#Nigeria

A US lawmaker has expressed support for Nigeria's state police bill, which is intended to empower state authorities to better protect persecuted Christians and effectively tackle insecurity in the region. This development has been welcomed as a potential solution to ongoing issues faced by Christian communities in Nigeria.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a proposal for a pan-African payment card aimed at facilitating direct transactions between African currencies. This initiative seeks to reduce reliance on foreign currencies like the U.S. dollar, thereby lowering transaction costs and enhancing intra-African trade.

OPay is playing a significant role in Nigeria's digital payment revolution by enhancing financial inclusion, facilitating commerce, and contributing to the development of the country's digital economy, according to Legit.ng.

The federal government of Nigeria has issued a directive to banks in response to the identification of individuals and companies suspected of financing terrorism. This measure aims to enhance the monitoring and regulation of financial transactions related to these suspects.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a six-month extension to the tenure of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, allowing him to remain in office until February 2027. Adeniyi is originally from Modakeke, Osun State.

Abdussamad Dasuki, a member of the House of Representatives for Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve relations with Niger Republic to enhance security along Nigeria's North-West borders. This appeal was made following an award presentation from ADC elders in Sokoto, according to Leadership (NG).

Nigeria is advocating for a cross-border payment system that eliminates the need for third-party currencies, according to Techpoint Africa. The discussion includes the recent approval of Yellow Card in Switzerland and Daya's successful fundraising of $2.4 million aimed at developing stablecoin payment infrastructure.

Retired Commissioner of Police Balarabe Sule has expressed concerns regarding the financial challenges that many Nigerian states may face in funding and sustaining their own police forces if the proposed state police system is implemented. His warnings highlight the potential difficulties in managing the initiative effectively across various states.

Senator Oshiomhole has proposed a concept he refers to as a ‘balance of madness’ in Nigeria’s foreign policy to address ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. This proposal aims to counter the persistent violence and discrimination faced by Nigerians abroad, particularly in South Africa.

According to Vanguard, technology has significantly transformed financial transactions in Nigeria, allowing individuals to conduct activities such as sending money, paying bills, and purchasing airtime via mobile phones without needing to visit a bank. This shift towards digital financial services is exemplified by OPay, which is playing an increasing role in facilitating access to these services as the economy becomes more digital.

African nations are increasingly adopting Nigeria's local content blueprint, with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) being recognized as the sole agency responsible for local content in the country. This shift reflects a broader trend of evolving from policy frameworks to institutional practices in local content development across the continent.

Afrobeats singer Spyro has alleged that religious leaders in Nigeria are profiting from the country's insecurity and economic difficulties. He claims that many of these leaders remain silent on pressing issues due to the advantages they gain from the current state of affairs, suggesting a lack of accountability and advocacy from their side.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and Governor of Kwara State, has been elected as the President of the Forum of African Regions (FORAF). He was elected alongside four regional vice-presidents, with a focus on promoting better integration and inclusive growth across Africa.

Angela Ajala, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), announced plans to implement a competency-based digital curriculum in Nigeria's colleges of education. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of teacher education and develop a new generation of teachers equipped with digital skills to compete globally.

Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a lecturer in International Finance at Ahmadu Bello University, stated that allegations connecting some Bureau De Change (BDC) operators to terrorism financing are not unexpected. He highlighted the global nature of terrorism and the prevalent use of foreign currencies in illegal transactions during an interview on Trust TV.

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has enhanced its partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to address the issue of counterfeit and low-quality renewable energy products in Nigeria. This collaboration was announced in a statement from REAN’s Head of Communications, Mr. Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, in Abuja.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched online tracking tools that enable applicants to monitor the status of their visa or passport applications without the need for frequent visits to immigration offices. This initiative aims to streamline the application process for users.

Abel Ibidapo, a Professor of Technical Education at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), has emphasized the need for a significant transformation in Nigeria's education system. He argues that practical skills acquisition should be prioritized over merely obtaining certificates to effectively drive the country's economy, according to Tribune Online.

On June 24, 2026, Nigeria's Senate approved a constitutional amendment bill aimed at creating state police services, marking a significant step towards restructuring the country's policing system. This legislation is considered one of the most important security reforms since Nigeria's return to democratic governance, receiving broad support from lawmakers.

In the latest TechCabal Daily, it is reported that Monzo is expanding its operations into Nigeria. Additionally, Mauritius' largest bank is looking to enter the Côte d'Ivoire market, Zanzibar has signed a $114 million deal for fiber infrastructure, and Daya has raised $2.4 million to support stablecoin payments.