballinger & Co. said the naira has overtaken the record low level it hit on the parallel market which could hamper the influx of capital needed to stabilise the exchange rate.
"The downwards spiral is becoming self-perpetuating at this point. The further it falls, the less investors want to enter Nigeria, and the deeper the risk premium embedded into the naira rate," Chapman said.
The naira's official exchange rate has been drifting towards the parallel market level as the central bank is yet to clear outstanding amounts owed in forward deals, worsening a shortage of foreign-currency in the West African nation.
By Chijioke Ohuocha, Reuters
Top Visa-Free Countries that Nigerians Can Travel To
If you're a Nigerian with a strong case of wanderlust, there's a world of destinations where your passport is your golden ticket to adventure.
Let's dive into some of the most enchanting destinations that do not require travellers to go through the hassle of getting a visa.
Top Visa-Free Countries
Barbados
Barbados, an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, embodies the very essence of Caribbean charm and beauty. This destination is a treasure trove for Nigerian travellers seeking a perfect blend of sun-kissed beaches and culturally rich experiences.
Picture yourself on Crane Beach, where the sand is tinged with a delightful pink hue, and the crystal-clear waters beckon you for a refreshing swim. But this beach is not just about relaxation; it's also a gateway to various exhilarating water sports.
History enthusiasts will find delight in UNESCO-listed Bridgetown and its historic Garrison, providing a fascinating glimpse into the colonial past. Meanwhile, the St. Nicholas Abbey plantation house and rum distillery serve as a testament to Barbados' deep ties to sugarcane and rum production.
And let's not forget the culinary adventure that awaits. From the national dish, Cou-Cou and Flying Fish, to street-side delicacies like fishcakes and pudding and souse, Bajan cuisine offers flavours that are as diverse as they are tantalising.
Some famous personalities from Barbados include singer Rihanna, cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers and NFL player Ramon Harewood of the Baltimore Ravens.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, beckons Nigerian travellers with its unique blend of African, Brazilian, and Portuguese cultures. The islands themselves offer a kaleidoscope of experiences, from the lunar-like landscapes of Sal to the lush, rugged terrains of Santo Antão.
Sal's Santa Maria Beach, with its powdery white sands and turquoise waters, is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the cultural town of Mindelo on São Vicente is renowned for its vibrant music scene, particularly the morna music, often likened to the blues. Cape Verde's rich history comes alive in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Santiago Island, providing invaluable insights into the country's colonial past.
Don't miss the chance to savour Cachupa, Cape Verde's national dish, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, and fish or meat.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands, a paradisiacal destination in the South Pacific, offer a serene escape for Nigerians seeking a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquillity. Rarotonga, the largest of the Cook Islands, is embraced by a stunning lagoon, inviting snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts to explore vibrant coral reefs.
Aitutaki, another gem in the archipelago, is renowned for its breathtaking lagoon and uninhabited islets, perfect for a romantic getaway or a day of exploration. However, these islands are not just about picturesque beaches. The lush trails of the Takitumu Conservation Area provide eco-tourism enthusiasts with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich flora and fauna.
The Cook Islands' culture, deeply rooted in Maori traditions, adds an extra layer of fascination. From spirited drum dances to intricate craftwork, the islands' cultural heritage is vibrant and engaging. Be sure to partake in the traditional umu feast, where food is cooked in an earth oven, offering a unique culinary experience that combines communal spirit with delicious flavours.
Kiribati
Kiribati, a sovereign state in Micronesia in the central Pacific Ocean, offers a unique destination for Nigerian travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. The country's 33 atolls, straddling the equator and the International Date Line, boast pristine beaches and an abundance of marine life, making it an ideal spot for fishing, diving, and snorkelling.
Tarawa, the capital, offers historical insights into World War II battles, with relics and memorials dotting the landscape. For those seeking tranquillity, the outer islands like Abaiang and Tabuaeran offer untouched beauty and an opportunity to experience the traditional I-Kiribati way of life.
Montserrat
Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, is known as the 'Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,' offering a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The Soufrière Hills Volcano is a major attraction, with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory providing a safe vantage point for viewing the still-active volcano.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis, the twin-island nation in the Caribbean, is a captivating destination for Nigerian travellers looking for a rich blend of history, nature, and culture. Saint Kitts boasts breathtaking scenery, including the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a well-preserved fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
Nevis, the smaller of the two islands, charms visitors with its laid-back atmosphere and natural hot springs, a testament to the island’s volcanic origins. For beach enthusiasts, the powdery sands of Frigate Bay and the tranquil Oualie Beach offer idyllic settings for relaxation and water activities.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu, an archipelago nation in the South Pacific, is a hidden gem for Nigerian travellers seeking a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. The islands offer a range of experiences, from the adrenaline-pumping land diving on Pentecost Island, known as the origin of bungee jumping, to the serene blue holes of Espiritu Santo, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Tanna Island's Mount Yasur, an accessible active volcano, provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the raw power of nature.
Top Visa-on-Arrival Countries: Explore Further
While Nigerians can travel to the above countries without a visa, there are some countries that offer a visa on arrival – a convenient facility that gets you a visa after entering the respective country by providing valid documents.
Maldives
Imagine a place where overwater bungalows are your home, and the ocean is your backyard. That's the Maldives for you! This island nation, located in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its luxurious resorts, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. As a Nigerian traveller, you'll be captivated by the allure of the Maldives.
The Maldives boasts an enchanting underwater world with some of the best snorkelling and diving spots on the planet. Dive into the depths of the ocean and swim alongside exotic marine life, including colourful corals, manta rays, and even whale sharks.
Maldives offers a visa valid for 30 days.
Mauritius
Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Its diverse landscapes range from pristine beaches and lush forests to dramatic volcanic craters.
One of the most iconic natural attractions is Chamarel's Seven Colored Earths, a geological wonder where sand dunes of seven different colours create a breathtaking sight. For a dose of adventure, hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy panoramic views of the island.
A Mauritius travel visa for Nigerians is valid for 14 days.
Seychelles
Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a haven for beach enthusiasts and nature admirers. It's known for its white sandy beaches, granite boulders, and lush tropical forests.
Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue Island is often cited as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, with its unique rock formations and shallow turquoise waters. Nature lovers can explore the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island, home to the rare coco de mer palm and the black parrot.
Nigerian travellers can explore Seychelles without a visa for 90 days.
Central bank of Nigeria to replace policymakers as shakeup continues
Nigeria’s central bank is set to replace the external members of its monetary policy committee who say they have been sidelined ahead of a meeting in February. This comes amid an ongoing shakeup of the institution.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Video - Nigeria vs Cameroon | AFCON 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Nigeria defeated Cameroon and advanced to the Quarter Finals of AFCON 2023
Friday, January 26, 2024
Video - Farmers in Nigeria plead with government over insecurity
In Nigeria, farmers are calling on the government to make their communities safer so they can help relieve a food-security crisis in the country. The plea comes as village leaders complain they are not able to spend time tending to their crops because they fear being attacked.
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Nigerian company begins operating $1.3 billion Chinese-funded power plant
LAGOS, Jan 25 - Nigeria's Mainstream Energy, which already runs two of the country's biggest hydroelectric plants, has begun operating a new Chinese-funded facility, nearly a year after winning the concession, the utility said on Thursday.
Mainstream Energy Solution Ltd said its subsidiary Penstock Energy Ltd is running the new 700 megawatts plant in Zungeru, central Nigeria, which has been built with a $1.3 billion loan from China.
Nigeria's privatisation agency, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), last February awarded the concession to Mainstream Energy, which will pay the Nigerian government $70 million annually over three decades to operate the plant.
"This is where the real work starts in ensuring that the asset is managed in accordance with international standards," Mainstream Energy CEO Audu Lamu, said in a statement on Thursday.
Over the last decade, China has been active in Nigeria, providing finance through its development bank to build infrastructure including rail, airports, and power generation plants.
The Mainstream Energy-run Kainji and Jebba hydroelectric plants have a combined output of 1,338 megawatts which accounts for about 33% of Nigeria's current 4,000 megawatts power generation.
Much more is needed as millions of households and businesses suffer frequent blackouts.
By Isaac Anyaogu, Reuters
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